The present invention includes methods for effecting phenotype conversion in a cell by transfecting the cell with phenotype-converting nucleic acid. Expression of the nucleic acids results in a phenotype conversion in the transfected cell. Preferably the phenotype-converting nucleic acid is a transcriptome, and more preferably an mRNA transcriptome.

Cell-based therapies based on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are described.

The invention is in the field of cell culturing. More specifically, it is in the field of generating and expanding myogenic cells from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The invention relates inter alia to cells generated and expanded via such a method, a growth medium specifically suited for the purpose of expanding isolated myogenic cells, and methods for screening compounds on cell structures such as myotubes and myofibers.

Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for treating or preventing ovarian failure using fibroblasts or cells derived from fibroblasts. In some embodiments, ovarian failure is pathological, the result of an intervention, or the result of aging. In some embodiments, regenerative fibroblast cells are administered locally into the ovary or pen-ovary areas or systemically. In some embodiments, regenerative cells act to suppress fibrosis of the ovaries, inhibit inflammation, stimulate maturation of immature ovarian progenitor cells, or directly differentiate into oocytes. In some embodiments, regenerative fibroblasts produce factors that inhibit apoptosis of oocytes and/or oocyte progenitors.

A method for inducing differentiated cells into mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and combinations of regulatory targets thereof. The method includes performing a directional induction on the differentiated cells to prepare the mesenchymal stem cells. The directional induction includes treating cells by inhibiting the TGF-β signal pathway, inhibiting the activity of PKC, activating the WNT/β-catenin signal pathway and activating the cAMP signal pathway. By regulating corresponding signal pathways and/or enzymatic activities by stages, the differentiated cells are induced into the mesenchymal stem cells.

The present disclosure provides method of generating cardiomyocytes from post-natal fibroblasts. The present disclosure further provides cells and compositions for use in generating cardiomyocytes.

Methods, compositions and kits for producing functional neurons, astroctyes, oligodendrocytes and progenitor cells thereof are provided. These methods, compositions and kits find use in producing neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and progenitor cells thereof for transplantation, for experimental evaluation, as a source of lineage- and cell-specific products, and the like, for example for use in treating human disorders of the CNS. Also provided are methods, compositions and kits for screening candidate agents for activity in converting cells into neuronal cells, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and progenitor cells thereof.

The disclosure provides an episome comprising OCT4, KLF4, SOX2, cMYC, NANOG, LIN28, and NRSA2. Also disclosed is a method for producing an induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell. The method comprises introducing an episome into a cell, wherein the episome comprises OCT4, KLF4, SOX2, cMYC, NANOG, LIN28, and NRSA2, and growing the cell under conditions to select for the presence of the episome. The method also comprises selecting a primary clone and growing the primary clone in a medium comprising a MEK inhibitor and a GSK3b inhibitor.

The present invention relates to a device and a method for inducing pluripotent cells using energy and, more specifically, has an effect of inducing new type pluripotent cells having pluripotent characteristics by applying energy such as ultrasonic waves, lasers or heat treatment to differentiated cells.

The present disclosure provides methods of correcting gene variants associated with Parkinson's Disease in pluripotent stem cells, and methods of lineage specific differentiation of such corrected pluripotent stem cells into floor plate midbrain progenitor cells, determined dopamine (DA) neuron progenitor cells, and/or DA neurons, or into glial cells, such as microglial cells, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, or ependymocytes. Also provided are compositions uses thereof, such as for treating neurodegenerative diseases and conditions, including Parkinson's disease.