Abstract: The invention relates to an ependymal neural CNS stem cell, which cell expresses the surface protein Notch 1 together with at least one surface protein chosen from the group of Notch 2, Notch 3, CAR (transmembrane protein binding adenovirus) and CFTR cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator), and which cell also comprises at least one cilium. The invention also relates to preparations, including pharmaceutical preparations, comprising ependymal neural CNS stem cells, in vitro and in vivo assays based thereon and various other uses of the novel ependymal cells according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining whether a test compound is a proliferation-inducing or proliferation-inhibiting agent of ependymal neural stem cells. The method comprises: (a) contacting an ependymal neural stem cell with the test compound: and (b) determining the proliferation of the ependymal neural stem cell, wherein if the proliferation of the ependymal neural stem cell is increased in the presence of the test compound as compared to the absence of the test compound, the test compound is identified as a proliferation-inducing agent or wherein if the proliferation of the ependymal neural stem cell is decreased in the presence of the test compound as compared to the absence of the test compound, the test compound is identified as a proliferation-inhibiting agent.

Abstract: The invention is directed to substantially purified amnion-derived cell populations, compositions comprising the substantially purified amnion-derived cell populations, and to methods of creating such substantially purified amnion-derived cell populations, as well as methods of use. The invention is further directed to antibodies, in particular, monoclonal antibodies, that bind to amnion-derived cells or, alternatively, to one or more amnion-derived cell surface protein markers. The invention is further directed to methods for producing the antibodies, methods for using the antibodies, and kits comprising the antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to determine the differentiation potential of a target cell, said method comprising exposing the target cell ex utero to an early embryonic environment and detecting the progeny of said target cell. The invention further relates to the use of these methods to identify or provide cells for therapy or prophylaxis and the use of said cells in the manufacture of a medicamnent for use in therapy prophylaxis.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods of differentiating insulin+, glucose responsive islet-like structures from insulin− cells. The invention further provides methods for using insulin+, glucose responsive islet-like structures, as well as the insulin+, glucose responsive cells which comprise said islet-like clusters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of isolating ependymal neural CNS stem cells from a post-natal animal or a human, which method comprises the steps of

Abstract: The invention relates to an ependymal neural CNS stem cell, which cell expresses the surface protein Notch 1 together with at least one surface protein chosen from the group of Notch 2, Notch 3, CAR (transmembrane protein binding adenovirus) and CFTR cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator), and which cell also comprises at least one cilium. The invention also relates to preparations, including pharmaceutical preparations, comprising ependymal neural CNS stem cells, in vitro and in vivo assays based thereon and various other uses of the novel ependymal cells according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of isolating ependymal neural CNS stem cells from a post-natal animal or a human, which method comprises the steps of (a) screening single cells obtained by dissociating CNS tissue from said animal for cells exhibiting at least one characteristic of an ependymal neural stem cell; and (b) recovering the cells that exhibit the characteristic or characteristics screened for in step (a). The screening may be performed for a specific cell surface protein or by previously labeling the ependymal cells. The invention also relates to isolated ependymal neural CNS stem cells, in vitro and in vivo assays based on the findings according to the invention and various uses of the ependymal neural stem cells according to the invention.