Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for generating dopaminergic neurons in vitro by inhibiting a pathway component of a TGF-? signaling pathway and overexpressing one or more cell fate-inducing polypeptides in pluripotent cells, causing differentiation of the pluripotent cells into dopaminergic neurons. Also disclosed are methods for treating a neurodegenerative disease in a patient by generating dopaminergic neurons in vitro, and transplanting them into the brain of the patient, such that the dopaminergic neurons are sufficient to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of the neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein are based on the identification of novel cell populations derived from human embryonic stem cells and other pluripotent cells. The inventive cell populations may be used for cell therapies for the treatment of various neurological diseases and as substrates in pharmacological assays.

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of Parkinson's Disease.

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of Parkinson's Disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel populations of neural stem cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, and methods for making and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for promoting regeneration, outgrowth and survival of dopaminergic neurons comprising contacting said dopaminergic neurons with an effective amount of a composition comprising an Sp35 antagonist. Additionally, the invention is related generally to methods of treating various diseases, disorders or injuries associated with dopaminergic neuronal degeneration or death by administration of an Sp35 antagonist.

Abstract: The invention features an enhancer cassette and methods of its use. The enhancer cassette has the formula [X?Y]n, wherein each X is independently a cell type-specific enhancer element; Y is absent or is a mono or polynucleotide that has between one and thirty nucleotides; and n is an integer between five and fifty, inclusive.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for generating dopaminergic neurons in vitro by inhibiting a pathway component of a TGF-? signaling pathway and overexpressing one or more cell fate-inducing polypeptides in pluripotent cells, causing differentiation of the pluripotent cells into dopaminergic neurons. Also disclosed are methods for treating a neurodegenerative disease in a patient by generating dopaminergic neurons in vitro, and transplanting them into the brain of the patient, such that the dopaminergic neurons are sufficient to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of the neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract: The present invention features methods of identifying candidate compounds for treating and preventing neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for generating dopaminergic neurons in vitro by inhibiting a pathway component of a TGF-&bgr; signaling pathway and overexpressing one or more cell fate-inducing polypeptides in pluripotent cells, causing differentiation of the pluripotent cells into dopaminergic neurons. Also disclosed are methods for treating a neurodegenerative disease in a patient by generating dopaminergic neurons in vitro, and transplanting them into the brain of the patient, such that the dopaminergic neurons are sufficient to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of the neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract: The invention features an enhancer cassette and methods of its use. The enhancer cassette has the formula [X−Y]n, wherein each X is independently a cell type-specific enhancer element; Y is absent or is a mono or polynucleotide that has between one and thirty nucleotides; and n is an integer between five and fifty, inclusive.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for generating functional lineage-restricted progenitors from embryonic stem cells for obtaining donor cells of specific neuronal cell-fate, in sufficient quantities for the unmet cell transplantation need for treating patients with neurodegenerative diseases or disorders.

Abstract: Porcine neural cells and methods for using the cells to treat neurological deficits due to neurodegeneration are described. The porcine neural cells are preferably embryonic mesencephalic, embryonic striatal cells, or embryonic cortical cells. The porcine neural cells can be modified to be suitable for transplantation into a xenogeneic subject, such as a human. For example, the porcine neural cells can be modified such that an antigen (e.g., an MHC class I antigen) on the cell surface which is capable of stimulating an immune response against the cell in a xenogeneic subject is altered (e.g., by contact with an anti-MHC class I antibody, or a fragment or derivative thereof) to inhibit rejection of the cell when introduced into the subject. In one embodiment, the porcine neural cells are obtained from a pig which is essentially free from organisms or substances which are capable of transmitting infection or disease to the recipient subject.

Abstract: Porcine neural cells and methods for using the cells to treat neurological deficits due to neurodegeneration are described. The porcine neural cells are preferably embryonic mesencephalic, embryonic striatal cells, or embryonic cortical cells. The porcine neural cells can be modified to be suitable for transplantation into a xenogeneic subject, such as a human. For example, the porcine neural cells can be modified such that an antigen (e.g., an MHC class I antigen) on the cell surface which is capable of stimulating an immune response against the cell in a xenogeneic subject is altered (e.g., by contact with an anti-MHC class I antibody, or a fragment or derivative thereof) to inhibit rejection of the cell when introduced into the subject. In one embodiment, the porcine neural cells are obtained from a pig which is essentially free from organisms or substances which are capable of transmitting infection or disease to the recipient subject.

Abstract: Porcine neural cells and methods for using the cells to treat neurological deficits due to neurodegeneration are described. The porcine neural cells are preferably embryonic mesencephalic, embryonic striatal cells, or embryonic cortical cells. The porcine neural cells can be modified to be suitable for transplantation into a xenogeneic subject, such as a human. For example, the porcine neural cells can be modified such that an antigen (e.g., an MHC class I antigen) on the cell surface which is capable of stimulating an immune response against the cell in a xenogeneic subject is altered (e.g., by contact with an anti-MHC class I antibody, or a fragment or derivative thereof) to inhibit rejection of the cell when introduced into the subject. In one embodiment, the porcine neural cells are obtained from a pig which is essentially free from organisms or substances which are capable of transmitting infection or disease to the recipient subject.