Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides tissue compositions including a first silk scaffold comprising a plurality of epithelial cells, a second silk scaffold comprising a plurality of stromal cells, and a plurality of neurons. In some embodiments, provided compositions can function as physiologically relevant corneal model systems for, inter alia, testing of therapeutics for corneal disease and/or injury and production of functional corneal tissue (e.g., for transplant, etc). The present invention also provides methods for making and using provided compositions.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for regenerating smooth muscle tissue by the provision of a purified population of epicardial-derived pericytes, where the smooth muscle tissue may comprise, without limitation, coronary artery tissue; kidney tissue, etc. Compositions and kits for practicing the methods and/or for use with the systems of the disclosure are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cultivating an epithelial stem/progenitor cell population of the amniotic membrane of umbilical cord, the epithelial stem/progenitor cell population having the capacity to differentiate in multiple cell types.

Abstract: The present invention relates to layered cell sheets comprising living cells and methods for producing the same. Specifically, the present invention provides methods for layering cell sheets, comprising layering cell sheets using hydrogel or preferably gelatin hydrogel. The present invention also provides layered cell sheets produced by such methods, and pharmaceutical compositions or therapeutic agents comprising layered cell sheets.

Abstract: Epidermis equivalents capable of pigmentation include cells derived from the differentiation of matrix cells; reconstructed skins comprised thereof, optionally containing hair follicles, are useful for evaluating the effect of topical cosmetic, pharmaceutical or dermatological products and may also be used for the preparation of grafts suited to be transplanted on mammals, more particularly on human patients such as victims of third-degree burns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell culturing method and cell culturing apparatus and kit for use therewith. The method includes applying cells on a porous polyimide film and culturing. One embodiment includes a process for sowing cells on the surface of the film. Another embodiment includes a process for placing a cell suspension on the dried surface of the film and leaving the film undisturbed, moving the film to promote liquid efflux, or stimulating a portion of the surface to entangle the cell suspension into the film, and then retaining the cells in suspension inside the film while allowing moisture to flow out. Another embodiment includes a process for moistening one or both surfaces of the film with a cell culture solution or sterilized liquid, loading a cell suspension on the moistened film, retaining the cells in suspension inside the film, and allowing moisture to flow out.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cultivating stem/progenitor cells of the amniotic membrane of umbilical cord that comprises obtaining a tissue explant from the amniotic membrane of umbilical cord and cultivating the tissue explant in suitable cultivation media and cultivation conditions over a suitable period of time. The method may include isolating the stem/progenitor cells from the tissue cultures. The stem cells may be epithelial or mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells. The isolated stem cell cells can have embryonic stem cell-like properties and can be used for various therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides for identification and use of small molecules to induce pluripotency in mammalian cells as well as other methods of inducing pluripotency.

Abstract: Cell culture media formulations for culturing human epithelial cells are herein described. Also described are methods of increasing population doublings in a cell culture of finite life span human epithelial cells and prolonging the life span of human cell cultures. Using the cell culture media disclosed alone and in combination with addition to the cell culture of a compound associated with anti-stress activity achieves extended growth of pre-stasis cells and increased population doublings and life span in human epithelial cell cultures.

Abstract: Described herein are injectable alloplastic implant compositions that are particularly useful for soft tissue defect augmentation. The compositions include microparticles, such as polymethylmethacrylate particles, and collagen as a suspending agent, wherein the collagen contains a reduced amount of low molecular weight gelatine compared to high molecular weight collagen. By controlling the molecular weight of the collagen in the compositions, the injectability, stability, and antigenicity of the alloplastic implant compositions can be improved.

Abstract: Described herein are injectable alloplastic implant compositions that are particularly useful for soft tissue defect augmentation. The compositions include microparticles, such as polymethylmethacrylate particles, and collagen as a suspending agent, wherein the collagen contains a reduced amount of low molecular weight gelatine compared to high molecular weight collagen. By controlling the molecular weight of the collagen in the compositions, the injectability, stability, and antigenicity of the alloplastic implant compositions can be improved.

Abstract: Described herein are injectable alloplastic implant compositions that are particularly useful for soft tissue defect augmentation. The compositions include microparticles, such as polymethylmethacrylate particles, and collagen as a suspending agent, wherein the collagen contains a reduced amount of low molecular weight gelatine compared to high molecular weight collagen. By controlling the molecular weight of the collagen in the compositions, the injectability, stability, and antigenicity of the alloplastic implant compositions can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in vitro cultured skin substitutes. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for the development of cultured skin substitutes using NIKS cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of preparing multi-cellular three-dimensional tissue constructs, that include fibroblasts, endothelial cells, lymphocytes and epithelial cells. The present methods may include embedding fibroblasts and endothelial cells in a matrix enriched with gut basement membrane proteins to form a cell containing matrix that is then added to a bioreactor and exposed to epithelial cells and activated lymphocytes as the cell cultures. Also provided are the tissue constructs formed from such methods, a matrix enriched with gut basement membrane proteins and kits that include the same. Further provided are methods of measuring toxicity of a pathogen or commensal organisms, chemosensitivity of tissues to a toxic material and inflammatory conditions, which use the present multi-cellular three-dimensional tissue constructs.

Abstract: In the field of biological technology, a stem cell culture method is provided. The method includes preparing an amniotic epithelial cell feeder layer that is not treated to lose the division ability; and seeding the stem cells onto the amniotic epithelial cell feeder layer, and culturing in a culture medium. The stem cell culture method according to the present invention does not require the treatment of the feeder layer cells to lose the division ability, and is thus simple and safe, thereby effectively solving the problem of contamination caused by animal-derived ingredients in culture of human stem cells at present, greatly reducing the culture cost of the stem cells, and providing a safe, effective, and inexpensive stem cell culture method for the industrialization of the stem cells in the future.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a non-autologous product that is a mixture of two or more cells or tissue cultures of fibroblast, or extracts from cultures, or media cultures, isolated from separate individuals, either homogeneous or heterogeneous. The cells or factors are blended together in a product that imparts desired characteristics to the skin of a recipient who is not a source of the mixture. The present disclosure also relates to methods of making and using and/or culturing the fibroblasts including to optimize the potency of the mixture to impart one or more the desired characteristics to the skin of a recipient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fusion protein comprising a skin-penetrating peptide, a polynucleotide encoding the fusion protein, an expression vector comprising the polynucleotide, a transformant comprising the expression vector, a method for preparing the fusion protein, a cosmetic composition for improving skin conditions, which comprises the fusion protein, and a pharmaceutical composition for external skin use, which comprises the fusion protein. The fusion protein of the invention comprises a skin-penetrating peptide bound to a physiologically active protein. The fusion protein significantly enhances the skin penetration and skin retention of the physiologically active protein while maintaining or enhancing the ability of the physiologically active protein to synthesize a material showing physiologically active effects. Thus, it can be widely used as an active ingredient in functional cosmetic compositions and pharmaceutical compositions for external skin use.

Abstract: Gene encoding human glucokinase mutant is provided. The gene has the nucleotide sequence chosen from the nucleotide sequence listed as SEQ ID NO:2 and the nucleotide sequence wherein the ORF region encodes the same amino acid sequence as the one encoded by ORF region (position 487 to 1884) of SEQ ID NO:2 and the rest of the region is same as the non-ORF region of SEQ ID NO:2. Human glucokinase mutant encoded by the gene, the recombinant vectors carrying the gene, the hosts comprising the vectors, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, uses thereof, and methods for treating and preventing diseases by using the same are provided. The human glucokinase mutant encoded by the gene has higher activity than that of the wild type human glucokinase, and thus provides a new way of controlling blood glucose and/or preventing and/or treating disturbance of carbohydrate metabolism, especially preventing and treating diabetes.

Abstract: A synthetic scaffold for replacing at least a portion of an airway includes an airway mold, one or more structural ribs on the airway mold, and a non-structural wall. Each of the one or more structural ribs is formed from a first material and the non-structural wall is formed from a second material. The non-structural wall coats the airway mold and forms a conduit that incorporates the one or more structural ribs.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for isolating and detecting rare cells from a biological sample containing other types of cells, particularly including debulking that uses a microfabricated filter for filtering samples. The enriched rare cells can be used in a downstream process such as identification, characterization or growth in culture, or in other ways. Also included is a method of determining tumor aggressiveness or the number or proportion of cancer cells in the enriched sample by detecting telomerase activity, nucleic acid or expression after enrichment of rare cells. Also provided is an efficient, rapid method to specifically remove red and white blood cells from a biological sample containing at least one of the cell types, leading to enrichment of rare target cells including circulating tumor (CTC), stromal, mesenchymal, endothelial, fetal, stem, or non-hematopoietic cells et cetera from a blood sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a one-vector expression system comprising a sequence encoding two polypeptides, such as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and GTP-cyclohydrolase 1 (GCH1). The two polypeptides can be should preferentially be expressed at a ratio between 3:1 and 15:1, such as between 3:1 and 7:1. The invention is useful in the treatment of catecholamine deficient disorders, such as dopamine deficient disorders including but not limited to Parkinson's Disease. Moreover, the present invention provides a method to deliver the vector construct in order to limit the increased production of the catecholamine to the cells in need thereof.

Abstract: An assay system designed to detect a protein biomarker in urine that is diagnostic for interstitial cystitis (IC). The presence of a 9 amino acid glycopeptide, antiproliferative factor (APF), in urine is unique to patients with IC. Urine samples from patients who exhibit symptoms consistent with IC are added to the assay system. Binding of APF to the cytoskeletal associated protein 4 (CKAP4) is positive for the presence of APF in urine and diagnostic for IC. The diagnostic system is a significant and surprising advance in diagnosis of IC and has commercial applications relevant to women and men who suffer from symptoms consistent with IC.

Abstract: Bone cages are disclosed including devices for biocompatible implantation. The structures of bone are useful for providing living cells and tissues as well as biologically active molecules to subjects.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of gene delivery using capsid-modified recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors. Exemplary methods are provided employing vectors that have altered affinity for heparin or heparin sulfate, as well as vectors, expression systems, and rAAV virions that lack functional VP2 protein expression, but are nevertheless, fully virulent. Also provided by the invention are methods employing the rAAV vector-based compositions, virus particles, host cells, and pharmaceutical formulations in the expression of selected therapeutic proteins, polypeptides, peptides, antisense oligonucleotides and/or ribozymes in selected mammals, including organs, tissues, and human host cells.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for creating a laminar construct for tissue-engineered dermal equivalent are provided. One composition provided herein comprises a hydrogel matrix comprising two or more hydrogels layers and a population of stem cells. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immuno-protected encapsulated cells producing an immunomodulator, for example GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor). The cells of the invention are particularly well adapted for providing an active adjuvant or immunomodulator, for example in the context of immunisation in humans and animals. These cells can be used for vaccination where they provide the immunomodulator in an active form, in a continuous, non-immunogenic manner in the immediate vicinity of the vaccine antigen(s). The invention also relates to a vaccine composition comprising immuno-protected encapsulated cells producing an immunomodulator and an antigenic component. The invention also relates to a kit comprising a cell as described and an antigenic component. The strategy of the invention is perfectly suited for both cancer immunotherapy and vaccination against infectious agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to topical ophthalmic compositions for treating or preventing epithelial lesions or ophthalmic disorders, including dry eye or keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for increasing telomere length in one or more human adult cells and/or increasing genome stability of one or more human adult cells, for example by contacting one or more human adult cells with an agent that increases expression of Zscan4 in the one or more human adult cells. Methods of treating a subject in need of telomere lengthening, treating a disease or condition associated with a telomere abnormality, of rejuvenating one or more human adult cells, of rejuvenating tissues or organs, and of rejuvenating a subject in need thereof, for example by contacting one or more human adult cells in the subject with an agent that increases expression of Zscan4, or by administering to a subject in need thereof, an agent that increases expression of Zscan4 is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides for systems, methods, and compositions for manipulation of sequences and/or activities of target sequences. Provided are vectors and vector systems, some of which encode one or more components of a CRISPR complex, as well as methods for the design and use of such vectors. Also provided are methods of directing CRISPR complex formation in eukaryotic cells and methods for selecting specific cells by introducing precise mutations utilizing the CRISPR/Cas system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell line in which an expression construct is introduced into a genomic DNA, the expression construct including: (a) a promoter operable in animal cells and heterologous to adenoviruses; and (b) a modified adenovirus E1 coding gene sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 operatively linked to the promoter. According to the present invention, the cell line of the present invention is a novel cell line which is less likely to produce a replication competent adenovirus (RCA). The adenovirus producing cell line of the present invention has a low possibility of producing RCA due to homologous recombination, when compared with conventional cell lines. Therefore, this makes it possible to regulate the required amount of virus during gene therapy using the adenovirus and prevent tissue damage and toxic effects caused by overproduction of the adenovirus.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising retroviral vectors, transduced cells, and methods of using the same for gene therapy. In particular, the present invention relates to lentiviral vectors and cells transduced with those vectors to provide gene therapy to subjects having an adrenoleukodystrophy and/or adrenomyeloneuropathy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to eukaryotic cells comprising single-celled organisms that are introduced into the eukaryotic cell through human intervention and which transfer to daughter cells of the eukaryotic cell through at least five cell divisions, and methods of introducing such single-celled organisms into eukaryotic cells. The invention also provides methods of using such eukaryotic cells. The invention further provides single-celled organisms that introduce a phenotype to eukaryotic cells that is maintained in daughter cells. The invention additionally provides eukaryotic cells containing magnetotactic bacteria.

Abstract: Immortalized human cell lines derived from prostate cells are disclosed. Immortalized cells derived from a human epithelial prostate tissue cancer tumor are provided, as well as immortalized cells derived from healthy human epithelial prostate tissue from the same patient. Methods for utilizing such immortalized cell lines for researching, screening, and evaluating antimalignancy therapies and drug candidates are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel benzenesulfonamide compounds having a structure of formula (I) below: as well as to the method for synthesizing same and to the use thereof in pharmaceutical compositions to be used in human or veterinary medicine, as well as to the use thereof. Also provided herein are methods of using the disclosed pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of neuroinflammatory skin diseases such as acne.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods useful for treating wounds and enhancing wound healing, particularly for diabetic wound healing. One embodiment provides a method of treating a wound comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of adipose tissue derived stem cells to treat said wound, wherein the cells are cultured in the absence of serum prior to the administration to said subject. Another embodiment provides a method of treating a wound comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of adipose tissue derived stem cells to treat said wound, wherein the cells are cultured to induce the formation of at least one self-organizing mesenchymal blastema (SOMB) prior to the administration to said subject, wherein said SOMB is formed by culturing adipose tissue derived stem cells in hanging droplets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for culturing epithelial stem cells, isolated tissue fragments comprising said epithelial stem cells, or adenoma cells, and culturing the cells or fragments in the presence of a Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) inhibitor, a mitogenic growth factor, and a Wnt agonist when culturing epithelial stem cells and isolated tissue fragments. The invention further relates to a cell culture medium comprising a BMP inhibitor, a mitogenic growth factor, and a Wnt agonist, to the use of said culture medium, and to crypt-villus organoids, gastric organoids and pancreatic organoids that are formed in said culture medium.

Abstract: A cellular model is described for targeting dysregulation or inappropriate activation of the Sonic Hedgehog/Patched (SHH/PTCH) pathway. Also described, is a screening method using this cellular mod& to screen for pharmacological compounds that can treat or prevent skin cancer and, in particular, Basal Cell Carinoma (BCC) lesions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in vitro cultured skin tissue, and in particular to cultured skin tissue comprising exogenous genes encoding angiogenic growth factors. In some embodiments, the keratinocytes express exogenous angiopoietin-1, HIF-1?, or a member of the VEGF family, preferably VEGF-A. In particularly preferred embodiments, the keratinocytes are incorporated into cultured skin tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human photoaged skin model and an animal model, and a method of making the same, for evaluating cosmetics and similar products in terms of their anti-aging or rejuvenating effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cancer immunotherapy, specifically to allogeneic tumor cell vaccines. According to some embodiments, the invention provides novel cell lines useful as therapeutic cell vaccine compositions. The invention further provides advantageous screening methods and means for identifying patients amenable for treatment with partially Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) matched allogeneic cell vaccines. Therapeutic compositions and methods for use in proliferative disorders are further provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of inducing differential stress resistance in a subject with cancer by starving the subject for a short term, administering a cell growth inhibitor to the subject, or reducing the caloric or glucose intake by the subject. The induced differential stress resistance results in improved resistance to cytotoxicity in normal cells, which, in turn, reduces cytotoxic side-effects due to chemotherapy, as well as improved effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: A chimeric skin comprising immortalized human keratinocyte cells cocultured with donor keratinocytes is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of TFF3 in the diagnosis and detection of Barrett's esophagus using non-invasive, non-endoscopic methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making cytocompatible alginate gels and their use in the treatment of cardiomyopathy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to topical ophthalmic compositions for treating or preventing epithelial lesions or ophthalmic disorders, including dry eye or keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Abstract: The invention relates to conjugates comprising a targeting moiety specific for the CXCR4 based on the polyphemusin-derived peptide and a therapeutic or imaging agent. The invention relates as well to the application of said conjugates for the therapy and diagnostics which require the specific targeting to CXCR4+ cells.

Abstract: Hydrogel composition comprising gelatin, poly-glutamic acid and epiregulin suitable for cultivating keratinocytes, preferably human keratinocytes.

Abstract: A kit is disclosed that includes a first component comprising alginate, wherein the first component is comprised in a first sterile vial, and a second component comprising cells comprising keratinocytes or fibroblasts, or mixtures thereof, that secrete one or more biologically active molecules selected from the group consisting of GM-CSF, VEGF, KGF, bFGF, TGF?, angiopoietin, EGF, IL-I?, IL-6, IL-8, TGF?, and TNF?, wherein the cells are allogeneic and mitotically inactive, a buffered solution, and human serum albumin or a cryoprotectant, wherein the second component is comprised in a second sterile vial.

Abstract: Methods and compositions provide suitable support material for culturing cells with a desirable metabolic activity. For example, keratinocytes directly grown on flexible supports show metabolic activity. Therapeutic methods and compositions, including wound healing technologies, using the cells grown on flexible supports, wherein the cells exhibit increased metabolic activity are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing a neurodegenerative disease includes administering an effective amount of a compound to a subject in need thereof. The compound includes a high-energy compound, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), guanosine triphosphate (GTP), phosphocreatine (PCr), acetyl coenzyme A (ACoA), phosphoenol pyruvate (PEP), or a combination thereof.