Abstract: Articles and methods for stem cell differentiation are generally described. In some embodiments, an article for stem cell differentiation may comprise an oxygen permeable substrate having at least a portion of a surface coated with a matrix. The matrix may allow the surface chemistry of the substrate to be altered, such that the cell-substrate surface interactions may be finely controlled without substantially affecting the oxygen permeability of the substrate. The surface chemistry may be altered to promote directed stem cell differentiation by, e.g., modification of the matrix surface with a specific density of biological molecules. In some embodiments, methods for stem cell differentiation may comprise directing the differentiation of stem cells on the articles, described herein, under suitable environmental conditions.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for directing adipose-derived stromal cells cultivated in vitro to differentiate into cells of the chondrocyte lineage are disclosed. The invention further provides a variety of chondroinductive agents which can be used singly or in combination with other nutrient components to induce chondrogenesis in adipose-derived stromal cells either in cultivating monolayers or in a biocompatible lattice or matrix in a three-dimensional configuration. Use of the differentiated chondrocytes for the therapeutic treatment of a number of human conditions and diseases including repair of cartilage in vivo is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes new hybrid hydrogel scaffolds comprised of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene (block) copolymer (a “poloxamer”) and a self-assembling peptide, which maintain the mechanical and bioactive properties of its individual constituents (as compared to when the individual constituents are scaffolds or hydrogels by themselves). The hydrogels of the invention can include a combination of materials from different origins or with different properties that provides a hybrid material that meets the multiple needs of a scaffold for tissue engineering.

Abstract: The invention relates to the derivation of mesoangioblast-like (MAB-like) cells from pluripotent cells such as induced pluripotent (IPS) and embryonic stem (ES) cells, to cells obtained thereby and to medical uses of such cells, in particular in the treatment of muscular dystrophies.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for muscle repair or regeneration comprising administering therapeutically effective amounts of RAR agonists or stem cells that are pretreated with contact with a RAR agonist to a subject at a site of muscle damage. Additionally, the invention provides compositions comprising RAR agonist treated stem cells and methods of use of said cells for muscle repair or regeneration. In one embodiment, the stem cells are mesenchymal stem cells. In one embodiment, the RAR agonist is an RAR? agonist. In one embodiment, administration of the RAR agonist is begun during a period of increased endogenous retinoid signaling in the subject resulting from incurrence of the damaged muscle tissue.

Abstract: Among others, the present invention provides devices for cell or tissue culture, comprising a three-dimensional structure, which further includes fibrils with beads and/or particles. The present invention also relates to novel methods for manufacturing devices for cell or tissue culture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds and methods for inducing neuronal differentiation in normal neural stem cells and brain cancer stem cells. The methods may take place in vitro, such as in isolates from the adult mammalian brain, or in vivo. Compounds and methods described herein may find use in the treatment of neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, the repair and regeneration of the nervous system, and in treatment of neurologic malignancy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ex vivo method for preparing induced paraxial mesoderm progenitor (iPAM) cells, said method comprising the step of culturing pluripotent cells in an appropriate culture medium comprising an effective amount of an activator of the Wnt signaling pathway and an effective amount of an inhibitor of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling pathway.

Abstract: There is presently provided mutant Sox2, Sox7 and Sox17 proteins that have acquired or increased ability to induce pluripotency in a partially differentiated or fully differentiated cell. Sox7 and Sox17 are mutated to resemble in part Sox2, or Sox2 is mutated to resemble in part Sox7 or Sox17. In one aspect, the Oct4 contact interface of Sox7 or Sox17 is mutated. In another aspect, the high mobility group (HMG) of Sox2 is fused to the C-terminal activation domain of Sox7 or Sox17. Methods relating to inducing pluripotency using a mutant Sox2, Sox7 or Sox17 protein are also provided.

Abstract: A method for modifying silk polymer by coupling a chemical moiety to a tyrosine residue of a silk polymer is described herein for the purpose of altering the physical properties of the silk protein. Thus, silk proteins with desired physical properties can be produced by the methods described herein. These methods are particularly useful when the introduction of cells to a mammal is desired, since modifications to the silk protein affect the physical properties and thus the adhesion, metabolic activity and cell morphology of the desired cells. The silk protein can be modified to produce, or modify, a structure that provides an optimal environment for the desired cells.

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: Aspects of the invention relate to methods and compositions for characterizing or modulating the expression of metabolic mesenchymal genes. In some embodiments, methods for assessing the expression of metabolic mesenchymal genes and related gene signatures are provided that are useful for cancer classification, prognosis, diagnosis, or treatment selection.

Abstract: The present invention relates in part to nucleic acids encoding proteins, nucleic acids containing non-canonical nucleotides, therapeutics comprising nucleic acids, methods, kits, and devices for inducing cells to express proteins, methods, kits, and devices for transfecting, gene editing, and reprogramming cells, and cells, organisms, and therapeutics produced using these methods, kits, and devices. Methods for inducing cells to express proteins and for reprogramming and gene-editing cells using RNA are disclosed. Methods for producing cells from patient samples, cells produced using these methods, and therapeutics comprising cells produced using these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a technique of suppressing tumorigenesis in IPS cells and inducing differentiation into target differentiated cells. In use of a statin and a differentiation inducer, iPS cells are differentiated into target differentiated cells, whereby iPS cells can be differentiated into differentiated cells in which tumorigenesis is suppressed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a type of cell—potential regenerative cell (PRC) capable of continuous proliferation, and generated mammal (including human) cells, tissues and tissue-organs by in vitro culture and replication of PRCs. The present invention also relates to the methods and cell growth regulators for culturing mammal (including human) PRCs, tissues, and tissue-organs.

Abstract: Methods of generating cell lines with a sequence variation or copy number variation of a gene of interest, methods of use thereof, and cell lines with a sequence variation or copy number variation of a gene of interest are provided.

Abstract: Methods are described for using compositions containing platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of a variety of tissue lesions, and the use of compositions containing platelet-rich plasma to accelerate or complete the differentiation of a cell line. Particularly, use of platelet-rich plasma in conjunction with cell differentiation.

Abstract: This present invention provides novel methods for deriving embryonic stem cells and embryo-derived cells from an embryo without requiring destruction of the embryo. The invention further provides cells and cell lines derived without embryo destruction, and the use of the cells for therapeutic and research purposes. It also relates to novel methods of establishing and storing an autologous stem cell line prior to implantation of an embryo, e.g., in conjunction with reproductive therapies such as IVF.

Abstract: The present invention relates to applications of an immune system-released activating agent (ISRAA) polypeptide, which is induced by a nervous stimulus and which has been found to mediate the transmission of signals between the immune system and the nervous system following an immune challenge. Here, the ISRAA polypeptide is for use in a method of treatment of patients with immunodeficiency, immunosuppression or autoimmune disease; cancer; neurologic diseases and disorders; or muscular diseases and disorders.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an in vitro method for promoting proliferation, survival, and/or differentiation of K14+, K17+ nail stem cells (NSCs). The instant methods may be used to generate an expanded population of K14+, K17+ NSCs in vitro and expanded NSC populations in which a Wnt pathway is activated are envisioned as therapeutic agents. Methods for screening to identify agents capable of modulating K14+, K17+ NSC proliferation, survival, and/or differentiation are also encompassed herein, as are isolated, pure populations of homogeneous K14+, K17+ NSCs.

Abstract: An isolated human cell is disclosed comprising at least one mesenchymal stem cell phenotype and secreting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), wherein a basal secretion of the BDNF is at least five times greater than a basal secretion of the BDNF in a mesenchymal stem cell. Methods of generating same and uses of same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medium for growing vascular lineage cells is described. The vascular lineage cell growth medium includes an oligosaccharide-based hydrogel and a growth factor that promotes vascularization by vascular lineage cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for reducing expression of GCCR mRNA and protein in an animal. Such methods, compounds, and compositions are useful to treat, prevent, delay, or ameliorate metabolic disease, for example, diabetes, or a symptom thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of differentiating stem cells into muscle cells by growing the cells in a myogenic culture medium. The differentiated cells can be used as a source of cells for transplantation in a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include methods and compositions related to the production and use of clonal lineages of embryonic progenitor cell lines derived from differentiating cultures of primordial stem cells. In particular, said methods and compositions relate to methods of differentiating cells in the presence of agents that inhibit the signaling of the TGF beta family members of growth factors and the applications of said cell lines in the treatment of diseases such as degenerative muscle disorders, cancer, and vascular disease.

Abstract: This document relates to compositions containing cardiogenic factors, to methods to obtain cells by culturing initial cells in the presence of such factors; and methods of administering the obtained cells to heart tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process which enables optimal aggregation of cells, typically of stem cells, promoting the organisation thereof and advantageously the differentiation thereof, in particular in the context of the formation of a tissue substitute. This process comprises exposing pretreated cells to a magnetic field and makes it possible to obtain large cell aggregates, even prepared in the absence of support matrix and/or of growth factor. The invention also relates to the cell aggregates that can be obtained using such a process and also to the uses thereof as tissue initiators with a view to obtaining a tissue structure of interest in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo. Moreover, it relates to the resulting tissue structures and to the uses thereof in research or in therapy as tissue substitutes. The present application also provides a method which advantageously makes it possible to monitor the development of the tissue of interest in vivo.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing an orexin neuron by culturing a pluripotent stem cell or a neural progenitor cell in the presence of N-acetyl-D-mannosamine and optionally in the presence of at least one inhibitor selected from the group consisting of a Sirtuin 1 inhibitor and an O-linked ?-N-acetylglucosamine transferase inhibitor. The invention also provides a therapeutic agent for narcolepsy or eating disorders, such as anorexia, containing N-acetyl-D-mannosamine, which is based on the induction of orexin neuron in vivo.

Abstract: Methods of efficiently converting primate pluripotent stem cells to GABA neurons or cholinergic neurons, as well as applications thereof, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for production of undifferentiated or differentiated embryonic stem cell aggregate suspension cultures from undifferentiated or differentiated embryonic stem cell single cell suspensions and methods of differentiation thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions comprising a monolayer of functional retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells attached to a transplantable, biodegradable scaffold. The invention also relates to methods of using these compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a retinal tissue by (1) subjecting pluripotent stem cells to floating culture in a serum-free medium containing a substance inhibiting the Wnt signal pathway to form an aggregate of pluripotent stem cells, (2) subjecting the aggregate to floating culture in a serum-free medium containing a basement membrane preparation, and then (3) subjecting the aggregate to floating culture in a serum-containing medium. The invention also provides a method for producing an optic-cup-like structure, a method for producing a retinal pigment epithelium, and a method for producing a retinal layer-specific neural cell.

Abstract: Novel methods for modulating acute myeloid leukemia stem/progenitor cell expansion and/or differentiation are disclosed. These methods are based on the use of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) modulators and/or compounds of formula I or II Screening assays to identify compounds that may be useful for inhibiting and/or eliminating AML initiating cells using AhR modulators and/or the compounds of formula I or II are also disclosed. The use of pharmaceutically acceptable agonists of the AhR for preventing or inhibiting minimal residual disease (MRD) in an AML patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: We provide for the use of Tbx3 (GenBank Accession Number: NM_005996.3 (SEQ ID NO. 1), NP_005987.3 (SEQ ID NO. 2), NM_016569.3 (SEQ ID NO. 3), NP_057653.3 (SEQ ID NO. 4)) in a method of enhancing or inducing pluripotency in a cell such as a somatic cell. We describe a method of reprogramming a cell, the method comprising modulating the expression and/or activity of Tbx3 in the cell. The cell may become a pluripotent cell such as a stem cell. We further describe a method of causing a cell such as a somatic cell to display one or more characteristics of a pluripotent cell, the method comprising modulating the expression and/or activity of Tbx3 in the cell. The method may further comprise modulating the expression and/or activity of one or more, a combination of or all of Oct4, Sox2 and Klf4 in the cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of modulating mammalian stem cell and progenitor cell differentiation. The methods of the invention can be employed to regulate and control the differentiation and maturation of mammalian, particularly human stem cells along specific cell and tissue lineages. The methods of the invention relate to the use of certain small organic molecules to modulate the differentiation of stem or progenitor cell populations along specific cell and tissue lineages, and in particular, to the differentiation of embryonic-like stem cells originating from a postpartum placenta or for the differentiation of early progenitor cells to a granulocytic lineage. Finally, the invention relates to the use of such differentiated stem or progenitor cells in transplantation and other medical treatments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cell differentiation. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for preparing improved cardiomyocyte-like cells differentiated from at least one multipotent or pluripotent cell, comprising a step of contacting the cardiomyocyte-like cell(s) with at least one agent to promote and/or induce integrin subunit alpha-V (integrin ?v) activity, thereby modulating expression of at least one cardiac gene of said cardiomyocyte-like cells. It also relates to a method for screening for an agent capable of improving cardiomyocytes differentiated from at least one multipotent or pluripotent cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to equine amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cells (eAM-MSCs) and a preparation method thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to equine amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cells, which show negative immunological responses to all of the human markers CD19, CD20, CD28, CD31, CD34, CD38, CD41a, CD62L, CD62P and CD200, and positive immunological responses to all of the human markers CD44, CD90 and CD105, and have the ability to be maintained in an undifferentiated state for 14 passages or more and the ability to differentiate into ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm-derived cells.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for modulating the differentiation of a myeloid derived suppressor cell (MDSC). In particular, described herein are miR-142 polynucleotides and miR-223 polynucleotides that can be used to modulate differentiation of MDSCs. Increased differentiation of a MDSC population, or cells within an MDSC population, can be achieved by increasing the miR-142 and/or miR-223 polynucleotides in a MDSC.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel microcarrier bead; a method for producing same; a therapeutic comprising said microcarrier bead and attached thereto or grown thereon at least one selected cell or tissue type; a method for making said therapeutic; and a method of treatment involving the use of said microcarrier bead or said therapeutic.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and uses of neural cells differentiated from adult stem cells of the oral mucosa for cell therapy of neurological and psychiatric diseases and disorders. Methods for direction of differentiation of oral mucosal stem cells into neuronal or neuron supporting cells are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the seminal discovery that several kinases play important roles in barrier pathways in somatic cell reprogramming. The present invention provides that modulating expression or activity of these kinases can significantly promote or enhance cell reprogramming efficiency. Key kinases are identified and key regulation networks involving such kinases are also identified that may be advantageously targeted to significantly increase reprogramming efficiency as well as direct differentiation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.

Abstract: Provided are methods useful in increasing efficiency of biotransport, reprogramming or altering a cell's state of differentiation, and maintenance of cells in an undifferentiated state.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for obtaining neural stem cells from a mammalian embryonic or inducible pluripotent stem cell population comprising culturing mammalian embryonic or inducible pluripotent stem cells in a cell culture medium having a leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), and an inhibitor of transforming growth factor ? (TGF-?) under suitable conditions and obtaining isolated neural stem cells therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for conditionally immortalizing stem cells, including adult and embryonic stem cells, the cells produced by such methods, therapeutic and laboratory or research methods of using such cells, and methods to identify compounds related to cell differentiation and development or to treat diseases, using such cells. A mouse model of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and cells and methods related to such mouse model are also described.

Abstract: There is provided a method of retarding differentiation of a biological cell, the method comprising culturing the cell in the presence of an inhibitor of E-cadherin activity. The method is particularly advantageous in retarding the differentiation of stem or progenitor cells, and allows suspension culture of such cells in a manner that enables large scale expansion of cell populations. There is also provided a stem or progenitor cell comprising a construct encoding an inhibitor of E-cadherin activity; and a cell culture medium, for use in the retardation of biological cell differentiation, comprising an inhibitor of E-cadherin activity.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a differentiation inhibiting agent which allows culture of a stem cell or an embryonic stem cell in an undifferentiated state without use of any feeder cell, a method for culturing using the same, a cell culture liquid using the same, and a cell prepared by culturing using this differentiation inhibiting agent. The present invention provides a differentiation inhibiting agent which comprises a low molecular weight compound, especially a tetrahydroisoquinoline derivative, as an active ingredient; a method for safely culturing a stem cell in large scale in undifferentiated state in the absence of feeder cell which comprises culturing a stem cell by using a tetrahydroisoquinoline derivative; a culture liquid for stem cells comprising a tetrahydroisoquinoline derivative; and a cell which is obtained by culture using a tetrahydroisoquinoline derivative as a differentiation inhibiting agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, agents and compound screening assays for inducing differentiation of undifferentiated mammalian cells into osteoblasts. The invention thus provides a method, comprising contacting a compound with a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID No: 194-309; and measuring a compound-polypeptide property related to the differentiation of said cells. The invention further relates to a bone formation enhancing pharmaceutical composition, and the use thereof in treating and/or preventing a disease involving a systemic or local decrease in mean bone density in a subject. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the in vitro production of bone tissue.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) compositions targeting the genes encoding negative regulators of MHC expansion (e.g. AhR, Itch, Prox1 and/or SH2B3), and methods of using such dsRNA compositions to inhibit expression of negative regulators of MHC expansion. The use of such compositions to provide, for example, enhanced quantitites and/or qualities of MHCs and/or hematopoietic progenitor cells for transplantation and/or to enhance engraftment of transplanted MHCs hematopoietic progenitor cells is described.

Abstract: A method of increasing differentiation of a cell line of glioblastoma cells is disclosed. A platelet-rich plasma (PRP) composition is prepared. The glioblastoma cells are cultured in the PRP composition for a time period sufficient for differentiation of the glioblastoma cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, kits and methods for making and using RNA compositions comprising in vitro-synthesized ssRNA inducing a biological or biochemical effect in a mammalian cell or organism into which the RNA composition is repeatedly or continuously introduced. In certain embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for changing the state of differentiation or phenotype of a human or other vertebrate cell. For example, the present invention provides mRNA and methods for reprogramming cells that exhibit a first differentiated state or phenotype to cells that exhibit a second differentiated state or phenotype, such as to reprogram human somatic cells to pluripotent stem cells.