A method of generating an induced trophoblast stem cell (iTSC) from a human cell is provided. Accordingly there is provided a method comprising expressing within a human cell GATA3 and OCT4 transcription factors, under conditions which allow generation of an iTSC from the cell. Also provided is a method of rejuvenating and/or de-differentiating a human cell. Also provided are nucleic acid constructs, protein preparation, isolated human cells, human iTSCs, rejuvenated cells and de-differentiated cells.

The growth factor profile, connective tissue matrix constituents, and immunoprivileged status of urodele extracellular matrix (ECM) and accompanying cutaneous tissue, plus the presence of antimicrobial peptides there, render urodele-derived tissue an ideal source for biological scaffolds for xenotransplantation. In particular, a biological scaffold biomaterial can be obtained by a process that entails (A) obtaining a tissue sample from a urodele, where the tissue comprises ECM, inclusive of the basement membrane, and (B) subjecting the tissue sample to a decellularization process that maintains the structural and functional integrity of the extracellular matrix, by virtue of retaining its fibrous and non-fibrous proteins, glycoaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans, while removing sufficient cellular components of the sample to reduce or eliminate antigenicity and immunogenicity for xenograft purposes. The resultant urodele-derived biomaterial can be used to enhance restoration of skin homeostasis, to reduce the severity, duration and associated damage caused by post-surgical inflammation, and to promote progression of natural healing and regeneration processes. In addition, the biomaterial promotes the formation of remodeled tissue that is comparable in quality, function, and compliance to undamaged human tissue.

Methods and compositions for the treatment of a corneal dystrophy in a subject in need thereof are provided. In one aspect, the method includes the step of obtaining a plurality of stem cells comprising a nucleic acid mutation in a corneal dystrophy target nucleic acid from the subject and manipulating the nucleic acid mutation in one or more stem cells of the plurality of stem cells to correct the nucleic acid mutation, thereby forming one or more manipulated stem cells. The manipulated stem cells are isolated and then transplanted into the subject. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid mutation is manipulated using CRISPR system.

A vented wound dressing barrier includes one or more membrane layers with a plurality of vents. The vents are cut along a perimeter of the vents through the one or more membrane layers. Each vent having a connection portion uncut relative to the one or more membrane layers thereby forming a hinge configured to allow the vents to open for drainage when exposed to fluid underlying the vented wound dressing barrier. The plurality of vents is each cut along the perimeter without removal of any of the membrane layer. The one or more membrane layers with the plurality of vents has a surface for covering a wound, the surface area in the absence of a fluid pressing on the vents having no openings or voids which reduce the surface area of a vented wound dressing barrier area covering a wound.

In accordance with the present invention, an implant in which cells are arranged in a fine pattern that is available for immediate implantation and that does not need to be removed after implantation is provided. The present invention relates to a cell-containing sheet, which comprises cells and a support comprising a bioabsorbable material, in which the support has a cell adhesion protein-containing layer on the surface thereof and the cells form a pattern on the support.

A method for producing an epithelial cell sheet, comprising culturing cells derived from oral mucosal epithelial cells on a substrate in a serum-free medium, wherein the serum-free medium comprises (i) EGF protein or KGF protein, (ii) B-27 supplement, and (iii) a ROCK inhibitor.

The present invention provides muscle-derived progenitor cells that show long-term survival following transplantation into body tissues and which can augment non-soft tissue following introduction (e.g. via injection, transplantation, or implantation) into a site of non-soft tissue (e.g. bone) when combined with a biocompatible matrix, preferably SIS. The invention further provides methods of using compositions comprising muscle-derived progenitor cells with a biocompatible matrix for the augmentation and bulking of mammalian, including human, bone tissues in the treatment of various functional conditions, including osteoporosis, Paget's Disease, osteogenesis imperfecta, bone fracture, osteomalacia, decrease in bone trabecular strength, decrease in bone cortical strength and decrease in bone density with old age.

The present invention provides compositions and methods for wound healing and tissue regeneration. The compositions of the present invention comprise amniotic membrane of the placenta. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises amniotic membrane powder or solubilized amniotic membrane (SAM). In some aspects, the composition is cell-free and rich in cytokines, extracellular matrix proteins, and other components that improve tissue regeneration. In one aspect, the composition is a hydrogel scaffold that comprises amniotic membrane. The present invention reduces contraction and improves blood vessel development in regenerating tissue.

In accordance with the present invention, an implant in which cells are arranged in a fine pattern that is available for immediate implantation and that does not need to be removed after implantation is provided. The present invention relates to a cell-containing sheet, which comprises cells and a support comprising a bioabsorbable material, in which the support has a cell adhesion protein-containing layer on the surface thereof and the cells form a pattern on the support.

Methods and compositions for the treatment of a corneal dystrophy in a subject in need thereof are provided. In one aspect, the method includes the step of obtaining a plurality of stem cells comprising a nucleic acid mutation in a corneal dystrophy target nucleic acid from the subject and manipulating the nucleic acid mutation in one or more stem cells of the plurality of stem cells to correct the nucleic acid mutation, thereby forming one or more manipulated stem cells. The manipulated stem cells are isolated and then transplanted into the subject. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid mutation is manipulated using CRISPR system.