This invention provides populations of neural progenitor cells, differentiated neurons, glial cells, and astrocytes. The populations are obtained by culturing stem cell populations (such as embryonic stem cells) in a cocktail of growth conditions that initiates differentiation, and establishes the neural progenitor population. The progenitors can be further differentiated in culture into a variety of different neural phenotypes, including dopaminergic neurons. The differentiated cell populations or the neural progenitors can be generated in large quantities for use in drug screening and the treatment of neurological disorders.

The present invention has the object of providing a cell into which a protein, which can serve as a polymerization nucleus of a protein polymer, or polymer thereof is introduced, and a method for producing the cell. The invention relates to a cell into which a protein, which can serve as a polymerization nucleus of a protein polymer, or a polymer thereof is introduced, a method for producing the cell, and a method of screening for a compound inhibiting an intracellular accumulation of a protein containing fibril structures, wherein the method comprises bringing a candidate substance into contact with the cell.

A method of generating neural stem cells or motor neurons is disclosed, the method comprising up-regulating a level of at least one exogenous miRNA and/or down-regulating at least one miRNA using an agent which hybridizes to the miRNA in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or down-regulating Related to testis-specific, vespid and pathogenesis protein 1 (RTVP-1).

The disclosure relates to compositions and superstructures comprising peptide amphiphiles. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to compositions and superstructures comprising host and guest peptide amphiphiles, wherein the host and guest moieties of the peptide amphiphiles interact via non-covalent interactions to form a supramolecular assembly, such a superstructure. In some aspects, the superstructure further comprises a bioactive moiety. Suitable bioactive moieties may be selected to promote cell growth, migration, and/or differentiation.

Identification and isolation of multipotent cells from non-osteochondral mesenchymal tissue. This invention relates to the identification and isolation of multipotent cells from non-osteochondral mesenchymal tissue. Specifically, it relates to an adult multipotent cell or a cell population or composition comprising said cell, isolated from non-osteochondral mesenchymal tissue, characterized in that it is positive for the following markers: CD9, CD10, CD13, CD29, CD44, CD49A, CD51, CD54, CD55, CD58, CD59, CD90 and CD105 and because it lacks expression of the following markers: CD11b, CD14, CD15, CD16, CD31, CD34, CD45, CD49f, CD102, CD104, CD106 and CD133.

This invention provides a system for efficiently producing differentiated cells from pluripotent cells, such as human embryonic stem cells. Rather than permitting the cells to form embryoid bodies according to established techniques, differentiation is effected directly in monolayer culture on a suitable solid surface. The cells are either plated directly onto a differentiation-promoting surface, or grown initially on the solid surface in the absence of feeder cells and then exchanged into a medium that assists in the differentiation process. The solid surface and the culture medium can be chosen to direct differentiation down a particular pathway, generating a cell population that is remarkably uniform. The methodology is well adapted to bulk production of committed precursor and terminally differentiated cells for use in drug screening or regenerative medicine.

A biosensor for detecting trinitrotoluene (TNT) is disclosed. The biosensor has cells, such as olfactory sensory neurons (or cilia derived therefrom), that preferentially express a TNT-responsive odorant receptor protein.

The present invention is directed to therapeutic multifunctional immature dental pulp stem cells (IDPSCs), and IDPSCs multi-lineage compositions. The invention is further directed to the use of IDPSCs and compositions to reduce the risk of and/or treat degenerative diseases or for other medicinal and aesthetic purposes.

A method for differentiation of neural stem cells, neurons and GABAergic neurons from mesenchymal stem cells includes culturing the mesenchymal stem cells in a medium containing SB431542, Noggin and LDN193189. By this method, the mesenchymal stem cells are differentiated into neural stem cells, neurons and GABAergic neurons at a high transformation rate without gene manipulation.

The present invention relates to a novel method for identifying pairs of receptors/ligands, transgenic animals useful for carrying out said method, and the use of ligands and/or modulators of the interaction between a ligand and its receptor in the food industry, fragrance industry, and health industry, for instance.