Abstract: The present invention relates to the generation of a mucin-producing cell using stem/progenitor cells obtained from the amniotic membrane of umbilical cord and therapeutic uses of such mucin-producing cells.

Abstract: As described below, the present invention features compositions and methods related to the isolation, culture and therapeutic use of CD31-expressing cells.

Abstract: Provided are: a method for producing an immortalized human erythroid progenitor cell line, enabling efficient and stable production of enucleated red blood cells; and a method for producing human enucleated red blood cells from a human erythroid progenitor cell line obtained by the aforementioned production method. An expression cassette capable of inducing expression of HPV-E6/E7 genes in the presence of DOX was introduced into the genomic DNA of blood stem cells. Then, the blood stem cells were cultured in the presence of DOX and a blood growth factor. Thereby, immortalized cell lines of human erythroid progenitor cells were established. Further, it was revealed that culturing the cell lines under a condition where the expression of the HPV-E6/E7 genes was not induced enabled differentiation induction into enucleated red blood cells at a high ratio.

Abstract: The present invention concerns RPE cells obtainable by directed differentiation from stem cell, particularly, human stem cells. It has been specifically found that culturing stem cells in the presence of one or more member of the TGF? superfamily, such as Activin A) induced directed differentiation into mature and functional RPE cells. This was evidenced by the expression of markers specific to mature RPE cells, including MiTF-A, RPE65 or Bestrophin). In accordance with one particular embodiment, the cells are a priori cultured with nicotinamide (NA) which was found to augment the cells' response to the inductive effect of the one or more member of the TGF? superfamily. The invention also provides methods of performing the directed differentiation, as well as methods for use of the resulting RPE cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a desired polypeptide using rat cells. Specifically, the present invention relates to a process for producing the polypeptide which comprises culturing rat cells such as YB2/3HL.P2.G11.16Ag.20 (hereinafter referred to as YB2/0), preferably rat cells to which a recombinant DNA comprising DNA encoding a desired polypeptide such as an immunologically functional molecule is introduced, in a medium which does not contain serum (hereinafter referred to as a serum-free medium). Among the desired polypeptides obtained by the process of the present invention, an antibody obtained by using a transformant of YB2/0 has a high antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxic activity (hereinafter sometimes referred to as ADCC activity) and is useful as a pharmaceutical agent.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention is concerned with a method of cell culture, comprising the steps of (i) obtaining a stem or progenitor cell sample, (ii) culturing the stem or progenitor cell sample in media and under closed conditions appropriate to cause proliferation or differentiation of the stem or progenitor cells, wherein the media comprises a vEPO protein variant, (iii) purifying the stem or progenitor cells ex vivo. The invention relates to a method of increasing the number and survival of stem and progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo using a vEPO protein variant. The invention also relates to improved differentiation of stem and progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo using a vEPO protein variant.

Abstract: A method for efficient generation of neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, osteoclasts, dendritic cells an Langerhans cells from human embryonic stem cells is disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention for regenerating defective or absent myocardium comprise an emulsified or injectable extracellular matrix composition. The composition may also include an extracellular matrix scaffold component of any formulation, and further include added cells, proteins, or other components to optimize the regenerative process and restore cardiac function.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention for regenerating defective or absent myocardium comprise an emulsified or injectable extracellular matrix composition. The composition may also include an extracellular matrix scaffold component of any formulation, and further include added cells, proteins, or other components to optimize the regenerative process and restore cardiac function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing cells and in particular to a method of preparing breastmilk stem cells (BSCs) by isolation from breastmilk and subsequent culture. The invention further relates to BSCs prepared by the methods of the invention and to methods and uses thereof. The invention has been developed primarily as a method for preparing and culturing BSC.

Abstract: A method of in vitro maturation of adult human germ line cells in an artificial biological environment, which entails: a) isolating human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), and optionally purifying the same; and b) co-culturing the isolated and optionally purified SSCs with a suitably adjusted Sertoli cell environment to obtain haploid germ cells.

Abstract: The invention provides, among other things, methods and systems for expanding CD133+ cells. The invention further provides methods and systems for increasing the blood flow to an ischemic tissue in a subject in need thereof, such as to ischemic myocardium. The invention further provides methods and systems for directing differentiation of expanded CD133+ cells. The invention further provides methods and systems for treating a subject with differentiated cells in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an improved system for culturing human pluripotent stem cells. Traditionally, pluripotent stem cells are cultured on a layer of feeder cells (such as mouse embryonic fibroblasts) to prevent them from differentiating. In the system described here, the role of feeder cells is replaced by components added to the culture environment that support rapid proliferation without differentiation. Effective features are a suitable support structure for the cells, and an effective medium that can be added fresh to the culture without being preconditioned by another cell type. Culturing human embryonic stem cells in fresh medium according to this invention causes the cells to expand surprisingly rapidly, while retaining the ability to differentiate into cells representing all three embryonic germ layers. This new culture system allows for bulk proliferation of pPS cells for commercial production of important products for use in drug screening and human therapy.

Abstract: A method, according to an embodiment, for evaluating a regenerated cartilage includes allowing a group of cells containing auricular chondrocytes to stand in the presence of a culture medium, subsequently collecting at least a portion of a liquid component from the culture medium, measuring the GFAP content of the collected liquid component, and determining whether a regenerated cartilage that has been obtained or can be obtained from the group of cells is suitable for transplantation based on the GFAP content.

Abstract: Disclosed are fusion proteins comprising a biologically active molecule and an immunoglobulin (Ig) Fc domain which is linked to the biologically active molecule. The Fc domain is a hybrid human Fc domain of (i) IgG1, IgG2 or IgG4 or (ii) IgG4 and IgD. The hybrid Fc is useful as a carrier of biologically active molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of modulating apoptosis of a granulosa cell. The method includes one or more of the following steps: (i) modulating the concentration and/or activity of BMP-15 and/or BMP-6 that the granulosa cell is exposed to; (ii) modulating activity of a BMP-15 dependent signalling pathway in the granulosa cell; and (iii) modulating activity of a BMP-6 dependent signalling pathway in a granulosa cell.

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 methods for reprogramming a somatic cell to pluripotency by administering into the somatic cell at least one or a plurality of potency-determining factors. The invention also relates to pluripotent cell populations obtained using a reprogramming method.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for expanding stem cells that use a unique combination of environmental factors and cell culture conditions to produce stem cells having enhanced proliferation and differentiation characteristics. Also disclosed are methods for enhancing the engraftment and/or migratory potential of stem cells for therapeutic uses. Stem cells having unique proliferation, differentiation, migratory and engraftment characteristics are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel stem cells of non-embryonic origins and the uses thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the derivation of neural stem cells (NSCs) from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and the use of the NSCs for treatment of various neural disorders. The NSCs that are derived from the ESCs are tissue-specific multipotent NSCs with a stable growth rate, unlimited self-renewal capacity, and a predictable differentiation profile. Being both non-tumorigenic and engraftable, the NSCs of the present invention have utility in repopulation stroke-damaged tissue. The NSCs of the present invention may be differentiated to produce tyrosine-hydroxylase expressing neurons, which may be used as a source of dopaminergic neurons for subjects suffering from a condition characterized by dopaminergic dysfunction, such as Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the induction of differentiation in stem cells to cardiomyocytes and factors such as prostaglandin alone or in combination with other factors including essential minerals selected from the group including transferrin and selenium, small molecules selected from the group including a p38 MAPK inhibitor such as SB203580 and protein growth factors of the FGF, IGF and BMP families such as but not limited to IGF1, FGF2, BMP2, BMP4 and BMP6. and insulin that influence the process of differentiation to cardiomyocytes. Media that is appropriate for the induction of differentiation of cardiomyocytes from stem cells is also provided wherein the media contains these factors. The use of cardiomyocytes and cardiac progenitors produced by the directed differentiation in transplantation and screening for cardiac compounds is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an embryo from an oocyte by an assisted reproduction technology. The method includes (a) collecting an oocyte from an ovary of a subject in a collection medium comprising a first phosphodiesterase inhibitor and an agent that increases intracellular cAMP concentration in the oocyte, (b) culturing the oocyte in a maturation medium comprising a second phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and (c) producing an embryo from the oocyte by an assisted reproduction technology. The present invention also relates to methods of inducing oocyte maturation. For example a method of in vitro maturation of an oocyte is described which comprises steps (a) and (b) above. The present invention also relates to an oocyte maturation medium comprising a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and a ligand for inducing maturation of the oocyte. A combination product comprising an oocyte collection and maturation medium referred to above is also described.

Abstract: The present technology relates to engineered human Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF2) proteins and methods of using the same. In particular, the methods and compositions relate to FGF2 mutants with increased thermostability compared to the wild-type protein and method for using the proteins in the culturing of embryonic stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for cultivating dermal fibroblasts, methods for preparing in vitro dermis equivalents, methods for preparing three-dimensional in vitro skin equivalents, an in vitro dermis equivalent, a three-dimensional in vitro skin equivalent, and methods for determining the effect of a chemical substance or of an agent on human skin cells using the in vitro dermis equivalent and/or the in vitro skin equivalent.

Abstract: A method of making a hair, including a step of culturing an undifferentiated cell of a mammal to produce an embryoid body and a step of further culturing the embryoid body is provided, wherein the culturing step is to culture the embryoid body on a three-dimensional matrix for 5 to 12 days. Furthermore, a biological material obtainable by the method of making a hair as described above is provided. Moreover, a biological material for a screening system of evaluating a medical product or the like, obtainable by utilizing the method of making a hair as described above is provided.

Abstract: Novel products comprising conditioned cell culture medium compositions and methods of use are described. The conditioned cell medium compositions of the invention may be comprised of any known defined or undefined medium and may be conditioned using any eukaryotic cell type. The medium may be conditioned by stromal cells, parenchymal cells, mesenchymal stem cells, liver reserve cells, neural stem cells, pancreatic stem cells and/or embryonic stem cells. Additionally, the cells may be genetically modified. A three-dimensional tissue construct is preferred. Once the cell medium of the invention is conditioned, it may be used in any state. Physical embodiments of the conditioned medium include, but are not limited to, liquid or solid, frozen, lyophilized or dried into a powder.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an improved system for culturing human pluripotent stem cells. Traditionally, pluripotent stem cells are cultured on a layer of feeder cells (such as mouse embryonic fibroblasts) to prevent them from differentiating. In the system described here, the role of feeder cells is replaced by components added to the culture environment that support rapid proliferation without differentiation. Effective features are a suitable support structure for the cells, and an effective medium that can be added fresh to the culture without being preconditioned by another cell type. Culturing human embryonic stem cells in fresh medium according to this invention causes the cells to expand surprisingly rapidly, while retaining the ability to differentiate into cells representing all three embryonic germ layers. This new culture system allows for bulk proliferation of pPS cells for commercial production of important products for use in drug screening and human therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed is a human erythropoietin (EPO) expressed and produced in Spodoptera frugiperda Sf900+ cell line (ATCC: CRL 12579) transfected with a baculovirus construct containing the EPO gene. The EPO has an in vivo activity of 200,000 U/mg to 500,000 U/mg.

Abstract: A system combining a clonogenic differentiation assay with an instrument-based ATP bioluminescence proliferation assay to produce a standardized colony-forming stem and progenitor cell potency assay is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides serum-free cell culture media formulations which are capable of supporting the in vitro cultivation of animal cells. The media comprise at least one nutrient of non-animal derivation, such as at least one plant peptide and/or at least one non-animal or plant lipid and/or fatty acid. The media may further optionally comprise an enzymatic digest or extract of yeast cells. The present invention also provides methods of cultivating animal cells in vitro using these cell culture media formulations. In addition, the media of the present invention can be used for growth of animal cells for virus production.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to kits that provide reagent mixes and instructions for the use thereof, in performing high-throughput assay methods that determine the proliferative status of isolated target cell populations. The methods measure the luminescent output derived from the intracellular ATP content of incubated target cells, and correlate the luminescence with the proliferative status of the cells. The present invention further relates to kits that provide reagent mixes and instructions for high-throughput assays methods for screening compounds that may modulate the proliferative status of a target cell population. The kits of the present invention and methods therein described may be used for determining the proliferative status of any isolated cell line or type. The kits and methods of the present invention address the need for rapid assays that determine the proliferative status of isolated hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and of subpopulations of differentiated cells thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides populations of expanded CD34-expressing cells and methods of use. Particular embodiments provide for defined culture media useful for growing these cells, and grafts comprising these cells. The invention finds use in methods for reconstituting, repairing, and regenerating tissue damage.

Abstract: A method for producing a neuroblast and a cellular composition comprising an enriched population of neuroblast cells is provided. Also disclosed are methods for identifying compositions which affect neuroblasts and for treating a subject with a neuronal disorder, and a culture system for the production and maintenance of neuroblasts.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to high-throughput assay methods that determine the proliferative status of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The present invention further relates to high-throughput assays for screening compounds that modulate the growth of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and for identifying subpopulations thereof that are suitable for transplantation. The assay of the present invention is particularly useful for quality control and monitoring of the growth potential in the stem cell transplant setting and would provide improved control over the reconstitution phase of transplanted cells.

Abstract: A method of enhancing in vitro development of a mammalian embryo is disclosed which comprises supplementing the culture medium with a prostaglandin, or a prostaglandin analog, in an amount effective to promote complete hatching of the embryo (i.e., freeing of the embryo from the zona pellucida). The quality of human blastocysts is enhanced in vitro by culturing with a prostacyclin agonist, Iloprost. The in vivo implantation potential and live birth potential of an in vitro fertilization embryo is thereby enhanced and establishment of a viable pregnancy is facilitated.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to high-throughput assay methods that determine the proliferative status of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The present invention further relates to high-throughput assays for screening compounds that modulate the growth of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and for identifying subpopulations thereof that are suitable for transplantation. The assay of the present invention is particularly useful for quality control and monitoring of the growth potential in the stem cell transplant setting and would provide improved control over the reconstitution phase of transplanted cells.

Abstract: The invention aims to proliferate or establish undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells that retain their differentiation potency by culturing pluripotent stem cells in a medium free of a feeder cell, or a serum. The aim is attained by using a culture medium for pluripotent stem cells comprising the known ingredients, which is supplemented with an inhibitor of an adenylate cyclase activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to assays, methods, and kits that provide reagent mixes and instructions for determining the proliferative status of isolated target cell populations. The methods measure the luminescent output derived from the intracellular ATP content of incubated target cells, and correlate the luminescence with the proliferative status of the cells.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the field of human stem cells and includes methods and compositions for isolating, propagating, and differentiating human stem cells. The invention provides therapeutic uses of the methods and compositions, including autologous transplantation of treated cells into humans for treatment of Parkinson's and other neuronal disorders.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for obtaining in vitro a population of cells comprising essentially human smooth muscular cells expressing calponin and SM-MHC from a sample of human muscular biopsy or from human muscular biopsies differentiated in vitro into skeletal muscle cells. The invention also concerns a composition comprising the isolated smooth muscular cells obtainable by said method as therapeutic principle designed for humans. The invention further concerns the use of the isolated smooth muscular cells for preparing a therapeutic composition designed to replace smooth muscular cells. In particular, the invention concerns the use of said isolated smooth muscular cells for treating ischemia, cancer or any disease requiring revascularization of damaged tissues. Finally, the invention concerns the use of said smooth muscular cells as vector for an active principle for preparing a therapeutic composition designed for humans requiring treatment with said active principle.

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: A cartilage-like biomaterial is bioengineered by using a self-aggregating suspension cell culture with hydrostatic mechanical force without the use of a scaffold or foreign matrix for cell attachment during culture. The cells in suspension culture may be preconditioned prior to application of the hydrostatic mechanical force, such as hydrostatic pressure, for a period of time in the range of about 1 week to about 10 weeks. The cartilage-like biomaterial shares critical structural, phenotype, and functional characteristics with native, intact cartilage tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a desired polypeptide using rat cells. Specifically, the present invention relates to a process for producing the polypeptide which comprises culturing rat cells such as YB2/3HL.P2.G11.16Ag.20 (hereinafter referred to as YB2/0), preferably rat cells to which a recombinant DNA comprising DNA encoding a desired polypeptide such as an immunologically functional molecule is introduced, in a medium which does not contain serum (hereinafter referred to as a serum-free medium). Among the desired polypeptides obtained by the process of the present invention, an antibody obtained by using a transformant of YB2/0 has a high antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxic activity (hereinafter sometimes referred to as ADCC activity) and is useful as a pharmaceutical agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for culturing human embryonic stem cells by culturing the stem cells in an environment essentially free of mammalian fetal serum and in a stem cell culture medium including amino acids, vitamins, salts, minerals, transferring, insulin, albumin, and a fibroblast growth factor that is supplied from a source other than just a feeder layer the medium. Also disclosed are compositions capable of supporting the culture and proliferation of human embryonic stem cells without the need for feeder cells or for exposure of the medium to feeder cells.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a stem cell applicable to regenerative therapeutic method, and to provide a technique to carry out regenerative therapy using the cell. A collected cardiac tissue fragment is enzymatically treated to prepare a cell suspension. Then using the cell suspension, following steps are carried out: (1) separation of cells by the density gradient method, (2) suspension-culture in a culture medium containing fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor and (3) selection and separation of cells forming a floating sphere to obtain pluripotent stem cells. Thus-obtained pluripotent stem cells are used to carry out regenerative therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to high-throughput assay methods that determine the proliferative status of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The present invention further relates to high-throughput assays for screening compounds that modulate the growth of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and for identifying subpopulations thereof that are suitable for transplantation. The assay of the present invention is particularly useful for quality control and monitoring of the growth potential in the stem cell transplant setting and would provide improved control over the reconstitution phase of transplanted cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to kits that provide reagent mixes and instructions for the use thereof, in performing high-throughput assay methods that determine the proliferative status of isolated target cell populations. The methods measure the luminescent output derived from the intracellular ATP content of incubated target cells, and correlate the luminescence with the proliferative status of the cells. The present invention further relates to kits that provide reagent mixes and instructions for high-throughput assays methods for screening compounds that may modulate the proliferative status of a target cell population. The kits of the present invention and methods therein described may be used for determining the proliferative status of any isolated cell line or type. The kits and methods of the present invention address the need for rapid assays that determine the proliferative status of isolated hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and of subpopulations of differentiated cells thereof.

Abstract: Peptides which consist of or comprise the tetrameric peptide structural unit: Xaa-Xaa-Xaa-Xaa in which Xaa at position 1 represents Glu or Asp, Xaa at position 2 represents any amino acid, Xaa at position 3 represents any amino acid and Xaa at position 4 represents Glu or Asp, each of the meanings of Xaa being independent, and peptides which consist of or comprise the sequence PYSSTA, particularly when in multimeric form, mimic the beneficial trophic and neuritogenic effects of FGF but lack the undesirable mitogenic effects. They are useful for the treatment of conditions for which FGF has been proposed, including treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, ischaemia, wound healing and stimulation of angiogenesis in cardiac muscle.

Abstract: A biochemically defined culture medium for culturing engineered Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines, which is essentially free from protein, lipid and carbohydrate isolated from an animal source, having water, an osmolality regulator, a buffer, an energy source, amino acids including L-glutamine, an inorganic or recombinant iron source, and a synthetic or recombinant growth factor, and optionally non-ferrous metal ions vitamins and cofactors. Also cells adapted to grow in such a culture medium.