Abstract: The invention provides methods of diagnosing autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by identification of altered metabolic characteristics in such subjects. By measuring concentrations of metabolites in a sample, such as a blood or plasma sample, from a subject, changes in the activity of specific metabolic pathways can be identified. In turn, ASD subjects can be classified based on metabolic defects. Thus, the methods allow healthcare professionals to provide patient-specific guidance on a course of treatment for individuals who have or are at risk of developing ASD.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for predicting whether compounds are cardiotoxic by analyzing their effects on the ratios of concentrations of metabolites in cultured heart muscle cells.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of diagnosing autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by analyzing ratios of concentrations of selected amine containing compounds in a sample, such as a blood sample, from a subject. Based on the discovery that specific amine containing compounds and their ratios are dysregulated in patients with ASD, these metabotypes or subtypes of metabolism have the potential to diagnose earlier and suggest more precise treatment based on the metabolism of the individual. The invention provides methods of analyzing amine containing compounds and ratios in a test subject and determining whether the test subject has or is at risk of developing an ASD by comparing ratios from the test subject to ratios from subjects diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder such as ASD who share a common profile of metabolism which is not found in the majority of typically developing subjects.

Abstract: With the present invention, metabolomics biomarkers are used to identify subtypes within the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) population. In one embodiment, levels of the metabolite 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furanpropanoic acid (CMPF) of about six times or greater than the median level in typically developing (TD) individuals or about 2 ?M or greater place the individual in an autism subpopulation that includes less than 20% of the total ASD population. Thus, CMPF is a biomarker able to discriminate a subtype of ASD.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to stem cell biology and more specifically to genetic manipulation of stem cells. Methods and compositions using recombinational cloning techniques are disclosed which allow the construction and insertion of complex genetic constructs into embryonic and adult stem cells and progenitor cells. The methods disclosed will allow the harvesting of adult stem cells pre-engineered with integration sites to facilitate early passage genetic modification.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to compositions useful for cell culture having one surface in adherence to another surface, e.g., a cell culture matrix in adherence to a surface. The present invention also relates, in part, to methods of adhering one surface to another surface, e.g., adhering a cell culture matrix to a surface, and compositions relating to such methods. The present invention also provides in part, methods for adhering a cell to a surface. Related methods are also provided for determining the effect of at least one compound on a cell(s).

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to stem cell biology and more specifically to genetic manipulation of stem cells. Methods and compositions using recombinational cloning techniques are disclosed which allow the construction and insertion of complex genetic constructs into embryonic and adult stem cells and progenitor cells. The methods disclosed will allow the harvesting of adult stem cells pre-engineered with integration sites to facilitate early passage genetic modification.