Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for enhancing the growth of adult marrow stromal cells.

Abstract: A complex nutrient medium containing compounds that are biocompatible, biomimetic and bioavailable in the skin, but no biological extract of animal or cellular origin, for preparing a topical composition. Said complex nutrient medium has a suitable composition enabling viable in vitro culture of a human epidermal keratinocyte inoculum, with at least one clonal proliferation thereof during the first stage, and without the use of a live nutritive layer. The composition may be used as the active principle, particularly in a cosmetic preparation or a galenic base, and as a carrier capable of potentiating the activity of specific active principles.

Abstract: Provided are APF plant extracts, APF plant extract cell culture media supplements, APF plant extract cell culture media, and APF plant extract cell culture media kits for the support of primary culture and cultivation of normal cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to metal binding compounds which may be added to cell culture media to replace factors required for cultivation of the cells (e.g. transferrin) which are of animal or human origin. More specifically, the invention is directed to metal binding compounds or complexes thereof comprising one or more transition element cations (such as ferrous or ferric ions), which are added to cell and tissue culture medium compositions. The metal binding compounds may be added to the media alone or may be first complexed with a transition metal ion. The invention is also directed to methods of use of such compositions, including, for example, methods for the cultivation of eukaryotic cells, particularly animal cells, in vitro. The invention also relates to compositions comprising such culture media and one or more cells, and to kits comprising one or more of the above-describcd compositions.

Abstract: A substantially enriched mammalian hematopoietic cell subpopulation is provided, which is characterized by progenitor cell activity for myeloid lineages, but lacking the potential to differentiate into lymphoid lineages. This population is further divided into specific myeloid progenitor subsets, including a common myeloid progenitor cells (CMP), megakaryocyte/erythroid progenitor cells (MEP) and granulocyte/monocyte lineage progenitor (GMP). Methods are provided for the isolation and culture of these subpopulations. The CMP population gives rise to all myeloid lineages, and can give rise to the two additional and isolatable progenitor populations that are exclusively committed to either the erythroid/megakaryocytic or myelomonocytic lineages. The cell enrichment methods employ reagents that specifically recognize Thy-1; and IL-7R&agr;, in conjunction with other markers expressed on lineage committed cells.

Abstract: A method is provided for long term culture of proliferating hepatocytes that retain hepatic function to produce a hepatic cell culture. Hepatocytes and nonparenchymal cells are co-cultured ex vivo on a matrix coated with a molecule that promotes cell adhesion, proliferation or survival, in the presence of growth factors, resulting in a long-term culture of proliferating hepatocytes that retain hepatic function. The co-culturing method results in the formation of matrix/hepatic cell clusters that may be mixed with a second structured or scaffold matrix that provides a three-dimensional structural support to form structures analogous to liver tissue counterparts. The method can be used to form bio-articial livers through which a subjects blood is perfused.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell composition containing macrophages, presenting anti-infectious and hematopoietic properties. More particularly, the invention relates to a cell composition containing macrophages, myeloid cells and progenitors; said cell compositions are useful for the restoration of hematopoiesis in an aplasic patient and/or the protection of patients against infectious diseases or against residual tumors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a serum-free supplement which supports the growth of hematopoietic cells in culture. Also provided are a medium comprising a basal medium supplemented with the serum-free supplement of the present invention. The present invention also provides methods for culturing and for differentiating hematopoietic cells.

Abstract: A composition which comprises human mesenchymal stem cells which have the potential to differentiate into cells of more than one connective tissue type and a composition which induces cells from the mesenchymal stem cell population to differentiate into the adipogenic lineage, and a process for inducing such differentiation. The composition for inducing such differentiation comprises a glucocorticoid, a compound which stimulates cAMP production or inhibits cAMP degradation (such as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor), and/or a compound which upregulates peroxisome proliferator activated receptor &ggr; (PPAR &ggr;) expression and/or increases its binding affinity to its DNA binding site. The process can further include isolating the adipocytes from remaining hMSCs.

Abstract: The present invention provides cell culture media formulations which support the in vitro cultivation of animal epithelial cells. The media comprise at least one fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and at least one agent that induces increased intracellular cAMP levels, and optionally comprise ascorbic acid. The present invention also provides methods of cultivating animal epithelial cells in vitro using these cell culture media formulations, kits comprising the media, cell culture compositions comprising the culture media and an animal epithelial cell, and compositions that may be used as replacements for organ or gland extracts in animal cell culture media.

Abstract: Methods for increasing yields of regulatory T cells, useful, e.g., in transplantation contexts. Use of antigen presenting cells and anti-CD28 are also described.

Abstract: A chemically defined mammalian cell culture medium is provided that supports maintenance and long term clonal growth of mammalian hepatocytes and other cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell culture medium including recombinant human alpha-fetoprotein or a cell-stimulating fragment or analog thereof.

Abstract: A chemically defined-serum free growth medium for the in vitro and ex vivo of cells and cell lines. The medium consists of about a one to one ratio (v/v) of two basal growth media containing &agr;-ketoglutarate, insulin, transferrin, selenium, bovine serum albumin, linoleic acid, ceruloplasmin, cholesterol, phosphatidyl-ethanolamine, &agr;-tocopherol acid succinate, reduced glutathione, taurine, triiodothyronine, hydrocortisone, parathyroid hormone, L-ascorbic acid 2-sulfate, &bgr;-glycerophosphate, PDGF, EGF and FGF. Chondrocytes, when cultured in this medium in the presence of a cartilage derived morphogenetic protein or bone morphogenetic protein, retain their cartilaginous phenotype.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions for in vitro fertilization, or for the in vitro culture of follicles, male germinal cells or embryos, said compositions comprising at least two growth factors in association with a compound of the family of corticoids involved in energetic production in mammals. The invention also relates to the culture media obtained with these compositions, these latter being preferably in the form of a lyophilizate. The invention also has for its object processes for the in vitro fertilization and processes for maturation of follicles, of male germinal cells, or embryos using such culture media, as well as kits for the practice of these processes and comprising a lyophilizate as mentioned above and an aqueous solution, if desired commercial, containing other constituents of said culture medium.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for mammalian, avian or piscian reproductive cells and methods for the collection, holding, processing, in vitro fertilization, sexing culturing, or storing (including long-term cryopreservation) of mammalian, avian, or piscian reproductive sperm cells. The compositions comprise a suitable reproductive cell media and a transforming growth factor, an insulin-like growth factor, or zinc, and, optionally, inositol, transferrin, or fructose, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Ligands for flt3 receptors capable of transducing self-renewal signals to regulate the growth, proliferation or differentiation of progenitor cells and stem cells are disclosed. The invention is directed to flt3-L as an isolated protein, the DNA encoding the flt3-L, host cells transfected with cDNAs encoding flt3-L, compositions comprising flt3-L, methods of improving gene transfer to a mammal using flt3-L, and methods of improving transplantations using flt3-L. Flt3 -L finds use in treating patients with anemia, AIDS and various cancers.

Abstract: A process of using a fish plasma component as a nutrient medium component for tissue culture includes obtaining blood from a fish, separating plasma from the blood, and extracting one or more specific components of the plasma. The tissue is cultured using the extracted plasma components, and none of any remainder of the plasma, in a nutrient medium. The tissue cultured using the extracted plasma component is other than fish tissue, such as mammalian tissue or insect tissue.

Abstract: An animal cell culture medium is described which contains 2-hydroxy-2,4,6-cycloheptatrien-1-one or a derivative thereof to support the growth of animal cells, particularly in agitated cell culture at low iron concentrations.

Abstract: Cultures of keratinocyte cells are provided which are free from nonautologous fibroblasts and organ extracts, and which have a high speed of cell amplification for a minimum seeding density. The cultures can be cryopreserved in a buffered isotonic medium containing serum and a cryoprotectant. The cultures are produced by a process that does not involve the use of a feeder layer and organ extracts. A culture medium which can be used contains Medium 199, serum, epidermal growth factor, cholera toxin and/or hydrocortisone, and optionally insulin. A substance for wound healing and for cosmetic applications is derived from cultured human keratinocytes. A non-viable total keratinocyte lysate for use in promoting wound healing is produced by growing keratinocyte cells on a support, detaching the cells from the support, and lysing the detached cells to obtain the lysate which may be frozen and lyophilized.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for expanding cells for use in tissue engineering. In particular the method provides specific biochemical factors to supplement cell culture medium during the expansion process in order to reproduce events occurring during embryonic development with the goal of regenerating tissue equivalents that resemble natural tissues both structurally and functionally. These specific biochemical factors improve proliferation of the cells and are capable of de-differentiation mature cells isolated from tissue so that the differentiation potential of the cells is preserved. The bioactive molecules also maintain the responsiveness of the cells to other bioactive molecules. Specifically, the invention provides methods for expanding chondrocytes in the presence of fibroblast growth factor 2 for use in regeneration of cartilage tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medium for promoting the survival of islet cells, which comprises one or more growth factors in combination with FK506 in amounts having an anti-apoptotic effect on islet cells in a physiologically acceptable culture medium.

Abstract: Nanoemulsions are prepared containing oily droplets of a diameter of less than 100 nm in an aqueous phase. The oily droplets contain a lipophilic substance, and have on their surface an amphoteric emulsifier in an amount of preferably 0.65 to 0.75 parts by weight amphoteric emulsifier for one part by weight of oily component forming the droplets. The oily component of the droplets is preferably a triglyceride containing oleic acid and/or linoleic acid. The nanoemulsions, which may be sterile, are used for delivering into cells the lipophilic substance contained by the oily droplets. This delivery can be used to biotransform the lipophilic substance, promote cell differentiation, growth or biosynthesis of a desired substance, or to test for toxicity of the lipophilic substance.

Abstract: A method for the culture of hematopoietic cells and/or production of human cytokines using immortalized human stromal cell lines is provided. These immortalized stromal cell lines condition media such that the ability of the hematopoietic stem cells to self-replicate and/or differentiate is maintained by the media or the ability of the committed progenitors to expand and/or differentiate is maintained by the media. Further provided are irradiated and non-irradiated immortalized human stromal cells that synthesize cytokines, such as, IL-7, IL-8, IL-11, FLT3L, SCF, LIF, M-CSF, TGF-beta 1, GM-CSF, MIP-1alpha, G-CSF, and MCP-1.

Abstract: A human cell growth medium formulation for culturing human cells of neural crest origin, most preferably corneal endothelial cells, or for accelerating the growth and proliferation of human cells of neural crest origin is disclosed. The formulation for the nutrient medium of the invention includes nerve growth factor, preferably at a concentration of 1-100 ng/ml and most preferably 20 ng/ml. The growth medium formulation preferably also includes epidermal growth factor (preferably at a concentration of 1-200 ng/ml and most preferably 5 ng/ml).

Abstract: The method for obtaining and expanding TcR&ggr;&dgr;+ T cells in culture is described. The method involves: 1) culturing cells from a sample containing TcR&ggr;&dgr;+ T cells or precursors thereof in a first culture medium comprising a T cell mitogen and at least two cytokines and 2) culturing the cells obtained in step 1) in a second culture medium comprising at least two cytolines. Preferably, the method comprises 1) culturing the cells in a first culture medium comprising (a) a T cell mitogen, (b) interleukin-2 and (c) interleukin-4, and 2) culturing the cells obtained in step 1) in a second culture medium comprising (i) interleukin-2 and (ii) interleukin-4 to obtain TcR&ggr;&dgr;+ T cells. The TcR&ggr;&dgr;+ T cells obtained by the method can be used in a variety of experimental, therapeutic and commercial applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a universally-adaptable cell preconditioning and storage medium that can be used for the effective cryopreservation of cells at temperatures less than 4° C. The aqueous medium contains adenosine, a calcium channel blocker, and a nutrient-rich matrix that has a sufficient amount of cell metabolites to sustain the metabolic needs of the harvested cells while incubating the cells for a period of at least 10 minutes, without producing detectable levels of lactate or substantially depleting the metabolic substrates of the cell.

Abstract: A culture medium for avian embryonic cells and an avian cell culture medium is disclosed. The culture medium is characterized in that it has elements complementary to avian embryonic cells. The complementary elements are cytokines, fibroblast growth factors, insulin-like growth factors or stem cell growth factors. The medium is substantially free of active retinoic acid. A method for culturing avian embryonic cells, and the resulting products, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel substituted &agr;-hydroxy acid thereof, represented by the general Formula I: where R1-R5, X and Z are defined herein. The present invention also relates to the discovery that compounds having Formula I are potent inhibitors of caspases and apoptotic cell death. Therefore, the inhibitors of this invention can retard or block cell death in a variety of clinical conditions in which the loss of cells, tissues or entire organs occurs.

Abstract: It has been discovered that when pluripotent stem cells are cultured in the presence of a hepatocyte differentiation agent, a population of cells is derived that has a remarkably high proportion of cells with phenotypic characteristics of liver cells. In one example, human embryonic stem cells are allowed to form embryoid bodies, and then combined with the differentiation agent n-butyrate, optionally supplemented with maturation factors. In another example, n-butyrate is added to human embryonic stem cells in feeder-free culture. Either way, a remarkably uniform cell population is obtained, which is predominated by cells with morphological features of hepatocytes, expressing surface markers characteristic of hepatocytes, and having enzymatic and biosynthetic activity important for liver function.

Abstract: A method for producing human dendritic cells for therapeutic purposes which allows culture-deriving dendritic cells using no cytokines, or reduced cytokines. The method involves culturing mononuclear cells from blood or bone marrow in a medium containing at least one agent such as a calcium ionophore, e.g. A23187, theophylline, protaglandin E1, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, retinoic acid, or a fatty acid. The culture is maintained for a sufficient time, typically 4-14 days, to produce a culture enriched for dendritic cells, as evidenced by at least about 2.5% of total cells exhibiting dendritic cell processes, or a dendritic dell antigen such as CD80, CD86, or CD1a. Also provided is a method to produce antigen-specific human T-cells by pulsing the dendritic cells obtained by the method of the invention with an antigen such as a viral, tumor, bacterial, or cell surface antigen, and then co-culturing T-cells with the antigen-pulsed dendritic cells.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for expanding cells that are not abundant or are difficult to obtain in pure form in culture, are in short supply (e.g., human cells), or have brief lifetimes in culture, using fusion polypeptide. The fusion polypeptide has a first region containing a translocation carrier moiety having the function of a transport polypeptide amino acid sequence from, e.g., herpesviral VP22, HIV TAT, Antp HD, Arg repeats, or a cationic polymer, or from homologues or fragments thereof, and a second region with a polypeptide having cell immortalization activity, a polypeptide having telomerase-specific activity, or a polypeptide having telomerase gene activation activity. The resulting cells of the invention are suitable for use in cell therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel material for activating epidermal cell multiplication on which not only effective adhesion and multiplication of human and mammalian epidermal cells is accomplished also intercellular adhesion is promoted to form a plain cellular layer. The present invention provides a material for activating epidermal cell multiplication which contains silk fibroin of &agr;-type or &agr;-helix X-ray diffraction pattern as a principal constituent. The present material fulfills the principal requirements for activating epidermal cells of greatly improved cellular adhesion rate, multiplication, intercellular adhesion and growth of cell layers.

Abstract: Treatment of tumors, including their metastases, is described. Retrieved cytokines and other molecules from the growth medium of human monocytes stimulated ex vivo with gamma globulin, or other immune stimulators are employed for cancer therapy.

Abstract: The invention discloses a substantially pure population of human pancreatic progenitor cells and methods of isolating and culturing the pancreatic progenitor cells. By carefully manipulating the microenvironment of the pancreatic progenitor cells, multiple passages are attainable wherein the pancreatic progenitor cells do not senesce and furthermore, are capable of becoming functional exocrine or endocrine cells. In addition, several methods of use of human pancreatic progenitor cells are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enzymatic composition capable of killing or inhibiting microbial cells or micro-organisms, e.g. in laundry, on hard surfaces, in water systems, on skin, on teeth or on mucous membranes. The present invention also relates to the use of said enzymatic composition for preserving food products, cosmetics, paints, coatings, etc.

Abstract: This invention discloses a substantially pure population of human Müllerian duct-derived epithelial cells and methods of isolating and culturing the Müllerian duct-derived epithelial cells. By carefully manipulating the microenvironment in which the Müllerian duct-derived epithelial cells are grown, multiple passages are attainable wherein the Müillerian duct-derived epithelial cells are capable of becoming uterine, cervical, vaginal, and oviductal cells. In addition, several uses of human Müllerian duct-derived epithelial cells and cells differentiating therefrom are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A chemically defined mammalian cell culture medium is provided that supports maintenance and long term clonal growth of mammalian hepatocytes and other cells.

Abstract: The materials and methods are particularly useful in media for cell culturing but have other applications as well, such as in tissue engineering. The materials comprise at least one growth factor or other cell growth facilitating substance contained within a polymeric structure which can incorporate the substance and allow controlled release of the substance. Alginate materials are particularly useful as the polymeric structure. Another feature described herein is the above-described materials provided in a lyophilized (freeze-dried) form which greatly enhances their storage life.

Abstract: The present invention provides a serum-free supplement which supports the growth of embryonic stem cells in culture. Also provided are a medium comprising a basal medium supplemented with the serum-free supplement of the present invention. The present invention also provides methods for culturing and isolating embryonic stems cells, methods for producing a transgenic animal, and methods for expressing recombinant protein in embryonic stem cells and transgenic animals.

Abstract: Human epithelial colon immortalized cell line, which does not express tumour markers, which expresses metabolic markers specific for the non-immortalized human epithelial cells and metabolic differentiation markers specific for the non-immortalized epithelial cells of the human colon, and which is capable of adhering in vitro to the strain of lactic acid bacterium CNCM-1225. Serum-free culture medium characterized in that it comprises trace elements, vitamins consisting of vitamin C and retinoic acid, and hormones consisting of triiodothyronine, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, bovine pituary gland extract, insulin, EGF and transferrin. Process for the immortalization of epithelial cells of the human colon, in which a culture of primary epithelial cells derived from the human colon is prepared, the culture is infected with a recombinant virus, the immortalized cells are cultured in the serum-free culture medium according to the invention.

Abstract: A serum-free medium which supports the proliferation and differentiation of CD34+ cells purified from normal bone marrow, peripheral blood of patients treated with cytokines, and umbilical cord blood is described. The recipe for the formulation is given, which provides a medium suitable for the proliferation and differentiation of CD34+ cells for use in human therapeutic protocols. The cells CD34+ cultured in a the medium of the present invention are used in a method for repopulating human host bone marrow.

Abstract: The present invention describes a serum-free medium that promotes the growth and differentiation of erythroid cells, cells that are highly transducible by a non-viral method and genes which increase the growth of erythroid cells and decrease their dependency on Epo. This invention can be used in the expansion of hematopoietic stem cells to produce cultures of erythroid cells as a source of erythroid-specific proteins such as hemoglobin. Hematopoietic stem cells are cultured ex vivo in a serum-free culture medium with the addition of IL-3, SCF and EPO. Cells transfected with the gene described in the present invention can be cultured in the serum-free culture medium with decreased dependency on Epo and other cytokines, thereby reducing the cost of the production of hemoglobin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for using various forms of a novel receptor expressed by hematopoietic and endothelial cells. An additional variant form of this receptor has been detected in brain cells and shown to bind to the obese gene product, leptin. Therefore, leptin may be used to stimulate the growth and development of receptor-positive hematopoietic and endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, this receptor is selectively expressed in hematopoietic progenitor cells with long-term repopulating potential. Thus, agents that specifically bind to this receptor may be used to identify and isolate progenitor cells for a variety of clinical applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions for the in vitro fertilization, or for the in vitro culture of follicles, male germinal cells or embryos, said compositions comprising at least two growth factors in association with a compound of the family of corticoids involved in energetic production in mammals. The invention also relates to the culture media obtained with these compositions, these latter being preferably in the form of a lyophilizate.

Abstract: A method for the culture of hematopoietic cells and/or production of human cytokines using immortalized human stromal cell lines is provided. These immortalized stromal cell lines condition media such that the ability of the hematopoietic stem cells to self-replicate and/or differentiate is maintained by the media or the ability of the committed progenitors to expand and/or differentiate is maintained by the media. Further provided are irradiated and non-irradiated immortalized human stromal cells that synthesize cytokines, such as, IL-7, IL-8, IL-11, FLT3L, SCF, LIF, M-CSF, TGF-beta 1, GM-CSF, MIP-1alpha, G-CSF, and MCP-1.

Abstract: Provided are a cell growth accelerator containing a polyphosphoric acid and a cell growth method in which cells are grown by adding the cell growth accelerator to a medium for cells of animals and plants or by using a glass or plastic cell cultivator containing or coated with the cell growth accelerator. When substances are produced in vitro using culture cells, the cell culture and the cell growth acceleration are conducted at low cost safely and efficiently by adding the cell growth accelerator containing the polyphosphoric acid to the medium for cells of animals and plants or by using the cell cultivator containing or coated with the cell growth accelerator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preconditioning healthy donor's myoblasts in vitro before transplantation thereof in compatible patients suffering of recessive myopathies, particularly of muscular dystrophy. This in vitro preconditioning improves the success of the transplantation while not requiring an in vivo preconditioning of the patient's muscle by irradiation or by administering muscular toxin. The invention further relates to compositions comprising such preconditioned myoblasts.

Abstract: Growth of keratinocytes is provided by subjecting a basal medium, insulin, pituitary compound and keratinocytes to cell growth conditions. Cell growth can be provided in the absence of exogenous epidermal growth factor. A conditioned medium results after the keratinocytes are subjected to cell growth conditions, treated keratinocytes are provided, and the treated keratinocytes are subjected to cell growth conditions in a basal medium. The conditioned medium contains autocrine factor. The conditioned medium then is contacted with further keratinocytes to provide a cell growth mixture. The cell growth mixture is subjected to incubation in order to provide replicative DNA synthesis and hence cell proliferation. Cells so provided can be used for dermatological research, toxicological testing and skin grafts.

Abstract: Compounds termed “vitaletheine modulators” which include beta-alanyl-taurine and carbobenzoxy beta-alanyl-taurine are synthesized and added to culture media for in vitro culture of cells such as mammalian or plant cells. The compounds support cell vitality, and provide increased cellular life span, increased cellular bioproductivity, improved cellular function, and adaption of resistant cells to culturing. The compounds further delay senescence, optimize growth and maturation, and increase population doublings.