Abstract: The present invention describes Photolabile Compounds methods for use of the compounds. The Photolabile Compounds have a photoreleasable ligand, which can be biologically active, and which is photoreleased from the compound upon exposure to light. In some embodiments, the Photolabile Compounds comprise a light antenna, such as a labeling molecule or an active derivative thereof. In one embodiment, the light is visible light, which is not detrimental to the viability of biological samples, such as cells and tissues, in which the released organic molecule is bioactive and can have a therapeutic effect. In another embodiment, the photoreleasable ligand can be a labeling molecule, such as a fluorescent molecule.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods and compositions for inducing stem cell or progenitor cell differentiation, and more particularly to methods and compositions for inducing differentiation of stem cells and/or progenitor cells into cells that function within the inner ear.

Abstract: Provided are a culture medium for preparing neural stem cell and use thereof, the culture medium for preparing neural stem cell comprising: a basic culture medium suitable for the growth of stem cell, and a cell signal pathway inhibitor selected from at least one of GSK inhibitor, MEK inhibitor, TGF-? inhibitor, ROCK inhibitor and BMP inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of treating an organ or a tissue prior to transplantation thereof into a recipient, comprising ablating the cells composing the blood vessels of said organ or tissue, preferably the cells lining the lumen surface of the blood vessels, thereby obtaining a treated viable organ or tissue having reduced immunogenicity. The invention is also directed to treated viable organs or tissues having reduced immunogenicity and uses thereof.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of open and closed wound spinal cord injuries are disclosed. For example, described herein are devices and methods for mitigating secondary injury to, and promoting recovery of, spinal cord primary injuries. More particularly, certain embodiments of the present invention are directed to polymeric mini-tubes that may be used for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. In addition, other embodiments are directed to polymeric “fill-in” bandages that may be used for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. For example, an erodible, or biodegradable, form of biocompatible polymer of the present invention is fabricated for surgical implantation into the site of the spinal cord injury.

Abstract: Methods of generating functional human brown adipocytes, comprising exposing human stem cells, progenitor cells, or white adipocytes to culture with an differentiation cocktail that comprises one or more browning agents (e.g., one or more macromolecular crowders), and optionally one or more adipogenic agents, are described, as are populations of human brown adipocytes generated by the methods, and uses for the populations. Methods of generating functional human brown adipocytes in an individual, such as by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising an differentiation cocktail, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment of an autoimmune demyelinating disease/disorder. Also included in the present invention is the use of bone marrow stromal cells for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of isolating and expanding a plurality of multipotent stem cells. Also described are methods of expanding stem cells on a substrate comprising an HC-HA complex. Also described are isolated and expanded stem cells produced by the methods and uses thereof, including stem cell therapy, as niche cells for supporting other types of stem cells, or as bioreactors for the production of HC-HA complexes. Also described are uses of HC-HA complexes as a carrier for stem cells.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for isolation of proliferating cells. In particular, the methods enrich stem cells in a mixture of stem cells and non-stem cells, and in some cases the non-stem cells may be differentiated cells. The methods exploit the non-adherent property of stem cells, as opposed to the adherent property of differentiating cells, by serially passaging the suspended cells in liquid media.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions of engineered cells for use in the continuous or transient delivery of growth factors and angiogenesis modulating agents, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), in conjunction with constructs for replacing or augmenting organ functions. In one aspect of the invention, the genetically engineered cells can be immature cells that are capable of differentiating and assimilating into the target region. The methods of the present invention can be used to enhance vascularization locally at a target site in need of repair, growth, or implantation through the incorporation of autologous cells which have been genetically engineered to secrete a growth factor or angiogenesis modulating agent.

Abstract: Regenerative cells present in adipose tissue are used to treat patients, including patients with musculoskeletal diseases or disorders. 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 stem cells are not exposed to an external environment prior to being administered to a patient. Accordingly, in a preferred method, regenerative cells present in adipose tissue are placed directly into a recipient along with such additives necessary to promote, engender or support a therapeutic musculoskeletal benefit.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treating individuals having suffered exposure to radiation, e.g., individuals having radiation injury, by administering to the individuals angiogenic cells from amnion, referred to as amnion derived adherent cells, or populations of and compositions comprising, such cells.

Abstract: Described herein are aminoquinoline and aminoacridine based hybrids, pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments that include such aminoquinoline and aminoacridine based hybrids, and methods of using such compounds for diagnosing and/or treating infections, neurodegerative diseases or disorders, inflammation, inflammation associated diseases and disorders, and/or diseases or disorders that are treatable with dopamine agonists such as the restless leg syndrome.

Abstract: A method of treating Gaucher's disease in a subject in need thereof is provided. The method comprising orally administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of recombinant glucocerecbrosidase (GCD) comprised in plant cells, wherein said therapeutically effective amount of GCD corresponds to 1-1920 units/Kg/14 days, thereby treating Gaucher's disease. Also provide unit dosage forms which comprise the glucocerecbrosidase (GCD) comprised in plant cells.

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 a method of preparing cells and in particular to a method of preparing breastmilk stem cells (BSCs) by isolation from breastmilk and subsequent culture. The invention further relates to BSCs prepared by the methods of the invention and to methods and uses thereof. In one aspect, the invention has been developed as a method for preparing and culturing BSC.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for increasing proliferation, increasing cell cycle activity, and/or proliferation of postmitotic mammalian differentiated cardiomyocytes. The invention can be used to slow, reduce, or prevent the onset of cardiac damage caused by, for example, myocardial ischemia, hypoxia, stroke, or myocardial infarction in vivo. In addition, the methods and compositions of the invention can be used to enhance proliferation of differentiated cardiomyocytes in vitro and/or ex vivo, which can then be used in tissue grafting.

Abstract: This invention provides disrupted cartilage products, methods of manufacturing disrupted cartilage products, and methods of treating a subject comprising administering a cartilage product. The cartilage products are manufactured by a method comprising disrupting a collagen matrix, e.g. to produce a flexible cartilage product. Optionally, the cartilage products comprise viable chondrocytes, bioactive factors such as chondrogenic factors, and a collagen type II matrix. Optionally, the cartilage products are non-immunogenic.

Abstract: Methods of treating autoimmune diseases, allergic responses, cancer, or inflammatory diseases in an animal, promoting would 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: A method of treating a natural soft skeletal tissue injury in a patient the method comprising administering to the patient a composition of mesenchymal stem cells in liquid suspension enriched compared to the natural source of said cells, or tenocytes derived therefrom. The method is particularly suited to the regeneration of tendons in competitive mammals, such as the superficial digital flexor tendon of the horse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substantially homogenous populations of human retinal progenitor cells having the following positive surface markers: SSEA4, CD73, PTK7 and PSA-NCAM. The invention also relates to method for preparing such substantially homogeneous cell populations from human tissue using cell sorting techniques.

Abstract: A rapid method for preparing stem cell and physiologically acceptable matrix compositions for use in tissue and organ repair is described. Compared with previous tissue engineering materials, the stem cell-matrix compositions of the present invention do not require long-term incubation or cultivation in vitro prior to use in in vivo applications. The stem cells can be from numerous sources and may be homogeneous, heterogeneous, autologous, and/or allogeneic in the matrix material. The stem cell-matrix compositions provide point of service utility for the practitioner, wherein the stem cells and matrix can be combined not long before use, thereby alleviating costly and lengthy manufacturing procedures. In addition, the stem cells offer unique structural properties to the matrix composition which improves outcome and healing after use. Use of stem cells obtained from muscle affords contractility to the matrix composition.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating immune responses are provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention recognizes that there exists a long felt need for reliable hair growth methods and compositions that do not suffer from side effects and limitations of current technologies, such as surgery using a subject's own hair and pharmaceutical compositions. A first aspect of the present invention is a method of making at least one three dimensional collection of cells capable of forming a functional hair follicle. A second aspect of the present invention is a product produced by the method of making at least one three dimensional collection of cells capable of forming a functional hair follicle of the present invention. A third aspect of the present invention is a method of making at least one functional hair follicle. A fourth aspect of the present invention is a product produced by the method of making at least one functional hair follicle of the present invention.

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: In some aspects, compositions and methods useful for generating stem cells from epithelial cells are disclosed.

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: This invention is directed to coral scaffolds seeded with precursor cells in culture in the presence of a chelator and uses thereof in inducing or enhancing bone and/or cartilage formation in a subject, and kits related thereto. This invention is also directed to use of cadherin-upregulating coral for treating cancer or inhibiting cancer progression. This invention is also directed to use of aragonite or calcite-producing species for in vivo calcium release, and its application to the treatment of skin diseases, disorders or conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blood serum and dermally-derived cells for use in tissue repair. Particularly it relates to blood serum and collagen producing cells for use in the treatment of connective tissue injuries. Preferably the cells and the blood serum are autologous and the connective tissue to be repaired is a tendon or ligament. Also provided is a method of treating connective tissue injuries by the administration of blood serum and collagen producing cells directly to the site of injury. It also relates to the use of blood serum and muscle-like cells for use in the treatment of muscle injury, particularly skeletal muscle injury.

Abstract: A device that includes a scaffold composition and a bioactive composition with the bioactive composition being incorporated into or coated onto the scaffold composition such that the scaffold composition and/or a bioactive composition controls egress of a resident cell or progeny thereof. The devices mediate active recruitment, modification, and release of host cells from the material.

Abstract: The present invention uses neural stem cells in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a patient suffering peripheral arterial disease. The invention is particularly suited for treating limb ischemia or Buerger's disease.

Abstract: An isolated human brown adipose tissue stem cell line. In one embodiment, the isolated human brown adipose tissue stem cell line expresses the markers CD9, SSEA4, CD44, CD90, CD166, CD73, but not CD14, CD34, CD45 or STRO-1. In another embodiment, the isolated human brown adipose tissue stem cell line expresses the genes UCP1, PPARGC1A, NRF1, FOXC2, CREB1, SIRT3, and WNT5A (REFX). In still another embodiment, the isolated human brown adipose tissue stem cell line is capable of differentiating into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes.

Abstract: Provided herein is a placental membrane product comprising an immunocompatible amniotic membrane. Such placental membrane products can be cryopreserved and contain therapeutic factors and viable cells after thawing. The placental membrane products are useful in wound healing and tissue repair/regeneration as they are capable of promoting angiogenesis, reducing inflammation, inhibiting proteases and free radical oxidation, reducing scar formation, and other methods that promote healing. The present technology relates to products to protect injured or damaged tissue, or as a covering to prevent adhesions, to exclude bacteria, to inhibit bacterial activity, and/or to promote healing or growth of tissue. The field also relates to methods of manufacturing and methods of use of such membrane-derived products.

Abstract: Provided herein is a placental membrane product comprising an immunocompatible chorionic membrane. Such placental membrane products can be cryopreserved and contain therapeutic factors and viable cells after thawing. The placental membrane products are useful in wound healing or tissue repair/regeneration as they are capable of promoting angiogenesis, reducing inflammation, reducing scar formation, and other methods that promote healing. The present technology relates to products to protect injured or damaged tissue, or as a covering to exclude bacteria, to inhibit bacterial activity, or to promote healing or growth of tissue. The field also relates to methods of manufacturing and methods of use of such membrane-derived products.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for the targeted delivery of therapeutic cells to a target tissue. In several embodiments, the therapeutic cells are captured by an antibody that is coupled to a magnetic particle, which is in turn coupled to an antibody directed against a specific marker expressed by a target tissue. In some embodiments, the therapeutic cells comprise the target tissue is damaged or diseased cardiac tissue. In several embodiments, in conjunction with an applied magnetic field, the methods, in combination with the compositions, yield enhanced delivery, of the therapeutic cells to the target tissue, thereby resulting in repair and/or regeneration of the target tissue. Also disclosed are methods for the non-invasive detection of immune responses to transplanted cells or organs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing mammalian neural plate border stem cells (NPBSCs), comprising: (a) differentiation of mammalian pluripotent stem cells by (a-i) culturing mammalian pluripotent stem cells in pluripotent stem cell medium for about 24 to about 96 hours, wherein the pluripotent stem cell medium comprises: (i) an inhibitor of the activin/TGF-? signalling pathway; (ii) an inhibitor of the BMP signalling pathway; (iii) an activator of the canonical WNT signalling pathway; and (iv) an activator of the Hedgehog signalling pathway; subsequently (a-ii) culturing the cells obtained in step (a-i) for about 24 to about 96 hours in a neural medium, wherein the neural medium comprises: (i) an inhibitor of the Activin/TGF-? signalling pathway; (ii) an inhibitor of the BMP signalling pathway; (iii) an activator of the canonical WNT signalling pathway; and (iv) an activator of the Hedgehog signalling pathway; subsequently (a-iii) culturing the cells obtained in step (a-ii) for about 24 to

Abstract: An apparatus for the preparation of cells for implantation into a living body is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a vessel substantially impermeable to gaseous oxygen; and fluid within said vessel, the fluid having a maximal dissolved oxygen capacity substantially equivalent to normal saline yet having a hypoxic oxygen concentration between about 0% to about 5% of said maximal dissolved oxygen capacity. The bag oxygen concentration level remains low when the apparatus is stored at 22°-25° C. in normal atmospheric conditions for a period of at least 30 days. The present invention simplifies the process of achieving donor cell hypoxic preconditioning for cell implantation, and may be used to bathe said cells to be transplanted for a sufficient time to activate the hypoxic metabolic pathway.

Abstract: Immunoconjugates comprising a targeting agent selectively targeting cell-surface expressed syndecan-1 and at least one effector molecule as well as in vitro and in vivo methods of using those immunocomjugates are disclosed. The effector molecule may have, in its native form, high non-selective cytotoxicity, but substantially no non-selective cytotoxicity when part of said immunoconjugate. Targeting agents include the antibody B-B4 as well as other agents that bind cell-surface expressed syndecan-1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of at least one antibody which binds to the SUSD2 antigen, or to functional fragments of the antibody, in combination with at least one of the following: an antibody which binds to CD140b, an antibody which binds to CD56, and/or an antibody which binds to TNAP, or functional fragments thereof, for isolation of mesenchymal stem cells, especially those having particularly chondrocytic and osteogenic differentiation potential.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods and devices for treatment of degenerative disc disease or the repair of a disc in need of repair. The composition or the formulation includes freshly isolated or culture expanded ELA cells, which can be cyropreserved. The composition or a formulation also includes in various embodiments an ELA cell population that has been differentiated into cell types having at least one characteristic of human intervertebral disc cells, such as fibroblast cells, chondrocyte cells or notochordal cells. The composition or the formulation includes in certain embodiments either a population of ELA cells provided in conjunction with one or more biocompatible molecules, therapeutic agents, or agents that induce ELA stem cell differentiation. The ELA cells are obtained from fluid or tissue from live or cadaveric (cadaverous) donors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of stem cell biology, in particular the lineage specific differentiation of pluripotent or multipotent stem cells, which can include, but is not limited to, human embryonic stem cells (hESC) in addition to nonembryonic human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC), somatic stem cells, stem cells from patients with a disease, or any other cell capable of lineage specific differentiation. Specifically described are methods to direct the lineage specific differentiation of hESC and/or hiPSC into floor plate midbrain progenitor cells and then further into large populations of midbrain fate FOXA2+LMX1A+TH+ dopamine (DA) neurons using novel culture conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to antibodies that specifically bind Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR-4), and to methods of using the anti-TLR4 antibodies as therapeutics and to methods of using the anti-TLR4 antibodies in methods of preventing transplant rejection and/or prolonging survival of transplanted biological material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory-based diseases and disorders, such as hepatitis B virus infection, tuberculosis and type 2 diabetes based upon the administration of CaFolate. In one embodiment is a method of treating cancer comprising administration of CaFolate. In another embodiment is a method of treatment inflammatory-based disease and disorders comprising administration of CaFolate.

Abstract: A method of providing a pancreatic, lymphoid/hematopietic or pulmonary organ and/or tissue function to a mammalian subject is provided. The method comprises transplanting into the subject a developing mammalian pancreatic, lymphoid/hematopietic or pulmonary organ/tissue graft, respectively, thereby generating a functional pancreatic, lymphoid/hematopietic or pulmonary organ and/or tissue, respectively, for providing the pancreatic, lymphoid/hematopietic or pulmonary organ and/or tissue function, respectively, to the subject.

Abstract: This invention provides a therapeutic placental composition comprising placental cells and other placental components derived from placental tissue. A cryopreserved placental composition is also provided. The placental compositions can be used to stimulate and promote angiogenesis, reduce inflammation, and to reduce scar formation, among others. The placental tissue can optionally be an amnion, chorion, a trophoblast-depleted chorion, umbilical cord, Wharton's jelly, placental cotyledon, and/or maternal decidua. The placental composition of the present invention is useful in treating a patient with a tissue injury (e.g., wound or burn) by applying the placental composition to the injury or in close proximity. Placental compositions may also be used to promote or increase regeneration of tissue. Similar application is useful with ligament and tendon repair and for engraftment procedures such as bone engraftment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simplified process, which is shorter in time, for propagation of proliferating cells, such as e.g. progenitor or stem cells, by means of a biphasic culturing system having a differentiation supporting component and a proliferation supporting component, and to the use of the stem cell cultures obtained in this way for cell therapy purposes. The present invention invention describes a method, which is highly efficient to prime stem or progenitor cells to differentiation using non-attachment matrices and differentiation supporting component. The cells produced therefrom may be used to treat a variety of neurodegenerative disorders.

Abstract: A method of generating pancreatic progenitor cells is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) differentiating stem cells under conditions such that at least a portion of the cells express glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) so as to generate GLUT2-expressing cells; and (b) enriching for the GLUT2-expressing cells so as to generate a population of GLUT2 enriched cells, wherein at least 80% of the population of GLUT2 enriched cells express GLUT2, thereby generating pancreatic progenitor cells. Isolated populations of cells generated according to the method, pharmaceutical compositions comprising same and uses thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: The specification discloses compositions and methods for treating a soft tissue defect of an individual.

Abstract: Cell delivery matrices and methods for facilitating local delivery of adipose derived endothelial cells to a target tissue, body cavity, or joint are described. The cell delivery matrix may be a three-dimensional matrix scaffold comprising fibrin derived from the patient's own body. The cell delivery matrix may be biocompatible and semi-permeable. The cell delivery matrix used in the methods of the invention may be comprised of any degradable, bioabsorbable or non-degradable, biocompatible polymer. Regenerative therapies comprising implanting in the subject cell delivery matrices localizing adipose derived endothelial cells are described. The cell delivery matrices maintain the adipose derived endothelial cells at the target for a therapeutically effective amount of time. The adipose derived endothelial cells can be allogenic or syngenic to the subject. The endothelial cells may be delivered alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions containing a combination of a first active component comprising one or more sulfated polysaccharides and/or glycosaminoglycans and a second active component comprising one or more RNAi-inducing molecules, and methods for using these compositions to enhance double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-mediated gene silencing in pest or pathogen species. The invention further relates to methods for controlling pests or pathogens, methods for preventing pest infestations or pathogen infections and methods for knocking down gene expression in pests or pathogens using the compositions and methods of the invention.