Abstract: In various embodiments, neuroprotective compositions and uses thereof are provided. In certain embodiments, a method of protecting mammalian neurons from neurotoxins, oxidative stress or protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory gene expression, induced cell death is provided where the method involves contacting the cells, such as neurons, with an effective amount of: a plurality of proteins that are secreted by induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from a healthy mammal and/or from a mammal with a disease, such as neurodegenerative pathology, exemplified by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) where said proteins are secreted when said iPSC cells are pluripotent; and/or biologically active fragments of said proteins; and/or biologically active analogs of said proteins.

Abstract: Method for reprogramming differentiated cells into lineage restricted progenitor cells is provided. The method may include contacting differentiated cells with inhibitors of tyrosine phosphatases and apoptosis to de-differentiate differentiated cells into lineage restricted progenitor cells.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating a subject with an effective amount of an oxytocin receptor (OXTR) agonist and an effective amount of an ALK5 antagonist (ALK5i) to enhance OXTR expression in the subject. Methods are also provided for treating a subject with an effective amount of an OXTR agonist and an effective amount of an ALK5i to enhance hippocampal neurogenesis, enhance functional learning and reduce senescence in a tissue of the subject. In certain aspects, the amounts of the OXTR agonist and ALK5i may be sufficient to protect tissue maintenance and repair during acute and chronic viral infections. In certain aspects, the amount of the OXTR agonist and ALK5 antagonist may be sufficient to provide the subject with a sense of psychological well-being.

Abstract: Methods, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits are provided for treating a subject with an effective amount of an oxytocin receptor (OXTR) agonist and an effective amount of an ALK5 antagonist. In certain aspects, the OXTR agonist may be oxytocin or an oxytocin analog (e.g., a small molecule). The ALK 5 antagonist may be a small molecule, such as 2-(3-(6-Methylpyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1,5-naphthyridine, LY2157299, A 83-01, D 4476, GW 788388, LY 364947, RepSox, SB 431542, SB 505124, SB 525334, or SD 208. In certain aspects, the amounts of the OXTR agonist and ALK5 antagonist may be sufficient to induce muscle regeneration and/or neural cell regeneration in the subject.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for somatic cell proliferation as well as increasing viability of somatic cells are provided. The compositions include heparin binding protein isolated from a medium conditioned by growth of pluripotent stem cells, such as, human embryonic stem cells, human embryonic carcinoma cells. The methods include contacting a somatic cell with a heparin binding protein composition for a sufficient period of time to provide for enhanced proliferation and/or viability of the somatic cell as compared to the absence of the heparin binding protein composition.

Abstract: A blood exchange system is provided that permits computer controlled isochronic and heterochronic blood exchange transfers for small animal model studies. The small animal blood exchange apparatus is an in vivo research tool to replace heterochronic parabiosis, a procedure that requires the suturing of skins of young and old mice (or animals of different genetic background, etc.) and the formation of shared circulatory systems. Compared to parabiosis, the in vivo animal study apparatus is faster, better controlled and is more flexible in the range of available and potential assays that can be performed. Blood exchange in small animals enables less invasive and better-controlled studies with more immediate translation to therapies for humans.

Abstract: Methods, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits are provided for treating a subject with an effective amount of an oxytocin receptor (OXTR) agonist and an effective amount of an ALK5 antagonist. In certain aspects, the OXTR agonist may be oxytocin or an oxytocin analog (e.g., a small molecule). The ALK 5 antagonist may be a small molecule, such as 2-(3-(6-Methyl-pyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1,5-naphthyridine, LY2157299, A 83-01, D 4476, GW 788388, LY 364947, Rep Sox, SB 431542, SB 505124, SB 525334, or SD 208. In certain aspects, the amounts of the OXTR agonist and ALK5 antagonist may be sufficient to induce muscle regeneration and/or neural cell regeneration in the subject.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for somatic cell proliferation as well as increasing viability of somatic cells are provided. The compositions include heparin binding protein isolated from a medium conditioned by growth of pluripotent stem cells, such as, human embryonic stem cells, human embryonic carcinoma cells. The methods include contacting a somatic cell with a heparin binding protein composition for a sufficient period of time to provide for enhanced proliferation and/or viability of the somatic cell as compared to the absence of the heparin binding protein composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a complex comprising a nanoparticle; a Type II or a Type V CRISPR system comprising a site-directed DNA-modifying polypeptide and a guide RNA; and a polycation-based endosomal escape polymer. The present disclosure provides methods of making and using a complex of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for somatic cell proliferation as well as increasing viability of somatic cells are provided. The compositions include heparin binding protein isolated from a medium conditioned by growth of pluripotent stem cells, such as, human embryonic stem cells, human embryonic carcinoma cells. The methods include contacting a somatic cell with a heparin binding protein composition for a sufficient period of time to provide for enhanced proliferation and/or viability of the somatic cell as compared to the absence of the heparin binding protein composition.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for somatic cell proliferation as well as increasing viability of somatic cells are provided. The compositions include heparin binding protein isolated from a medium conditioned by growth of pluripotent stem cells, such as, human embryonic stem cells, human embryonic carcinoma cells. The methods include contacting a somatic cell with a heparin binding protein composition for a sufficient period of time to provide for enhanced proliferation and/or viability of the somatic cell as compared to the absence of the heparin binding protein composition.

Abstract: Methods, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits are provided for treating a subject with an effective amount of an oxytocin receptor (OXTR) agonist and an effective amount of an ALK5 antagonist. In certain aspects, the OXTR agonist may be oxytocin or an oxytocin analog (e.g., a small molecule). The ALK 5 antagonist may be a small molecule, such as 2-(3-(6-Methyl-pyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1,5-naphthyridine, LY2157299, A 83-01, D 4476, GW 788388, LY 364947, Rep Sox, SB 431542, SB 505124, SB 525334, or SD 208. In certain aspects, the amounts of the OXTR agonist and ALK5 antagonist may be sufficient to induce muscle regeneration and/or neural cell regeneration in the subject.

Abstract: Method for reprogramming differentiated cells into lineage restricted progenitor cells is provided. The method may include contacting differentiated cells with inhibitors of tyrosine phosphatases and apoptosis to de-differentiate differentiated cells into lineage restricted progenitor cells.

Abstract: Method for reprogramming differentiated cells into lineage restricted progenitor cells is provided. The method may include contacting differentiated cells with inhibitors of tyrosine phosphatases and apoptosis to de-differentiate differentiated cells into lineage restricted progenitor cells.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for somatic cell proliferation as well as increasing viability of somatic cells are provided. The compositions include heparin binding protein isolated from a medium conditioned by growth of pluripotent stem cells, such as, human embryonic stem cells, human embryonic carcinoma cells. The methods include contacting a somatic cell with a heparin binding protein composition for a sufficient period of time to provide for enhanced proliferation and/or viability of the somatic cell as compared to the absence of the heparin binding protein composition.

Abstract: The regenerative potential of aged stem cells is enhanced by activation of the Notch signaling pathway and/or inhibition of TGF-? signaling pathway. Stem cells in aged tissues are capable of proliferation and tissue regeneration, but in their native setting are not provided with the appropriate signals to do so. By administering tissue regenerating agents, organ stem/progenitor cells are provided with the appropriate signals to regenerate the corresponding differentiated tissues.