Abstract: Populations enriched for smooth muscle progenitors are obtained by selection on the basis of expression of specific cell surface markers.

Abstract: Provided herein are differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of multipotent progenitor cells (MPPs) and oligopotent progenitor cells and methods of use thereof. The invention provides methods for detecting and analyzing alterations in the methylation status of DMRs in such progenitor cells as well as methods for differentiating such cells.

Abstract: Methods are provided to manipulate phagocytosis of cancer cells, including e.g. leukemias, solid tumors including carcinomas, etc.

Abstract: Composition and methods are provided for the prospective enrichment of human cardiovascular progenitor cells, which can be differentiated into cardiomyocytes, from in vitro cultures of stem cells. The stem cells are cultured in conditions permissive for differentiation into cardiovascular progenitor cells, and cardiovascular progenitor cells are sorted for expression of one or more of the markers ROR2, CD13, KDR and PDGF?R, where the progenitor cells positively express these markers. Highly enriched populations of cardiomyocyte lineage cells can be obtained.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for depletion of pluripotent cells. In one embodiment of the invention, methods are provided for depletion of pluripotent cells from a mixed population of differentiated cells and stem cells, to provide a population of cells substantially free of pluripotent stem cells. Monoclonal antibodies useful in depletion and in identification of pluripotent stem cells are also provided.

Abstract: Markers of acute myeloid leukemia stem cells (AMLSC) are identified. The markers are differentially expressed in comparison with normal counterpart cells, and are useful as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treatment of hematologic cancers, particularly lymphomas and leukemias, including without limitation myelogenous and lymphocytic leukemias. A combination of antibodies specific for CD47; and specific for a cancer associated cell surface marker are administered to the patient, and provide for a synergistic decrease in cancer cell burden. The combination of antibodies may comprise a plurality of monospecific antibodies, or a bispecific or multispecific antibody. Markers of interest include without limitation, CD20, CD22, CD52, CD33; CD96; CD44; CD123; CD97; CD99; PTHR2; and HAVCR2.

Abstract: Myelodysplastic syndromes are staged by analysis of the presence of hematopoietic stem and/or progenitor cells, particularly progenitor cells dedicated to the myeloid lineage and hematopoietic stem cells.

Abstract: A set of markers for melanoma cancer stem cells are provided. The cells can be prospectively isolated or identified from primary tumor samples, and possess the unique properties of cancer stem cells in functional assays for tumor initiation, cancer stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. In addition, cancer stem cells can be used as a predictor for disease progression. The CSC have the phenotype of being positive for expression CD271.

Abstract: Acute myeloid leukemia stem cells (AMLSC) are identified. The cells can be prospectively isolated or identified from patient samples, and are shown to possess the unique properties of cancer stem cells in functional assays for cancer stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, and in cancer diagnosis.

Abstract: Isolated populations of leukemic stem cells are provided. The cells are useful for experimental evaluation, and as a source of lineage and cell specific products, and as targets for the discovery of factors or molecules that can affect them. Detection of leukemic stem cells is useful in predicting disease progression, relapse, and development of drug resistance. Proliferation of LSC may be inhibited through interfering with activation of the ?-catenin pathway. Methods are provided for the clinical staging of pre-leukemia and leukemias by differential analysis of hematologic samples for the distribution of one or more hematopoietic stem or progenitor cell subsets.

Abstract: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been prospectively isolated or identified from primary tumor samples, and shown to possess the unique properties of self-renewal and differentiation, and can form unique histological microdomains useful in cancer diagnosis. Such cancer stem cells are shown herein to have the phenotype of containing decreased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) relative to non-tumorigenic (non-stem cell) cancer cells, as well as expression of other protective pathways. The CSCs are further shown to be more resistant to ionizing radiation (IR) and certain chemotherapies and to express high levels of ROS genes.

Abstract: Isolated populations of leukemic stem cells are provided. The cells are useful for experimental evaluation, and as a source of lineage and cell specific products, and as targets for the discovery of factors or molecules that can affect them. Detection of leukemic stem cells is useful in predicting disease progression, relapse, and development of drug resistance. Proliferation of LSC may be inhibited through interfering with activation of the ?-catenin pathway. Methods are provided for the clinical staging of pre-leukemia and leukemias by differential analysis of hematologic samples for the distribution of one or more hematopoietic stem or progenitor cell subsets.

Abstract: Markers of acute myeloid leukemia stem cells (AMLSC) are identified. The markers are differentially expressed in comparison with normal counterpart cells, and are useful as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

Abstract: Methods are provided to manipulate phagocytosis of cancer cells, including e.g. leukemias, solid tumors including carcinomas, etc.

Abstract: Cancer specific splicing events in the Wnt/?-catenin signaling pathway are associated with progression of myelogenous leukemia. Misspliced genes of interest include GSK3?. In some embodiments of the invention, polynucleotides are provided that correspond to misspliced GSK3? transcripts associated with cancer. Such transcripts are characterized by a deletion of exon (8), and particularly in exon (8) and (9). Detection of such transcripts in cells is indicative of the presence of leukemia, and particularly of the presence of leukemia stem cells. In other embodiments, polypeptides are provided that are encoded by misspliced GSK3? transcripts associated with cancer. Such polypeptides are useful as diagnostic markers for cancer, and as a target for screening of therapeutic agents. Animal models comprising a human LSC having a misspliced GSK3b transcript provide a useful model for leukemia, for drug/gene screening in the prevention and treatment of leukemia in humans, etc.

Abstract: Transitional cell carcinoma stem cells (TCCSC) are identified. The cells can be prospectively isolated or identified from primary tumor samples, and are shown to possess the unique properties of cancer stem cells in functional assays for cancer stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, and in cancer diagnosis.

Abstract: Isolated populations of leukemic stem cells are provided. The cells are useful for experimental evaluation, and as a source of lineage and cell specific products, and as targets for the discovery of factors or molecules that can affect them. Detection of leukemic stem cells is useful in predicting disease progression, relapse, and development of drug resistance. Proliferation of LSC may be inhibited through interfering with activation of the bcatenin pathway. Methods are provided for the clinical staging of pre-leukemia and leukemias by differential analysis of hematologic samples for the distribution of one or more hematopoietic stem or progenitor cell subsets.

Abstract: Acute myeloid leukemia stem cells (AMLSC) are identified. The cells can be prospectively isolated or identified from patient samples, and are shown to possess the unique properties of cancer stem cells in functional assays for cancer stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, and in cancer diagnosis.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the protection of normal cells from cytoreductive therapy that target proliferating cells, by administering an inhibitor of Wnt signaling pathways. Wnt signaling is critically important for homeostasis of the epithelial lining of the adult intestine and other proliferating normal adult tissues.