Abstract: A microfluidic system for causing perturbations in a cell membrane, the system including a microfluidic channel defining a lumen and being configured such that a cell suspended in a buffer can pass therethrough, wherein the microfluidic channel includes a cell-deforming constriction, wherein a diameter of the constriction is a function of the diameter of the cell.

Abstract: The present invention concerns Zdhhc2, a new target involved in adipogenesis modulation. Using a siRNA approach, the inventors demonstrated that decrease in Zdhhc2 activity in adipose tissue induces a decrease in adipogenesis. Thus, the present invention relates to modulators of Zdhhc2 activity as well as screening test for identification of modulators of the activity of this target, and their use, especially in pharmaceutical composition, to modulate adipogenesis and thus treat obesity and related disorders.

Abstract: A bicellular vascular population derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) undergoes morphogenesis and assembly in a synthetic hydrogel. It is shown that hPSCs can be induced to co-differentiate into early vascular cells (EVCs) in a clinically-relevant strategy dependent upon Notch activation. These EVCs mature into ECs and pericytes, and self-organize to form vascular networks in an engineered matrix. Upon in vivo implantation, multicellular human vascular networks are functionally perfused. Thus, a derived bicellular population is exploited for its intrinsic self-assembly capability to create functional microvasculature in a deliverable matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for culturing progenitor cells to differentiate primarily into a single population of cells with the same phenotype, and to compositions thereof. In particular, it relates to methods for culturing liver progenitor cells to differentiate primarily into a single population of hepatocyte-like cells, and to compositions thereof.

Abstract: Isolated, Chlamydia-specific, IL-13 expressing CD8+ T cell clones are provided for understanding the biology of Chlamydia infection and screening of therapeutics. Furthermore, methods are provided for isolating CD8+ T cells comprising the steps of infecting or identifying a naturally infected mammal with at least one species of Chlamydia causing bacteria, allowing the bacteria to clear or for a T cell immune response to the natural infection, collecting immune splenocytes from the mammal, providing at least one antigen from a Chlamydia-specific bacteria, and expanding and depleting the CD4+ T cell population or purifying the CD8 T cell population to isolate IL-13 expressing CD8+ T cell clones.

Abstract: Chondrocytes and compositions including chondrocytes produced via methods that do not require the formation of embryoid bodies are disclosed herein. The cells and compositions disclosed herein are suitable for use in treating osteoarthritis and other cartilage disorders or injury, as well as for tissue regeneration, particularly cartilage regeneration.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods of generating an induced stem cell (iSC) from a somatic cell, by contacting the somatic cell with an induction factor that reprograms the somatic cell to generate an iSC. The induction factor can be a genetic construct or a fusion protein. Where the induction factor is a genetic construct, the construct bears one or more nucleotide sequences encoding one or more reprogramming elements selected from OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, and a Notch pathway molecule, or an active fragment or derivative thereof. The genetic construct can have a lentiviral or episomal vector backbone. The induction factor can also be a fusion protein, with the reprogramming element being a protein selected from OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, or a Notch pathway molecule, or an active fragment or derivative thereof. The fusion protein can be TAT protein or an active fragment or derivative thereof.

Abstract: Differentiation and stability of neural stem cells can be enhanced by in vitro or in vivo culturing with one or more extracellular matrix (ECM) compositions, such as collagen I, IV, laminin and/or a heparan sulfate proteoglycan. In one aspect of the invention, adult mammalian enteric neuronal progenitor cells can be induced to differentiate on various substrates derived from components or combinations of neural ECM compositions. Collagen I and IV supported neuronal differentiation and extensive glial differentiation individually and in combination. Addition of laminin or heparan sulfate to collagen substrates unexpectedly improved neuronal differentiation, increasing neuron number, branching of neuronal processes, and initiation of neuronal network formation. In another aspect, neuronal subtype differentiation was affected by varying ECM compositions in hydrogels overlaid on intestinal smooth muscle sheets.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of an aquaprin-9 (AQP-9) modulator for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing a pathological condition associated with unbalanced osteoclast differentiation. In accordance with one embodiment, the modulator is an AQP-9 inhibitor. An example of AQP-9 inhibitor is phloretin which has been shown to inhibit osteoclast differentiation, following induction of bone marrow cells with RANKL. The invention also concerns methods for modulating osteoclast differentiation, methods for prevention and treating pathological conditions associated with unbalanced osteoclast differentiation as well as pharmaceutical composition comprising such modulators.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods useful for treating wounds and enhancing wound healing, particularly for diabetic wound healing. One embodiment provides a method of treating a wound comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of adipose tissue derived stem cells to treat said wound, wherein the cells are cultured in the absence of serum prior to the administration to said subject. Another embodiment provides a method of treating a wound comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of adipose tissue derived stem cells to treat said wound, wherein the cells are cultured to induce the formation of at least one self-organizing mesenchymal blastema (SOMB) prior to the administration to said subject, wherein said SOMB is formed by culturing adipose tissue derived stem cells in hanging droplets.

Abstract: The present invention provides new protease resistant polypeptides, as well as compositions and methods for treating, ameliorating or preventing conditions related to joint damage, including acute joint injury and arthritis.

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: The present disclosure relates to the production of red blood cells from hematopoietic stem cells, by differentiating such cells in the presence of a protein that induces cell survival and proliferation.

Abstract: Methods and kits for expanding a stem cell population, particularly a hematopoietic stem cell population, in the presence of a DNA methyltransferase modulator and a Wnt pathway modulator are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of producing erythrocytes from hematopoietic cells, particularly hematopoietic cells from placental perfusate in combination with hematopoietic cells from umbilical cord blood, wherein the method results in accelerated expansion and differentiation of the hematopoietic cells to more efficiently produce administrable erythrocytes. Further provided herein is a bioreactor in which hematopoietic cell expansion and differentiation takes place.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing pluripotent cells that are free of the risk of cellular canceration and that can be applied to regenerative medicine with a high degree of safety. The present invention provides a method for producing pluripotent cells from somatic cells comprising a step of bringing bacteria having fermentation ability or a component or secretory product thereof into contact with somatic cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for culturing epithelial stem cells, isolated tissue fragments comprising said epithelial stem cells, or adenoma cells, and culturing the cells or fragments in the presence of a Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) inhibitor, a mitogenic growth factor, and a Wnt agonist when culturing epithelial stem cells and isolated tissue fragments. The invention further relates to a cell culture medium comprising a BMP inhibitor, a mitogenic growth factor, and a Wnt agonist, to the use of said culture medium, and to crypt-villus organoids, gastric organoids and pancreatic organoids that are formed in said culture medium.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition that blocks angiogenesis comprising as active agent at least one substance selected from the group consisting of (i) a nucleic acid molecule of a gene coding for protein IRS-1, a complementary sequence or a fragment thereof and (ii) a molecule which inhibits expression of a nucleic acid molecule according to (i).

Abstract: We disclose a particle comprising a matrix coated thereon and having a positive charge, the particle being of a size to allow aggregation of primate or human stem cells attached thereto. The particle may comprise a substantially elongate, cylindrical or rod shaped particle having a longest dimension of between 50 ?m and 400 ?m, such as about 200 ?m. It may have a cross sectional dimension of between 20 ?m and 30 ?m. The particle may comprise a substantially compact or spherical shaped particle having a size of between about 20 ?m and about 120 ?m, for example about 65 ?m. We also disclose a method of propagating primate or human stem cells, the method comprising: providing first and second primate or human stem cells attached to first and second respective particles, allowing the first primate or human stem cell to contact the second primate or human stem cell to form an aggregate of cells and culturing the aggregate to propagate the primate or human stem cells for at least one passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for preparing progenitor cells having an increased adhesivity, wherein progenitor cells are contacted with an agonist of the CD47/IAP receptor thereby yielding progenitor cells presenting an increased adhesivity.

Abstract: Methods for expanding proliferating populations of neuronal subtype-specific progenitors are provided herein. In particular, the present invention provides methods for maintaining the unique gene profile and differentiation potential of neuronal subtype-specific progenitors, such as motor neuron progenitors and hindbrain serotonergic neural progenitors.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for altering the activation of quiescent stem cells by modulating activity of the microRNA miR-489.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides having an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 19, 22, 30, 34, 344, 358, 41, 44, 46, 48, 78, 376, 379, 80, 100, 101, 110, 111, 387, 112, 394, 114, 116, 117, 121, 395, 133, 135, 137, 426, 143, 147, 148, 149, 150, 152, 153, 154, 156, 160, 161, 162, 163, 166, 174, 178, 186, 194, 196, 202, 210, 213, 214, 217, 223, 227, 228, 233, 254, 271, 272 or 288, as well as peptides having the above-mentioned amino acid sequences in which 1, 2, or several (e.g., up to 5) amino acids are substituted, deleted, or added, provided the peptides possess cytotoxic T cell inducibility. The present invention also provides drugs for treating or preventing a disease associated with over-expression of the CDH3, EPHA4, ECT2, HIG2, INHBB, KIF20A, KNTC2, TTK and/or URLC10, e.g. cancers containing as an active ingredient one or more of these peptides. The peptides of the present invention find further utility as vaccines.

Abstract: The pharmaceutical composition includes at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and an active ingredient including an artificially synthesized peptide includes: (A) an amino acid sequence constituting a cell-penetrating peptide and (B) an amino acid sequence constituting the signal peptide in amyloid precursor protein (APP) or an N-terminal partial amino acid sequence or C-terminal partial amino acid sequence from the amino acid sequence constituting that signal peptide.

Abstract: A method for cultivating tendon cells from non-embryonic pluripotent cells of mesenchymal origin includes the cultivation of isolated cells in a culture medium under standard culture conditions in a culture vessel. In order to increase the collagen secretion, before their complete confluence, the cells are further cultivated in a culture medium mixed with ascorbic acid and/or ascorbic acid-2-phosphate in a concentration of 25 to 75 ?g/ml and are subjected to hyperosmolar treatment in a culture medium whose osmolarity is adjusted to 350 to 500 mosmol/l.

Abstract: A method for forming at least a tooth root in a tooth containing a tooth crown, including: forming a culture core containing the tooth and a cell-containing base material, the tooth being wrapped with the cell-containing base material, and culturing the culture core in a medium to form at least the tooth root in the tooth contained therein, wherein the cell-containing base material contains at least one kind of cells selected from periodontal ligament-derived cells, bone marrow-derived cells, dental follicle-derived cells, dental pulp-derived cells and dental papilla-derived cells, and the medium contains a component contained in a conditioned medium of a serum-free-cultured cell line of a human uterocervical squamous carcinoma cell line; an additive containing at least one selected from IL-1?, IL-6, IL-8, IL-9, EGF, IGF-I, GH, PDGF-AB, VEGF, LIF, HGF, FGF-2, FGF-1, BMP-2, BMP-4, M-CSF, dexamethasone, insulin, thyroxine, thyrocalcitonin, ascorbic acid and ?-glycerophosphate; or both of them.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of generating natural killer (NK) cells and dendritic cells (DCs). The methods utilize human hemangioblasts as intermediate cells to generate the NK cells and DCs. In various embodiments, the methods do not require the use of stromal feeder layers.

Abstract: Culture media and methods for expanding and differentiating populations of stem cells and for obtaining organoids. Expanded cell populations and organoids obtainable by methods of the invention and their use in drug screening, toxicity assays and regenerative medicine.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of preparing aggregated pluripotent stem cell clusters for differentiation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for generating pancreatic progenitor cells, insulin producing cells or endoderm cells using embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the production of stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, and for uses thereof.

Abstract: A method of generating protein-induced pluripotent stem cells by delivering bacterially expressed reprogramming proteins into nuclei of starting somatic cells using the QQ-protein transduction technique, repeating several cell reprogramming cycles for creating reprogrammed protein-induced pluripotent stem cells, moving the reprogrammed cells into a feeder-free medium for expansion, and expanding and passaging the reprogrammed cells in a whole dish for generating homogeneous piPS cells. Also provided are the piPCS cells formed using this method and uses thereof.

Abstract: A composition for deriving the maturation of dendritic cells includes complex cytokines generated by the simulation, the expression of which is induced on EBV-infected B cells. The dendritic cell maturation process, which conventionally takes approximately 7 days, can be shortened to 2 days, thereby producing dendritic cells in a more economically advantageous and effective manner.

Abstract: We disclose a method of preparing a conditioned cell culture medium, the method comprising the steps of: (a) culturing a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), a descendent thereof or a cell line derived therefrom in a cell culture medium; and (b) optionally isolating the cell culture medium; in which the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) is obtained by propagating a cell obtained by dispersing a embryonic stem (ES) cell colony, or a descendent thereof, in the absence of co-culture in a serum free medium comprising FGF2.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of producing cardiomyocytes having a nodal/pacemaker phenotype and cardiomyocytes having an atrial/ventricular phenotype. Isolated populations of nodal/pacemaker and atrial/ventricular cardiomyocytes are also disclosed. Methods of treating a subject having cardiac arrhythmia and a subject in need of cardiac tissue repair using the isolated populations of nodal/pacemaker cardiomyocytes and atrial/ventricular cardiomyocytes, receptively, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of generating neural stem cells from differentiated somatic cells. The present disclosure also provides induced neural stem cells generated using a subject method, as well as differentiated cells generated from a subject induced neural stem cell. A subject neural stem cell, as well as differentiated cells derived from a subject neural stem cell, is useful in various applications, which are also provided in the present disclosure.

Abstract: A method of differentiation stem cells cells by contacting stem cells with a dopaminergic differentiation agent is provided in certain aspects. For example, the agent may comprise substituted benzoxazole. These methods and compositions may be used in toxicological screens, e.g., to evaluate the neurotoxicity of a test compound or treatment of neurological disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides cell populations that are enriched for mesendoderm and mesoderm, and cell populations that are enriched for endoderm. The cell populations of the invention are useful for generating cells for cell replacement therapy. The present invention further provides a method of generating hepatocytes, cell populations enriched for hepatocytes, and a method of hepatocyte replacement therapy.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating the activities of connexins are provided, including, for example, for use in post-surgical, trauma, or tissue engineering applications. These compounds and methods can be used therapeutically, for example, to reduce the severity of adverse effects associated diseases and disorders where localized disruption in direct cell-cell communication is desirable.

Abstract: Described are methods for inducing differentiation of a human embryonic stem cell or a population of human embryonic stem cells toward a cell or population of cells characteristic of the definitive endoderm, the method comprising incubating the cell or population of cells with a GSK-3 inhibitor. Also described are methods for inducing differentiation of a cell or population of cells, characteristic of the definitive endoderm, towards a hepatocyte-like cell or a population of hepatocyte-like cells, and methods for inducing differentiation of a human embryonic stem cell or a population of human embryonic stem cells toward a hepatocyte-like cell or a population of hepatocyte-like cells. Further described are cells obtained by the methods and uses thereof in therapy and toxicity screening.

Abstract: Provided are a method of preparing a zinc oxide nanostructure electrode and a method of preparing a dye-sensitized solar cell using the same. The present invention relates to a use of nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate or a derivative thereof for promoting the differentiation of keratinocytes into fibroblasts. The present invention provides a pharmaceutical or cosmetic use of a composition containing NAADP or a derivative thereof for regenerating and improving a skin barrier, or preventing, improving or treating stratum corneum disorders such as psoriasis or atopy, and a use for promoting the differentiation of separated keratinocytes.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include methods and compositions related to the production and use of clonal lineages of embryonic progenitor cell lines derived from differentiating cultures of primordial stem cells, in particular, said methods and compositions relate to methods of differentiating cells in the presence of BMP family mambeis of growth factors and the applications of said cell lines in the treatment of degenerative orthopedic diseases such as osteoarthritis,

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making an insulin-producing cell derived from an endometrial stromal stem cell (ESSC). The invention includes the progeny of ESSC, including any cell type generated during the differentiation of ESSC towards cells that produce insulin and exhibit cell markers characteristic of insulin producing cells. The cells of the invention can be used to treat various diseases such as diabetes type I, diabetes type II and gestational diabetes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of obtaining a population of antigen-specific T cells from peripheral blood of a host. An embodiment of the method of the invention comprises (i) dividing PBMCs from peripheral blood of a host into more than one sub-population; (ii) contacting the PBMCs with an antigen and IL-2; (iii) obtaining a sample of PBMCs from each sub-population; (iv) identifying an antigen-reactive sub-population by determining by high throughput quantitative PCR the expression of a factor produced by the PBMCs of each sample; (v) dividing the antigen-reactive sub-population into microcultures; (vi) identifying the antigen-reactive microculture; and (vii) expanding the microculture, thereby obtaining a population of T cells specific for the antigen. The invention also provides a population of T cells obtained by the inventive method, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, and a method of treating a disease in a host using the pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: A method of treating various diseases, disorders, or conditions in patient using reprogrammed cells such as retrodifferentiated, transdifferentiated, or redifferentiated cells. The method comprises obtaining committed cells from the patient, retrodifferentiating the committed cells to obtain retrodifferentiated target cells, and administering the retrodifferentiated cells to the patient. In certain embodiments, the method comprises obtaining committed cells from the patient, transdifferentiating the committed cells to obtain transdifferentiated target cells, and administering the transdifferentiated target cells to the patient. The retrodifferentiated or transdifferentiated target cells repair or replenish tissue or cells in the patient.

Abstract: A method of inducing differentiation of mammalian cells into cardiomyocyte-like cells by contacting the mammalian cell with a triazine compound of formula (I), wherein X is independently —NR4— or —O—, R4 is hydrogen or C1-6-alkyl; R1 is hydroxy, C1-6-alkyl, C1-6-alkoxy, carboxy, C1-6-alkoxycarbonyl, halo, cyano, nitro, formyl, amino, C1-6-alkylamino, or di-C1-6-alkylamino, the C1-6-alkyl or -alkoxy residue being optionally substituted with one or more R5 substituents selected from hydroxy, halo, cyano, and nitro; n is 0 to 5; R2 is hydrogen, aryl, heteroaryl, or C1-6-alkyl, the aryl or heteroaryl residue being optionally substituted with one or more R1 substituents, and where the C1-6-alkyl is optionally further substituted with one or more R5 substituents; and R3 is selected from hydrogen, halo, NR4R7, OR7, SR7, and R7, where the same options apply for R7 as for R2; with the proviso that the compound of formula (I) is not 3-[(4,6-diphenoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]benzoic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to differentiate pluripotent stem cells to a primitive streak cell population, in a stepwise manner for further maturation to definitive endoderm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of improving function in lung tissue by administering a population of multipotent adult progenitor cells (“MAPCs”) or differentiated progeny thereof.

Abstract: Described herein is a gene regulatory network based focused approach to cell transformation. The methods described herein allow for identification of circuit and sub-circuit repertoires for which modification in a starting cell type can result in generation of a transformed cell type in a durable and persistent manner, without requiring potentially deleterious genome modification. The described methods and compositions produced by the methods find widespread application in regenerative medicine applications.

Abstract: To date, no immune tolerance agent or combination of immune tolerance agents has been able to sustain insulin-independence among type 1 diabetes patients. This patent provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for providing insulin independence among newly diagnosed and existing type 1 diabetes. Methods include utilization of PPIs, which increase gastrin resulting in the transformation of human ductal tissue into insulin-secreting new beta cells, used in combination with an immune tolerance agent to protect the new insulin-producing beta cells generated by the PPI from immune destruction. Compositions and methods are provided for beta cell generation therapy comprising at least one member from a group of PPIs with formulations selected from immune tolerance agents, when used in combination result in insulin-independence among new and existing type 1 patients whom currently require insulin to sustain life.