Abstract: Embodiments of a cryopreservation device and method of use are described that allow cryopreserved samples to be transferred from one location to another. In one embodiment, a cryopreservation device comprises two, telescoping tubes; one for plunging biological material into a reservoir of cryogenic liquid refrigerant, and the other for capturing the biological material along with some of the liquid refrigerant, for transferring the biological material to another location.

Abstract: Embodiments of a cryopreservation device and method of use are described that allow cryopreserved samples to be transferred from one location to another. In one embodiment, a cryopreservation device comprises two, telescoping tubes; one for plunging biological material into a reservoir of cryogenic liquid refrigerant, and the other for capturing the biological material along with some of the liquid refrigerant, for transferring the biological material to another location.

Abstract: The present invention provides screening methods for the detection of agents that affect various aspects of ?-cell biology, particularly insulin gene expression. Screening methods are also provided for detection of agents that affect ?-cell differentiation from progenitor cells. Additionally, agents identified using such methods are provided and are useful for increasing insulin gene expression and reducing lipotoxicity.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for screening for compounds that modulate insulin promoter activity. Vectors that express green fluorescent protein under the control of the human insulin promoter are introduced into mouse and human cells in which the insulin promoter is expressed in a glucose-responsive manner. Such cells are then used to screen for compounds that modulate insulin promoter activity.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions relating to antagonists of HNF4?.

Abstract: The present invention provides screening methods for the detection of agents that affect various aspects of ?-cell biology, particularly insulin gene expression. Screening methods are also provided for detection of agents that affect ?-cell differentiation from progenitor cells. Additionally, agents identified using such methods are provided and are useful for increasing insulin gene expression and reducing lipotoxicity.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inducing insulin gene expression in cultured pancreas cells, the method comprising contacting a culture of endocrine pancreas cells expressing a PDX-1 gene and a NeuroD/BETA2 gene with a GLP-1 receptor agonist, wherein the cells have been cultured under conditions such that the cells are in contact with other cells in the culture, thereby inducing insulin gene expression in the cells. The invention also provides high throughput screening methods for modulators of ?-cell function, stable cultures of cells made by the methods of the invention, and methods of treating a human subject using the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inducing insulin gene expression in cultured pancreas cells, the method comprising contacting a culture of endocrine pancreas cells expressing a PDX-1 gene and a NeuroD/BETA2 gene with a GLP-1 receptor agonist, wherein the cells have been cultured under conditions such that the cells are in contact with other cells in the culture, thereby inducing insulin gene expression in the cells. The invention also provides high throughput screening methods for modulators of ?-cell function, stable cultures of cells made by the methods of the invention, and methods of treating a human subject using the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inducing insulin gene expression in cultured pancreas cells, the method comprising contacting a culture of endocrine pancreas cells expressing a PDX-1 gene and a NeuroD/BETA2 gene with a GLP-1 receptor agonist, wherein the cells have been cultured under conditions such that the cells are in contact with other cells in the culture, thereby inducing insulin gene expression in the cells. The invention also provides high throughput screening methods for modulators of ?-cell function, stable cultures of cells made by the methods of the invention, and methods of treating a human subject using the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for inducing insulin expression in cells by contacting the cells with a histone deacetylase inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inducing insulin gene expression in cultured pancreas cells, the method comprising contacting a culture of endocrine pancreas cells expressing a PDX-1 gene and a NeuroD/BETA2 gene with a GLP-1 receptor agonist, wherein the cells have been cultured under conditions such that the cells are in contact with other cells in the culture, thereby inducing insulin gene expression in the cells. The invention also provides high throughput screening methods for modulators of &bgr;-cell function, stable cultures of cells made by the methods of the invention, and methods of treating a human subject using the methods of the invention.