Abstract: A method of differentiating embryonic stem cells into oligodendroglial precursor cells and oligodendroglial cells by culturing a population of cells comprising a majority of cells that are characterized by a neural tube-like rosette morphology and are Pax6+/Sox1+ into a population of cells that are PDGFR?+.

Abstract: An isolated expandable human neural stem or progenitor cell wherein the cell is a progenitor cells or stem cell, maintains its capability to differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, maintains its ability to differentiate into oligodendrocyte lineage cells efficiently throughout subsequent passages, and the cell expresses at least cell surface antigens CD133 and CD140?. Also provided is a method of in vitro culturing an expandable neural progenitor or stem cell isolated from a mammalian central nervous system, and the culture itself, wherein said cell maintains its capability to differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes and its ability to differentiate into oligodendrocyte-lineage cells efficiently. In addition, a method of treating a condition caused by a loss of myelin or a loss of oligodendrocytes is provided as is a composition comprising an isolated expandable neural stem cell or one cultured by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Stable cell lines which produce the pathological form of PrP after infection with the infectious agent for CJD provide a high throughput assay to identify suitable treatment protocols and compositions. The stable cell lines also provide rich source of infectious CJD agent. They also may be used to identify vaccine candidates. Co-culture of neuronal cells with cells to be tested for infection with a TSE agent also provides a high throughput method for identifying infected cells.

Abstract: A population of iPS cells derived from somatic cells from a spinal muscular atrophy patient is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the cells have been cultured to produce neural cells. In another embodiment, the invention is a method of testing compounds for their ability to modify cellular SMN levels comprising the steps of obtaining a population of iPS cells derived from a spinal muscular atrophy patient or cells derived from the iPS cells, and examining the effect of a test compound on SMN levels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a non-adenoviral target virus or target proteins utilizing a potent expression cell line having stably integrated into its genome a gene encoding a specific heterologous regulator protein.

Abstract: A transcription factor both necessary and sufficient for human neuroectoderm specification, Pax6, as well as applications thereof, is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to PF4 muteins which comprise a substitution at position 67, e.g. a L67H substitution, compared to the sequence of the wild-type PF4 protein. Such PF4 muteins exhibit an increased anti-angiogenie activity and a reduced affinity for proteoglycans compared to the wild-type PF4 protein.

Abstract: Use of a biological photoreceptor as light-controlled ion channel for the alteration of the ion conductivity of a membrane by means of light. The photoreceptor used comprises an apoprotein and a light-sensitive polyene covalently bound to the apoprotein, said polyene interacting with the apoprotein and functioning as a light-sensitive gate.

Abstract: This application discloses a light-responsive hydrogel-based platform that can modulate multiple microenvironmental signals to direct the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitor cells (hiPSC-NPCs) into neuronal cells. The invention provides novel methods for directing differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons useful for treatment of degenerative diseases or disorders, including but not limited to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or spinal cord injury (SCI).

Abstract: The present specification discloses SNAP-25 compositions, methods of making ?-SNAP-25 antibodies that bind an epitope comprising a carboxyl-terminus at the P1 residue from the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond from a SNAP-25 cleavage product, ?-SNAP-25 antibodies that bind an epitope comprising a carboxyl-terminus at the P1 residue from the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond from a SNAP-25 cleavage product, methods of detecting BoNT/A activity, and methods of detecting neutralizing ?-BoNT/A antibodies.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for treating nervous system injury and disease, in particular traumatic brain injury and degenerative nervous system disease. Such methods utilize novel compositions, including but not limited to trophic factor-secreting extraembryonic cells (herein referred to as TSE cells), including, but not limited to, amnion-derived multipotent progenitor cells (herein referred to as AMP cells) and conditioned media derived therefrom (herein referred to as amnion-derived cellular cytokine solution or ACCS), each alone or in combination with each other and/or other agents.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for preparing novel mammalian multipotent stem cells (MSCs), compositions thereof, and methods of preparing and administering the cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are isolated neural stem cells. Also provided are methods for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases using suitable preparations comprising the isolated neural stem cells.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a molecule comprising an albumin binding domain (ABD) and an FcRn binding moiety, wherein said molecule has enhanced pharmacologic properties in vivo.

Abstract: Agonists for TRAIL death receptors including polypeptides having a multimerizing, e.g. trimerizing, domain and a polypeptide sequence that binds to at least one of TRAIL death receptors TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2. Agonists are described that do not bind to TRAIL decoy receptors. The multimerizing domain may be derived from human tetranectin. The agonists can induce apoptosis in pathogenic cells expressing a TRAIL death receptor. Pharmaceutical compositions are described for treating diseases associated with cells expressing DR4 and DR5, such as tumor cells. Methods for selecting polypeptides and preparing multimeric complexes.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing a human embryo capable of developing to the blastocyst stage. The method includes transferring a human somatic cell genome into a mature human oocyte by nuclear transfer and activating the oocyte, without removing the oocyte genome. Pluripotent human embryonic stem cells, and methods of obtaining these, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the generation of neural cells from undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells. In particular it relates to directing the differentiation of human ES cells into neural progenitors and neural cells and the production of functioning neural cells and/or neural cells of a specific type. The invention also includes the use of these cells for the treatment of neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: This invention provides pure populations of neural precursor cells, capable of differentiation into neurons, glial cells, and astrocytes. The populations are obtained by culturing stem cell populations (such as embryonic stem cells) in a cocktail of growth conditions that initiates differentiation, and establishes the neural precursor population. The precursors can be further differentiated in culture into a variety of different neural phenotypes. The neural precursors can be generated in pure form (at least 99%) and in large quantities for use in drug screening and the treatment of neurological disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing feeder cell-free neuroprogenitor cells (preferably adherent) from embryonic stems cells, preferably human embryonic stem cells, the feeder cell-free neuroprogenitor cells, preferably human cells themselves, as well as methods for producing feeder cell-free samples of neuronal cells, preferably adherent human neuronal cells and the feeder cell-free neuronal cells themselves. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating neurodegenerative diseases as well as the use of the described cells in assay systems is also described.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the generation and use of footprint-free human induced pluripotent stem cells are provided.

Abstract: A method for isolating human neuroepithelial precursor cells from human fetal tissue by culturing the human fetal cells in fibroblast growth factor and chick embryo extract and immunodepleting from the cultured human fetal cells any cells expressing A2B5, NG2 and eNCAM is provided. In addition, methods for transplanting these cells into an animal are provided. Animals models transplanted with these human neuroepithelial precursor cells and methods for monitoring survival, proliferation, differentiation and migration of the cells in the animal model via detection of human specific markers are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the reprogramming of differentiated somatic cells, such as those differentiated cells that arise from embryonic mesoderm, into glial cells. Glial cells produced from this reprogramming are functionally equivalent to glial cells that arise from ectodermal origins.

Abstract: The invention provides a substrate suitable for cell culture observation and a method of observation using the same. Crystalline carbon such as a graphite powder is mixed into a thermosetting resin such as a furan resin, and the mixture is molded in the shape of a sheet and carbonized to produce a carbon substrate; then, a cell is made to adhere to the carbon substrate, and the cell is caused to proliferate on the carbon substrate and observed using a microscope.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting the expression of the Huntingtin gene (HD gene), comprising an antisense strand having a nucleotide sequence which is less than 25 nucleotides in length and which is substantially complementary to at least a part of the HD gene. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the dsRNA together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; methods for treating diseases caused by the expression of the HD gene, or a mutant form thereof, using the pharmaceutical composition; and methods for inhibiting the expression of the huntingtin gene in a cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of cell biology of stem cells, more specifically the directed differentiation of pluripotent or multipotent stem cells, including human embryonic stem cells (hESC), somatic stem cells, and induced human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) using novel culture conditions. Specifically, methods are provided for obtaining neural tissue, floor plate cells, and placode including induction of neural plate development in hESCs for obtaining midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons, motorneurons, and sensory neurons. Further, neural plate tissue obtained using methods of the present inventions are contemplated for use in co-cultures with other tissues as inducers for shifting differentiation pathways, i.e. patterning.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of generating a mammalian cell that is homozygous at a locus of interest, as well as cells made by the method. The present invention further provides methods of using the cells.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for efficiently producing differentiated cells from pluripotent cells, such as human embryonic stem cells. Rather than permitting the cells to form embryoid bodies according to established techniques, differentiation is effected directly in monolayer culture on a suitable solid surface. The cells are either plated directly onto a differentiation-promoting surface, or grown initially on the solid surface in the absence of feeder cells and then exchanged into a medium that assists in the differentiation process. The solid surface and the culture medium can be chosen to direct differentiation down a particular pathway, generating a cell population that is remarkably uniform. The methodology is well adapted to bulk production of committed precursor and terminally differentiated cells for use in drug screening or regenerative medicine.

Abstract: This invention provides populations of neural progenitor cells, differentiated neurons, glial cells, and astrocytes. The populations are obtained by culturing stem cell populations (such as embryonic stem cells) in a cocktail of growth conditions that initiates differentiation, and establishes the neural progenitor population. The progenitors can be further differentiated in culture into a variety of different neural phenotypes, including dopaminergic neurons. The differentiated cell populations or the neural progenitors can be generated in large quantities for use in drug screening and the treatment of neurological disorders.

Abstract: Motor neuron progenitor (MNP) cells and populations of MNP cells, are provided, in particular, populations of human late stage MNP cells having a purity of greater than about 65% late stage MNP cells and high-purity populations of MNP cells having greater than 95% viable cells, as well as method of making and using the same, including deriving late stage MNP cells from pluripotent embryonic stem cells, producing high-purity populations of late stage MNP cells, producing populations of viable MNP cells, transporting viable MNP cells, and transplanting MNP cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells, methods of cultivation and propagation and production of differentiated cells. In particular it relates to the production of human ES cells capable of yielding somatic differentiated cells in vitro, as well as committed progenitor cells such as neural progenitor cells capable of giving rise to mature somatic cells including neural cells and/or glial cells and uses thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a method of inducing differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells to neural cells or skeletal muscle cells by introduction of a Notch gene. Specifically, the invention provides a method of inducing differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells to neural cells or skeletal muscle cells in vitro, which method comprises introducing a Notch gene and/or a Notch signaling related gene into the cells, wherein the finally obtained differentiated cells are the result of cell division of the bone marrow stromal cells into which the Notch gene and/or Notch signaling related gene have been introduced. The invention also provides a method of inducing further differentiation of the differentiation-induced neural cells to dopaminergic neurons or acetylcholinergic neurons. The invention yet further provides a treatment method for neurodegenerative and skeletal muscle degenerative diseases which employs neural precursor cells, neural cells or skeletal muscle cells produced by the method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the generation of neural cells from undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells. In particular it relates to directing the differentiation of human ES cells into neural progenitors and neural cells and the production of functioning neural cells and/or neural cells of a specific type. The invention also includes the use of these cells for the treatment of neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: A transcription factor both necessary and sufficient for human neuroectoderm specification, Pax6, as well as applications thereof, is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides engineered biomaterials derived from plant products. The engineered biomaterials are useful for biomedical applications. The engineered biomaterials are able to support the growth of animal cells.

Abstract: A cell culture microcarrier includes (1) a polystyrene microcarrier base having a remnant of a carboxylic acid group, and (ii) a polypeptide conjugated to the base via the remnant of the carboxylic acid group. The polypeptide may contain a cell adhesive sequence, such as RGD. Cells cultured with such microcarriers exhibit peptide-specific binding to the microcarriers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for modulating the expression of a HLA locus or for selectively deleting or manipulating a HLA locus or HLA regulator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of choroid plexus cells and/or choroid plexus conditioned media for enhancing the growth, survival and/or maintenance of function of non-choroid plexus cells grown in long term or short term culture.

Abstract: Method of stimulating an immune response (e.g., to treat cancer) include administering to a patient a composition including dendritic cells that present cancer stem cell antigens. Compositions including cancer stem cell antigens are also provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying cognitive enhancers able to enhance CREB pathway function. Cognitive enhancers identified in accordance with the invention can be used in rehabilitating an animal with cognitive dysfunctions and for enhancing memory or normal cognitive performance (ability or function) in a normal animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transcriptionally active recombinant linear polynucleotide encoding a multimeric protein comprising in the following order, a first promoter sequence, a first encoding polynucleotide sequence, a bidirectional regulatory sequence, a second encoding polynucleotide sequence and a second promoter sequence, wherein the first and second encoding polynucleotide sequences are in convergent transcriptional orientation, each encoding polynucleotide sequence encodes a component of the multimeric protein and the bidirectional regulatory sequence is operably linked to the first and second encoding polynucleotide sequences and the multimeric protein is an antibody or fragment thereof and each encoding polynucleotide sequence encodes one or more antibody domains or fragments thereof.

Abstract: The invention features methods of treatment and diagnosis using NRG-2 polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules, and antibodies. The invention also provides novel NRG-2 polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: Compositions and methods relating to the diagnosis and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders, and bipolar disorders are disclosed. Also provided are methods for screening therapeutic agents having efficacy for the treatment of such disorders.

Abstract: Compositions for promoting growth and/or differentiation of a stem cell are disclosed. The composition comprises: a) a diamond film; b) a stem cell cultured on the diamond film; and c) a medium bathing the stem cell. The stem cell may be a mammalian neural stem cell and the diamond film may comprise a hydrogen-terminated or an oxygen-terminated surface. The hydrogen-terminated surface promotes proliferation and differentiation of a neural stem cell into neurons, and the oxygen-terminated surface promotes a neural stem cell to proliferate and differentiate into oligodendrocytes.

Abstract: A model blood brain barrier obtained from hPSCs is disclosed.

Abstract: Motor neuron progenitor (MNP) cells and populations of MNP cells, are provided, in particular, populations of human late stage MNP cells having a purity of greater than about 65% late stage MNP cells and high-purity populations of MNP cells having greater than 95% viable cells, as well as method of making and using the same, including deriving late stage MNP cells from pluripotent embryonic stem cells, producing high-purity populations of late stage MNP cells, producing populations of viable MNP cells, transporting viable MNP cells, and transplanting MNP cells.

Abstract: A method for differentiating a human differentiated cell-derived pluripotent stem cell into a neural stem cell is provided, which includes the steps of: making an embryoid body from the human differentiated cell-derived pluripotent stem cell; and culturing the embryoid body in a medium containing LIF to differentiate into a neural stem cell, so that, when the neural stem cell is allowed to differentiate in vitro after multiple subculturing of the neural stem cell, it differentiate mainly into neurons but substantially not into glial cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the propagation and expansion of neural precursor cells (NPCs). NPCs may be used in the clinical implementation of stem cell therapy to treat disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, neuropathic pain and other diseases of the central nervous system. The large-scale production of NPCs in bioreactors allows for the generation of clinical quantities of these cells.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating diseases associated with loss of neuronal function are described. The methods are designed to promote proliferation, differentiation, migration, or integration of endogenous progenitor stem cells of the central nervous system (CNS). A therapy, such as an electrical signal or a stem cell enhancing agent, or a combination of therapies, is applied to a CNS region containing endogenous stem cells or a CNS region where the endogenous stem cells are predicted to migrate and eventually reside, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A pluripotent stem cell isolated from the lateral ventrical of the brain or choroid plexus is provided. Compositions and methods of isolating and using the cell also is provided.

Abstract: In general, the invention features substantially purified MANF and substantially purified nucleic acids encoding the same. The invention also features a pharmaceutical composition that includes MANF and a pharmaceutically-acceptable excipient, methods for treatment of a neurodegenerative disease, methods for improving dopaminergic neuronal survival during or following cell transplantation, methods for production of neurons for transplantation, and methods for identifying compounds that modulate or mimic MANF's biological activity.