Abstract: The disclosure provides an episome comprising OCT4, KLF4, SOX2, cMYC, NANOG, LIN28, and NRSA2. Also disclosed is a method for producing an induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell. The method comprises introducing an episome into a cell, wherein the episome comprises OCT4, KLF4, SOX2, cMYC, NANOG, LIN28, and NRSA2, and growing the cell under conditions to select for the presence of the episome. The method also comprises selecting a primary clone and growing the primary clone in a medium comprising a MEK inhibitor and a GSK3b inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for deleting DNA sequences in a tissue specific manner. In one embodiment, DNA sequences are specifically deleted in germline tissue. In a second embodiment, DNA sequences are specifically deleted in desired somatic tissue. The present invention is further directed to a nucleic acid molecule for use in the method. More specifically, a nucleic acid molecule is provide by the present invention which comprises (a) a recombinase site, (b) a tissue-specific promoter, (c) a recombinase gene, (d) a foreign DNA, and (e) a recombinase site. The nucleic acid molecule may further comprise a gene which is desired to be incorporated into and expressed in a transgenic organism. The method can be used in both plants and animals, and has many applications as described herein.

Abstract: Positive-negative selector (PNS) vectors are provided for modifying a target DNA sequence contained in the genome of a target cell capable of homologous recombination. The vector comprises a first DNA sequence which contains at least one sequence portion which is substantially homologous to a portion of a first region of a target DNA sequence. The vector also includes a second DNA sequence containing at least one sequence portion which is substantially homologous to another portion of a second region of a target DNA sequence. A third DNA sequence is positioned between the first and second DNA sequences and encodes a positive selection marker which when expressed is functional in the target cell in which the vector is used. A fourth DNA sequence encoding a negative selection marker, also functional in the target cell, is positioned 5? to the first or 3? to the second DNA sequence and is substantially incapable of homologous recombination with the target DNA sequence.

Abstract: A method of obtaining and the resulting isolated progenitor or stem cell population of proliferating cells persistently expressing a candidate molecule. Further, novel methods of ex vivo gene product (e.g., protein) production and treating symptoms of neurological or neurodegenerative disorders are also provided.