Abstract: The invention relates to induction of reprogramming of somatic cells, by methods which require mild growth conditions. Disclosed are methods of inducing dedifferentiation of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC), by seeding or incubating mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) at low density, and without introduction or expression of exogenous genes in the cells.

Abstract: A method and assay for characterizing populations of stem cells according to their glycosylation pattern, particularly for distinguishing between stem cell populations, for example with regard to state of differentiation.

Abstract: A method of preparing a stromal cell conditioned medium useful in expanding undifferentiated hemopoietic stem cells to increase the number of the hemopoietic stem cells is provided. The method comprising: (a) establishing a stromal cell culture in a stationary phase plug-flow bioreactor under continuous flow on a substrate in the form of a sheet, the substrate including a non-woven fibrous matrix forming a physiologically acceptable three-dimensional network of fibers, thereby expanding undifferentiated hemopoietic stem cells ; and (b) when a desired stromal cell density has been achieved, collecting medium from the stationary phase plug-flow bioreactor, thereby obtaining the stromal cell conditioned medium useful in expanding the undifferentiated hemopoietic stem cells.

Abstract: A method and assay for characterizing populations of stem cells according to their glycosylation pattern, particularly for distinguishing between stem cell populations, for example with regard to state of differentiation.

Abstract: A method of preparing a stromal cell conditioned medium useful in expanding undifferentiated hemopoietic stem cells to increase the number of the hemopoietic stem cells is provided. The method comprising: (a) establishing a stromal cell culture in a stationary phase plug-flow bioreactor under continuous flow on a substrate in the form of a sheet, the substrate including a non-woven fibrous matrix forming a physiologically acceptable three-dimensional network of fibers, thereby expanding undifferentiated hemopoietic stem cells; and (b) when a desired stromal cell density has been achieved, collecting medium from the stationary phase plug-flow bioreactor, thereby obtaining the stromal cell conditioned medium useful in expanding the undifferentiated hemopoietic stem cells.

Abstract: A method of preparing a stromal cell conditioned medium useful in expanding undifferentiated hemopoietic stem cells to increase the number of the hemopoietic stem cells is provided. The method comprising: (a) establishing a stromal cell culture in a stationary phase plug-flow bioreactor under continuous flow on a substrate in the form of a sheet, the substrate including a non-woven fibrous matrix forming a physiologically acceptable three-dimensional network of fibers, thereby expanding undifferentiated hemopoietic stem cells; and (b) when a desired stromal cell density has been achieved, collecting medium from the stationary phase plug-flow bioreactor, thereby obtaining the stromal cell conditioned medium useful in expanding the undifferentiated hemopoietic stem cells.

Abstract: Mesenchymal cells are unexpectedly found to express specific truncated versions of immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily members, Ig? heavy chain and Ig? heavy chain variants. Mesenchymal Ig heavy chain gene products either directly or indirectly control hemopoietic stem cells. Ectopic expression, RNAi or antibody therapy can be used to modulate Ig heavy chain mediated functions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns novel polynucleotide transcripts of T cell receptor (TCR) genes as well as amino acid sequences encoded by these transcripts, and their use in the modulation of mesenchymal cell growth. It further relates to the novel proteins, or peptides encoded by these transcripts, and uses thereof. The invention also concerns cDNA molecules encoded by a T cell receptor (TCR) gene, these novel cDNA molecules lacking V region sequences and comprising a constant (C) domain and joining (J) region sequences, and a 5′ intronic J sequence upstream to said J region sequence including an in-frame methionine codon.

Abstract: Mesenchymal cells are unexpectedly found to express specific truncated versions of immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily members, namely T cell receptors and related proteins of the immunoglobulin superfamily, as exemplified by the &ugr; heavy chain. Mesenchymal T cell receptor and Ig heavy chain gene products either directly or indirectly control hemopoetic stem cells. Antisense therapy and antibodies can be used to reduce TCR and Ig heavy chain mediated functions. Conversely, overexpression of the TCR and/or Ig heavy chain can be used to induce hemopoesis, for example in stem cell transplantation or following chemotherapy.