Compositions for the mobilization, homing, expansion and differentiation of stem cells and methods of using the same

Abstract

The invention provides compositions that increase the mobilization, homing, expansion, and/or differentiation of stem cells and methods of using the same for the treatment of mammals.

1 - 28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . A method of stimulating chondrogenesis in a subject comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising DA-DKP and a component selected from the group consisting of N-acetyl tryptophan, caprylate, caprylic acid, and combinations thereof to a subject in need thereof. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises a low molecular weight fraction of human serum albumin. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the low molecular weight fraction of human serum albumin is a less than 5000 molecular weight fraction. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the low molecular weight fraction of human serum albumin is produced by filtration. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein chondrogenesis is stimulated in a stem cell. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the stem cell is selected from the group consisting of a progenitor cell and mesenchymal stem call (MSC). 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the stimulation of chondrogenesis promotes cartilage, bone, and/or ligament repair or induces repair or regeneration of chondral tissue, in the subject. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the chondrogenesis treats or ameliorates a chondrogenic disease in the mammal. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the chondrogenic disease is selected from the group consisting of a congenital cartilage disease, degenerative or fibrotic joint, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the chondrogenesis treats or repairs a condition selected from the group consisting of a cartilage defect, a skeletal defect, a fracture arising from trauma or surgery. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the DA-DKP administration stimulates the formation of new bone or cartilage tissue. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the administration comprises stimulating stem cells ex vivo and then administering the stimulated stem cells to the mammal. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein the stem cells are stimulated ex vivo by culturing a population of stem cells of chondrocyte lineage with DA-DKP, or composition comprising a DA-DKP, for a time sufficient to stimulate chondrogenesis. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein the administering comprises implanting the stimulated cells into a desired site in the mammal. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the chondrogenesis results in increased production of collagen. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the chondrogenesis results in increased production of a type 2A1 collagen. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the chondrogenesis results in increased production of a type 1A1 collagen. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the chondrogenesis results in at least a 2-fold increase in the production of collagen or at least a 4-fold increase in the production of collagen. 
     
     
         47 . (canceled) 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the chondrogenesis results in at least a 10-fold increase in the production of collagen or at least a 20-fold increase in the production of collagen. 
     
     
         49 . (canceled) 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the chondrogenesis results in at least a 25-fold increase in the production of collagen. 
     
     
         51 - 75 . (canceled)