The present invention provides methods and compositions for inducing pluripotency in differentiated mammalian cells. In particular, the methods include mechanically aggregating the cells into discrete masses or embryoid-like bodies and treated them with a small molecule compound. Provided herein are the compositions of the compounds which are derived from programin (e.g., reversine).

Methods and therapeutics are provided for treating metabolic disorders by increasing activation of brown adipose tissue. Generally, the methods and therapeutics can increase activation of brown adipose tissue to increase energy expenditure and induce weight loss. In one embodiment, a method for increasing activation of brown adipose tissue includes modifying brown adipocytes to express a gene that activates brown adipocytes, such as uncoupling protein 1. In another embodiment, a method for increasing brown adipose tissue activation includes increasing the number of brown adipocytes. This can be accomplished by inducing proliferation of adipocytes in vivo or expanding adipocytes ex vivo, transplanting adipocytes into brown adipose tissue depots or elsewhere and inducing differentiation of adipocyte progenitor cells, such as MSCs, adipocyte progenitor cells, pre-adipocytes and adipocyte precursor cells.

The present disclosure relates to stem cells derived from a pure chorionic trophoblast layer (chorionic trophoblast layer without villi, CT-V), which is a part of the tissues of the placenta, and cell therapy comprising same. Stem cells derived from a pure chorionic trophoblast layer according to the present invention exhibit uniform growth characteristic, and superb proliferation and differentiation characteristics compared to the conventional stem cells derived from the whole placenta, and particularly, exhibit excellent differentiation into cartilage cells, thus can be effectively used in cell therapy for treating cartilage damage, deficiency and such, and as a composition for tissue regeneration.

Disclosed herein is a 3D-printed, biocompatible macroporous device that houses stem cell derived -cell (SC- cell) clusters within a degradable fibrin gel. Cluster sizes are used that avoid severe hypoxia within 3D-printed devices and a microwell-based technique is used for resizing clusters within this range. 3D-printed devices may function for at least 12 weeks, are retrievable, and maintain structural integrity.

This document relates to materials and methods involved in assessing and using stem cells. For example, materials and methods for determining if a stem cell (e.g., a mesenchymal stem cell) has an increased proliferation rate and/or an increased potential to differentiate into a bone cell are provided.

Disclosed is an apparatus for the production of tissue from cells. The apparatus comprises an elongate body having at least one circumferential groove and being operable to extend, by close-fitting relationship, centrally through at least one trough. The troughs are extending in a closed path, such that the at least one of the circumferential grooves open into an inner edge of a trough.

Also disclosed is a process for production of tissue from cells, via a transitioning intermediate which transitions from the cells into the tissue.

A method of manufacturing a stem cell sheets is provided which includes: (a) obtaining mesenchymal stem cells; (b) extracting programmed death ligands one (PD-L1) from the mesenchymal stem cells; (c) selecting only PD-L1 positive (PD-L1.sup.+ MSCs) from the PD-L1; (d) differentiating the PD-L1+ cells into osteoblasts and chondroblasts in a predetermined activation condition; and (e) forming the stem cell sheets by mixing the PD-L1+ MSCs with platelet rich plasma solution and CaCl.sub.2).

The invention provides compositions comprising multipotent progenitor cells isolated from tonsillar tissue and differentiated cells derived therefrom and methods for using the cells for the treatment of diseases or disorders.

The present invention relates to an epithelial stem/progenitor cell population isolated from the amniotic membrane of umbilical cord, the epithelial stem/progenitor cell population having the capacity to differentiate in multiple cell types. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising such an epithelial stem/progenitor cell population or a cellular extract thereof.

Provided is a new type serum-free medium. The medium comprises: DMEM with high glucose (the content of glucose being 4.5 g/L), B27, recombinant human basic fibrolast growth factor (b-FGF), nicotinamide, N-2, vinblastine III (conophylline), non-essential amino acid (NEAA), heparin, epidermal growth factor (EGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a serum replacement (SR), an insulin-transferrin-selenium complex (ITS), and pentagastrin. Inducing differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into insulin-secretion-like cells can be achieved in six days in one step using the medium.