Abstract: The present invention relates to methods allowing adherence and outgrowth of embryoid bodies (EBs) using macrocarriers. The methods of the invention are useful for an up-scaled production of myeloid cells, such as macrophage- and microglia-like/-precursor cells, in a bioreactor system. The invention further relates to microglia-like cells or microglial precursor cells obtainable by these methods that are cryopreservable. The invention also concerns a porous macrocarrier coated with a material facilitating cell adherence.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of diseases or disorders of the nervous system. In particular, the invention relates to the treatment of diseases or disorders of the nervous system by stem cell therapy, in particular therapy with neural precursor cells. In preferred aspects of the invention, inhibitors of chemoattraction are administered prior to, concomitantly with, or subsequently to the administration of neural precursor cells.

Abstract: A method for obtaining human microglial precursor cells, comprising: (a) providing a cell population comprising neural precursor cells, wherein the cell population is obtainable from embryoid bodies differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells; (b) differentiating the cell population comprising neural precursor cells into microglial precursor cells by culturing in medium comprising a growth factor selected from the group consisting of insulin and insulin-like growth factors; (c) expanding and enriching microglial precursor cells in medium comprising a growth factor selected from the group consisting of insulin and insulin-like growth factors and 10 to 150 ng/ml GM-CSF; and (d) isolating microglial precursor cells comprising CD45-positive cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tumor cell of the peripheral zone of a tumor and methods of providing such a tumor cell. Further provided is a method for identifying a molecular marker diagnostic for an infiltrative cancer, an antibody, which specifically binds to such molecular marker, a method for identifying a therapeutic compound effective against a metastatic/infiltrative cancer disease and the use of a tumor cell according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of deriving an induced neural stem cell (iNCS) by nuclear reprogramming of a somatic cell, wherein the method comprises a step of contacting the somatic cell with Oct4 protein or a functionally equivalent analogue, variant or fragment thereof for a limited time period, as well as an induced neural stem cell obtained by this method.

Abstract: A method for obtaining human microglial precursor cells, comprising: (a) providing a cell population comprising neural precursor cells, wherein the cell population is obtainable from embryoid bodies differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells; (b) differentiating the cell population comprising neural precursor cells into microglial precursor cells by culturing in medium comprising a growth factor selected from the group consisting of insulin and insulin-like growth factors; (c) expanding and enriching microglial precursor cells in medium comprising a growth factor selected from the group consisting of insulin and insulin-like growth factors and 10 to 150 ng/ml GM-CSF; and (d) isolating microglial precursor cells comprising CD45-positive cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of diseases or disorders of the nervous system. In particular, the invention relates to the treatment of diseases or disorders of the nervous system by stem cell therapy, in particular therapy with neural precursor cells. In preferred aspects of the invention, inhibitors of chemoattraction are administered prior to, concomitantly with, or subsequently to the administration of neural precursor cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated and purified neural precursor cells, to methods for the generation of such precursor cells in unlimited quantities from embryonic stem cells, and to their use for the therapy of neural defects, particularly in mammals, preferably in human beings, and for the generation of polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tumor cell of the peripheral zone of a tumor and methods of providing such a tumor cell. Further provided is a method for identifying a molecular marker diagnostic for an infiltrative cancer, an antibody, which specifically binds to such molecular marker, a method for identifying a therapeutic compound effective against a metastatic/infiltrative cancer disease and the use of a tumor cell according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for cultivating undifferentiated stem cells in suspension and in particular to a method for cultivating stem cells on microcarriers in vessels. The method enables stem cells to be cultivated in a scalable process for the first time, without losing their pluripotentiality. Different types of vessels are suitable for cultivation, such as e.g. spinners and bioreactors. The option of precisely setting the cultivation conditions in said vessels aids the process of obtaining a pluripotentiality of the stem cells. the inventive method also permits large yields of stem cells of an unvarying quality to be produced.