Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining whether or not a subject has a parkinsonian condition, comprising determining the concentration of 2-hydroxypyridine in a sample obtained from the subject, wherein the subject is determined to have, or to be at risk of having the parkinsonian condition, if the determined concentration of 2-hydroxypyridine is increased compared to a control. The present invention further also relates to a method for monitoring the progression of a parkinsonian condition in a subject diagnosed with the parkinsonian condition and a method for assessing the efficacy of treatment of a parkinsonian condition in a subject diagnosed with the parkinsonian condition as well as a kit-of-parts for determining whether or not a subject has a parkinsonian condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhibitor of an iron-containing hydrogenase of a methanogenic archaeon for use in the treatment or prevention of a parkinsonian condition, wherein said archaeon is in the gut of a subject and is characterized by the production of 2-hydroxypyridine. In addition, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising such an inhibitor and a kit comprising such an inhibitor. Further, the present invention relates to a method of screening for an inhibitor for use according to the present invention and a method for determining whether or not a subject is susceptible to a treatment with an inhibitor for use according to the present invention.

Abstract: Cell culture apparatus for emulating gastrointestinal tract conditions and comprising at least two adjacent, microfluidic, cell cultivation channels separated by a permeable or semipermeable membrane, a first channel carrying gastrointestinal tract epithelial cells or tissues and a second channel carrying luminal and preferably mucosal microbiota, and wherein said second channel comprises one or more dwell chambers capable of providing a location for unattached luminal flora to reside away from any direct flow in said second channel, permits modelling of multiple sections of the gastrointestinal tract and control of retention times.

Abstract: Provided herein is a microphysiological system that may be used in various cell culture applications and biological system studies, that facilitates co-culture, monitoring, and study of functional interactions among different types of cellular and biological materials under various environmental conditions. The system is configured for fast assembly and disassembly, thereby minimizing damage or contamination of the biological materials and environmental conditions inside the system. The system comprises a base, a lid, and a plurality of clamps that are connected to the base and the lid. The base has a recess surface for receiving cell culture support layers. The lid has a stepped surface configured to exert a contact force to a top layer of one or more cell culture support layers during use. The clamp involves an engagement mechanism that generates a contact force allowing for sealing of the cell culture support layers in a manner that minimizes leakage of fluids.

Abstract: A microfluidic cell culture device for performing dietary compounds—host microbiota cells molecular interactions, the microfluidic cells culture device comprising two or more channels, wherein at least two adjacent channels are cell culture channels separated by a permeable or semi permeable membrane adapted to prevent passage of cells thereacross, a first channel of the at least two adjacent channels supporting a culture of microbiota cells of a host and a second of the at least two channels supporting at least one probiotics culture and being perfused with a medium of dietary compound.

Abstract: Methods for the production of lipids and biofuels with a culture of Candidatus Microthrix spp. grown on a medium such as wastewater or sewage sludge are provided. The Candidatus Microthrix spp. may be cultured with additional microorganisms that contribute to the accumulation of lipids from the growth medium such as Zoog!oea spp., Rhizobacter spp., Blautia spp., Hydrolatea spp., ODI genera incertae sedis. Further discloses are transformed organisms comprising genes isolated from Candidatus Microthrix parvicella, as well as methods and processes for producing lipids, fatty acids, or biofuels in vitro using the protein products of the isolated genes.

Abstract: Provided herein is a microphysiological system that may be used in various cell culture applications and biological system studies, that facilitates co-culture, monitoring, and study of functional interactions among different types of cellular and biological materials under various environmental conditions. The system is configured for fast assembly and disassembly, thereby minimizing damage or contamination of the biological materials and environmental conditions inside the system. The system comprises a base, a lid, and a plurality of clamps that are connected to the base and the lid. The base has a recess surface for receiving cell culture support layers. The lid has a stepped surface configured to exert a contact force to a top layer of one or more cell culture support layers during use. The clamp involves an engagement mechanism that generates a contact force allowing for sealing of the cell culture support layers in a manner that minimizes leakage of fluids.

Abstract: Cell culture apparatus for emulating gastrointestinal tract conditions and comprising at least two adjacent, microfluidic, cell cultivation channels separated by a permeable or semipermeable membrane, a first channel carrying gastrointestinal tract epithelial cells or tissues and a second channel carrying luminal and preferably mucosal microbiota, and wherein said second channel comprises one or more dwell chambers capable of providing a location for unattached luminal flora to reside away from any direct flow in said second channel, permits modelling of multiple sections of the gastrointestinal tract and control of retention times.

Abstract: Methods for the production of lipids and biofuels with a culture of Candidatus Microthrix spp. grown on a medium such as wastewater or sewage sludge are provided. The Candidatus Microthrix spp. may be cultured with additional microorganisms that contribute to the accumulation of lipids from the growth medium such as Zoog!oea spp., Rhizobacter spp., Blautia spp., Hydrolatea spp., ODI genera incertae sedis. Further discloses are transformed organisms comprising genes isolated from Candidatus Microthrix parvicella, as well as methods and processes for producing lipids, fatty acids, or biofuels in vitro using the protein products of the isolated genes.

Abstract: Cell culture apparatus comprising at least two adjacent cell cultivation channels separated by a permeable or semipermeable membrane, wherein at least one channel, for the majority of its length, has a cross sectional area of no more than 1 mm2, said channel being provided with entrance and exit means to permit the passage of media therethrough, allows co-culture of separate cell types, e.g. human and microbial cells, without mingling, allowing monitoring of cell cultures and chemical exchanges between the respective cell cultures.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and kit for the separation and purification of cellular components including polar and non-polar metabolites, genomic DNA, RNA and proteins from a single biological sample where two steps of lysis of the cells are performed sequentially, before and after a metabolite isolation step. The first lysis step is mechanical and performed in order to be incomplete, whereas the second is chemical or both mechanical and chemical. A sequential isolation of genomic DNA, RNA and proteins is carried out after the second lysis step.

Abstract: Determination of the level and identity of various RNA molecules in circulation or tissues of subjects permits determination of microbiome composition and function of the subject as well as providing an index to health of various organs. Because rapid parallel sequencing techniques are available, such determinations can be conducted on a practical level.