Abstract: The invention provides a self-assembling peptide comprising (a) a first amino acid domain that mediates self-assembly, wherein the domain comprises alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids that are complementary and structurally compatible and self-assemble into a macroscopic structure when present in unmodified form; and (b) a second amino acid domain that does not self-assemble in isolated form. In certain embodiments of the invention the second amino acid domain comprises a biologically active peptide motif, e.g., a peptide motif found in a naturally occurring protein, or a target site for an interaction with a biomolecule. In certain embodiments of the invention the naturally occurring protein is a component of the extracellular matrix, e.g., a component of the basement membrane. The invention further provides scaffolds comprising the self-assembling peptides and methods of using the scaffolds including for cell culture, tissue engineering, and tissue repair.

Abstract: Methods for wound healing or tissue regeneration by means of cell and tissue engineering, including using three-dimensional matrices with cells therein. A three-dimensional matrix, optionally containing cells such as fibroblasts, is inserted Into the wound of a subject. An anti-inflammatory factor may also be used to reduce or suppress the immune response. The wound may be covered to limit exposure to gaseous oxygen, for example, using a membrane. An anticoagulant may also be applied. In addition, cells, such as fibroblasts or stem cells, when cultured within a three-dimensional matrix, under certain conditions, can be induced to form non-fibroblast multipotent cells. When stem cells are cultured in the three-dimensional matrix, at least some of the stem cells remain as stem cells and do not differentiate. Kits for promoting the control of cells within three-dimensional matrices are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of introducing heterologous cells into fish. After introduction cells remain viable, and in some instances proliferate, for sufficient time to conduct a variety of analyses on the heterologous cells or the fish or both. Such methods are useful for screening potential drugs for toxicity toward introduced cells or for capacity to stimulate differentiation and/or proliferation of introduced cells. Such methods are also useful for diagnosing the presence of small quantities of cancerous cells or pathogens in patient tissue samples. Such methods are also useful for culturing cells for subsequent use in cell or tissue engineering.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of introducing heterologous cells into fish. After introduction cells remain viable, and in some instances proliferate, for sufficient time to conduct a variety of analyses on the heterologous cells or the fish or both. Such methods are useful for screening potential drugs for toxicity toward introduced cells or for capacity to stimulate differentiation and/or proliferation of introduced cells. Such methods are also useful for diagnosing the presence of small quantities of cancerous cells or pathogens in patient tissue samples. Such methods are also useful for culturing cells for subsequent use in cell or tissue engineering.