Abstract: A composition for promoting regeneration of tissue which has degenerated in a subject as a result of a disease or disorder and a method of using the composition is provided. The composition comprises a biodegradable acellular matrix, and passaged autologous fibroblasts substantially free of immunogenic proteins, e.g., culture medium serum-derived proteins, integrated within the matrix. The method of using the composition to promote regeneration of tissue involves placing the composition on a site of degenerated tissue in a subject so that the composition promotes tissue regeneration at the site. The composition and the method of its use have applications promoting regeneration of tissue (i) that has degenerated as a result of numerous diseases or disorders or (ii) that has a defect, including, but not limited to, defects of the oral mucosa, trauma to the oral mucosa (e.g., extraction of a tooth), periodontal disease, diabetes, cutaneous ulcers, venous stasis, scars of the skin, or wrinkles of the skin.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing neurons from undifferentiated mesenchymal cells (UMC). Also featured by the invention is an isolated neuron produced by this method, compositions containing such neurons, and a method of repairing damaged or defective neural tissues using such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for correcting cosmetic, aesthetic, and degenerative defects in the skin, soft tissue, and bone of a subject. In particular, methods of the invention involve the injection or implantation of autologous UMC, fibroblasts, and/or keratinocytes into the tissue (e.g., subcutaneous tissue) adjacent or subadjacent to a defect or at the site of a defect. The cells that are injected, as provided herein, are histocompatible with the subject (e.g., are autologous) and have been expanded by passage in a cell culture system.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions containing, and methods for making and using, a hair follicle growth factor produced by fat cells.

Abstract: A composition for promoting regeneration of tissue which has degenerated in a subject as a result of a disease or disorder and a method of using the composition is provided. The composition comprises a biodegradable acellular matrix, and passaged autologous fibroblasts substantially free of immunogenic proteins, e.g., culture medium serum-derived proteins, integrated within the matrix. The method of using the composition to promote regeneration of tissue involves placing the composition on a site of degenerated tissue in a subject so that the composition promotes tissue regeneration at the site. The composition and the method of its use have applications promoting regeneration of tissue (i) that has degenerated as a result of numerous diseases or disorders or (ii) that has a defect, including, but not limited to, defects of the oral mucosa, trauma to the oral mucosa (e.g., extraction of a tooth), periodontal disease, diabetes, cutaneous ulcers, venous stasis, scars of the skin, or wrinkles of the skin.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition for promoting regeneration of tissue which has degenerated in a subject as a result of a disease or disorder and a method of using the composition is provided. The composition comprises a biodegradable acellular matrix, and passaged autologous fibroblasts substantially free of immunogenic proteins, e.g., culture medium serum-derived proteins, integrated within the matrix. Also provided is an injectable composition comprising an acellular filler material (e.g., any type of collagen) and passaged autologous fibroblasts substantially free of immunogenic proteins, e.g., culture medium serum-derived proteins, for correcting defects in skin, such as wrinkles or scars, and for augmenting tissue in the subject, particularly facial tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing neurons from undifferentiated mesenchymal cells (UMC).

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for correcting cosmetic, aesthetic, and degenerative defects in the skin, soft tissue, and bone of a subject. In particular, methods of the invention involve the injection or implantation of autologous UMC, fibroblasts, and/or keratinocytes into the tissue (e.g., subcutaneous tissue) adjacent or subadjacent to a defect or at the site of a defect. The cells that are injected, as provided herein, are histocompatible with the subject (e.g., are autologous) and have been expanded by passage in a cell culture system.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions containing autologous, passaged fibroblasts and, optionally, autologous, passaged muscle cells, biodegradable acellular matrix components, and/or biodegradable acellular fillers. The invention also provides methods for making the compositions, as well as devices and methods for administering the compositions to treat conditions such as urinary incontinence, vesicoureteral reflux, and gastroesophageal reflux.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition for promoting regeneration of tissue which has degenerated in a subject as a result of a disease or disorder and a method of using the composition is provided. The composition comprises a biodegradable acellular matrix and passaged autologous fibroblasts substantially free of immunogenic proteins, e.g., culture medium serum-derived proteins, integrated within the matrix. Also provided is an injectable composition comprising an acellular filler material (e.g., any type of collagen) and passaged autologous fibroblasts substantially free of immunogenic proteins, e.g., culture medium serum-derived proteins, for correcting defects in skin, such as wrinkles or scars, and for augmenting tissue in the subject, particularly facial tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions containing, and methods for making and using, a hair follicle growth factor produced by fat cells.

Abstract: A composition for promoting regeneration of tissue which has degenerated in a subject as a result of a disease or disorder and a method of using the composition is provided. The composition comprises a biodegradable acellular matrix, and passaged autologous fibroblasts substantially free of immunogenic proteins, e.g., culture medium serum-derived proteins, integrated within the matrix. The method of using the composition to promote regeneration of tissue involves placing the composition on a site of degenerated tissue in a subject so that the composition promotes tissue regeneration at the site. The composition and the method of its use have applications promoting regeneration of tissue (i) that has degenerated as a result of numerous diseases or disorders or (ii) that has a defect, including, but not limited to, defects of the oral mucosa, trauma to the oral mucosa (e.g., extraction of a tooth), periodontal disease, diabetes, cutaneous ulcers, venous stasis, scars of the skin, or wrinkles of the skin.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition for promoting regeneration of tissue which has degenerated in a subject as a result of a disease or disorder and a method of using the composition is provided. The composition comprises a biodegradable acellular matrix, and passaged autologous fibroblasts substantially free of immunogenic proteins, c.g., culture medium serum-derived proteins, integrated within the matrix. Also provided is an injectable composition comprising an acellular filler material (e.g., any type of collagen) and passaged autologous fibroblasts substantially free of immunogenic proteins, e.g., culture medium serum-derived proteins, for correcting defects in skin, such as wrinkles or scars, and for augmenting tissue in the subject, particularly facial tissue.

Abstract: Human melanocyte cells are grown in tissue culture medium containing fibroblast growth suppressor plus tumor growth promoters at pH 7.2 to about 7.4. In a stepwise procedure, Langerhans, keratinocytes and most fibroblasts are removed in the presence of the above suppressor and promoter followed by a subsequent trypsinization treatment. In a final purification step, remaining fibroblasts are separated from the melanocytes by reacting the cell mixture with monoclonal antibody specific for melanocytes, and then separating out the melanocytes from the fibroblasts on density gradients.