Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of stem cells. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions useful for the highly efficient conversion of human stem cells to lineage-specific neurons. In a specific embodiment, a method of inducing differentiation of human stem cells into dopaminergic (DA) neurons comprises the steps of (a) transfecting human stem cells with a lentiviral vector encoding Atoh1, wherein the vector is Dox inducible; and (b) growing the transfected cells in culture in the presence of Dox, Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) and FGF-8b until DA neurons are induced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of stem cells. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions useful for the highly efficient conversion of human stem cells to lineage-specific neurons. In a specific embodiment, a method of inducing differentiation of human stem cells into dopaminergic (DA) neurons comprises the steps of (a) transfecting human stem cells with a lentiviral vector encoding Atoh1, wherein the vector is Dox inducible; and (b) growing the transfected cells in culture in the presence of Dox, Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) and FGF-8b until DA neurons are induced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of stem cells. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions useful for the highly efficient conversion of human stem cells to lineage-specific neurons. In a specific embodiment, a method of inducing differentiation of human stem cells into dopaminergic (DA) neurons comprises the steps of (a) transfecting human stem cells with a lentiviral vector encoding Atoh1, wherein the vector is Dox inducible; and (b) growing the transfected cells in culture in the presence of Dox, Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) and FGF-8b until DA neurons are induced.

Abstract: A bioluminescence imaging-based high-throughput assay for inhibitors of ABCG2 is described. Compositions of inhibitors of ABCG2 and methods of using ABCG2 inhibitors are also described.

Abstract: To gain a better understanding of brain tumor angiogenesis, new techniques for isolating brain endothelial cells (ECs) and evaluating gene expression patterns were developed. When transcripts from brain ECs derived from normal and malignant colorectal tissues were compared with transcripts from non-endothelial cells, genes predominantly expressed in the endothelium were identified. Comparison between normal- and tumor-derived endothelium revealed genes that were specifically elevated in tumor-associated brain endothelium. These results confirm that neoplastic and normal endothelium in human brains are distinct at the molecular level, and have significant implications for the development of anti-angiogenic therapies in the future.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method of treating cancer by administering to a patient an inhibitor of Hepatocyte Growth Factor and an inhibitor of, e.g., Epidermal Growth Factor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of reducing cancer cell proliferation and/or treating cancer by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that inhibits the activity of ACSVL3.

Abstract: A bioluminescence imaging-based high-throughput assay for inhibitors of ABCG2 is described. Compositions of inhibitors of ABCG2 and methods of using ABCG2 inhibitors are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method of treating cancer by administering to a patient an inhibitor of Hepatocyte Growth Factor and an inhibitor of the Hedgehog signaling pathway.

Abstract: The application is directed toward a method of treating a brain tumor in a patient comprising systemically administering a monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: To gain a better understanding of brain tumor angiogenesis, new techniques for isolating brain endothelial cells (ECs) and evaluating gene expression patterns were developed. When transcripts from brain ECS derived from normal and malignant colorectal tissues were compared with transcripts from non-endothelial cells, genes predominantly expressed in the endothelium were identified. Comparison between normal- and tumor-derived endothelium revealed genes that were specifically elevated in tumor-associated brain endothelium. These results confirm that neoplastic and normal endothelium in human brains are distinct at the molecular level, and have significant implications for the development of anti-angiogenic therapies in the future.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method of treating cancer by administering to a patient an inhibitor of Hepatocyte Growth Factor and an inhibitor of, e.g., Epidermal Growth Factor.

Abstract: The application is directed toward a method of treating a brain tumor in a patient comprising systemically administering a monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: To gain a better understanding of brain tumor angiogenesis, new techniques for isolating brain endothelial cells (ECs) and evaluating gene expression patterns were developed. When transcripts from brain ECs derived from normal and malignant colorectal tissues were compared with transcripts from non-endothelial cells, genes predominantly expressed in the endothelium were identified. Comparison between normal- and tumor-derived endothelium revealed genes that were specifically elevated in tumor-associated brain endothelium. These results confirm that neoplastic and normal endothelium in human brains are distinct at the molecular level, and have significant implications for the development of anti-angiogenic therapies in the future.