This disclosure relates generally to methods for generating small hepatocyte progenitor cells (SHPCs) and hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) from human embryonic stem cells, and hematopoietic progenitor cells from primary human endothelial cells and cell lines populations of small hepatocyte progenitor cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells, and uses thereof.

The present disclosure provides compositions and methods employing stem cell-derived embryo-like structures. In some embodiments, methods of generating embryo-like tissues from stem cells and the resulting tissues are provided. In some embodiments, uses of such tissues for research, compound screening and analysis, and therapeutics are provided. Accordingly, in some embodiments, provided herein is a method for preparing embryo-like tissue, comprising: a) introducing stem cells into a microfluidic device comprising a culture channel and a plurality of fluidic channels, wherein the stem cells are introduced to the culture channel of the microfluidic device; b) contacting the stem cells with basal medium via the plurality of fluidic channels for at least 18 hours (e.g., 36 hours) to generate the embryo-like tissue.

Disclosed herein are methods, compositions, kits, and agents useful for inducing β cell maturation, and isolated populations of SC-β cells for use in various applications, such as cell therapy.

Genetically modified cells that are compatible with multiple subjects, e.g., universal donor cells, and methods of generating said genetic modified cells are provided herein. The universal donor cells comprise at least one genetic modification within or near at least one gene that encodes a survival factor, wherein the genetic modification comprises an insertion of a polynucleotide encoding a tolerogenic factor. The universal donor cells may further comprise at least one genetic modification within or near a gene that encodes one or more MHC-I or MHC-II human leukocyte antigens or a component or a transcriptional regulator of a MHC-I or MHC-II complex, wherein said genetic modification comprises an insertion of a polynucleotide encoding a second tolerogenic factor.

Genetically modified cells that are compatible with multiple subjects, e.g., universal donor cells, and methods of generating said genetic modified cells are provided herein. The universal donor cells comprise at least one genetic modification within or near at least one gene that encodes a survival factor, wherein the genetic modification comprises an insertion of a polynucleotide encoding a tolerogenic factor. The universal donor cells may further comprise at least one genetic modification within or near a gene that encodes one or more MHC-I or MHC-II human leukocyte antigens or a component or a transcriptional regulator of a MHC-I or MHC-II complex, wherein said genetic modification comprises an insertion of a polynucleotide encoding a second tolerogenic factor.

Provided is a polypeptide having FGF2 activity and improved temperature stability and protease resistance. The polypeptide includes at least one substitution selected from a substitution of aspartic acid (D) with glutamic acid (E) at position 28, a substitution of cysteine (C) with isoleucine (I) or leucine (L) at position 78, or a substitution of cysteine (C) with isoleucine (I) or tryptophan (VV) at position 96 in SEQ ID NO: 1.

The present invention relates to the field of stem cells. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions and methods for using optogenetics to sustain the pluripotency of stem cells. In one embodiment, a vector comprises a nucleotide sequencing encoding a fusion protein comprising the intracellular domain of fibroblast growth factor 1 receptor (FGFR1) and a photoactivatable domain.

Disclosed herein are universal donor stem cells and related methods of their use and production. The universal donor stem cells disclosed herein are useful for overcoming the immune rejection in cell-based transplantation therapies. In certain embodiments, the universal donor stem cells disclosed herein do not express one or more MHC-I and MHC-II human leukocyte antigens. Similarly, in certain embodiments, the universal donor stem cells disclosed herein do not express one or more human leukocyte antigens (e.g., HLA-A, HLA-B and/or HLA-C) corresponding to MHC-I and MHC-II human leukocyte antigens, thereby rendering such cells hypoimmunogenic.

The present disclosure pertains to a 3D scaffold for cell growth and proliferation. In particular, the present disclosure provides a method of producing an artificial 3D scaffold to support stem cell growth and later their differentiation, by converting biodegradable amphiphilic copolymers (star polymer) into nanowire scaffolds, through a molecular self-assembly process. The invention also relates to the use of said scaffold for cell culture and/or transplantation.

This disclosure relates to method of differentiating stem cells to specific cardiac-like cells. In certain embodiments, the disclosure contemplates methods of generating left ventricular-like cells and the atrial-like cells by timing the exposure of dividing stem cells to retinoic acid (RA) or retinoic acid receptor inhibitors.