Methods and compositions for somatic cell proliferation as well as increasing viability of somatic cells are provided. The compositions include heparin binding protein isolated from a medium conditioned by growth of pluripotent stem cells, such as, human embryonic stem cells, human embryonic carcinoma cells. The methods include contacting a somatic cell with a heparin binding protein composition for a sufficient period of time to provide for enhanced proliferation and/or viability of the somatic cell as compared to the absence of the heparin binding protein composition.

Disclosed herein include methods, compositions and culture media for generating synthetic embryos in vitro from mammalian pluripotent stem cells such as pluripotent embryonic stem cells. In some embodiments, the method can comprise co-culturing a wild-type mammalian pluripotent stem cell and modified mammalian pluripotent stem cells comprising one or more genes encoding transcription factors that can drive generation of extraembryonic cells or extraembryonic-like cells (e.g., GATA6 gene, SOX17 gene, GATA3 gene and/or TFAP2C gene) under a condition in a culture medium allowing the pluripotent stem cells to self-organize into a post-implantation embryo structure. In some embodiments, the pluripotent embryonic stem cells are human pluripotent embryonic stem cells and the generated synthetic embryo is a human embryo.

Disclosed is a method for preparing an implant including a culture of cells on a membrane, the method including steps that consist of: securing the membrane to a mounting; placing the membrane in a recess of a housing providing two spaces having adjusted heights, above and below the membrane; injecting, into the spaces, a liquid capable of transforming into gel at a transport temperature lower than an injection temperature of the liquid; and bringing the housing to the transport temperature, so as to form an implant including the membrane and two layers of gel having adjusted thicknesses, on two opposite faces of the membrane, respectively.

Cells derived from human umbilical cords are disclosed along with methods for their therapeutic use. Isolation techniques, culture methods and detailed characterization of the cells with respect to their cell surface markers, gene expression, and their secretion of trophic factors are described.

Described herein are methods and compositions related to generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Improved techniques for establishing highly efficient, reproducible reprogramming using non-integrating episomal plasmid vectors. Using the described reprogramming protocol, one is able to consistently reprogram non-T cells with close to 100% success from non-T cell or non-B cell sources. Further advantages include use of a defined reprogramming media E7 and using defined clinically compatible substrate recombinant human L-521. Generation of iPSCs from these blood cell sources allows for recapitulation of the entire genomic repertoire, preservation of genomic fidelity and enhanced genomic stability.

Cells derived from postpartum placenta and methods for their isolation are provided by the invention. The invention further provides cultures and compositions of the placenta-derived cells. The placenta-derived cells of the invention have a plethora of uses, including but not limited to research, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications.

A novel class of agents has been identified to serve as cell-guard agents and/or target-specific supplements to increase cell quality and yield, as well as select for target cell populations. Several additive agents (both natural and synthetic) have been identified, including Vitamin D3, NAC, resveratrol, salubrinal, AKT, and tunicamycin (among others) that hold promise for application in cell models. In one embodiment, hypothermic stress regimes are utilized. In another embodiment, normothermic conditions are utilized while other stressors are tested in the processing. The methods of maintaining mass cell cultures and/or selecting out particular cell populations for further research and clinical use represents an important step in therapeutic discovery.

Cells derived from postpartum placenta and methods for their isolation are provided by the invention. The invention further provides cultures and compositions of the placenta-derived cells. The placenta-derived cells of the invention have a plethora of uses, including but not limited to research, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications.

In various embodiments, neuroprotective compositions and uses thereof are provided. In certain embodiments, a method of protecting mammalian neurons from neurotoxins, oxidative stress or protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory gene expression, induced cell death is provided where the method involves contacting the cells, such as neurons, with an effective amount of: a plurality of proteins that are secreted by induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from a healthy mammal and/or from a mammal with a disease, such as neurodegenerative pathology, exemplified by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) where said proteins are secreted when said iPSC cells are pluripotent; and/or biologically active fragments of said proteins; and/or biologically active analogs of said proteins.

Described herein are methods and compositions related to generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Improved techniques for establishing highly efficient, reproducible reprogramming using non-integrating episomal plasmid vectors. Using the described reprogramming protocol, one is able to consistently reprogram non-T cells with close to 100% success from non-T cell or non-B cell sources. Further advantages include use of a defined reprogramming media E7 and using defined clinically compatible substrate recombinant human L-521. Generation of iPSCs from these blood cell sources allows for recapitulation of the entire genomic repertoire, preservation of genomic fidelity and enhanced genomic stability.