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.

A method for producing hepatocytes from hepatoblasts is provided. The method includes the step of culturing the hepatoblasts in a medium containing a compound selected from the group consisting of pregnenolone and an adrenergic agonist. The hepatoblasts can be obtained by culturing endodermal cells in a medium containing DMSO, and the endodermal cells can be obtained by culturing pluripotent stem cells in a medium containing Activin A and a GSK-3 inhibitor. Accordingly, a method for producing hepatocytes from pluripotent stem cells is also provided by employing the method of the present invention.

The present invention relates generally to a three-dimensional cell and tissue culture system for the female reproductive tract. In particular provided herein the system includes individual female reproductive cultures in a dynamic microfluidic setting or integrated using a microfluidic microphysiologic system. In some embodiments, the present invention provides ex-vivo female reproductive tract integration in a three dimensional (3D) microphysiologic system.

The technology relates in part to methods and compositions for ex vivo proliferation and expansion of epithelial cells.

The present invention provides methods for making reconstructed diploid human oocytes comprising the diploid genome of a human somatic cell, and also methods for making human nuclear transfer embryos, human embryonic stem cells, and human differentiated cells therefrom. The present invention also provides reconstructed human oocytes, human nuclear transfer embryos, human embryonic stem cells, and differentiated cells made using such methods, as well as compositions and kits useful in performing such methods.

Disclosed herein are precursory regulatory cytotrophoblast cells produced in vitro and compositions thereof. Disclosed herein are isolated populations of precursory regulatory cytotrophoblast cells, wherein 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.

The present invention relates generally to a three-dimensional cell and tissue culture system for the female reproductive tract. In particular provided herein the system includes individual female reproductive cultures in a dynamic microfluidic setting or integrated using a microfluidic microphysiologic system. In some embodiments, the present invention provides ex-vivo female reproductive tract integration in a three dimensional (3D) microphysiologic system.

Methods are provided for the ex host maturation of immature germline cells into haploid gametes for restoration of fertility in patients in need thereof.

Technology for the isolation and propagation of primary human Sertoli cells from normal testes tissue, including cultures of proliferative primary human Sertoli cells for research and clinical applications, and a pharmaceutical composition for cell therapy, ex vivo gene therapy, and for the reduction of autoimmune, allograft, and xenograft immune reactions.

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, ESR, ESR, and PGR; and are negative for each of CD45R/B220, Gr-1, TCR, TCR, 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.