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

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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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 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: The present invention relates to a composition for maturing dendritic cells, comprising, as a maturation-promoting factor, Interleukin-1? (IL-1?), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF-?), Interferon-? (IFN-?), Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), Picibanil (OK432) and/or Poly IC. The composition for maturing dendritic cells of the present invention may have the effects of not only improving the ability of dendritic cells to induce an immune response, but also of decreasing the antigen non-specific immune response of dendritic cells and increasing antigen-specific immune response of dendritic cells, thus maximizing the effects of immunotherapy.

Abstract: A composition includes an isolated cell; at least one particle within said cell; and at least one active agent associated with the particle, wherein the active agent is capable of being released from the cell. A method includes administration of such a cell to a subject.

Abstract: Methods of inducing thrombopoiesis and/or treating thrombocytopenia in a subject are provided. Accordingly there is provided a method comprising contacting stem cells with a differentiation potential towards platelets or hematopoietic progenitor cells derived therefrom with Livin, thereby inducing thrombopoiesis. Also provided is a method comprising contacting cells with a differentiation potential towards platelets with tLivin, thereby inducing thrombopoiesis. Also provided are compositions and isolated population of cells for inducing thrombopoiesis and/or treating thrombocytopenia in a subject.

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.

Abstract: Dendritic cell precursor populations, dendritic cell populations derived therefrom, methods for isolating, expanding and using are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided that exploit thermostable FGF-1 proteins for support of human pluripotent stem cell cultures. Also provided are compositions containing thermostable FGF-1 for culturing of human pluripotent stem cells.

Abstract: Methods and small molecule compounds for stem cell differentiation and treatment of animals with diseases are provided. One example of a class of compounds that may be used is represented by the compound of Formula I and II: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein A, X, Q, R1, R2, R3, R4 are as described herein.

Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to a synthetic compound, Oxy133, having the structure [Formula I] or a bioactive or pharmaceutical composition comprising Oxy133 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods are also disclosed for using the compound or bioactive or pharmaceutical composition to treat a variety of disorders, including e.g. bone disorders, obesity, cardiovascular disorders, and neurological disorders.

Abstract: Provided is a matrix for promoting survival and differentiation of cells transplanted thereon, comprising a base matrix and a cell-made matrix thereon. Methods and means for making and using same are also provided. Also provided are conditioned media, related compositions, related methods, and related packaging products.

Abstract: There is provided a method for preventing disruption and aggregation of stem cells. In addition, there is provided a stem cell composition for intravascular administration, in which stem cells are suspended in a solution containing aspirin. Further, there is provided a composition for preventing disruption or aggregation of stem cells, in which stem cells are suspended in a solution containing aspirin. According to the present invention, disruption and aggregation of cells may be prevented during transport or storage, such that the administered stem cells may stably reach the target tissue and exhibit the activity thereof in a more efficient manner, thereby remarkably increasing the effect of cell therapy using stem cells.

Abstract: Methods are presented for the therapeutic administration of angiocidin in the treatment of cancers such as glioma, breast cancer, and leukemia. Methods are also presented for inducing growth arrest and/or apoptosis of tumor cells, as well as inducing differentiation of tumor cells to inhibit tumorigenicity and to confer a non-tumor or healthy phenotype.

Abstract: We disclose a method comprising: (a) providing an embryonic stem (ES) cell; and (b) establishing a progenitor cell line from the embryonic stem cell; in which the progenitor cell line is selected based on its ability to self-renew. Preferably, the method selects against somatic cells based on their inability to self-renew. Preferably, the progenitor cell line is derived or established in the absence of co-culture, preferably in the absence of feeder cells, which preferably selects against embryonic stem cells. Optionally, the method comprises (d) deriving a differentiated cell from the progenitor cell line.

Abstract: The present invention involves the use of transcription factors including Tbx5, Mef2C, Hand2, myocardin and Gata4 to reprogram cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes, both in vitro and in vivo. Such methods find particular use in the treatment of patients post-myocardial infarction to prevent or limit scarring and to promote myocardial repair.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of mitotically and/or lethally inactivated stem cells for the repair of damaged organs and/or tissues. Stem cells are mitotically and/or lethally inactivated and transplanted into damaged tissue. Any form of ex vivo inactivation of stem cells may be used such that the stem cells cannot undergo mitosis or cell division before in vivo application. Mitotically and/or lethally inactivated stem may be used to ameliorate numerous disease, injury, traumatic, ischemic, aging, and/or degenerative conditions in different types of organs and/or tissues.

Abstract: This invention relates to PCIFl and its use as a target for the improvement of pancreatic islet ? cell mass and function in diabetes. Specifically, the invention relates to the use of compounds capable of modulating the expression or function of PClFl and their effect on the function of Pdx-1.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods related to culturing stable Treg cells or in vivo expansion of stable Treg cells, the cells made by the methods, treatments for various inflammatory/autoimmune pathologies and transplant/graft rejection, and related materials. Ex vivo induction and expansion of the stable Tregs is described, including use of inducing compositions, such as certain mAbs and other compounds, along with expansion medium comprising IL-2. In vivo expansion of stable Treg cells and treatments for various inflammatory/autoimmune pathologies and transplant/graft rejection are described, including the use of mAbs and their variants.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods of producing induced pluripotent (iPS), multipotent, and/or lineage-committed stem cells from differentiated cells, maintaining iPS, multipotent, and/or lineage-committed cells in culture, and re-differentiating the iPS and multipotent stem cells into any desired lineage-committed cell type.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to generating suppressor cells by treating naive T cells with a suppressor-inducing composition such as anti-CD3, anti-CD28, IL-2, TGF-?, or some combination thereof. Such suppressor cells are administered to patients to prevent or treat immune disorders and are allogeneic to the patient.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to methods, assays, and compositions relating to causing a cell to assume a more pluripotent state, e.g. without introducing foreign genetic material.

Abstract: There are provided compositions and methods for modulating stem cell division, in particular, division symmetry. It has been demonstrated that Wnt7a polypeptide fragments promoting symmetrical expansion of stem cells. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful, for example, in modulating stem cell division symmetry in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo, in replenishing and expanding the stem cell pool, and in promoting the formation, maintenance, repair and regeneration of tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides biomatrix scaffolds, a tissue extract enriched for extracellular matrix components and bound growth factors, cytokines and hormones, and methods of making and using same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for in vitro differentiation of a population of blood circulating cells, such as monocytes and preferably pluripotent macrophages derived therefrom, into cells displaying functional and phenotypic neuronal characteristics. The invention further encompasses neuronal-like cells obtainable according to the present method, compositions comprising said cells, and applications thereof.