Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for inducing differentiation of Müller glial cells into rod photoreceptors through a two-step process of inducing Müller glial cell proliferation by increasing WNT signaling effectors in the Müller glial cell and then directed differentiation into a rod photoreceptor through activation of rod-specific photoreceptor genes. The methods and compositions are useful in a method of treating vision loss or impairment due to photoreceptor loss. The present invention also provides methods for treating vision loss or impairment in a subject comprising (a) administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a Müller glial(MG) cell proliferation agent; and (b)a period of time after the administering of step (a), administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a MG cell differentiation agent.

Abstract: A non-naturally occurring polynucleotide encoding a miRNA that inhibits the expression of an immune checkpoint protein. The polynucleotide may further encode a chimeric receptor, a cytokine, and/or a cell tag. A vector comprising the aforementioned polynucleotide. A modified immune effector cell comprising the aforementioned polynucleotide. Compositions and kits comprising the aforementioned polynucleotide and/or cell. A method for treating a subject suffering from a disease or disorder, comprising administering the aforementioned cell to a subject in need thereof. The use of the aforementioned cell in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a disease or disorder. A method for the detection of a disease or disorder associated with the overexpression of an antigen in a subject. A method for the treatment of a disease or disorder comprising the serial administration of polynucleotides encoding a chimeric antigen receptor or a cell comprising the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: a cell culture medium for culturing extracellular vesicles at high concentration, the medium comprising lactoferrin; a method for preparing a conditioned medium containing a high concentration of extracellular vesicles, the method comprising culturing cells in the cell culture medium; and use of lactoferrin in preparing a conditioned medium containing a high concentration of extracellular vesicles.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the efficient in vitro differentiation of HLA homozygous blood cell-derived pluripotent stem cells to hematopoietic precursor cells, and the further differentiation of the hematopoietic precursor cells into HLA homozygous immune cells of various myeloid or lymphoid lineages, particularly T cells, NK cells, and dendritic cells. The pluripotent cells may be maintained and differentiated under defined conditions; thus, the use of mouse feeder cells or serum is not required in certain embodiments for the differentiation of the hematopoietic precursor cells.

Abstract: A method for treating limb ischemia in a patient in need of such treatment by administering metamizole treated mesenchymal stem cells to the patient. The method provides a pharmaceutical product for angiogenesis growth to replace occluded blood vessels for avoiding limb amputation. Secretion of angiogenic growth factors VEGFA, HGF, bFGF, TEK are stimulated and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IF6, CXCF8, CCF2, IL1-RN are reduced by activation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). According to treatment results, MSCs produce proteins and signaling molecules for new blood vessel growth that accelerate the growth of new arteries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of a culture, e.g. an organoid culture of ovarian cancer or cancer precursor cells, particularly of high grade serous ovarian carcinoma cells. By means of this method, an organoid culture of ovarian cancer or cancer precursor cells and a biobank comprising a plurality of different organoid cultures of ovarian cancer or cancer precursor cells may be generated. Further, a culture medium suitable for the long-term culture of ovarian cancer or cancer precursor cells is provided. Furthermore, use of the organoid culture and the biobank for medical applications, e.g. in the field of diagnostics, and therapy and in the field of drug screening is described.

Abstract: A brain organoid containing optic vesicles generated based on H9 induction and an eye-brain fusion culture method thereof are provided. H9 embryonic stem cell induction is used to generate a brain organoid containing optic vesicles with primitive visual field. Based on an established optic vesicle brain organoid culture system, microscopic imaging is combined with specific marker antibodies related to early retinal development and photoreceptor cell maturation to structurally and functionally identify the brain organoid containing optic vesicles.

Abstract: Disclosed are delivery and expression systems of multiple antiviral therapeutic molecules. The therapeutic molecules include a novel class of dual-functional peptide and defective interfering genes of a virus. Also disclosed are compositions comprising the therapeutic molecules that are useful for the treatment and prevention of viral infections. Also disclosed herein are the method of making and using a vector that expresses the therapeutic molecules. Therapeutic molecules include cellular components such as RNA, DNA, peptide, proteins or combination thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of generating hindbrain cells, including respiratory hindbrain cells, from pluripotent stem cells. Also provided are methods of generating a three-dimensional organoid comprising a population of hindbrain cells including a heterogeneous population of interneurons.

Abstract: Provided herein are, in various embodiments, methods and compositions for differentiating olfactory mucosa-derived mesenchymal stem cells (OM-MSC). In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides for media to differentiate OM-MSCs. In still further embodiments, the disclosure provides for methods and compositions using differentiated OM-MSCs for the treatment of nerve repair. In particular embodiments, the disclosure provides for novel treatments of peripheral nerve repair.

Abstract: A method for human sperm vitrification is disclosed, which includes providing liquefied human sperm; having a vitrification medium, where the vitrification medium has (a) a sperm buffer, and (b) a cryoprotectant mixture including a permeable cryoprotectant and a non-permeable cryoprotectant; mixing the liquefied sperm with the vitrification medium; providing a sperm straw and loading the straw with 0.25 to 0.5 mL of the obtained mixture; sealing the straw with heat; and placing the straw vertically in a container with liquid nitrogen to vitrify the mixture. A portable kit is also disclosed, which makes it easy to implement the method. The kit includes a vitrification medium, some straws, a container, usage instructions, among others.

Abstract: Provided are recombinant nucleic acids (e.g., vectors), and related methods, for expression of a target gene in a host cell. The recombinant nucleic acids comprise a promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence having at least 70% sequence identity to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8 and SEQ ID NO: 9; a cloning site for insertion of a nucleic acid encoding the target gene; and at least one non-promoter regulatory element required for the expression of the target gene in the host cell.

Abstract: Methods for expanding beating cardiomyocytes, comprising treating the beating cardiomyocytes with one or more Wnt agonists, one or more bioactive lipids or a combination of one or more Wnt agonists and one or more bioactive lipids. Methods for differentiating stem cells, including iPS cells, into beating cardiomyocytes, comprising treating the iPS cells with a combination of one or more Wnt agonists and one or more bioactive lipids. Compositions and kits for regenerative medicine, comprising beating cardiomyocytes, one or more Wnt agonists and one or more bioactive lipids.

Abstract: Descried in certain example embodiments herein are engineered fish, particularly engineered catfish, that are engineered to contain modified myostatin, melanocortin-4 receptor, and/or one or more n-3 fatty acid biosynthesis pathway genes and/or gene products.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to a defined cell culture medium for the expansion of human retinal progenitors, comprising or consisting of a nutrient medium, a SHH-pathway activator and a GSK3 inhibitor. To the use of the defined cell culture medium for the expansion of retinal progenitors, as well as to an in vitro method for expanding retinal progenitors, comprising: (i) placing a culture of human retinal progenitors in a defined cell culture medium as defined in claims 1 to 8; and (ii) culturing the cells in said defined cell culture medium.

Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a somite cell from a pluripotent stem cell, comprising the step of culturing a pluripotent stem cell in a medium comprising a GSK3? inhibitor. Provided is a method of producing a dermatome cell from a somite cell, comprising the step of culturing a somite cell in a medium comprising a GSK3? inhibitor and BMP. Provided is a method of producing a syndetome cell from a sclerotome cell, comprising the steps of culturing a sclerotome cell in a medium comprising FGF and then culturing the cell in a medium comprising BMP and TGF?. Provided is a method of producing a mesenchymal stromal cell from a somite cell, comprising the step of culturing a somite cell in a medium comprising FGF. Provided are methods of producing a myotome cell, a dermatome cell, a sclerotome cell, and a syndetome cell from a pluripotent stem cell through a somite cell by appropriately combining the above methods and known methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for enhanced production and/or secretion of extracellular vesicles from at least one three-dimensional porous scaffold having a population of stem cells cultured thereon, utilizing various shear stress conditions on a variety of stem cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered immune cells and methods for their creation and use. The immune cells comprise activating and blocking receptors, that exhibit cross-talk between the receptors.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for real-time identification and isolation of base-edited cell populations. Also provided herein are methods for producing enriched isogenic lines of genetically modified cells, including base-edited human pluripotent stem cells. In particular, provided herein are methods utilizing transient expression of reporter proteins, the detectable signal of which is altered following base editing. Using the transient reporter with a base editor permits enrichment of isogenic populations of base-edited cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are engineered human papilloma virus (HPV) molecular vaccine constructs. Vaccine constructs can also include ligand-inducible engineered gene switch systems for modulating expression of heterologous genes, such as a cytokines, in host cells.