Abstract: The present invention provides a method to derive hepatic stem cells from stem cells derived from non-liver tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, hepatic stem cells are derived from adipose stem cells. The invention also provides a method of enhancing hepatic cytokine production (e.g., HGF) from ASCs, which may be useful in the regeneration of liver tissue when transplanted in vivo. Tissue culture conditions, including media conditions, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to derive hepatic stem cells from stem cells derived from non-liver tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, hepatic stem cells are derived from adipose stem cells. The invention also provides a method of enhancing hepatic cytokine production (e.g., HGF) from ASCs, which may be useful in the regeneration of liver tissue when transplanted in vivo. Tissue culture conditions, including media conditions, are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for the differentiation of stromal cells from adipose tissue into hematopoietic supporting stromal cells and myocytes of both the skeletal and smooth muscle type. The cells produced by the methods are useful in providing a source of fully differentiated and functional cells for research, transplantation and development of tissue engineering products for the treatment of human diseases and traumatic tissue injury repair.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for generating an isolated adipose tissue-derived stromal cell exhibiting a low level of immunogenicity. The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for reducing an immune response associated with transplantation by administering the recipient with an amount of adipose tissue-derived stromal cells effective to reduce or inhibit host rejection and/or host versus graft disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment of neural injury and neurodegenerative diseases. Also included in the present invention is the use of adipose tissue derived stromal cells for the treatment of neural injury (stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury) and neurodegeneration (i.e. Parkinson's disease).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment of neural injury and neurodegenerative diseases. Also included in the present invention is the use of adipose tissue derived stromal cells for the treatment of neural injury (stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury) and neurodegeneration (i.e. Parkinson's disease).

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for the differentiation of stromal cells from adipose tissue into hematopoietic supporting stromal cells and myocytes of both the skeletal and smooth muscle type. The cells produced by the methods are useful in providing a source of fully differentiated and functional cells for research, transplantation and development of tissue engineering products for the treatment of human diseases and traumatic tissue injury repair.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for differentiating stromal cells from adipose tissue into cells having osteoblastic properties, and methods for improving a subject's bone structure. The methods comprise culturing stromal cells from adipose tissue in ?-glycerophosphate and ascorbic acid and/or ascorbate-2-phosphate for a time sufficient to allow differentiation of said cells into osteoblasts. Such methods and compositions are useful in the production of osteoblasts for autologous transplantation into bone at a surgical site or injury. The compositions comprise adipose stromal cells, a medium capable of supporting the growth of fibroblasts and amounts of ?-glycerophosphate and ascorbic acid and/or ascorbic-2 phosphate sufficient to induce the differentiation of said stromal cells into osteoblasts. The invention further provides methods of identifying compounds that affect osteoblast differentiation.

Abstract: The invention is in the area of pleuripotent stem cells generated from adipose tissue-derived stromal cells and uses thereof. In particular, the invention includes isolated adipose tissue derived stromal cells that have been induced to express at least one phenotypic characteristic of a neuronal, astroglial, hematopoietic progenitor, or hepatic cell. The invention also includes an isolated adipocyte tissue-derived stromal cell that has been dedifferentiated such that there is an absence of adipocyte phenotypic markers.