Abstract: Technology is provided for the transfer of human blastocyst-derived stem cells (hBS cells) to a feeder-free culture system and propagation of the cells in such a feeder-free culture system, the method comprising the following steps of (a) transferring the blastocyst-derived stem cells from feeder to feeder free culture by mechanical treatment, (b) culturing the blastocyst-derived stem cells under feeder cell free growth conditions in a suitable growth medium and/or on a suitable support substrate, and (c) optionally passaging the blastocyst derived stem cell line every 3-10 days by enzymatic and/or mechanical treatment. The application of hBS cells cultured under a feeder-free condition in medicine (e.g., myocardial regeneration) and screening and toxicity testing also is provided.

Abstract: A method for the transfer of human blastocyst-derived stem cells (hBS cells) to feeder-free culture system and propagation of the cells in such a feeder-free culture system, the method comprising the following steps of (a) transferring the balstocyst-derived stem cells from feeder to feeder free culture by mechanical treatment, (b) optionally, culturing the blastocyst-derived stem cells under feeder cell free growth conditions in a suitable growth medium and/or on a suitable support substrate, and (c) optionally passaging the blastocyst derived stem cell line every 3-10 days by enzymatic and/or mechanical treatment. The invention also relates to the application of hBS cells cultured under feeder free condition in medicine (e.g., myocardial regeneration) and screening and toxicity tests.

Abstract: The present invention relates to complexes of the FOXC2 protein with other proteins, in particular complexes of FOXC2 with proteins designated p621, NOLP, HSC71, FTP3, CLH1, and Kinase A Anchor Protein 84/149 (AKAP). The protein complexes can be used in methods of identifying agents useful for the treatment of medical conditions that can be treated by modulated FOXC2 activity, such as obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, diet-induced insulin resistance, and/or type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: According to the invention, a major role for the winged helix protein FKHL14/FOXC2 in regulating energy balance and adiposity is demonstrated. The invention relates to transgenic non-human mammalian animals being capable of expressing the human FKHL14/FOXC2 gene in its adipose tissue. The invention also relates to methods for identifying compounds useful for the treatment of medical conditions related to obesity or diabetes, said compounds being capable of stimulating expression of the human FKHL14/FOXC2 gene, or being capable of stimulating the biological activity of a polypeptide encoded by the human FKHL14/FOXC2 gene. The invention further relates to methods for identifying compounds useful for the treatment of medical conditions related to malnutrition, said compounds being capable of decreasing expression of the human FKHL14/FOXC2 gene, or being capable of decreasing the biological activity of a polypeptide encoded by the human FKHL14/FOXC2 gene.