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).

Provided herein is a method of obtaining astrocytes from gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells (GDMSC). Also disclosed herein are systems comprising a biocompatible construct and a plurality of astrocytes obtained from a method disclosed herein and methods of making and using the same.

The present invention relates to a medium composition for the dedifferentiation of induced pluripotency stem cells, containing a phlorotannin fraction extracted and isolated from one type of brown algae selected from the group consisting of Ecklonia cava, Dictyopteris prolifera, Dictyota coriacea, Sargassum horneri, Ishige okamurai and the like. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for preparing induced pluripotency stem cells by using the medium composition. Induced pluripotency stem cells can be safely, easily and effectively prepared by using mesenchymal stem cells by using the medium composition of the present invention, and the prepared induced pluripotency stem cells can be differentiated into various cells, and thus can be useful as a cell therapeutic agent.

A method of generating a population of cells useful for treating a nerve disease or disorder in a subject, the method comprising up-regulating a level of at least one exogenous miRNA in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and/or down-regulating a level of at least one miRNA using a polynucleotide agent that hybridizes to the miRNA, thereby generating the population of cells useful for treating the nerve disease or disorder. Isolated populations of cells with an astrocytic phenotype generated thereby and uses thereof are also provided.

Cocktails of chemical inducers of neuron-like properties (CINP) is provided, which includes cAMP agonists, neurogenic small molecules, glycogen synthase kinase inhibitors, TGF receptor inhibitors, and BET family bromodomain inhibitors and optionally, a selective inhibitor of ROCK or p38 MAPK. These cocktails are used in a method of inducing neuron-like properties in partially or completely differentiated non-neuronal cells. The method includes contacting cells of a first type (non-neuronal) with the CINPs for a sufficient period of time to result in reprogramming the cell into cells of a second type having neuron-like characteristics (CiNs). Isolated chemically induced neurons (CiNs) can be used in a number of applications, including but not limited to cell therapy.

The application provides biocompatible carriers comprising bone forming and/or cartilage forming cells and methods for making them. The application further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising said ATMPs and method of treatments using said ATMPs. The application further relates to said ATMPS for use in the treatment of bone disorders, cartilage disorders and joint disorders. The current invention further relates to method of treatments of bone disorders, cartilage disorders and joint disorders.

A method of generating a population of cells useful for treating a brain disorder in a subject is disclosed. The method comprises contacting mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with at least one exogenous miRNA having a nucleic acid sequence at least 90% identical to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 15-19 and 27-35, thereby generating a population of cells and/or generating neurotrophic factors that may provide important signals to damaged tissues or locally residing stem cells. MSCs differentiated by miRs may also secrete miRs and deliver them to adjacent cells and therefore provide important signals to neighboring endogenous normal or malignant cells.

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.

The present invention relates to a method of treating a subject having a disorder comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a stem/progenitor cell isolated from the amniotic membrane of the umbilical cord or an effective amount of a cellular extract thereof.

Mesenchymal precursors cells have been isolated from perivascular niches from a range of tissues utilizing a perivascular marker. A new mesenchymal precursor cell phenotype is described characterized by the presence of the perivascular marker 3G5, and preferably also alpha smooth muscle actin together with early developmental markers such as MUC 18, VCAM-1 and STRO-1.sup.bri. The perivascular mesenchymal precursor cell is multipotential and is shown to form, vascular tissue, as well as bone marrow dentin and pulp. A method of enriching using cell sorting based on these markers is also described.