Embodiments herein provide methods of differentiating neural stem cells to neuronal cells while concomitantly retarding neural stem cell proliferation. Resultant cultures demonstrate reduced clumping of cells, increased purity of neuronal cells and accelerated electrophysiology as compared to control methods.

Methods for generating human committed midbrain neural stem cells (NSCs) and midbrain neural progenitor cells (midbrain NPCs) from human pluripotent stem cells are provided using chemically-defined culture media that allow for generation of the midbrain NPCs in as little as six days. The midbrain NPCs can be further differentiated to mature dopaminergic neurons. Culture media, isolated cell populations and kits are also provided.

The present invention relates generally to the field of cell biology of stem cells, more specifically the directed differentiation of pluripotent or multipotent stem cells, including human embryonic stem cells (hESC), somatic stem cells, and induced human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) using novel culture conditions. Specifically, methods are provided for obtaining neural tissue, floor plate cells, and placode including induction of neural plate development in hESCs for obtaining midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons, motor neurons, and sensory neurons. Further, neural plate tissue obtained using methods of the present inventions are contemplated for use in co-cultures with other tissues as inducers for shifting differentiation pathways, i.e. patterning.

Methods of generating spinal cord glutamatergic interneurons (V2a interneurons) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are provided. A method of the present disclosure may include culturing a first population of hPSCs in vitro in a neural induction medium that includes: a retinoic acid signaling pathway activator; a sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway activator; and a Notch signaling pathway inhibitor, wherein the culturing results in generation of a second population of cultured cells containing CHX10+ V2a interneurons. Also provided are non-human animal models that include the hPSC-derived spinal cord glutamatergic interneurons, and methods of producing the non-human animal models.

Provided herein is a method of reprogramming a non-neuronal cell to a neuron. Aspects of the present disclosure relate to using cell reprogramming agent suppresses the expression or activity of PTB to convert a non-neuronal cell into a neuron. Also provided herein is a method of treating neurodegenerative disease by reprogramming non-neuronal cells in vivo to functional neurons.

A method of direct transdifferentiation of somatic cells into other somatic cells may be convenient and still have good reproducibility, excellent production efficiency, and short performed time. Methods for direct transdifferentiation of somatic cells into other somatic cells may include: (a) introducing a GLIS family gene, a mutated GLIS family gene or a gene product thereof into somatic cells; and (b) culturing the gene-introduced somatic cells in a culture medium containing a component that induces differentiation of the somatic cells or precursor cells of the somatic cells into other somatic cells.

The present application provides a pluripotent stem cell-derived neuronal culture system for use in modeling neurodegenerative diseases, drug screening and target discovery; and methods of generating homogenous, terminally differentiated neuronal culture from pluripotent stem cells, and compositions resulting thereof; as well as automated cell culture systems that sustain long-term differentiation, maturation and/or growth of neuronal cells for use in modeling neurodegenerative diseases.

The present disclosure concerns a cell or tissue culture system comprising a solid support for the culture of adherent cells or adherent tissues and a plurality of cationic dendrimers associated to the surface of the solid support. Each cationic dendrimer includes one or more functional amine group. The cationic dendrimer is protonated at physiological pH. The cell or tissue culture system can be used for the culture of adherent cells or tissues and be used for the differentiation of stem cells.

The present invention relates generally to the field of cell biology of stem cells, more specifically the directed differentiation of pluripotent or multipotent stem cells, including human embryonic stem cells (hESC), somatic stem cells, and induced human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) using novel culture conditions. Specifically, methods are provided for obtaining neural tissue, floor plate cells, and placode including induction of neural plate development in hESCs for obtaining midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons, motor neurons, and sensory neurons. Further, neural plate tissue obtained using methods of the present inventions are contemplated for use in co-cultures with other tissues as inducers for shifting differentiation pathways, i.e. patterning.

Provided herein are methods of producing a distinct bilayer culture of retinal epithelial cells (RPE) with photoreceptor cells and/or photoreceptor precursor cells (PR/PRP). Further provided herein is a therapy comprising transplantation of the RPE and PR/PRP bilayer as well as methods for testing candidate drugs using the bilayer.