Abstract: The present invention provides preparations of MSCs with important therapeutic potential. The MSC cells are non-primary cells with an antigen profile comprising less than about 1.25% CD45+ cells (or less than about 0.75% CD45+), at least about 95% CD105+ cells, and at least about 95% CD166+ cells. Optionally, MSCs of the present preparations are isogenic and can be expanded ex vivo and cryopreserved and thawed, yet maintain a stable and uniform phenotype. Methods are taught here of expanding these MSCs to produce a clinical scale therapeutic preparations and medical uses thereof.

Abstract: System and method for controlling a surgical manipulator to apply an energy applicator to a patient. The surgical manipulator cooperates with a navigation system to position the energy applicator with respect to a boundary so that the energy applicator is constrained from moving outside the boundary. The boundary is generated based on implant parameters measured after manufacture of the implant.

Abstract: Acellular amnion derived therapeutic compositions are described having a number of various compositional embodiments. An acellular amnion derived therapeutic composition has essentially no live or active amniotic cells. The amniotic cells may be destroyed, and the cells and cell debris may be removed from the acellular amnion derived therapeutic composition. An acellular amnion derived therapeutic composition may comprise micronized placental tissue particles, and/or amniotic fluid. An acellular amnion derived therapeutic composition may be a dispersion of micronized amniotic membrane combined with a fluid, such as plasma, saline, amniotic fluid, combinations thereof and the like. An acellular amnion derived therapeutic composition may be combined with a matrix component to form a composite. An acellular amnion derived therapeutic composition may be used in conjunction with a composition comprising viable cells, such as stem cells.

Abstract: Isolated cells are described that are not embryonic stem cells, not embryonic germ cells, and not germ cells. The cells can differentiate into at least one cell type of each of at least two of the endodermal, ectodermal, and mesodermal lineages. The cells do not provoke a harmful immune response. The cells can modulate immune responses. As an example, the cells can suppress an immune response in a host engendered by allogeneic cells, tissues, and organs. Methods are described for using the cells, by themselves or adjunctively, to treat subjects. For instance, the cells can be used adjunctively for immunosuppression in transplant therapy. Methods for obtaining the cells and compositions for using them also are described.

Abstract: This invention provides populations of neural progenitor cells, differentiated neurons, glial cells, and astrocytes. The populations are obtained by culturing stem cell populations (such as embryonic stem cells) in a cocktail of growth conditions that initiates differentiation, and establishes the neural progenitor population. The progenitors can be further differentiated in culture into a variety of different neural phenotypes, including dopaminergic neurons. The differentiated cell populations or the neural progenitors can be generated in large quantities for use in drug screening and the treatment of neurological disorders.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating a fracture or osteoporosis, includes, as an active ingredient, a gene selected from a group consisting of slit1, slit2, slit3, robo1, robo2 and vilse, or an expressed protein of the gene. A marker composition for predicting the risk of the occurrence of a fracture or osteoporosis includes the protein. A kit for predicting the risk of the occurrence of a fracture or osteoporosis includes an antibody that specifically binds to the protein. An information provision method for predicting the risk of the occurrence of a fracture or osteoporosis includes measuring the level of expression of the slit protein through an antigen-antibody binding reaction using an antibody that specifically binds to the protein. The slit3 may increase bone formation and decrease bone reabsorption in a cellular and animal model, and has a negative correlation with the incidence rate of osteoporosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant chimeric molecules that are capable of providing T cell receptor (TCR) interaction and costimulation for activation and differentiation of pathogen-specific T cells toward effector T helper 1 (Th1) or T helper 2 (Th2) cells. The chimera may capable of elicit antibodies against pathogen-specific B cell epitope(s). The present invention also relates method of using these chimeric molecules in whole or as a component of a vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel biomaterial compositions and methods having a technology to improve retention of hyaluronic acid (HA). The biomaterial compositions utilize small HA binding peptides that is tethered to synthetic biocompatible polymers. When tethered to the polymers, the peptide region allows the polymers to bind to HA. The biocompatible polymers are modified to contain a crosslinking group so that the HA can be incorporated into a scaffold and retained in place. The novel biomaterial 1 compositions can be made into hydrogel compositions and used in a variety of tissue applications, using mild crosslinking conditions and they also have the ability to be degraded with hyaluronidase if needed. Furthermore, the novel biomaterial compositions will enable enhanced interaction between the scaffold and encapsulated cells for a wide variety of tissue engineering applications. Methods of making hydrogel compositions and their use are also provided.

Abstract: A cardiothoracic construct fabricated from human birth tissue comprising at least one cross-linked amniotic membrane, or at least one cross-linked chorionic membrane, or at least one amniotic membrane, or at least one chorionic membrane, or any combination thereof wherein the membrane(s) is/are treated with at least one alcohol composition followed by terminal sterilization is provided. Methods of processing a membrane to form a cardiothoracic construct and methods of preventing adhesion after a cardiac surgical procedure are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of pharmaceutical formulations. More particularly, it is directed to homogeneous hydrogels comprising Fibroblast Growth Factor 18 (FGF-18) compound and to methods of producing such hydrogels. The hydrogels of the invention can be used, once formed in situ, for the treatment of cartilage disorders such as osteoarthritis or cartilage injury.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to therapeutic multifunctional immature dental pulp stem cells (IDPSCs), and IDPSCs multi-lineage compositions. The invention is further directed to the use of IDPSCs and compositions to reduce the risk of and/or treat degenerative diseases or for other medicinal and aesthetic purposes.

Abstract: A neural repair construct fabricated from human birth tissue comprising at least one cross-linked amniotic membrane, or at least one cross-linked chorionic membrane, or at least one amniotic membrane, or at least one chorionic membrane, or any combination thereof wherein the membrane(s) is/are treated with at least one alcohol composition followed by terminal sterilization is provided. Methods of processing a membrane to form a neural repair construct, methods of repairing a nerve and associated kits are also provided.

Abstract: Hydrogels comprising a macromolecular matrix and water may be used to augment soft tissue of a human being, promote or support cell or tissue viability or proliferation, create space in tissue, and for other purposes. A macromolecular matrix may comprise a hyaluronic acid component crosslinked to a collagen component.

Abstract: Isoxazoloanthrones and a method for treating disorders associated or caused by Ras deregulation or dysregulation, for example, disorders associated with alterations in the neurofibromin 1 gene such as Neurofibromatosis Type 1, and proliferative disorders such as glioblastoma are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of transdifferentiation of somatic cells, for example, directly converting a somatic cell of a first cell type, e.g., a fibroblast into a somatic cell of a second cell type, are described herein. In particular, the present invention generally relates to methods for converting a somatic cell, e.g., a fibroblast into a motor neuron, e.g., an induced motor neuron (iMN) with characteristics of a typical motor neuron. The present invention also relates to an isolated population comprising induced motor neurons (iMNs), compositions and their use in the treatment of motor neuron diseases such as ALS and SMA. In particular, the present invention relates to direct conversion of a somatic cell to an induced motor neuron (iMN) having motor neuron characteristics by increasing the protein expression of at least three motor-neuron inducing (MN-inducing) factors selected from Lhx3, Ascl1, Brn2, Myt1l, Isl1, Hb9, Ngn2 or NeuroD1 in a somatic cell, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to canine amniotic membrane-derived multipotent stem cells (cAM-MSCs) and preparation method thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to canine amniotic membrane-derived multipotent stem cells, which show negative immunological properties on human markers CD3, CD11c, CD28, CD34, CD38, CD41a, CD45, and CD62L and positive immunological properties on human markers CD90 and CD105, and have the ability to be maintained in an undifferentiated state for 20 passages or more and the ability to be differentiated into fat, bones, nerves, cartilage, etc.

Abstract: A hemostatic device, method of making, and method of using for internal and external applications to wounds in the body of a patient to induce homeostasis at an anatomical site.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a method for producing mixed cells comprising cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells and mural cells from induced pluripotent stem cells, the method comprising (a) a step of producing cardiomyocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells and (b) a step of culturing the cardiomyocytes in the presence of VEGF; and a therapeutic agent for heart diseases, comprising the mixed cells produced by the method.

Abstract: Treatments and devices for generating and using interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra). An implantable device is loaded with adipose tissue and/or white blood cells and inserted into an inflammation site in a patient to produce interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in vivo. The implantable device has an enclosed or substantially enclosed body that defines an internal space. At least a portion of the body comprises a first bioresorbable material and a second bioresorbable material is within the internal space along with one or more voids. The second bioresorbable material includes an activation surface to activate adipose tissue and/or white blood cells loaded into the device to produce IL-1ra.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing the expression of MAFA in cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage comprising the steps of culturing the cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage in medium comprising a sufficient amount of a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor to cause an increase in expression of MAFA.

Abstract: A method for expanding mesenchymal cells derived from autologous bone marrow in autologous culture medium which can be used in a clinical setting, and a business method for performing such expansions in the future as a service for patients. A method for expanding mesenchymal cells derived from autologous bone marrow in autologous culture medium including a diagnostic kit for the autologous cell therapy to determine whether a patient will respond to the autologous cell therapy for treatment of a disease, in which said kit comprising a system for detecting gene and protein expression comprising at least two isolated DNA molecules wherein each isolated DNA molecule detects expression of a gene that is differentially expressed in the tissue of the patient that is intended to be the source of the autologous cell therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for maintaining the chromosomal stability of pluripotent stem cells, which contains a small-molecule compound, and more particularly, to a composition for maintaining the chromosomal stability of induced pluripotent stem cells, which contains a ROCK inhibitor, a MEK inhibitor, an ALK5 inhibitor or an antioxidant, which is capable of inhibiting chromosomal structural and numerical mutations or DNA damage during induction of induced pluripotent stem cell and the subsequent culture of the cells. The small-molecule compound-containing composition for maintaining the chromosomal stability of induced pluripotent stem cells increases the reprogramming rate and efficiency during production of induced pluripotent stem cells and exhibits excellent effects on the inhibition of chromosomal structural and numerical mutations or DNA damage.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods of treating spasticity, rigidity, or muscular hyperactivity conditions by introducing a portion of an expanded population of neural stem cells into an area of a recipient spinal cord.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymers for use in preventing damage to the membranes of cells in fat grafts. Mixing of a triblock copolymer such as poloxymer P188 with adipocytes or adipose tissue to be transplanted into a subject is thought to stabilize the membranes of the cells leading to more successful fat transplantation in soft tissue reconstruction or augmentation. Such methods may also be used in the transplantation of adult stem cells or other cells derived from fat tissue. Other agents such as lipoic acid may also be added to the polymer/cell compositions for cell transplantation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an osteogenic composition comprising perivascular stem cells or induced pluripotent cells (iPS) and an osteogenic agent and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Disclosed is a root canal filler for non-extracted tooth which causes no internal resorption or external resorption in a tooth with complete root formation, shows no odontoclast, and contributes to the regeneration of a dental tissue in which odontoblasts are smoothly aligned on the dentin wall. After pulpectomy or enlargement/cleaning of an infected root canal, a root canal filler for non-extracted tooth, which comprises tooth pulp stem cells and an extracellular matrix, is inserted into the apical side of the root canal of the non-extracted tooth. The tooth pulp stem cells may be, for example, dental pulp CXCR4-positive cells. It is preferred to attach, to the crown side of the root canal, migration factor(s) including at least one factor selected from among a cell migration factor, a cell proliferation factor, a neurotrophic factor and an angiogenic factor.

Abstract: The disclosure provided herein relates generally to mesenchymal-like stem cells “hES-T-MiSC” or “T-MSC” and the method of producing the stem cells. The method comprises culturing embryonic stem cells under conditions that the embryonic stem cells develop through an intermediate differentiation of trophoblasts, and culturing the differentiated trophoblasts to hES-T-MSC or T-MSC, T-MSC derived cells and cell lineages “T-MSC-DL” are also described. Disclosed also herein are solutions and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the T-MSC and/or T-MSC-DL, methods of making the T-MSC and T-MSC-DL, and methods of using the T-MSC and T-MSC-DL for treatment and prevention of diseases, specifically, T-MSC and T-MSC-DL are used as immunosuppressive agents to treat multiple sclerosis and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Biomaterial having a multi-dimensional structure and comprising demineralized bone matrix dispersed within differentiated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) tissue, wherein MSCs are adipose tissue-derived stem cells. Method for producing this biomaterial comprising incubating MSCS in osteoblastic and/or chondrongenic medium in presence of demineralized bone matrix. Use of this biomaterial for alleviating or treating a bone or cartilage defect, supporting or correcting a congenital or acquired abnormality, supporting a bon or articular bone replacement following surgery or trauma, and/or supporting a musculoskeletal implant.

Abstract: This disclosure provides pegylated GLP-1/glucagon agonist peptides for the treatment of metabolic diseases, e.g., obesity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medium composition for transforming stem cells from an aged person into young stem cells, and more particularly to a medium composition for culturing stem cells, which is used to rejuvenate stem cells from an aged person so as to have characteristics similar to those of the stem cells of young people, and to a method for rejuvenating stem cells, which comprises culturing stem cells from an aged person in the medium composition. According to the present invention, even mesenchymal stem cells collected from over 60 years old patients can be transformed into young mesenchymal stem cells having high differentiation ability, high telomerase activity, and high ability to express stem cell markers. Thus, the present invention can significantly increase the efficacy of cell therapy employing mesenchymal stem cells.

Abstract: Provided herein is an endothelial scaffold comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of decellularized corneal stroma. In some embodiments, the scaffold has cultured endothelial cells seeded thereon. Methods of treating a patient in need of corneal endothelial transplant are also provided, including implanting the scaffold as described herein onto a cornea of the patient (e.g., by deep keratectomy).

Abstract: The instant invention is the storage of Type II collagen containing tissue in carbonated water. Such Type II collagen is useful for alleviating the symptoms of arthritis in mammals as well as the treatment of arthritis in mammals. Such Type II collagen is also useful for the prevention of arthritis in mammals. The instant invention is also a method for the preparation of a nutritional supplement that includes the steps of: (a) separating water-insoluble undenatured Type II collagen containing animal tissue from animal tissue not containing Type II collagen; (b) subdividing and sterilizing said tissue under conditions which do not change the original structure of the Type II collagen to produce a subdivided and sterilized product; (c) packaging the subdivided and sterilized product in carbonated water.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are ?7?1 integrin modulatory agents and methods of using such to treat conditions associated with decreased ?7?1 integrin expression or activity, including muscular dystrophy. In one example, methods for treating a subject with muscular dystrophy are disclosed. The methods include administering an effective amount of an ?7?1 integrin modulatory agent to the subject with muscular dystrophy, wherein the ?7?1 integrin modulatory agent increases ?7?1 integrin expression or activity as compared to ?7?1 integrin expression or activity prior to treatment, thereby treating the subject with muscular dystrophy. Also disclosed are methods of enhancing muscle regeneration, repair, or maintenance in a subject and methods of enhancing ?7?1 integrin expression by use of the disclosed ?7?1 integrin modulatory agents. Methods of prospectively preventing or reducing muscle injury or damage in a subject are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the in vitro selection of at least one therapeutic cell subpopulation from an original cell population of eukaryotic cells, as well as to the therapeutic cell subpopulation selected by the method, which can be used for the treatment of diseases of tissues or organs. The selected cells are highly migrative and the method according to the invention provides for the selection of these highly migrative subpopulations from a sample comprising a mixture of cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation, propagation and use of prenatal stem cells. The cells are CD105 negative. In certain embodiments the cells are also SSEA-4 positive or negative, and c-kit negative. The cells may be isolated from a prenatal sample, for instance third trimester amniotic fluid or placental membrane. The cells may be combined with a biologically compatible solution or a biologically compatible matrix and utilized to treat a human subject. The invention also contemplated enriched populations of prenatal stem cells. The enriched cell population may be propagated in the appropriate culture medium and the resulting progeny cells utilized therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, modules, bioreactor and methods for the automated culture, proliferation, differentiation, production and maintenance of tissue engineered products. In one aspect is an automated tissue engineering system comprising a housing, at least one bioreactor supported by the housing, the bioreactor facilitating physiological cellular functions and/or the generation of one or more tissue constructs from cell and/or tissue sources. A fluid containment system is supported by the housing and is in fluid communication with the bioreactor. One or more sensors are associated with one or more of the housing, bioreactor or fluid containment system for monitoring parameters related to the physiological cellular functions and/or generation of tissue constructs; and a microprocessor linked to one or more of the sensors. The systems, methods and products of the invention find use in various clinical and laboratory settings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for providing lysosomal enzymes to a subject by administering stem cells, preferably Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells (MAPCs). The invention further relates to methods for treating lysosomal storage disorders by administering stem cells.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention is directed to methods of forming a bone-like material, by placing a matrix into a culture container, adding cells to the matrix, placing the tissue-cell construct into the culturing environment and incubating the construct under appropriate conditions for the time required to produce an amount of bone-like material of sufficient volume to be harvested for further processing. Other embodiments of the invention are directed to the use of the bone-like material formed by methods of the invention in implantation procedures.

Abstract: Methods of treating autoimmune diseases, allergic responses, cancer, or inflammatory diseases in an animal, promoting wound healing, repairing epithelial damage and promoting angiogenesis in an organ or tissue of an animal by administering to the animal mesenchymal stem cells in an effective amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated populations of cardiac stem cells. The invention provides methods for characterizing, isolating, and culturing cardiac stem cells from human tissue samples. The invention also provides compositions and methods useful for treating cardiac disease.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of polarizing macrophages to exhibit M2 phenotype, including introducing an effective amount of gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells to an environment comprising a population of macrophages such that the macrophages are in fluid communication with the gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Also disclosed are methods of promoting cutaneous wound healing including administering to a patient an effective amount of human gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells, thereby resulting in at least one of accelerated wound closure, rapid re-epithelialization, improved angiogenesis and improved tissue remodeling relative to untreated controls.

Abstract: A tissue-engineered bone marrow for personalized therapy of a patient is described. The tissue-engineered bone marrow includes an autologous fibrin scaffold and a plurality of patient-derived cells isolated from the patient's bone marrow. The autologous fibrin scaffold is made using fibrinogen isolated from the patient's bone marrow. The plurality of patient-derived cells may include cells associated with a hematological or metastatic malignancy, bone marrow stromal cells, and endothelial cells. The patient-derived cells are cultured on the autologous fibrin scaffold to create the tissue-engineered bone marrow. The tissue-engineered bone marrow may be used for personalized drug screening.

Abstract: Methods of generating tubular, bioengineered, smooth muscle structures are disclosed as well as bioengineered tissue for tubular organ repair or replacement. The methods can include the steps of obtaining smooth muscle cells; culturing the muscle cells to form a smooth muscle cell construct of directionally oriented smooth muscle cells; disposing the smooth muscle cell construct around a tubular scaffold; and culturing construct and scaffold in a growth media until a smooth muscle cell structure is achieved. The step of obtain smooth muscle cells can further include obtaining autologous smooth muscle cells from a subject. In one preferred embodiment, the muscle cells can first be on a fibrin substrate to form a muscle construct, which is then disposed around a tubular scaffold, for example, a chitosan scaffold. The methods of the present invention can further include connecting two or more tubular structures together to form an elongate composite structure.

Abstract: A biological composition has a mixture of mechanically selected allogeneic biologic material derived from bone marrow. The mixture has non-whole cellular components including vesicular components and active and inactive components of biological activity, cell fragments, cellular excretions, cellular derivatives, and extracellular components. The mixture is compatible with biologic function.

Abstract: A method is provided, including obtaining a population of antigen-presenting cells, enriching a population of stem/progenitor cells within a larger population of cells, activating the population of antigen-presenting cells and, following the activating, inducing at least one process selected from the group consisting of: differentiation, expansion, activation, secretion of a molecule, and expression of a marker, by exposing the enriched stem/progenitor cell population to the population of antigen-presenting cells. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing cell populations having a high proportion of CD4-positive naive T cells and/or CD4-positive central memory T cells, and a production method thereof. The present invention provides a production method for CD4-positive T cell populations which is characterized by using anti-CD3 antibodies, fibronectin fragments, and Interleukin-4. The method is characterized not only by the attainment of a cell group with a high proportion of CD4-positive naive T cells and/or CD4-positive central memory T cells, but also by a high bulk yield.

Abstract: There is provided a device, and related method and uses, for drawing a polymer fiber, the device comprising: a. at least two polymer compartments, wherein each polymer compartment is capable of retaining a polymer solution, and wherein adjacent compartments comprise different polymer solutions; and b. a slider comprising at least one prong, wherein the prong is capable of contacting the different polymer solutions, and wherein the slider is arranged in a retractable manner from the at least two polymer compartments. There is further provided a system and a related method for manufacturing a polymer fiber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a culture method of cells and/or tissues including culturing cells and/or tissues in a suspended state by using a medium composition wherein indeterminate structures are formed in a liquid medium, the structures are uniformly dispersed in the solution and substantially retain the cells and/or tissues without substantially increasing the viscosity of the solution, thus affording an effect of preventing sedimentation thereof, and the like.

Abstract: Hydrogels comprising a macromolecular matrix and water may be used to augment soft tissue of a human being, promote or support cell or tissue viability or proliferation, create space in tissue, and for other purposes. A macromolecular matrix may comprise a hyaluronic acid component crosslinked to a collagen component.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating and/or reducing the severity of multiple sclerosis in a human, by administering autologous mesenchymal stem cell-derived neural precursors. Also described is an in vitro method for differentiating mesenchymal stem-cell derived neural precursor oligodengroglial and neuronal cell types.