Abstract: A method of generating human mature oligodendrocytes is disclosed. The method comprises contacting a cell population which comprises human pre-oligodendrocytes with an inhibitor of the MAPK/ERK pathway under conditions that allow the pre-oligodendrocytes to differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes. Use of the MAPK/ERK pathway inhibitor for treating diseases is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for providing human cell cultures. Further provided are cultures of feeder cells for use in stem cell technology, as well as cultures, culture systems and methods for maintenance and propagating of stem cells in an undifferentiated state as well as for the development of somatic cells cultures from stem cells, the somatic cell cultures being free of extraembryonic cells.

Abstract: Provided is a method for directing differentiation of neural progenitors with a caudal and ventral specification into motor neurons including culturing neural progenitors in a culturing medium including a basic medium supplemented by at least one inhibitor of the Notch signaling pathway whereby the neural progenitors differentiate into postmitotic motor neurons. The resulting motor neurons may be used for drug development, as carriers, e.g. for gene therapy of protein delivery as well as for transplantation for the purpose of treating a motor neuron disease.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for providing human cell cultures. Further provided are cultures of feeder cells for use in stem cell technology, as well as cultures, culture systems and methods for maintenance and propagating of stem cells in an undifferentiated state as well as for the development of somatic cells cultures from stem cells, the somatic cell cultures being free of extraembryonic cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for directing differentiation of neural progenitors with a caudal and ventral specification into motor neurons comprising culturing neural progenitors in a culturing medium comprising a basic medium supplemented by at least one inhibitor of the Notch signaling pathway whereby said neural progenitors differentiate into postmitotic motor neurons. The resulting motor neurons may be used for drug development, as carriers, e.g. for gene therapy of protein delivery as well as for transplantation for the purpose of treating a motor neuron disease.

Abstract: The present invention concerns systems and methods for providing human cell cultures. Specific embodiments of the invention relate to cultures of feeder cells for use in stem cell technology, as well as cultures, culture systems and methods for maintenance and propagating of stem cells in an undifferentiated state as well as for the development of somatic cells cultures from stem cells, the somatic cell cultures being free of extraembryonic cells.

Abstract: Compounds that inhibit ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis of phosphorylated I?B by interfering, directly or indirectly, with the ability of ?-TrCP/E3RS to engage in protein-protein association involving hnRNP-U, are useful as drugs for treating conditions associated with NF-?B activation. Cellular and non-cellular screening methods for identifying such compounds are based on monitoring the association/dissociation of ?-TrCP/E3RS.

Abstract: Compounds that inhibit ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis of phosphorylated I&kgr;B by interfering, directly or indirectly, with the ability of &bgr;-TrCP/E3RS to engage in protein-protein association involving hnRNP-U, are useful as drugs for treating conditions associated with NF-&kgr;B activation. Cellular and non-cellular screening methods for identifying such compounds are based on monitoring the association/dissociation of &bgr;-TrCP/IE3RS.