Abstract: Rotating suspension culture devices that allow direct microscopy, in situ assays, and automation are disclosed. According to an aspect, a suspension culture device includes a rotatable base having an exterior surface that engages at one or more rollers for rotation of the base about an axis when the at least one roller is turning. The device includes first and second end components attached to the base along the axis. The base and the first and second end components define an interior space for holding liquid. A portion of at least one of the end components is made of a material that is at least partially transparent for viewing into the interior space from outside the base. Further, the device includes ports that each permit fluid communication between the interior space and outside the base.

Abstract: Methods are provided herein for producing a vaccine, comprising culturing bacteria in microgravity. In some examples, the method includes culturing bacteria in microgravity, evaluating RNA expression, detecting an RNA that is over- or underexpressed during culture in microgravity, deleting the over- or underexpressed RNA in bacteria, and killing or attenuating the bacteria to produce a vaccine. In other examples, the method comprises culturing bacteria in microgravity, evaluating RNA expression, detecting a RNA that is over- or underexpressed during culture in microgravity, selecting bacteria that over- or underexpress the RNA, culturing the selected bacteria, and killing the bacteria to produce a vaccine. Vaccine compositions produced by the disclosed methods are also contemplated.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for the production of human urokinase are disclosed. Also disclosed are embodiments of a cell culture well-suited for use with the disclosed method. The method involves culturing urokinase-producing cells, such as immortalized human renal cells, in a cell culture. The cell culture comprises microcarrier structures and a tissue culture medium. The urokinase production is allowed to occur while the cell culture remains relatively static, i.e., the cell culture is not substantially mixed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel renal receptors for ligands. Cubilin and megalin are representative examples of such renal receptors. Also provided are potential uses of these renal receptors for treating toxicity in various tissues and for detecting renal damage.