A method for inducing reprogramming of neural stem cells from urine cells by introducing mRNAs of reprogramming factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and Glis1 is disclosed. A composition for the prevention or treatment of neurological damage diseases with the neural stem cells induced by the method as an active ingredient is disclosed.

The present invention provides compositions and methods for reprogramming somatic cells using purified RNA preparations comprising single-strand mRNA encoding an iPS cell induction factor. The purified RNA preparations are preferably substantially free of RNA contaminant molecules that: i) would activate an immune response in the somatic cells, ii) would decrease expression of the single-stranded mRNA in the somatic cells, and/or iii) active RNA sensors in the somatic cells. In certain embodiments, the purified RNA preparations are substantially free of partial mRNAs, double-stranded RNAs, un-capped RNA molecules, and/or single-stranded run-on mRNAs.

The present invention provides methods for de-differentiating somatic cells into stem-like cells without generating embryos or fetuses. More specifically, the present invention provides methods for effecting the de-differentiation of somatic cells to cells having stem cell characteristics, in particular pluripotency, by introducing RNA encoding factors inducing the de-differentiation of somatic cells into the somatic cells and culturing the somatic cells allowing the cells to de-differentiate.

The nuclear reprogramming of somatic cells with mRNA encoding reprogramming factors is shown to be greatly accelerated by activation of innate immune responses in the somatic cell. Methods of activating innate immunity include activation of PKR, of toll-like receptors, e.g. TLR3, etc. In some embodiments the mRNA provides the activator of innate immunity.

The present invention relates to a method for generating neuronal and muscular cells from pluripotent stem cells.

Disclosed herein are methods of generating induced pluripotent stem cells. The method involves providing a quantity of somatic or non-embryonic cells, contacting the contacting the somatic or non-embryonic cells with a quantity of one or more reprogramming factors and one or more RNA molecules, and culturing the somatic or non-embryonic cells for a period of time sufficient to generate at least one induced pluripotent stem cell. Various reprogramming factors and RNA molecules for use in the methods are disclosed herein. Also disclosed are cell lines and pharmaceutical compositions generated by use of the methods.

An object of the present invention is to provide a medium that comprises fewer protein components and enables the maintenance of pluripotent stem cells in an undifferentiated state. The culture medium for pluripotent stem cells comprises a GSK3β inhibitor (A) and a DYRK inhibitor (B).

Reprogramming allows the “conversion” of any mature or somatic cell of the human or animal body into a pluripotent stem cell. Reprogramming can be performed through the introduction of exogenous factors, usually transcription factors, into the mature cell. This process allows the production of induced pluripotent stem cells without the use of embryos, with the advantage that they can be produced from an individual to return/re-implant to the same individual. The inventors have developed a method of transient expression of exogenous reprogramming factors using a transient vector, wherein the vector is a closed linear DNA. Surprisingly, pluripotent stem cells developed in this manner are stable and closer in phenotype to natural stem cells such as ESCs.

The present invention features AIP peptide and polynucleotide compositions, methods of using such compositions for the treatment of CPVT, as well as a human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocyte model, useful in characterizing agents that modulate myocardial conduction and contraction.

The present technology relates generally to the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In particular aspects, the present technology relates generally to methods for generating iPSCs from non-pluripotent cells, such as aged somatic cells, wherein the iPSCs are characterized by improved genomic stability, improved DNA damage response, increased ZSCAN10 expression, reduced GSS expression, and/or increased reprogramming efficiency.