Abstract: Described herein are methods for enhancing the nuclear reprogramming of somatic cells to become induced pluripotent stem cells. In particular, the methods disclosed herein involve the use of damage-associated molecular pattern molecules (DAMP). In certain embodiments the DAMPs are aluminum compositions such as aluminum hydroxide. Such DAMPs have unexpectedly and surprisingly been found to enhance the nuclear reprogramming efficiency of the reprogramming factors commonly used to induce somatic cells to become induced pluripotent stem cells. Accordingly, this disclosure describes methods of nuclear reprogramming as well as cells obtained from such methods along with therapeutic methods for using such cells for the treatment of disease amendable to treatment by stem cell therapy; as well as kits for such uses.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conditionally regulating activities of CRISPR-Cas systems. In some embodiments, the methods comprise providing an inactive guide RNA comprising a regulatory domain bound by a lock nucleic acid different from the guide RNA; and displacing the lock nuclei acid from the regulatory domain by a trigger nucleic acid, thereby activating the guide RNA, wherein the activated guide RNA forms a complex with a Cas enzyme.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the generation of a layered cellular 3 D microtissue aggregate, comprising the steps of contacting myeloid cells with a protein kinase C agonist, yielding primed myeloid cells; incubating the primed myeloid cells in the presence of LDL in a confined volume, particularly in a hanging drop culture; yielding a 3 D culture of myeloid cells; and incubating the 3 D culture together with fibroblasts in a hanging drop in the presence of LDL, yielding the layered cellular aggregate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and composition for use in the treatment of retinal degeneration, in particular retinal degeneration due to retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-naturally occurring dendritic-like myeloid leukaemia cell according to ATCC Patent Deposit Designation PTA-123875, and methods and kits utilising such cells.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for incorporating an arbitrary protein, lipid, carbohydrate, or nucleic acid into an exosome. The object can be solved by a method for preparing an exosome, comprising the steps of: (a) adding a biological toxin having a perforating activity to a medium containing cells and incubating the mixture, (b) adding ATP and incubating the mixture, and (c) adding a medium containing calcium ion and incubating the mixture.