Wake Forest University

Yuanyuan Zhang

Anthony Atala

Shay Soker

Emmanuel C Opara

Aleksander Skardal

Provided herein are stem cells and methods for producing a culture of stem cells from urine. The stem cells may be differentiated into an osteogenic, chondrogenic, adipogenic, endothelial, neurogenic or myogenic lineage. Methods of use of the cells are provided, including methods of treating a subject in need of a cell based therapy.

Stem cells from urine and methods for using the same

Provided herein are urine progenitor cells and methods for producing a culture of urine progenitor cells from a urine sample. The cells may be selected based upon the use of a selective cell medium, based upon morphology, and/or by selecting cell-specific markers. Also provided is an isolated urine progenitor cell that is c-kit positive and can differentiate into urothelium, smooth muscle, endothelium or interstitial cells. Methods of use of urine progenitor cells are provided, wherein cell are seeded onto a tissue scaffold are provided. Methods of treating a subject in need thereof are also provided, including providing a bladder tissue substrate that includes differentiated UPCs and transplanting the substrate into the patient. Finally, kits are provided that include a container suitable for the transport of a urine sample; media; one or more antibiotics; a package for holding said container, media, and antibiotics; and optionally, instructions for use.

Progenitor cells from urine and methods for using the same

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for mimicking an in vivo environment for culturing cells in vitro. The in vivo mimicking environment is based on the generation of a tissue-specific extracellular matrix wherein the matrix provides a substrate for which the cultured cell originated from. The tissue-specific extracellular matrix can further comprise a component of a whole tissue-specific homogenate.

Tissue-specific extracellular matrix with or without tissue protein components for cell culture

Provided herein are methods of treating a subject in need of treatment for a urological condition including administering urine stem cells to said subject in a treatment effective amount; and, in conjunction therewith, administering growth factors to said subject in an amount effective to promote differentiation of said stem cells into skeletal muscle cells. Compositions useful for the same are also provided.

Growing community of inventors

Winston-Salem, NC, United States of America

Yuanyuan Zhang