Abstract: In various embodiments a polyrotaxane carrier for in vivo delivery of a nucleic acid is provided. In certain embodiments the carrier comprises: a multi-arm polyethylene glycol (PEG) backbone comprising at least three arms; at least one cyclic compound having a cavity, where an arm of said multi-arm PEG backbone is threaded into the cavity of said cyclic compound forming an inclusion complex; a bulky moiety capping the terminal of the arm(s) threaded into said cyclic compound where said moiety inhibits dethreading of the cyclodextrin from the arm(s) of said backbone; and where at least one arm of said PEG backbone is free of cyclic compounds; and where said carrier has a net positive charge.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of modifying a mutant dystrophin gene in the genome of a cell. The present disclosure further provides compositions and kits for modifying a mutant dystrophin gene in the genome of a cell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are guide sequences for modifying a dystrophin gene using CRISPR technology. Specifically, the disclosure provides a method of modifying a dystrophin gene in a cell or a subject, which comprises introducing into the cell or subject (a) a Cas protein or a nucleotide sequence encoding the Cas protein; and a single guide RNA (gRNA), or a first gRNA and a second gRNA, wherein the Cas protein is a type II CRISPR/Cas endonuclease. Further disclosed are gRNA nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of generating skeletal muscle progenitor cells (SMPCs). The present disclosure provides methods of generating immature SMPCs and multinucleated muscle cells, and matured SMPCs and multinucleated muscle cells. The present disclosure provides engraftment methods and treatment methods, involving generating SMPCs and introducing the SMPCs into an individual.

Abstract: In various embodiments a polyrotaxane carrier for in vivo delivery of a nucleic acid is provided. In certain embodiments the carrier comprises: a multi-arm polyethylene glycol (PEG) backbone comprising at least three arms; at least one cyclic compound having a cavity, where an arm of said multi-arm PEG backbone is threaded into the cavity of said cyclic compound forming an inclusion complex; a bulky moiety capping the terminal of the arm(s) threaded into said cyclic compound where said moiety inhibits dethreading of the cyclodextrin from the arm(s) of said backbone; and where at least one arm of said PEG backbone is free of cyclic compounds; and where said carrier has a net positive charge.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of modifying a mutant dystrophin gene in the genome of a cell. The present disclosure further provides compositions and kits for modifying a mutant dystrophin gene in the genome of a cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a role for neurotrophins in hES cell survival and important new insights into the molecular mechanisms controlling the growth of these cells. Although previous studies identified growth factors that affect self-renewal of hES cells, the novelty of the present invention is the identification of factors that act through specific receptors present on hES cells and activate the receptors at physiological concentrations to promote survival and proliferation.