Abstract: Disclosed herein are materials and methods suitable for treating injured, damaged or diseased mineralized and non-mineralized skeletal tissues, including bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and/or other non-mineralized skeletal tissues. The affected structure can be treated by contacting a surface of the skeletal element at or adjacent to or in the vicinity of an area of injury, damage or disease with an implantable material. The implantable material comprises a biocompatible matrix and cells and is in an amount effective to treat the affected structure. A composition comprising a biocompatible matrix and cells engrafted therein or thereon can be used to treat the affected structure. The composition can be a flexible planar material or a flowable composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for delivering a flowable composition comprising cells, wherein the flowable composition is in an amount effective to treat an injured or diseased site. The device comprises a delivery device adapted for minimally-invasive delivery of the flowable composition through which the flowable composition can be passed while maintaining the effectiveness and viability of the cells of the flowable composition. The present invention further relates to a method for delivering the flowable composition comprising cells. The method comprises the steps of percutaneously inserting a delivery device adapted for minimally-invasive delivery of the flowable composition through which the flowable composition can be passed while maintaining the effectiveness and viability of the cells of the flowable composition and administering the flowable composition at, adjacent to or in the vicinity of the injured or diseased site.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are materials and methods suitable for treating sites of pathological angiogenesis and abnormal neovascularization. Sites of pathological angiogenesis or abnormal neovascularization can be treated by contacting a surface at or adjacent or in the vicinity of an area of pathological angiogenesis or abnormal neovascularization with an implantable material. The implantable material comprises a biocompatible matrix and cells and is in an amount effective to treat the affected site. The composition can be a flexible planar material or a flowable composition. Diseases susceptible to treatment with the present invention include, for example, macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic inflammatory diseases, and treatment of tumors by surgical resection, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Abstract: Applicants have defined the pro-inflammatory domain of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor VEGF164(165) protein molecule using VEGF164 protein mutants in which the heparin binding domain is inactivated through alanine scanning, site directed mutagenesis. The invention provides novel VEGF variants having a modified heparin binding domain. The VEGF variants modified heparin binding function compared to native VEGF while maintaining receptor binding function. The invention provides compositions and methods for treating disorders relating to angiogenesis and inflammation.

Abstract: Modified nucleic acids are used for many purposes in research, diagnostic, and treatment protocols. However, direct sequencing of such molecules is generally considered to require special conditions. Methods of making a cDNA using a modified nucleic acid molecule and sequencing methods of sequencing a modified nucleic acid molecule are described.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for making and using sterically enhanced antagonist aptamer conjugates that include a nucleic acid sequence having a specific affinity for a target molecule and a soluble, high molecular weight steric group that augments or facilitates the inhibition of binding to, or interaction with, the target molecule binding partner by the target molecule when bound to the aptamer conjugate. The present invention also provides methods and formulations for ocular delivery of a biologically active molecule by attaching a charged moiety to the biologically active molecule and delivering the biologically active molecule by iontophoresis. Iontophoresis of a biologically active molecule that is conjugated to a high molecular weight neutral moiety, in enhanced by substituting the high molecular weight neutral moiety with a charged molecule of comparable size.