Abstract: Disclosed herein are multifunctional polypeptides comprising a first domain comprising an antigen binding domain (e.g., anti-synuclein, anti-tau, anti-huntingtin) and a second domain comprising a programmable proteasome-targeting PEST motif, and methods for using these polypeptides in treatment of protein aggregation diseases, e.g., neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multifunctional polypeptides comprising a first domain comprising an anti-tau antigen binding domain and a second domain comprising a proteasome-targeting PEST motif, and methods for using these polypeptides in treatment of tauopathies.

Abstract: A non-degradable device for use in controlled feeding of mammalian cell cultures including by way of example cultures of stem cells such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Methods of making and using the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Optic nerve lamina region neural progenitor cells (ONLR-NPCs) are provided. Such cells secrete growth factors and survival factors that can be used in the treatment of optic nerve diseases, such as glaucoma. Also provided are methods of treating or preventing optic nerve diseases, such as glaucoma, using one or more factors secreted by ONLR-NPCs, combinations of factors secreted by ONLR-NPCs, or culture media conditioned by ONLR-NPCs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multifunctional polypeptides comprising a first domain comprising an anti-tau antigen binding domain and a second domain comprising a proteasome-targeting PEST motif, and methods for using these polypeptides in treatment of tauopathies.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multifunctional polypeptides comprising a first domain comprising an anti-tau antigen binding domain and a second domain comprising a proteasome-targeting PEST motif, and methods for using these polypeptides in treatment of tauopathies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treatment methods and methods for sustained delivery of one or more exogenous factors to desired nervous system sites. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to the use of biodegradable microspheres to deliver exogenous factors, such as the morphogenic factor, sonic hedgehog (Shh), to the site of spinal cord injury. In certain embodiments, the Shh-releasing microspheres are administered together with stem cells, which may be spinal cord neural stem cells. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to regrowth of neural cells in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multifunctional polypeptides comprising a first domain comprising an anti-tau antigen binding domain and a second domain comprising a proteasome-targeting PEST motif, and methods for using these polypeptides in treatment of tauopathies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retinal pigment epithelial stem cell isolated from a posterior region of the retinal pigment epithelium of an adult mammal. The invention also relates to a method of inducing differentiation of retinal epithelial stem and progenitor cells in vitro, wherein the cells of the invention are highly plastic, multipotential stem cells. The invention also includes methods for the treatment of retinal diseases and vision loss involving the transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial stem cells or cells differentiated from retinal pigment epithelial stern cells to the retina of a patient in need of treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retinal pigment epithelial stem cell isolated from a posterior region of the retinal pigment epithelium of an adult mammal. The invention also relates to a method of inducing differentiation of retinal epithelial stem and progenitor cells in vitro, wherein the cells of the invention are highly plastic, multipotential stem cells. The invention also includes methods for the treatment of retinal diseases and vision loss involving the transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial stem cells or cells differentiated from retinal pigment epithelial stem cells to the retina of a patient in need of treatment.

Abstract: Methods for culturing undifferentiated mammalian cells, such as stem and progenitor cells, are provided. The methods involve incubating the cell in the presence of a sustained release composition containing at least one growth factor, wherein the sustained release composition continuously releases the growth factor(s), and wherein the presence of the sustained level of growth factor maintains the cell in an undifferentiated state.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in epithelial cells are disclosed. The methods can include contacting epithelial cells, such as retinal pigment epithelial cells or breast epithelial cells, with an inhibitor of the forkhead box s1 (FOXS1) signaling pathway.

Abstract: Described herein are treatment methods involving the administration of nicotinamide, which has been discovered to stabilize the normal phenotype of retinal pigment epithelial cells and to prevent retinal pigment epithelial cell proliferation. Diseases and disorders that can be treated according to the methods disclosed herein include, e.g., macular pucker, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, preretinal fibrosis, vitreomacular traction, tractional retinal detachment, and phthsis bulbi, cystoid macular edema (CME) arising from intraocular inflammation due to uveitis, vasculitis, trauma, surgery, and collagen vascular disease (e.g., Behcets disease or sarcoidosis), and age related macular degeneration.

Abstract: Methods for culturing undifferentiated mammalian cells, such as stem and progenitor cells, are provided. The methods involve incubating the cell in the presence of a sustained release composition containing at least one growth factor, wherein the sustained release composition continuously releases the growth factor(s), and wherein the presence of the sustained level of growth factor maintains the cell in an undifferentiated state.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for inhibiting drusen.

Abstract: Methods for culturing undifferentiated mammalian cells, such as stem and progenitor cells, are provided. The methods involve incubating the cell in the presence of a sustained release composition containing at least one growth factor, wherein the sustained release composition continuously releases the growth factor(s), and wherein the presence of the sustained level of growth factor maintains the cell in an undifferentiated state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treatment methods and methods for sustained delivery of one or more exogenous factors to desired nervous system sites. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to the use of biodegradable microspheres to deliver exogenous factors, such as the morphogenic factor, sonic hedgehog (Shh), to the site of spinal cord injury. In certain embodiments, the Shh-releasing microspheres are administered together with stem cells, which may be spinal cord neural stem cells. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to regrowth of neural cells in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Abstract: Methods for culturing undifferentiated mammalian cells, such as stem and progenitor cells, are provided. The methods involve incubating the cell in the presence of a sustained release composition containing at least one growth factor, wherein the sustained release composition continuously releases the growth factor(s), and wherein the presence of the sustained level of growth factor maintains the cell in an undifferentiated state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retinal pigment epithelial stem cell isolated from a posterior region of the retinal pigment epithelium of an adult mammal. The invention also relates to a method of inducing differentiation of retinal epithelial stem and progenitor cells in vitro, wherein the cells of the invention are highly plastic, multipotential stem cells. The invention also includes methods for the treatment of retinal diseases and vision loss involving the transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial stem cells or cells differentiated from retinal pigment epithelial stem cells to the retina of a patient in need of treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retinal pigment epithelial stem cell isolated from a posterior region of the retinal pigment epithelium of an adult mammal. The invention also relates to a method of inducing differentiation of retinal epithelial stem and progenitor cells in vitro, wherein the cells of the invention are highly plastic, multipotential stem cells. The invention also includes methods for the treatment of retinal diseases and vision loss involving the transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial stem cells or cells differentiated from retinal pigment epithelial stem cells to the retina of a patient in need of treatment.