Abstract: Choroid plexus epithelial cells are generated in a culture medium using embryonic stem cells and adding an effective amount of bone morphogenetic protein and/or other members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily. Generation of such choroid plexus epithelial cells are confirmed using a combination of genetic markers, antibodies, histology inspection, functional assays, and integration into the endogenous choroid plexus in mice.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for making and using anti-LPA agents, for example, monoclonal antibodies, are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for rejuvenating normal somatic cells and for making normal somatic cells of a different type having the same genotype as a normal somatic cell of interest. These cells have particular application in cell and tissue transplantation. Also encompassed are methods of re-cloning cloned animals, particularly methods where the offspring of cloned mammals are designed to be genetically altered in comparison to their cloned parent, e.g., that are “hyper-young.” These animals should be healthier and possess desirable properties relative to their cloned parent. Also included are methods for activating endogenous telomerase, EPC-1 activity, and or the ALT pathway and/or extending the life-span of a normal somatic cell, and other genes associated with cell aging and proliferation capacity.

Abstract: The invention provides anti-PCSK9 antibodies and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to kinase ligands and polyligands. In particular, the invention relates to ligands, homopolyligands, and heteropolyligands that modulate protein kinase D (PKD) activity. The ligands and polyligands are utilized as research tools or as therapeutics. The invention includes linkage of the ligands and polyligands to cellular localization signals, epitope tags and/or reporters. The invention also includes polynucleotides encoding the ligands and polyligands.

Abstract: Disclosed are embryonic stem cell-derived dendritic cells, genetically modified immature dendritic cells capable of maturation, as well as methods for the production of such cells. In one embodiment, the cells made be produced by a method comprising the steps of providing a population of embryonic stem cells; culturing the embryonic stem cells in the presence of a cytokine or combination of cytokines which brings about differentiation of the embryonic stem cells into dendritic cells; and recovering the dendritic cells from the culture. In a further embodiment, the cells may be genetically modified.

Abstract: Described herein are inbred B6 ES cell lines that exhibit high developmental capacities and have a number of advantages over ES cell lines already available. First, they can be used for gene targeting and have a high percentage of germline transmission when injected into diploid host blastocysts (˜50-80%). Second, these ES cell lines can successfully be used to generate live pups by tetraploid blastocyst complementation, producing a high percentage (15-20%) of mice that are entirely inbred B6 ES cell derived. Third, these ES cells lines can be used to rapidly generate mice that are homozygous for a gene of interest. These advantages indicate that the inbred B6 ES cells provided here facilitate the rapid generation of inbred B6 mouse models in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel purified and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding procoagulant-active FVIII proteins. The nucleic acid sequences of the present invention encode amino acid sequences corresponding to known human FVIII sequences, wherein residue Phe309 is mutated. The nucleic acid sequences of the present invention also encode amino acid sequences corresponding to known human FVIII sequences, wherein the APC cleavage sites, Arg336 and Ile562, are mutated. The nucleic acid sequences of the present invention further encode amino acid sequences corresponding to known human FVIII sequences, wherein the B-domain is deleted, the von Willebrand factor binding site is deleted, a thrombin cleavage site is mutated, an amino acid sequence spacer is inserted between the A2- and A3-domains.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for inducing the differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESC) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) into hepatocytes, a method for inducing the differentiation of embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells into hepatic endoderm cells, and a method for inducing the differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESC) or induced pluripotent stem cells into hepatic progenitor cells. The present invention also provides the hepatocytes, hepatic endoderm cells and hepatic progenitor cells obtained by above methods, and the uses of these cells.

Abstract: Methods of enhanced protein transduction are provided. Aspects of the methods include contacting a cell with a transduction protein, where the transduction protein includes both a protein-of-interest domain and a protein transduction domain, and a nucleic acid transfection agent. Also provided are systems and kits that find use in practicing methods according to embodiments of the invention. The methods, systems and kits find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to multipotent stem cells, purified from the peripheral tissue of mammals, and capable of differentiating into neural and non-neural cell types. These stem cells provide an accessible source for autologous transplantation into CNS, PNS, and other damaged tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of several genes of the domestic dog (Canine familiaris) associated with taste perception. The invention provides, inter alia, the nucleotide sequence of the canine Tas1r1, Tas1r2, and Tas1r3 receptor genes, the amino acid sequences of the polypeptides encoded thereby, and antibodies to the polypeptides. The present invention also relates to methods for screening for compounds that modify the genes' function or activity, the compounds identified by such screens, and mimetics of the identified compounds. The invention further provides methods for modifying the taste preferences, ingestive responses, or general behavior of a mammal such as a dog by administering compounds that affect the function or activity of the gene or the polypeptide encoded thereby.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of Hedgehog signalling, and more specifically to a cell-based assay system and methods for identifying inhibitors and/or antagonists of specific cellular events in said signalling pathway. The present invention hereby proposes a novel approach for identifying inhibitors and/or antagonists downstream of the signalling components Smoothened and Patched, e.g. at the Gli-level. The assay comprises cells lacking a functional Sufu protein, which according to the invention is a protein component of emerging importance in the Hedgehog signalling pathway.

Abstract: A viable global NaV1.7?/? knockout mouse is disclosed, and a breeding colony of global NaV1.7?/? knockout mice. Also disclosed are an isolated mouse gamete that does not encode a functional NaV1.7?/?, produced by the NaV1.7?/? knockout mouse; an isolated NaV1.7?/? mouse cell, or a progeny cell thereof, isolated from the NaV1.7?/? knockout mouse; and a primary cell culture or a secondary cell line and a tissue or organ explant or culture thereof derived from the NaV1.7?/? knockout mouse. Disclosed also are a hybridoma, wherein the hybridoma was originally formed from the fusion of the isolated NaV1.7?/? mouse cell mouse cell and a myeloma cell, and a method of making an antibody. Also disclosed are assays useful for screening prospective NaV1.7 inhibitors and dose ranging a test NaV17 inhibitor compound, which were validated using the NaV1.7?/? knockout mouse.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel protein having neuraminidase activity and/or ?-galactoside-?2,6-sialyltransferase activity and a nucleic acid encoding the protein. The present invention further provides a vector containing a nucleic acid encoding the protein, a host cell transformed with the vector, together with a method for producing a recombinant ?-galactoside-?2,6-sialyltransferase. The present invention also provides an antibody specifically recognizing the protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for establishing a symbiosis, including the following steps: selecting an organism or an organelle to constitute the symbiont and an organism to constitute the host, the latter not existing naturally in a symbiotic relationship; contacting the symbiont and the host; and maintaining the combination of the symbiont and the host.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising factor VIII coagulation factors linked to extended recombinant polypeptide (XTEN), isolated nucleic acids encoding the compositions and vectors and host cells containing the same, and methods of making and using such compositions in treatment of factor VIII-related diseases, disorders, and conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for generating and using induced pluripotent stem cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to fusion proteins that bind the enzyme thrombin and enhance the activation of the substrate Factor VII to the product Factor VIIa. The invention is also directed to polynucleotides, vectors, host cells, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of polypeptides from phytopathogenic fungi having the biological activity of an aurora kinase and the function of an aurora kinase activator, to nucleic acids coding therefore, to the use of the polypeptides and nucleic acids for identifying modulators of an aurora kinase, to processes for identifying such modulators and to the use of these modulators as fungicides.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include polynucleotides that encode mutant Cnidarian luciferases that exhibit modulated properties as compared to the corresponding wild-type luciferases, and the modulated properties include at least one of: modulated stability; enhanced light output; and modulated emission maximum. Embodiments of the present disclosure also include polypeptides or fragments thereof encoded by the polynucleotides, constructs including the polynucleotide, expression cassettes, cells, methods of producing the polynucleotides and polypeptides, antibodies, transgenic cells and/or animals, kits, and the like.

Abstract: A mutant transgenic mouse and cell line derived from the mouse are disclosed. The mutant transgenic mouse was developed from a cross between a mutant mouse which carries mutant genes that express a phenotype similar to human Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome, and a mouse strain containing a transgene encoding a temperature sensitive protein that is inactive at physiological temperatures. The resulting mutant mouse is characterized by the presence of the HPS mutations as well as the transgene. The mutant mouse and cell lines derived from the lung tissue of the mouse are useful models for lung pathology associated with human HPS, lung fibrosis and inflammation. Methods and assays utilizing the cell lines also are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides various antibodies that bind to lymphotoxin-?, methods for making such antibodies, compositions and articles incorporating such antibodies, and their uses in treating, for example, an autoimmune disorder. The antibodies include murine, chimeric, and humanized antibodies.

Abstract: Conjugates of Factor VII (FVII) and Factor VIIa (FVIIA) are provided, as are methods for preparing them. Methods for producing novel polypeptides contributing to the production of such conjugates are provided. Methods of treatment by administering a FVII or FVIIa conjugate are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides mutant or transgenic animals and cells derived from the mutant or transgenic animals, and particularly a transgenic mouse, that is useful, among other things, for the study, prognosis and diagnosis of hematological malignancies, including T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Methods are provided for using the mouse model or mutant animal cells to assist in the discovery and identification of genes that may promote lymphomagenesis, to prognose and diagnose disease, and to screen for potential therapeutic agents or drugs.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the methods and compositions involving nucleic acids with long repeat sequences. In some embodiments of the invention, there are methods for generating such a nucleic acid, and in other methods, there are methods for using such a nucleic acid to screen for candidate therapeutic compounds. Furthermore the present invention relates to methods of screening for Notch inhibitors and other substances that may be used to treat muscle loss and wasting.

Abstract: The present specification discloses clonal cell lines susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, methods of producing such clonal cell lines, and methods of detecting Botulinum toxin serotype A activity using such clonal cell lines.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. Specifically, this invention relates to the field of gene expression. More specifically, this invention relates to a novel ecdysone receptor/invertebrate retinoid X receptor-based inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating gene expression in a host cell for applications such as gene therapy, large-scale production of proteins and antibodies, cell-based high throughput screening assays, functional genomics and regulation of traits in transgenic organisms.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding mammalian, e.g., primate or rodent, genes, purified proteins and fragments thereof. Antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel androgen receptor splice variants (AR3, AR4, AR4b, AR5 and AR8) and variants and fragments thereof which have a role in the progression of androgen independent prostate cancer. The invention further relates to compositions and methods which can be used to identify and treat prostate cancer based on these novel androgen receptor splice variants, as well as methods for screening agents which modulate the activity and/or expression of the androgen receptor splice variants. Vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same and transgenic animals are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to PF4 muteins which comprise a substitution at position 67, e.g. a L67H substitution, compared to the sequence of the wild-type PF4 protein. Such PF4 muteins exhibit an increased anti-angiogenie activity and a reduced affinity for proteoglycans compared to the wild-type PF4 protein.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for increasing genome stability of an embryonic stem (ES) cell or induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell, increasing telomere length in an ES or iPS cell, or both, for example by contacting an ES or iPS cell with an agent that increases expression of Zscan4 in the cell. Methods for increasing the genome stability in a population of ES or iPS cells, increasing telomere length in a population of ES or iPS cells, or both, are provided, for example by selecting Zscan4+ ES or iPS cells from the population of ES or iPS cells (which can include both Zscan4+ and Zscan4? ES or iPS cells). Therapeutic methods of using ES or iPS cells expressing Zscan4 are also provided. Further provided are methods of treating cancer by administering a Zscan4 polynucleotide or Zscan4 polypeptide. Also provided are methods of inducing differentiation of isolated ES or iPS cells into germ cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid constructs comprising selectable marker genes in a multicistronic transcription unit for use in the generation and selection of eukaryotic host cells for expression of a gene product of interest. For increased stringency of selection, the coding sequence of the selectable marker may be directed preceded by a relatively short functional open reading frame to reduce the efficiency of translation of the selectable marker, and/or the amino acid sequence of the selectable marker may comprise one or more mutations that reduce the level of resistance provide by the mutated marker as compared to its wild type counterpart. The invention further relates to methods for generating eukaryotic host cells for expression of a gene product of interest, wherein these nucleic acid constructs are used, and to methods for producing a gene product of interest wherein thus generated host cells are applied.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. Specifically, this invention relates to the field of gene expression. More specifically, this invention relates to a novel inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating gene expression in a host cell for applications such as gene therapy, large scale production of proteins and antibodies, cell-based high throughput screening assays, functional genomics and regulation of traits in transgenic plants and animals.

Abstract: A sialyltransferase having the following physico-chemical properties: (1) Activity: transfers sialic acid from a sialic acid donor selectively to a 3-hydroxyl group of a galactose residue contained in lactosylceramide as a sialic acid acceptor to produce ganglioside GM3; (2) Optimal Reaction pH: 6.0 to 7.0; and (3) Inhibition and Activation: the activity increases at least 1.5 times with 10 mM of Mn2+ as compared with the case in the absence thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides deimmunized mutant proteins having reduced immunogenicity while exhibiting substantially the same or greater biological activity as the proteins of interst from which they are derived, as exemplified by mutant L-asparaginase that comprises amino acid substitutions compared to wild type L-asparaginase. The invention further provides methods for screening mutant deimmunized proteins that have substantially the same or greater biological activity as a protein of interest, and methods for reducing immunogenicity, without substantially reducing biological activity, of a protein of interest. The invention's compositions and methods are useful in, for example, therapeutic applications by minimizing adverse immune responses by the host mammalian subjects to the protein of interest.

Abstract: The invention provides functional mutants of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) protein that have increased activity as compared to a wild-type AID protein. The invention also provides nucleic acids encoding the functional AID mutants, and vectors and cells comprising the nucleic acids. The invention further provides methods of using the functional mutant AID proteins.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for preparing recombinant glycoproteins with high sialic acid content. More specifically, for UDP-GlcNAc 2-epimerase/ManNAc kinase (GNE/MNK) enzyme where point mutation was induced by substituting arginine at position 263 by leucine only or by further substituting arginine at position 266 by glutamine, epimerase activity is constantly maintained, and overexpressed cells thereof experience an increase in intracellular cytidine monophosphate (CMP)-sialic acid content, irrespective of CMP-sialic acid concentration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the culturing of cells, preferably E1-immortalized HER cells, more preferably PER.C6 cells in a reactor in suspension in a cell culture medium, wherein the cells produce a biological substance, preferably an antibody, wherein at least one cell culture medium component is fed to the cell culture and wherein the cell culture comprising the cells, the biological substance and cell culture medium is circulated over a separation system and wherein the separation system separates the biological substance from substances having a lower molecular weight than the biological substance and wherein the biological substance is retained in or fed back into the reactor. Preferably part of the substances of lower molecular weight is continuously removed from the cell culture.

Abstract: The present invention generally concerns cell therapy and products for use in such therapy. Particularly, the invention provides a preserved cell preparation essentially free of one or more members of a group of cryoprotecting agents consisting of polyalcohols, DMSO and cryoprotecting proteins, the preserved cell preparation comprising somatic cells and at least one polyphenol, wherein upon reconstitution of cells in the cell preparation, at least a portion of said stem cells are viable, said portion being sufficient for use of the cell preparation in stem cell therapy. The invention also provides cells reconstituted from preserved somatic cells, and the use of the reconstituted cells in cell therapy. A preferred cell preparation in accordance with the invention comprises stem cells, preferably human stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inducing differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into neural precursor cells, comprising culturing the pluripotent stem cells in the presence of a small molecule BMP inhibitor, and induced neural precursor cells prepared by this method.

Abstract: The use of the HIP/PAP protein or a protein derivative thereof for manufacturing a medicament for preventing or treating: a neonatal brain injury, which includes a neonatal brain injury caused by a brain hypoxia, an adult or child brain injury, which includes an adult or child brain injury caused by a brain hypoxia, an adult or child or neonatal traumatic brain injury, a cerebellar disease or disorder, and a disease involving a defect in the production or in the phosphorylation of Gap-43.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spontaneously immortalized multipotent mesenchymal cell-line, wherein the cell-line has been isolated from mouse subcutaneous adipose tissue, and wherein the cell-line presents fibroblastoid morphology and expresses Sca-1, c-Kit/CD117, nestin, nucleostemin, CD44 and CD106 markers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody directed to a beta cell marker protein, in particular to an antibody directed to the protein TMEM27.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a molecule comprising an albumin binding domain (ABD) and an FcRn binding moiety, wherein said molecule has enhanced pharmacologic properties in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polypeptides comprising a fragment of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, or a variant, derivative or fusion thereof, which is capable of binding specifically to and lysing cells of Clostridium difficile, wherein the polypeptide exhibits greater lytic activity on cells of Clostridium difficile than the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1. The invention further provides means for producing the same, methods for killing bacterial cells such as cells of Clostridium difficile, as well as methods for diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases and conditions associated with infection of the same.

Abstract: The present invention is based, in part, on flagellin adjuvant used to enhance immune responses directed against Streptococcus pneumoniae, in particular, to enhance immune responses to polypeptide antigens (e.g., PspA) and capsular polysaccharide from S. pneumoniae. In representative embodiments, the invention provides a fusion protein comprising a flagellin adjuvant and one more polypeptide antigens from S. pneumoniae. In other embodiments, the invention provides a conjugate comprising a flagellin adjuvant covalently linked to a capsular polysaccharide from one or more serotypes of S. pneumoniae. Also provided are compositions comprising the fusion proteins and/or conjugates of the invention as well as immunogenic formulations comprising the inventive fusion proteins, conjugates and/or compositions. The invention also provides methods of producing an immune response against S. pneumoniae and methods of protecting a subject from S.

Abstract: Methods for screening for modulators of autophagy are disclosed. Methods for identifying genes whose expression inhibits autophagy, as well as genes whose expression promotes autophagy, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for identifying compounds that stimulate autophagy, as well as compounds that inhibit autophagy. Cell lines that may be used in the methods of identification are also disclosed.

Abstract: Modified interleukin-12 (IL-12) p40 polypeptides are disclosed. The modified polypeptides have alterations in the IL-12p40 subunit to eliminate the protease site between positions Lys260 and Arg261. The modified IL-12p40 polypeptides according to the invention have improved stability compared to wild-type mature human IL-12p40 polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides the amino acid and nucleic acid sequences of heavy chain and light chain complementarity determining regions of a cancer specific antibody. In addition, the invention provides cancer specific antibodies and immunoconjugates comprising the cancer specific antibody attached to a toxin or label, and methods and uses thereof. The invention also relates to diagnostic methods and kits using the cancer specific antibodies of the invention. Further, the invention provides a novel cancer-associated antigen and its uses thereof.