The present invention relates to the field of stem cell biology, in particular the linage specific differentiation of pluripotent or multipotent stem cells, which can include, but is not limited to, human embryonic stem cells (hESC) in addition to nonembryonic human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC), somatic stem cells, stem cells from patients with a disease, or any other cell capable of lineage specific differentiation. Specifically described are methods to direct the lineage specific differentiation of hESC and/or hiPSC into floor plate midbrain progenitor cells and then further into large populations of midbrain fate FOXA2+LMX1A+TH+ dopamine (DA) neurons using novel culture conditions. The midbrain fate FOXA2+LMX1A+TH+ dopamine (DA) neurons made using the methods of the present invention are further contemplated for various uses including, but not limited to, use in in vitro drug discovery assays, neurology research, and as a therapeutic to reverse disease of, or damage to, a lack of dopamine neurons in a patient. Further, compositions and methods are provided for differentiating midbrain fate FOXA2+LMX1A+TH+ dopamine (DA) neurons from human pluripotent stem cells for use in disease modeling, in particular Parkinson's disease. Additionally, authentic DA neurons are enriched for markers, such as CD 142, and A9 type neuronal cells.
