Abstract: Thus, provided herein are pericyte progenitor cells (e.g., isolated pericyte progenitor cells), methods for generating pericyte progenitors in clinically relevant numbers for various applications applying macromolecular crowding during cell culture, and methods of using the pericyte progenitor cells.

Abstract: Methods of generating functional human brown adipocytes, comprising exposing human stem cells, progenitor cells, or white adipocytes to culture with an differentiation cocktail that comprises one or more browning agents (e.g., one or more macromolecular crowders), and optionally one or more adipogenic agents, are described, as are populations of human brown adipocytes generated by the methods, and uses for the populations. Methods of generating functional human brown adipocytes in an individual, such as by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising an differentiation cocktail, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in various embodiments, to methods of producing a tissue-mimetic construct having a basement membrane, methods of producing an acellular scaffold containing an extracellular matrix (ECM), methods of producing a scaffold comprising a hydrogel that is enriched in ECM components, methods of treating a condition in a subject in need thereof with a tissue-mimetic construct having a basement membrane, and methods of assessing whether an agent is suitable for administering to a tissue. The invention further relates to tissue-mimetic constructs and scaffolds produced in accordance with the methods of the invention.

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: This disclosure relates to a fully or partially biodegradable carrier for the delivery of biologically active agents which are associated, either directly or indirectly, with the carrier via a biodegradable linking agent and the use of the carrier in the delivery of bioactive molecules for therapy and imaging, in particular the delivery of agents to mitochondria.

Abstract: Methods of generating functional human brown adipocytes, comprising exposing human stem cells, progenitor cells, or white adipocytes to culture with an differentiation cocktail that comprises one or more browning agents (e.g., one or more macromolecular crowders), and optionally one or more adipogenic agents, are described, as are populations of human brown adipocytes generated by the methods, and uses for the populations. Methods of generating functional human brown adipocytes in an individual, such as by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising an differentiation cocktail, are also described.

Abstract: Thus, provided herein are pericyte progenitor cells (e.g., isolated pericyte progenitor cells), methods for generating pericyte progenitors in clinically relevant numbers for various applications applying macromolecular crowding during cell culture, and methods of using the pericyte progenitor cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of nucleic acid synthesis and/or amplification, and/or of improving the efficiency, activity and/or stability of at least one nucleic acid-modifying enzyme, comprising carrying out the method in the presence of (a) at least one organic-based macromolecule having a molecular weight of 50 kDa to 500 kDa and neutral surface charge; or (b) at least one organic-based macromolecule of radius 2 to 50 nm and neutral surface charge. There is also provided a method of determining the optimum crowding conditions of macromolecule(s) in solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of culturing and/or proliferating stem cells such as progenitor cells, multipotent and induced pluripotent stem (IPS) cells. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of macromolecular crowding created using carbohydrate-based macromolecule to promote the growth of the stem cells in an ex vivo culture, while preserving their multipotentiality.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of nucleic acid synthesis and/or amplification, and/or of improving the efficiency, activity and/or stability of at least one nucleic acid-modifying enzyme, comprising carrying out the method in the presence of (a) at least one organic-based macromolecule having a molecular weight of 50 kDa to 500 kDa and neutral surface charge; or (b) at least one organic-based macromolecule of radius 2 to 50 nm and neutral surface charge. There is also provided a method of determining the optimum crowding conditions of macromolecule(s) in solution.