Provided herein are methods and compositions relating, in part, to the generation of human progenitor cells committed to the lung lineage and uses of such cells for treatment of lung diseases/disorders or injury to the lung. Whether an adult stem cell can be isolated from human adult lung remains controversial in the art and at present, methods for isolating and using adult lung stem cells from humans lack reproducibility. Thus, the methods and compositions described herein are advantageous over the present state of knowledge in the art and permit the generation of human lung progenitor cells for treatment, tissue engineering, and screening assays.

A three-dimensional oxygen-generating bioscaffold capable of supplying cells with a continuous, controlled, and steady source of oxygen and methods of using such an oxygengenerating bioscaffold to prevent hypoxia-induced damage to cells following transplantation are disclosed. In particular, a collagen-based cryogel bioscaffold having calcium peroxide (CPO) incorporated into its matrix is provided, wherein the CPO produces oxygen upon exposure to water. The collagen-based cryogel is designed with a plurality of macropores capable of encapsulating therapeutic cells for cellular therapy. Methods of producing oxygen-generating bioscaffolds and tissue grafts comprising therapeutic cells contained in such oxygen-generating bioscaffolds as well as their use in cellular therapy are also disclosed.

Provided herein are compositions, systems, kits, and methods for generating dorsal foregut endoderm (DFE) cells by contacting pluripotent stem cells with a retinoic acid signaling pathway agonist and a bone morphogenetic (BMP) pathway inhibitor without exposing the stem cells to a transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) pathway agonist. In certain embodiments, the DFE cells are contacted with a retinoic acid signaling pathway agonist and a FGFR pathway inhibitor to generate pancreatic endoderm (PE) cells (e.g., with dorsal identity). In other embodiments, the PE cells are contacted with an ALK5 inhibitor and a Notch inhibitor to generate endocrine cells (e.g., insulin expressing endocrine cells). In certain embodiments, compositions, systems, kits, and methods are provided for generating anterior domain endoderm (ADE) cells.

Methods are provided for the simple, fast, effective and safe directed differentiation of embryonic stem cells into the mature beta cells of enriched beta clusters, wherein the beta cells rapidly and reliably secrete insulin in response to glucose levels. The cells are useful transplant therapeutics for diabetic individuals. These cells can also be used for drug screening purposes to identify factors/chemicals capable of increasing beta cell functions, proliferation, survival, and resistance to immune assault.

The present disclosure provides compositions and methods related to the generation and use of transgenic animal models having stem cell reporter systems. In particular, the present disclosure provides a novel transgenic animal model that expresses a nuclear-localized fluorescent reporter in cells endogenously expressing a leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor (LGR) gene (e.g., LGR5gene). Given the role of LGR genes in stem cell and cancer biology, the transgenic animal models provided herein are useful for a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods related to differentiation of stem cells into pancreatic endocrine cells. In some aspects, the methods provided herein relate to generation of pancreatic β cell, α cell, δ cells, and EC cells in vitro. In some aspects, the disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions including the cells generated according to the methods disclosed herein, as well as methods of treatment making use thereof.

Disclosed herein are methods for generating SC-β cells, and isolated populations of SC-β cells for use in various applications, such as cell therapy.

Provided are methods, compositions and kits for generating beta cells from pluripotent stem cells under growth-factor free, defined culture conditions. The beta cells can be generated under conditions that are free of animal products. The generated beta cells secrete insulin, not glucagon, and the amount of insulin secreted is dependent upon the level of glucose stimulus.

Provided herein are methods of producing β cells and precursors thereof utilizing a Wnt signaling inhibitor or PKC activator, or both. Also provided herein are in vitro cultures comprising said cells, methods of treating a subject with a disease characterized by high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period of time by administering said cells, and devices for encapsulating said cells.

Provided herein are methods of differentiating stem cells via modulating miR-124, and the differentiated cells thereby. Also provided herein are methods for the treatment of diseases using the differentiated cells.