Abstract: An apparatus in the form of a chip is provided wherein the apparatus is prepared with decellularized extracellular matrix from various tissues and can be used to investigate the cellular interactions between the ECM and the various cell types. Three dimensional culture methods for investigating decellularized extracellular matrix from various tissues and interactions with various mammalian cell types are also provided. Methods of use of cells grown using the apparatus and methods disclosed are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for chemical and/or biological transformation of at least one starting material dissolved in a liquid phase using at least one immobilized enzyme, cell fragments, and/or encapsulated whole cell microorganism trapped in a rotating flow distributor having an inlet for receiving liquid phase comprising starting material as well as immobilized enzyme(s)/encapsulated cell(s), a cavity for trapping said immobilized enzyme(s), cell fragment(s), and/or encapsulated whole cell microorganism(s), and outlet openings on the rotating periphery of the flow distributor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of continuously culturing cells, including culturing the cells by injecting a culture medium into an internal compartment of a sealed culture vessel and then inoculating the culture medium with the cells, detaching the adhered cells when the density of the cells cultured in the compartment of the culture vessel is a reference value or more, and obtaining the cells detached from the culture vessel, which is maintained in a sealed state.

Abstract: Biomass feedstocks (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce a product or intermediate, e.g., energy, a food, a fuel, or a material.

Abstract: Acoustic perfusion devices for separating biological cells from other material in a fluid mixture are disclosed. The devices include an inlet port, an outlet port, and a collection port that are connected to an acoustic chamber. An ultrasonic transducer creates an acoustic standing wave in the acoustic chamber that permits a continuous flow of fluid to be recovered through the collection port while keeping the biological cells within the acoustic chamber to be returned to the bioreactor from which the fluid mixture is being drawn.

Abstract: Acoustic perfusion devices for separating biological cells from other material in a fluid mixture are disclosed. The devices include an inlet port, an outlet port, and a collection port that are connected to an acoustic chamber. An ultrasonic transducer creates an acoustic standing wave in the acoustic chamber that permits a continuous flow of fluid to be recovered through the collection port while keeping the biological cells within the acoustic chamber to be returned to the bioreactor from which the fluid mixture is being drawn.

Abstract: The present invention provides automated devices for use in supporting various cell therapies and tissue engineering methods. The present invention provides an automated cell separation apparatus capable of separating cells from a tissue sample for use in cell therapies and/or tissue engineering. The cell separation apparatus can be used in combination with complementary devices such as cell collection device and/or a sodding apparatus to support various therapies. The automated apparatus includes media and tissue dissociating chemical reservoirs, filters, a cell separator and a perfusion flow loop through a graft chamber which supports a graft substrate or other endovascular device. The present invention further provides methods for using the tissue grafts and cell samples prepared by the devices described herein in a multitude of therapies including revascularization, regeneration and reconstruction of tissues and organs, as well as treatment and prevention of diseases.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for separating a target component in a fluid sample, which method comprises: a) passing a fluid sample that comprises or is suspected of comprising a target component and cell aggregates through a microfabricated filter so that said target component, if present in said fluid sample, is retained by or passes through said microfabricated filter, and b) prior to and/or concurrently with passing said fluid sample through said microfabricated filter, contacting said fluid sample with an emulsifying agent to reduce or remove said cell aggregates, if present in said fluid sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods of producing excreted products through the fermentation of methane with methanotrophs. In certain embodiments, the methods are performed at low oxygen levels.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a cell culture medium comprising media supplements that are shown to control recombinant protein glycosylation and/or cell culture in a controlled or modulated (shifted) temperature to control recombinant protein glycosylation and/or cell culture with controlled or modulated seed density to control recombinant protein glycosylation, and methods of using thereof. The present invention further pertains to a method of controlling or manipulating glycosylation of a recombinant protein of interest in a large scale cell culture.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to methods of isolating non-embryonic stem cell, e.g., adult stem cell, from a non-embryonic tissue, e.g., an adult tissue or organ. Non-embryonic stem cells (e.g., adult stem cells) thus isolated from the various tissues or organs can self-renew or propagate indefinitely in vitro, are multipotent and can differentiate into the various differentiated cell types normally found within the tissue or organ from which the stem cells are isolated. In addition, the isolated stem cells can be propagated through clonal expansion of a single isolated stem cell, to produce a clone of which at least about 40%, 70%, or 90% or more cells within the clone can be further passaged as single cell originated clones.

Abstract: This invention relates to the differentiation of pluripotent cells (PSCs) into foregut stem cells (FSCs) using a definitive endoderm induction medium comprising a TGFfi ligand, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and a PI3K inhibitor to differentiate the pluripotent cells into definitive endoderm cells and a foregut induction medium comprising a TGF? ligand to differentiate the definitive endoderm cells into foregut stem cells (FSCs). Methods of differentiation, populations of foregut stem cells, culture media and kits are provided.

Abstract: The present technology provides for methods for the directed differentiation of multi-potent cells, female germ line stem cells, or oogonial stem cells into oocytes, granulosa cells and/or granulosa precursor cells, i.e.,“synthetic granulosa cells.” The synthetic granulosa cells are useful in methods for growth and maturation of follicles or follicle-like structures and immature oocytes. Additionally, the synthetic granulosa cells are useful in methods of increasing ovarian derived hormones and growth factors in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Provided are a production method of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells that improves differentiation induction efficiency of pluripotent stem cells into RPE cells, and can provide highly pure RPE cells by a simple and easy operation in a short period, a culture method of RPE cells that can stably grow and culture a cell, a toxicity/efficacy evaluation method using RPE cells useful for transplantation therapy, and a therapeutic drug for a retinal disease. The invention relates to a production method of RPE cells, comprising adhesion culture of human pluripotent stem cells using a culture substrate coated with a laminin-E8 fragment, a culture method of RPE cells, comprising adhesion culture of RPE cells using a culture substrate coated with a laminin-E8 fragment, a toxicity or efficacy evaluation method using RPE cells obtained by producing or culturing by the method, and a therapeutic drug for a retinal disease, containing the RPE cells.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of identifying agents that affect human astrocytes functionality using ex-vivo differentiated pluripotent stem cells (PSC). In addition, the use of human progenitor astrocytes or human astrocytes for the treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in a human subject is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the differentiation of human pluripotent cells, including human pluripotent stems cells to produce a self-renewing multipotent neural crest cell population in a single step method without the requirement of isolation of intermediate cells and without appreciable contamination (in certain preferred instances, virtually none) with Pax6+ neural progenitor cells in the population of p75+Hnk1+Ap2+ multipotent neural crest-like cells. The multipotent neural crest cell population obtained can be clonally amplified and maintained for >25 passages (>100 days) while retaining the capacity to differentiate into peripheral neurons, smooth muscle cells and mesenchymal precursor cells.

Abstract: Adipose cells (sebocytes) are described, The invention especially relates to sebaceous gland cells and to a sebaceous gland cell line with the property of being continuously grown over many sub-cultures. The sebocytes are excellently suited for useful applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are allogeneic cells useful for the treatment of cancer in a universal donor, off the shelf, manner. In one embodiment of the invention cord blood derived T cell progenitors are matured with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28, interleukin-7 and transfected with a construct encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting a tumor antigen or a tumor endothelial associated antigen on the antigen binding domain. The intracellular domain containing CD3 zeta chain and at least one shRNA domain encoding a transcript which generates at least one siRNA capable of inhibiting expression of HLA I and/or HLA II. In another embodiment mesenchymal stem cells are transfected with CAR to enhance migration into tumors and induce tumor death, reduction of inflammation, or immune sensitization. In another embodiment universal donor CAR-MSC are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to derive hepatic stem cells from stem cells derived from non-liver tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, hepatic stem cells are derived from adipose stem cells. The invention also provides a method of enhancing hepatic cytokine production (e.g., HGF) from ASCs, which may be useful in the regeneration of liver tissue when transplanted in vivo. Tissue culture conditions, including media conditions, are provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for simultaneously producing both nephron progenitor cells and ureteric epithelial progenitor cells including the step of contacting intermediate mesoderm cells with: fibroblast growth factor (9) and/or fibroblast growth factor (20) and optionally, one or more selected from the group consisting of. bone morphogenic protein 7; heparin: a Wnt agonist; retinoic acid; and an RA antagonist. The concentrations of Writ agonist, retinoic acid and/or RA antagonist may be manipulated to favour the relative production of nephron progenitor cells and ureteric epithelial progenitor cells. The intermediate mesoderm cells are ultimately derived from human pluripotent stem cells via a posterior primitive streak stage. The nephron progenitor cells and ureteric epithelial progenitor cells may have end uses such as for kidney repair and regeneration, bioprinting of kidneys and screening compounds for nephrotoxicity.

Abstract: Described herein are non-natural NAD+-dependent alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) capable of at least two fold greater conversion of methanol or ethanol to formaldehyde or acetaldehyde, respectively, as compared to its unmodified counterpart. Nucleic acids encoding the non-natural alcohol dehydrogenases, as well as expression constructs including the nucleic acids, and engineered cells comprising the nucleic acids or expression constructs are described. Also described are engineered cells expressing a non-natural NAD+-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase, optionally include one or more additional metabolic pathway transgene(s), methanol metabolic pathway genes, target product pathway genes, cell culture compositions including the cells, methods for promoting production of the target product or intermediate thereof from the cells, compositions including the target product or intermediate, and products made from the target product or intermediate.

Abstract: Provided herein are isolated laccase enzymes and nucleic acids encoding them. Also provided are mediators for laccase reactions. Also provided herein are methods for using laccases to oxidize lignins, other phenolic, and aromatic compounds, such as for bio-bleaching and decolorization of wood pulp under high temperature and pH conditions to facilitate a substantial reduction in use of bleaching chemicals, as well as for treatment of fibers.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising recombinant DNA polymerases that include amino acid substitutions, insertions, deletions, and/or exogenous features that confer modified properties upon the polymerase for enhanced single molecule sequencing. Such properties include increased resistance to photodamage, and can also include enhanced metal ion coordination, reduced exonuclease activity, reduced reaction rates at one or more steps of the polymerase kinetic cycle, decreased branching fraction, altered cofactor selectivity, increased yield, increased thermostability, increased accuracy, increased speed, increased readlength, and the like. Also provided are nucleic acids which encode the polymerases with the aforementioned phenotypes, as well as methods of using such polymerases to make a DNA or to sequence a DNA template.

Abstract: Provided is a mutated hyperthermophilic PTE having a lactonase activity derived from a hyperthermophilic phosphotriesterase corresponding to the consensus sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, the mutated PTE including the at least one mutation chosen amongst 55 putative positions and the mutated PTE having enhanced properties. Also provided are compositions including the mutated hyperthermophilic PTE and the uses thereof, notably as bioscavenger of organophosphate compounds or as quorum quencher of the bacteria using lactones to communicate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of treating diseases states such as lysosomal storage diseases and/or neurodegenerative diseases. Also disclosed are one or more compositions that may be useful for one or more of the disclosed methods, including compositions that may comprise acid ?-glucosidase (GCase) protein comprising one or more mutations, peptides of acid ?-glucosidase, and DNA vectors and cell lines related to acid ?-glucosidase peptides or proteins.

Abstract: Mutated Staphylococcus sp. RLH1 ?-glucuronidase enzymes with enhanced enzymatic activity and thermostability as compared to wild type enzyme are provided. The enzymes of the invention advantageously allow for accurate analysis of bodily samples for the presence of drugs in 30 minutes or less, as compared to the several hours needed using prior enzyme preparations. Methods of using the mutated enzymes for hydrolysis of glucuronide substrates, including opiates and benzodiazepines, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having xylanase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to proteases comprising an amino acid sequence which has an at least 70% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, over the entire length thereof, and in which the amino acids at positions corresponding to positions 3, 4, 99, 188, and 199 according to SEQ ID NO:1 are substituted to S3T, V4I, R99D/E, A188P and V199I, preferably S3T, V4I, R99E, A188P, and V199I, and to the production and use thereof. Such proteases exhibit very good stability, in particular temperature stability, while at the same time having good cleaning power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide consisting of or comprising a variant of human trypsinogen-1, comprising the substitutions: amino acid residue E64 is replaced with an amino acid residue comprising a positively charged side chain, amino acid residue K123 is replaced with an amino acid residue comprising an aliphatic side chain and amino acid residues Y139 and D147 are replaced with a glutamine or asparagine residue, and wherein said variant is further characterized in that: an amino acid residue selected from E16, E17 and E142 is replaced with an amino acid residue comprising an aliphatic side chain, and/or amino acid residue N18 is replaced with a histidine residue, and/or amino acid residue R107 is replaced with a lysine residue, and/or amino acid residue D138 is replaced with an amino acid residue comprising a positively charged side chain, and wherein said variant is cleavable into a polypeptide having a native-like enzymatic activity when compared to human trypsin-1.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to solutions and methods of preparing lyophilized formulations of factor Xa (fXa) antidotes. A suitable aqueous formulation suitable for lyophilization can include a fXa antidote, a solubilizing agent, a stabilizer, and a crystalline component, wherein the formulation does not collapse during lyophilization.

Abstract: Enzyme substrates and associated technology of the present invention are provided. An enzyme substrate of the invention may comprise a biologically functional fluorescent dye and an enzyme-specific substrate moiety attached in such a way that the functionality of the functional dye is diminished. An enzymatic reaction may cleave at least a portion of the substrate moiety from the enzyme substrate to provide a more functional product dye. This product dye may be nonfluorescent or weakly fluorescent, in general, and relatively fluorescent, in a particular condition, such as when bound to a partner biological molecule or an assembly of partner biological molecules. An enzyme substrate of the present invention may thus be useful in fluorescence detection, and/or in any of a variety of useful applications, such as the detection of enzymatic activity in a cell-free system or in a living cell, the screening of drugs, or the diagnosis of disease.

Abstract: Methods for extracting high quality nucleic acids from a heterogenous collection of nucleic acid-containing materials from a biological sample are disclosed. The heterogenous collection of nucleic-acid containing materials may contain cells or microvesicles, or both. The extractions obtained by the methods described herein are characterized by high yield and high integrity, making the extracted nucleic acids useful for various applications in which high quality nucleic acid extractions are preferred, e.g., a diagnosis, prognosis, or therapy evaluation for a medical condition.

Abstract: This application provides an improved screening method for the selection of target-binding proteins having desirable biophysical properties. The method combines mRNA display and yeast surface display in a way that takes advantage of the desirable attributes of both processes.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and kits are provided for efficiently generating and screening humanized antibody with high affinity against a specific antigen. The library of humanized antibody is generated by mutagenizing a chimeric antibody template that combines human antibody framework and antigen binding sites of a non-human antibody. Alternatively, the library of humanized antibody is generated by grafting essential antigen-recognition segment(s) such as CDRs of the non-human antibody into the corresponding position(s) of each member of a human antibody library. This library of humanized antibody is then screened for high affinity binding toward a specific antigen in vivo in organism such as yeast or in vitro using techniques such as ribosome display or mRNA display. The overall process can be efficiently performed in a high throughput and automated manner, thus mimicking the natural process of antibody affinity maturation.

Abstract: Provided are methods for the design, preparation, and use of non-native pri-microRNAs (pri-miRNAs), pri-microRNA (pri-miRNA) scaffolds, and libraries of non-native pri-miRNAs employing pri-miRNA scaffolds. Also provided are methods for identifying non-native pri-miRNAs, combinations of two or more non-native pri-miRNAs, and miRNAs derived from the processing of such non-native pri-miRNAs, which miRNAs exhibit one or more desired functional activities. Further provided are non-native pri-miRNAs, non-native pri-miRNA libraries, vectors comprising and for the expression of one or more non-native pre-miRNAs or for the expression of one or more miRNAs derived from the processing of one or more pre-miRNAs, and cells comprising one or more non-native pri-miRNAs or one or more miRNAs derived from the processing of such non-native pri-miRNAs, each of which pri-miRNAs, pri-miRNA libraries, vectors, and cells can be prepared by the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide analogues conjugated to carrier peptides are provided. The disclosed compounds are useful for the treatment of various diseases, for example diseases where inhibition of protein expression or correction of aberrant mRNA splice products produces beneficial therapeutic effects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oligomer compounds (oligomers), which target Tau mRNA in a cell, leading to reduced expression of Tau protein. Reduction of Tau protein expression is beneficial for the treatment of certain medical disorders, e.g., a neurological disorder.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for inhibiting or treating metastasis based on discoveries regarding Kif19 and Cep192. Methods and compositions are provided for enhancing wound healing, treating fibrosis, reducing scarring and treating nerve pain.

Abstract: Described herein is a previously unknown function of XBP1 in controlling anti-tumor immunity. It is shown that inhibiting XBP1 in tumor-associated dendritic cells inhibits tumor growth and induces protective anti-tumor immune responses.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions useful for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and/or left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) and other cardiomyopathies through allele-specific RNA silencing.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of treating polyglutamine diseases, e.g., spinocerebellar ataxia Type 6, in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an IRES inhibitor in an amount effective for treating the SCA6 in the subject. Also provided herein are the IRES inhibitors, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for reducing expression of C90RF72 antisense transcript in an animal with C90RF72 antisense transcript specific inhibitors. Such methods are useful to treat, prevent, or ameliorate neurodegenerative diseases in an individual in need thereof. Such C90RF72 antisense transcript specific inhibitors include antisense compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for influencing the miR-92 expression in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a cell; and (b1) reducing the miR-92 expression in the cell in order to promote the vascularization or vessel repair by introducing an antisense molecule against miR-92 into the cell, or (b2) increasing the miR-92 expression in the cell for an inhibition of the tumor angiogenesis by introducing a construct into the cell, wherein said construct includes an expressible miR-92 sequence. Furthermore, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition, comprising an agent for reducing the miR-92 activity or expression in a cell in the form of an antisense molecule against miR-92, or an agent for increasing the miR-92 expression in a cell in the form of a construct for expressing miR-92.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of apolipoprotein C-III. The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acid encoding apolipoprotein C-III.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions comprising a first aptamer, second aptamer and a target that are capable of forming a ternary complex, and wherein the first aptamer and the second aptamer comprise C-5 pyrimidine modification schemes that are different, and methods of making and using such compositions.

Abstract: This invention is about the selection and development of aptamers that specifically bound HSA and GHSA. HSA and GHSA are associated with diabetes mellitus. The length of selected aptamers are around 46-106 bases, in which aptamers against HSA are consisting of 46-106 bases and aptamers against GHSA are consisting of 49-71 bases. All selected aptamers against HSA and GHSA can be potentially applied for detection and monitoring of diabetes mellitus in combination with blood glucose and HbAlC level. They also can applied in the drug development and drug delivery system in the diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer disease. In addition, chemical or fluorescence labeled these aptamers can be used for study function and location of HSA and GHSA.

Abstract: The invention provides antagonist of TLR9 and methods of use thereof. These compounds inhibit or suppress TLR9-mediated signaling. The methods may have use in the prevention and treatment of diseases or disorders mediated by TLR9.

Abstract: This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for reducing C5 target RNA and protein levels via use of dsRNAs, e.g., Dicer substrate siRNA (DsiRNA) agents.

Abstract: This disclosure describes modular miRNA regulator molecules and methods of using modular miRNA regulator molecules. Generally, the modular miRNA regulator molecules include a recognition module and an inhibition module. Generally, the recognition module includes a polynucleotide in which at least a portion of the polynucleotide recognizes at least a portion of a preselected pre-miRNA. Generally, the inhibition module includes a moiety that inhibits nuclease processing of the preselected pre-RNA to a mature RNA.