Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method for classifying the quality of a repair response after injury to a joint of a human or veterinary patient including determining expression levels of at least one of a plurality of genes listed in FIG. 4(A) expressed in a tissue sample taken from the joint.

Abstract: Methods for enriching, detecting, or using adult stem cells through the use of recognition ligands that specifically bind to ECM components retained to the surfaces of adult stem cells are described. An ECM component such as hyaluronan that is retained to the surfaces of adult stem cells when removed from animal tissues can be used to detect a diverse population of adult stem cells based on the nature of the ECM niche region in which the adult stem cells normally reside. For example, a separation method such as magnetic separation can be used to detect and isolate or enrich adult stem cells based on a recognition ligand that is specific for an ECM component that is retained to the surfaces of adult stem cells to a greater degree than to other cells in the population.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a compound comprising the hyaluronan-containing structure A-(low molecular weight hyaluronan domain)-B. The compositions also comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. A is hydrogen, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for tumor necrosis factor stimulated gene-6 (“TSG-6”) protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. B is hydroxyl, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for TSG-6 protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. The composition is suitable for administration by injection, inhalation, topical rub, or ingestion.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a compound comprising the hyaluronan-containing structure A-(low molecular weight hyaluronan domain)-B. The compositions also comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. A is hydrogen, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for tumor necrosis factor stimulated gene-6 (“TSG-6”) protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. B is hydroxyl, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for TSG-6 protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. The composition is suitable for administration by injection, inhalation, topical rub, or ingestion.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a compound comprising the hyaluronan-containing structure A-(low molecular weight hyaluronan domain)-B. The compositions also comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. A is hydrogen, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for tumor necrosis factor stimulated gene-6 (“TSG-6”) protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. B is hydroxyl, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for TSG-6 protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. The composition is suitable for administration by injection, inhalation, topical rub, or ingestion.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a compound comprising the hyaluronan-containing structure A-(low molecular weight hyaluronan domain)-B. The compositions also comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. A is hydrogen, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for tumor necrosis factor stimulated gene-6 (“TSG-6”) protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. B is hydroxyl, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for TSG-6 protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. The composition is suitable for administration by injection, inhalation, topical rub, or ingestion.

Abstract: Methods for enriching, detecting, or using adult stem cells through the use of recognition ligands that specifically bind to ECM components retained to the surfaces of adult stem cells are described. An ECM component such as hyaluronan that is retained to the surfaces of adult stem cells when removed from animal tissues can be used to detect a diverse population of adult stem cells based on the nature of the ECM niche region in which the adult stem cells normally reside. For example, a separation method such as magnetic separation can be used to detect and isolate or enrich adult stem cells based on a recognition ligand that is specific for an ECM component that is retained to the surfaces of adult stem cells to a greater degree than to other cells in the population.