Abstract: There is provided a novel use for vascular endothelial growth factor, herein designated VEGF-X, and a CUB domain present in the sequence of VEGF-X, which enhance smooth muscle cell proliferation and can be used to treat diseases associated with reduced smooth muscle cell proliferation. VEGF-X, and a CUB domain can also be used in tissue engineering applications to increase the number of smooth muscle cells within specific tissue to restore that tissue function or architecture. Screening methods for identifying inhibitors of VEGF-X biological activity are also disclosed and these inhibitors include neutralizing VEGF-X antibodies, antisense VEGF-X sequences or non-protein antagonists competing with VEGF-X biological activity. Also provided are therapeutic methods for treating disorders associated with smooth muscle cells hyperproliferation and methods of diagnosis a pathological condition or susceptibility to a pathological condition associated with smooth muscle cell hyperproliferation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to composite devices comprising a tissue-engineering scaffold and an anionic polysaccharide/structural protein coating. The composite devices are useful for the reparation and regeneration of tissue, particularly in the treatment of chronic wounds.

Abstract: Compositions for the treatment of incontinence are disclosed. More particularly, compositions of viable muscle tissue fragments and a carrier are disclosed. The compositions are useful in the treatment urinary and fecal incontinence.

Abstract: Compositions for the treatment of incontinence are disclosed. More particularly, compositions of human umbilical tissue-derived cells and a carrier are disclosed. The compositions are useful in the treatment urinary and fecal incontinence.

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

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the growth and expansion of mammalian cells in culture are provided. In particular, methods for the growth and expansion of postpartum-derived cells in vitro are provided using surfaces such as microcarrier beads.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to tissue-engineering scaffolds containing both a microporous scaffold made from a biocompatible material suitable for use in tissue-engineering scaffolds and a nanofiberous, nanoporous hydrogel formed from a self-assembling peptide, where at least a portion of the hydrogel is disposed within the pores of the microporous scaffold, thus providing tissue-engineering scaffolds having average pore diameters in the nanometer range and that provide both mechanical properties suitable for implantation into a body of a mammal and excellent tissue response once implanted in the body.

Abstract: A device and method for tissue engineering is disclosed. More particularly this invention relates to a bioabsorbable device and a method of its use which promotes controlled new tissue in-growth into voids or cavities occupied by the device as portions of the device are selectively absorbed within a host thereby minimizing collapse of surrounding, pre-existing host tissue into the engineered site.

Abstract: Isolated or purified mammalian kidney-derived cell populations from mammalian kidney tissue are provided. Methods are provided for the isolation and purification of the mammalian kidney-derived cell population. Methods for treating kidney disease are provided by administration of the isolated or purified mammalian kidney-derived cell population to a mammalian subject.

Abstract: There is provided a novel vascular endothelial growth factor, herein designated VEGF-X, in addition to the nucleic acid molecule encoding it, a host cell transformed with said vector and compounds which inhibit or enhance angiogenesis. Also provided is the sequence of a CUB domain present in the sequence of VEGF-X which domain itself prevents angiogenesis and which is used to treat diseases associated with inappropriate vascularisation or angiogenesis.

Abstract: Cells derived from human umbilical cords are disclosed along with methods for their therapeutic use. Isolation techniques, culture methods and detailed characterization of the cells with respect to their cell surface markers, gene expression, and their secretion of trophic factors are described.

Abstract: Cells derived from human umbilical cords are disclosed along with methods for their therapeutic use. Isolation techniques, culture methods and detailed characterization of the cells with respect to their cell surface markers, gene expression, and their secretion of trophic factors are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition including an isolated or recombinant peptide component that has osteogenic cell proliferative activity. The peptide, which promotes proliferation of osteoblasts, is useful for treatment of fractures, as a filler in deficient sites of bone, for inhibition of decrease in bone substance related to osteoporosis and periodontic diseases, and for prevention of fractures associated with osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The peptide, or cells that have been genetically engineered to produce the peptide, can be combined with a bone-compatible matrix to facilitate slow release of the peptide to a treatment site and/or provide a structure for developing bone.

Abstract: Cells derived from human umbilical cords are disclosed along with methods for their therapeutic use. Isolation techniques, culture methods and detailed characterization of the cells with respect to their cell surface markers, gene expression, and their secretion of trophic factors are described.

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

Abstract: Cells derived from postpartum tissue such as the umbilical cord and placenta, and methods for their use to regenerate, repair, and improve neural tissue, and to improve behavior and neurological function in stroke patients are disclosed.

Abstract: Cells derived from postpartum tissue are disclosed along with methods for their therapeutic use in diseases of the heart or circulatory system are disclosed. Cells may be used therapeuticall in either differentiated or undifferentiated forms, in homogenous cultures, or as populations with other cells, and in conjunction with other bioactive factors.

Abstract: Cells derived from human umbilical cords are disclosed along with methods for their therapeutic use. Isolation techniques, culture methods and detailed characterization of the cells with respect to their cell surface markers, gene expression, and their secretion of trophic factors are described.

Abstract: Cells derived from postpartum placenta and methods for their isolation are provided by the invention. The invention further provides cultures and compositions of the placenta-derived cells. The placenta-derived cells of the invention have a plethora of uses, including but not limited to research, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Cells derived from postpartum tissue and methods for their isolation and induction to differentiate to cells of a chondrogenic or osteogenic phenotype are provided by the invention. The invention further provides cultures and compositions of the postpartum-derived cells and products related thereto. The postpartum-derived cells of the invention and products related thereto have a plethora of uses, including but not limited to research, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications, for example, in the treatment of bone and cartilage conditions.