Enhanced methods for the generation of medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) cells from pluripotent stem cells are provided that involve an additional step of contacting the cells with an activator of FGF8 signaling while differentiating Pax6+ cells progenitor cells into MGE cells with an activator of sonic hedgehog, and optionally a Wnt inhibitor. The activator of FGF8 signaling shifts the differentiation of the population of cells to NKX2.1+ MGE cells, rather than to CopuTFII+ caudal ganglionic eminence (CGE) cells. Methods for treatment of neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, by transplant of MGE cells, or GABAergic interneurons derived from human pluripotent stem cells, into a subject in need of treatment are also provided. Human pluripotent stem cell derived MGE cells when transplanted successfully suppress spontaneous seizures, e.g. in epilepsy. We also have developed a method to purify MGE cells and maturing interneurons from differentiated pluripotent stem cells using cell surface marker and molecular beacon technology.

Disclosed are a medium for differentiating neural stem cells into oligodendrocyte precursors and a method for preparing oligodendrocyte precursors by using the medium. The medium does not contain exogenous factors, and can avoid the contamination of exogenous factors and differentiate oligodendrocyte precursors.

A composition of matter comprises one or more cell lines configured to inducibly differentiate to at least a first stage of differentiation and a second, subsequent stage of differentiation. Each of the one or more cell lines are genetically edited to express one or more first stage inserted secretable reporter genes placed under control of promoters for genes canonically expressed during the first stage of differentiation. The cell lines are further genetically edited to express one or more second stage inserted secretable reporter genes placed under control of promoters for genes canonically expressed during the second stage of differentiation, but not during the first stage of differentiation, wherein the one or more second stage inserted secretable reporter genes are different than the one or more first stage inserted secretable reporter genes.

Provided is a new use of a TGF-β small molecule inhibitor in the field of neuroregeneration, which can be used for the in vitro regeneration and directed differentiation of various nerve cells and brain-like organs. By adding same to a set of basal media having clear chemical compositions. pluripotent stem cells can be induced into adult cells derived from a variety of neural stem cells, and the number of induced nerve cells and the size of organoids can be greatly increased. The induction system provided in the present invention expands new functions of a single small molecule in the field of ectodermal cell induction and differentiation and at the same time avoids the use of B27 and other serum substitutes, thereby completely avoiding the potential risks caused by the presence of animal-derived components in cell culture processes, and greatly expanding the clinical prospects of a variety of nerve cell transplantations.

A method of inducing pluripotency in somatic cells derived from a non-human domestic animal or farm animal comprises culturing neural stem cells (NSCs) in the presence of vectors that express one or more reprogramming factors. Canine, porcine and bovine iPSCs are obtained with distinct genetic marker profiles.

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.

Described are oxysterols, pharmaceutical compositions including the oxysterols, and methods of using the oxysterols and compositions for treating diseases and/or disorders related to myelin injury, such as neonatal brain injury, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, seizures, cognitive delay, multiple sclerosis, stroke, autism, leukodystrophy, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Materials and methods for modulating protease activated receptor 1 (PAR1) activity to alter myelination are provided.

Specific method for differentiating pluripotent stem cells into dopaminergic (A9 mDA) nerve cells in the midbrain substantia nigra is provided. Mature A9 mDA neurons are formed by differentiation, which can express the molecular markers of the midbrain substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons, including TH, FOXA2, EN1, LMX1A, NURR1 and GIRK2, but which rarely express the marker CALB of the ventral tegmental area dopaminergic neurons. A9 mDA nerve cells are transplanted into the substantia nigra, and the axons can project to the target brain area which is innervated by endogenous substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons, the dorsal striatum; the transplanted A9 mDA neurons themselves exhibit the classic electrophysiological characteristics of endogenous substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons, including a low-frequency spontaneous discharge frequency, and can induce sag by means of hyperpolarizing current stimulation, and transplanting the A9 mDA nerve cells into the substantia nigra or striatum of individuals with neurodegenerative diseases can alleviate motor deficits.

Provided is a method for efficiently culturing dermal papilla cells while maintaining an ability to induce hair follicles. A method for culturing dermal papilla cells in the presence of at least one selected from the group consisting of EMILIN and a fragment thereof.