Abstract: Described herein are rats with a hepatic deficiency comprising decreased function, activity, or expression of an enzyme in the tyrosine catabolic pathway (such as fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase), and methods of using the same for in vivo engraftment and expansion of heterologous hepatocytes, such as human hepatocytes, analysis of human liver disease, and analysis of xenobiotics. Also disclosed is the use of immunodeficient rats for the engraftment and expansion of heterologous hepatocytes.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for reprogramming somatic cells using purified RNA preparations comprising single-strand mRNA encoding an iPS cell induction factor. The purified RNA preparations are preferably substantially free of RNA contaminant molecules that: i) would activate an immune response in the somatic cells, ii) would decrease expression of the single-stranded mRNA in the somatic cells, and/or iii) active RNA sensors in the somatic cells. In certain embodiments, the purified RNA preparations are substantially free of partial mRNAs, double-stranded RNAs, un-capped RNA molecules, and/or single-stranded run-on mRNAs.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified oocytes having a nuclear genome derived from a first oocyte and cytoplasm derived from a second oocyte from a different subject, and methods for making and using such modified oocytes. The methods and compositions of the present invention can be useful in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, in in vitro fertilization (“IVF”) procedures.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to genetically modified non-human animals that express a human or chimeric (e.g., humanized) CD3e (T-cell surface glycoprotein CD3 epsilon chain), and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods that enable the polarization of hPSC mesoderm such that closely related yet distinct cardiovascular populations can be generated efficiently without the need of post-facto enrichment.

Abstract: Methods and compositions relating to the production of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) are disclosed. For example, induced pluripotent stem cells may be generated from CD34+ hematopoietic cells, such as human CD34+ blood progenitor cells, or T cells. Various iPS cell lines are also provided. In certain embodiments, the invention provides novel induced pluripotent stem cells with a genome comprising genetic rearrangement of T cell receptors.

Abstract: Disclosed are materials and methods for creating customizable traits in animals. In the demonstration of the principle of the subject invention, a keratin-14 specific promoter is used with, red fluorescent protein in the loxp cassette, dominant black (?G23) beta defensin 103 in the pigment cassette, and an SV40 (with intron) polyadenylation sequence. When Cre recombinase (or HTNCre) is applied to the animal's skin in a carrier base (e.g., lipid bilayers), fur is permanently genetically modified to turn black in the shape in which it was applied.

Abstract: A method for preparing neoplastically transformed cells from human-derived cells, including the step of introducing human telomerase catalytic subunit (hTERT) gene, SV40 small T antigen (SV40ST) gene, and an oligonucleotide derived from Alu7 sequence into the human-derived cells. A method for introducing a gene for neoplastically transforming human-derived cells, including incorporating human telomerase catalytic subunit (hTERT) gene, SV40 small T antigen (SV40ST) gene, and an oligonucleotide derived from Alu7 sequence into the same or different vectors, and introducing the genes into human-derived cells therewith. The methods of the present invention can be utilized upon induction of neoplastic transformation to various human normal cells in order to elucidate mechanisms for onset of cancer, so that the method can be effectively utilized in the search of a new drug discovery target molecule.