Abstract: A double-stranded nucleic acid molecule including (a) a sense strand which includes a nucleotide sequence corresponding to a target sequence indicated by any one of SEQ ID Nos.: 1 to 21, and (b) an antisense strand which includes a nucleotide sequence complementary to that of the sense strand specified in (a), wherein the double-stranded nucleic acid molecule is for suppressing the expression of at least one of APP and EBAG9 genes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the ability of adipose tissue-derived adult stem cells to migrate, and more particularly to the novel use of adipose tissue-derived adult stem cells primed with a specific chemokine or growth factor and their specific secretory products, which more effectively migrate to a disease site in vivo. The inventive composition containing either adipose-derived adult stem cells or adipose tissue-derived adult stem cells primed with a specific chemokine or growth factor can be administered by a simple method such as intravenous administration and are able to induce the targeting of the stem cells to a disease site. Thus, the composition is useful as a cell therapeutic agent.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved obtaining induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. For example, methods and materials for increasing the efficiency for making iPS cells as well as methods and materials for selecting iPS cells are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, kits, and compositions for reducing an innate immune system response in a human or animal cell, tissue or organism. One embodiment comprises: introducing an Agent mRNA comprising in vitro-synthesized mRNA encoding one or more proteins that affect the induction, activity or response of an innate immune response pathway; whereby, the innate immune response in the cell, tissue or organism is reduced compared to the innate immune response in the absence of the Agent mRNA. Other embodiments are methods, compositions and kits for using an Agent mRNA for treating a disease or medical condition in a human or animal that exhibits symptoms of an elevated innate immune system, or for reducing an innate immune response that is induced in a human or animal cell, tissue or organism by a Foreign Substance that is administered to the cell, tissue or organism.

Abstract: An agent for inducing production of megakaryocytes and/or platelets from pluripotent stem cells which is useful for treatment of disease accompanied by a decrease in platelets is provided. A method for producing megakaryocytes and/or platelets, including separating hematopoietic progenitor cells from the septal cells in sac-like structures produced by pluripotent stem cells, and culturing the hematopoietic progenitor cells ex vivo in the presence of a compound represented by the formula (I) where R1 to R7, W, X, Y, Z, Ar1 and n are as defined in the description to differentiate them into megakaryocytes and/or platelets.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of formula (I), and the use thereof as a drug, particularly for the treatment of tumors associated with hyperactivation of the hedgehog protein signaling pathway, treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, treatment of diseases related to cerebral development (holoprosencephaly), for stem cell monitoring treatment of cerebrovascular accidents and cardiovascular accidents, treatment of diseases involving oligodendrocytes and diseases involving neurolemmocytes, for application thereof in vitro for modulating human or animal stem cell renewal, and for the treatment of diabetes. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions having a compound of formula (I).

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel melanocytes and melanoblasts. In addition, the present invention relates to a novel method for producing melanocytes and melanoblasts. Specifically, provided is novel melanocytes of which gene expression, melanin content, and tyrosinase activity are different from those of conventional melanocytes. Even more specifically, provided is novel melanoblasts of which the gene expression, the melanin content the tyrosinase activity, and the protein expression are different from those of conventional melanocytes. Additionally, provided is a novel method for producing melanocytes or melanoblasts by culturing keratinocytes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the identification of a novel repressor located between ˜1.2 kb to ˜1.6 kb from the translation start site of the IFN-?1 promoter. The present invention provides a method of using siRNAs against ZEB1 (binds to the repressor region) and BLIMP-1 (binds outside the repressor region) and increases the promoter activity of IFN-?1 (i.e., increases the production of IFN-?1 protein). siRNAs against ZEB1 mRNA or BLIMP-1 mRNA increase IFN-?1 gene activity. There is provided a therapeutic application of siRNAs against ZEB1 and BLIMP-1 mRNAs in treating a mammal (including a human) by increasing the production of IFN-?1 protein that promotes an anti-viral response as well as treats asthma diseases.

Abstract: Methods of promoting liver morphogenesis prior to the functioning of blood vessels by culturing liver cells with endothelial cells is provided. Also provided are cell cultures and method of promoting vasculogenesis of liver tissue by contacting liver cells with endothelial cells.

Abstract: The invention provides two types of oligonucleotides for treating an inflammatory disorder: an oligonucleotide which is able of altering the splicing of a pre-mRNA encoding a C5 in order to decrease the amount of a C5a and an oligonucleotide which is able of altering the splicing of a pre-mRNA encoding a IL-1RAcP in order to increase the amount of a soluble IL-1RAcP. The invention further provides the use of said oligonucleotides for preventing or treating an inflammatory disorder.

Abstract: The protein NM23 is disclosed as an agent for the maintenance of undifferentiated biological cells in culture. The NM23 protein may act as a survival factor for such cultured cells, or to prevent the differentiation and maturation of the cultured cells. The use of NM23 protein is applicable to culture of stem and/or progenitor cells, and particularly to such cells cultured and adapted for therapeutic use. The invention provides methods, media and media supplements for use in the culture of biological cells, and further provides methods of preparing biological cells for therapeutic use, as well as methods of therapy utilising biological cells and medicaments comprising biological cells adapted for therapeutic use.

Abstract: A novel population of multipotent cardiac precursor (MCP) cells derived from human blastocysts derived stem cells is disclosed, methods for the preparation thereof and use of the cells for in vitro testing. Basement cells derived from hBS cells are also disclosed and method for the preparation of MCP cells from basement cells. The MCP cells have the following characteristics i) at least 1% of the cells exhibit no antigen expression of one or more markers for undifferentiated cell, the marker being selected from the group consisting of SSEA-3, SSEA-4, TRA-1-60, TRA-1-81 and Oct-4, ii) at least 1% of the cells exhibit no protein expression of one or more of a neural marker including nestin or GFAP iii) at least 1% of the cells exhibit protein and/or gene expression of one or more of a mesodermal marker including brachyury, vimentin or desmin iv) at least 1% of the cells exhibit protein and/or gene expression of Flk-1 (KDR). Furthermore, the MCP cells have a characteristic morphology.

Abstract: A method for maintaining stem cells in the undifferentiated state by mixing the stem cells with at least one extracellular hemoglobin, globin or globin protomer from annelids.

Abstract: A method in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of: concentrating cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells; and causing the mesenchymal stem cells thus concentrated to grow with use of a particular factor while maintaining undifferentiated state of the mesenchymal stem cells.

Abstract: The invention provides cell culture conditions for culturing stem cells, including feeder-free conditions for generating and culturing human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). More particularly, the invention provides a culture platform that allows long-term culture of pluripotent cells in a feeder-free environment; reprogramming of cells in a feeder-free environment; single-cell dissociation of pluripotent cells; cell sorting of pluripotent cells; maintenance of an undifferentiated status; improved efficiency of reprogramming; and generation of a naïve pluripotent cell.

Abstract: A method for producing tissue cells derived from iris pigmented epithelial cells of an animal, and tissue cells obtained by the method are provided. The method and the tissue cells solve problems such as immunological rejection in cell transplantation, ethical issues, and unbalance between the demand and supply of transplant cell sources. In the method of the present invention for producing the tissue cells, first, the iris pigmented epithelial cells isolated from an eyeball of an animal are selectively cultured according to a floated coagulated mass culturing technique so as to obtain pluripotent stem cells. Thereafter, the pluripotent stem cells are cultured by using, for example, serum so as to produce various tissue cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of medical science, in particular to technology directed at repairing defects in living, preferably human, tissue. The present invention provides a method for inducing differentiation of multipotent cells to a desired cell type, as well as a method for repairing a tissue defect in a human or animal patient using the concept of said method for inducing differentiation of multipotent cells. The invention further relates to a kit for carrying out the method for repairing a tissue defect.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and to the creation of cloned animals and cells. The disclosure relates to a method of cloning a mammal, obtaining pluripotent cells such as embryonic stem cells, or for reprogramming a mammalian cell using an oocyte and a fertilized embryo.

Abstract: The present invention provides method, compositions, and systems for generating basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) using FGF8, SHH, LXH8, GBX1, or vectors encoding these ligands, as well as using such BFCNs to treat neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated pluripotent adult stem cells which are obtained from exocrine glandular tissue as well as methods of isolating and culturing these pluripotent stem cells.

Abstract: A method is provided, including adding a phthalide to a stem cell medium to provide a phthalide-containing medium, and then culturing a stem cell using the phthalide-containing medium. The use of a phthalide in a medium for culturing stem cells optionally maintains the pluripotency of stem cells. The phthalide also enhances the generation efficiency of induced pluripotent stem cells to decrease the culture cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a cytotoxic lymphocyte characterized in that the method comprises the step of carrying out at least one of induction, maintenance and expansion of a cytotoxic lymphocyte in the presence of fibronectin, a fragment thereof or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mast cell cultures that are derived from hematopoietic progenitors and the use thereof. The invention describes a method for generating in-vitro cultures of human mast cells with functional phenotype of connective tissue-type mast cells. By monitoring the levels of chemokines released into the medium, such mast cell cultures can be used as a cell-based assay to assess regulation of mast cell functions and pharmacological activities of tryptase inhibitors.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to placental membrane preparations and the methods of preparing and using thereof. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a placental membrane preparation. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of producing a placental membrane preparation. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of treating cartilage using placental membrane preparations.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods of making stable electrically active adult neurons from adult neural tissue. The disclosed compositions can be used with microelectrode arrays in vitro to represent in vivo neural function for drug discovery and for studying neuronal degenerative diseases, neuronal development, and neuronal regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for effecting phenotype conversion in a cell by transfecting the cell with phenotype-converting nucleic acid. Expression of the nucleic acids results in a phenotype conversion in the transfected cell. Preferably the phenotype-converting nucleic acid is a transcriptome, and more preferably an mRNA transcriptome.

Abstract: A method for formulating T-cells for use as a medicant comprises activating the T-cells by incubating the T-cells in a nutrient culture media with an activating agent. The T-cells together with the activating agent are suspended in a media suitable for infusion. The activated T-cells are packaged together with the activating agent in a container suitable for administration to a patient.

Abstract: The identification of differentially expressed microRNAs in patients with Sjögren's syndrome is disclosed herein. Provided is a method of diagnosing a subject as having Sjögren's syndrome by measuring the level of at least one differentially expressed miR gene product identified herein. An alteration in the level of the at least one miR gene product in the biological sample of the subject relative to a control indicates the subject has Sjögren's syndrome. Also provided is a method of treating a patient with Sjögren's syndrome by administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that inhibits expression of a miR gene product that is up-regulated in the patient with Sjögren's syndrome relative to a control, or by administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated miR gene product that is down-regulated in the patient with Sjögren's syndrome relative to a control. A method of restoring salivary flow in a patient with Sjögren's syndrome is also provided.

Abstract: The invention generally regards methods for providing endothelial cells and precursors of endothelial cells from a variety of cell sources, such as pluripotent stem cells. Also provided are therapeutic compositions including the provided endothelial cells, and methods of using them for the treatment of subjects.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cell preparations useful for modulating various peripheral immune functions, methods for making said cell preparations, and methods for their use.

Abstract: Methods for isolating and concentrating bone marrow stromal cells drawn from various surgical sites (for example, the proximal humeral head during rotator cuff repair, or the distal femur during ACL surgery) during arthroscopic or open orthopaedic surgery. The pluripotent cells obtained from the bone marrow aspirate can then be reimplanted during the same surgery to improve healing.

Abstract: A homogenous, symmetrically dividing population of adherent neural stem cells is obtained from ES cells or foetal or adult brain isolates, using an activator of a signalling pathway downstream of a receptor of the EGF receptor family, optionally in combination with an activator of a signalling pathway downstream of an FGF receptor. The neural stem cell population is highly pure and retains the ability to differentiate into neurons after in excess of 100 passages.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to promote the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage that co-express PDX1, NKX6.1, but do not express CDX2 and NGN3.

Abstract: This invention relates to the culture of dendritic cells from human embryonic stem (ES) cells. Human ES cells are first cultured into hematopoietic cells by co-culture with stromal cells. The cells now differentiated into the hematopoietic lineage are then cultured with GM-CSF to create a culture of myeloid precursor cells. Culture of the myeloid precursor cells with the cytokines GM-CSF and IL-4 causes functional dendritic cells to be generated. The dendritic cells have a unique phenotype, as indicated by their combination of cell surface markers.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to promote the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into insulin producing cells. In particular, the present invention provides a method to produce cells capable of producing insulin following transplantation into an animal.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of promoting cell fate change, particularly differentiation of tumor cells, by inhibition of USP1, UAF1, and/or ID (e.g., ID1, ID2, and/or ID3).

Abstract: Provided are methods of isolating a novel cell population of midbrain dopaminergic neuronal progenitor cells derived from stem cells using a novel combination markers. The cell population may be used for cell therapies for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and as substrates in pharmacological assays.

Abstract: Methods and compounds for treating neurological and other disorders are provided. Included is the administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound having binding and/or modulation specificity for a TrkB receptor molecule.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of producing intestinal cells by use of pluripotent stem cells as a starting material. According to the present invention, provided is a method of producing intestinal cells, comprising the steps of: (A) inducing differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into definitive endoderm cells; and (B) culturing the definitive endoderm cells in the presence of (2?Z,3?E)-6-bromoindirubin-3?-oxime (BIO) and N-[(3,5-difluorophenyl)acetyl]-L-Ala-2-phenyl-L-Gly-tert-butyl-OH (DAPT) to thereby induce differentiation of the definitive endoderm cells into intestinal cells.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for efficient differentiation into blood cells. Specifically, in the present invention, when blood cells are produced from pluripotent stem cells such as ES cells or iPS cells in vitro, the cells are cultured under a low oxygen partial pressure to increase the efficiency of differentiating the pluripotent stem cells into hematopoietic progenitor cells, erythroid progenitor cells, and the like, so as to increase the number of finally obtained, desired blood cells.

Abstract: A method of differentiating adult stem cells, such as those derived from a teratocarcinoma cell line, the Ntera2/D1 clone (NT2). The developed cells exhibit a stable neurotransmitter phenotype without the required use of growth factors or retinoic acid in differentiation process, which may be difficult to completely remove during commercial production. An identification of specific neurotransmitters is possible in these differentiated NT2-derived neurons (NT2-N) after 30 days in culture or 30 days survival in vivo. The invention includes a method to stably differentiate neuronal stem/precursor cells to a neuronal phenotype for use in cell replacement therapy for neurodegenerative disease, stroke or spinal cord injury. At least four different types of neurons are produced from this method of differentiation: dopaminergic, cholinergic, GABAergic and glutaminergic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of generating an ex vivo tissue-like system in a bioreactor system capable of supporting continuous production of, and output of cells and tissues and an ex vivo tissue system made therefrom.

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 provides a method for selecting dopaminergic neuron progenitor cells, which comprises detecting any one or more of markers selected from the group consisting of CD15 (SSEA-1), CD24, CD46, CD47, CD49b, CD57, CD58, CD59, CD81, CD90, CD98, CD147, CD184, Disalogangliosid GD2, SSEA-4, CD49f, SERINC4, CCR9, PHEX, TMPRSS11E, HTR1E, SLC25A2, Ctxn3, Cc17, Chrnb4, Chrna3, Kcnv2, Grm2, Syt2, Lim2, Mboat1, St3ga16, Slc39a12, Tacr1, Lrtm1, Dscam and CD201.

Abstract: In one aspect, methods of promoting bone growth are described herein. In some embodiments, a method of promoting bone growth described herein comprises promoting cell differentiation or phenotype progression in a population of bone cells by providing a citrate-presenting composition to the population of bone cells. In some embodiments, the citrate-presenting composition is provided to the bone cells at a first stage of cell development selected to obtain a first cell differentiation or phenotype progression. Additionally, in some cases, a second citrate-presenting composition is further provided to the bone cells at a second stage of cell development selected to obtain a second cell differentiation or phenotype progression.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for readily propagating somatic pancreatic precursor cells. The methods comprise isolating cells from intact pancreatic samples and enhancing guanine nucleotide (GNP) biosynthesis in cultures comprising these cells, thereby expanding guanine nucleotide pools. This in turn conditionally suppresses asymmetric cell kinetics in the cells, thereby generating pancreatic precursor cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing the efficiency of inducing pluripotent stem cells by utilizing genes Jhdm1a that modify histone. By utilizing Jhdm1a, and a stem cell inducing factor, the present invention increases the efficiency of inducing pluripotent stem cells and increases the quality of induced pluripotent stem cells. The stem cell inducing factor is a combination of Oct4 and Klf4, or a combination of Sox2, Oct4, and Klf4, or a combination of Oct4 and Sox2, and Oct4 alone. The method further comprises exposing the cells to vitamin C, which further increases the efficiency of inducing pluripotent stem cells as compared with the case where no vitamin C is used. By using less stem cell reducing factors, the method of the present invention reduces the potential carcinogenicity, obtains a high inducing efficiency, and provides high-quality induced pluripotent stem cells capable of germ-line transmission.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cell cultures comprising PDX1-positive endoderm cells and methods of producing the same. Also disclosed herein are cell populations comprising substantially purified PDX1-positive endoderm cells as well as methods for enriching, isolating and purifying PDX1-positive endoderm cells from other cell types. Methods of identifying differentiation factors capable of promoting the differentiation of endoderm cells, such as PDX1-positive foregut endoderm cells and PDX1-negative definitive endoderm cells, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides, among other things, methods and compositions for expanding stem cells. The invention further provides methods, devices and systems for directing differentiation of expanded stem cells. The invention further provides methods, devices and systems for treating a subject with differentiated cells in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods for improving the survival of pancreatic ?-cell progenitors in culture are provided. Such methods may include contacting a population of pancreatic progenitor cells with an amino acid (aa) sequence comprising IKVAV (SEQ ID NO:1). In other embodiments, methods for (i) verifying the establishment of a population of pancreatic progenitor or stem cells and (ii) methods for generating or establishing a population of pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells in vitro are provided.