Abstract: The invention relates to compositions containing a polynucleotide encoding for a reporter gene, a selectable marker and a regulatory element, that provide a method for imaging cells in vivo.

Abstract: For a method of inducing differentiation of cardiomyocytes from stem cells, a method is provided to induce efficiently and selectively differentiation of cardiomyocytes by such a method in which the stem cells are cultured to induce differentiation into cardiomyocytes in the presence of a substance that inhibits BMP signaling.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid molecules comprising the EAAT2 promoter, as well as screening assays useful for identifying compounds which modulate the activity of the EAAT2 promoter, and methods of treating neurological disorders comprising administration of EAAT2 promoter modulators.

Abstract: A method of efficiently and conveniently inducing differentiation from bone marrow stromal cells to skeletal muscle cells, which comprises the steps of: (a) the step of adding one or more kinds of substances selected from the group consisting of a cyclic AMP increasing agent, a cAMP analogue, and a cell differentiation stimulating factor to a culture of bone marrow stromal cells, wherein said bone marrow stromal cells are not treated with a demethylating agent, and culturing the cells; (b) the step of introducing a Notch gene and/or a Notch signaling related gene into the cells obtained in the step (a), and culturing the cells to obtain a culture of myoblasts, provided that said culture does not contain the cells introduced with the gene and non-introduced cells; and (c) the step of adding a Notch ligand to the culture of myoblasts obtained in the step (b), and culturing the cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for constructing and using in vivo and in vitro models of aspects of human immunity and, in particular, construction of a human immune system model for the testing of, for example, vaccines, adjuvants, immunotherapy candidates, cosmetics, drugs, biologics and other chemicals. The present invention comprises both in vivo and in vitro models of aspects of human immunity that are useful for assessing the interaction of substances with the immune system, and thus can be used to accelerate and improve the accuracy and predictability of, for example, vaccine, drug, biologic, immunotherapy, cosmetic and chemical development. The invention is also useful for the generation of human monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the method and use of reef coral fluorescent proteins in making transgenic red, green and yellow fluorescent zebrafish. Preferably, such fluorescent zebrafish are fertile and used to establish a population of transgenic zebrafish and to provide to the ornamental fish industry for the purpose of marketing. Thus, new varieties of ornamental fish of different fluorescence colors from a novel source are developed.

Abstract: The novel germ-line transformation systems disclosed in this patent application allow the physical deletion of transposon DNA following the transformation process, and the targeting of transgene integrations into predefined target sites. In this way, transposase-mediated mobilization of genes-of-interest is excluded mechanistically and random genomic integrations eliminated. In contrast to conventional germ-line transformation technology, our systems provide enhanced stability to the transgene insertion. Furthermore, DNA sequences required for the transgene modification (e.g. transformation marker genes, transposase or recombinase target sites), are largely removed from the genome after the final transgene insertion, thereby eliminating the possibility for instability generated by these processes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for increasing the production of definitive endoderm cells from pluripotent stem cells. Also disclosed herein are agents capable of increasing definitive endoderm cell production.

Abstract: Methods are provided for enhancing viability comprising administering at least one inhibitor of p53 or a p53-associated pathway to one or more of the following: the embryo, oocytes, sperm, a femme animal or a male animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of screening an agent for activity using teleosts. Methods of screening an agent for angiogenesis activity, toxic activity and an effect cell death activity in teleosts are provided. The invention further provides high throughput methods of screening agents in multi-well plates.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid molecules encoding a fluorescent and proteins and mutants, homologues and derivatives thereof, as well as proteins and peptides encoded by these nucleic acids. The nucleic acid molecules and proteins of interest are isolated from Copepoda species. Also of interest are proteins that are substantially similar to, or derivatives, or homologues, or mutants of, the above-referenced specific proteins. Also provided are fragments of the nucleic acids and the peptides encoded thereby, as well as antibodies specific to the proteins and peptides of the invention. In addition, host-cells, stable cell lines and transgenic organisms comprising above-referenced nucleic acid molecules are provided. The subject protein and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of different applications and methods, particularly for labeling of biomolecules, cell or cell organelles. Finally, kits for use in such methods and applications are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides nucleic acid constructs encoding one or more polypeptides containing at least one glycosaminoglycan chain, such as, but not limited to, a proteoglycan polypeptide, and methods for delivering to the site of a wound or cutaneous injury at least one nucleic acid construct encoding one or more such polypeptides, such that the expressed polypeptide is glycated by glycosaminoglycan chains through the normal physiological processes of the subject at the site of administration to produce a functional proteoglycan polypeptide for the healing of the wound or other cutaneous injury. The delivered nucleic acid construct is transcribed, translated and post-translationally modified by the addition of glycosaminoglycan chains (referred herein as “decoration” or “glycation”) to produce a decorated polypeptide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for constructing a nucleus-implanted egg, a parthenogenetic embryo and for producing a parthenogenetic mammal each having 2 haploid genome sets originating in mammalian ova, and provides methods of constructing a nucleus-implanted egg having a haploid genome set derived from primitive ovarian follicle egg (ng ovum) and a haploid genome set from MII phase (second meiosis metaphase) egg (fg ovum), a parthenogenetic embryo and a parthenogenetic mammal, including steps (1) introducing ng ovum into a nucleus-deleted deleted germinal vesicle stage (GV) egg, developing the obtained egg to MII phase by in vitro maturing and culturing to prepare a first nucleus-implanted egg, and (2) extracting MII phase chromosome from the first nucleus-implanted egg and introducing it into other fg ovum to prepare a second nucleus-implanted egg, wherein a ng or fg ovum from which an imprinted gene undergoing epigenetic modification during sperm generation is used.

Abstract: Compositions of pro-IFG-I E-peptides for the treatment and amelioration of tumor-producing diseases, and methods for their utilization.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of simultaneously screening at least two candidate agents for an activity affecting regeneration of an embryonic teleost. According to this method, for each agent, a fin of the embryonic teleost is amputated. Next, the amputated teleost is incubated with the candidate agent for a specified period of time. After this period of time, the amputated teleost is imaged. This image is compared to an image of an amputated teleost that was incubated for the specified period of time in the absence of the candidate agent. When comparing the images, a change in morphology of the amputated fin of the embryonic teleost incubated in the presence of the candidate agent compared to the amputated fin of the embryonic teleost raised in the absence of the candidate agent indicates that the candidate agent affects regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Gram-negative glycosaminoglycan gene and methods of making and using same. The present invention relates to recombinant Gram-positive host cells containing a Gram-negative glycosaminoglycan synthase gene, and methods of producing glycosaminoglycans using such recombinant host cells.

Abstract: A method for the transfer of human blastocyst-derived stem cells (hBS cells) to feeder-free culture system and propagation of the cells in such a feeder-free culture system, the method comprising the following steps of (a) transferring the balstocyst-derived stem cells from feeder to feeder free culture by mechanical treatment, (b) optionally, culturing the blastocyst-derived stem cells under feeder cell free growth conditions in a suitable growth medium and/or on a suitable support substrate, and (c) optionally passaging the blastocyst derived stem cell line every 3-10 days by enzymatic and/or mechanical treatment. The invention also relates to the application of hBS cells cultured under feeder free condition in medicine (e.g., myocardial regeneration) and screening and toxicity tests.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an animal model for human perimenopause and menopause. Also provided by the present invention are methods of making the animal model and methods of screening using the model. Also provided are methods of inducing ovarian failure in animals such as pets and wildlife.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the culturing, propagation, cryopreservation and manipulation of neural progenitor cells (NPC) and pluripotent stem cells (PSC) are provided. The cells exhibit rapid doubling times and can be maintained in vitro for extended periods. Also provided is a method of propagating neural progenitor cells, and a method of transplanting human NPC and/or PSC to a host. The cells can be genetically modified to express a therapeutic agent prior to the transplanting.

Abstract: The present invention provides cell-based screening methods for identifying pharmaceutical agents which are capable of modulating (have the ability to modulate) STAUFEN function by screening for STAUFEN function.