Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for processing a biological sample that result in a physical change, such as reacting two molecules together to form a reaction product or for use in lysing viruses or biological cells for analysis using biological assay systems. As such, the present invention relates both to breaking apart biological species such as viruses and cells, as well as the formation of reactants from one or more reactive species. The sample has a volume in the range from about 1 microliter to 10 milliliters. The sample is processed by applying pressure, and either sonic energy or thermal energy to the sample, wherein the pressure achieved is usually at least 24 atmospheres, and the temperature of the sample is usually raised to at least 50° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated polynucleotides homologous with a portion of one strand of the human tumor suppressor gene, FEZ1, and to the tumor suppressor protein encoded thereby, Fez1. The polynucleotides are useful, for example, as probes, primers, portions of expression vectors, and the like. The invention also includes diagnostic, therapeutic, cell proliferation enhancement, and screening methods which involve these polynucleotides and protein. The invention further includes kits useful for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Expression-enhancing nucleotide sequences for expression in eukaryotic systems are provided that allow for enhanced and stable expression of recombinant proteins in eukaryotic cells. Enhanced expression and stability regions (EESYRs) are provided for expression of a gene of interest in a eukaryotic cell. Chromosomal loci, sequences, and vectors are provided for enhanced and stable expression of genes in eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: Yeast cells are mutagenized to obtain desirable mutants. Mutagenesis is mediated by a defective mismatch repair system which can be enhanced using conventional exogenously applied mutagens. Yeast cells with the defective mismatch repair system are hypermutable, but after selection of desired mutant yeast strains, they can be rendered genetically stable by restoring the mismatch repair system to proper functionality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences of TCL-1 genes and amino acid sequences of their encoded proteins, as well as derivatives and analogs thereof, and antibodies thereto. The TCL-1 gene sequence is preferentially expressed early in T and B lymphocyte differentiation. The present invention further relates to the use of TCL-1 genes and their encoded proteins as diagnostic and therapeutic reagents for the detection and treatment of disease states associated with chromosomal abnormalities.

Abstract: A multilayered cell culture apparatus for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture apparatus is defined as an integral structure having a plurality of cell culture chambers in combination with tracheal space(s). The body of the apparatus has imparted therein gas permeable membranes in combination with tracheal spaces that will allow the free flow of gases between the cell culture chambers and the external environment. The flask body. also includes an aperture that will allow access to the cell growth chambers by means of a needle or cannula. The size of the apparatus, and location of an optional neck and cap section, allows for its manipulation by standard automated assay equipment, further making the apparatus ideal for high throughput applications.

Abstract: Lambdoid phage comprising a matrix of proteins encapsulating a genome encoding first and second polypeptides of an autogenously assembling receptor and a receptor comprised of the first and second polypeptides surface-integrated into the matrix via a lambdoid phage tail protein matrix anchor domain fused to at least one of the polypeptides.

Abstract: A disposable apparatus for cell expansion, having at least one bioreactor. The bioreactor has a cellular growth area and a supply area, the cellular growth area being separated from said supply area by a membrane. A fluid recirculation path in fluid communication with the cellular growth area allows for hermetically removing a sample containing cellular matter. This may comprise an elongated tube, or a plurality of parallel tube segments. The parallel tube segments have inflow ends and outflow ends, and the inflow ends are joined at a first common juncture and the outflow ends are joined at a second common juncture. The common junctures may comprise valves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) comprising at least one promoter sequence, which is derived from a wild-type promoter of a methyltrophic yeast, whose transcription efficiency is modulated in comparison to the efficiency of the wild-type promoter by inserting or modifying a DNA binding site. The invention also relates to host cells, expression vectors, kits and methods for producing proteins while using the inventive DNA, as well as to different uses of the same and to a method for producing expression vectors.

Abstract: In method of injecting a substance into a living cell having a cell membrane, the substance, the cell and a liquid are placed into a tapering passage. Energy is applied to the cell, thereby inducing poration. To sort cells, a cellular suspension is placed in a tapering passage, including a narrow end that defines an opening that has a dimension corresponding to a cell size. An acoustic wave is applied, thereby forcing cells having a cell size smaller than the selected cell size through the opening, with a portion of the cells having a cell size not smaller than the selected cell size not forced through the opening. To extract material from a cell, an electric field and an acoustic wave are applied, thereby causing the cell membrane to allow the material to pass out of the cell.

Abstract: A biocompatible implantable portal is provided that has a wall defining a communicative passage through an interior bore. The exterior of the portal has a neck region adapted to promote autologous cell growth on the neck region. A series of channels are provided on the exterior neck region to facilitate autologous cell growth while disfavoring fluid pooling and bacterial growth. Typical channel widths are from 20 to 300 microns, with adjacent channels being separated by plateaus having a width of between 0 and 600 microns. Providing the portal exterior neck region with a texture varying on a nanometer length scale facilitates autologous cell growth. Applying a coating such as a tissue scaffolding matrix to the neck region prior to implantation also facilitates cell growth. A coupling or a manifold encompassing the neck region facilitates the draw of vacuum and/or mechanical protection for the growing cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel lentiviral packaging constructs that are useful for the establishment of stable packaging cell lines and producer cell lines. In particular, the present invention provides novel packaging cell lines that are capable of constitutively expressing high levels of lentiviral proteins.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating biological material via electrical current, in which the biological material is added to a small volume of a buffer solution having relative high ionic strength. A strong electrical field is generated in the buffer solution by a high voltage pulse having a preset duration. The biological material is added to at most 50 ?l of a buffer solution with an ionic strength of at least 100 mmol/l. By at least one voltage pulse having a preset duration of at least 10 ?s, an electrical field with a field strength of at least 1 kV/cm is generated in the buffer solution. The voltage pulse is hereby interrupted at least once for a duration of at least 100 ?s and is then again continued.

Abstract: A method of treating neurodegenerative conditions is provided. Neural stem cells may be implanted at and/or remote from a region of neuron degeneration. The methods can include isolating neural stem cells from regions where specific types of neurons corresponding to the neurons to be replaced are generated. The methods can include isolating neural stem cells secreting growth factors affecting the growth and/or regeneration of specific types of neuron. In this invention, we disclose a method of treating such disorders, including several neurodegenerative disorders arising from the lack of cells that produce particular neurotransmitters in neural circuitry by transplanting exogenously cultured and expanded neural progenitors which, upon transplantation into a neural tissue, differentiate into neurons capable of integrating and producing neurotransmitters in sufficient quantities and in a sufficient manner to overcome the symptoms associated with the neurodegeneration.

Abstract: Transfecting biology cells with nucleic acid molecules (DNA, siRNA) is an essential prerequisite in elucidating how genes function in complex cellular context and how their activities could be modulated for therapeutic intervention. Traditionally studies are carried out on a low throughput gene-by-gene scale, which has created a huge bottleneck in functional genomic study and drug discovery. Development of high-throughput cell transfection technology will permit functional analysis of massive number of genes and how their activities could be modulated by chemical or biological entities inside cells. This invention describes design, construction of device and apparatus for high throughput effective cell transfection. Procedures and protocols for using the device and apparatus are also described in the application. Novel methods of using the device in cell-based assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for microelectronic positioning bioparticles, which utilizes dielectric and non-contact electrical force of cell themselves associated with multi-phase electrical signals to attain uniformity of distribution of the bioparticles and positioning thereof within micro-areas in a cell culture system. The obstacle of system geometrical structure is eliminated so as to simplify the system layout and programmably change cells' positions. The present method is suitable for treating cell array in a large quantity. The present method utilizes electrical control for the cells. The clamping of the cells can be removed at any time. It is very advantageous for collection and redistribution of cell products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of generating an ex vivo tissue-like system in a bioreactor system capable of supporting continuous production of, and output of cells and tissues and an ex vivo tissue system made therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for sequencing and mapping genetic markers in polynucleotide sequences using Type-IIs restriction endonucleases. The methods herein described result in the “capturing” and determination of specific oligonucleotide sequences located adjacent to Type-IIs restriction sites. The resulting sequences are useful as effective markers for use in genetic mapping, screening and manipulation.

Abstract: An emulsion is useful in allowing a wide variety of gene products to be expressed via eukaryotic in vitro expression. The emulsion comprises a silicone based surfactant, a hydrophobic phase and a hydrophilic phase; wherein the hydrophilic phase comprises a plurality of compartments containing a functional in vitro eukaryotic expression system.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the regulation of type II collagen gene expression in cartilage cells via the application of specific and selective fields generated by specific and selective electric and electromagnetic signals in the treatment of diseased or injured articular cartilage. By gene expression is meant the up regulation or down regulation of the process whereby specific portions (genes) of the human genome (DNA) are transcribed into mRNA and subsequently translated into protein. Methods and devices are provided for the targeted treatment of injured or diseased cartilage tissue that include generating specific and selective electric and electromagnetic signals that generate specific and selective fields optimized for type II collagen gene expression and exposing cartilage tissue to the specific and selective fields generated by specific and selective signals so as to regulate type II collagen gene expression in such cartilage tissue.