Abstract: This invention provides a system for obtaining cells of the chondrocyte lineage by differentiating primate pluripotent stem cells. The process involves culturing the cells as a micromass or other aggregate form in a cocktail of differentiation agents that facilitates outgrowth of the desired cell type. Progeny are capable of synthesizing Type II collagen or aggrecan, or other products that are characteristic of the chondrocyte lineage. Chondrocytes and chondrocyte precursor cells obtained according to this disclosure are suitable for use in both research and clinical therapy.

Abstract: This invention provides populations of mesenchymal cells obtained from pluripotent stem cells by differentiating them ex vivo. Multipotent mesenchymal cells can in turn be differentiated into more specialized cell types such as osteoblasts, with properties that make them suitable for reconstituting musculoskeletal cell function in an individual. The compositions, methods, and techniques described in this disclosure can be used for a variety of commercially important diagnostic, drug screening, and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: This invention provides populations of mesenchymal cells obtained from pluripotent stem cells by differentiating them ex vivo. Multipotent mesenchymal cells can in turn be differentiated into more specialized cell types such as osteoblasts, with properties that make them suitable for reconstituting musculoskeletal cell function in an individual. The compositions, methods, and techniques described in this disclosure can be used for a variety of commercially important diagnostic, drug screening, and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: BMP-9 compositions and methods for their use are disclosed. The BMP-9 compositions act as a differentiating factor for the cholinergic phenotype of CNS neurons. The compositions may be used in the treatment of diseases and disorders caused by degeneration and/or malfunctioning of cholinergic neurons.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for efficiently producing differentiated cells from pluripotent cells, such as human embryonic stem cells. Rather than permitting the cells to form embryoid bodies according to established techniques, differentiation is effected directly in monolayer culture on a suitable solid surface. The cells are either plated directly onto a differentiation-promoting surface, or grown initially on the solid surface in the absence of feeder cells and then exchanged into a medium that assists in the differentiation process. The solid surface and the culture medium can be chosen to direct differentiation down a particular pathway, generating a cell population that is remarkably uniform. The methodology is well adapted to bulk production of committed precursor and terminally differentiated cells for use in drug screening or regenerative medicine.

Abstract: This disclosure provides improved methods for obtaining populations of dopaminergic neurons from pluripotent stem cells. The process involves taking a population of neural precursor cells derived from a line of human embryonic stem cells, and culturing the cells in a medium that contains a neurotrophin, either cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) or a compound that elevates intracellular cAMP levels, and optionally an antioxidant such as ascorbic acid. Cell populations have been obtained that contain a high proportion of cells staining for tyrosine hydroxylase, which is a feature of dopaminergic neurons. The neural progenitors and terminally differentiated neurons of this invention can be generated in large quantities for use in drug screening and the treatment of clinically important neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Purified Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)-9 proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed. The proteins may be used in the treatment of bone and cartilage defects and in wound healing and related tissue repair, and in hepatic growth and function.