Abstract:
The present invention concerns RPE cells obtainable by directed differentiation from stem cell, particularly, human stem cells. It has been specifically found that culturing stem cells in the presence of one or more member of the TGFβ superfamily, such as Activin A) induced directed differentiation into mature and functional RPE cells. This was evidenced by the expression of markers specific to mature RPE cells, including MiTF-A, RPE65 or Bestrophin). In accordance with one particular embodiment, the cells are a priori cultured with nicotinamide (NA) which was found to augment the cells' response to the inductive effect of the one or more member of the TGFβ superfamily. The invention also provides methods of performing the directed differentiation, as well as methods for use of the resulting RPE cells.
Abstract:
A method of generating human mature oligodendrocytes is disclosed. The method comprises contacting a cell population which comprises human pre-oligodendrocytes with an inhibitor of the MAPK/ERK pathway under conditions that allow the pre-oligodendrocytes to differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes. Use of the MAPK/ERK pathway inhibitor for treating diseases is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method of generating retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) culturing human pluripotent stem cells in a human feeder cell-conditioned medium to obtain a cultured population of human pluripotent stem cells; (b) culturing said cultured population of human pluripotent stem cells in a medium comprising a differentiating agent to obtain differentiating cells; and (c) culturing said differentiating cells in a medium comprising one or more members of the TGFβ superfamily.
Abstract:
A method of selecting retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells from a mixed population of cells is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) analyzing the cells of the mixed population of cells for at least one of the following parameters: (i) cells which autofluorescence above a predetermined threshold; (ii) cells which express CD81 above a predetermined threshold; and (iii) cells which scatter light perpendicular to a laser beam above a predetermined threshold; and (b) selecting cells which are positive for at least one of the parameters, thereby sorting RPE cells from a mixed population of cells.
Abstract:
A method of generating retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) culturing human pluripotent stem cells in a human feeder cell-conditioned medium to obtain a cultured population of human pluripotent stem cells; (b) culturing said cultured population of human pluripotent stem cells in a medium comprising a differentiating agent to obtain differentiating cells; and (c) culturing said differentiating cells in a medium comprising one or more members of the TGFβ superfamily.
Abstract:
The present invention concerns RPE cells obtainable by directed differentiation from stem cell, particularly, human stem cells. It has been specifically found that culturing stem cells in the presence of one or more member of the TGFβ superfamily, such as Activin A) induced directed differentiation into mature and functional RPE cells. This was evidenced by the expression of markers specific to mature RPE cells, including MiTF-A, RPE65 or Bestrophin). In accordance with one particular embodiment, the cells are a priori cultured with nicotinamide (NA) which was found to augment the cells' response to the inductive effect of the one or more member of the TGFβ superfamily. The invention also provides methods of performing the directed differentiation, as well as methods for use of the resulting RPE cells.
Abstract:
A culture of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) is disclosed. In the culture, more than 50% of the hPSCs are formative hPSCs and are capable of renewing. Uses thereof are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method of determining whether an agent is a neuroeffector is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) labeling dopaminergic neurons which are comprised in a mixed population of cells with a fluorescent dopamine analog; (b) measuring a level of fluorescence in the mixed population of cells; (c) exposing the mixed population of cells to the agent; (d) remeasuring a level of fluorescence in the mixed population of cells, wherein a change in the level of fluorescence is indicative of the substance being a neuroeffector.
Abstract:
A method of determining whether an agent is a neuroeffector is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) labeling dopaminergic neurons which are comprised in a mixed population of cells with a fluorescent dopamine analog; (b) measuring a level of fluorescence in the mixed population of cells; (c) exposing the mixed population of cells to the agent; (d) remeasuring a level of fluorescence in the mixed population of cells, wherein a change in the level of fluorescence is indicative of the substance being a neuroeffector.