Abstract: The present invention provides a method of maintaining and amplifying pluripotent stem cells, including repeating the following steps: (i) suspension culturing pluripotent stem cells until cell aggregates have an average diameter of about 200-about 300 ?m, (ii) fragmenting the cell aggregates obtained by step (i) into cell aggregates having a uniform average diameter of about 80-about 120 ?m. In step (i), a suitable viscosity is conferred to the medium to prevent movement of floating cell aggregates and adhesion and fusion of cell aggregates. In step (ii), the cell aggregates are mechanically fragmented into smaller uniform cell aggregates by passing the cell suspension through a mesh.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the in vitro differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells, which have been expanded and/or maintained under defined conditions, into endodermal precursor cells (EPCs) that are capable of producing mono-hormonal beta 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 to methods for enhancing differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes and/or inducing chondrogenesis. The invention also relates to applications in the treatment of diseases which can affect cartilage (chondrodystrophies). The present invention also relates to methods of treatment comprising establishing a population of chondrocytes from a population of mesenchymal stem cells, which have been induced to differentiate with a synthetic triterpenoid, and administering the population of cells to a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for differentiating progenitor cells into insulin producing pancreatic islet cells and compositions and methods for using such cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medium composition for transforming stem cells from an aged person into young stem cells, and more particularly to a medium composition for culturing stem cells, which is used to rejuvenate stem cells from an aged person so as to have characteristics similar to those of the stem cells of young people, and to a method for rejuvenating stem cells, which comprises culturing stem cells from an aged person in the medium composition. According to the present invention, even mesenchymal stem cells collected from over 60 years old patients can be transformed into young mesenchymal stem cells having high differentiation ability, high telomerase activity, and high ability to express stem cell markers. Thus, the present invention can significantly increase the efficacy of cell therapy employing mesenchymal stem cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for de-differentiating a cell, i.e. the induction of a pluripotent phenotype. In vivo de-differentiation is carried out using defined factors such as transcription factors, miRNA, DNA, or proteins. This leads to the formation of pluripotent cells, without teratoma formation. Defined factors may be administered to cells such as liver or muscle cells and are useful in therapy.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The invention is generally directed to reducing certain overt symptoms and disease-causing biological events in MDS by administering certain cells to a subject having MDS. The invention is also directed to drug discovery methods to screen for agents that modulate the ability of the cells to affect these events. The invention is also directed to cell banks that can be used to provide cells for administration to a subject, the banks comprising cells having desired potency for affecting these events.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods for differentiating T cells and NK cells in vitro from hematopoietic stem cells or precursor cells. The technology is directed to methods for the production of selected populations of lymphocytes, such as T cells and NK cells. The availability of such cell populations allows for the complete reconstitution of a depleted, defective or missing lymphocyte population in a patient.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment of pathologic conditions of the central nervous system (CNS) by means of intranasal administration of a composition that modulates, by means of RNA interference, the expression and/or activity of genes involved in above-mentioned conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure related to isolated laminin-521, methods for making recombinant laminin-521, host cells that express recombinant laminin-521, and compositions containing laminin-521. Laminin-521 can maintain stem cells in vitro pluripotency, enable self-renewal, and enable single cell survival of human embryonic stem cells. When pluripotent human embryonic stem cells are cultured on plates coated with recombinant laminin-521 (laminin-11), in the absence of differentiation inhibitors or feeder cells, the embryonic stem cells proliferate and maintain their pluripotency. It has also been discovered that human recombinant laminin-521 (laminin-11) provides single cell survival of stem cells after complete dissociation into a single cell suspension. Useful cell culture mediums containing at most 3.9 ng/ml of beta fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) are also described herein.

Abstract: Provided is an isolated human naive pluripotent stem cell (PSC), wherein: (i) when the naive PSC is a female PSC, then said naive female PSC has two unmethylated alleles of an X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) gene; and (ii) when said naive PSC is a male PSC, then said naive male PSC has an unmethylated allele of said XIST gene. Also provided is a culture medium which comprises an ERK1/2 inhibitor, a GSK3beta inhibitor, a p38 inhibitor, a JNK inhibitor, a STAT3 activator and at least one agent selected from the group consisting of: bFGF, TGFbeta 1, a PKC inhibitor, a ROCK inhibitor and a NOTCH inhibitor; or at least agent selected from the group consisting of: a TGFR inhibitor, a FGFR inhibitor, a PKC inhibitor, a ROCK inhibitor and a NOTCH inhibitor.

Abstract: Methods and compositions relating to the production of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) are disclosed. For example, induced pluripotent stem cells may be generated from CD34+ hematopoietic cells, such as human CD34+ blood progenitor cells, or T cells. Various iPS cell lines are also provided. In certain embodiments, the invention provides novel induced pluripotent stem cells with a genome comprising genetic rearrangement of T cell receptors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the provision of a composition comprising a glucocorticoid and a thiazolidinedione for inducing adipogenic differentiation, thereby successfully generating functional stem cells, from non-differentiated embryonic or adult stem cells originating from humans or other mammals, special preference being given to human mesenchymal stem cells. The preferred glucocorticoid is dexamethasone and the preferred thiazolidinedione is rosiglitazone. However, the invention extends to the families of both compounds.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to cell culture vessels comprising fabricated cell culture surfaces providing means for efficient corneal endothelial cell growth and the use of the cultured cells in the repair of corneal tissue damage.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of efficiently producing corneal endothelial cells, particularly from corneal stroma or iPS cell-derived neural crest stem cells, a method of producing corneal endothelial cells stably in a large amount by inducing more efficient differentiation of stem cells into corneal endothelial cells, and a medicament containing corneal endothelial cells. The method of inducing differentiation of stem cells into corneal endothelial cells includes a step of culturing the stem cells in a differentiation induction medium containing a GSK3 inhibitor (preferably a GSK3? inhibitor) and retinoic acid, with the differentiation induction medium preferably further containing one or more of TGFb2, insulin, a ROCK inhibitor, and the like.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide: a cancer stem cell isolated using a cell marker; a substantively homogeneous cancer stem cell population including said cancer stem cell; and a method of preparing said cancer stem cell population. Another objective of the present invention is to provide: a method for separating cancer stem cells with a high proliferative potential and those with a low proliferative potential; a method for inducing cancer stem cells to have a different proliferative potential; and cancer stem cells separated or induced by these separation or induction methods. A further objective of the present invention is to provide: a method of screening for pharmaceuticals using said cancer stem cell or cancer stem cell population; a method for detecting the presence of said cancer stem cell or cancer stem cell population and for identifying or quantifying the same.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating and/or reducing the severity of multiple sclerosis in a human, by administering autologous mesenchymal stem cell-derived neural precursors. Also described is an in vitro method for differentiating mesenchymal stem-cell derived neural precursor oligodendroglial and neuronal cell types.

Abstract: The present invention relates to female germline stem cells and their progenitors, methods of isolation thereof, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and methods described herein include somatic cells that are competent for reprogramming and malignant transformation and are characterized by a reduction of the levels of Sp100 in the cells, cells having markers of pluripotent stem cells, and methods for preparing same. Methods for reversably regulating aging or reprogramming to pluripotency in a somatic cell involve modulating the expression of Sp100 therein. Methods and compositions for retarding the growth of or suppressing unwanted cell proliferation involve expressing, inducing expression of, or upregulating, Sp100 in a targeted cell that is undergoing unrestricted proliferation or replication or increasing exposure to Sp100 in the environment or microenvironment of the targeted cell. Also disclosed are methods for treating a proliferative disease or condition by increasing expression or levels of Sp100 in the targeted cell or its environment.

Abstract: Described herein are synthetic, modified RNAs for changing the phenotype of a cell, such as expressing a polypeptide or altering the developmental potential. Accordingly, provided herein are compositions, methods, and kits comprising synthetic, modified RNAs for changing the phenotype of a cell or cells. These methods, compositions, and kits comprising synthetic, modified RNAs can be used either to express a desired protein in a cell or tissue, or to change the differentiated phenotype of a cell to that of another, desired cell type.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 2 (TNFR2), in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 2 (TNFR2). The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of TNFR2.

Abstract: A human immature endocrine cell population and methods for making an immature endocrine cell population are provided. Specifically, immature beta cells and methods for production of immature beta cells are described. Immature beta cells co-express INS and NKX6.1 and are uni-potent and thereby develop into mature beta cells when implanted in vivo. The mature beta cells in vivo are capable of producing insulin in response to glucose stimulation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for repair and reconstitution of invertebral discs in a subject which involves administration of STRO-1+ multipotent cells. The method of the invention is useful in the treatment of spinal conditions characterized by degeneration of the invertebral disc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure for tissue regeneration and to a production method therefor. The structure for tissue regeneration according to the present invention allows autologous tissue to be used, makes stable transplantation possible and can be produced without additional materials such as biopolymers. Also, it can be produced to a diameter of any desired size from a number of microns to a number of centimeters and can easily be produced in volume, and it contains large amounts of the extracellular matrix GAG, collagen and the like and can be used in tissue regeneration or filling in various fields including dermatology, plastic surgery, dentistry, surgery, orthopaedic surgery, urology, otolaryngology or in obstetrics and gynaecology.

Abstract: A major object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing induced pluripotent stem cells with low tumorigenesis potential and high induction efficiency. The invention provides a method for producing induced pluripotent stem cells comprising the step of introducing one or more nucleic acids that facilitate expression of at least one gene selected from the group consisting of NANOG, SOX2, OCT3/4, KLF4, LIN28, and c-MYC into somatic cells.

Abstract: The present invention concerns Vgll3 a new target involved in adipogenesis modulation. Further, the present invention relates to methods to increase Vgll3 activity in adipocytes and preadipocytes. In addition, pharmaceutical composition comprising Vgll3 activity enhancing molecules in order to enhance the Vgll3 activity in a target tissue are also provided. These methods, compositions and molecules can be useful to modulate adipogenesis and thus treat obesity and related disorders.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing cells within a lineage (lineage restricted cells) from post-mitotic differentiated cells of the same lineage ex vivo and in vivo, and for treating a subject in need of tissue regeneration therapy by employing these lineage-restricted cells. In addition, the production of lineage restricted cells from postmitotic tissues derived from patients with diseases allows for a characterization of pathways that have gone awry in these diseases and for screening of drugs that will ameliorate or correct the defects as a means of novel drug discovery. Also provided are kits for performing these methods.

Abstract: The methods of the present application describe that introduction of physiologically relevant miRNAs can enhance or modulate somatic cell reprogramming, generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). These miRNAs did not further enhance reprogramming in the presence of cMyc. Furthermore, unlike previously described methods of generating iPS cells, such as through the introduction of genetic elements using viruses, the methods of the present invention reduce the risk of activating oncogenes in the iPS cells. The methods of the invention generate iPS cells that can be free of genetic modifications and thus have greater potential for use as therapeutic agents than those generated by existing methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of preparing aggregated pluripotent stem cell clusters for differentiation. Specifically, the invention discloses methods of differentiating pluripotent cells into beta cell, cardiac cell and neuronal cell lineages using suspension clustering. The methods involve preparing the aggregated cell clusters followed by differentiation of these clusters.

Abstract: Provided are an in-vitro cell colony culture device and use thereof, the in-vitro cell colony culture device comprising: a micro-patterned template having a micro-patterned cavity, and adhesive hydrogel formed on the lower surface of the micro-patterned template, and the micro-patterned cavity defining the growth space of the cell colony. An upper template can be retained or removed as required to from a monolayer cell micro-pattern or a multiplayer cell micro-cluster.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the production of photoreceptor cells and photoreceptor progenitor cells from pluripotent stem cells. Additionally provided are compositions of photoreceptor cells and photoreceptor cells, as well as methods for the therapeutic use thereof. Exemplary methods may produce substantially pure cultures of photoreceptor cells and/or photoreceptor cells.

Abstract: A novel cytosolic 58 kd phosphoprotein induced during bone marrow stem cell (BM) differentiation into dendritic cells (DC) during in vitro cultivation with the cytokine GM-CSF by addition of antisera to an 82 kd BM cell surface protein generating cultivatable dendritic progenitor cells (DP). Genes, methods for preparing them as well as early DP have been provided. Potential uses/advantages lie in the study of BM differentiation and innate immunity due to stimulatory/inhibitory DC, contribution of BM and DP to inflammation during infection and carcinogenesis, tumor promotion/regression, identification of BM-derived blood cells, T-cell activation/regulation/tolerance and inflammation.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods or reactivating a latent Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in a cell. The methods comprise modulating a level of NF-fB activity in the cell by contacting the cell with an agent that produces a transient first increase in the level of NF-fB activity without a second delayed increase in NF-fB activity. Optionally, a second agent is used to prime the reactivation. Also provided herein is an isolated Massilia bacterium or population thereof capable of producing a HIV-1 reactivating factor (HRF). The HRF can, for example, comprise a Massilia flagellin polypeptide or fragment thereof. Also provided are methods of culturing the Massilia bacteria. Further provided are methods of reactivating a latent Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) infection in a subject comprising administering to the subject a HIV-1 reactivating factor produced by Massilia bacteria, optionally with a priming agent.

Abstract: A composition for delivery of an angiogenesis inducing agent, including a temperature-sensitive liposome, a vascular cell-specific antibody, and an angiogenesis inducing agent, a tissue culture obtained using the composition, an artificial tissue including the tissue culture, and a method for preparing an artificial tissue are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds, compositions and methods for treatment and/or prevention of neurodegenerative diseases, including but not limited to autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, in which demyelination, (the loss of the myelin sheath that insulates the nerves) is an associated or causative feature. The data provided demonstrate the utility of the compounds and compositions according to this invention to promote oligodendrogenesis and myelination or remyelination.

Abstract: Method for the isolation, expansion and preservation of cardiac stem cells from human or animal tissue biopsy samples to be employed in cell transplantation and functional repair of the myocardium or other organs. Cells may also be used in gene therapy for treating cardiomyopathies, for treating ischemic heart diseases and for setting in vitro models to study drugs.

Abstract: A method for preparing neoplastically transformed cells from human-derived cells, including the step of introducing human telomerase catalytic subunit (hTERT) gene, SV40 small T antigen (SV40ST) gene, and an antisense oligonucleotide derived from human 28S rRNA into the human-derived cells. The method for preparing neoplastically transformed cells from human-derived cells can be utilized when a variety of human normal cells are induced to be neoplastically transformed in order to elucidate cancer onset mechanisms, so that the method can be effectively utilized in search of target molecules for a new medicament.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of treating neurological deficits resulting from injury or disease to the striatum or substanta nigra pars compacta of a human by administering human recombinant GDF5 to the striatum or substanta nigra pars compacta of a human in amounts effective to induce cell populations having the capacity to differentiate towards a dopaminergic phenotype to in fact differentiate towards a dopaminergic phenotype, and to neurotrophic compositions and matrices suitable for use in such treatments.

Abstract: A method of enhancing cell engraftment potential is provided. The method comprising ex-vivo or in-vitro subjecting a population of cells to an amount of nicotinamide for a period of time sufficient to effect the population of cells, thereby enhancing cell engraftment potential.

Abstract: A method for efficient generation of neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, osteoclasts, dendritic cells an Langerhans cells from human embryonic stem cells is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of using anti-ILT5 antibodies and ILT5-binding fragments thereof to induce an immunostimulatory effect in a T cell when such a T cell is contacted with an antigen presenting cell (APC) that has been previously contacted with the anti-ILT5 antibody or ILT5-binding fragment. Also disclosed herein are methods of using anti-ILT5 antibodies and ILT5-binding fragments thereof to inhibit a response in a T cell (e.g., a pro-liferative response) when such a T cell is concomitantly contacted, or has previously been contacted, with an APC, which APC is simultaneously contacted with the anti-ILT5 antibody or ILT5-binding fragment. Also disclosed herein are methods of using anti-ILT5 antibodies and ILT5-binding fragments thereof for the treatment of various diseases and for use as immunostimulatory adjuvants.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions that increase the mobilization, homing, expansion, and/or differentiation of stem cells and methods of using the same for the treatment of mammals.

Abstract: The present inventions describes a method that, starting from pluripotent cells, leads to the obtainment, in a reproducible and efficient manner, of endodermal cells precursor. These cells reveal useful also for application in the regenerative therapy.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention are directed to methods for inducing an immunologic response to a tumor in a patient using mature dendritic cells transfected with a nucleic acid composition encoding one or more tumor antigens and loaded with a corresponding tumor antigen composition.

Abstract: The present inventions are directed to compositions and methods regarding the reprogramming of other cells (such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), MSCs, fibroblasts, hematopoietic stem cells, endothelian stem cells, adipocytes, chondrocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts and endothelial cells) into chondrogenic cells without introducing exogenous genes to the samples. In particular, the present inventions are directed to transducible materials that are capable of transducing into the biological samples but are not genes or causing genetic modifications. The present inventions also are directed to methods of reprogramming the path of biological samples or treating diseases using the tranducible compositions thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides disc stem cells, processes for obtaining and culturing disc stem cells, and methods for repairing damaged or diseased disc tissue comprising the use of the disc stem cells of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing chondrocytes, improving the phenotype of a chondrocyte population, promoting chondrogenesis, maintaining a cell population in a differentiated state or increasing the number of cells of a population in a differentiated state, producing a population of differentiated cells, and treating certain diseases or disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the finding that Zscan4 is an early embryonic factor that facilitates cellular reprogramming. In particular, Zscan4 can replace the oncogenic reprogramming factor c-Myc to produce induced pluripotent stem cells when co-expressed with Klf4, Oct4 and Sox2. In addition, several Zscan4-dependent genes were identified that promote iPSC formation when co-expressed with known reprogramming factors. Thus, the present disclosure provides an ex vivo method of producing an iPS cell by reprogramming of a somatic cell. The method includes contacting the somatic cell with a Zscan4, or a Zscan4-dependent gene, and at least one reprogramming factor. Also provided are iPS cells produced by the disclosed method and non-human animals generated from such iPS cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to discogenic cell populations, methods of deriving, and methods of using them. The presently described discogenic cell populations may be used to restore or regenerate damaged, diseased, or missing intervertebral discs of a subject. The presently described discogenic cell populations can be derived from and administered or implanted into a subject, or may be derived from an unrelated donor.