The present invention provides for methods, compositions, and kits for producing an induced pluripotent stem cell from a non-pluripotent mammalian cell using a 3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1) activator or a compound that promotes glycolytic metabolism as well as other small molecules.

The present invention generally concerns particular methods and compositions for generation of induced pluripotent stem cells. In particular aspects, induced pluripotent stem cells are generated from adult somatic cells following downregulation of a particular gene of interest. In some embodiments, induced pluripotent stem cells are generated from keratinocytes upon downregulation of Np63 or DGCR8.

Described herein are reprogrammed cells, and methods for cell dedifferentiation, transformation and eukaryotic cell reprogramming. Also described are cells, cell lines, and tissues that can be transplanted in a patient after steps of in vitro dedifferentiation and in vitro reprogramming. In particular embodiments the cells are Stem-Like Cells (SLCs), including Neural Stem-Like Cells (NSLCs), Cardiac Stem-Like Cells (CSLC), Hematopoietic Stem-Like Cells (HSLC), Pancreatic Progenitor-Like Cells, and Mesendoderm-like Cells. Also described are methods for generating these cells from human somatic cells and other types of cells. Also provided are compositions and methods of using of the cells so generated in human therapy and in other areas.

Compositions and methods of making cells using RNA, and cells made using the disclosed compositions and methods are also provided. In exemplary embodiments, RNA is transfected into cells to effect a molecular, biological, physiological, or histological change in the cells. In preferred embodiments, the RNA is prepared in vitro, more preferably using a DNA template according to the provided compositions and methods. Methods for treating or inhibiting a disorder or disease such cancer are also provided. The methods can include, for example, locally or systemically administering to the host an effective amount of one or more RNAs; or an effective amount of population of cells isolated from the subject or a syngeneic or histocompatible subject, contacted ex vivo with one or RNAs, and optionally expanded. The cells can be, for example, immune cells or stem cells.

The present invention relates to monolayer cardiac differentiation techniques utilizing defined conditions providing feeder-free monolayer culture systems, serum-based or serum free, and applicable to both healthy control and patient derived stem cells.

The present invention relates to a method for culturing epidermis-derived stem cells comprising the step of culturing epidermis-derived stem cells in the presence of a three-dimensional extracellular matrix (3D-ECM) and a basal cell culture medium comprising: Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF); and/or a Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF); and/or a Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF); and further a ROCK (Rho-kinase) inhibitor. The present invention further relates to a method for ex vivo de novo generation of epidermis-derived stem cells. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an epidermis-derived stem cell that is obtainable by a method according to the present invention. Uses of said epidermis-derived stem cell, e.g. uses of said epidermis-derived stem cell for in vitro tissue production, in vitro drug discovery screening and medical applications, are also provided herein. The present invention further relates to a cell culture medium that is employed in the context of a method of the present invention.

Described herein are reprogrammed cells, and methods for cell dedifferentiation, transformation and eukaryotic cell reprogramming. Also described are cells, cell lines, and tissues that can be transplanted in a patient after steps of in vitro dedifferentiation and in vitro reprogramming. In particular embodiments the cells are Stem-Like Cells (SLCs), including Neural Stem-Like Cells (NSLCs), Cardiac Stem-Like Cells (CSLC), Hematopoietic Stem-Like Cells (HSLC), Pancreatic Progenitor-Like Cells, and Mesendoderm-like Cells. Also described are methods for generating these cells from human somatic cells and other types of cells. Also provided are compositions and methods of using of the cells so generated in human therapy and in other areas.

The present disclosure relates to a preparation of CD140a/PDGFR positive cells that comprises oligodendrocyte progenitor cells co-expressing OLIG2 and CD140a/PDGFR. The preparation of cells is derived from pluripotent cells that were derived from skin cells, fibroblasts, umbilical cord blood, peripheral blood, bone marrow, or other somatic cells. The cell preparation has an in vivo myelination efficiency that is equal to or greater than the in vivo myelination efficiency of a preparation of A2B5+/PSA-NCAM sorted fetal human tissue derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Methods of making, isolating and using the disclosed cell preparation are also described.

RNA prepared by in vitro transcription using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-generated template can be introduced into a cell to modulate cell activity. This method is useful in de-differentiating somatic cells to pluripotent, multipotent, or unipotent cells; re-differentiating stem cells into differentiated cells; or reprogramming of somatic cells to modulate cell activities such as metabolism. Cells can also be transfected with inhibitory RNAs, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) or micro RNA (miRNA), or combinations thereof to induce reprogramming of somatic cells. For example, target cells are isolated from a donor, contacted with one or more RNA's causing the cells to be de-differentiated, re-differentiated, or reprogrammed in vitro, and administered to a patient in need thereof. The resulting cells are useful for treating one or more symptoms of a variety of diseases and disorders, for organ regeneration, and for restoration of the immune system.

The present invention provides for identification and use of small molecules to induce pluripotency in mammalian cells as well as other methods of inducing pluripotency.