Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for increasing muscle strength, and for treating muscle wasting disorders, muscle degenerative disease, or exercise-induced weakness, and cancer.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices with neuronal cells, muscle cells, and optionally other cell types co-cultured therein are provided. Typically one or more the cells has a mutation that contributes to or causes a neuronal or muscular disease or disorder. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the cultured cells are derived from a subject with a neuronal or muscular disease or disorder. The microfluidic device can facilitate formation of a 3D motor unit and a neuromuscular junction in vitro, and be used to monitor the molecular, biochemical, cellular, and morphological differences in the formation of such structures by healthy and diseased cells, and for testing compounds, dosages of compounds, dosing regimes, and combinations thereof, that may improve or worsen their formation. An exemplary combination drug therapy identified in this way is also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for increasing muscle strength, and for treating muscle wasting disorders, muscle degenerative disease, or exercise-induced weakness, and cancer.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides a microfluidic device that enables the precise and repeatable three dimensional and compartmentalized coculture of muscle cells and neuronal cells. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides a microfluidic device that enables the precise and repeatable three dimensional and compartmentalized coculture of muscle cells and neuronal cells. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of inducing angiogenesis at a site in an individual in need thereof comprising administering locally to the site an effective amount of one or more agents that induce hypoxia induced factor 1? (HIF-1?). In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of inducing angiogenesis at a site in an individual in need thereof comprising administering locally to the site an effective amount of one or more agents that induce hypoxia induced factor 1? (HIF-1?) and one or more lysophospholipids. In addition, the invention is directed to methods of generating prevascularized tissue, methods of generating a vascular network in a device and compositions thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are microfluidic devices that can be used as a 3D bioassay, e.g., for drug screening, personalized medicine, tissue engineering, wound healing, and other applications. The device has a series of channels {e.g., small fluid channels) in a small polymer block wherein one or more of the channels can be filled with a biologically relevant gel, such as collagen, which is held in place by posts. As shown herein, when the device is plated with cells such as endothelial cells, new blood vessels grow in the gel, which is thick enough for the cells to grow in three dimensions. Other channels, e.g., fluid channels, allow drugs or biological material to be exposed to the 3D cell growth. Cells, such as endothelial cells, can be cultured and observed as they grow on the surface of a 3D gel scaffold, where e.g., rates of angiogenesis can be measured, as well as intervascularization and extravascularization of cancerous cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are microfluidic devices that can be used as a 3D bioassay, e.g., for drug screening, personalized medicine, tissue engineering, wound healing, and other applications. The device has a series of channels {e.g., small fluid channels) in a small polymer block wherein one or more of the channels can be filled with a biologically relevant gel, such as collagen, which is held in place by posts. As shown herein, when the device is plated with cells such as endothelial cells, new blood vessels grow in the gel, which is thick enough for the cells to grow in three dimensions. Other channels, e.g., fluid channels, allow drugs or biological material to be exposed to the 3D cell growth. Cells, such as endothelial cells, can be cultured and observed as they grow on the surface of a 3D gel scaffold, where e.g., rates of angiogenesis can be measured, as well as intervascularization and extravascularization of cancerous cells.