Abstract: Systems and methods have been developed for large-scale propagation and differentiation of populations of neurons and glia from neural precursor cells derived from postnatal brain. Under culture conditions containing pituitary extract and mitogenic factors, cells derived from neural stem cells can be attached to a substrate, maintained and serially passaged in culture. Upon removal of mitogenic factors, clusters of neural progenitor cells can be induced that co-express markers of neural stem cells and immature neurons. Unlimited numbers of cells at characterized stages of neurogenesis can be produced. Upon maturation, neuronal cells extend processes and differentiate into mature neuronal phenotypes capable of generating action potentials.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for isolating cell populations enriched in tumor stem cells (cancer stem cells), and isolated cell populations substantially enriched in cancer stem cells that are tumorigenic in vivo. Also provided are new methods of tumor diagnosis and classification and personalized methods of treatment for subjects with tumors, based on the availability of populations of cancer stem cells derived from the subject's tumor using the disclosed methods.