Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated protein or polypeptide corresponding to a coat protein or polypeptide of a grapevine leafroll virus. The encoding DNA molecule either alone in isolated form or in an expression system, a host cell, or a transgenic grape plant is also disclosed. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of imparting grapevine leafroll resistance to grape plants by transforming them with the DNA molecule of the present invention. A method for imparting tristeza virus resistance in citrus plants using the DNA molecule of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides fibrin nanoparticles having a mean diameter of 200-2000 nm. The present invention provides also methods for preparing fibrin particles of various sizes, including fibrin nanoparticles and fibrin microbeads. The present invention further provides compositions comprising fibrin particles and an agent, wherein the agent is coupled to the amine or carboxy moieties on the surface of the fibrin particles. In addition the present invention provides a composition comprising fibrin nanoparticles and an agent, wherein the agent is admixed with the fibrin nanoparticles. Still further, the present invention provides a method for introducing an agent into a cell, a method for isolating stem and/or progenitor cells from a biological sample, as well as a composition comprising fibrin particles bound to stem and/or progenitor cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the protection and storage of cells. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for the vacuum-mediated desiccation protection of mammalian cells. In particularly preferred embodiments, cells are treated with a carbohydrate (e.g., a disaccharide) prior to vacuum-mediated desiccation.