A device for simulating a function of a tissue includes a first structure, a second structure, and a membrane. The first structure defines a first chamber. The first chamber includes a matrix disposed therein and an opened region. The second structure defines a second chamber. The membrane is located at an interface region between the first chamber and the second chamber. The membrane includes a first side facing toward the first chamber and a second side facing toward the second chamber. The membrane separates the first chamber from the second chamber.

Described herein is a human, cardiovascular platform for assessing cardiotoxicity of novel/existing chemotherapeutic agents that takes advantage of microfluidic organ chip systems to examine interaction between hiPSC-derived cardiovascular cells in an integrated system. Human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) and human induced pluripotent stem cell derived endothelial cells (hiPSC-ECs) can serve as an in-vitro platform for assessing disease pathology, including infectious disease, evaluate drug efficacy, toxicity, cardiotoxicity and cardioprotection. This includes evaluating VEGFR2/PDGFR-inhibiting tyrosine kinase inhibitors and drug efficacy in a viral infection model, including coronaviruses. They are scalable, functionally-active cell types that mimic the cells comprising the myocardium and systemic vasculature.

Compositions and methods are provided for reprogramming dermal fibroblasts to exhibit vasculogenic properties including the ability to stimulate vasculogenesis in vivo. In accordance with one embodiment such compositions are used in conjunction with standard treatment for use on chronic wounds including in diabetic patients.

Disclosed is a device for the culture of cells, which device is able to support and/or maintain the cells within an environment which mimics one or more in vivo environmental condition(s). Using these devices, cells can be cultured or maintained under conditions which ensure that the cells behave and respond substantially as they would in vivo. Further, the cells can be stimulated or exposed to exogenous agents (drugs and the like) and any response determined to be one which is indicative of an in vivo response.

Methods of increasing progenitor cell production are described. In particular, an effective amount of a thrombopoietin (TPO) mimetic is used to increase production of at least one cell selected from a stem cell, a progenitor cell or an endothelial cell in the bone marrow of non-irradiated subjects.

This disclosure relates to using a ETV2 gene or gene products including DNA, RNA, mRNA, ETV2 proteins, or protein containing exosomes, to directly reprogram and convert resident non-endothelial cells of host into endothelial cells in situ, i.e., in places of the body or tissue where ETV2 is injected. In certain embodiments, it is contemplated that directly reprogrammed and converted endothelial cells will enhance blood vessel regeneration in the tissues where blood vessels have been damaged.

A population of brain pericyte-like cells, wherein the cells express pericyte markers but do not express ACTA2 and wherein the cells are generated from hPSCs, is disclosed herein.

A unit capable of promoting angiogenesis and/or nerve regeneration, including a gel component and proteoglycans, and the like that induces angiogenesis in cells and tissues transplanted into the body, and agents such as scaffolds for neural stem cells to be viable and proliferate after such transplantation.

The present invention relates to a composition including stem cell-derived microvesicles as an active ingredient for promoting neurogenesis. The stem cell-derived microvesicles according to the present invention can promote neurogenesis and migration of nerves and also promote angiogenesis in vascular endothelial cells, and thus can be usefully used in treatment of neurological damage.

Cells present in adipose tissue are used to treat patients, including patients with PVD and related 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 adipose tissue are placed directly into a recipient along with such additives necessary to promote, engender or support a therapeutic benefit.