Abstract: Microfluidic “organ-on-a-chip” devices have been developed with the aim to replicate human tissues in vitro. However, there is no option to quantitatively monitor biological processes that take place within the chip, over time. Destructive methods in order to analyze, tissue formation, gene expression, protein secretion etc. require the harvest of the “tissue” at a certain time point. Described herein are methods and compositions for non-destructive molecular imaging methods and systems in order to quantitatively monitor specific biological processes, over time, within the chip, without the need to harvest.

Abstract: Microfluidic “organ-on-a-chip” devices have been developed with the aim to replicate human tissues in vitro. However, there is no option to quantitatively monitor biological processes that take place within the chip, over time. Destructive methods in order to analyze, tissue formation, gene expression, protein secretion etc. require the harvest of the “tissue” at a certain time point. Described herein are methods and compositions for non-destructive molecular imaging methods and systems in order to quantitatively monitor specific biological processes, over time, within the chip, without the need to harvest.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention teaches systems and methods for magnetic resonance imaging. In some embodiments, the invention teaches systems and methods for determining the source of pain in intervertebral discs by measuring one or more physiological biomarkers associated with disc pain and/or disc degeneration.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods related to derivation of human notochordal cells differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The inventors have developed a two-step process for generating these iPSC-derived notochordal cells (iNCs), which can provide a renewable source of therapeutic material for use in degenerative disc disease (DDD). As iNCs are capable of reversing DDD and supporting regeneration of intervertebral disc (IVD) tissue based on the understanding that NC cells maintain homeostasis and repair of other IVD cell types such as nuclear pulposus (NP).

Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention teaches systems and methods for magnetic resonance imaging. In some embodiments, the invention teaches systems and methods for determining the source of pain in intervertebral discs by measuring one or more physiological biomarkers associated with disc pain and/or disc degeneration.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions using PTH and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for treatment of osteoporosis, bone fractures, and related conditions. Administration of both PTH and MSCs leads to increased homing of MSCs to sites of vertebral bone and rib fracture. The described methods and compositions provide therapeutic approaches that rely, in-part, on stem cell capacity for regeneration and repair. The potential for enhanced bone formation and fracture repair may allow for both preventative and palliative treatments in osteoporotic patients, with combined PTH+MSC therapy producing bone regeneration capacity that is significantly superior to either treatment alone.

Abstract: An improved composition for inducing bone growth is provided that is a combination of at least DBM and an oxygen carrier. Injection/implantation of a composition of DBM and an oxygen carrier (e.g. a perfluorocarbon) results in enhancement of bone formation compared to DBM alone.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention teaches systems and methods for magnetic resonance imaging. In some embodiments, the invention teaches systems and methods for determining the source of pain in intervertebral discs by measuring one or more physiological biomarkers associated with disc pain and/or disc degeneration.

Abstract: The present invention teaches novel methods of diagnosing and prognosing conditions associated with tissue degeneration and/or pain, including intervertebral disc degeneration, discogenic pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and articular cartilage injury. Using the inventive noninvasive imaging methods, the diagnosis and prognosis of back pain and related conditions can be quickly and accurately determined by detecting one or more biomarkers disclosed herein.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods related to derivation of human notochordal cells differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The inventors have developed a two-step process for generating these iPSC-derived notochordal cells (iNCs), which can provide a renewable source of therapeutic material for use in degenerative disc disease (DDD). As iNCs are capable of reversing DDD and supporting regeneration of invertebral disc (IVD) tissue based on the understanding that NC cells maintain homeostasis and repair of other IVD cell types such as nuclear pulposus (NP).

Abstract: An improved composition for inducing bone growth is provided that is a combination of at least DBM and an oxygen carrier. Injection/implantation of a composition of DBM and an oxygen carrier (e.g. a perfluorocarbon) results in enhancement of bone formation compared to DBM alone.

Abstract: Microfluidic “organ-on-a-chip” devices have been developed with the aim to replicate human tissues in vitro. However, there is no option to quantitatively monitor biological processes that take place within the chip, over time. Destructive methods in order to analyze, tissue formation, gene expression, protein secretion etc. require the harvest of the “tissue” at a certain time point. Described herein are methods and compositions for non-destructive molecular imaging methods and systems in order to quantitatively monitor specific biological processes, over time, within the chip, without the need to harvest.

Abstract: Microfluidic “organ-on-a-chip” devices have been developed with the aim to replicate human tissues in vitro. However, there is no option to quantitatively monitor biological processes that take place within the chip, over time. Destructive methods in order to analyze, tissue formation, gene expression, protein secretion etc. require the harvest of the “tissue” at a certain time point. Described herein are methods and compositions for non-destructive molecular imaging methods and systems in order to quantitatively monitor specific biological processes, over time, within the chip, without the need to harvest.

Abstract: Microfluidic “organ-on-a-chip” devices have been developed with the aim to replicate human tissues in vitro. However, there is no option to quantitatively monitor biological processes that take place within the chip, over time. Destructive methods in order to analyze, tissue formation, gene expression, protein secretion etc. require the harvest of the “tissue” at a certain time point. Described herein are methods and compositions for non-destructive molecular imaging methods and systems in order to quantitatively monitor specific biological processes, over time, within the chip, without the need to harvest.

Abstract: An improved composition for inducing bone growth is provided that is a combination of at least DBM and an oxygen carrier. Injection/implantation of a composition of DBM and an oxygen carrier (e.g. a perfluorocarbon) results in enhancement of bone formation compared to DBM alone.

Abstract: Microfluidic “organ-on-a-chip” devices have been developed with the aim to replicate human tissues in vitro. However, there is no option to quantitatively monitor biological processes that take place within the chip, over time. Destructive methods in order to analyze, tissue formation, gene expression, protein secretion etc. require the harvest of the “tissue” at a certain time point. Described herein are methods and compositions for non-destructive molecular imaging methods and systems in order to quantitatively monitor specific biological processes, over time, within the chip, without the need to harvest.

Abstract: An improved composition for inducing bone growth is provided that is a combination of at least DBM and an oxygen carrier. Injection/implantation of a composition of DBM and an oxygen carrier (e.g. a perfluorocarbon) results in enhancement of bone formation compared to DBM alone.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions using PTH and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for treatment of osteoporosis, bone fractures, and related conditions. Administration of both PTH and MSCs leads to increased homing of MSCs to sites of vertebral bone and rib fracture. The described methods and compositions provide therapeutic approaches that rely, in-part, on stem cell capacity for regeneration and repair. The potential for enhanced bone formation and fracture repair may allow for both preventative and palliative treatments in osteoporotic patients, with combined PTH+MSC therapy producing bone regeneration capacity that is significantly superior to either treatment alone.

Abstract: Provided are fibrin or silk matrices comprising an oxygen carrier, and matrices, which comprise an oxygen carrier and mesenchymal stem cells. Also provided are methods of generating and using same for ex vivo or in vivo tissue regeneration and/or repair such as for treating a non-union bone fracture and a condition requiring spinal fusion.

Abstract: The present invention teaches novel methods of diagnosing and prognosing conditions associated with tissue degeneration and/or pain, including intervertebral disc degeneration, discogenic pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and articular cartilage injury. Using the inventive noninvasive imaging methods, the diagnosis and prognosis of back pain and related conditions can be quickly and accurately determined by detecting one or more biomarkers disclosed herein.