Abstract: The invention provides methods of screening a subject for a proliferative disease risk factor which comprises detecting the presence or absence of target cells. The presence of target cells in the subject indicates the subject is at increased risk of developing a proliferative disease or recurrence of a previously treated proliferative disease and defines a new patient subgroup susceptible for treatment with selected anti-proliferative compounds. Methods of screening compounds for the treatment of proliferative diseases based on the presence of target cells and the expression of certain biomarkers by said target cells are also disclosed, along with appropriate compounds and their use in methods of treating such diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhibitor of Hairy and Enhancer of Split 3 (Hes3) or for use in treating a tumor. The invention further relates to an in-vitro method for diagnosing a tumor, comprising determining the amount of Hes3 protein in a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-derived sample obtained from a subject, wherein an increased amount of Hes3 protein is indicative of the presence of a tumor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhibitor of Hairy and Enhancer of Split 3 (Hes3) or for use in treating a tumour. The invention further relates to an in-vitro method for diagnosing a tumour, comprising determining the amount of Hes3 protein in a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-derived sample obtained from a subject, wherein an increased amount of Hes3 protein is indicative of the presence of a tumour.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed herein for increasing the number of stem cells or precursor cells. The number of stem cells can be increased by increasing survival and/or cell proliferation of the cells. The methods include contacting the cells with an effective amount of a Notch ligand, an effective amount of a growth factor, and an effective amount of angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2). In several embodiments, the methods include contacting the cells with an effective amount of a Jak inhibitor. In several non-limiting examples, the growth factor is insulin or glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), or a combination thereof. In additional non-limiting examples, the Notch ligand is Delta. The cells can be in vivo or in vitro. Methods are also disclosed here for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder or spinal cord injury in a subject. In several non-limiting examples, the subject has Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: It is disclosed herein that STAT3 phosphorylated at serine 727 is a key regulator of proliferation and survival of stem cells and precursor cells. Methods for increasing the survival and proliferation of stem cells and/or precursor are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the method includes contacting a mammalian stem cell mammalian precursor cell with a JAK inhibitor, a p38 inhibitor, or both. Methods are also disclosed for increasing the survival and proliferation of neuronal precursor cells in a subject. The method includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of a Notch ligand and a growth factor. Methods are also disclosed for identifying an agent that increases the proliferation of stem cells and/or precursor cells. The method includes contacting a stem cell or a precursor cell with an agent of interest, wherein the stem cell or the precursor cell expresses STAT3; and determining the phosphorylation status of serine 727 of STAT3 in the cell.