The presently disclosed subject matter provides for in vitro methods of inducing differentiation of stem cells (e.g., human stem cells) into proprioceptors, proprioceptors generated by such methods, and compositions comprising such proprioceptors. The presently disclosed subject matter also provides for uses of such proprioceptors for preventing and/or treating disorders of proprioceptor neurons and/or neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Friedreich's Ataxia).

Disclosed herein are methods for directing a differentiation protocol to produce cells of a desired cell fate, such as SC-β and/or SC-α cells.

There is described herein a cell culture medium comprising: a basal medium; an antibiotic; B27; Noggin; Y-27632; Human FGF10 or FGF7; preferably wherein there is an absence of a Wnt agonist. Methods and uses of the medium is also described.

A factor that is caused by a nucleic acid and influences the kinetics of an extracellular vesicle is screened. A library of barcoded extracellular vesicles is provided.

A method for promoting conversion of cells into cardiomyocytic tissue is carried out by contacting fibrotic tissue (e.g., scar tissue) with a microRNA oligonucleotide or combination of microRNA oligonucleotides. The methods lead to direct reprogramming of fibroblasts to cardiomyocytes or cardiomyoblasts.

There is provided herein a method for expanding human CD4-CD8- regulatory T cells (DN Tregs) from a population of cells comprising DN Tregs, comprising: culturing the population of cells with artificial antigen presenting cells (APCs), preferably the DN Tregs are αβ-TCR-CD56- or alternatively γ8-TCR+.

Disclosed herein are agents that enhance muscle stem cell engraftment, as well as methods and compositions using the same.

The present invention relates to a composition for treating a spinal cord injury and provides a composition for treating a spinal cord injury comprising, as an active ingredient, stem cells treated with a particular compound and then cultured.

The present invention provides a method for producing a unilocular adipocyte including inducing differentiation into unilocular adipocytes of mesenchymal cells having differentiation potency into adipocytes by culturing the mesenchymal cells in suspension in a liquid medium composition capable of culturing cells or tissues in suspension, wherein the liquid medium composition contains a polymer compound having an anionic functional group that binds via a divalent metal cation to form a structure capable of suspending cells or tissues, and the method wherein the polymer compound is polysaccharide, preferably polysaccharide containing a glucuronic acid moiety, more preferably deacylated gellan gum, diutan gum or xanthan gum or a salt thereof.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new compound capable of efficiently inducing differentiation from pluripotent stem cells into insulin-producing cells. The object of the present invention is achieved by a compound represented by formula (I): ##STR00001## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, n and A have the same meanings as defined in the description, respectively, or a salt thereof.