Human progenitor T cells that are able to successfully engraft a murine thymus and differentiate into mature human T and NK cells are described. The human progenitor T cells have the phenotype CD34+CD7+CD 1aCD5 or CD34+CD7+CD1aCD5+ and are derived from human hematopoietic stem cells, embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells by coculture with cells expressing a Notch receptor ligand (OP9-DL1 or OP9-DL4). Such cells are useful in a variety of applications including immune reconstitution, the treatment of immunodeficiencies and as carriers for genes used in gene therapy.

Various embodiments of the invention provide methods of treating diabetes and other glucose regulation disorders. In one embodiment, the method comprises removing L-cells from a donor, obtaining stem cells from a patient, and culturing the L-cells in the presence of the stem cells under conditions such that the stem cells differentiate into stem cell-derived L-cells (SCDLC). An amount of the SCDLC is introduced into the patient sufficient to cause a lowering of the patient's blood glucose level after ingestion of food. In another embodiment, the method comprises removing K-cells from a donor, obtaining stem cells from a patient, and culturing the K-cells in the presence of the stem cells under conditions such that the stem cells differentiate into stem cell-derived K-cells (SCDKC). An amount of the SCDKC is introduced into the patient sufficient to cause a lowering of the patient's blood glucose level after ingestion of food.

Various embodiments of the invention provide methods of treating diabetes and other glucose regulation disorders. In one embodiment, the method comprises removing L-cells from a donor, obtaining stem cells from a patient, and culturing the L-cells in the presence of the stem cells under conditions such that the stem cells differentiate into stem cell-derived L-cells (SCDLC). An amount of the SCDLC is introduced into the patient sufficient to cause a lowering of the patient's blood glucose level after ingestion of food. In another embodiment, the method comprises removing K-cells from a donor, obtaining stem cells from a patient, and culturing the K-cells in the presence of the stem cells under conditions such that the stem cells differentiate into stem cell-derived K-cells (SCDKC). An amount of the SCDKC is introduced into the patient sufficient to cause a lowering of the patient's blood glucose level after ingestion of food.

Provided is a method of preparing a hydrogel composition including a uniform content of calcium phosphate, wherein a hydrogel composition prepared by the method has a uniform content of calcium phosphate, and thus may be used to quantify phosphates contained in the hydrogel composition. Provided is an in-vitro 3D osteoporosis model including a calcium phosphate hydrogel composition, wherein osteoblasts and osteoclasts may be three-dimensionally co-cultured inside a biogel, such that the osteoporosis model may be fabricated according to an intended use or clinical stage. Further, the model contains a calcium phosphate hydrogel with a uniform content of phosphate and thus enables quantification of calcium phosphate through measurement of phosphates, and therefore, the model may be used to screen candidate compounds for an osteoporosis drug and may effectively predict therapeutic effects of the drug on osteoporosis.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide sperm having high motility. The present invention is a composition for treating sperm that comprises medium for mesenchymal stem cells. This composition for treating sperm is used as a sperm preparing solution, a sperm diluting solution, a sperm storage solution, an artificial insemination solution, an in vitro fertilization solution, a solution for improving sperm motility, or a solution for retaining sperm fertilizing capabilities. Additionally, the medium for mesenchymal stem cells contained in the composition for treating sperm is preferably a serum-free medium.

Human progenitor T cells that are able to successfully engraft a murine thymus and differentiate into mature human T and NK cells are described. The human progenitor T cells have the phenotype CD34+CD7+CD 1aCD5 or CD34+CD7+CD1aCD5+ and are derived from human hematopoietic stem cells, embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells by coculture with cells expressing a Notch receptor ligand (OP9-DL1 or OP9-DL4). Such cells are useful in a variety of applications including immune reconstitution, the treatment of immunodeficiencies and as carriers for genes used in gene therapy.

The present invention provides a method for maintenance and expansion of a colon cancer stem cell or induction of a colon cancer organoid. In addition, the present invention provides a medicament screening system using a colon cancer stem cell maintained and expanded or a colon cancer organoid induced by the method.

Compositions of matter, interventions and protocols for treatment of degenerative disc disease through administration of B regulatory cells and/or stimulation of B regulatory cell generation. B regulatory cells can be administered intradiscally in order to support regenerative processes of endogenous nucleus pulposus cells or administered regenerative cells. Peri-spinal administration of B regulatory cells can alter the microenvironment to support activity of therapeutic cells capable of increasing extracellular matrix quality and quantity. B regulatory cells can be expanded in vitro from progenitor cells including induced pluripotent stem cells, or may be utilized from adult progenitor sources such as peripheral blood, cord blood, and bone marrow.

The present disclosure provides methods of producing hepatocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells. Further provided herein are methods of using the hepatocytes for the treatment of a liver disease.

An in vitro construct useful for toxicity testing is provided, comprising: a three-dimensional (3D) scaffold comprising silk fibroin and having a crosslinked porous matrix; and stem cells adherent to the 3D scaffold. In some embodiments, the stem cells adherent to the 3D scaffold maintain stable mitochondrial DNA in long term culture. In some embodiments, the stem cells are urine stem cells.