Abstract: The present invention provides core promoter motif ten elements (MTE) and core promoter constructs comprising the MTEs and an initiator element (Inr) in combination with one or both of a TATA box and a downstream promoter element (DPE) which increases gene expression over the strongest known core promoters. Particularly, an optimized or super core promoter is provided which comprises Inr, MTE, TATA box and DPE elements. The present invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising the core promoter constructs. Additionally, methods of increasing production of a protein using the core promoter constructs are provided.

Abstract: Novel methods of rapidly generating dendrtic cells are disclosed herein. The methods include contacting a dendritic cell precursor with a D ODN to generate a mature dendritic cell. In one specific, non-limiting example, the method includes contacting the dendritic cell precursor or the mature dendritic cell with an antigen. The methods are of use both in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for inactivating CCR-5 genes, using zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) comprising a zinc finger protein and a cleavage domain or cleavage half-domain. Polynucleotides encoding ZFNs, vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding ZFNs, such as adenovirus (Ad) vectors, and cells comprising polynucleotides encoding ZFNs and/or cells comprising ZFNs are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding immunogenic HIV type C Gag- and/or Env-containing polypeptides. Uses of the polynucleotides in applications including DNA immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of Gag- and/or Env-containing proteins are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides placental stem cells and placental stem cell populations, and methods of culturing, proliferating and expanding the same. The invention also provides methods of differentiating the placental stem cells. The invention further provides methods of using the placental stem cells in assays and for transplanting.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for the generation of lymphocytes having a unique antigen specificity. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides methods of virally infecting cells from bone marrow with one or more viral vectors that encode antigen-specific antibodies for the production of, for example B cells and T cells. In some embodiments, the viral vectors include an IRES or 2A element to promote separation of, for example, the ? subunit and ? subunit of a T cell receptor (TCR) or heavy and light chains of a B-cell antibody. The resulting lymphocytes, express the particular antibody that was introduced in the case of B cells and TCR in the case of T cells. The lymphocytes generated can be used for a variety of therapeutic purposes including the treatment of various cancers and the generation of a desired immune response to viruses and other pathogens. The resulting cells develop normally and respond to antigen both in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to prostate cancer markers, compositions comprising such markers, immunoglobulins specific for such markers, and methods of using such markers and/or immunoglobulins to assess an immune response against prostate cancer. An immune response against the markers correlates with an immune response, in particular a humoral immune response, against prostate cancer cells which immune response is preferably associated with prophylaxis of prostate cancer, treatment of prostate cancer, and/or amelioration of at least one symptom associated with prostate cancer.

Abstract: Compositions and methods comprising recombinant expression vector elements (rEVEs) to enhance the level of expression of recombinant proteins are described. Other compositions and methods for lowering, substantially suppressing, or essentially silencing expression of a recombinant protein are also described.

Abstract: A genetically modified non-human mammal or cell characterised in that it does not comprise a nucleic acid sequence which itself encodes any endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region locus polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated myeloid-like cell population comprising a majority of cells that are lineage negative, and which express both CD44 antigen, CD11b antigen, and hypoxia inducible factor 1 ? (HIF-1 ?). These cells have beneficial vasculotrophic and neurotrophic activity when intraocularly administered to the eye of a mammal, particularly a mammal suffering from an ocular degenerative disease. The myeloid-like cells are isolated by treating bone marrow cells, peripheral blood cells or umbilical cord cells with an antibody against CD44 (hyaluronic acid receptor), against CD11b, CD14, CD33, or against a combination thereof and using flow cytometry to positively select CD44 and/or CD11b expressing cells therefrom. The isolated myeloid-like bone marrow cells of the invention can be transfected with a gene encoding a therapeutically useful protein, for delivering the gene to the retina.

Abstract: The present disclosure demonstrates the successful use of constitutive promoters operatively linked to genes encoding radiosensitizing or radioprotecting factors, administered to cells, tissues, or patients in conjunction with radiation exposure. Also disclosed are pharmacological preparations to be used to increase the levels of radiosensitizing compounds such as TNF-?, or radioprotective compounds such as MnSOD, in specified tissues or tumors of a subject.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tissue matrix for implantation into a patient is disclosed. The method sets forth collecting embryonic stem cells from a placenta which has been treated to remove residual cord blood and seeding the collected stem cells onto or into a tissue matrix. The seeded tissue matrix is then implanted on or into a patient. The seeded tissue matrix made by the method of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: Androgen receptor-based vaccines for eliciting an immune reaction in vivo against cells expressing androgen receptor are disclosed. The vaccines are useful in the treatment of prostate cancer. Also disclosed are methods for inducing immune reaction to androgen receptor or treating prostate cancer in a mammal, using the vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the vaccines.

Abstract: The invention is directed to preparation of stem cell and physiologically acceptable matrix compositions. Compared with previous tissue engineering materials, the stem cell-matrix compositions of the present invention do not require long-term incubation or cultivation in vitro prior to use in vivo applications. The stem cells can be from numerous sources and may be homogeneous, heterogeneous, autologous, and/or allogeneic in the matrix material. The stem cell-matrix compositions provide point of service utility for the practitioner, wherein the stem cells and matrix can be combined not long before use, thereby alleviating costly and lengthy manufacturing procedures. In addition, the stem cells offer unique structural properties to the matrix composition which improves outcome and healing after use. Use of stem cells obtained from muscle affords contractility to the matrix composition.

Abstract: A rat with a disrupted Apc (adenomatous polyposis coli) gene is provided. The mutation can include an A to T transversion changing a lysine to a stop codon at codon 1137. Methods of generating the knockout rat are provided. Also provided is the offspring or progeny of that rat. In addition, methods of using these rats are provided, including methods for screening a carcinogen or a promoter of carcinogenesis, and methods for screening preventive and inhibitory agents of carcinogenesis.

Abstract: An animal model for pigment spots in which the formation of pigment spots in human skin is faithfully simulated is provided. An animal model for pigment spots, wherein a black person's skin is grafted onto a non-human animal, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods of screening cells for differentiation or de-differentiation, and/or for status as a pluripotent or multipotent (e.g., “stem”) cell, by detecting the differential expression (e.g., upregulation, downregulation) of genes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for generating novel nucleic acid molecules through RNA trans-splicing that target a highly expressed pre-mRNA and contain the coding sequence for antibody polypeptide(s). The compositions of the invention include pre-trans-splicing molecules (PTMs) designed to interact with the target precursor messenger RNA molecule (target pre-mRNA) that is abundantly expressed or tumor specific and mediate a trans-splicing reaction resulting in the generation of novel chimeric RNA molecule (chimeric RNA) capable of encoding an antibody polypeptide. The invention provides for the in vivo production of chimeric RNA molecules that encode and result in the production of an antibody polypeptide that is therapeutically effective against, for example, infectious agents, cancer cells, transplantation antigens, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides stem cells characterized as having the ability to renew and the ability to give rise to endothelial and/or endothelial-like cells, methods of isolating such stem cells and methods of use thereof. Also provided are progeny cells derived from the stem cells of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel transgenic nonhuman mammals capable of producing human sequence antibodies, as well as methods of producing and using these antibodies.