Abstract: Compositions include cultured bilberry cells or extracts thereof mixed with a cosmetic component or a food component to yield cosmetics, dietary supplements, and/or functional foods. The cultured bilberry cells or extracts can have high levels of polyphenols with little or no anthocyanins. The polyphenol fraction from the cultured bilberry cells is unique compared to the polyphenol fraction from the tissues of a traditional bilberry plant. The cultured cells have high levels of natural flavonols, flavan-3-ols and procyanidins, but are notably lacking in anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid.

Abstract: Methods of culturing mesenchymal stem cells are provided. The methods comprise culturing MSCs in a medium comprising nicotinamide and fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4). Populations of mesenchymal stem cells generated using the methods described herein and uses thereof are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides porated cartilage products and methods of producing porated cartilage products. Optionally, the cartilage products are sized, porated, and digested to provide 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: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for preventing or treating various immune diseases including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) using populations or compositions of immunoregulatory T cells specific for an irrelevant antigen; such cells being activated in vivo by a simultaneous, separate or sequential administration of said antigen.

Abstract: The technology described herein is directed to methods and compositions relating to the differentiation and activity of brown adipocytes, and the therapeutic uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hematopoietic stem cell and/or a population thereof having a specific profile of cell surface proteins and/or proteoglycans. The present invention also relates to use of proteolytic enzymes, such as pronase and pronase-like enzymes in the modification of the cell surface of a hematopoietic stem cell. The present invention further relates to a method of modifying the cell surface of a hematopoietic stem cell by treatment with proteolytic enzymes, such as pronase and pronase-like enzymes.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the development of methods for making hematopoietic stem cells from differentiated cells by introducing and expressing transcription factors. More particularly, the disclosure provides methods for redirecting differentiated cells to a hematopoietic stem cell state or to a hemogenic endothelial cell state by direct programming with specific combinations of transcription factors.

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: Provided is a novel and creative dental tissue regeneration method for regenerating dental tissue after pulpectomy or the enlargement and cleaning of an infected root canal. After pulpectomy or the enlargement and cleaning of an infected root canal, a root canal filler (200) having an extracellular matrix (210) containing the cells (220) enriched for dental pulp stem cells, is inserted into the apical side of the root canal of a target tooth (100). The cells including dental pulp stem cells include at least one of the following: dental pulp SP cells, CD31-negative and CD146-negative cells, CD24-positive cells, CD105-positive cells, and CD150-positive cells. For instance, dental pulp SP cells are CD31? and CD146? negative. Even if pulpitis due to deep caries occurs, appropriate dental pulp regeneration and recovery of dental pulp function are possible.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the findings that bone marrow (BM)-derived progenitor cells more specifically mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and uncommitted hematopoietic cells (lin?) are capable of regenerating liver in case of injury. The invention provides a method for treating genetic disorder like Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (A1-ATD) by administering BM derived Lin? cells in human mutant A1-AT expressing transgenic mouse model. The invention also provides the state of art for replacement of mutant host hepatocytes by transplanting wild-type uncommitted donor (lin?) cells.

Abstract: The method of tissue transplantation involving recellularizing of a donor organ with the utilization of the recipient's cytokines collected from the recipient's blood plasma at less than systemic pressure, and at the temperature greater than freezing and less than normal systemic temperature of the recipient's blood. Specifically, a method of harvesting a platelet-derived growth factors from platelet rich plasma (PRP), the growth factors having increased weight.

Abstract: A three-dimensional biomedical device having an osteoinductive first area with a controlled porosity and a second area, which is produced by laser technology from a powder including one of ceramics, metals, metal alloys, bioactive glasses, lead zirconate titanate and biocompatible polymers, or mixtures thereof. The ratio of the porosities from the second area to the first area is equal or less than one, preferably from 0.001 to 0.9. A method for manufacturing the device for fitting in a bone defect, wherein a virtual object is designed with a computer-aid designed software, and the device is manufactured by laser technology including layering a powder onto a plate (7) so that a layer of a predetermined thickness is formed; the laser beam (8) selectively processes the powder to produce a processed layer, and, thus, layer after layer, the layers are joined together until the biomedical device is formed.

Abstract: The method of tissue transplantation involving recellularizing of a donor organ with the utilization of the recipient's cytokines collected from the recipient's blood plasma at less than systemic pressure, and at the temperature greater than freezing and less than normal systemic temperature of the recipient's blood. Specifically, a method of harvesting a platelet-derived growth factors from platelet rich plasma (PRP), the growth factors having increased weight.

Abstract: A treated surface of a device (10) for implantation or for application as a wound dressing, comprises an array of plasma-activated hydrophilic cell-adhesive areas (18) having the ability to reduce fibrous reaction, is in the form of an array of islets of activation. Each islet of activation (18) has a length which is less than 6 ?m, a width which is less than 2 ?m and the distance between islets is preferably from 4 ?m to 6 ?m. The islets of activation (18) are surrounded by non-activated, non-adhesive, hydrophobic areas.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns methods and compositions for differentiating cells, including adipose cells, into chondrocyte-like cells via in vitro, ex vivo, and/or in vivo mechanical strain. In particular aspects, adipose cells or re-differentiated adipose cells that are chondrocyte-like cells, are delivered to a joint or are shaped into cartilage. In some embodiments, the adipose cells may be delivered to a joint, such as an intervertebral disc, following which the cells differentiate into chondrocyte-like cells to treat dysfunction of cartilage therein, including to repair degenerated discs, for example. In certain aspects, the cells prior to delivery to the individual are managed in the absence of growth factors, in vitro mechanical strain, and/or matrix molecules, for example.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of preparing an artificial tooth primordium in vitro, comprising the steps: a) providing isolated mesenchymal dental pulp cells; and b) culturing the mesenchymal dental pulp cells under non-adherent conditions to form a cell aggregate representing an artificial tooth primordium; as well as to an artificial tooth primordium derived therefrom.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of expanding myeloid progenitor cells by culturing an initial population of cells in a medium comprising a mixture of cytokines and growth factors that promote growth and expansion of the myeloid progenitor cells. The expanded cell population provides a source of cells as therapeutic treatments for neutropenia and/or thrombocytopenia arising in patients subjected to myeloablative therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Abstract: A kit is disclosed that includes a first component comprising alginate, wherein the first component is comprised in a first sterile vile, and a second component comprising cells comprising keratinocytes or fibroblasts, or mixtures thereof, that secrete one or more biologically active molecules selected from the group consisting of GM-CSF, VEGF, KGF, bFGF, TGF?, angiopoietin, EGF, IL-I?, TGF?, and TNF?, wherein the cells are allogeneic and mitotically inactive, a buffered solution, and human serum albumin or a cryoprotectant, wherein the second component is comprised in a second vial.

Abstract: Conjugates are provided herein which comprise a protein attached to at least two polymeric moieties, at least one of which exhibits reverse thermal gelation. The conjugates are suitable for being cross-linked by non-covalent and/or covalent cross-linking. Compositions-of-matter comprising cross-linked conjugates are provided herein, as well as processes for producing same. Methods of controlling a physical property of compositions-of-matter are also provided herein. The conjugates and compositions-of-matter may be used for various applications, such as cell growth, tissue formation, and treatment of disorders characterized by tissue damage or loss, as described herein.

Abstract: The present invention features the use of a synthetic triterpenoid to induce gene expression and differentiation of stem or progenitor cells in the treatment of bone/cartilage diseases or conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides a corneal endothelial composition comprising a transparent hydrogel scaffold and a single layer of cultured corneal endothelial cells on the surface of the scaffold. The hydrogel scaffold I comprised of at least one biopolymer, preferably gelatin.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to the methods of enhancing hematopoietic stem cells (HSPC) and progenitor cell (HSPC) engraftment procedure. Treatment in vivo of a HSPC donor with compounds that reduce PGE2 biosynthesis or PGE2 receptor antagonists alone, or in combination with other hematopoietic mobilization agents such as AMD3100 and G-CSF, increases the circulation of available HSPCs. Compounds that reduce the cellular synthesis of PGE2 include non-steroidal anti-infiammatory compounds such as indomethacin. Treatment ex vivo of HSPC with an effective amount of PGE2 or at least one of its derivatives such as 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 (dmPGE2), promotes HSPC engraftment. Similar methods may also be used to increase viral-mediated gene transduction efficacy into HSPC.

Abstract: The present invention provides placental stem cells and placental stem cell populations, and methods of culturing, proliferating and expanding the same. The invention also provides methods of differentiating the placental stem cells. The invention further provides methods of using the placental stem cells in assays and for transplanting.

Abstract: Methods of generating an innervated muscle structures are disclosed as well as bioengineered structures for tissue repair or regeneration. The methods can include the steps of obtaining populations of smooth muscle cells and neuronal progenitor cells and then seeding the cells together onto a matrix material, followed by culturing the seeded cells to form an innervated smooth muscle cell construct of directionally oriented smooth muscle cells. In one embodiment, the neuronal progenitor cells can be seeded first as neurospheres in a biocompatible solution, e.g., a collagen/laminin solution, and allowed to gel. Next, a second suspension of smooth muscle cells can be deposited as separate layer. Multiple layer structures of alternating muscle or neuron composition can also be formed in this manner. Differentiation of the neuronal progenitor cells can be induced by exposure to a differentiation medium, such as Neurobasal A medium and/or exposure to a differentiating agent, such as B-27 supplement.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treatment of individuals having an immune-related disease, disorder or condition, for example, inflammatory bowel disease, graft-versus-host disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, diabetes, mycosis fungoides (Alibert-Bazin syndrome), or scleroderma using placental stem cells or umbilical cord stem cells.

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: Disclosed are methods and compositions of microbead carriers for delivery of cells and other biologically active substances to diseased or damaged tissue in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Described is a method of expanding hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells. The invention further includes a method of treating primary or secondary bone marrow failure syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, kits and compositions for expansion of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and providing hematopoietic function to human patients in need thereof. In one aspect, it relates to kits and compositions comprising a Notch agonist and an aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist. Also provided herein are methods for expanding the hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells using kits and compositions comprising a Notch agonist and an aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist. The hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells expanded using the disclosed kits, compositions and methods include human umbilical cord blood stem/progenitor cells, placental cord blood stem/progenitor cells and peripheral blood stem cells. The present invention also relates to administering hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells expanded using a combination of a Notch agonist and an aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist to a patient for short-term and/or long-term in vivo repopulation benefits.

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 inventions provided herein relate to silk-based scaffolds and methods of producing the same, which can be used for a range of tissue engineering applications. The fabrication methods described herein provide a versatile platform to incorporate hollow conduits (e.g., for nutrient/oxygen delivery) through three-dimensional silk-based scaffolds that have tunable bulk properties (e.g., but not limited to, porosity, mechanical, degradation rate) and allow endothelialization and/or cell compartmentalization, for engineering a variety of complex tissue equivalents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing hair microfollicles comprising the steps of: a) providing de novo papillae, b) providing other cell populations selected from the group of fibroblasts, keratinocytes and melanocytes, and co-culturing the de novo papillae with at least one other cell population in non-adherent culture vessels. The present invention relates also to methods of producing de novo papillae usable in said method for producing hair microfollicles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fibromodulin (FMOD) reprogrammed (FReP) cell and a method of making therefor, a culture medium therefor, and a supernatant thereof, and methods of making and using these.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions useful for therapeutic vascular tissue engineering. In particular, the present invention provides methods for generating substantially pure populations of vasculogenic cells from human mesenchymal progenitors, and methods and compositions for clinical applications in the field of regenerative medicine.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to cell-based therapies for treatment of visual disorders, including disorders of the cornea. Methods are exemplified for directed differentiation of corneal cells from stem cells. Compositions of corneal endothelial cells and uses thereof are also provided. Exemplary compositions exhibit improved cell density and/or more “youthful” gene expression relative to cells obtained from donated tissue.

Abstract: Compositions comprising stem cells delivered into infarcted myocardium by endocardial injection, engraft and differentiate into myocytes, endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle, and do so without the requirement for survival enhancing modification. These cells engraft whether injected acutely (days) or late (months) after myocardial infarction, and the efficiency of engraftment correlates with the functional recovery of the heart. The stem cells also recruit endogenous cardiac precursor cells, reconstitute myocardial stem cell niches, and enhance endogenous cell differentiation into myocytes.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods for cell therapy. In particular, the invention provides therapeutic compositions of enhanced hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells having improved engraftment and homing properties, and methods of making the therapeutic compositions. The invention further provides methods of improving the efficacy of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell transplantation including transplanting the therapeutic composition to subjects in need of hematopoietic system reconstitution.

Abstract: Methods for treating an established myocardial infarction, including treatment with an epicardial construct containing stromal vascular fraction (SVF) from adipose tissue which may be seeded onto a biocompatible substrate, which preserves microvascular function and LV contractile mechanisms.

Abstract: Methods of improving a condition in a subject are provided herein. Aspects of the methods include at least partially restoring normal function of a central nervous system endocrine gland in a manner sufficient to improve the condition in the subject. In some instances, the condition is an aging associated condition. Aspects of the invention further include compositions, systems and devices for practicing the methods.

Abstract: A method of treating a subject in need of a non-syngeneic cell or tissue graft is disclosed. The methos comprising: (a) transplanting into a subject a dose of T cell depleted immature hematopoetic cells, wherein the T cell depleted immature hematopoetic cells comprise less than 5×105 CD3+ T cells per kilogram body weight of the subject, and wherein the dose comprises at least about 5×106 CD34+ cells per kilogram body weight of the subject, and wherein the T cell depleted immature hematopoetic cells are obtained by separating the T cells from the immature hematopoetic cells by magnetic cell sorting, and (b) administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of cyclophosphamide, wherein the therapeutically effective amount comprises 25-200 mg per body weight, thereby treating the subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides biomaterials and methods for preventing and minimizing progression of cartilage and/or connective tissue damage. Also provided herein are biomaterials and methods for alleviating and/or reducing the risk for developing arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis) associated with joint injury and/or joint surgery.

Abstract: A method is provided for preventing rejection by an immune system of a recipient subject of a tissue transplanted from a donor subject into the recipient subject without the need for long-term administration of non-specific immunosuppressive drugs.

Abstract: Blood-derived plastic articles prepared from compositions including blood and, in some embodiments, at least one crosslinking agent and/or at least one biological response modifier, that can be useful for biological applications such as wound repair and tissue grafts; methods of making and using the same; methods for assessing the concentration of a biological response modifier in an article; and systems for preparing blood-derived plastic articles are provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes new hybrid hydrogel scaffolds comprised of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene (block) copolymer (a “poloxamer”) and a self-assembling peptide, which maintain the mechanical and bioactive properties of its individual constituents (as compared to when the individual constituents are scaffolds or hydrogels by themselves). The hydrogels of the invention can include a combination of materials from different origins or with different properties that provides a hybrid material that meets the multiple needs of a scaffold for tissue engineering.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the prognosis of a patient having CYP1B1-mediated lung cancer and for diagnosing a risk of developing CYP1B1-mediated lung cancer are provided. The systems and methods comprise determinations of the concentration of estrogen metabolites in the lung tissue or a proxy thereof, or polymorphisms in the gene encoding the CYP1B1 protein, which metabolite concentrations or CYP1B1 polymorphisms are associated with a probability of surviving and/or a risk of developing lung cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for muscle repair or regeneration comprising administering therapeutically effective amounts of RAR agonists or stem cells that are pretreated with contact with a RAR agonist to a subject at a site of muscle damage. Additionally, the invention provides compositions comprising RAR agonist treated stem cells and methods of use of said cells for muscle repair or regeneration. In one embodiment, the stem cells are mesenchymal stem cells. In one embodiment, the RAR agonist is an RAR? agonist. In one embodiment, administration of the RAR agonist is begun during a period of increased endogenous retinoid signaling in the subject resulting from incurrence of the damaged muscle tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to the derivation of mesoangioblast-like (MAB-like) cells from pluripotent cells such as induced pluripotent (IPS) and embryonic stem (ES) cells, to cells obtained thereby and to medical uses of such cells, in particular in the treatment of muscular dystrophies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing spheroids of human primary hepatocytes. The method comprises culturing of isolated human primary hepatocytes on a polysaccharide scaffold under conditions that allow the formation of hepatocyte spheroids, and subsequently dissolving the polysaccharide scaffold to release the hepatocyte spheroids. The spheroids obtained by the method of the invention are particularly suitable for being transplanted into a subject afflicted with a liver disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the harvesting of specific materials in multiple stages of filtration of bone graft materials from a reaming device, specifics of interconnected stages, related filtration materials, and techniques. The harvesting process collects large material in a first stage, and other materials of a limited geometric size in at least a second stage of filtration. Such material captured in the second stage may contain plasma, cellular elements including stem cells as well as growth factors and other particulate matter of a specific geometrically limited size, using various filtration approaches including centrifugation in some embodiments. Further embodiments of the invention provide for an improved tubing interface and management approach to ease use in the operating room. Filtration materials may include biodegradable-material based filters and may allow direct implantation of small scale and larger scale matter in specific portions within the biodegradable-material itself.

Abstract: A method of treating a subject in need of a non-syngeneic cell or tissue graft is disclosed. The method comprising: (a) transplanting into a subject a dose of T cell depleted immature hematopoietic cells, wherein the T cell depleted immature hematopoietic cells comprise less than 5×105 CD3+ T cells per kilogram body weight of the subject, and wherein the dose comprises at least about 5×106 CD34+ cells per kilogram body weight of the subject; and subsequently (b) administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of cyclophosphamide, wherein the therapeutically effective amount comprises 25-200 mg per kilogram body weight, thereby treating the subject.