Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to genetically modified carrier/donor cells that are engineered to be resistant to its oligonucleotide payload, and methods of delivering an oligonucleotide into a target cell. The disclosure is also directed to methods of treating cancer using the engineered carrier cells of the disclosure. An aspect of this disclosure is directed to engineering carrier cells to be resistant to the detrimental effects of an oligonucleotide.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to cellular compositions that are modified to introduce a nucleic acid or vector expressing the same. Such compositions may be used to deliver nucleic acid to a target cell and treat disease such as cancer.

Abstract: A method for treating a subject afflicted with a cardiac disorder, in vivo, comprises (i) inducing differentiation of a progenitor cell, in vitro, to a cardiogenic cell; and (ii) administering a therapeutically effective amount of the cardiogenic cell of step (i) to the subject, thereby treating the cardiac disorder in the subject. This invention further provides related articles of manufacture and methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to expression of CXCR4 in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and homing of MSCs to sites of injury. In particular, the invention provides expanded cultures of MSCs which maintain cell surface expression of CXCR4. The MSCs are capable of homing to sites of injury and are suitable for treatment of ischemic disorders, including cardiac disorders, bone and cartilage disorders, liver disorders, inflammatory disorders, and stroke.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to the use of late passage mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders. The late passage MSCs of the invention may be used to provide biological pacemaker activity and/or provide a bypass bridge in the heart of a subject afflicted with a cardiac rhythm disorder. The biological pacemaker activity and/or bypass bridge may be provided to the subject either alone or in tandem with an electronic pacemaker.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to the use of late passage mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for treatment of cardiac disorders. Such late passage MSCs may be administered to the myocardium of a subject for induction of native cardiomyoctye proliferation and repair of cardiac tissue. Additionally, the late passage MSCs may be genetically engineered to express a gene encoding a physiologically active protein of interest and/or may be incorporated with small molecules for delivery to adjacent target cells through gap junctions. The late passage MSCs of the invention may be used to provide biological pacemaker activity and/or provide a bypass bridge in the heart of a subject afflicted with a cardiac rhythm disorder. The biological pacemaker activity and/or bypass bridge may be provided to the subject either alone or in tandem with an electronic pacemaker.

Abstract: A method for treating a subject afflicted with a cardiac disorder, in vivo, comprises (i) inducing differentiation of a progenitor cell, in vitro, to a cardiogenic cell; and (ii) administering a therapeutically effective amount of the cardiogenic cell of step (i) to the subject, thereby treating the cardiac disorder in the subject. This invention further provides related articles of manufacture and methods.