Abstract: The present invention provides a clinically applicable method of stem cell transplantation that facilitates engraftment and reconstitutes immunocompetence of the recipient without requiring radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and without development of GVHD or graft rejection. Aspects of the present invention are based on the discovery that the depletion of the endogenous stem cell niche facilitates efficient engraftment of stem cells into that niche. In particular, the present invention combines the use of selective ablation of endogenous stem cells, in combination with the administration to the recipient of exogenous stem cells, resulting in efficient, long-term engraftment and tolerance.

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: 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: Undifferentiated primordial stem cells are manipulated to permit their long term growth in defined media lacking serum and feeder layer cells by shifting the apoptotic balance of the cells, through increasing the activity of Bcl-2 family anti-apoptotic proteins or decreasing the activity of Bcl-2 family pro-apoptotic proteins. In some embodiments of the invention, the Bcl family protein is Bcl-2. The ES cells sustain the characteristics of undifferentiated, pluripotent stem cells during long-term serum- and feeder layer cell-free conditions, including the ability to be expanded in vitro, but maintain their potential to differentiate into mature cell types.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the identification of stem cells and cancer stem cells. ?-catenin is also identified as a target for the development of therapeutic moieties against hematopoietic tumors, i.e. leukemia and lymphoma cells, which may include screening assays directed at ?-catenin, or members of the ?-catenin signaling pathway. Cellular proliferation in hematopoietic cells can be altered by introducing stabilized ?-catenin into a hematopoietic cell that is altered in its ability to undergo apoptosis but which is not fully transformed. The immortalized cells are useful in screening assays, and in the analysis of pathways by which hematopoietic cells undergo transformation.

Abstract: A substantially enriched mammalian hematopoietic cell subpopulation is provided, which is characterized by progenitor cell activity for myeloid lineages, but lacking the potential to differentiate into lymphoid lineages. This population is further divided into specific myeloid progenitor subsets, including a common myeloid progenitor cells (CMP), megakaryocyte/erythroid progenitor cells (MEP) and granulocyte/monocyte lineage progenitor (GMP). Methods are provided for the isolation and culture of these subpopulations. The CMP population gives rise to all myeloid lineages, and can give rise to the two additional and isolatable progenitor populations that are exclusively committed to either the erythroid/megakaryocytic or myelomonocytic lineages. T?? ???? ????????? ????o?? ????o???????? ???? ??????????o????? T??-1; ???I?-7 P?, in conjunction with other markers expressed on lineage committed cells.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the identification and isolation of mammalian mesenchymal stem cells. The methods of the invention provide a means to obtain substantially homogeneous MSC populations. In some embodiments, the homogeneous MSC composition is stable in non-differentiating culture conditions, where the proportion of cells in the composition that have an MSC phenotype are maintained over multiple passages.

Abstract: Methods are provided to manipulate phagocytosis of cells, including hematopoietic cells, e.g. circulating hematopoietic cells, bone marrow cells, etc.; and solid tumor cells. In some embodiments of the invention the circulating cells are hematopoietic stem cells, or hematopoietic progenitor cells, particularly in a transplantation context, where protection from phagocytosis is desirable. In other embodiments the circulating cells are leukemia cells, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML), where increased phagocytosis is desirable.

Abstract: A substantially enriched human multipotent progenitor cell population is provided, which is characterized as a progenitor cell capable of giving rise to the multipotent lineage but which lacks certain long-term self-renewal properties of the hematopoietic stem cell. Methods are provided for the isolation and culture of these cells. The cell enrichment methods employ reagents that specifically recognize CD34, CD38, CD90 and CD45RA, in conjunction with lineage specific markers. These cells give rise to all types of hematopoietic cells, e.g. myeloid and lymphoid cells, in vivo.

Abstract: Methods, systems and kits are provided for the clinical staging of blood disorders including myelodysplastic syndrome, myeloproliferative diseases and leukemias by differential analysis of hematologic samples for the distribution of one or more hematopoietic stem or progenitor cell subsets. Additional functional, genetic, gene expression, proteomic or other molecular analyses of the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells from the patients can also be employed in the staging methods of the invention.

Abstract: A substantially enriched mammalian hematopoietic cell population is provided, which is characterized as a progenitor cell committed to the megakaryocyte lineage. Methods are provided for the isolation and culture of these cells. The cell enrichment methods employ reagents that specifically recognize CD9 and CD41, in conjunction with other markers expressed on lineage committed progenitor cells. These cells give rise exclusively to megakaryocytes and platelets, as evidenced by their growth and differentiation in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: Squamous carcinoma stem cells (SCSC) 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 to form unique histological microdomains useful in cancer diagnosis.

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: 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: A substantially enriched mammalian hematopoietic cell subpopulation is provided, which is characterized by progenitor cell activity for myeloid lineages, but lacking the potential to differentiate into lymphoid lineages. This population is further divided into specific myeloid progenitor subsets, including a common myeloid progenitor cells (CMP), megakaryocyte/erythroid progenitor cells (MEP) and granulocyte/monocyte lineage progenitor (GMP). Methods are provided for the isolation and culture of these subpopulations. The CMP population gives rise to all myeloid lineages, and can give rise to the two additional and isolatable progenitor populations that are exclusively committed to either the erythroid/megakaryocytic or myelomonocytic lineages. T?? ???? ????????? ????o?? ????o???????? ???? ??????????o????? T??-1; ???I?-7 P?, in conjunction with other markers expressed on lineage committed cells.

Abstract: A substantially enriched mammalian hematopoietic cell subpopulation is provided, which is characterized by progenitor cell activity for myeloid lineages, but lacking the potential to differentiate into lymphoid lineages. This population is further divided into specific myeloid progenitor subsets, including a common myeloid progenitor cells (CMP), megakaryocyte/erythroid progenitor cells (MEP) and granulocyte/monocyte lineage progenitor (GMP). Methods are provided for the isolation and culture of these subpopulations. The CMP population gives rise to all myeloid lineages, and can give rise to the two additional and isolatable progenitor populations that are exclusively committed to either the erythroid/megakaryocytic or myelomonocytic lineages. The cell enrichment methods employ reagents that specifically recognize Thy-1; and IL-7R?, in conjunction with other markers expressed on lineage committed cells.

Abstract: A substantially enriched mammalian hematopoietic cell subpopulation is provided, which is characterized by progenitor cell activity for lymphoid lineages, but lacking the potential to differentiate into myeloid and erythroid lineages. Methods are provided for the isolation and culture of this common lymphoid progenitor cell (CLP). The cell enrichment methods employ reagents that specifically recognize CDw127 (IL-7 receptor ?); CD117 (c-kit) protein, in conjunction with other markers expressed on lineage committed cells. The murine cells are also characterized as expressing low levels of sca-1 (Ly-6E and Ly-6A). The CLPs are predominantly cycling, blast cells. These cells give rise to B cells, T cells and natural killer cells, as evidenced by their growth and differentiation in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the identification of stem cells and cancer stem cells. ?-catenin is also identified as a target for the development of therapeutic moieties against hematopoietic tumors, i.e. leukemia and lymphoma cells, which may include screening assays directed at ?-catenin, or members of the ?-catenin signaling pathway. Cellular proliferation in hematopoietic cells can be altered by introducing stabilized ?-catenin into a hematopoietic cell that is altered in its ability to undergo apoptosis but which is not fully transformed. The immortalized cells are useful in screening assays, and in the analysis of pathways by which hematopoietic cells undergo transformation.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for the trapping, including optical trapping; analysis; and selective manipulation of particles on an optical array. A multi-channel device parcels a light source into many points of light transmitted through an optical array of fibers or conduits, preferably where the individual points of light are individually controllable through a light controlling device. Optical properties of the particles may be determined by interrogation with light focused through the optical array. The particles may be manipulated by immobilizing or releasing specific particles, separating types of particles, etc.

Abstract: A substantially enriched mammalian hematopoietic cell subpopulation is provided, which is characterized by progenitor cell activity for lymphoid lineages, but lacking the potential to differentiate into myeloid and erythroid lineages. Methods are provided for the isolation and culture of this common lymphoid progenitor cell (CLP). The cell enrichment methods employ reagents that specifically recognize CDw127 (IL-7 receptor ?); CD117 (c-kit) protein, in conjunction with other markers expressed on lineage committed cells. The murine cells are also characterized as expressing low levels of sca-1 (Ly-6E and Ly-6A). The CLPs are predominantly cycling, blast cells. These cells give rise to B cells, T cells and natural killer cells, as evidenced by their growth and differentiation in vitro and in vivo.