University of Louisville Research Foundation

Magdalena Kucia

Mariusz Z Ratajczak

Janina Ratajczak

Donald Miller

Roberto Bolli

Methods for ex vivo expansion of very small embryonic like stem cells in the absence of feeder cells are provided. In some embodiments the methods include providing a plurality of VSELs; and growing the VSELs in a culture medium that includes a histone deacetylase inhibitor, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and optionally transforming growth factor beta in an amount that is sufficient to overcome quiescence of the VSELs. Also provided are feeder cell-free cell cultures, ex vivo expanded VSELs, pharmaceutical compositions that include the disclosed ex vivo expanded VSELs, methods for overcoming quiescence in VSELs, methods for re-establishing imprinting in VSELs, method for treating injuries to tissues in subjects, methods for repopulating cell types in subjects, methods for bone marrow transplantation, methods for treating radiation exposure in subjects, and methods that relate to regenerative medicine.

Methods and compositions for ex vivo expansion of very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs)

Provided are methods for isolating subpopulations of stem cells. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed methods include selecting subsets of cells that are positive for CD34 or Sca-1, are further positive for one or more of FSHR, LHCGR, PRLR, AR, ESR&#x3b1;, ESR&#x3b2;, and PGR; and are negative for each of CD45R/B220, Gr-1, TCR&#x3b1;&#x3b2;, TCR&#x3b3;&#x3b4;, CD11b, and Ter-119. In some embodiments, the subpopulations are further fractioning into CD45and CD45fractions. Also provided are populations of stem cells isolated by the presently disclosed methods, compositions that include the presently disclosed subpopulations in pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, methods for expanding stem cells, methods for stimulating proliferation of MSCs, methods for treating subjects suffering from exposure to radiation, and methods for producing gametes in vitro.

Progenitor cells and methods for preparing and using the same

The presently disclosed subject matter provides populations of stem cells that are purified from bone marrow, peripheral blood, and/or other sources. Also provided are methods of using the stem cells for treating tissue and/or organ damage in a subject.

Growing community of inventors

Louisville, KY, United States of America

Magdalena Kucia