Abstract: Provided herein are nucleic acids, recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) particles, and compositions, as well as methods of use thereof for transducing medullary thyroid carcinoma cells and in treatment of disease, such as medullary thyroid carcinoma. In some aspects, the nucleic acid comprises a truncated calcitonin promoter, which is optionally encapsidated within a rAAV particle. In other aspects, the rAAV particle is a rAAV particle having a mutation in a surface-exposed amino acid, such as tyrosine, threonine, or serine, that enhances transduction of the particle into medullary thyroid carcinoma cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of improving rAAV production in cells, the method comprising increasing the salt concentration in the media in which the cells are infected or transfected, cultured, or in which they produce AAV. Aspects of the disclosure relate to improved methods of rAAV production by co-infecting suspension adapted cells (e.g., suspension adapted HEK293 cells) with viruses that encode one or more AAV components for producing rAAV particles within the suspension adapted cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of improving rAAV production in cells, the method comprising increasing the salt concentration in the media in which the cells are infected or transfected, cultured, or in which they produce AAV. Aspects of the disclosure relate to improved methods of rAAV production by co-infecting suspension adapted cells (e.g., suspension adapted HEK293 cells) with viruses that encode one or more AAV components for producing rAAV particles within the suspension adapted cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are nucleic acids, recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) particles, and compositions, as well as methods of use thereof for transducing medullary thyroid carcinoma cells and in treatment of disease, such as medullary thyroid carcinoma. In some aspects, the nucleic acid comprises a truncated calcitonin promoter, which is optionally encapsidated within a rAAV particle. In other aspects, the rAAV particle is a rAAV particle having a mutation in a surface-exposed amino acid, such as tyrosine, threonine, or serine, that enhances transduction of the particle into medullary thyroid carcinoma cells.

Abstract: An implant for replacing the supporting function of an intervertebral space defined between adjacent vertebrae includes a prosthetic implant member dimensioned for insertion within a space provided by at least partial removal of the intervertebral disc. The implant member includes a first implant portion and a second implant portion. The first implant portion includes a microporous material formed to define a predetermined configuration and has a first relatively high average porosity to facilitate rapid bone ingrowth within the first implant portion. The second implant portion includes a microporous material formed to define a predetermined configuration and has a second relatively low average porosity to support and maintain the adjacent vertebrae in spaced relation during permanent fixation of the implant member within the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an artificial bone graft implant for use as a replacement for living bone material in surgical procedures requiring the use of bone graft material. The implant has a body configured to be implanted into a prepared site in a patient's bone tissue, with the body having a pair of opposed outer surfaces defining the body. A first and a second porous portion form the body with the first and second porous portions having pores of different sizes such that the average pore size of the first porous portion is greater than the average pore size of the second porous portion. The first porous portion of the body is formed in the shape of a core, with the core being in contact with the opposed outer surfaces of the body, and the second porous portion of the body is formed in the shape of an outer shell.