Provided herein are methods for the efficient in vitro differentiation of somatic cell-derived pluripotent stem cells to hematopoietic precursor cells, and the further differentiation of the hematopoietic precursor cells into immune cells of various myeloid or lymphoid lineages, particularly T cells, NK cells, and dendritic cells. The pluripotent cells may be maintained and differentiated under defined conditions; thus, the use of mouse feeder cells or serum is not required in certain embodiments for the differentiation of the hematopoietic precursor cells.

This invention provides a method of producing a primordial germ cell-like cell (PGCLC) from an epiblast isolated from an embryo or an epiblast-like cell (EpiLC) induced from a pluripotent stem cell (PSC), which comprises allowing the epiblast or EpiLC to express exogenous transcription factor(s) selected from the group consisting of: (i) Blimp1, Prdm14 and Tfap2c; ii) Blimp1 and Prdm14; (iii) Blimp1 and Tfap2c; (iv) Prdm14 and Tfap2c; and (v) Prdm14; thereby inducing the epiblast or EpiLC into a PGC state without acquiring transient mesodermal program.

Provided herein are methods for the efficient in vitro maintenance, expansion, culture, and/or differentiation of pluripotent cells with disruption of the MeCP2 gene into various erythroid, myeloid, lymphoid, or endoderm lineages, particularly mature erythrocytes. The pluripotent cells may be maintained and differentiated under defined conditions; thus, the use of mouse feeder cells or serum is not required in certain embodiments for the differentiation of the precursor cells.

A method of generating a population of cells useful for treating a brain disorder in a subject is disclosed. The method comprises contacting mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with at least one exogenous miRNA having a nucleic acid sequence at least 90% identical to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 15-19 and 27-35, thereby generating a population of cells and/or generating neurotrophic factors that may provide important signals to damaged tissues or locally residing stem cells. MSCs differentiated by miRs may also secrete miRs and deliver them to adjacent cells and therefore provide important signals to neighboring endogenous normal or malignant cells.

The present invention relates to a method of isolating a mesenchymal stem cell population from the amniotic membrane of the umbilical cord, the method comprising cultivating umbilical cord tissue in a culture medium comprising DMEM (Dulbecco's modified eagle medium), F12 (Ham's F12 Medium), M171 (Medium 171) and FBS (Fetal Bovine Serum). The invention also relates to a mesenchymal stem population isolated from the amniotic membrane of the umbilical cord, wherein at least about 90% or more cells of the stem cell population express each of the following markers: CD73, CD90 and CD105 and lack expression of the following markers: CD34, CD45 and HLA-DR. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition of this mesenchymal stem population.

The invention provides a lipid bilayer mimicking the lipid composition of the placenta. The lipid composition provides an in vitro placenta model using the lipid composition of the placental cell membrane.

The method of the present invention includes cutting out a umbilical cord segment; filling the vessel of the umbilical cord segment with 0.01-0.5% collagenase solution; sealing both ends of the umbilical cord segment and maintaining it at a temperature of 37 C. for at least 15-45 minutes; wash the vessel with balanced normal saline solution; fill the vessel with a new 0.01-0.5% collagenase solution; seal both ends of the umbilical cord and incubate at 37 C. for at least 25-65 minutes; and equilibrate The vessel is washed with saline solution, the washed liquid is centrifuged, and the resulting pellet is incubated in a selective environment. The present invention allows to increase the yield and purity of obtained mesenchymal stem cell cultures and in some cases can reduce the time required to obtain mesenchymal stem cells.

Disclosed herein are precursory regulatory cytotrophoblast cells produced in vitro and compositions thereof. Disclosed herein are isolated populations of precursory regulatory cytotrophoblast cells, wherein the cells are produced in vitro. Disclosed herein are genetically engineered cells. Also disclosed herein are methods of treating a disorder or condition by utilizing the cells disclosed herein.

The present invention relates to a method of treating a subject having a disorder comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a stem/progenitor cell isolated from the amniotic membrane of the umbilical cord or an effective amount of a cellular extract thereof.

Provided herein are isolated neural stem cells. Also provided are methods for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases using suitable preparations comprising the isolated neural stem cells.