Abstract: This invention provides disc stem cells, processes for obtaining and culturing disc stem cells, and methods for repairing damaged or diseased disc tissue comprising the use of the disc stem cells of the invention.

Abstract: A method of preparing a stem cell preparation is provided. The method includes steps of collecting adipose tissue from a mammal, contacting that adipose tissue with an enzyme preparation to digest fat and connective tissue and preserve stem cells and collecting those stem cells. In addition a kit is provided for preparing a stem cell preparation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to equine amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cells (eAM-MSCs) and a preparation method thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to equine amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cells, which show negative immunological responses to all of the human markers CD19, CD20, CD28, CD31, CD34, CD38, CD41a, CD62L, CD62P and CD200, and positive immunological responses to all of the human markers CD44, CD90 and CD105, and have the ability to be maintained in an undifferentiated state for 14 passages or more and the ability to differentiate into ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm-derived cells.

Abstract: A human immature endocrine cell population and methods for making an immature endocrine cell population are provided. Specifically, immature beta cells and methods for production of immature beta cells are described. Immature beta cells co-express INS and NKX6.1 and are uni-potent and thereby develop into mature beta cells when implanted in vivo. The mature beta cells in vivo are capable of producing insulin in response to glucose stimulation.

Abstract: A method for differentiating stem cells into vascular cells, including adhering the stem cells to a culture plate with a surface having a hydrophobic property or on which a growth factor is immobilized, and culturing the cells. The cultured stem cells later detach from the culture plate as their density increases to form a three-dimensional cell cluster and differentiate into vascular cells. The cell cluster can be used as a cell therapy agent for angiogenesis.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for treating ocular contusion and blunt injury to the eye and for treating traumatic injury of the optic nerve. The invention is further directed to treating ocular contusion and blunt injury to the eye and for treating traumatic injury of the optic nerve by administering to a subject suffering from such conditions Amnion-derived Cellular Cytokine Solution (ACCS), including immediate-release, targeted-release, and sustained-release (SR) ACCS compositions (referred to herein as “SR-ACCS” compositions) and/or Amnion-derived Multipotent Progenitor (AMP) cell compositions. Such administration includes intranasal administration of ACCS and/or AMP cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated cell obtainable from the CTX0E03 neural stem cell line for use in the treatment of a disorder associated with elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, wherein the disorder is selected from unipolar and bipolar depression, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, autism and autistic syndrome disorders.

Abstract: Methods of assessing the immunomodulatory potential of a multipotent stromal cell (MSC) population are provided. Aspects of the methods include evaluating the amount of CD54/IL-6 associated with an MSC in a sample of the MSC population to obtain a CD54/IL-6 result and providing an assessment of the immunomodulatory potential of the MSC population based on the obtained CD54/IL-6 result. Also provided are systems and kits that find use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of anticancer therapy, and to the identification of immunogenic peptides derived from the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). The present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding hTERT epitopes restricted to MHC class I molecule, analogs thereof and polyepitopes containing such epitopes and/or analogs. Are also included in the present invention, vector and cell comprising such polynucleotides. The present invention also concerns composition comprising hTERT polypeptides, corresponding polynucleotides, vectors and cells, for use in the treatment and/or prevention of cancer.

Abstract: A purpose of the present invention is to provide a small chemical compound which especially promotes induction of the differentiation of ES cells into insulin-producing cells. Another purpose of the present invention is to provide: a method for inducing the differentiation of ES cells into insulin-producing cells using the compound; and an agent for promoting induction of the differentiation into insulin-producing cells. Another purpose of the present invention is to provide the thus-induced insulin-producing cells. Provided are: an agent for promoting induction of the differentiation of stem cells derived from a mammal into insulin-producing cells, which contains a compound that is selected from the group consisting of dopamine metabolism inhibitors, serotonin metabolism inhibitors, acetylchotine, acetylcholine degrading enzyme inhibitors and acetylcholine receptor activators; and a method for inducing differentiation using the agent for promoting induction of differentiation.

Abstract: Fabrication method for stratified and layered tissue to repair osteochondral defects. In a method of the present disclosure, the method comprises the step of applying a first direction magnetic field to a first quantity of a first collagen solution to align collagen within the first collagen solution in a first direction relative to the first direction magnetic field, forming a first layer of collagen. In a method of generating an aligned collagen layer of the present disclosure, the method comprises applying a first magnetic field at or greater than 0.1 Tesla to a layer of a first collagen solution defining a horizontal plane, within a temperature at or between 2° C. and 45° C., to generate an aligned collagen layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and methods suitable for producing a cellular spray of cells. The sprayed cells are of interest for covering and growing on a surface, including a skin wound. In applying the method and/or using the device, cells for grafting onto a patient are dispersed in a solution and sprayed with the device for distribution over the recipient's graft site.

Abstract: With an aim to provide a novel factor inducing proliferation of neural stem cells and differentiation of these cells into nerve cells, a pharmaceutical composition comprising 1) CRBN, 2) a nucleic acid encoding CRBN, or 3) a stem cell or a neural progenitor cell in which CRBN is expressed, a method including administering the pharmaceutical composition to a non-human animal and inducing proliferation of neural stem cells or neural progenitor cells of the non-human animal and differentiation of these cells into nerve cells, and a method for screening for a therapeutic drug for a disease of cerebral cortex or a surgical injury of cerebral cortex, using CRBN, are provided.

Abstract: It describes the use of type II pneumocytes as inhibitory agents of fibroblast proliferation, for which reason they can be used in the preparation of a drug for the treatment of lung diseases which present with pulmonary fibrosis.

Abstract: Cancer treatment methods comprising a step of applying remote conditioning to the cancer subject, for example remote ischemic conditioning via several episodes of short-term limb occlusion. Upregulation and release of remote conditioning substances such as microRNA 144/451 cluster endogenously caused by remote conditioning may be beneficial in reducing the growth and proliferation of malignant cells. Remote conditioning may also be beneficial when combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy as it may improve survival of healthy surrounding tissues and minimize side effects of these known cancer treatments. Remote conditioning may be non-invasively applied by a medical professional or self-applied by the cancer subject at home using an automatic device. The novel cancer treatment methods may be used for lung cancers, liver cancers, colorectal cancers, digestive cancers and other cancers.

Abstract: The invention relates to scaffold-free three dimensional nerve fibroblast constructs and method of generating the nerve fibroblast constructs. The invention also relates to methods or repairing nerve transection and replacing damaged nerve tissue using the nerve fibroblast constructs of the invention.

Abstract: Methods of alleviating the symptoms of hemoglobinopathies, including, but not limited to, sickle cell disease, ?-thalassemia, and hemoglobin H disease are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise administering an inhibitor selected from an ERK inhibitor, a MEK inhibitor, and a Raf inhibitor. Methods of inhibiting adhesion of sickle red blood cells to endothelial cells are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an in vitro blood vessel model for investigation of drug induced vascular injury and other vascular pathologies. The in vitro blood vessel model provides two channels separated by a porous membrane that is coated on one side by an endothelial cell layer and is coated on the other side by a smooth muscle cell layer, wherein said model is susceptible to the extravasation of red blood cells across said porous membrane due to drug induced vascular injury.

Abstract: Systems and methods can support generation of a full-thickness, human skin organ from tissue culture expanded cells. Human dermal and epidermal progenitor cells can be isolated from human tissues. Isolated cells may be cultured as epidermal cells while other isolated cells may be separately cultured as dermal cells. The cultured epidermal cells and dermal cells may be combined for co-culturing. The co-cultured cells may be suspended within a slurry. The co-cultured cells may be implanted onto a recipient organism for generation of a full-thickness skin organ comprising fully cycling hair follicles, adipose tissue, and other skin organ structures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for culturing mesenchymal stem cells, comprising culturing mesenchymal stem cells in a medium containing calcium in a concentration of from 2.1 to 3.8 mM and magnesium in a concentration of from 1.0 to 3.0 mM under a hypoxic condition of 2 to 5% oxygen. The culturing method can increase the population of mesenchymal stem cells even with a small number of passages by improving mesenchymal stem cells in proliferative capacity and viability. In addition, the mesenchymal stem cells prepared by the culturing method are effectively used not only as a safe cell therapeutic agent due to their lacking immunogenicity, but also as a cartilage regenerating medicine owing to their excellent secretion of cytokines.

Abstract: The invention refers to a cosmetic composition for increasing collagen synthesis in skin cells comprising 0.001-0.5 wt % of a Phaeodactylum tricornutum extract, 0.00001-2.0 wt % of Dimer Tripeptide-43 or Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, and cosmetic auxiliaries. The cosmetic composition comprising the combination of both components has an synergistic effect on collagen I synthesis in skin cells and has a booster effect to other substances which are known to have an enhancing effect to collagen I synthesis.

Abstract: An endometrial polyp stem cell is disclosed in the present invention. The endometrial polyp stem cell is isolated from an endometrial polyp tissue, expresses vimentin, CD13, CD29, CD44, and CD90, and has no expression of CD1q, CD3, CD34, and CD45.

Abstract: Provided is a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating cancer, and more particularly, a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating cancer, including dendritic cells with a knock-down Dab2 gene. The composition includes a dendritic cell in which a Dab2 gene is knocked down or knocked out or activity of a Dab2 protein is suppressed as an active ingredient, and thus is expected to be useful as a pharmaceutical composition to prevent, improve or treat cancer as a result of having improved antigen uptake, a migration ability of a cell to a lymph node, and expression of inflammatory cytokines, and activating antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell lymphocyte (CTL) and related T cells that can attack cancer cells, and therefore is expected to be used as the pharmaceutical composition for preventing, improving or treating cancer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that utilizes a radiation source and a simulated microgravity to provide combined stressors. The response of cells/bacteria/viruses and/or other living matter to the combined stressors can be evaluated to predict the effects of extended space missions. The apparatus and method can also be utilized to study diseases and to develop new treatments and vaccinations.

Abstract: The invention creates a support for cell culture and cell sheet detachment which has a substrate, whose surface is coated with a conjugate having a disulfide bond-containing amino acid as a spacer and a biopolymer enhancing cell attachment, migration or differentation. Unexpectedly, after being seeded on the support, the cells grow to form one or more layers of cell sheets and the cell sheets can be easily detached from the support by adding a reductant to cleave the disulfide bond. Accordingly, the invention provides a simple and non-toxic method for detachment of cell sheets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for the prophylaxis or therapy of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants comprising mensenchymal stem cells. Functioning to prevent ventricular dilatation and reduce the level of inflammatory cytokines in cerebrospinal fluid, the composition comprising mesenchymal stem cells is advantageously useful for the prophylaxis or therapy of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants. Accordingly, the composition is effectively preventive of hydrocephalus which occurs subsequent to intraventricular hemorrhage. In addition, the composition makes not only a histological and biochemical recuperation in the intraventricular hemorrhage-injured brain, but also significantly improves sensory motor functions. Mesenchymal stem cells can be used as an effective therapeutic agent because they are less prone to induce immune rejection responses and are highly likely to secrete proliferative, differentiative, and regulatory factors.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification and selection of novel genomic regions (biomarker) and the identification and selection of novel genomic region combinations which are hypermethylated in subjects with prostate cancer compared to subjects without prostate cancer. Nucleic acids which selectively hybridize to the genomic regions and products thereof are also encompassed within the scope of the invention as are compositions and kits containing said nucleic acids and nucleic acids for use in diagnosing prostate cancer. Further encompassed by the invention is the use of nucleic acids which selectively hybridize to one of the genomic regions or products thereof to monitor disease regression in a patient and the efficacy of therapeutic regimens.

Abstract: A method of repairing diseased or dysfunctional pancreas or liver is provided. The method involves preparation of a suspension of stem cells and/or progenitor cells such as biliary tree stem cells, hepatic stem cells, pancreatic stem cells or their descendants, committed progenitor cells, from healthy tissue of the patient or of the biliary tree of a non-autologous donor and engrafting the cells into the wall of bile ducts near to the organ to be treated. The graft consists of stem cells or progenitors that are admixed with biomaterials and, optionally, with cytokines and/or native epithelial-mesenchymal cells appropriate for the maturational lineage stage of the cells to be engrafted.

Abstract: Synthetic oxysterols can be made and can be used for the treatment of bone disorders, obesity, cardiovascular disorders, and neurological disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated stem cells of non-embryonic origin that can be maintained in culture in the undifferentiated state or differentiated to form cells of multiple tissue types. Also provided are methods of isolation and culture, as well as therapeutic uses for the isolated cells in cardiac indications.

Abstract: An expansion agent for hematopoietic stem cells and/or hematopoietic progenitor cells useful for improvement in the efficiency of gene transfer into hematopoietic stem cells for gene therapy useful for treatment of various hematopoietic disorders is provided. A method for expanding hematopoietic stem cells and/or hematopoietic progenitor cells, which comprises culturing hematopoietic stem cells and/or hematopoietic progenitor cells ex vivo in the presence of a compound represented by the formula (I) (wherein X, Y, X, Ar1, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are defined in the description), a tautomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound or a solvate thereof.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for cell dedifferentiation, transformation and eukaryotic cell reprogramming. Also described are cells, cell lines, and tissues that can be transplanted in a patient after steps of in vitro dedifferentiation and in vitro reprogramming. In particular embodiments the cells are Stem-Like Cells (SLCs), including Neural Stem-Like Cells (NSLCs). Also described are methods for generating these cells from human somatic cells and other types of cells. Also provided are compositions and methods of using of the cells so generated in human therapy and in other areas.

Abstract: The present invention involves the use of transcription factors including Tbx5, Mef2C, Hand2, myocardin and Gata4 to reprogram cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes, both in vitro and in vivo. Such methods find particular use in the treatment of patients post-myocardial infarction to prevent or limit scarring and to promote myocardial repair.

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions for treating hematopoietic disorders, inflammatory conditions, and cancer and providing stem cell therapy in a mammal.

Abstract: Cells present in processed lipoaspirate tissue are used to treat patients, including patients with renal conditions, diseases or disorders. Methods of treating patients include processing adipose tissue to deliver a concentrated amount of stem cells obtained from the adipose tissue to a patient. The methods may be practiced in a closed system so that the stem cells are not exposed to an external environment prior to being administered to a patient. Accordingly, in a preferred method, cells present in processed lipoaspirate are placed directly into a recipient along with such additives necessary to promote, engender or support a therapeutic renal benefit.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to promote the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into insulin producing cells. In particular, the present invention provides a method to produce a population of cells, wherein greater than 80% of the cells in the population express markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage.

Abstract: This invention relates to cellular-based therapies for increasing the level of regulatory T cells (Treg) and/or decreasing the level of pro-inflammatory T cells (Th17) to induce anergy or immune tolerance. To provide these therapeutic effects, two allogeneic leukocyte populations are contacted (in vivo, in vitro or ex vivo) and one of these leukocyte population is modified to bear on its surface a low-immunogenic biocompatible polymer so as to prevent pro-inflammatory allo-recognition. Cellular-based preparations and processes for achieving cellular therapy are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for reprogramming a somatic cell to pluripotency by administering into the somatic cell at least one or a plurality of potency-determining factors. The invention also relates to pluripotent cell populations obtained using a reprogramming method.

Abstract: There is a high stem cell therapy potential in the field of reproductive disorders. Endometriosis is a common finding in women with infertility. In addition endometriosis is the major problem in the veterinary field. In the disclosed invention we provide a method of application and use of adipose tissue derived stem cell to treat fertility and pregnancy related disorders, especially endometriosis in mammalian objects.

Abstract: There is provided a method of treating lung diseases including administering cells separated or proliferated from umbilical cord blood to a patient suffering from such diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for obtaining stem cells from mammalian cadavers, methods for obtaining or purifying stem cells from a sample likely to contain non-stem cells, methods of regeneration of injured tissues and methods of treatment.

Abstract: Cells present in adipose tissue are used to promote wound healing in a patient. Methods of treating patients include processing adipose tissue to deliver a concentrated amount of regenerative cells obtained from the adipose tissue to a patient. The methods may be practiced in a closed system so that the regenerative cells are not exposed to an external environment prior to being administered to a patient. Accordingly, in a preferred method, cells present in adipose tissue are placed directly into a recipient along with such additives necessary to promote, engender or support a therapeutic benefit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the reprogramming of differentiated somatic cells, such as those differentiated cells that arise from embryonic mesoderm, into glial cells. Glial cells produced from this reprogramming are functionally equivalent to glial cells that arise from ectodermal origins.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provides methods for preparing and using adipose-tissue-derived stem and progenitor cells, adipose-tissue-derived lymphatic endothelial cells, and cells capable of differentiating into lymphatic endothelial cells to treat disorders of the lymphatic system and to modulate expansion, repair, and/or regeneration of the lymphatic system. The invention further provides using adipose-tissue-derived lymphatic endothelial cells and cells capable of differentiating into lymphatic endothelial cells for delivery of therapeutic agents to tumor cells as a means for treating malignant disease, and assays to screen for drugs that modulate lymphatic system expansion, repair or regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for maintaining efficacy of a filler for a long period of time by containing collagen as an active ingredient. The composition according to the present invention is useful since the composition can promote the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and inhibit activity of hyaluronidase, thereby maintaining the efficacy of a hyaluronic acid filler for a longer period of time. Therefore, even with less number of times of filler injection, the efficacy of the filler can be maintained and skin irritation can be also reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for causing the selective targeting and killing of tumor cells. Through ex vivo gene therapy protocols tumor cells are engineered to express an ?(1,3)galactosyl epitope. The cells are then irradiated or otherwise killed and administered to a patient. The ?-galactosyl epitope causes opsonization of the tumor cell enhancing uptake of the opsonized tumor cell by antigen presenting cells which results in enhanced tumor specific antigen presentation. The animal's immune system thus is stimulated to produce tumor specific cytotoxic cells and antibodies which will attack and kill tumor cells present in the animal.

Abstract: A medical implant is for insertion into a bone. The medical implant may include a zone having a polymer material configured to transition from a solid condition to a softened condition when exposed to electromagnetic radiation, and be flowable into interspaces of the bone in the softened condition. The medical implant may include a light-conducting portion configured to conduct the electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source to the zone when the medical implant is inserted into the bone.

Abstract: Materials and methods for preparing mesenchymal stem cells are described such that the mesenchymal stem cells remain for a longer period of time than would normally be found at a site of tissue healing. The mesenchymal stem cells are pretreated to exhibit osteogenic characteristics and, when combined with extracellular matrix components produced from the pretreated cells, improve tissue healing. Co-administration of the pretreated cells and their secreted extracellular matrix components at an injured site or defect allowed the mesenchymal stem cells to co-localize at or near the injured or defect site for a longer period. The combination improves overall repair of the tissue by extending the retention signal of mesenchymal stem cells. A three-dimensional scaffold containing the pretreated cells with or without addition of the secreted extracellular matrix is also described. The conditioned scaffold is suitable for use in vivo and may be preserved cryogenically prior to use.

Abstract: A method of culturing mesenchymal stem cells is provided. The mesenchymal stem cells are cultured in a medium that includes a cell-depleted Wharton's Jelly filtrate. The cell-depleted Wharton's Jelly filtrate is prepared by mincing umbilical cord tissue that includes Wharton's Jelly, subsequently diluting the umbilical cord tissue, subsequently filtering the umbilical cord tissue to generate a filtrate, and sedimenting Wharton's Jelly stem cells from the filtrate to generate the cell-depleted Wharton's Jelly filtrate.

Abstract: Tissue rejuvenation methods include identifying a cell harvest site on a patient, identifying a cell injection site on the patient, harvesting tissue regenerative cells from the cell harvest site, agitating the tissue regenerative cells and injecting the tissue regenerative cells into the cell injection site. Tissue transfer devices suitable for implementation of the tissue rejuvenation methods are also disclosed.