A venom-based peptide and an application thereof, which relate to the technical field of biomolecules. The amino acid sequence of the peptide is represented by formula 1: X1-X2-X3-X4-X5-X6-X7-X8-X9-X10-X11-X12-X13-X14-X15-X16-X17-X18; X1, X5, X6, X9 and X11 are each selected from any one among A, V, L, I, M, F, W and P; X2, X3, X10, X15, X17 and X18 are each selected from any one among G, C, S, T, Y, N and Q; X7 is selected from D or E; X4, X8 and X16 are each selected from any one among K, R and H; and X12, X13 and X14 are each selected from any one among K, R, H, D and E. The peptide has the function of promoting self-renewal of human embryonic stem cells.

The present invention provides a novel oocyte maturation medium or/and embryo culture medium with a chemically defined supplement to produce matured oocytes at high efficiency. The inventive medium or supplement comprises three growth factors, namely, fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in a synergistic combination. Methods for oocyte and embryo culture are also provided.

The present disclosure describes the use of ectopic SOX2 to promote nerve growth and regeneration, particularly in the context of nerve deficit stemming from trauma and disease, by reprogramming non-nerve cells into neuronal cells. In particular, the disclosure provides for the use of SOX2 therapy, optionally combined with neurogenic growth factors, to treat nerve deficit conditions.

The invention provides a method for producing a ciliary marginal zone stem cell induced to differentiate from a pluripotent stem cell, including either the following step (1) or step (2), or both of these steps: (1) a step of floating culturing cells obtained from a cell aggregate containing a ciliary marginal zone-like structure induced to differentiate from pluripotent stem cells, thereby obtaining a retinosphere; and (2) a step of collecting stage specific embryonic antigen-1 positive cells from cells obtained from a cell aggregate containing a ciliary marginal zone-like structure induced to differentiate from pluripotent stem cells.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the production of therapeutic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the use of cell culture compositions and methods for generating MSCs that secrete neurotrophic factors and synaptic organizing agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). As such, the present disclosure addresses the need for establishing a reliable source of therapeutic stem cells useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

[Object] Provided is a method of producing a nerve fascicle including efficiently extending axons of neural cells.

[Solution] Neural cells are cultivated in the presence of feeder cells including at least one type of cells selected from the group consisting of vascular component cells, perivascular cells, and oligodendrocytes.

Increasing therapeutic activity of fibroblasts through suppression of complement activation is disclosed. Embodiments of the disclosure teach that viability of fibroblasts in blood and/or in vivo is increased by inhibition of complement activation. In another embodiment, the blockade of complement is utilized to enhance ability of fibroblasts to suppress inflammation, stimulate generation of T regulatory cell, and inhibit pathologic T cell responses. Other enhancements of fibroblast activity disclosed as a results of complement activation include stimulation of cytokine production, release of antimicrobial and/or antiviral proteins, as well as enhancement of regenerative activities.

Current kidney organoids model development and diseases of the nephron but not the con-tiguous epithelial network of the kidney's collecting duct (CD) system. Here, we report the generation of an expandable, 3D branching ureteric bud (UB) organoid culture model that can be derived from primary UB progenitors from mouse and human fetal kidneys, or gen-erated de novo from human pluripotent stem cells. In chemically-defined culture conditions, UB organoids generate CD organoids, with differentiated principal and intercalated cells adopting spatial assemblies reflective of adult kidney's collecting system. Aggregating 3D-cultured nephron progenitor cells with UB organoids results in a reiterative process of branching morphogenesis and nephron induction, similar to kidney development. Applying a gene editing strategy to remove RET activity, we demonstrate genetically modified UB organoids can model congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). These platforms facilitate an understanding of development, regeneration and diseases of the mammalian collecting system.

The present invention relates to methods, kits and compositions for expansion of embryonic hematopoietic stem cells and providing hematopoietic function to human patients in need thereof. In one aspect, it relates to kits and compositions comprising a Notch agonist, one or more growth factors, and, optionally, an inhibitor of the TGFβ pathway. Also provided herein are methods for expanding embryonic hematopoietic stem cells using kits and compositions comprising a Notch agonist, one or more growth factors, and, optionally, an inhibitor of the TGFβ pathway. The embryonic hematopoietic stem cells expanded using the disclosed kits, compositions and methods include cells derived from an embryo (e.g., aorta-gonad-mesonephros region of the embryo), embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, or reprogrammed cells of other types. The present invention also relates to administering the embryonic hematopoietic stem cells expanded using a combination of a Notch agonist, one or more growth factors, and, optionally, an inhibitor of the TGFβ pathway to a patient for short-term and/or long-term in vivo repopulation benefits.

The application describes a contractile cellular biomaterial that is particularly well suited to regenerative therapy of tissue affected by myocardial infraction. The biomaterial comprises a contractile tissue which is contained in an optionally porous solid substrate. The contractile tissue is formed by differentiating stem cells, in particular mesenchymal stem cells. In addition to being contractile, the biomaterial can have inducible paracrine activity. The biomaterial has, in particular, the advantage of not needing to be frozen in order to be conserved.