Methods are provided for the simple, fast, effective and safe directed differentiation of embryonic stem cells into the mature beta cells of enriched beta clusters, wherein the beta cells rapidly and reliably secrete insulin in response to glucose levels. The cells are useful transplant therapeutics for diabetic individuals. These cells can also be used for drug screening purposes to identify factors/chemicals capable of increasing beta cell functions, proliferation, survival, and resistance to immune assault.

Disclosed are media, kits and methods for directed formation of mammary organoids. Embodiments of organoid media may be used to bias/enrich the formation of luminal organoids from isolated mammary epithelial cells. Embodiments of modified organoid media may be used to bias/enrich the formation of mixed lineage organoids from isolated mammary epithelial cells, or to subvert luminal organoids to mixed lineage organoids.

The present invention relates to methods for production of undifferentiated or differentiated embryonic stem cell aggregate suspension cultures from undifferentiated or differentiated embryonic stem cell single cell suspensions and methods of differentiation thereof.

The present invention relates to methods for production of undifferentiated or differentiated embryonic stem cell aggregate suspension cultures from undifferentiated or differentiated embryonic stem cell single cell suspensions and methods of differentiation thereof.

Disclosed herein are cell culture compositions, for example, pancreatic cell culture compositions, derived from dedifferentiated human reprogrammed pluripotent stem cells, such as induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, and methods for producing and using such cell culture compositions.

A method of generating MSCs which secrete neurotrophic factors (NTFs) comprising incubating a population of undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a differentiating medium comprising basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), heregulin and cAMP.

A human immature endocrine cell population and methods for making an immature endocrine cell population are provided. Specifically, immature beta cells and methods for production of immature beta cells are described. Immature beta cells co-express INS and NKX6.1 and are uni-potent and thereby develop into mature beta cells when implanted in vivo. The mature beta cells in vivo are capable of producing insulin in response to glucose stimulation.

A method of generating MSCs which secrete neurotrophic factors (NTFs) comprising incubating a population of undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a differentiating medium comprising basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), heregulin and cAMP.

A method of generating a population of cells useful for treating a nerve disease or disorder in a subject, the method comprising up-regulating a level of at least one exogenous miRNA in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and/or down-regulating a level of at least one miRNA using a polynucleotide agent that hybridizes to the miRNA, thereby generating the population of cells useful for treating the nerve disease or disorder. Isolated populations of cells with an astrocytic phenotype generated thereby and uses thereof are also provided.

Disclosed herein are cell culture compositions, for example, pancreatic cell culture compositions, derived from dedifferentiated human reprogrammed pluripotent stem cells, such as induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, and methods for producing and using such cell culture compositions.