Methods for maintaining and expanding human CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are provided using chemically-defined culture media that allow for expansion of HSCs in as little as six days. Culture media, isolated cell populations and kits are also provided.

Methods for obtaining purified populations of megakaryocytes and platelets by ex vivo culture of stem cells are provided herein.

Media and methods for differentiating NK progenitor cells into NK cells are disclosed. The NK differentiation media comprises a pyrimidoindole compound such as UM171 or UM729.

Disclosed are compositions of matters, cells, and treatment protocols useful for induction of anticancer responses in a patient suffering from cancer. In one embodiment the invention provides the use of NR2F6 silencing or gene editing in cord blood cells possessing anti-tumor activity in order to induce potentiated killer cells suitable for therapeutic use. In one embodiment said allogeneic cord blood killer cells are administered to initiate a cascade of antitumor immune responses, with initially responses mediated by allogeneic killer cells, and followed by endogenous immune responses.

Disclosed are methods for conditionally immortalizing stem cells, including adult and embryonic stem cells, the cells produced by such methods, therapeutic and laboratory or research methods of using such cells, and methods to identify compounds related to cell differentiation and development or to treat diseases, using such cells. A mouse model of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and cells and methods related to such mouse model are also described.

The present disclosure relates to methods for expansion of stem cell populations using a polypeptide that enhances stem cell growth and proliferation. The present disclosure further relates to novel homeobox protein mutants (e.g., HOXA9 and HOXB4 mutant proteins) and the use thereof to expand certain stem cell populations. The present disclosure also provides methods for treating a subject in need of transplantation of stem cells.

Methods of preparing ovarian tissue for primordial follicle growth are presented comprising the steps: providing an ovarian tissue sample comprising cortical tissue and stromal tissue; removing damaged tissue from the ovarian tissue sample where present; removing excess stromal tissue from the ovarian tissue sample where present; and then mechanically stretching the ovarian tissue sample along at least one dimension of the ovarian tissue sample, such that the size of the ovarian tissue sample along the at least one dimension is increased by at least 10%. Methods of growing viable oocyte in vitro, and methods of preparing individual ovarian follicles for growth are also presented.

A somatic stem cell that is CD10+, CXCR4+, and CD31+ and another somatic stem cell that is CD105+, CD44+, and nestin+. Also disclosed are both a method of preparing these stem cells and a method of using them to treat degenerative diseases, e.g., a muscle-degenerative disease. The invention further includes making and using liver cells derived from the somatic cell that is CD105+, CD44+, and nestin+.

A culture medium is disclosed which comprises STAT3 activator, an ERK1/2 inhibitor and an Axin stabilizer, and optionally also a PKC inhibitor. Cell cultures comprising same and uses thereof are also disclosed.

Provided are pharmaceutical compositions that include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and isolated post-natal cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) and/or progeny cells thereof that are SSEA3-positive and c-kit-negative. Also provided are methods for preparing cells capable of repairing damaged myocardium, methods for isolating populations of SSEA3-positive/c-kit-negative CPCs from cardiac tissue samples, methods for preparing an isolated cell population enriched in post-natal SSEA3-positive/c-kit-negative CPCs, therapeutic methods for using the presently disclosed cells and populations of cells to treat subjects in need thereof, and cell cultures that contain the presently disclosed cells and populations of cells.