Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the culture and maintenance of cancer stem cells. More particularly, the present invention provides the identification of cancer stem cell specific markers and methods of recognizing the same for the detection of tumors, for facilitating the prognosis of a patient with a tumor, and for the treatment of various cancers. The invention also provides antibodies that specifically recognize the disulfide linked Erbb2?16 homodimer, an Erbb2?16/Erbb3 heterodimer, or post-translational modifications of Erbb2 that are specific to Erbb2 of variant hESCs, in addition, the invention provides a modified defined media useful in the absence of a feeder layer and in the absence of serum or serum replacement, that comprises a basal salt nutrient solution, bFGF, IGF-I, and Activin A, and wherein the composition does not comprise heregulin.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the culture and maintenance of cancer stem cells. More particularly, the present invention provides the identification of cancer stem cell specific markers and methods of recognizing the same for the detection of tumors, for facilitating the prognosis of a patient with a tumor, and for the treatment of various cancers. The invention also provides antibodies that specifically recognize the disulfide linked Erbb2?16 homodimer, an Erbb2?16/Erbb3 heterodimer, or post-translational modifications of Erbb2 that are specific to Erbb2 of variant hESCs. In addition, the invention provides a modified defined media useful in the absence of a feeder layer and in the absence of serum or serum replacement, that comprises a basal salt nutrient solution, bFGF, IGF-I, and Activin A, and wherein the composition does not comprise heregulin.

Abstract: Methods and cell culture medium for the generation and maintenance of human pluripotent embryonic stem cells are disclosed. Human embryonic stem cells are cultured with human feeder cell conditioned medium, and the embryonic stem cells maintain their pluripotent phenotype. The human pluripotent embryonic stem cells can be cultured without feeder cells, and in the presence of supplemental growth factors.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for human neural cell production. More particularly, the present invention provides cellular differentiation methods employing amphiphilic lipid compounds, preferably ceramide analogs of the ?-hydroxyalkylamine type and optionally employing an essentially serum free MEDII conditioned medium for the generation of human neural cells from pluripotent human cells. The methods alternatively comprise modulating apoptosis by modifying the levels of PAR-4, with or without the presence of amphiphilic lipid compounds and optionally employing MEDII conditioned medium. The methods alternatively encompass modulating apoptosis by modulating the intracellular concentration of endogenous lipid second messengers, such as ceramide.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for human neural cell production. More particularly, the present invention provides cellular differentiation methods employing amphiphilic lipid compounds, preferably ceramide analogs of the ?-hydroxyalkylamine type and optionally employing an essentially serum free MEDII conditioned medium for the generation of human neural cells from pluripotent human cells. The methods alternatively comprise modulating apoptosis by modifying the levels of PAR-4, with or without the presence of amphiphilic lipid compounds and optionally employing MEDII conditioned medium. The methods alternatively encompass modulating apoptosis by modulating the intracellular concentration of endogenous lipid second messengers, such as ceramide.