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.

Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and compositions for treatment or reduction in risk of coagulopathy of any kind, including associated with inflammation. In specific embodiments, the coagulopathy is associated with upregulated production of tissue factor in the individual. In specific embodiments, the coagulopathy is in an individual that has SARS-CoV-2 infection or is at risk for having SARS-CoV-2 infection. In specific embodiments, the methods and compositions include fibroblasts, and/or modified fibroblasts, and/or derivatives of fibroblasts, including those fibroblasts exposed to TNF-alpha or one or more other inflammatory agents before activation of the fibroblasts.

The invention relates to placenta-derived matrix, methods of preparing, and methods of use thereof. The invention also relates to methods of culturing cells, delivering cells, promoting differentiation of stem cells or tissue-specific progenitor cells, and repairing, replacing, regenerating, filling, reducing or inhibiting scarring of defects using the same. The invention further relates to methods of coating placenta-derived matrix on a surface or injecting the placenta-derived matrix into a site of interest.

Provided are methods for isolating subpopulations of stem cells. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed methods include selecting subsets of cells that are positive for CD34 or Sca-1, are further positive for one or more of FSHR, LHCGR, PRLR, AR, ESRα, ESRβ, and PGR; and are negative for each of CD45R/B220, Gr-1, TCRαβ, TCRγδ, CD11b, and Ter-119. In some embodiments, the subpopulations are further fractioning into CD45.sup.− and CD45.sup.+ fractions. Also provided are populations of stem cells isolated by the presently disclosed methods, compositions that include the presently disclosed subpopulations in pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, methods for expanding stem cells, methods for stimulating proliferation of MSCs, methods for treating subjects suffering from exposure to radiation, and methods for producing gametes in vitro.

Disclosed herein are precursory regulatory cytotrophoblast cells produced in vitro and compositions thereof. Disclosed herein are isolated populations of precursory regulatory cytotrophoblast cells, where the cells are produced in vitro. Disclosed herein are genetically engineered cells. Also disclosed herein are methods of treating a disorder or condition by utilizing the cells disclosed herein.

A method of providing a culture of oogonia stem cells comprising oogonia stem cells is provided. The method may further include culturing the oogonia stem cells with granulosa and theca cells to differentiate the oogonia stem cells into oocytes. In some embodiments, the culturing comprises including the oogonia stem cells in an in vitro follicle construct or a microcapsule comprising said granulosa and theca cells. Further described herein is a method of forming a bioengineered follicle construct capable of releasing a mature oocyte. An in vitro fertilization method using the mature oocyte is also provided.

A method of in vitro fertilization wherein the embryo is implanted into the uterus of a female patient at least two, and preferably three to twelve months after the eggs are retrieved from the patient in order to reduce the effect of autoimmune rejection of the embryo by the patient's autoimmune system and increase the probability and success of pregnancy and wherein prior to embryo implantation, the endometrium in the uterus is prepared for embryo implantation by introducing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) into the uterus. The procedure is combined with cryopreservation techniques to preserve the oocytes or the IVF-produced embryos of the patient.

A problem of this invention it to provide a method for differentiate a primordial germ cell into a functional GV stage oocyte by in vitro culture. This invention relates to a method for differentiating a primordial germ cell into a functional GV stage oocyte by in vitro culture, comprising: (a) a step of producing a secondary follicle by culturing the primordial germ cell and supporting cells adjacent to the primordial germ cells under conditions that eliminate the effects of estrogen or a factor having a similar function to estrogen; (b) a step of partially dissociating cells between a granulosa cell layer and a thecal cell layer, wherein an oocyte, the granulosa cell layer, and the thecal cell layer constitute the produced secondary follicle; and (c) a step of differentiating the oocyte into a functional GV stage oocyte by culturing the oocyte, the granulosa cell layer, and the thecal cell layer that constitute the secondary follicle in a medium containing a high-molecular-weight compound.

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.

Disclosed are means, methods and compositions of matter for treatment of Graves’ Disease using non-modified and/or modified fibroblasts for promotion of immunological tolerance, and/or stimulation of antigen-specific tolerance. In some embodiments, fibroblasts are administered together with antigens associated with Graves’ Disease such as the thyrotropin receptor protein and/or peptides and/or altered peptide ligands derived thereof. In some embodiments, co-administration refers to administration simultaneously or within temporal proximity of each other. In some embodiments, co-administration refers to loading of fibroblasts with antigens and/ or epitopes of antigens associated with Graves’ Disease.