Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of improving the structure and/or function of a joint tissue of a subject by administering to the subject an amount of a 15-PGDH inhibitor effective to inhibit 15-PGDH activity and/or reduce 15-PGDH levels in the subject. The methods described herein are useful for treating joint dysfunction and/or degeneration associated with aging, injury, disease, disorder, and/or condition.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for reducing inflammation and/or treating osteoarthritis in a patient in need thereof. The methods include administering to the patient an inhibitor of an inflammation amplifying (Inf-A) population of chondrocytes and an activator of an inflammation dampening (Inf-D) population of chondrocytes. The methods include exposing the osteoarthritic chondrocytes to a composition including an effective amount of an ALK5 inhibitor, a JNK kinase inhibitor, a TNFR II receptor inhibitor, and/or IL1R1 receptor inhibitor and an effective amount of a CD24 activator.

Abstract: Cell-based therapies for cartilage repair and regeneration selectively using chondrocytes carrying a CD24 surface marker are disclosed. In particular, chondrocytes carrying the CD24 surface marker have a high regenerative potential and low responsiveness to inflammatory cues. Since cartilage injuries as well as chronic cartilage degenerative conditions are often accompanied by a heightened inflammatory environment, cartilage cell populations carrying the CD24 surface marker, which are resistant to the inflammatory environment, provide more efficient cartilage repair. Thus, chondrocytes carrying the CD24 surface marker are useful in cell-based therapies for regenerating or repairing cartilage.

Abstract: Cell-based therapies for cartilage repair and regeneration selectively using chondrocytes carrying a CD24 surface marker are disclosed. In particular, chondrocytes carrying the CD24 surface marker have a high regenerative potential and low responsiveness to inflammatory cues. Since cartilage injuries as well as chronic cartilage degenerative conditions are often accompanied by a heightened inflammatory environment, cartilage cell populations carrying the CD24 surface marker, which are resistant to the inflammatory environment, provide more efficient cartilage repair. Thus, chondrocytes carrying the CD24 surface marker are useful in cell-based therapies for regenerating or repairing cartilage.

Abstract: There are provided inter alia reagents for increasing growth, expansion or survival of mesenchymal stem cells in cell culture, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for modulating demethylation in a mammalian cell are provided. Also provided are methods, compositions and kits for screening candidate agents for activity in modulating genomic DNA demethylation in mammalian cells. These methods, compositions and kits find use in producing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) and somatic cells in vitro and for treating human disorders including cancer and disorders arising from defects in genomic imprinting.