Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for diagnosing cancer, determining cancer prognosis, and identifying cancer subtypes for a variety of cancers. Also disclosed herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the field of human stem cells and includes methods and compositions for isolating, propagating, and differentiating human stem cells. The invention provides therapeutic uses of the methods and compositions, including autologous transplantation of treated cells into humans for treatment of Parkinson's and other neuronal disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to the stable transfection of neurons with DNA encoding proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and replication factor C (RFC). Also, co-transfection of a functional gene along with the DNA encoding PCNA and RFC causes stable integration of the functional gene.

Abstract: A method is provided for inducing DNA synthesis in differentiated neurons. According to certain embodiments of the invention, a method for inducing DNA synthesis in a differentiated neuron is provided that includes obtaining a vector comprising nucleic acid encoding an E2F regulator and/or an E1A regulator, wherein the vector can be used to express the nucleic acid in a differentiated neuron, and transfecting a differentiated neuron with the vector.

Abstract: A method is provided for inducing DNA synthesis in differentiated neurons. According to certain embodiments of the invention, a method for inducing DNA synthesis in a differentiated neuron is provided that includes obtaining a vector comprising nucleic acid encoding an E2F regulator and/or an E1A regulator, wherein the vector can be used to express the nucleic acid in a differentiated neuron, and transfecting a differentiated neuron with the vector.

Abstract: The invention relates to the stable transfection of neurons with DNA encoding proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and replication factor C (RFC). Also, co-transfection of a functional gene along with the DNA encoding PCNA and RFC causes stable integration of the functional gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to the stable transfection of neurons with DNA encoding proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and replication factor C (RFC). Also, co-transfection of a functional gene along with the DNA encoding PCNA and RFC causes stable integration of the functional gene.

Abstract: A method is provided for inducing DNA synthesis in differentiated neurons. According to certain embodiments of the invention, a method for inducing DNA synthesis in a differentiated neuron is provided that includes obtaining a vector comprising nucleic acid encoding an E2F regulator and/or an E1A regulator, wherein the vector can be used to express the nucleic acid in a differentiated neuron, and transfecting a differentiated neuron with the vector.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method of converting, or transdifferentiating the epidermal cells into viable neurons useful in both cell therapy and gene therapy treatment methodologies. The method of transdifferentiating epidermal cells into neuronal cells comprises the following steps: obtaining skin cells from a patient; dedifferentiating these cells with an appropriate medium, neurotrophin or cytokine; transfecting the skin cells with one or more expression vector(s) encoding at least one neurogenic transcription factor or active fragments thereof; expressing at least one of the neurogenic transcription factors; growing the transfected cells in an appropriate medium; and adding to the medium one or more antisense oligonucleotide(s) corresponding to at least one negative regulator of neuronal differentiation, whereby the epidermal cells are transdifferentiated into neuronal cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for inducing expression of neurotrophic factor receptors trkB and trkC in neurons. The compositions include a material that activates a nuclear hormone receptor, a material that activates the second messenger response system, and a material that elevates Ca.sup.2+.