Aspects of the disclosure relate methods and synthetic scaffolds for regenerating hallow organs present in the respiratory system such as bronchus tissue.

Described herein are new methods for making lung bud organoids (LBOs) that have the capacity of developing into branching airways and alveolar structures that a least partially recapitulate human lung development from mammalian, preferably human, pluripotent stem cells including embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSC), either by culturing branched LBO in a 3D matrix or by transplanting the LBO under the kidney capsule of immune deficient mice. Branched LBOs contain pulmonary endoderm and mesoderm compatible with pulmonary mesenchyme, and undergo branching morphogenesis. Also described are LBOs harboring certain mutations that induce a fibrotic phenotype, and methods of making same. The mutated (B)LBOs can be used for screening agents that may treat pulmonary fibrosis.

An epithelial cell tube for tracheal transplantation according to an embodiment includes a columnar support, and a whole layer of epithelial cells positioned on an outer peripheral surface of the columnar support. The epithelial cells are oriented so that cilia of the epithelial cells face a lumen side. The epithelial cell tube can be applied to an injured portion to provide an epithelial cell layer which is engrafted in tissues and can induce reduction of stenosis of trachea and inflammation.

A system for manufacturing a synthetic organ suitable for transplantation into a biological organism is provided. This synthetic organ includes a three-dimensional polymer scaffold, wherein the shape and dimensions of the polymer scaffold are based on a native organ, wherein the polymer scaffold further includes at least one layer of polymer fibers that have been deposited by electrospinning, and wherein the orientation of the fibers in the scaffold relative to one another is generally parallel, random, or both; and wherein the polymer scaffold has been preseeded with at least one type of biological cell prior to implantation into a biological organism, and wherein the at least one type of biological cell is operative to facilitate integration of the polymer scaffold into the organism so that the polymer scaffold may function in a manner significantly similar to or the same as the native organ.

Disclosed herein are methods involving the targeting of 5HT biosynthesis in gut insulin-negative cells to convert them into insulin-positive cells. Also, disclosed are methods for treating a disease or disorder in a mammal, preferably a human, associated with impaired pancreatic endocrine function, by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an enumerated active agent that reduces the expression, biosynthesis, signaling or biological activity of serotonin or increases its degradation, wherein administering comprises delivering the agent to Gut Ins cells in the mammal. Other embodiments of the method are directed to therapy wherein an agent that significantly reduces FOXO1 expression, biosynthesis, signaling or biological activity or increases its degradation is administered in addition to the agent that reduces serotonin, or alternatively an agent that reduces FOXO1 expression is targeted to serotonin-positive gut enteroendocrine cells.

The present disclosure relates to methods of preparing personalized blood vessels, useful for transplantation with improved host compatibility and reduced susceptibility to thrombosis. Also provided are personalized blood vessels produced by the methods and use thereof in surgery.

The present disclosure relates to methods of preparing personalized blood vessels, useful for transplantation with improved host compatibility and reduced susceptibility to thrombosis. Also provided are personalized blood vessels produced by the methods and use thereof in surgery.

Aspects of the disclosure relate methods and synthetic structural supports for regenerating gastrointestinal tissue (e.g., esophageal tissue).

Described herein are new methods for making lung bud organoids (LBOs) that have the capacity of developing into branching airways and alveolar structures that a least partially recapitulate human lung development from mammalian, preferably human, pluripotent stem cells including embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSC), either by culturing branched LBO in a 3D matrix or by transplanting the LBO under the kidney capsule of immune deficient mice. Branched LBOs contain pulmonary endoderm and mesoderm compatible with pulmonary mesenchyme, and undergo branching morphogenesis. Also described are LBOs harboring certain mutations that induce a fibrotic phenotype, and methods of making same. The mutated (B)LBOs can be used for screening agents that may treat pulmonary fibrosis.

Provided herein are inks including decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) particles and scaffolds made from the inks. Also provided are methods of making the scaffolds and applications for the scaffolds. In an embodiment, a porous scaffold comprises dECM particles and an elastomer, wherein the scaffold is planar having a thickness of about 100 ?m or greater, the scaffold comprises irregularly shaped pores having a random orientation and distribution throughout the scaffold, and the scaffold is free of crosslinking between the molecular components of the scaffold.