Abstract: Method and preparations for enhancing hematopoietic progenitor cell engraftment in an individual by administering (i) a culturally expanded mesenchymal stem cell preparation and (ii) hematopoietic progenitor cells. The mesenchymal stem cells are administered in an amount effective to promote engraftment of the hematopoietic progenitor cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated and purified human mesenchymal stem cells, to a method for isolating, purifying, and culturally expanding human mesenchymal stem cells (i.e. mesenchymal stem cells or "MSCs"), and to the characterization of and uses for such cells. In particular, the invention relates to isolation of MSCs that are associated with hematopoietic cells, such as megakaryocyte precursors, in the bone marrow.

Abstract: Methods for in vitro or ex vivo lineage directed induction of isolated, culture expanded human mesenchymal stem cells comprising contacting the mesenchymal stem cells with a bioactive factor effective to induce differentiation thereof into a lineage of choice as well as such compositions including isolated culture expanded human mesenchymal stem cells and bioactive factors effective to induce directed lineage induction are disclosed. Further disclosed is this method which also includes introducing such culturally expanded lineage-induced mesenchymal stem cells into a host from which they have originated for purposes of mesenchymal tissue regeneration or repair.

Abstract: A composition and method for maintaining the viability of human mesenchymal precursor cells in a serum-free environment which composition includes (1) a minimum essential medium; (2) serum albumin; (3) an iron source; (4) insulin or an insulin-like growth factor; and (5) at least one amino acid selected from the group consisting of glutamine, arginine and and cysteine, and is free of serum. Also, a composition and method for culture expanding human mesenchymal precursor cells in a serum-free environment. This composition further includes a mitogen, paricularly a serotonergic agonist. The cells are preferably isolated human mesenchymal stem cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated human mesenchymal stem cells, a method for isolating, purifying, and culturally expanding human mesenchymal stem cells (i.e. mesenchymal stem cells or "MSCs"), and characterization of (including by cytokine expression profiling) and uses, particularly research reagent, diagnostic and therapeutic uses for such cells. The stem cells can be culture expanded without differentiating. Further disclosed are monoclonal antibodies specific for human mesenchymal stem cells and the monoclonal hybridoma cell lines (ATCC nos. 10743-10745) that synthesize and secrete these monospecific antibodies, and uses of the monoclonal antibodies for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: A composition which comprises human mesenchymal stem cells which have the potential to differentiate into cells of more than one connective tissue type and a composition which induces cells from the mesenchymal stem cell population to differentiate into the adipogenic lineage, and a process for inducing such differentiation. The composition for inducing such differentiation comprises a glucocorticoid and a compound which stimulates cAMP production or inhibits cAMP degradation (such as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor). The process can further include isolating the adipocytes from remaining hMSCs.

Abstract: Isolated human mesenchymal stem cells, a method for isolating, purifying, and culturally expanding human mesenchymal stem cells (i.e. mesenchymal stem cells or "MSCs"), and characterization of (including by cytokine expression profiling) and uses, particularly research reagent, diagnostic and therapeutic uses for such cells. The stem cells can be culture expanded without differentiating. Monoclonal antibodies specific for human mesenchymal stem cells and the monoclonal hybridoma cell lines (ATCC nos. 10743-10745) that synthesize and secrete these monospecific antibodies, and uses of the monoclonal antibodies for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies specific for normal human osteogenic cell subsets and the monoclonal hybridoma cell lines that synthesize and secrete these monospecific antibodies, as well as the uses of the monoclonal antibodies for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: Isolated human mesenchymal stem cells which can differentiate into more than one tissue type (e.g. bone, cartilage, muscle or marrow stroma), a method for isolating, purifying, and culturally expanding human mesenchymal stem cells (i.e. "mesenchymal stem cells" or "hMSCs"), and characterization of and uses, particularly research reagent, diagnostic and therapeutic uses for such cells. The stem cells can be culture expanded without differentiating. Monoclonal antibodies specific for human mesenchymal stem cells and the monoclonal hybridoma cell lines (ATCC nos. 10743-10745) that synthesize and secrete these monospecific antibodies, and uses of the monoclonal antibodies for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes.