The present invention is directed towards methods of culturing non-keratinocyte epithelial cells, with the methods comprising culturing non-keratinocyte epithelial cells in the presence of feeder cells and a calcium-containing medium while inhibiting the activity of Rho kinase (ROCK) in the feeder cell, the non-keratinocyte epithelial cells or both during culturing.

Provided herein are methods for directing differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into a three-dimensional multilayered skin composition comprising an epidermal layer, a dermal layer, and a plurality of cells capable of forming a functional hair follicle. Also provided herein are three-dimensional, multilayered engineered skin compositions and methods of using the same for drug screening, for screening compounds for effects on hair growth, and for other applications.

Systems and methods for the dynamic co-culturing of two cell populations are provided. The system includes a barrier configured to physically separate a stimulator cell population from a responder cell population disposed within a container. The barrier is permeable to the secreted factors of at least one of the cell populations. The responder cell population can thereby be altered by exposure to the secreted factors to produce a population of reprogrammed cells that includes biomolecules (e.g., nucleic acids) originating from the stimulator cell population and/or that exhibits one or more additional or modified functional activities than a parental population of the reprogrammed cells.

Methods for mimicking a tumor microenvironment in vitro are provided. The methods comprise indirectly applying a shear stress upon at least one tumor cell type plated on a surface within a cell culture container. Methods for mimicking tumor metastasis and methods for testing drugs or compounds in such systems are also provided.

A system and method for producing hair follicle stem cell 3D organoid using a feeder cell or cell line where the feeder cell or cell line is a dermal endothelial cell, a fibroblast cell or a cell line that is similar to the target cell or the same type of the target cell. The system and method provide rapid culture as well as a long-term sustainable 3D cell or tissue culture environment and also a treatment for hair loss.

A system and method for producing 3D organoid using a feeder cell or cell line where the feeder cell or cell line is an endothelial cell, a fibroblast cell or a cell line that is similar to the target cell or the same type of the target cell. The system and method provide rapid culture as well as a long-term sustainable 3D cell or tissue culture environment.

Devices and systems for cell culture that include one or more hollow fibers or channels integrated into a chamber are provided. The hollow fibers or channels and/or the chamber are seeded with one or more cell types. Methods of co-culturing two or more cell types in the devices are also provided.

Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and compositions for disc repair in a mammal using conditioned media (and/or one or more components therefrom) from fibroblasts that have been de-differentiated and cultured optionally with one or more particular conditions and/or compositions. In specific cases, fibroblasts that have been de-differentiated are exposed to hypoxia, histone deacetylase inhibitor(s), DNA methyltransferase inhibitor(s), or a combination thereof, and the conditioned media therefrom is provided in an effective amount to an individual.

This present disclosure relates to a bioengineering approach based on microphysiological culture to mimic tissue-tissue interface. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides methods, compositions and kits related to the approach.

Provided herein are methods for directing differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into a three-dimensional multilayered skin composition comprising an epidermal layer, a dermal layer, and a plurality of cells capable of forming a functional hair follicle. Also provided herein are three-dimensional, multilayered engineered skin compositions and methods of using the same for drug screening, for screening compounds for effects on hair growth, and for other applications.