Abstract: A perfusion manifold assembly is described that allows for perfusion of a microfluidic device, such as an organ on a chip microfluidic device comprising cells that mimic cells in an organ in the body, that is detachably linked with said assembly so that fluid enters ports of the microfluidic device from a fluid reservoir, optionally without tubing, at a controllable flow rate. A culture module is contemplated that allows the perfusion and optionally mechanical actuation of one or more microfluidic devices, such as organ-on-a-chip microfluidic devices comprising cells that mimic at least one function of an organ in the body.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides native extracellular matrix-derived membrane inserts for organs-on-chips, multilayer microfluidics microdevices, bioreactors, tissue culture inserts, and two-dimensional and three-dimensional cell culture systems. A microfluidic cell culture is provided that can include at least one membrane including extracellular matrix (ECM) material. The ECM material can be used to construct a perfusable microfluidic system including a plurality of layers of microfabricated cell culture chambers. The microfluidic cell culture can further include a lower layer including a microchannel on which the at least one membrane is placed and an upper layer including another microchannel. The upper layer can be bonded to the lower layer.

Abstract: A container for use in growing, culturing and/or modifying cells has a primary container (10) and defines an internal lumen in which a wall element (8) of the primary container (10) is compressible, and wherein the container has an auxiliary container (16) in fluid communication with the primary container (10). The fact that the device has an auxiliary container 16 allows a number of separate reactions to be carried out within a single container.

Abstract: A three dimensional biological scaffold structure that includes a biologically compatible material that forms walls of multiple pores. The pores have a range of pore sizes including a pore size of less than 50 ?m and a pore size of greater than 100 ?m and also including pores having one or more intermediate pore sizes between 50 ?m and 100 ?m. The pores occupy more than 50% of a volume of the scaffold structure.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems for continuously measuring oxygen and carbon dioxide gas levels inside a cell culture incubator, comprising an oxygen sensor that uses LED based fluorescence technology to determine the amount of oxygen in the surrounding atmosphere, a carbon dioxide sensor that uses LED based Non-dispersive Infra-Red (NDIR) technology to determine the amount of carbon dioxide in the surrounding atmosphere, and electronics to wirelessly monitor the output from the oxygen sensor and carbon dioxide sensor. Most preferably, the system can be placed inside a cell culture incubator, and sensor readings are pre-compensated for temperature, pressure, and humidity. Also provided herein are methods of using the same.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a biotechnological process, wherein starting materials are converted into products via a biomass and important process parameters for monitoring are identified during the process, where during the process, a current concentration of the biomass utilized in the process is recurrently estimated, current measurement values of measurable process parameters are then recurrently determined on a recurring basis and current values for additional process parameters are identified therefrom, where the current measurement values of the measurable process parameters and the current determined values of the additional process parameters are based on the respective temporally correlating concentration of biomass and where, from a combination of the current concentration of biomass and the current measurement values of the measurable process parameters and the identified current values of the additional process parameters, current, cell-specific metabolic indicators are then derived which are then us

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cell growth, buffer exchange, and/or cell concentration/filtration device that may be used as a stand-alone device or as a module configured to be used in an automated multi-module cell processing environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions to induce production of proteins, e.g., enzymes, e.g., amylases or biomass degrading enzymes in a host cell, and methods for increasing the yield of the proteins, e.g., enzymes produced. Such compositions comprise a caramelized sugar product. The methods described herein can also be used to enhance processing of biomass materials, e.g., to produce sugar products.

Abstract: A method of preparing a bacterial composition is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) in vitro co-culturing beneficial bacteria with biofilm-producing bacteria in a growth substrate under conditions that generate a biofilm which comprises the beneficial bacteria and the non-pathogenic bacteria; and (b) isolating the biofilm from the growth substrate.

Abstract: A Lactobacillus paraplantarum CK401 having an antiviral effect, and more specifically to novel kimchi-derived microorganism Lactobacillus paraplantarum CK401 having inhibitory activity against influenza viruses, particularly avian influenza virus, and the use thereof. According to the present invention, any one or more selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus paraplantarum CK401 KCTC 13287BP, a culture fluid of the Lactobacillus paraplantarum CK401 KCTC 13287BP, and a retentate of the culture fluid on a membrane filter having a molecular weight cutoff of 10 kD, have excellent antiviral activity, and thus may be usefully used for drugs, foods, fermented products, food additives, health supplements, feeds, feed additives, etc.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the stability of, or protecting, labile components such as ethanolamine, growth factors, vitamins, etc., in compositions such as a cell culture medium. Stability of the labile compound is increased either, by derivatization of the labile compound with chemicals, or by sequestering the labile compound. Sequestering can be done either by encapsulation within a microcapsule, or by the use of sequestering agents. Encapsulation includes the encapsulation of dendrimers complexes of susceptible compounds within the microcapsule, thereby providing the controlled release of the susceptible compound that was protected. These methods may improve and extend storage conditions of compositions comprising the labile compounds, improve shipping and handling of compositions comprising the labile compounds, such as dry media formulations, at room temperature rather than at lower temperatures thereby decreasing shipping costs.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides solid collagen constructs and tissue compositions, wherein a polymerizable collagen solution or suspension is extruded in the presence or absence of cells to formed an aligned architecture comprising solid collagen constructs such as those made with fibrillar collagen. Methods of using and of manufacturing solid collagen constructs and tissue compositions, where the component collagen is solid fibrillar collagen and cells are preferentially aligned, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a primary cell culture which combines a cell culture medium and cells derived from a hypertrophied androgenic gland (AG) of a decapod crustacean. The invention also provides methods for obtaining an all-female progeny by initially injecting/transplanting the primary cell culture to a genetic-female to obtain a male-Neo-male.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to generating human cells capable of producing insulin in response to glucose or GLP-1. For example, methods and materials for introducing nucleic acid vectors into human stem cells (e.g., human induced pluripotent stem cells) at particular stages of differentiation to create human cells having the ability to produce and secrete human insulin in response to glucose, GLP-1, or both glucose and GLP-1 as measured by a sensitive perifusion assay are provided.

Abstract: A method for enhancing female sexual wellness with shockwave therapy and stem cells promotes tissue repair and regeneration in or near the female vagina through the combinative effects of shockwave therapy and needle-free injection of a stem cell specimen on the genital.

Abstract: The present invention relates to temozolomide resistant glioblastoma cells lines. Further, the present invention relates to a method for identifying, screening and characterizing temozolomide resistant cells derived from glioblastoma cells lines in patients diagnosed with glioblastoma and undergoing treatment with temozolomide and/or in patients on the part to recovery to avoid or treat relapse. The issue of temozolomide resistance at the level of diagnosis and treatment of glioblastoma is undertaken by the present invention to be solved by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro immune synapse system and a method of in vitro evaluating immune response using the same. The in vitro immune synapse system includes antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and at least one cell type of several specific T cell subtypes isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), all of which is from a same individual of pigs. When a test sample is co-cultured in the in vitro immune synapse system for a given period, it can be determined that the test sample is immunogenic, immunostimulatory or not according to the immunization-related changes of these cells, thereby potentially replacing some kinds of animal experimentation.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated, purified population of human cells comprising CD8+ T cells with reduced Cbl-b activity. The invention provides uses of such cells in methods for inducing or enhancing an anti-tumor immune response in a subject. These methods comprise: (a) providing a cell population, from a subject or from another source, which comprises CD8+ T cells, (b) reducing Cbl-b activity in the CD8+ T-cells, (c) administering the cells of step (b) to the subject. The invention provides methods for making CD8+ T cells that do not require stimulation through a co-receptor in order for the cell to become activated or proliferated in response to contact via its T cell receptor. Such methods are based upon reducing function of Cbl-b. The invention also provides methods for identifying agents which affect Cbl-b expression or activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a production method of tolerogenic plasmacytoid dendritic cells, tolerogenic plasmacytoid dendritic cells produced by the method, and, cell therapeutic agents including the same. In the method, the plasmacytoid dendritic cells with immune tolerance may be induced from the immature dendritic cells at a high yield using a simple and easy process, thereby enabling a stable supply of large amounts of tolerogenic plasmacytoid dendritic cells.

Abstract: A method for producing a mesenchymal cell line derived from a vertebrate adipose tissue, and a mesenchymal cell line derived from a vertebrate adipose tissue produced by the method. Advantageously, a method for producing a mesenchymal cell line derived from a vertebrate adipose tissue is achieved more simply, in a shorter period of time, and more efficiently. Also, a mesenchymal cell line is derived from a vertebrate adipose tissue produced by the production method. The method for producing a mesenchymal cell line derived from a vertebrate adipose tissue comprises: (A) inducing differentiation of one or more cells selected from a stromal vascular fraction comprising a mesenchymal stem cell, an adipose progenitor cell, and a stromal cell of a vertebrate adipose tissue into a mature adipocyte; and (B) inducing dedifferentiation of the mature adipocyte obtained in step (A) to obtain a mesenchymal cell line derived from the vertebrate adipose tissue.

Abstract: Provided are methods for identifying and isolating cardiac stem or cardiac progenitor cells, and methods for making and using them, including comprising identifying cells expressing the Lin28 polypeptide, cells that are Lin28+; cells that are Lin28+ can be isolated using polypeptides or antibodies that can specifically or non-specifically bind Lin28. Provided are methods for inducing or accelerating cardiogenesis in the mammalian heart, or for treating a heart genetic defect, injury or dysfunction, or an injury or dysfunction subsequent to an ischemic injury or a heart failure, or an injury or dysfunction resulting from a myocardial infarction, comprising administering to an individual one or more of the Lin28+ cardiac stem cells or cardiac progenitor cells, including Lin28+ cardiac stem cells or cardiac progenitor cells isolated by a method as provided herein, or a Lin28+ interstitial population provided herein, or administrating to a patient a product of manufacture provided herein.

Abstract: [Problem to be solved by the invention] To provide a cell sheet for increasing fibrosis inhibitory action, said cell sheet comprising bone marrow mononuclear cells, and a production method thereof. [Solution] A cell sheet comprising bone marrow mononuclear cells, said cell sheet being obtained by forming bone marrow mononuclear cells from a bone marrow mononuclear cell suspension into a sheet, and then shrinking and suspension culturing the result.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to differentiate pluripotent stem cells to a primitive streak cell population, in a stepwise manner for further maturation to definitive endoderm.

Abstract: The generation of complex organ tissues from human embryonic and pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) remains a major challenge for translational studies. It is shown that PSCs can be directed to differentiate into intestinal tissue in vitro by modulating the combinatorial activities of several signaling pathways in a step-wise fashion, effectively recapitulating in vivo fetal intestinal development. The resulting intestinal “organoids” were three-dimensional structures consisting of a polarized, columnar epithelium surrounded by mesenchyme that included a smooth muscle-like layer. The epithelium was patterned into crypt-like SOX9-positive proliferative zones and villus-like structures with all of the major functional cell types of the intestine. The culture system is used to demonstrate that expression of NEUROG3, a pro-endocrine transcription factor mutated in enteric anendocrinosis is sufficient to promote differentiation towards the enteroendocrine cell lineage.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a three-dimensional cell and tissue culture system for the female reproductive tract. In particular provided herein the system includes individual female reproductive cultures in a dynamic microfluidic setting or integrated using a microfluidic microphysiologic system. In some embodiments, the present invention provides ex-vivo female reproductive tract integration in a three dimensional (3D) microphysiologic system.

Abstract: Provided herein are polypeptide epitopes of aspartyl-(asparaginyl)-3-hydroxylase (“AABH”) as well as polyepitopes thereof. Also provided are antibodies that specifically bind these polypeptide epitopes and poly epitopes, as well as binding the aspartyl-(asparaginyl)-3-hydroxylase protein itself. The disclosure further provides methods of assaying for AABH polypeptide epitopes, cells expressing these polypeptide epitopes and the AABH protein. Also provided are methods of diagnosing cancer by the detection of AABH peptides and methods of treating cancer by targeting cells that express AABH.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to modified adeno-associated virus (AAV) from serotypes other than serotype 2, which have a viral capsid protein with a subunit 1 (VP1) sequence which is modified relative to the corresponding wildtype sequence. In particular, the modified AAVs of the disclosure comprise site-specific amino acid substitutions within the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) domain and flanking sequence relative to the corresponding wild-type sequence which improve functionality of the AAV when produced in insect cells. The present disclosure also relates to methods of producing the modified AAVs, reagents therefor, baculovirus expression systems and insect cells for producing said modified AAVs.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a modified mammalian cell in which the genome of the cell is modified to comprise a sequence encoding CP77 under the control of a promoter such that the modified cell line sustains propagation of a poxvirus that is less able or unable to propagate in the unmodified cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel bacteriophage ?CJ28 (KCCM11466P) and a composition containing the same as an active ingredient. Further, the present invention relates to a method for preventing and/or treating infective diseases caused by enterotoxic Escherichia coli (ETEC) of animals excluding humans by using the composition. A bacteriophage ?CJ28 (KCCM11466P) has a specific ability to kill enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.

Abstract: Provided are a glucose oxidase CnGODA, an encoding gene thereof, a recombinant expression vector comprising the gene, and a recombinant strain; the amino acid sequence of the glucose oxidase CnGODA is as represented in SEQ ID NO.1 or SEQ ID NO.2. Further provided is a method for use in preparing glucose oxidase CnGODA, and application of glucose oxidase CnGODA.

Abstract: The present application relates to the identification of novel DNA methyltransferases including CHG methylation in algal species. The present application relates to algal mutants permitting the expression of exogenous genes by alleviating the epigenetic mechanisms of CHG and CHH methylation of exogenous DNA and mono- and tri-methylation of lysine 9 of histone 3 (H3K9). This is achieved by mutating or attenuating the methyltransferase (MTase) genes in algae. The present application also relates to methods for efficiently expressing exogenous genes in algal species.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modified microorganism producing putrescine or ornithine, and a method for producing putrescine or ornithine using the same.

Abstract: The present application provides systems, methods and compositions used for targeted gene modification, targeted insertion, perturbation of gene transcripts, nucleic acid editing. Novel nucleic acid targeting systems comprise components of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) systems and transposable elements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polymerase activity assay that produces a strong optical signal when a primer-template complex is extended to full-length product. The assay uses Cy3 as the molecular beacon and Iowa Black® RQ as the quencher. The signal-to-noise-ratio (STNR) of this donor-quencher pairing is ˜200-fold over background, which is considerably better than other donor-quencher pairs (STNRs ˜10-20-fold). The STNR allows for solution-based monitoring of polymerase activity. Because the sensor functions via Watson-Crick base pairing, the polymerase activity assay may also be used to evolve polymerases to accept xeno nucleic acids as substrates.

Abstract: Described herein is a variant pol6 polymerase having at least one mutation selected from H223, N224, Y225, H227, I295, Y342, T343, I357, S360, L361, I363, S365Q, S366, Y367, P368, D417, E475, Y476, F478, K518, H527, T529, M531, N535, G539, P542, N545, Q546, A547, L549, I550, N552, G553, F558, A596, G603, A610, V615, Y622, C623, D624, I628, Y629, R632, N635, M641, A643, I644, T647, I648, T651, I652, K655, W656, D657, V658, H660, F662, L690 and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention includes methods for identifying polymerases, such as modified terminal nucleotidyl transferases (TdT), that are capable of binding nucleotides comprising removable 3?-O-blocking moieties to a nucleic acid initiator, without the use of a template. The invention further includes the identified polymerases, and methods of using the polymerases for de novo synthesis of predetermined oligonucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The invention includes methods for identifying polymerases, such as modified terminal nucleotidyl transferases (TdT), that are capable of binding nucleotides comprising removable 3?-O-blocking moieties to a nucleic acid initiator, without the use of a template. The invention further includes the identified polymerases, and methods of using the polymerases for de novo synthesis of predetermined oligonucleotide sequences.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the use of anti-CRISPR (ACR) proteins in plants, including modulation of Cas endonuclease activity, improvement of frequency of homologous recombination, control of Cas endonuclease activity during various cell cycles, spatial and/or temporal regulation of Cas endonuclease activity in plants, usage in gene activation or repression, as well as reduction of off-target polynucleotide cleavage.

Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure provide strategies, systems, reagents, methods, and kits that are useful for the targeted editing of nucleic acids, including editing a single site within the genome of a cell or subject, e.g., within the human genome. In some embodiments, fusion proteins comprise a Gam protein, a napDNAbp, and a cytidine deaminase. In some embodiments, the fusion proteins further comprise a UGI domain. In some embodiments, methods for targeted nucleic acid editing are provided. In some embodiments, reagents and kits for the generation of targeted nucleic acid editing proteins, e.g., fusion proteins of a Gam protein, a cytidine deaminase and nucleic acid editing proteins or domains, are provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for genome modification of a target sequence in the genome of a cell, using a novel Cas endonuclease. The methods and compositions employ a guide polynucleotide/endonuclease system to provide an effective system for modifying or altering target sequences within the genome of a cell or organism. Also provided are novel effectors and endonuclease systems and elements comprising such systems, such as guide polynucleotide/endonuclease systems comprising an endonuclease. Compositions and methods are also provided for guide polynucleotide/endonuclease systems comprising at least one endonuclease, optionally covalently or non-covalently linked to, or assembled with, at least one additional protein subunit, and for compositions and methods for direct delivery of endonucleases as ribonucleotide proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polypeptide having hemicellulase activity which comprises the amino acid sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2, 7, 12, 17, 22, 27, 32, 37, 42, 47, 52, 57, 62, 67 or 72 or an amino acid sequence encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 6, 11, 16, 21, 26, 31, 36, 41, 46, 51, 56, 61, 66 or 71, SEQ ID NO: 4, 9, 14, 19, 24, 29, 34, 39, 44, 49, 54, 59, 64, 69 or 74, or a variant polypeptide or variant polynucleotide thereof, wherein the variant polypeptide has at least 75% sequence identity with the sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2, 7, 12, 17, 22, 27, 32, 37, 42, 47, 52, 57, 62, 67 or 72 or the variant polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide that has at least 75% sequence identity with the sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2, 7, 12, 17, 22, 27, 32, 37, 42, 47, 52, 57, 62, 67 or 72.

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 provides variant subtilisins and compositions comprising at least one variant subtilisin set forth herein, as well as methods for using these variants and compositions. In some embodiments, the present invention provides variant proteases suitable for laundry cleaning applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are a modified FIX (Factor IX) polypeptide comprising a leucine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, histidine, lysine, asparagine, glutamine or tyrosine in position 338; pharmaceutical preparations containing said modified FIX polypeptide; a nucleotide sequence coding for the modified FIX polypeptide; and a method for producing the modified FIX polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides engineered tyrosine ammonia-lyase (TAL) polypeptides and compositions thereof. In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides have been optimized to provide enhanced catalytic activity while reducing sensitivity to proteolysis and increasing tolerance to acidic pH levels. The invention also provides methods for utilization of the compositions comprising the engineered TAL polypeptides for therapeutic and industrial purposes.

Abstract: Compositions, systems, and methods for preparation of polypeptides having multiple iterations of non-standard amino acids are provided. The compositions and method can be used to produce recombinant proteins at a greater yield than the same or similar polypeptides made using conventional compositions, systems, and methods. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the polypeptides are ones that could not be made using conventional methods and reagents, or could not be made a sufficient yield or purity to serve a practical purpose using conventional methods and reagents. Polypeptides made using the disclosed compositions, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expansin-agarase enzyme complex and a method of degrading agar by using the same. The use of the enzyme complex according to the present invention can efficiently degrade agar obtained from marine biomass, and thus can efficiently provide not only galactose or glucose necessary for ethanol production, but also useful biologically active substances, such as diose, triose, and oligosaccharides.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method for inducing cells to gain characteristics of naïve stem cell state comprising culturing the cells in the presence of a MUC1* activator.

Abstract: A method of preparing a conditionally active polypeptide from a parent polypeptide, comprising steps of evolving a DNA encoding the parent polypeptide by increasing a net charge of the parent polypeptide using one or more techniques selected from increasing a total number of codons of charged amino acid residues in the DNA and decreasing a total number of codons of uncharged amino acid residues in the DNA to create mutant DNAs; expressing the mutant DNAs to obtain mutant polypeptides; and selecting the conditionally active polypeptide from the mutant polypeptides which exhibits a decrease in activity in a first assay at a first value of a condition compared to the same activity in a second assay at a second value of the same condition. The conditionally active polypeptide, pharmaceutical compositions containing same, nanoparticle and drug conjugates thereof and uses thereof are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modifying the coding sequence of endogenous genes using rare-cutting endonucleases and transposases. The methods and compositions described herein can be used to modify the coding sequence of endogenous genes.