Abstract: Methods are provided for producing a cardiomyocyte population from a mammalian pluripotent stem cell population. Aspects of the methods include using a Wnt signaling agonist and antagonist, each in minimal media, to modulate Wnt signaling. Also provided are kits for practicing the methods described herein.

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: Methods for preparing progenitor cells are described where epithelial cells are induced to undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition as a result of exposure to an inducing agent or introduction of a gene therein that induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Progenitor cells resulting therefrom have use in cell-based therapies, among other utilities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for priming T cells suitable for administration to a patient having a tumor. The invention is also directed to the composition obtained by the method and uses thereof.

Abstract: A novel process for preparing tumor-specific T cells is disclosed. According to the invention, antitumor-active, tumor-specific T cells are prepared by transducing a TCR gene from a tumor-specific CTL into antitumor-active T cells that have been nonspecifically activated, thus enabling tumor-specific cellular immunotherapy to be carried out from even small amounts of blood. MHC class I-restricted, tumor-specific Th cells are obtained by the method, allowing for the production of cells that react with tumor cells expressing an MHC class I molecule and show a helper activity and an antitumor activity.

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 utilizing a CYP26A inhibitor to produce a population of pancreatic endocrine precursor cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are therapeutic, activated leukocyte conditioned supernatants, methods of making them, and methods of using the conditioned supernatants to repair or promote healing of wounds.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of culturing cells, particularly maintaining the differentiation potential of a population of cells with differentiation potential. The methods involve contacting cells with an inhibitor of miRNA-181a* and/or incubation in a serum-free medium. A serum-free medium is also provided. Also provided are progeny stem cells, methods of obtaining them, and uses thereof.

Abstract: A composition and method for generating patient- or person-specific proliferative and substantially pure cardiac myocyte cell lines from pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is described herein. The patient-specific cardiac myocyte cell lines of the present invention find applications in research, drug screening and autologous cell-based therapy. The method of the present invention is simple and reproducible and generates cardiac myocyte cells having high purities and proliferating capacities.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a method of producing pancreatic cells or pancreatic cell precursors by exposing human embryonic stem cells to an effective amount of at least one compound listed in Table I to differentiate the human embryonic stem cells into the pancreatic cells or the pancreatic cell precursors. Kits and pancreatic cell lines produced using the methods are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of proliferating stem cells. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of glycosaminoglycans or proteoglycans to promote the growth of stem cells in ex vivo culture, while preserving their multipotentiality.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant proteins comprising the amino acid sequence of an intracellular segment of CD40 and an amino acid sequence mediating the association of the recombinant protein with the constant region of an immunoglobulin heavy chain. The recombinant proteins according to the present invention are—useful for inducing clonal expansion of a B cell having a predetermined antigen-specificity without the need for T cell or CD40L mediated co-stimulation. Thus, the present invention provides tools for clonal expansion of B cells specific for an antigen of interest and the production of B cells secreting antibodies specific for an antigen of interest. The recombinant proteins of the present invention may also be used for generating fully human monoclonal antibodies with a predetermined antigen-specificity from the B cell repertoire of a human subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing primate retinal progenitor cells, comprising culturing primate embryonic stem cells as suspended aggregates in a serum-free medium, and obtaining retinal progenitor cells from the culture. The present invention further provides a method of producing photoreceptor precursor cells, comprising culturing isolated retinal progenitor cells differentiated from embryonic stem cells, under adhesive conditions, in the presence of a gamma secretase inhibitor, and obtaining a photoreceptor precursor from the culture.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of generating an induced pluripotent stem cell; as well as nucleic acids and genetically modified host cells useful in generating iPSCs. The present disclosure provides iPSCs, and methods of use of same.

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 increase the expression of NGN3 and NKX6.1 in populations of cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide vectors for conveniently and efficiently producing ES-like cells in which foreign genes are not integrated into the chromosome. The present inventors discovered methods for producing ES-like cells from somatic cells using chromosomally non-integrating viral vectors. Since no foreign gene is integrated into the chromosome of the produced ES-like cells, they are advantageous in tests and research, and immunological rejection and ethical problems can be avoided in disease treatments.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for influencing the stability of an antibody producing cell, comprising directly or indirectly influencing the amount of BCL6 and/or Blimp 1 expression product within said antibody producing cell. Stable antibody producing cells and cell lines are also provided, as well as methods for producing antibodies using such cells and/or cell lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for culturing stem cells, particularly embryonic stem cells. Specifically, the invention relates to a culture medium that supports proliferation of substantially undifferentiated stem cells, while maintaining potency of the cells. An an embodiment, the culture medium is defined and supports proliferation of substantially undifferentiated embryonic stem cells in essentially serum free and feeder cell free conditions. Compositions for making the medium and methods using the culture medium are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a corticosteroid and an insulin analog. Further provided is a composition comprising a corticosteroid, insulin lispro and at least one organic acid. The present invention also provides methods of stimulating bone and/or cartilage growth by administering the formulation described herein for the treatment of bone fractures and cartilage damage. Further provided are the methods for the treatment of tumors and cysts of the jaw by administering the formulation described herein.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for differentiating stem cells along the pancreatic lineage as well as large scale culture methods. The present invention further provides pancreatic progenitor cells derived from stem cells to provide pancreatic cells to a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods, compositions, and kits of producing an induced pluripotent stem cell from a mammalian non-pluripotent cell using exogenous transcription factors.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for establishing and maintaining growth of undifferentiated stem cells. In particular, the present invention provides synthetic growth matrices for stem cells, wherein said cells are capable of going through multiple passages while remaining in an undifferentiated state.

Abstract: The present application describes the new methods for the differentiation of primate pluripotent stem cells into cardiomyocyte-lineage cells. The methods utilize sequential culturing of the primate pluripotent stem cells in certain growth factors to produce cardiomyocyte-lineage cells. In certain embodiments of the invention, the population of cells produced by the sequential culturing is further enriched for cardiomyocyte-lineage cells so as to produce a higher percentage of those cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adult retinal cell line isolated from extra-retinal ocular tissue, and methods of isolating adult retinal cells from extra-retinal ocular tissue. The present invention is further directed to adult retinal stem cells isolated from vestigial tissue dissected from the eye of a donor mammal suffering from persistent fetal vasculature. The present invention is further directed to a culture medium for growing or maintaining retinal stem cells, and methods of maintaining adult retinal cells in culture. The present invention is further directed to methods of treating a treating an eye with retinal dystrophy using retinal stem cells, and an eye with glaucomatous injury with retinal stem cells. The present invention is further directed to kits for harvesting extra-retinal ocular tissue comprising a sterile container and a harvesting solution, wherein the kit allows the survival of the tissue until later dissociation of cells from the tissue.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to methods for reproducibly generating substantial amounts of endothelial cells from amniotic cells. The endothelial cells generated in accordance with the present methodology, as well as therapeutic methods utilizing these cells, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of inducing differentiation of stem into myogenic cells without gene manipulation and for inducing proliferation of satellite cells. The cells can be used as a source of cells for transplantation in a subject in need thereof. Also disclosed is a screening assay for screening test compounds using blastomere cultures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, nucleic acids and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumor-associated cytotoxic T cell (CTL) peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. The present invention relates to 95 novel peptide sequences and their variants derived from HLA class I molecules of human tumor cells that can be used in vaccine compositions for eliciting anti-tumor immune responses.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and materials for producing a more developmentally potent cell from a less developmentally potent cell. Specifically exemplified herein are methods that comprise introducing an expressible dedifferentiating polynucleotide sequence into a less developmentally potent cell, wherein the transfected less developmentally potent cell becomes a more developmentally potent cell capable of differentiating to a less developmentally potent cell of its lineage of origin or a different lineage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of inducing Foxp3 expression in a T cell comprising (i) stimulating a T cell (ii) inhibiting signalling via PI3K alpha or PI3K delta or m-TOR or Akt in said T cell, wherein said inhibition is commenced 10 to 22 hours after the stimulation of (i). The invention also relates to certain uses of PI3K inhibitors, PI3K inhibitors for particular uses, and kits.

Abstract: Thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1), TSP-2, interleukin 17B receptor (IL-17BR) and heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) associated with stem cell activity and use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the generation of a mucin-producing cell using stem/progenitor cells obtained from the amniotic membrane of umbilical cord and therapeutic uses of such mucin-producing cells.

Abstract: Methods are provided for isolating lineage-specific cells from a population of cells using molecular beacons which bind to mRNA markers and then isolating the lineage specific cells from the population of cells based on the label of the molecular beacon.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of generating natural killer (NK) cells and dendritic cells (DCs). The methods utilize human hemangioblasts as intermediate cells to generate the NK cells and DCs. In various embodiments, the methods do not require the use of stromal feeder layers.

Abstract: Animal cells, notably adult fibroblasts, are advantageously reprogrammed in direct lineage reprogramming methods using defined factors to produce proliferative and multipotent induced cardiac progenitor cells (iCPC). The iCPC thus produced can be differentiated under suitable differentiation conditions to cardiac lineage cells including cardiomyocytes, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells, as evidenced by expression of lineage specific markers. Sets of factors effective in combination to reprogram the fibroblasts can include a set that includes some or all of 5 factors (Mesp1, Baf60c, Nkx2.5, Gata4, Tbx5), a set that includes some or all of 11 factors (Mesp1, Mesp2, Gata4, Gata6, Baf60c, SRF, Isl1, Nkx2.5, Irx4, Tbx5, Tbx20), a set that includes some or all of 18 factors (T, Mesp1, Mesp2, Tbx5, Tbx20, Isl1, Gata4, Gata6, Irx4, Nkx2.5, Hand1, Hand2, Tbx20, Tbx18, Tip60, Baf60c, SRF, Hey2), and a set that includes some or all of 22 factors (T, Mesp1, Mesp2, Tbx5, Tbx20, Isl1, Gata4, Gata6, Irx4, Nkx2.

Abstract: The invention concerns human platelet extracts rich in growth factors (PGF) for wound healing and stem cell expansion. Accordingly the subject invention relates to a virally-inactivated growth factors-containing platelet lysate depleted of PDGF and VEGF, which is preferably enriched in TGF, IGF and EGF-rich. The present invention further concerns a method for obtaining a platelet lysate comprising the steps of contacting a starting platelet concentrate with a solvent and/or a detergent, incubating the starting platelet concentrate with the solvent and/or detergent for a period of at least 5 minutes to 6 hours, at a pH maintained in a range from about 6.0 to about 9.0, and at a temperature within the range of from 2° C. to 50° C., optionally removing the solvent and/or the detergent by oil extraction and obtaining an aqueous protein phase, and incubating the solvent and/or detergent-treated platelet concentrate or the aqueous protein phase with charcoal.

Abstract: Soluble proteins, e.g. Hevin, can trigger synapse formation; and other soluble proteins, e.g. SPARC antagonize this activity. Such proteins are synthesized in vitro and in vivo by astrocytes. Methods are provided for protecting or treating an individual suffering from adverse effects of deficits in synaptogenesis, or from undesirably active synaptogenesis.

Abstract: Methods for de-differentiating or altering the life-span of desired “recipient” cells, e.g., human somatic cells, by the introduction of cytoplasm from a more primitive, less differentiated cell type, e.g., oocyte or blastomere are provided. These methods can be used to produce embryonic stem cells and to increase the efficiency of gene therapy by allowing for desired cells to be subjected to multiple genetic modifications without becoming senescent. Such cytoplasm may be fractionated and/or subjected to subtractive hybridization and the active materials (sufficient for de-differentiation) identified and produced by recombinant methods.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a cell aggregate containing a ciliary marginal zone-like structure by culturing a cell aggregate containing a retinal tissue in which Chx10 positive cells are present in a proportion of 20% or more of the tissue in a serum-free medium or serum-containing medium, each containing a substance acting on the Wnt signal pathway for only a period before the appearance of a RPE65 gene expressing cell, followed by culturing the “cell aggregate in which a RPE65 gene expressing cell does not appear” thus obtained in a serum-free medium or serum-containing medium, each not containing a substance acting on the Wnt signal pathway and so on.

Abstract: Provided herein are an isolated or enriched population of tumor initiating cells derived from normal cells, cells susceptible to neoplasia, or neoplastic cells. Methods of use of the cells for screening for anti-hyperproliferative agents, and use of the cells for animal models of hyperproliferative disorders including metastatic cancer, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic methods are provided.

Abstract: Specific binding members, particularly antibodies and fragments thereof, which bind to transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-?1) are provided, particularly recognizing human and mouse TGF-?1 and not recognizing or binding TGF-?2 or TGF-?3. Particular antibodies are provided which specifically recognize and neutralize TGF-?1. These antibodies are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with activated or elevated TGF-?1, including cancer, and for modulating immune cells and immune response, including immune response to cancer or cancer antigens. The anti-TGF-?1 antibodies, variable regions or CDR domain sequences thereof, and fragments thereof may also be used in therapy in combination with chemotherapeutics, immune modulators, or anti-cancer agents and/or with other antibodies or fragments thereof. Antibodies of this type are exemplified by the novel antibodies hereof, including antibody 13A1, whose sequences are provided herein.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the production of dendritic cells from monocytes that have been incubated at a temperature of 1° C.-34° C. for a period of approximately 6 to 96 hours from the time they are isolated from a subject. After the incubation period, the monocytes can then be induced to differentiate into dendritic cells. Mature dendritic cells made by the methods of the invention have increased levels of one or more of CD80, CD83, CD86, MHC class I molecules, or MHC class II molecules as compared to mature dendritic cells prepared from monocytes that have not been held at 1° C.-34° C. for at least 6 hours from the time they were isolated from a subject. Dendritic cells made by the methods of the invention are useful for the preparation of vaccines and for the stimulation of T cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of cell cultures and tissues from undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells using three-dimensional biomimetic materials. The resultant cell cultures or tissues can be used in any of a number of protocols including testing chemicals, compounds, and drugs. Further, the methods and compositions of the present invention further provide viable cell sources and novel cell delivery platforms that allow for replacement of diseased tissue and engraftment of new cardiomyocytes from a readily available in vitro source. The present invention includes novel methods required for the successful production of cell cultures and tissues, systems and components used for the same, and methods of using the resultant cell and tissue compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for promoting maturation of islet cells from pre-weaned mammals for the purpose of optimizing the islets for their use as donor tissue for xenotransplantation. The method of the invention removes the pancreas from donor animals and reduces the pancreas tissue to fragments that are greater than the size of an intact islet while retaining islets in their whole, insulin-producing condition. The method of the invention also serially cultures the digested tissue in novel maturation media that enhance the glucose responsiveness of the cultured islets, and selects islets that are sufficiently glucose-responsive for use in transplantation procedures.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of inducing differentiation of a mammalian myoblast into a mammalian myocyte that include contacting a mammalian myoblast with an oligonucleotide that decreases Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4 (Map4k4) mRNA expression in a mammalian myoblast or myocyte. Also provided are methods of inducing mammalian myoblasts or myocytes to form a myotube that include contacting two or more mammalian myoblasts or two or more mammalian myocytes with an oligonucleotide that decreases Map4k4 mRNA expression in a mammalian myoblast or myocyte. Also provided are methods of identifying a candidate agent useful for inducing muscle formation, and compositions containing an oligonucleotide that decreases Map4k4 mRNA expression in mammalian myoblast or myocyte and one or more additional muscle therapeutic agents and/or muscle-building neutraceuticals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for deriving novel stem cells from the mammalian early neural plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for the isolation and propagation of cells. For example, embodiments of the present invention relate to isolation and propagation methods for the manufacture of a large number of cells for use, for example, in biotherapeutic devices, such as devices for renal replacement therapy for the treatment of acute renal failure (ARF), acute tubular necrosis (ATN), multi-organ failure (MOF), sepsis, cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Abstract: Methods for generating and using omentum cells, and particularly stromal cells and/or omentum stem cells, in medical treatments such as tissue repair and regeneration to facilitate healing from traumatic injury to an abdominal organ, and immune modulation treatments such as suppression of immune responses and inflammation and prevention of tissue fibrosis. According to one aspect, a medical procedure is performed on a patient that involves harvesting omental tissue from the patient, and then transferring the omental tissue to an organ of the patient. At least a portion of the harvested omental tissue may be activated prior to transferring the omental tissue to the organ. Alternatively, the transferred omental tissue may comprise non-lymphoid cells isolated from the omentum tissue and obtained by homogenizing at least a portion of the harvested omental tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for differentiating pluripotent stem cells such as ES cells with improved progenitor and differentiated cell yield using low oxygen conditions and optionally in the absence of exogenously added differentiation factors.

Abstract: We disclose a method of preparing a conditioned cell culture medium, the method comprising the steps of: (a) culturing a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), a descendent thereof or a cell line derived therefrom in a cell culture medium; and (b) optionally isolating the cell culture medium; in which the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) is obtained by propagating a cell obtained by dispersing a embryonic stem (ES) cell colony, or a descendent thereof, in the absence of co-culture in a serum free medium comprising FGF2.

Abstract: An elastomeric substrate comprises a surface with regions of heterogeneous rigidity, wherein the regions are formed by exposing the elastomeric substrate to an energy source to form the regions such that the regions include a rigidity pattern comprising spots.