Regeneration and repair of neural tissue using postpartum-derived cells

• US 20050032209A1
• Filed: 06/25/2004
• Published: 02/10/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/27/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Depuy Synthes Products Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Harmon, Alexander M., Messina, Darin J., Mistry, Sanjay, Gosiewska, Anna, Seyda, Agnieszka, Kihm, Anthony J., Harris, Ian Ross, Yi, Chin-Feng
• Granted Patent: US 7,524,489 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 435/366
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 35/12 Materials from mammals; Compositions comprising non-specified tissues or cells; Compositions comprising non-embryonic stem cells; Genetically modified cells vaccines or medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies A61K39/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 35/50 Placenta; Placental stem cells; Amniotic fluid; Amnion; Amniotic stem cells
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 35/51 Umbilical cord; Umbilical cord blood; Umbilical stem cells
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 38/18 Growth factors; Growth regulators
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 38/1808 Epidermal growth factor [EGF] urogastrone
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 38/1825 Fibroblast growth factor [FGF]
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 38/1833 Hepatocyte growth factor; Scatter factor; Tumor cytotoxic factor II
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 38/1841 Transforming growth factor [TGF]
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 38/185 Nerve growth factor [NGF]; Brain derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF]; Ciliary neurotrophic factor [CNTF]; Glial derived neurotrophic factor [GDNF]; Neurotrophins, e.g. NT-3
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 38/1858 Platelet-derived growth factor [PDGF]
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 38/1866 Vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 38/1891 Angiogenesic factors; Angiogenin
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 38/19 Cytokines; Lymphokines; Interferons
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 38/204 IL-6
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 38/2053 IL-8
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 38/27 Growth hormone [GH], i.e. somatotropin
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 1/00 Drugs for disorders of the alimentary tract or the digestive system
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 1/02 Stomatological preparations, e.g. drugs for caries, aphtae, periodontitis
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 1/16 for liver or gallbladder disorders, e.g. hepatoprotective agents, cholagogues, litholytics
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 1/18 for pancreatic disorders, e.g. pancreatic enzymes
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 13/12 : of the kidneys
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 17/02 : for treating wounds, ulcers, burns, scars, keloids, or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 19/00 : Drugs for skeletal disorders
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 19/04 : for non-specific disorders of the connective tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 19/08 : for bone diseases, e.g. rachitism, Paget's disease
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 19/10 : for osteoporosis
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 21/00 : Drugs for disorders of the muscular or neuromuscular system
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 25/00 : Drugs for disorders of the nervous system
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 25/02 : for peripheral neuropathies
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 25/14 : for treating abnormal movements, e.g. chorea, dyskinesia
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 25/16 : Anti-Parkinson drugs
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 25/28 : for treating neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system, e.g. nootropic agents, cognition enhancers, drugs for treating Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 27/02 : Ophthalmic agents
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 27/06 : Antiglaucoma agents or miotics
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 29/00 : Non-central analgesic, antipyretic or antiinflammatory agents, e.g. antirheumatic agents; Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs [NSAID]
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 35/00 : Antineoplastic agents
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 37/02 : Immunomodulators
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 37/06 : Immunosuppressants, e.g. drugs for graft rejection
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 39/06 : Free radical scavengers or antioxidants
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 43/00 : Drugs for specific purposes, not provided for in groups A61P1/00-A61P41/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 7/02 : Antithrombotic agents; Anticoagulants; Platelet aggregation inhibitors
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 9/00 : Drugs for disorders of the cardiovascular system
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 9/04 : Inotropic agents, i.e. stimulants of cardiac contraction; Drugs for heart failure
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 9/10 : for treating ischaemic or atherosclerotic diseases, e.g. antianginal drugs, coronary vasodilators, drugs for myocardial infarction, retinopathy, cerebrovascula insufficiency, renal arteriosclerosis
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 2500/32 : Amino acids
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 2500/34 : Sugars
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 2500/44 : Thiols, e.g. mercaptoethanol
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 2500/90 : Serum-free medium, which may still contain naturally-sourced components
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 2500/95 : Protein-free medium and culture conditions
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 2501/12 : Hepatocyte growth factor [HGF]
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 2501/21 : Chemokines, e.g. MIP-1, MIP-2, RANTES, MCP, PF-4
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 2501/23 : Interleukins [IL]
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 2502/02 : embryonic cells
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 2506/02 : from embryonic cells
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 2506/03 : from non-embryonic pluripotent stem cells
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 2509/00 : Methods for the dissociation of cells, e.g. specific use of enzymes
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 2533/50 : Proteins
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 5/0605 : Cells from extra-embryonic tissues, e.g. placenta, amnion, yolk sac, Wharton's jelly
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 5/0606 : Pluripotent embryonic cells, e.g. embryonic stem cells [ES] embryonic germ cells C12N5/0611, induced pluripotent stem cells C12N5/0696
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 5/0607 : Non-embryonic pluripotent stem cells, e.g. MASC induced pluripotent stem cells C12N5/0696

Abstract

Cells derived from postpartum umbilicus and placenta are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions, devices and methods for the regeneration or repair of neural tissue using the postpartum-derived cells are also disclosed.

Claims

1. An isolated postpartum-derived cell comprising a cell derived from human placental or umbilical cord tissue substantially free of blood, wherein the cell is capable of self-renewal and expansion in culture and has the potential to differentiate into a cell of a neural phenotype;

wherein the cell requires L-valine for growth and is capable of growth in at least about 5% oxygen;

wherein the cell further comprises at least one of the following characteristics;

a) potential for at least about 40 doublings in culture;

b) attachment and expansion on a coated or uncoated tissue culture vessel, wherein the coated tissue culture vessel comprises a coating of gelatin, laminin, collagen, polyomithine, vitronectin, or fibronectin;

c) production of at least one of tissue factor, vimentin, and alpha-smooth muscle actin;

d) production of at least one of CD10, CD13, CD44, CD73, CD90, PDGFr-alpha, PD-L2 and HLA-A,B,C;

e) lack of production of at least one of CD31, CD34, CD45, CD80, CD86, CD117, CD141, CD178, B7-H2, HLA-G, and HLA-DR,DP,DQ, as detected by flow cytometry;

f) expression of a gene, which relative to a human cell that is a fibroblast, a mesenchymal stem cell, or an ileac crest bone marrow cell, is increased for at least one of a gene encoding;

interleukin 8;

reticulon 1;

chemokine (C—

X—

C motif) ligand 1 (melonoma growth stimulating activity, alpha);

chemokine (C—

X—

C motif) ligand 6 (granulocyte chemotactic protein

     2);

chemokine (C—

X—

C motif) ligand 3;

tumor necrosis factor, alpha-induced protein 3;

C-type lectin superfamily member 2;

Wilms tumor 1;

aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A2;

renin;

oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor 1;

Homo sapiens clone IMAGE;

4179671;

protein kinase C zeta;

hypothetical protein DKFZp564F013;

downregulated in ovarian cancer 1; and

Homo sapiens gene from clone DKFZp547k1113.

g) expression of a gene, which relative to a human cell that is a fibroblast, a mesenchymal stem cell, or an ileac crest bone marrow cell, is reduced for at least one of a gene encoding;

short stature homeobox 2;

heat shock 27 kDa protein 2;

chemokine (C—

X—

C motif) ligand 12 (stromal cell-derived factor

     1);

elastin (supravalvular aortic stenosis, Williams-Beuren syndrome);

Homo sapiens mRNA;

cDNA DKFZp586M2022 (from clone DKFZp586M2022);

mesenchyme homeo box 2 (growth arrest-specific homeo box);

sine oculis homeobox homolog 1 (Drosophila);

crystallin, alpha B;

disheveled associated activator of morphogenesis 2;

DKFZP586B2420 protein;

similar to neuralin 1;

tetranectin (plasminogen binding protein);

src homology three (SH3) and cysteine rich domain;

cholesterol 25-hydroxylase;

runt-related transcription factor 3;

interleukin 11 receptor, alpha;

procollagen C-endopeptidase enhancer;

frizzled homolog 7 (Drosophila);

hypothetical gene BC008967;

collagen, type VIII, alpha 1;

tenascin C (hexabrachion);

iroquois homeobox protein 5;

hephaestin;

integrin, beta 8;

synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2;

neuroblastoma, suppression of tumorigenicity 1;

insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2, 36 kDa;

Homo sapiens cDNA FLJ12280 fis, clone MAMMA1001744;

cytokine receptor-like factor 1;

potassium intermediate/small conductance calcium-activated channel, subfamily N, member 4;

integrin, beta 7;

transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ);

sine oculis homeobox homolog 2 (Drosophila);

KIAA1034 protein;

vesicle-associated membrane protein 5 (myobrevin);

EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1;

early growth response 3;

distal-less homeo box 5;

hypothetical protein FLJ20373;

aldo-keto reductase family 1, member C3 (3-alpha hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, type II);

biglycan;

transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ);

fibronectin 1;

proenkephalin;

integrin, beta-like 1 (with EGF-like repeat domains);

Homo sapiens mRNA full length insert cDNA clone EUROIMAGE 1968422;

EphA3;

KIAA0367 protein;

natriuretic peptide receptor C/guanylate cyclase C (atrionatriuretic peptide receptor C);

hypothetical protein FLJ14054;

Homo sapiens mRNA;

cDNA DKFZp564B222 (from clone DKFZp564B222);

BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein 3-like;

AE binding protein 1;

cytochrome c oxidase subunit VIIa polypeptide 1 (muscle);

similar to neuralin 1;

B cell translocation gene 1;

hypothetical protein FLJ23191; and

DKFZp586L151;

h) secretion of at least one of MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8, GCP-2, HGF, KGF, FGF, HB-EGF, BDNF, TPO, MIP1a, RANTES, and TIMP1; and

i) lack of secretion of at least one of TGF-beta2, ANG2, PDGFbb, MIPlb, 1309, MDC, and VEGF, as detected by ELISA.

2. The postpartum-derived cell of claim 1 isolated in the presence of one or more enzyme activities comprising metalloprotease activity, mucolytic activity and neutral protease activity.

3. The postpartum-derived cell of claim 6 comprising a normal karyotype.

4. The postpartum-derived cell of claim 9 wherein the cell comprises each of CD10, CD13, CD44, CD73, CD90, PDGFr-alpha, and HLA-A,B,C and does not comprise any of CD31, CD34, CD45, CD117, CD141, or HLA-DR,DP,DQ, as detected by flow cytometry.

5. A cell population comprising the postpartum-derived cell of claim 1.

6. The cell population of claim 5, which is a substantially homogeneous population of the postpartum-derived cells.

7. The cell population of claim 6 comprising a clonal cell line of postpartum-derived cells.

8. The cell population of claim 5, which is a heterogeneous population comprising the postpartum-derived cells and at least one other cell type.

9. The cell population of claim 8, wherein the at least one other cell type is an astrocyte, oligodendrocyte, neuron, neural progenitor, neural stem cell or other multipotent or pluripotent stem cell.

10. A cell lysate prepared from the cell population of claim 5.

11. A soluble cell fraction prepared from the cell lysate of claim 10.

12. An extracellular matrix prepared from the cell population of claim 5.

13. The cell population of claim 5, cultured in contact with one or more factors that stimulate stem cell differentiation toward a neural or epithelial lineage.

45. A method of treating a patient having a neurodegenerative condition, the method comprising administering to the patient and a preparation made from the postpartum-derived cells of claim 1 in an amount effective to treat the neurodegenerative condition, wherein the preparation comprises a cell lysate of the postpartum-derived cells, an extracellular matrix of the postpartum-derived cells, or a conditioned medium in which the postpartum-derived cells were grown.

46. A pharmaceutical composition for treating a patient having a neurodegenerative condition, which comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a preparation made from the postpartum-derived cells of claim 1, wherein the preparation comprises a cell lysate of the postpartum-derived cells, an extracellular matrix of the postpartum-derived cells or a conditioned medium in which the postpartum-derived cells were grown.

47. A kit for treating a patient having a neurodegenerative condition, which comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, a preparation made from the postpartum-derived cells of claim 1, wherein the preparation comprises a cell lysate of the postpartum-derived cells, an extracellular matrix of the postpartum-derived cells, or a conditioned medium in which the postpartum-derived cells were grown, and instructions for using the kit components for treatment of the neurodegenerative condition.

48. A method for increasing the survival, growth or activity of neural lineage cells comprising co-culturing the neural lineage cells with the postpartum-derived cells of claim 1 under conditions effective to increase the survival, growth or activity of the neural lineage cells.

49. A kit for increasing the survival, growth or activity of neural lineage cells comprising the postpartum-derived cells of claim 1 and instructions for co-culturing the neural lineage cells with the postpartum-derived cells under conditions effective to increase the survival, growth or activity of the neural lineage cells.

14. A method of treating a patient having a neurodegenerative condition, the method comprising administering to the patient postpartum-derived cells in an amount effective to treat the neurodegenerative condition, wherein the postpartum-derived cells are derived from human placental or umbilical cord tissue substantially free of blood, wherein the cells are capable of self-renewal and expansion in culture and have the potential to differentiate into cells of at least a neural phenotype;

wherein the cells require L-valine for growth and can grow in at least about 5% oxygen;

wherein the cells further comprise at least one of the following characteristics;

a) potential for at least about 40 doublings in culture;

b) attachment and expansion on a coated or uncoated tissue culture vessel, wherein the coated tissue culture vessel comprises a coating of gelatin, laminin, collagen, polyomithine, vitronectin, or fibronectin;

c) production of at least one of tissue factor, vimentin, and alpha-smooth muscle actin;

d) production of at least one of CD10, CD13, CD44, CD73, CD90, PDGFr-alpha, PD-L2 and HLA-A,B,C;

e) lack of production of at least one of CD31, CD34, CD45, CD80, CD86, CD117, CD141, CD178, B7-H2, HLA-G, and HLA-DR,DP,DQ, as detected by flow cytometry;

f) expression of a gene, which relative to a human cell that is a fibroblast, a mesenchymal stem cell, or an ileac crest bone marrow cell, is increased for at least one of a gene encoding;

interleukin 8;

reticulon 1;

chemokine (C—

X—

C motif) ligand 1 (melonoma growth stimulating activity, alpha);

chemokine (C—

X—

C motif) ligand 6 (granulocyte chemotactic protein

     2);

chemokine (C—

X—

C motif) ligand 3;

tumor necrosis factor, alpha-induced protein 3;

C-type lectin superfamily member 2;

Wilms tumor 1;

aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A2;

renin;

oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor 1;

Homo sapiens clone IMAGE;

4179671;

protein kinase C zeta;

hypothetical protein DKFZp564F013;

downregulated in ovarian cancer 1; and

Homo sapiens gene from clone DKFZp547k1113.

g) expression of a gene, which relative to a human cell that is a fibroblast, a mesenchymal stem cell, or an ileac crest bone marrow cell, is reduced for at least one of a gene encoding;

short stature homeobox 2;

heat shock 27 kDa protein 2;

chemokine (C—

X—

C motif) ligand 12 (stromal cell-derived factor

     1);

elastin (supravalvular aortic stenosis, Williams-Beuren syndrome);

Homo sapiens mRNA;

cDNA DKFZp586M2022 (from clone DKFZp586M2022);

mesenchyme homeo box 2 (growth arrest-specific homeo box);

sine oculis homeobox homolog 1 (Drosophila);

crystallin, alpha B;

disheveled associated activator of morphogenesis 2;

DKFZP586B2420 protein;

similar to neuralin 1;

tetranectin (plasminogen binding protein);

src homology three (SH3) and cysteine rich domain;

cholesterol 25-hydroxylase;

runt-related transcription factor 3;

interleukin 11 receptor, alpha;

procollagen C-endopeptidase enhancer;

frizzled homolog 7 (Drosophila);

hypothetical gene BC008967;

collagen, type VIII, alpha 1;

tenascin C (hexabrachion);

iroquois homeobox protein 5;

hephaestin;

integrin, beta 8;

synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2;

neuroblastoma, suppression of tumorigenicity 1;

insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2, 36 kDa;

Homo sapiens cDNA FLJ12280 fis, clone MAMMA1001744;

cytokine receptor-like factor 1;

potassium intermediate/small conductance calcium-activated channel, subfamily N, member 4;

integrin, beta 7;

transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ);

sine oculis homeobox homolog 2 (Drosophila);

KIAA1034 protein;

vesicle-associated membrane protein 5 (myobrevin);

EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1;

early growth response 3;

distal-less homeo box 5;

hypothetical protein FLJ20373;

aldo-keto reductase family 1, member C3 (3-alpha hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, type II);

biglycan;

transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ);

fibronectin 1;

proenkephalin;

integrin, beta-like 1 (with EGF-like repeat domains);

Homo sapiens mRNA full length insert cDNA clone EUROIMAGE 1968422;

EphA3;

KIAA0367 protein;

natriuretic peptide receptor C/guanylate cyclase C (atrionatriuretic peptide receptor C);

hypothetical protein FLJ14054;

Homo sapiens mRNA;

cDNA DKFZp564B222 (from clone DKFZp564B222);

BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein 3-like;

AE binding protein 1;

cytochrome c oxidase subunit VIIa polypeptide 1 (muscle);

similar to neuralin 1;

B cell translocation gene 1;

hypothetical protein FLJ23191; and

DKFZp586L151;

h) secretion of at least one of MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8, GCP-2, HGF, KGF, FGF, HB-EGF, BDNF, TPO, MIP1a, RANTES, and TIMP1; and

i) lack of secretion of at least one of TGF-beta2, ANG2, PDGFbb, MIP1b, 1309, MDC, and VEGF, as detected by ELISA.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the neurodegenerative condition is an acute neurodegenerative condition.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the acute neurodegenerative condition is a brain trauma, spinal cord trauma or peripheral nerve trauma.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the neurodegenerative condition is a chronic or progressive neurodegenerative condition.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the chronic or progressive neurodegenerative conditions is Parkinson'"'"'s disease, Alzheimer'"'"'s disease, Huntington'"'"'s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, tumor, multiple sclerosis or chronic peripheral nerve injury.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the cells are induced in vitro to differentiate into a neural lineage cells prior to administration.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the cells are genetically engineered to produce a gene product that promotes treatment of the neurodegenerative condition.

21. The method of claim 14, wherein the cells are administered with at least one other cell type.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the other cell type is an astrocyte, oligodendrocyte, neuron, neural progenitor, neural stem cell or other multipotent or pluripotent stem cell.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one other cell type is administered simultaneously with, or before, or after, the postpartum-derived cells.

24. The method of claim 14, wherein the cells are administered with at least one other agent.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least one other agent is administered simultaneously with, or before, or after, the postpartum-derived cells.

26. The method of claim 14, wherein the cells are administered at a pre-determined site in the central or peripheral nervous system of the patient

27. The method of claim 14, wherein the cells are administered by injection or infusion.

28. The method of claim 14, wherein the cells are administered encapsulated within an implantable device.

29. The method of claim 14, wherein the cells are administered by implantation of a matrix or scaffold containing the cells.

30. A pharmaceutical composition for treating a patient having a neurodegenerative condition, comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and postpartum-derived cells in an effective to treat the neurodegenerative condition wherein the postpartum-derived cells are derived from human placental or umbilical cord tissue substantially free of blood, wherein the cells are capable of self-renewal and expansion in culture and have the potential to differentiate into cells of at least a neural phenotype;

wherein the cells require L-valine for growth and can grow in at least about 5% oxygen;

wherein the cells further comprise at least one of the following characteristics;

a) potential for at least about 40 doublings in culture;

b) attachment and expansion on a coated or uncoated tissue culture vessel, wherein the coated tissue culture vessel comprises a coating of gelatin, laminin, collagen, polyomithine, vitronectin, or fibronectin;

c) production of at least one of tissue factor, vimentin, and alpha-smooth muscle actin;

d) production of at least one of CD10, CD13, CD44, CD73, CD90, PDGFr-alpha, PD-L2 and HLA-A,B,C;

e) lack of production of at least one of CD31, CD34, CD45, CD80, CD86, CD117, CD141, CD178, B7-H2, HLA-G, and HLA-DR,DP,DQ, as detected by flow cytometry;

f) expression of a gene, which relative to a human cell that is a fibroblast, a mesenchymal stem cell, or an ileac crest bone marrow cell, is increased for at least one of a gene encoding;

interleukin 8;

reticulon 1;

chemokine (C—

X—

C motif) ligand 1 (melonoma growth stimulating activity, alpha);

chemokine (C—

X—

C motif) ligand 6 (granulocyte chemotactic protein

     2);

chemokine (C—

X—

C motif) ligand 3;

tumor necrosis factor, alpha-induced protein 3;

C-type lectin superfamily member 2;

Wilms tumor 1;

aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A2;

renin;

oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor 1;

Homo sapiens clone IMAGE;

4179671;

protein kinase C zeta;

hypothetical protein DKFZp564F013;

downregulated in ovarian cancer 1; and

Homo sapiens gene from clone DKFZp547k1113.

g) expression of a gene, which relative to a human cell that is a fibroblast, a mesenchymal stem cell, or an ileac crest bone marrow cell, is reduced for at least one of a gene encoding;

short stature homeobox 2;

heat shock 27 kDa protein 2;

chemokine (C—

X—

C motif) ligand 12 (stromal cell-derived factor

     1);

elastin (supravalvular aortic stenosis, Williams-Beuren syndrome);

Homo sapiens mRNA;

cDNA DKFZp586M2022 (from clone DKFZp586M2022);

mesenchyme homeo box 2 (growth arrest-specific homeo box);

sine oculis homeobox homolog 1 (Drosophila);

crystallin, alpha B;

disheveled associated activator of morphogenesis 2;

DKFZP586B2420 protein;

similar to neuralin 1;

tetranectin (plasminogen binding protein);

src homology three (SH3) and cysteine rich domain;

cholesterol 25-hydroxylase;

runt-related transcription factor 3;

interleukin 11 receptor, alpha;

procollagen C-endopeptidase enhancer;

frizzled homolog 7 (Drosophila);

hypothetical gene BC008967;

collagen, type VIII, alpha 1;

tenascin C (hexabrachion);

iroquois homeobox protein 5;

hephaestin;

integrin, beta 8;

synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2;

neuroblastoma, suppression of tumorigenicity 1;

insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2, 36 kDa;

Homo sapiens cDNA FLJ12280 fis, clone MAMMA1001744;

cytokine receptor-like factor 1;

potassium intermediate/small conductance calcium-activated channel, subfamily N, member 4;

integrin, beta 7;

transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ);

sine oculis homeobox homolog 2 (Drosophila);

KIAA1034 protein;

vesicle-associated membrane protein 5 (myobrevin);

EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1;

early growth response 3;

distal-less homeo box 5;

hypothetical protein FLJ20373;

aldo-keto reductase family 1, member C3 (3-alpha hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, type II);

biglycan;

transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ);

fibronectin 1;

proenkephalin;

integrin, beta-like 1 (with EGF-like repeat domains);

Homo sapiens mRNA full length insert cDNA clone EUROIMAGE 1968422;

EphA3;

KIAA0367 protein;

natriuretic peptide receptor C/guanylate cyclase C (atrionatriuretic peptide receptor C);

hypothetical protein FLJ14054;

Homo sapiens mRNA;

cDNA DKFZp564B222 (from clone DKFZp564B222);

BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein 3-like;

AE binding protein 1;

cytochrome c oxidase subunit VIIa polypeptide 1 (muscle);

similar to neuralin 1;

B cell translocation gene 1;

hypothetical protein FLJ23191; and

DKFZp586L151;

h) secretion of at least one of MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8, GCP-2, HGF, KGF, FGF, HB-EGF, BDNF, TPO, MIP1a, RANTES, and TIMP1; and

i) lack of secretion of at least one of TGF-beta2, ANG2, PDGFbb, MIPlb, 1309, MDC, and VEGF, as detected by ELISA.

31. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 30, wherein the neurodegenerative condition is an acute neurodegenerative condition.

32. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 30, wherein the neurodegenerative condition is a chronic or progressive neurodegenerative condition.

33. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 30, wherein the cells are induced in vitro to differentiate into a neural lineage cells prior to formulation of the composition.

34. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 33, wherein the cells are genetically engineered to produce a gene product that promotes treatment of the neurodegenerative condition.

35. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 30, comprising at least one other cell type.

36. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 35, wherein the other cell type is an astrocyte, oligodendrocyte, neuron, neural progenitor, neural stem cell or other multipotent or pluripotent stem cell.

37. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 30, comprising at least one other agent.

38. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 30, formulated for administration by injection or infusion.

39. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 30, wherein the cells are encapsulated within an implantable device.

40. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 30, wherein the cells are contained within a a matrix or scaffold.

41. A kit for treating a patient having a neurodegenerative condition, the kit comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, a population of postpartum-derived cells and instructions for using the kit in a method of treating the patient, wherein the postpartum-derived cells are derived from human placental or umbilical cord tissue substantially free of blood, wherein the cells are capable of self-renewal and expansion in culture and have the potential to differentiate into cells of at least a neural phenotype;

wherein the cells require L-valine for growth and can grow in at least about 5% oxygen;

wherein the cells further comprise at least one of the following characteristics;

a) potential for at least about 40 doublings in culture;

b) attachment and expansion on a coated or uncoated tissue culture vessel, wherein the coated tissue culture vessel comprises a coating of gelatin, laminin, collagen, polyornithine, vitronectin, or fibronectin;

c) production of at least one of tissue factor, vimentin, and alpha-smooth muscle actin;

d) production of at least one of CD10, CD13, CD44, CD73, CD90, PDGFr-alpha, PD-L2 and HLA-A,B,C;

e) lack of production of at least one of CD31, CD34, CD45, CD80, CD86, CD117, CD 141, CD178, B7-H2, HLA-G, and HLA-DR,DP,DQ, as detected by flow cytometry;

f) expression of a gene, which relative to a human cell that is a fibroblast, a mesenchymal stem cell, or an ileac crest bone marrow cell, is increased for at least one of a gene encoding;

interleukin 8;

reticulon 1;

chemokine (C—

X—

C motif) ligand 1 (melonoma growth stimulating activity, alpha);

chemokine (C—

X—

C motif) ligand 6 (granulocyte chemotactic protein

     2);

chemokine (C—

X—

C motif) ligand 3;

tumor necrosis factor, alpha-induced protein 3;

C-type lectin superfamily member 2;

Wilms tumor 1;

aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A2;

renin;

oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor 1;

Homo sapiens clone IMAGE;

4179671;

protein kinase C zeta;

hypothetical protein DKFZp564F013;

downregulated in ovarian cancer 1; and

Homo sapiens gene from clone DKFZp547k1113.

g) expression of a gene, which relative to a human cell that is a fibroblast, a mesenchymal stem cell, or an ileac crest bone marrow cell, is reduced for at least one of a gene encoding;

short stature homeobox 2;

heat shock 27 kDa protein 2;

chemokine (C—

X—

C motif) ligand 12 (stromal cell-derived factor

     1);

elastin (supravalvular aortic stenosis, Williams-Beuren syndrome);

Homo sapiens mRNA;

cDNA DKFZp586M2022 (from clone DKFZp586M2022);

mesenchyme homeo box 2 (growth arrest-specific homeo box);

sine oculis homeobox homolog 1 (Drosophila);

crystallin, alpha B;

disheveled associated activator of morphogenesis 2;

DKFZP586B2420 protein;

similar to neuralin 1;

tetranectin (plasminogen binding protein);

src homology three (SH3) and cysteine rich domain;

cholesterol 25-hydroxylase;

runt-related transcription factor 3;

interleukin 11 receptor, alpha;

procollagen C-endopeptidase enhancer;

frizzled homolog 7 (Drosophila);

hypothetical gene BC008967;

collagen, type VIII, alpha 1;

tenascin C (hexabrachion);

iroquois homeobox protein 5;

hephaestin;

integrin, beta 8;

synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2;

neuroblastoma, suppression of tumorigenicity 1;

insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2, 36 kDa;

Homo sapiens cDNA FLJ12280 fis, clone MAMMA1001744;

cytokine receptor-like factor 1;

potassium intermediate/small conductance calcium-activated channel, subfamily N, member 4;

integrin, beta 7;

transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ);

sine oculis homeobox homolog 2 (Drosophila);

KIAA1034 protein;

vesicle-associated membrane protein 5 (myobrevin);

EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1;

early growth response 3;

distal-less homeo box 5;

hypothetical protein FLJ20373;

aldo-keto reductase family 1, member C3 (3-alpha hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, type II);

biglycan;

transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ);

fibronectin 1;

proenkephalin;

integrin, beta-like 1 (with EGF-like repeat domains);

Homo sapiens mRNA full length insert cDNA clone EUROIMAGE 1968422;

EphA3;

KIAA0367 protein;

natriuretic peptide receptor C/guanylate cyclase C (atrionatriuretic peptide receptor C);

hypothetical protein FLJ14054;

Homo sapiens mRNA;

cDNA DKFZp564B222 (from clone DKFZp564B222);

BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein 3-like;

AE binding protein 1;

cytochrome c oxidase subunit VIIa polypeptide 1 (muscle);

similar to neuralin 1;

B cell translocation gene 1;

hypothetical protein FLJ23191; and

DKFZp586L 151;

h) secretion of at least one of MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8, GCP-2, HGF, KGF, FGF, HB-EGF, BDNF, TPO, MIP1a, RANTES, and TIMP1; and

i) lack of secretion of at least one of TGF-beta2, ANG2, PDGFbb, MIP2b, I309, MDC, and VEGF, as detected by ELISA.

42. The kit of claim 41, which further comprises at least one reagent and instructions for culturing the postpartum-derived cells.

43. The kit of claim 41, which further comprises a population of at least one other cell type.

44. The kit of claim 41, which further comprises at least one other agent for treating a neurodegenerative condition.