Abstract: Methods for quantifying an amount of exosomes in subject derived biological fluid and comparing to a control provides for a method of identifying a medical condition. Removing an amount of the exosomes by adsorption and binding of the exosomes to an absorbent material, and administering the reconstituted biological fluid comprising a reduced amount of exosomes back to the subject also provides for a method of treating the identified medical condition.

Abstract: A method comprising administering to a subject a composition comprising an isolated microRNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of miR-19a-3p (SEQ ID NO:1); miR-103a-3p (SEQ ID NO:2); miR-106b-5p (SEQ ID NO:3); miR-146a-5p (SEQ ID NO:4); miR-223-5p (SEQ ID NO:5); miR-4497 (SEQ ID NO:6); miR-1303 (SEQ ID NO:7); miR-619-5p (SEQ ID NO:8); miR-1273f (SEQ ID NO:9); miR-7851-3p (SEQ ID NO:10); a functional variant thereof; and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polynucleotide agents (including interfering RNA agents (RNAi)), small molecule agents, and synthetic cells, methods of making the same, and their use as therapeutics against age-related dysfunction and/or cellular dysfunction that results in various disease states. In some embodiments, one or more agents as disclosed herein can be used to target and/or decrease the expression of the paired-box protein 5 (PAX5) gene, protein phosphatase, Mg2+/Mn2+ dependent 1F (PPM1F) gene, or both. Also disclosed herein are methods for the preparation and use of synthetic cells prepared by in vitro and/or in vivo manipulation using one or more cellular factors, polynucleotide agents, and/or small molecule agents. Disclosed herein is the use of these cells as therapeutic cells that treat age-related dysfunction and/or cellular dysfunction resulting in various disease states.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polynucleotide agents (including interfering RNA agents (RNAi)), small molecule agents, and synthetic cells, methods of making the same, and their use as therapeutics against age-related dysfunction and/or cellular dysfunction that results in various disease states. In some embodiments, one or more agents as disclosed herein can be used to target and/or decrease the expression of the paired-box protein 5 (PAX5) gene, protein phosphatase, Mg2+/Mn2+ dependent 1F (PPM1F) gene, or both. Also disclosed herein are methods for the preparation and use of synthetic cells prepared by in vitro and/or in vivo manipulation using one or more cellular factors, polynucleotide agents, and/or small molecule agents. Disclosed herein is the use of these cells as therapeutic cells that treat age-related dysfunction and/or cellular dysfunction resulting in various disease states.

Abstract: Disclosed is a three-dimensional (3-D) in vitro model for studying and subsequently treating cancer dormancy. The model is specifically useful in studying breast cancer and may be used for drug discovery because it maintains the breast cancer cells in a dormant state, unlike conventional two-dimensional (2-D) tissue culture plastic (TCP). Tumor-forming breast cancers cells were seeded on the 3-D model scaffolds and remained viable without proliferation. They also express stem cell markers typical for dormant cells. Dormant breast cancer cells also maintain their phenotype when seeded on the 3-D model unlike conventional 2-D models. The 3-D model includes a fibrous polycaprolactone with 30 wt. % hydroxyapatite. The 3-D model mimics the structure of bone tissue.

Abstract: A method comprising administering to a subject a composition comprising an isolated microRNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of miR-19a-3p (SEQ ID NO:1); miR-103a-3p (SEQ ID NO:2); miR-106b-5p (SEQ ID NO:3); miR-146a-5p (SEQ ID NO:4); miR-223-5p (SEQ ID NO:5); miR-4497 (SEQ ID NO:6); miR-1303 (SEQ ID NO:7); miR-619-5p (SEQ ID NO:8); miR-1273f (SEQ ID NO:9); miR-7851-3p (SEQ ID NO:10); a functional variant thereof; and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a three-dimensional (3-D) in vitro model for studying and subsequently treating cancer dormancy. The model is specifically useful in studying breast cancer and may be used for drug discovery because it maintains the breast cancer cells in a dormant state, unlike conventional two-dimensional (2-D) tissue culture plastic (TCP). Tumor-forming breast cancers cells were seeded on the 3-D model scaffolds and remained viable without proliferation. They also express stem cell markers typical for dormant cells. Dormant breast cancer cells also maintain their phenotype when seeded on the 3-D model unlike conventional 2-D models. The 3-D model includes a fibrous polycaprolactone with 30 wt. % hydroxyapatite. The 3-D model mimics the structure of bone tissue.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions in the form of cells exhibiting the phenotype of a mesenchymal stem cell and uses of such cells in the preparation of medicament and the treatment of an allergic reaction in an asthmatic subject. Also provided are methods of inducing tolerance to an allergen in an asthmatic subject and methods of assessing a non-asthmatic subject for amenability to allergy treatment by administering mesenchymal stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the cloning of a new cDNA, HGFIN, from stimulated bone marrow stromal cells that was retrieved with a probe specific for the neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor. The novel gene, HGFIN, encodes a protein receptor that is involved in the regulation of hematopoietic proliferation and differentiation. HGFIN is implicated in the treatment of hyperproliferative disorders, particularly bone and breast cancer, because it acts to suppress the proliferating cells.

Abstract: The present invention is a population of breast cancer cells with preference for establishing dormancy in bone marrow. The breast cancer cells have characteristics of stem cells and express high levels of Oct4, designated Oct4hi, but are also not dependent on stem cell gene status. The Oct4hi cells exhibit functional gap junction intercellular communication with bone marrow stroma, indicating that these cells can establish dormancy and remain resistant to chemotherapy. Also provided by the present invention are a biomarker for metastatic breast cancer, a method for diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer, and a method for identifying treatments that target dormant metastatic cells.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the cloning of a new cDNA, HGFIN, from stimulated bone marrow stromal cells that was retrieved with a probe specific for the neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor. The novel gene, HGFIN, encodes a protein receptor that is involved in the regulation of hematopoietic proliferation and differentiation. HGFIN is implicated in the treatment of hyperproliferative disorders, particularly bone and breast cancer, because it acts to suppress the proliferating cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel treatment which features immune therapy in the context of the functions of MSCs as a novel approach to breast cancer treatment. By identifying and elucidating the role of MSCs in the behavior of breast cancer cells at metastatic sites and also at the primary region, this invention provides novel approaches for therapeutic intervention. More particularly, in the presence of MSCs a CXCR4 antagonist transitioned BCCs into cycling cells and conferred susceptibility to a chemotherapeutic agent. The proliferation of BCCs depended on the release of IL-1? and IL-1? from MSCs, but only if the CXCR4 antagonist uncoupled BCCs from MSCs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of functional neurons from adult human mesenchymal stem cells using a retinoid. A retinoid, when used in the absence of a growth factor, transdifferentiates mesenchymal stem cells into functional neurons that exhibit synaptic transmission. Moreover, polarization of the functional neurons can be achieved using selected growth factors. Functional neurons produced in accordance with the method of the invention find use in the treatment or amelioration of diseases or conditions associated with neurodegeneration or nerve damage.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the cloning of a new cDNA, HGFIN, from stimulated bone marrow stromal cells that was retrieved with a probe specific for the neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor. The novel gene, HGFIN, encodes a protein receptor that is involved in the regulation of hematopoietic proliferation and differentiation. HGFIN is implicated in the treatment of hyperproliferative disorders, particularly bone and breast cancer, because it acts to suppress the proliferating cells.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for identifying novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of breast cancer, bone marrow metastasis, pain, arthritis, aggressive behavior, depression, and certain hematopoietic disorders. Disclosed are promoters and 3? regulatory regions of genes whose expression differs in malignant cells as compared with non-malignant cells. These include PPT-I, NK-2 and SP-R.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for selecting an enriched population of malignant cells. It has been found that by depleting fibroblasts from a population of cells obtained from a tissue sample; selecting epithelial cells from the fibroblast-depleted population; and culturing the selected epithelial cell population in the presence of bone marrow stromal cells, an enriched population of malignant cells can be selected. In particular, when the malignant cells are constructively passaged on the bone marrow stromal cells, anchorage-independent cells can be obtained. Advantageously, the instant method provides malignant cells which exhibit a preference for bone marrow stromal cells.

Abstract: The present invention establishes the fact that the degradation of SP to SP(1-4) by endogenous NEP in BM stroma can be a mediator of hematopoietic stimulation by stem cell factor (SCF) and induce the production of TGF-? and TNF-? in BM stroma. The present invention establishes that compositions containing the SP(1-4) polypeptide, or NEP genetic elements, can be used to slow and or stop the rapid growth of stem and progenitor cells thus protecting them from the deleterious effects of cancer therapy. Hence, the polynucleotides and proteins of the present invention may be used to protect stem cells from the toxic effects of chemo- and radio-therapy, in those undergoing, or about to undergo such cancer related treatments. Also provided are compositions containing NEP antisense sequences and antibodies used for the increased proliferation and differentiation of stem and/or progenitor cells in those whom have already undergone chemo- and/or radio-therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of functional neurons from adult human mesenchymal stem cells using a retinoid. A retinoid, when used in the absence of a growth factor, transdifferentiates mesenchymal stem cells into functional neurons that exhibit synaptic transmission. Moreover, polarization of the functional neurons can be achieved using selected growth factors. Functional neurons produced in accordance with the method of the invention find use in the treatment or amelioration of diseases or conditions associated with neurodegeneration or nerve damage.

Abstract: Bone marrow (BM) is the major organ where immune cells are derived. Homeostasis in the BM is maintained by inter- and intra-cellular interactions by the various subsets of BM cells. The present invention discloses the cloning of a new cDNA from stimulated BM stromal cells that was retrieved with a probe specific for the neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor. The cloned cDNA was designated ‘Hematopoietic Growth Factor Inducible Neurokinin-1 type’ (HGFIN) gene based on its expression in differentiated hematopoietic cells. Hence, the present invention provides a novel gene, HGFIN, which encodes a protein receptor that is involved in the regulation of hematopoietic proliferation and differentiation.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for identifying novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of breast cancer, bone marrow metastasis, pain, arthritis, aggressive behavior, depression, and certain hematopoietic disorders. Disclosed are promoters and 3′ regulatory regions of genes whose expression differs in malignant cells as compared with non-malignant cells. These include PPT-I, NK-2 and SP-R.