Abstract: Mesenchymal precursors cells have been isolated from perivascular niches from a range of tissues utilizing a perivascular marker. A new mesenchymal precursor cell phenotype is described characterized by the presence of the perivascular marker 3G5, and preferably also alpha smooth muscle actin together with early developmental markers such as STRO-1 and CD146/MUC18. The perivascular mesenchymal precursor cell is shown to induce neovascularization and improvement in cardiac function. Suitable administration of preparations of the mesenchymal precursor cells are useful for treatment of cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases and peripheral vascular diseases.

Abstract: Mesenchymal precursors cells have been isolated from perivascular niches from a range of tissues utilizing a perivascular marker. A new mesenchymal precursor cell phenotype is described characterized by the presence of the perivascular marker 3G5, and preferably also alpha smooth muscle actin together with early developmental markers such as STRO-1 and CD146/MUC18. The perivascular mesenchymal precursor cell is shown to induce neovascularization and improvement in cardiac function. Suitable administration of preparations of the mesenchymal precursor cells are useful for treatment of cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases and peripheral vascular diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to compositions for wound healing. More specifically, the present invention provides human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous proteinase inhibitor polypeptides (e.g., TIMP-1 polypeptides) and compositions and methods for making human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous polypeptides. In addition, the present invention provides methods for treatment of wounds with human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention lies in the field of production of recombinant gene products in eukaryotic cells. The invention refers to methods and materials for the fast and reproducible generation of production cells lines suitable for large scale production of recombinant gene products. The invention encompasses specific vector systems, genetic engineered host-cells and methods of use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell containing a gene encoding a conditional transgenic surface marker that is detectable upon expression on the surface of the cell, wherein the gene encoding a conditional transgenic surface marker comprises: (i) a promoter, operably linked to (ii) a first transcription sequence, and (iii) a second transcription sequence encoding the surface marker, whereby the first transcription sequence prevents the transcription of the second transcription sequence, whereby the first transcription sequence is conditionally removable such that the second transcription sequence is transcribable, and whereby the surface marker renders the cell sortable through the detection of the conditional transgenic surface marker. Furthermore, the invention relates to a construct for generating such a cell, and to a method for separating such a cell from a population of cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of selectively expanding human leukemic cells in a non-adult NOD/SCID/IL2rgnull mouse by transplanting a substance containing a leukemic stem cell derived from a human acute myelogenous leukemia patient to the mouse. In addition, the invention relates to screening for a medicament capable of eradicating leukemic stem cell (LSC), consideration of treatment methods suitable for individual patients, identification of a differentially expressed gene and the like, using a mouse with expanded human leukemic cells.

Abstract: A polyethylene glycol (PEG) aerogel particles having an average particle diameter not substantially above about 2?, a volumetric porosity of greater than about 50%, and pore sizes capable of retaining drug molecules. A method for preparing such polyethylene glycol (PEG) aerogel particles includes initiating a catalyzed reaction using a catalyst of PEG forming ingredients to form PEG particles; partially drying the formed PEG particles under conditions to control pore size; and subjecting the partially dried formed PEG particles to CO2 supercritical extraction for form the PEG aerogel particles. Drug molecules include chemotherapeutic agents. The surface of the PEG aerogel particles are reactable with a variety of agents, for example, to selectively target tumors, protects irreversible damage to labile proteins, and protects degradation of sensitive drugs with subsequent loss of biological efficacy.

Abstract: Disclosed are aqueous and lyophilized formulations containing SYN3 and methods of their use for treating bladder cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of altering the competence of a dendrite and/or the viability of a neuron by modulating the level of Elk-1 in a dendrite. The present invention also provides methods of altering the ATP levels in a neuron, methods of isolating at least one protein of a mitochondrial permeability transition pore complex, methods of introducing an RNA into a neuron, methods of translating an RNA in a dendrite, methods of monitoring risk of neurodegeneration of a neuron, and methods of treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for administering with a sustained release kinetic a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic agent to a subject in need thereof for treating diseases or conditions of the eye, wherein the composition is an water-in-oil type emulsion comprising an oil phase, a lipophilic surfactant dissolved in the oil phase, an aqueous phase dispersed in the oil phase, a hydrophilic therapeutic agent dissolved in the aqueous dispersed phase, and wherein the composition is intraocularly injectable, wherein the composition has a density lower than 1. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition or to a medicament comprising the composition of the invention, and to a method for treating a condition or disease of the eye comprising administering a therapeutic amount of the composition of the invention. The invention also relates to a device comprising the composition of the invention.

Abstract: Immunoprotective primary mesenchymal stems cells (IP-MSC) which episomally express multiple immunoreactive polypeptides that specifically target a pathogen (e.g., an infectious species of virus, bacterium, or parasite) or toxin are described herein. The IP-MSC express two or more (e.g., 2 to about 100) immunoreactive polypeptides (e.g., full antibodies, single-chain antibodies (ScFV), Fab or F(ab)2 antibody fragments, diabodies, tribodies, and the like), and optionally one or more other immunomodulating polypeptides, e.g., a cytokine such as an interleukin (e.g., IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-9, and IL-12), an interferon (e.g., IFN?, IFN?, or IFN?), and the like, which can enhance the effectiveness of the immunoreactive polypeptides.

Abstract: A modification of the existing INSM1 promoter region has been discovered that incorporated DNA elements that silence expression of neuronal genes in non-neuronal cells and that has increased the effectiveness and safety of using the INSM1 promoter for tumor treatment. One modification was addition of one or two tandem copies of neuronal restrictive silencer elements (NRSEs) derived either from the mouse nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) or the rat superior cervical ganglion 10 (SCG10) promoters. These NRSEs were placed in the expression construct either directly upstream or downstream of the INSM1 promoter sequence. The most effective expression construct was the nAChR NRSE element positioned downstream of the INSM1 promoter. This expression construct increased the tissue specificity of the INSM1 promoter without a significant decrease in its activity. In addition, the modified INSM1 promoter was placed into a viral vector, adenovirus 5.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for using eye-safe infrared energy from a Class I laser to manipulate cells in culture. The laser energy produces one or more phase boundary propulsion events, which generate hydrodynamic forces sufficient to manipulate cells at the focal point.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for parallel macromolecular delivery and biochemical/electrochemical interface to whole cells employing carbon nanostructures including nanofibers and nanotubes. A method includes providing a first material on at least a first portion of a first surface of a first tip of a first elongated carbon nanostructure; providing a second material on at least a second portion of a second surface of a second tip of a second elongated carbon nanostructure, the second elongated carbon nanostructure coupled to, and substantially parallel to, the first elongated carbon nanostructure; and penetrating a boundary of a biological sample with at least one member selected from the group consisting of the first tip and the second tip.

Abstract: A method to increase the efficiency of transduction of hematopoietic and other cells by retroviruses includes infecting the cells in the presence of fibronectin or fibronectin fragments. The fibronectin and fibronectin fragments significantly enhance retroviral-mediated gene transfer into the cells, particularly hematopoietic cells including committed progenitors and primitive hematopoietic stem cells. The invention also provides improved methods for somatic gene therapy capitalizing on enhanced gene transfer, hematopoietic cellular populations, and novel constructs for enhancing retroviral-mediated DNA transfer into cells and their use.

Abstract: This invention provides methods to prepare and use immunostimulatory cells for enhancing an immune response. The invention provides a method for preparing mature dendritic cells (DCs), comprising the sequential steps of: (a) signaling isolated immature dendritic cells (iDCs) with a first signal comprising an interferon gamma receptor (IFN-?R) agonist and/or a tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor (TNF-?R) agonist to produce signaled dendritic cells; and (b) signaling said signaled dendritic cells with a second transient signal comprising an effective amount of a CD40 agonist to produce CCR7+ mature dendritic cells. Also provided by this invention are enriched populations of dendritic cells prepared by the methods of the invention. Such dendritic cells have enhanced immunostimulatory properties and increased IL-12 secretion and/or decreased IL-10 secretion. CD40 signaling can be initiated by one or more of polypeptide translated from an exogenous polynucleotide encoding CD40L (e.g.

Abstract: Genetically modified mammals are described which lack the mannan binding lectin associated serine protease MASP-2, together with methods and constructs for their production. Such mammals are useful as models for disorders of the complement system, and in the identification of treatments for such disorders. Also described are mammals which lack the associated protein MAp19; such mammals may also lack MASP-2.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for producing a stem cell bank and providing stem cell samples for purchase or use. Also, provided herein are embodiments relating to a stem cell bank and stem cell banking system.

Abstract: The invention features ABC1 nucleic acids and polypeptides for the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal cholesterol regulation. The invention also features methods for identifying compounds for modulating cholesterol levels in an animal (e.g., a human).

Abstract: This invention provides methods to prepare and use immunostimulatory cells for enhancing an immune response. The invention provides a method for preparing mature dendritic cells (DCs), comprising the sequential steps of: (a) signaling isolated immature dendritic cells (iDCs) with a first signal comprising an interferon gamma receptor (IFN-?R) agonist and/or a tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor (TNF-?R) agonist to produce signaled dendritic cells; and (b) signaling said signaled dendritic cells with a second transient signal comprising an effective amount of a CD40 agonist to produce CCR7+ mature dendritic cells. Also provided by this invention are enriched populations of dendritic cells prepared by the methods of the invention. Such dendritic cells have enhanced immunostimulatory properties and increased IL-12 secretion and/or decreased IL-10 secretion. CD40 signaling can be initiated by one or more of polypeptide translated from an exogenous polynucleotide encoding CD40L (e.g.