Abstract: A cardiac organoid has a first layer that forms an inner part and has cavities. The first layer is at least in part surrounded by a second layer including endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes. The second layer is at least in part surrounded by a third layer including cardiomyocytes and epicardial cells. The third layer is at least in part surrounded by a fourth layer including fibroblast cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stem-cell derived hematopoietic cells, in particular, myeloid cells, preferably, macrophages, their generation and use. In particular, the invention relates to a method of producing hematopoietic, preferably, myeloid cells, comprising cultivating embryoid bodies, which are, e.g., derivable from pluripotent stem cells such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), in suspension culture, to produce myeloid cell forming complexes, which are further cultivated in suspension culture to produce myeloid cells such as macrophages. This allows for a scalable and continuous production, e.g., in industry-compatible stirred tank bioreactors. Macrophages, e.g., macrophages produced with this method that have unique characteristics, can be used in pharmaceutical compositions for treatment of patients, e.g., for treatment of infection such as bacterial infection.

Abstract: The invention provides an in vitro process for producing a cardiac organoid from cultivated pluripotent stem cells, which cardiac organoids reproducibly have a structure of specific cardiac cell layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process of differentiating stem cells, in particular hES cells, into cardiomyocytes and into neural progenitors by growing the hES cells in the presence of a defined medium that is substantially free of xeno- and serum-components and thus comprises a clinically compliant medium. The defined media comprises defined factors that contribute to the promotion of differentiation to cardiomyocytes and neural progenitors. The invention also includes defined culture media and cell populations and methods of using them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the induction of differentiation in human embryonic stem (hES) cells to cardiomyocytes and factors such as prostaglandin I2 (PGI2), Fgf 9, Bmp6, Bmp4, Scf, Igf2, and insulin that influence the process of differentiation to cardiomyocytes. Media that is appropriate for the induction of differentiation of cardiomyocytes from hES cells is also provided wherein the media contains these factors. Genes that are upregulated in the process of cardiomyocyte differentiation are also provided.

Abstract: We disclose a particle comprising a matrix coated thereon and having a positive charge, the particle being of a size to allow aggregation of primate or human stem cells attached thereto. The particle may comprise a substantially elongate, cylindrical or rod shaped particle having a longest dimension of between 50 ?m and 400 ?m, such as about 200 ?m. It may have a cross sectional dimension of between 20 ?m and 30 ?m. The particle may comprise a substantially compact or spherical shaped particle having a size of between about 20 ?m and about 120 ?m, for example about 65 ?m. We also disclose a method of propagating primate or human stem cells, the method comprising: providing first and second primate or human stem cells attached to first and second respective particles, allowing the first primate or human stem cell to contact the second primate or human stem cell to form an aggregate of cells and culturing the aggregate to propagate the primate or human stem cells for at least one passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the induction of differentiation in human embryonic stem (hES) cells to cardiomyocytes and factors such as prostaglandin I2 (PGI2), Fgf 9, Bmp6, Bmp4, Scf, Igf2, and insulin that influence the process of differentiation to cardiomyocytes. Media that is appropriate for the induction of differentiation of cardiomyocytes from hES cells is also provided wherein the media contains these factors. Genes that are upregulated in the process of cardiomyocyte differentiation are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the induction of differentiation in stem cells to cardiomyocytes and factors such as prostaglandin alone or in combination with other factors including essential minerals selected from the group including transferrin and selenium, small molecules selected from the group including a p38 MAPK inhibitor such as SB203580 and protein growth factors of the FGF, IGF and BMP families such as but not limited to IGF1, FGF2, BMP2, BMP4 and BMP6. and insulin that influence the process of differentiation to cardiomyocytes. Media that is appropriate for the induction of differentiation of cardiomyocytes from stem cells is also provided wherein the media contains these factors. The use of cardiomyocytes and cardiac progenitors produced by the directed differentiation in transplantation and screening for cardiac compounds is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the induction of differentiation in stem cells to cardiomyocytes and factors such as prostaglandin alone or in combination with other factors including essential minerals selected from the group including transferrin and selenium, small molecules selected from the group including a p38 MAPK inhibitor such as SB203580 and protein growth factors of the FGF, IGF and BMP families such as but not limited to IGF1, FGF2, BMP2, BMP4 and BMP6. and insulin that influence the process of differentiation to cardiomyocytes. Media that is appropriate for the induction of differentiation of cardiomyocytes from stem cells is also provided wherein the media contains these factors. The use of cardiomyocytes and cardiac progenitors produced by the directed differentiation in transplantation and screening for cardiac compounds is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process of differentiating stem cells, in particular hES cells, into cardiomyocytes and into neural progenitors by growing the hES cells in the presence of a defined medium that is substantially free of xeno- and serum-components and thus comprises a clinically compliant medium. The defined media comprises defined factors that contribute to the promotion of differentiation to cardiomyocytes and neural progenitors. The invention also includes defined culture media and cell populations and methods of using them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the induction of differentiation in stem cells to cardiomyocytes and factors such as prostaglandin alone or in combination with other factors including essential minerals selected from the group including transferrin and selenium, small molecules selected from the group including a p38 MAPK inhibitor such as SB203580 and protein growth factors of the FGF, IGF and BMP families such as but not limited to IGF1, FGF2, BMP2, BMP4 and BMP6. and insulin that influence the process of differentiation to cardiomyocytes. Media that is appropriate for the induction of differentiation of cardiomyocytes from stem cells is also provided wherein the media contains these factors. The use of cardiomyocytes and cardiac progenitors produced by the directed differentiation in transplantation and screening for cardiac compounds is also provided.