Abstract: A three dimensional in vitro co-culture system is provided for determining a pathogen's interaction with immune cells differentiated from healthy tissues and grown at air-liquid interface with epithelial cells. Also provided are methods of producing the three dimensional in vitro co-culture system. The system provides a way to assess predictive pathogenicity and threat, and develop medical countermeasures.

Abstract: A hydrogel precursor formulation, its process of production as well as a kit comprising the formulation and a method of production of a hydrogel using the formulation. The precursor formulation comprises at least one structural compound, preferably vinyl sulfone (acrylated branched) poly(ethylene glycol), and at least one linker compound, preferably a peptide with two cysteines. The structural compound and the linker compound are polymerizable by a selective reaction between a nucleophile and a conjugated unsaturated bond or group. The precursor formulation is in the form of a powder.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel methods comprising the isolation of viable fetal progenitor cells from organs of aborted fetus. The invention comprises the use of natural proteolytic, collagenolytic and fibrinolytic activity of autologous abortive placenta tissue extract.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to passively replacing media in a closed cell expansion system to reduce or prevent the dilution of chemical signaling used to inhibit signaling pathways that keep a cell population in the lag phase of cell growth. To prevent such dilution, active inlet fluid flow to the system may be halted. To replace fluid lost by the system, a bag containing media may be attached to the waste line in replacement of the waste or outlet bag connected thereto. By turning off one or more pumps, media from the replacement bag is added to the system at the rate of evaporation. Chemical signaling dilution may be prevented while conserving system resources. Enhancement of chemical signaling to reduce the lag phase of cell growth may further be accomplished by adding molecules, such as chemical-signaling proteins, from a direct source to the system.

Abstract: A method for producing hepatocytes from hepatoblasts is provided. The method includes the step of culturing the hepatoblasts in a medium containing a compound selected from the group consisting of pregnenolone and an adrenergic agonist. The hepatoblasts can be obtained by culturing endodermal cells in a medium containing DMSO, and the endodermal cells can be obtained by culturing pluripotent stem cells in a medium containing Activin A and a GSK-3? inhibitor. Accordingly, a method for producing hepatocytes from pluripotent stem cells is also provided by employing the method of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and robust human liver cell-based system in which persistent hepatitis C infection, persistent hepatitis B infection or ethanol exposure induces a clinical Prognostic Liver Signature (PLS) high-risk gene signature. The cellular model system for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)/cirrhosis development and progression may be used in the screening of compounds useful in the treatment and/or prevention of cirrhosis and/or HCC as well as in the identification biomarkers for the prediction of liver disease (especially cirrhosis) progression and HCC. The present invention also relates to specific compounds that have been identified, using such screening methods, as useful in the treatment and/or the prevention of HCC/cirrhosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of sericin in the culture of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells or RPE precursor cells, wherein sericin is added to the culture medium to promote pigmentation of cultured RPE cells or RPE precursor cells. The invention further relates to the use of said RPE cells or RPE precursor cells for use in therapy.

Abstract: Methods for expanding proliferating populations of neuronal subtype-specific progenitors and creating substantially pure populations of motor neurons are provided herein. In particular, the present invention provides methods for maintaining the unique gene profile and differentiation potential of neuronal subtype-specific progenitors, such as motor neuron progenitors and hindbrain serotonergic neural progenitors.

Abstract: The invention is based upon the discovery that T regulatory type 1 (Tr1) cells express particular cell surface markers that allow for their selection, enrichment, isolation, purification and administration. The ability to use the particular markers described herein to select, enrich, isolate, purify and administer Tr1 cells allows for improved methods of Tr1 therapies for treating a wide variety of diseases and disorders.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of expanding T regulatory cells through OX40L and Jagged-1 induced signaling. The methods can be used for treating autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Compositions comprising synthetic membrane-receiver complexes, methods of generating synthetic membrane-receiver complexes, and methods of treating or preventing diseases, disorders or conditions therewith.

Abstract: A genetically modified cell (e.g., stem cell) containing a complete or partial gene deletion of one or more genes of a blood group antigen (BGA) biosynthesis or transportation pathway is provided. The systems and methods provided herein facilitate the generation of blood substitutes (e.g., blood cells).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of promoting skin rejuvenation in a subject. The method comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of a cellular extract of epithelial or mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells isolated from the amniotic membrane of the umbilical cord, wherein the cellular extract contains growth factors and peptides and is in the form of a supernatant into which the epithelial or mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells secrete the growth factors and peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions useful for therapeutic vascular tissue engineering. In particular, the present invention provides methods for generating substantially pure populations of vasculogenic cells from human mesenchymal progenitors, and methods and compositions for clinical applications in the field of regenerative medicine.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a method for differentiation of cells into insulin-producing cells, a cell population enriched for insulin-producing ?-cells and the use of such a cell population for treatment of a metabolic disorder in an individual in need thereof. Also disclosed is a method for treating a metabolic disorder.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a 3D-printed, biocompatible macroporous device that houses stem cell derived ?-cell (SC-? cell) clusters within a degradable fibrin gel. Cluster sizes are used that avoid severe hypoxia within 3D-printed devices and a microwell-based technique is used for resizing clusters within this range. 3D-printed devices may function for at least 12 weeks, are retrievable, and maintain structural integrity.

Abstract: Functional in vitro assays are provided for determining patient specific responsiveness to immunotherapy agents within a clinically actionable time frame.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved obtaining induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. For example, methods and materials for increasing the efficiency for making iPS cells as well as methods and materials for selecting iPS cells are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Siphoviridae bacteriophage Lac-PLP-1 that is isolated from the nature and can kill Lactobacillus plantarum cells specifically, which has a genome represented by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ. ID. NO: 1 (Accession NO: KCTC 12665BP), and a method for preventing and treating the contaminations of Lactobacillus plantarum by using the composition comprising the bacteriophage as an active ingredient.

Abstract: Described herein are processes for the purification of viruses and compositions thereof.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for increasing the production of recombinant proteins by introducing ICP0 to cells capable of producing a recombinant protein are encompassed. In one method, the recombinant protein is a protein that is required for the replication of a replication defective virus, wherein the recombinant protein is provided to the replication defective virus in trans.

Abstract: A novel luciferase that is distinct from conventional luciferase has been desired. A luciferase mutant comprising an amino acid sequence in which glutamic acid at position 4, arginine at position 11, leucine at position 18 and valine at position 27 are substituted with other amino acids, in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel methods for regulating and detecting the cytosine methylation status of DNA. The invention is based upon identification of a novel and surprising catalytic activity for the family of TET proteins, namely TET1, TET2, TET3, and CXXC4. The novel activity is related to the enzymes being capable of converting the cytosine nucleotide 5-methylcytosine into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine by hydroxylation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for enriching a biomass of a microalga of the species Tetraselmis chuii in superoxide dismutase (SOD) by placing said microalga under abiotic stress conditions. The invention also relates to a biomass enriched in SOD as well as to an extract of the microalga and to the uses thereof as a pharmaceutical composition, as a cosmetic or in foodstuff.

Abstract: A composition comprising a recombinant DNA polymerase and 3?-esterified nucleotide analogues is provided. The recombinant DNA polymerase includes an amino acid sequence that is at least 90% homology with 9° N DNA polymerase (SEQ ID NO: 1), and the recombinant DNA polymerase includes at least two mutations at the positions corresponding to amino acid residues 141 and 143 of the 9° N DNA polymerase. A recombinant DNA polymerase is further provided. The recombinant DNA polymerase includes an amino acid sequence that is at least 90% homology with 9° N-III DNA polymerase (SEQ ID NO: 3), and the recombinant DNA polymerase includes one or two mutations at the positions corresponding to amino acid residue 480 and 486 of the 9° N-III DNA polymerase. A method of performing a polymerization reaction is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having increased 3?-mismatch discrimination relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases.

Abstract: Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having increased 3?-mismatch discrimination relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases.

Abstract: Methods, systems, compositions and strategies for the delivery of WW domain-containing fusion proteins into cells in vivo, ex vivo, or in vitro via ARMMs are provided. Methods, systems, compositions and strategies for the delivery of Cas9 proteins and/or Cas9 variants into cells in vivo, ex vivo, or in vitro via fusion to ARMM associated proteins (e.g., ARRDC1 or TSG101) are also provided.

Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure relates to methods and compositions for delivery of proteins into mammalian cells. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides a genetically engineered bacterium that may be useful for delivery of proteins into mammalian cells. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to improved methods of bacterially-mediated protein delivery.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered cross-type-nucleic-acid targeting nucleic acids and compositions thereof. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the engineered cross-type-nucleic-acid targeting nucleic acids, as well as expression cassettes, vectors and cells comprising such nucleic acid sequences, are described. Also, methods are disclosed for making and using the engineered cross-type-nucleic-acid targeting nucleic acids and compositions thereof.

Abstract: A clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated complex for adaptive antiviral defence (Cascade); the Cascade protein complex comprising at least CRISPR-associated protein subunits Cas7, Cas5 and Cas6 which includes at least one subunit with an additional amino acid sequence possessing nucleic acid or chromatin modifying, visualising, transcription activating or transcription repressing activity. The Cascade complex with additional activity is combined with an RNA molecule to produce a ribonucleoprotein complex. The RNA molecule is selected to have substantial complementarity to a target sequence. Targeted ribonucleoproteins can be used as genetic engineering tools for precise cutting of nucleic acids in homologous recombination, non-homologous end joining, gene modification, gene integration, mutation repair or for their visualisation, transcriptional activation or repression.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration and other retinal conditions by interfering with expression of genes, such as those encoding photoreceptor cell-specific nuclear receptor and neural retina-specific leucine zipper protein, in cells of the eye. These methods and compositions employ nucleic acid based therapies.

Abstract: CRISPR/CAS-related systems, compositions and methods for editing CCR5 and/or CXCR4 genes in human cells are described, as are cells and compositions including cells edited according to the same.

Abstract: The invention concerns the determination and evaluation of the crystal structure of autolysin E (AtlE) of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), or a crystallizable fragment of AtlE, a method for producing a crystal of AtlE and the respective crystallization kit, and its use in a method for screening an inhibitor of the N-acetylglucosaminidase activity of AtlE, for obtaining atomic spatial relationship data, and for identifying a binding compound of AtlE, e.g. by in silico screening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions that can be used in hydrolyzing biomass such as compositions comprising a polypeptide having ?-glucosidase activity, methods for hydrolyzing biomass material, and methods for improving the stability and saccharification efficacy of a composition comprising such ?-glucosidase polypeptides and/or activity.

Abstract: The specification discloses Clostridial toxins or Clostridial toxin chimeras comprising an inactivation cleavage site, polynucleotide molecules encoding such toxins or chimeras, compositions comprising such toxins or chimeras, and method of producing such toxins or chimeras.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide having proline-specific endoprotease activity, wherein the polypeptide has less than 70% residual activity when the polypeptide has been kept at a temperature of 65° C. for 15 min.

Abstract: The invention relates to therapeutic fusion proteins in which a coagulation factor is fused to a half-life enhancing polypeptide, and in which both are connected by a linker peptide that is proteolytically cleavable. The cleavage of such linkers liberates the coagulation factor from activity-compromising steric hindrance caused by the half-life enhancing polypeptide and thereby allows the generation of fusion proteins may show relatively high molar specific activity when tested in coagulation-related assays. Furthermore, the fact that the linker is cleavable can enhance the rates of inactivation and/or elimination after proteolytic cleavage of the peptide linker compared to the rates measured for corresponding therapeutic fusion proteins linked by the non-cleavable linker having the amino acid sequence GGGGGGV.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to barley plants having increased resistance to an imidazolinone herbicide. The present invention also includes seeds produced by these barley plants and methods of controlling weeds in the vicinity of these barley plants.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for increasing fetal hemoglobin levels in a cell by disrupting BCL11A expression at the genomic level. Also provided herein are methods and compositions relating to the treatment of hemoglobinopathies by reinduction of fetal hemoglobin levels.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for isolating nucleic acids from a biological fluid. In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method for isolating RNA. In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method for isolating DNA. In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides a kit for isolating RNA and/or DNA.

Abstract: Methods for generating synthetic genomes, for example synthetic genomes having desired properties or viable genomes of reduced size, are disclosed. Also disclosed are synthetic genomes produced by the methods disclosed herein and synthetic cells containing the synthetic genomes disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying binding partners (e.g., peptide ligands) that binds to a target protein (e.g., a cellular receptor). The methods entail co-localized expression of the target protein and candidate binding partners, and selection of binding partners based on their proximity in the plasma membrane.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for isolating biologically active polypeptides (e.g., bacterial pro-growth polypeptides) are provided. In some aspects, bacterial cell populations are provided that express a surface-displayed library of candidate polypeptide sequences under the control of an inducible promoter.

Abstract: In order to interpret an arbitrary sequence region in many genes in many cells, it is necessary to degrade a nucleic acid into fragments and introduce a sequence that is different from one cell to another into each of the fragments. However, in the conventional configuration for analyzing many cells, there has been a problem that mixing of the degraded fragments among areas occurs before a tag sequence unique for each of the areas is introduced. The present invention provides a system for capturing a nucleic acid extracted from a cell in each of plural areas on a substrate and synthesizing a complementary DNA (cDNA) of the nucleic acid for each of the areas, wherein the system also includes a means for immediately introducing a tag sequence unique for each of the areas to the reaction product.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for identifying targets for antimicrobial and antiproliferative compounds as well as methods for identifying novel compounds for treating cancer and microbial infections.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for identifying a genomic aberration in one or more biological samples of a subject. The biological samples may be obtained and may comprise a nucleic acid sample that has or is suspected of having one or more genomic aberration(s) that appears at a frequency of less than about 5% in the nucleic acid sample. The nucleic acid sample may be enriched for a plurality of nucleic acid sequences to provide an enriched nucleic acid sample using a probe set comprising probes that have an on-target rate as a group of at least about 80%. Next, the enriched nucleic acid sample may be sequenced to generate sequencing reads. The sequencing reads can be processed to identify genomic aberration(s) in the one or more biological samples of the subject that appears at a frequency of less than about 5% in the nucleic acid sample.

Abstract: The application relates to a deep scanning mutagenesis library to interrogate phenotypic changes in a population of cells comprising a plurality of CRISPR-Cas system guide RNAs targeting genomic sequences within at least one continuous genomic region, wherein the guide RNAs target at least 100 genomic sequences upstream of a PAM sequence for every 1000 base pairs within the continuous genomic region and methods for their use.

Abstract: A structured substrate (100) including a substrate body (102) having an active side (104). The substrate body (102) includes reaction cavities or sites (106) that open along the active side (104) and interstitial regions (118) that separate the reaction cavities (106). The structured substrate (100) includes an ensemble amplifier (120) positioned within each of the reaction cavities (106). The ensemble amplifier (120) includes a plurality of nanostructures (116), such as dimers, trimers, bowtie nanoantenna, nanorods, nanorings, nanoplugs, configured to at least one of amplify electromagnetic energy (108) that propagates into the corresponding reaction cavity (106) or amplify electromagnetic energy (110), such as emitted fluorescence, that is generated within the corresponding reaction cavity (106). Preferably the nanostructures (116) within the cavities (106) are covered with a organic material such as a gel (122).

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for inducing CRISPR/Cas-based gene regulation (e.g., genome editing or gene expression) of a target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA or target RNA) in a cell. The methods include using modified single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) that enhance gene regulation of the target nucleic acid in a primary cell for use in ex vivo therapy or in a cell in a subject for use in in vivo therapy. Additionally, provided herein are methods for preventing or treating a genetic disease in a subject by administering a sufficient amount of a modified sgRNA to correct a mutation in a target gene associated with the genetic disease.