Abstract: Cell culture conditions for the isolation, maintenance, and indefinite expansion of human glia are established favoring the growth of neural precursor cells. Cultured cells proliferate indefinitely, express catalytic telomerase, and retain a non-immortalized phenotype. Compositions allow for the indefinite expansion of non-immortalized neural tissue for bioassay applications and restorative neuroscience.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of prostate cancer, as well as for treatment selection.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer, including prostate cancer and renal cell carcinoma, as well as for treatment selection.

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: Cell culture conditions for the isolation, maintenance, and indefinite expansion of human glia are established favoring the growth of neural precursor cells. Cultured cells proliferate indefinitely, express catalytic telomerase, and retain a non-immortalized phenotype. Compositions allow for the indefinite expansion of non-immortalized neural tissue for bioassay applications and restorative neuroscience.

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.

Abstract: Isolation and purification of stem cells from within a bulk sarcoma tumor. These cells express the marker genes of pluripotent embryonic stem cells, Stat 3, Oct 3/4, and Nanog. A subset of these cells show the surface marker of mesenchymal stem cells Stro-1, as well as express attributes of mesodermal, ectodermal, and endodermal differentiation. The isolation, purification and characterization of these stem cells now provides the ideal target for the development of highly effective therapies against tumors.

Abstract: Isolation and purification of stem cells from within a bulk sarcoma tumor. These cells express the marker genes of pluripotent embryonic stem cells, Stat 3, Oct 3/4, and Nanog. A subset of these cells show the surface marker of mesenchymal stem cells Stro-1, as well as express attributes of mesodermal, ectodermal, and endodermal differentiation. The isolation, purification and characterization of these stem cells now provides the ideal target for the development of highly effective therapies against tumors.

Abstract: Disclosed are cellular compositions, grafts and pharmaceutical products made from bone marrow (BM) cells useful for a wide array of cell-based therapies for diseases and disorders of the nervous system. Transgenic cells in accord with the invention express therapeutic or reporter genes encoded in viral vectors. The cells are capable of extensive expansion in vitro and can generate neurons and glial cells both in culture and in vivo. Upon administration to a nervous system tissue or site in a host subject, the cells can migrate to appropriate target sites and can assimilate therein, differentiating into both neurons and astrocytes without evidence of fusion with endogenous cells of the host nervous tissue. The cells can express an array of therapeutic gene products suitable for treatment of nervous system disorders. Particularly preferred for neurodegenerative disease applications are transgenic BM-derived neurogenic cells expressing neurotrophic factors.

Abstract: The compositions and methods afford an almost unlimited linear RNA amplification from a few cells with minimal differences in the relative abundance of amplified RNAs and their parent mRNA (sample distortion).

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: Using a novel culture approach, previously unknown populations of neural progenitor cells have been found within an adult mammalian brain. By limiting cell-cell contact, dissociated adult brain yields at least two types of cell aggregates. These aggregates or clones of stem/precursor cells can be generated from adult brain tissue with significantly long postmortem intervals Both neurons and glia arise from stem/precursor cells of these cultures, and the cells can survive transplantation to the adult mammalian brain.

Abstract: A method is described for the preparation, characterization and utilization of temporally ordered panels of cDNA libraries from human microclones. Each microclone undergoing morphogenetic differentiation in vitro differs in discrete gene expression. The developmental stage of the microclone is determined and the gene expression patterns of the microclones temporally ordered and arranged into expression profiles and temporal spectra. Direct comparison of the cDNAs produced from different neural microclones allows identification of novel RNA transcripts.

Abstract: Methods and assay systems for analyzing effects of chemical and cellular agents on brain cell neurogenesis in vivo, comprising administering an agent to a test animal and determining responses of cells of brain marrow tissues, including irradiated brain marrow tissue depleted of neurogenic stems cells, and cells in brain marrow-derived neurospheres cultured in vitro.

Abstract: Using a novel culture approach, previously unknown populations of neural progenitor cells have been found within an adult mammalian brain. By limiting cell-cell contact, dissociated adult brain yields at least two types of cell aggregates. These aggregates or clones of stem/precursor cells can be generated from adult brain tissue with significantly long postmortem intervals. Both neurons and glia arise from stem/precursor cells of these cultures, and the cells can survive transplantation to the adult mammalian brain.