Abstract:
The invention provides methods for using Umbilical Cord Lining Stem Cells (ULSCs) to produce therapeutic factors including growth factors, cytokines, chemokines and extracellular matrix components. ULSCs are mesenchymal stem cells isolated from umbilical cord lining. They can be efficiently propagated and expanded in vitro. Under specific conditions ULSCs produce useful therapeutic factors that can be used to treat injuries and degenerative conditions.
Abstract:
The invention provides cell culture conditions for culturing stem cells, including feeder-free conditions for generating and culturing human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). More particularly, the invention provides a culture platform that allows long-term culture of pluripotent cells in a feeder-free environment; reprogramming of cells in a feeder-free environment; single-cell dissociation of pluripotent cells; cell sorting of pluripotent cells; maintenance of an undifferentiated status; improved efficiency of reprogramming; and generation of a naïve pluripotent cell.
Abstract:
Bioengineered constructs are formed from cultured cells induced to synthesize and secrete endogenously produced extracellular matrix components without the requirement of exogenous matrix components or network support or scaffold members. The bioengineered constructs of the invention can be treated in various ways such that the cells of the bioengineered constructs can be devitalized and/or removed without compromising the structural integrity of the constructs. Moreover, the bioengineered constructs of the invention can be used in conjunction with biocompatible/bioremodelable solutions that allow for various geometric configurations of the constructs.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method for culturing and propagating a stem cell and/or progenitor cell and populations thereof. The method includes the step of selecting and transferring adherent cells from one surface to another for propagation. The method may be used with isolated adult human tissue. The propagated cells may be transplanted into a recipient as stem cells, progenitor cells and/or differentiated cells that may be genetically modified.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a substantially pure population of viable bile duct progenitor cells, and methods for isolating such cells. The present invention further concerns certain therapeutic uses for such progenitor cells, and their progeny.
Abstract:
The invention is based on the finding that microparticles can be produced by conditionally- immortalised cells. The conditionally-immortalised cells may be stem cells. The Examples show the successful harvest of microparticles from conditionally immortalised neural stem cells and CD34+ cells. Conditional immortalisation provides a constant supply of clonal cells that produce microparticles such as exosomes. The conditionally immortalised cells are useful as "producer cells" for microparticles such as exosomes, which are typically harvested or isolated from the conditionally-immortalised cells.
Abstract:
Bioengineered constructs are formed from cultured cells induced to synthesize and secrete endogenously produced extracellular matrix components without the requirement of exogenous matrix components or network support or scaffold members. The bioengineered constructs of the invention can be produced with multiple cell types that can all contribute to producing the extracellular matrix. Additionally or alternatively, one of the multiple cell types can be delivered to a site in the body via the endogenously produced extracellular matrix components to achieve various therapeutic benefits.
Abstract:
The present invention provides cell populations that are enriched for mesendoderm and mesoderm, and cell populations that are enriched for endoderm. The cell populations of the invention are useful for generating cells for cell replacement therapy. The present invention further provides a method of generating hepatocytes, cell populations enriched for hepatocytes, and a method of hepatocyte replacement therapy.