Methods for inducing human erythroid progenitor cells from hematopoietic stem cells are provided using chemically-defined culture media. Erythroid progenitors generated by the methods include megakaryocyte/erythroid progenitor cells (MEP cells) and CD71+CD235+CD34− erythroid cells, which can be further differentiated into red blood cells. Culture media, isolated cell populations and kits are also provided.

Media and methods for differentiating NK progenitor cells into NK cells are disclosed. The NK differentiation media comprises a pyrimidoindole compound such as UM171 or UM729.

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.

Provided is a method for producing a cell population containing embryonic erythroblasts, including the steps of: (1) subjecting pluripotent stem cells to suspension culture to form a cell aggregate; and (2) obtaining the cell population from the cell aggregate obtained in step (1), step (2) including step (2a) of subjecting the cell aggregate to adhesion culture. In addition, provided are an embryonic erythroblast-containing cell population, a cell culture composition containing the cell population, and a compound test method that uses the embryonic erythroblast-containing cell population.

Provided herein are methods of producing erythrocytes from hematopoietic cells, particularly hematopoietic cells from placental perfusate in combination with hematopoietic cells from umbilical cord blood, wherein the method results in accelerated expansion and differentiation of the hematopoietic cells to more efficiently produce administrable erythrocytes. Further provided herein is a bioreactor in which hematopoietic cell expansion and differentiation takes place.

The invention provides methods for using Umbilical Cord Lining Stem Cells (ULSCs) to produce therapeutic factors including growth factors, cytokines, chemokines and extracellular matrix components. ULSCs are mesenchymal stem cells isolated from umbilical cord lining. They can be efficiently propagated and expanded in vitro. Under specific conditions ULSCs produce useful therapeutic factors that can be used to treat injuries and degenerative conditions.

Implementations are described that relate to methods and systems for growing cells in a hollow fiber bioreactor. In implementations, the cells may be exposed to a number of growth factors including a combination of recombinant growth factors. In other implementations, the cells may be grown in co-culture with other cells, e.g., hMSC's. In implementations, the cells may include CD34+ cells. A coated membrane includes a membrane having a first coating configured to promote cellular adhesion to the membrane and a second coating that includes a soluble protein moiety.

Provided herein are methods of obtaining induced pluripotent stem cells from cells of a hematopoietic lineage.

Factor rich compositions produced from umbilical cord (UC) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are described. Secretory UC MSCs in serum free culture conditions produce a factor rich conditioned medium which may be concentrated and filtered to obtain clinical grade products.

Induced pluripotent stem cells are treated using a combination of compounds that improve competence of the induced pluripotent stem cells in responding to differentiation signals and/or improve the efficiency of differentiation of the treated induced pluripotent stem cells in differentiation towards a desired phenotype. The combination treatment can incorporate two or more of prolongation of early G1 phase, treatment with an interleukin, modulation of DNA methylation, modulation of histone acetylation, and activation of the Wnt pathway. Cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells so treated can be used in regenerative therapy and production of organoids.