Abstract: The technology relates to a nucleic acid expression cassette comprising a TR element encoding an mRNA molecule that is translated in stressed and/or dying cells, and a nucleotide sequence operably linked to the TR element, that is a first open reading frame (ORF) sequence and encodes a polypeptide or a fragment thereof and is co-translated with the TR element. The technology further relates to mammalian cells and a transgenic animal comprising such expression cassette.

Abstract: A promoter comprising nucleotides from positions 2489-3038 of FIG. 3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gingival fibroblast culture medium free of animal serum, comprising an animal cell culture medium, free of animal serum, to which is added: from 0.1 ng/ml to 100 ng/ml bFGF, and/or from 1 ?g/ml to 50 ?g/ml insulin.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of identifying inhibitors of gene silencing or re-silencing, which can include repressing expression of a selectable marker gene in mammalian cells, treating the cells with at least one test compound, growing the cells under selective conditions, and quantifying the relative number of cells that live, wherein a change in the relative number of cells as compared to cells that were not treated with the test compound, identifies the compound as an inhibitor of gene silencing or re-silencing. Also disclosed herein are transgenic mice and isolated cell lines that are useful in the disclosed methods and kits for use in performing the disclosed methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for improving the production of recombinant proteins through the use of pharmacological chaperones for the recombinant proteins. As exemplified by the present invention, the binding of a pharmacological chaperone to a recombinant protein expressed by a cell can stabilize the protein and increase export of the protein out of the cell's endoplasmic reticulum, and increase secretion of the protein by the cell.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide the following: a method for preparing a basement membrane which is extracellular matrices having a function to control morphology, differentiation, proliferation, motility, function expression and the like of cells; a method for constructing a specimen of a basement membrane; a process for producing a reconstituted artificial tissue; a basement membrane specimen or an artificial tissue which can be transplanted while maintaining the structure of a basement membrane. A basement membrane having a barrier function is formed by culturing alveolar epithelial cells or vascular endothelial cells on a fibrous collagen matrix coated with a polymer having a sugar chain which can localize a receptor having an activity to accumulate a basement membrane component on the basal surface of the cells having an ability to form a basement membrane.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for altering the ion conductivity of a membrane. The method comprises inserting a biological photoreceptor into the membrane. The biological photoreceptor is configured to act as a light-controlled ion channel. The photoreceptor used comprises an apoprotein and a light-sensitive polyene covalently bound to the apoprotein, wherein the polyene interacts with the apoprotein and functions as a light-sensitive gate.

Abstract: This invention provides a mixing method by which a mixing object can be uniformly mixed into a gelled assembly within a short time period. The method for mixing a mixing object into a gelled assembly comprises freezing the gelled assembly; melting the frozen assembly to obtain a sol; mixing the resultant sol and the mixing object; and reconstituting the gelled assembly from the sol into which the mixing object has been mixed.

Abstract: Problem to Be Solved It is intended to provide an antibody having an inhibitory activity against cell malignant transformation and/or tumor cell growth, etc. Solution The present invention provides an antibody which recognizes an epitope recognized by an antibody produced by a hybridoma SH348-1 (FERM BP-10836) or a hybridoma SH357-1 (FERM BP-10837), an antibody produced by the hybridoma SH348-1 or the hybridoma SH357-1, an antibody obtained by humanizing the antibody produced by the hybridoma SH348-1 or the hybridoma SH357-1, a pharmaceutical agent comprising the antibody as an active ingredient, etc.

Abstract: The present inventors discovered that knockout mice whose S1-5 gene function is lost develop age-related diseases or symptoms. In such knockout mice, bone mineral content, bone mineral density, and bone strength were found to be decreased, and the number of osteoclasts in bone tissues was found to be increased. Analysis of osteoclast-forming ability using bone marrow cells derived from the knockout mice revealed that osteoclast-forming ability is enhanced and osteoclasts are larger in the knockout mice than in wildtype mice. When purified S1-5 protein was added to this in vitro system, osteoclast-forming ability was inhibited. Furthermore, administration of purified S1-5 protein to osteoporotic model mice showed that this protein has the effect of improving osteoporosis. The above findings demonstrate that S1-5 protein is useful for treating and preventing age-related diseases such as osteoporosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides an animal cell expressing a gene coding a ligand-responsive transcription control factor and securely maintaining a DNA comprising in a molecule, the following genes (a) and (b): (a) a reporter gene connected downstream from a transcription control region, in which said transcription control region substantially consists of a recognition sequence of said ligand-responsive transcription control factor and a minimum promoter which can function in said cell; and (b) a selective marker gene which can function in said cell; provided that the following gene (c): (c) a reporter gene connected downstream from a promoter which transcription activity is unchanged by having said responsive transcription control factor contacted with a ligand of said ligand-responsive transcription control factor, said reporter gene (c) coding a protein which can be differentiated from the protein coded by said gene (a) is not present in said cell and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for culturing human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in a hESC culture medium comprising a porous membrane, feeder cells being attached to a bottom of the porous membrane and a method for recovering human embryonic stem cells using the same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to monoclonal, chimeric or humanized, antibodies or antibody-like molecules that recognize an epitope common to human acidic and basic isoferritins. The anti-ferritin antibodies or antibody-like molecules can be used in pharmaceutical compositions for immunotherapy or radioimmunotherapy to target various cancer cells in a mammal. A method for delivering anti-ferritin antibodies or antibody-like molecules to cancerous lymph cells, pancreatic cells, lymphatic endothelium cells, and liver cells is also disclosed, as well as methods for treating pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinomas, Kaposi's sarcoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Abstract: Provided are novel vectors and viral vectors capable of expressing exogenous gene or exogenous nucleic acid sequences in a target cell of interest, such as T cells, bone marrow cells, epithelial cells, liver cells and the like. The nucleic acid components of the vectors may include one or more native promoter/enhancer regions having modified sequence segments, one or more non-native promoter/enhancer or non-native promoter's gene or gene segment, and a native viral vector terminator or processing signal or segment thereof. The viral vectors comprise a virus or viral portion having on the surfaces or envelopes adsorption components, one for a packaging cell line and the other for delivery to a target cell. Packaging cell lines for propagating the vectors and viral vectors are also provided, as are novel processes for propagating any of the disclosed vectors or viral vectors.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for altering the expression profile of a cell to convert the cell from one cell type to a desired cell type (e.g., T-cells). These reprogrammed cells may be used in a variety of medical applications for treating a mammal in need of a particular cell type.

Abstract: A previously unknown mammalian UDP-N-acetylglucosamine:?-6-D-mannoside ?-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyl-transferase (termed GlcNAc T-Vb herein) coding sequence, protein, recombinant host cells and antibodies which specifically bind GlcNAc T-Vb are described. In particular, GlcNAc T-Vb of mouse is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immortalized feeder cell line. The immortalized feeder cell line may be derived from an embryonic fibroblast, which may be a mouse embryonic fibroblast. A culture of an immortalized feeder cell line according to the invention in a suitable culture medium is also provided, as is a composition including an immortalized feeder cell line according to the invention in a suitable carrier or diluent and conditioned medium produced from growth of an immortalized feeder cell line according to the invention. The invention further provides a method of culturing a stem cell including use of a cell line or conditioned medium according to the invention and cells so produced.

Abstract: Disclosed are multi-chambered cell co-culture systems. The systems can be utilized to encourage the growth and development of isolated cells in a dynamic three-dimensional in vitro environment. The cell chambers (10) of the system can be in biochemical communication with adjacent chambers containing cells of different types, but the different cell types are maintained physically separated from one another. In addition, the local environment of each cell chamber can be independently controlled. For example, fluid flow characteristics through a single cell chamber can be independently controlled and maintained for each separate chamber of the system.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding mammalian SNORF25 receptors, purified mammalian SNORF25 receptors, vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF25 receptors, cells comprising such vectors, antibodies directed to mammalian SNORF25 receptors, nucleic acid probes useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF25 receptors, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to unique sequences of nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF25 receptors, transgenic, nonhuman animals which express DNA encoding normal or mutant mammalian SNORF25 receptors, methods of isolating mammalian SNORF25 receptors, methods of treating an abnormality that is linked to the activity of the mammalian SNORF25 receptors, as well as methods of determining binding of compounds to mammalian SNORF25 receptors, methods of identifying agonists and antagonists of SNORF25 receptors, and agonists and antagonists so identified.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide an immortalized fibroblast cell line capable of the growth and maintenance of human embryonic stem cells. An immortalized fibroblast cell line derived from an early stage mouse embryo is provided. Methods of preparing an immortalized fibroblast cell line from an early stage mouse embryo are also provided.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for preparing a basement membrane comprising extracellular matrices having a function to control morphology, differentiation, proliferation, motility, function expression and the like of cells. This basement membrane is formed by culturing cells having an ability to form a basement membrane on a fibrous collagen matrix coated with a polymer having a sugar chain. This sugar chain coat can localize a receptor which has an activity to accumulate a basement membrane component on the basal surface of the cells.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a human MCH1 receptor, a purified human MCH1 receptor, vectors comprising isolated nucleic acid encoding a human MCH1 receptor, cells comprising such vectors, antibodies directed to a human MCH1 receptor, nucleic acid probes useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding human MCH1 receptors, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to unique sequences of nucleic acid encoding human MCH1 receptors, transgenic, nonhuman animals which express DNA encoding a normal or mutant human MCH1 receptor, methods of isolating a human MCH1 receptor, methods of treating an abnormality that is linked to the activity of a human MCH1 receptor, as well as methods of determining binding of compounds to mammalian MCH1 receptors.

Abstract: Materials and methods for identifying agents which modulate KSR mediated signal transduction are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to means and methods for regulating gene expression and production of proteinaceous molecules. The invention provides a method for producing a proteinaceous molecule in a cell comprising selecting a cell for its suitability for producing the proteinaceous molecule, providing a nucleic acid encoding the proteinaceous molecule with a nucleic acid comprising a STAR (STabilizing Anti-Repression) sequence, expressing the resulting nucleic acid in the cell and collecting the proteinaceous molecule. Providing at least one STAR sequence to a nucleic acid encoding a proteinaceous molecule will enhance production (yield) of the proteinaceous molecule by a host cell, increase the proportion of host cells with acceptable expression levels, and/or increase stability of a gene expression level.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel transformed cell useful in constructing an anti-aging agent screening system, a screening method which uses the same and an anti-aging agent, and it relates to a transformed cell in which a gene coding for (a) a protein capable of phosphorylating p38 protein, or (b) p38 protein, a mutant of p38 protein, a kinase domain of p38 protein, a kinase domain of p38 protein mutant or a fusion protein containing them is transformed into a normal cell, a screening method which uses this transformed cell and an anti-aging agent which uses a compound obtained by the screening method as the active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving homogeneity and/or secretion of a recombinant protein of interest expressed in mammalian cells by replacing the endogenous signal peptide sequence of the DNA encoding the protein of interest with that of human hGH. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method wherein the protein of interest is a subunit of the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The invention also relates to DNA expression vectors containing the sequence encoding such proteins of interest fused to the signal peptide sequence of the hGH and to cells harbouring such vectors.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immortalized human cardiomyocyte cell line. The present invention further provides a method for preparing a human immortalized cell line derived from a post-mitotic primary cell culture.

Abstract: A novel polypeptide which is useful in searching for a therapeutic agent for diabetes, a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide, an expression vector comprising the polynucleotide, a cell transfected with the expression vector, an antibody binding to the polypeptide, and a method of screening a therapeutic agent for diabetes are disclosed. The polypeptide is a novel background potassium channel expressed in the pancreas.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for rapidly culturing a large amount of human chondrocytes to give normal chondrocytes or a mass thereof. The culture method comprises co-culturing human chondrocytes together with perichondral cells in the chondrogenic stage, as feeder cells, which support the proliferation ability of the chondrocytes, to allow rapid culturing of the human chondrocytes in a large amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to identification of a receptor for a satiety factor, which is involved in body weight homeostasis. Mutations in this receptor are associated with obese phenotypes. In particular, the present invention relates to identification and characterization of the receptor for leptin, including a naturally occurring soluble form of the receptor that is expected to modulate leptin activity, in particular to agonize leptin activity. The invention further relates to the nucleic acids encoding the receptor, and to methods for using the receptor, e.g., to identify leptin analogs, therapeutically, such as in gene therapy or in soluble form as an agonist or antagonist of leptin activity, or diagnostically.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding mammalian SNORF62 and SNORF72 receptors, purified mammalian SNORF62 and SNORF72 receptors, vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF62 and SNORF72 receptors, cells comprising such vectors, antibodies directed to mammalian SNORF62 and SNORF72 receptors, nucleic acid probes useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF62 and SNORF72 receptors, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to unique sequences of nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF62 and SNORF72 receptors, transgenic, nonhuman animals which express DNA encoding normal or mutant mammalian SNORF62 and SNORF72 receptors, methods of isolating mammalian SNORF62 and SNORF72 receptors, methods of treating an abnormality that is linked to the activity of the mammalian SNORF62 and SNORF72 receptors, as well as methods of determining binding of compounds to mammalian SNORF62 and SNORF72 receptors, methods of identifying agonists and antagonists of SNORF62 and SNORF72 receptors

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding mammalian SNORF36 receptors, purified mammalian SNORF36 receptors, vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF36 receptors, cells comprising such vectors, antibodies directed to mammalian SNORF36 receptors, nucleic acid probes useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF36 receptors, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to unique sequences of nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF36 receptors, transgenic, nonhuman animals which express DNA encoding normal or mutant mammalian SNORF36 receptors, methods of isolating mammalian SNORF36 receptors, methods of treating an abnormality that is linked to the activity of the mammalian SNORF36 receptors, as well as methods of determining binding of compounds to mammalian SNORF36 receptors, methods of identifying agonists and antagonists of SNORF36 receptors, and agonists and antagonists so identified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new tumor suppressor, designated CAR-1, the gene for which is located on the short arm of human chromosome 1. This gene is directly implicated in colon, kidney and breast cancers, and the CAR-1 ubiquitous expression of the corresponding transcript suggests that it may be involved in yet others. Thus, one aspect of the invention is the diagnosis of CAR-1-related malignancies. The full length cDNA for CAR-1, as well as oligonucleotides derived therefrom, are disclosed. Screening methods for modulators of CAR-1 function and expression, as well as methods for cancer therapy, are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to genetically modified fibroblast cells which comprise the following properties: (a) a gene, encoding a subunit of the transcription factor AP-1, of its genome is inactivated and/or a component, acting on the AP-1 transcription factor of the signal transduction pathway is modified resulting in a modified AP-1 activity; (b) functionally linked with a promoter, it contains in an expression vector the gene from (a) in a form such that the active subunit is only expressed after induction of the promoter or the subunit encoded by the gene is present in inactive form and a form that can be activated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel gene which is associated with audiogenic seizures in mice. The gene is known as the Monogenic Audiogenic Seizure-susceptible gene or mass1. The product of the mass1 gene is designated MASS1. Nucleic acid molecules that encode for MASS1 have been identified and purified. The sequence of murine mass1 can be found at SEQ ID NO: 1, and the sequence of human mass1 can be found at SEQ ID NO: 3. Mammalian genes encoding a MASS1 protein are also provided. The invention also provides recombinant vectors comprising nucleic acid molecules that code for a MASS1 protein. These vectors can be plasmids. In certain embodiments, the vectors are prokaryotic or eukaryotic expression vectors. The nucleic acid coding for MASS1 can be linked to a heterologous promoter. The invention also relates to transgenic animals in which one or both alleles of the endogenous mass1 gene is mutated.

Abstract: Polynucleotides encoding mammalian ECM signaling molecules affecting the cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation activities characterizing such complex biological processes as angiogenesis, chondrogenesis, and oncogenesis, are provided. The polynucleotide compositions include DNAs and RNAs comprising part, or all, of an ECM signaling molecule coding sequence, or biological equivalents. Polypeptide compositions are also provided. The polypeptide compositions comprise mammalian ECM signaling molecules, peptide fragments, inhibitory peptides capable of interacting with receptors for ECM signaling molecules, and antibody products recognizing Cyr61. Also provided are methods for producing mammalian ECM signaling molecules. Further provided are methods for using mammalian ECM signaling molecules to screen for, and/or modulate, disorders associated with angiogenesis, chondrogenesis, and oncogenesis; ex vivo methods for using mammalian ECM signaling molecules to prepare blood products are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide, a purified polypeptide, vectors comprising isolated nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide, cells comprising such vectors, antibodies directed to a polypeptide, nucleic acid probes useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to unique sequences of nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide, nonhuman transgenic animals which express DNA encoding a normal or a mutant polypeptide, methods of isolating a polypeptide, methods of treatment eating disorders as well as methods of determining binding of compounds to polypeptides.

Abstract: Tumor cells having tumorigenic potential but lacking invasive/metastatic potential are established by introducing an oncogene of the ras family into a BALB/c 3T3 A31-variant cell. A screening method for genes having the property of conferring invasive/metastatic potential is also provided, which comprises transfecting DNA derived from a tumor tissue obtained from the surface or inside of a mammal or derived from a tumor cell line into tumor cells having tumorigenic potential but lacking invasive/metastatic potential, isolating cells having acquired invasive/metastatic potential and extracting DNA therefrom.

Abstract: An in vitro system for identifying agents capable of inhibiting or preventing oxidative damage is provided. The disclosed in vitro system comprises a mouse fibroblast culture derived from a transgenic mouse capable of expressing a reporter gene regulated by a human elastin promoter and a chemical means for generating reactive oxygen species within the mouse fibroblast culture. Also disclosed is a method for using this in vitro system for identifying agents capable of inhibiting or preventing oxidative damage.

Abstract: The present invention provides genes encoding novel matrix metalloproteinases termed MMP; constructs and recombinant host cells incorporating the genes; the MMP polypeptides encoded by the genes; antibodies to the MMP polypeptides; and methods of making and using all of the foregoing.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a human MCH1 receptor, a purified human MCH1 receptor, vectors comprising isolated nucleic acid encoding a human MCH1 receptor, cells comprising such vectors, antibodies directed to a human MCH1 receptor, nucleic acid probes useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding human MCH1 receptors, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to unique sequences of nucleic acid encoding human MCH1 receptors, transgenic, nonhuman animals which express DNA encoding a normal or mutant human MCH1 receptor, methods of isolating a human MCH1 receptor, methods of treating an abnormality that is linked to the activity of a human MCH1 receptor, as well as methods of determining binding of compounds to mammalian MCH1 receptors.

Abstract: Methods to identify agents having ocular hypotensive activity which have reduced or absent ability to stimulate iridial hyperpigmentation are disclosed. The methods reside in part in detecting the ability of a test compound to interact with the FP receptor.

Abstract: This invention relates to newly identified polynucleotides, polypeptides encoded by such polynucleotides, the use of such polynucleotides and polypeptides, as well as the production and isolation of such polynucleotides and polypeptides. More particularly, the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the present invention have been identified as porcine stem cell factors, and in particular membrane-bound porcine stem cell factors, and still more particularly as being involved in the culture of pluripotent or totipotent porcine cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying a compound (agent) which modulates apoptosis in transformed cells. In one embodiment, the invention is a method of identifying a compound which selectively activates apoptosis in transformed cells. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention can be used as a method of identifying a compound which inhibits apoptosis in cells. The invention also relates to a method of selectively killing transformed cells, wherein the transformed cell is contacted with a compound which selectively activates apoptosis in transformed cells, as described herein. The invention also relates to methods of treating diseases associated with defective apoptotic machinery (e.g., cancer, neurodegenerative disease). The methods of the present invention are useful for defining the biochemical mechanisms of apoptosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transfected primary and secondary somatic cells of vertebrate origin, particularly mammalian origin, transfected with exogenous genetic material (DNA) that encodes erythropoietin or an insulinotropin (e.g., derivatives of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)), methods by which primary and secondary cells are transfected to include exogenous genetic material encoding erythropoietin or an insulinotropin, methods of producing clonal cell strains or heterogenous cell strains that express erythropoietin or an insulinotropin, methods of gene therapy, in which the transfected primary or secondary cells are used, and methods of producing antibodies using the transfected primary or secondary cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel exocytotic polypeptides, such as Exo1 and Exo2 polypeptides and related molecules, which have an inhibitory effect on exocytosis and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention. Further provided by the present invention are method for identifying novel compositions which mediate exocytotic polypeptide bioactivity, and the use of such compositions in diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery, identification and characterization of nucleotides that encode Ob receptor (ObR), a receptor protein that participates in mammalian body weight regulation. The invention encompasses obR nucleotides, host cell expression systems, ObR proteins, fusion proteins, polypeptides and peptides, antibodies to the receptor, transgenic animals that express an obR transgene, or recombinant knock-out animals that do not express the ObR, antagonists and agonists of the receptor, and other compounds that modulate obR gene expression or ObR activity that can be used for diagnosis, drug screening, clinical trial monitoring, and/or the treatment of body weight disorders, including but not limited to obesity, cachexia and anorexia.

Abstract: A two-step system for preparing biomaterials from polymeric precursors is disclosed. The method involves (a) shaping the polymeric precursors by inducing thermal gelation of an aqueous solution of the polymeric precursors and (b) curing the polymeric precursors by cross-linking reactive groups on the polymeric precursors to produce a cured material. The curing reaction involves either a Michael-type addition reaction or a free radical photopolymerization reaction in order to cross-link the polymeric materials. The biomaterials produced by this method have a variety of biomedical uses, including drug delivery, microencapsulation, and implantation.

Abstract: Cells are genetically modified to express a luminophore, e.g., a modified (F64L, S65T, Y66H) Green Flourescent Protein (GFP, EGFP) coupled to a component of an intracellular signalling pathway such as a transcription factor, a cGMP- or cAMP-dependent protein kinase, a cyclin-, calmodulin- or phospholipid-dependent or mitogen-activated serine/threonin protein kinase, a tryosine protein kinase, or a protein phosphatase (e.g. PKA, PKC, Erk, Smad, VASP, actin, p38, Jnkl, PKG, IkappaB, CDK2, Grk5, Zap70, p85, protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1C, Stat5, NFAT, NFkappaB, RhoA, PKB). An influence modulates the intracellular signaling pathway in such a way that the luminophore is being redistributed or translocated with the component in living cells in a manner experimentally determined to be correlated to the degree of influence.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing ocular diseases by implanting in an eye of a subject a composition comprising encapsulated cells which produce polypeptides, more particularly polypeptides that exhibit neurotrophic and/or anti-angiogenic activity. The encapsulation prevents the entry of host immune cells in the microcapsule while permitting the release of the polypeptide outside of the microcapsule.