Abstract: A biocompatible membrane composite that can provide an environment that is able to mitigate or tailor the foreign body response is provided. The membrane composite contains a mitigation layer and a vascularization layer. A reinforcing component may optionally be included to provide support to and prevent distortion of the biocompatible membrane composite in vivo. The mitigation layer may be bonded (e.g., point bonded or welded) or adhered (intimately or discretely) to an implantable device and/or cell system. The biocompatible membrane composite may be used as a surface layer for implantable devices or cell systems that require vascularization for function but need protection from the host's immune response, such as the formation of foreign body giant cells. The biocompatible membrane composite may partially or fully cover the exterior of an implantable device or cell system. The mitigation layer is positioned between the implantable device or bioactive scaffold and the vascularization layer.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleotide sequence of a novel mammalian gene which is involved in rapamycin resistance and tumorgenesis the RapR7 gene, and amino acid sequences of its encoded proteins, and fragments and derivatives and analogs thereof. The present invention also provides methods and compositions for regulating rapamycin resistance and/or tumorgenesis by modulating the expression and/or the activity of RapR7 gene. The invention also provides methods and compositions for treatment of diseases, e.g., cancers, by modulating the expression and/or activity of RapR7 gene. The invention also provides methods and compositions for diagnosing and screening RapR7 mediated rapamycin resistance and/or tumorgenesis in patients. The invention further provides host cells whose RapR7 gene can be reversibly overexpressed, and to methods of using the RapR7 gene in evaluation and screening for drugs which regulate rapamycin resistance and/or tumorgenesis.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleotide sequence of a novel mammalian gene, the RapR6 gene, which is involved in resistance and tumorgenesis, and amino acid sequences of the encoded proteins. The present invention also provides methods and compositions for regulating rapamycin resistance and/or tumorgenesis by modulating the expression and/or the activity of RapR6 gene. The invention also provides methods and compositions for treatment of diseases, e.g., cancers, by modulating the expression and/or activity of RapR6 gene. The invention also provides methods and compositions for diagnosing and screening RapR6 mediated rapamycin resistance and/or tumorgenesis in patients. The invention further provides host cells a portion of whose RapR6 gene can be reversibly expressed, and to methods of using the RapR6 gene in evaluation and screening for drugs which regulate rapamycin resistance and/or tumorgenesis.