Methods for culturing stem and progenitor cells

Abstract

The present application describes a method of culturing, expanding or growing stem or stem-like cells or induced pluripotent stem cells on a surface, including attaching the cells to the surface through a ligand that binds to the surface and the cells.

1 - 48 . (canceled) 
     
     
         49 . A method for promoting surface adhesion of a stem or stem-like cell, the method comprising contacting the stem or stem-like cell with an antibody that preferentially binds to a distal portion of Primary Sequence of the MUC1 Growth Factor Receptor (PSMGFR) over a proximal portion of PSMGFR, wherein the distal portion of PSMGFR comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 4 (C-10), and wherein the proximal portion of PSMGFR comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 3 (N-10), thereby promoting surface adhesion of the stem or stem-like cell. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein the antibody does not specifically bind to SEQ ID NO. 3 (N-10). 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein the method promotes surface adhesion of the stem or stem-like cell to a greater extent as compared to a corresponding antibody generated against the full PSMGFR peptide. 
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein the method promotes surface adhesion of the stem or stem-like cell to a greater extent as compared to a corresponding antibody generated against the proximal portion of PSMGFR comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 3 (N-10). 
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein said contacting is in vitro. 
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein said contacting comprises contacting the stem or stem-like cell with a surface comprising said antibody.