Abstract: This application provides a microsphere suitable for tissue engineering that comprises connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). Also provided is a matrix, material or scaffold suitable for tissue engineering that comprises connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Additionally, methods of treating skin of a human are provided. The methods comprise administering to the skin microspheres comprising a growth factor that increases fibroblast proliferation or collagen, elastin, or glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Further provided are the use of the above microspheres for the treatment of the skin of a human. Additionally, this application proves the use of the above microsphere for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of the skin of a human.

Abstract: Provided is a method of preparing an embryonic stem cell-like cell, a method of preparing an insulin-secreting cell or pancreatic beta-like cell, a method of preparing a chondrocyte-like cell, a method of preparing a myocyte-like cell, and a method of preparing a hair follicle-like cell. A composition comprising a dental stem cell and an insulin-secreting cell or a pancreatic beta-like cell is also provided. Further, a composition comprising (a) a dental stem cell and (b) a chondrocyte-like cell, a myocyte-like cell, or a hair follicle-like cell is provided. Additionally provided is an insulin-secreting cell or a pancreatic beta-like cell differentiated from a dental stem cell. Further provided is a chondrocyte-like cell, a myocyte-like cell, or a hair follicle-like cell, derived from a dental stem cell.

Abstract: The present application is directed to engineering of tissues, especially composite tissues such as a joint. Various aspects of the application provide tissue modules and methods of fabrication and use thereof. Some embodiments provide a tissue module that can be fabricated to be substantially similar in anatomic internal and external shape as a target tissue. Some embodiments provide a composite tissue module having a plurality of layers, each of which simulate a different tissue (e.g., bone and cartilage of a joint).

Abstract: Provided are methods for performing a dental, endodontic or root canal procedure on a mammalian tooth in need thereof. Also provided are matrices, materials or scaffolds suitable for insertion into a tooth pulp chamber. Additionally provided are uses of any of the above matrix, material or scaffolds in a dental, endodontic or root canal procedure. Further provided are uses of any of the above matrices, materials or scaffolds for the manufacture of a medicament for a dental, endodontic or root canal procedure.

Abstract: The common premise of synthetic implants in the restoration of diseased tissues and organs is to use inert and solid materials. Here, a porous titanium implant enables the delivery of microencapsulated bioactive cues. Control-released TGF?1 promoted the proliferation and migration of human mesenchymal stem cells into porous implants in vitro. Upon 4-wk implantation in the rabbit humerus, control-released TGF?1 from porous implants significantly increased BIC by 96% and bone ingrowth by 50% over placebos. Control-released 100 ng TGF?1 induced equivalent BIC and bone ingrowth to adsorbed 1 ?g TGF?1, suggesting that controlled release is effective at 10-fold less drug dose than adsorption. Histomorphometry, SEM and ?T showed that control-released TGF?1 enhanced bone ingrowth in the implant's pores and surface. These findings suggest that solid prostheses can be transformed into porous implants to serve as drug delivery carriers, from which control-released bioactive cues augment host tissue integration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new approach towards in situ differentiation of tissue progenitor cells, without the coventional requirements of weeks of cellular manipulation and treatment. Such approach circumvents the need for 2D culturing and differentiation of tissue progenitor cells before implanting in a 3D biocompatible matrix, thus providing convenience, cost savings, and time savings. One aspect of the invention provides an engineered tissue composition comprising substantially undifferentiated tissue progenitor cells in a biphasic matrix material, along with growth factors or encapsulated growth factors. Another aspect of the invention includes methods for making the compositions described herein. Another aspect of the invention includes methods of therapeutic treatment using the compositions described herein.

Abstract: Provided are hybrid soft tissue constructs comprising a core material, a biomaterial matrix and mammalian cells. Also provided are methods of augmenting or reconstructing a soft tissue of a mammal. Additionally, methods of forming a hybrid soft tissue construct are provided. The use of the above constructs for augmenting or reconstructing a soft tissue of a mammal are further provided. Additionally provided is the use of the above constructs for the manufacture of a medicament for augmenting or reconstructing a soft tissue of a mammal.

Abstract: It has been discovered that vascularized tissue or organs can be engineered by combined actions of tissue progenitor cells and vascular progenitor cells. Provided herein are compositions and methods directed to engineered vascularized tissue or organs formed by introducing tissue progenitor cells and vascular progenitor into or onto a biocompatible scaffold of matrix material. Also provided are methods of treating tissue defects via grafting of such compositions into subjects in need thereof.

Abstract: It has been discovered that that certain growth factors can delay the ossification of a tissue site, such as a cranial suture, via the promotion of fibroblast differentiation and/or inhibition of osteoblast differentiation. Provided herein are methods for treating bone formation conditions or disorders, such as synostotic conditions, or ectopic mineralization conditions, via administration of compositions comprising connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and optionally other growth factors or fibroblast or progenitor cells, to a tissue site of a subject in need thereof.