Abstract: Cell separation systems and methods of separating cells are disclosed. In an embodiment, a cell separation system is described that comprises a non-transitory storage device that executes a centrifugation program to separate cell volume from biologic material volume; a heating mechanism; a containment mechanism; and an assembly comprised of a single-walled centrifugation bowl. In an embodiment, methods of separating cells are disclosed whereby cells are separated by agitating a volume of biologic material and a volume digestion media to form a digested volume of biologic material; centrifuging the digested volume of biologic material; removing a portion of a resulting waste via at least one fluid outlet; isolating a different portion of the waste, and removing the concentrated cell volumes from the reservoir.

Abstract: Harvested stem cells are activated by treating them with an amplitude modulated laser beam having a wavelength lying in the range of 405 to 980 nanometers. The frequency of the laser beam is modulated within a range of 8 to 12 MHz. Using the activated stem cells, tissue can be repaired and regenerated by preparing the unactivated stem cells, treating the unactivated stem cells with an amplitude modulated laser beam having a pre-determined frequency for obtaining activated stem cells, administering the activated stem cells into a body containing the tissue, and using a homing beam to guide the activated stem cells within the body to the location of the tissue.

Abstract: A method of measuring immunocompetence is described. This method provides a means for assessing the effects of diseases or conditions that compromise the immune system and of therapies aimed to reconstitute it. This method is based on quantifying T-cell diversity by calculating the number of diverse T-cell receptor (TCR) beta chain variable regions from blood cells.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for screening for and identifying a desirable plant improving trait, said method comprises steps of: (a) obtaining genetic material from a sampling of a predefined source and (b) constructing an expression library from said genetic material. The aforementioned method further comprises steps of: (c) producing plants transformed with said expression library at a transformation efficiency of at least 0.05%-30%, representing at least 102-1010 transgenes; (d) screening for transformed plants expressing said desirable trait; and (e) identifying said transgene of said transformed plants expressing said desirable trait.

Abstract: Methods of genetically modifying microorganisms using advanced genome editing are disclosed. Methods of modifying the genome of these microorganisms for point mutations, deletions, and DNA insertions are also disclosed. Further, inhibiting expression of genes without manipulating the genome of the microorganism is disclosed. In some cases, the microorganism can be a methylotroph, e.g., a methanotroph.

Abstract: RNA encoding an immunogen is delivered to a large mammal at a dose of between 2 ?g and 100 ?g. Thus the invention provides a method of raising an immune response in a large mammal, comprising administering to the mammal a dose of between 2 ?g and 100 ?g of immunogen-encoding RNA. Similarly, RNA encoding an immunogen can be delivered to a large mammal at a dose of 3 ng/kg to 150 ng/kg. The delivered RNA can elicit an immune response in the large mammal.

Abstract: Chimeric antigen receptors containing tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member transmembrane domains are disclosed. Nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, antigen binding fragments, and pharmaceutical compositions, relating to the chimeric antigen receptors are also disclosed. Methods of treating or preventing cancer in a subject, and methods of making chimeric antigen receptor T cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vector, preferably included in a delivery vehicle, comprising no more than (100), preferably no more than (10), restriction sites recognized by the restriction enzymes encoded by each bacterium of a group of bacteria of interest. The invention also relates to the use of said vector, preferably included in a delivery vehicle, as a drug, especially in the treatment of a disease in a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant Kluyveromyces lactis (K. lactis) yeasts which are capable of the highly efficient expression of one or more foreign proteins and are suitable for use as a vaccine for generating a protective immune response against pathogens. The invention provides in particular K. lactis strains for the targeted cloning of foreign antigen-coding nucleic acids into the yeast genome of the K. lactis strain, which is characterized in that the K. lactis strain has integrated expression cassettes for foreign antigens as an alternative or in addition to the KILAC4 locus on the KIURA3-20 locus (KLLA0E22771g) and/or on the KIMET5-1 locus (KLLA0B03938g). The invention further relates to integrative expression vectors and to methods for producing the K. lactis strains of the invention as well as to the use thereof as vaccines.

Abstract: Disclosed are modified plants and methods for producing modified plants having a modified 5?-untranslated region of small auxin upregulated protein flooding tolerance (SAUR_FT) gene. Modified plants disclosed herein have at least one of an increased root system architecture, an increased waterlogging tolerance, an increased drought tolerance, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Engineered Cry1Da amino acid sequences are provided that exhibit improved Lepidopteran insecticidal activity and an enhanced Lepidopteran spectrum compared to the naturally occurring Cry1Da protein toxin. Polynucleotide sequences intended for use in expression of the improved proteins in plants are also provided. Particular embodiments provide compositions containing insect inhibitory amounts of the engineered proteins, as well as recombinant plants, plant parts, and seeds containing polynucleotide constructs encoding one or more of the improved engineered proteins.

Abstract: Pesticidal proteins exhibiting toxic activity against Lepidopteran pest species are disclosed, and include, but are not limited to, TIC6757, TIC6757PL, TIC7472, TIC7472PL, TIC7473, and TIC7473PL. DNA constructs are provided which contain a recombinant nucleic acid sequence encoding one or more of the disclosed pesticidal proteins. Transgenic plants, plant cells, seed, and plant parts resistant to Lepidopteran infestation are provided which contain recombinant nucleic acid sequences encoding the pesticidal proteins of the present invention. Methods for detecting the presence of the recombinant nucleic acid sequences or the proteins of the present invention in a biological sample, and methods of controlling Lepidopteran species pests using any of the TIC6757, TIC6757PL, TIC7472, TIC7472PL, TIC7473, and TIC7473PL pesticidal proteins are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and systems, including cell lines, recombinant polynucleotide constructs, compositions, and kits, for targeted yet universal genomic manipulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to the liver-specific delivery and/or expression of an enzyme which has a deoxyribonuclease (DNase) activity for enhanced clearance of cell free DNA (cfDNA) accumulated in hepatic porto-sinusoidal circulation and the use of such liver-specific delivery and/or expression for treatment of various diseases and conditions, including cancer and neurodegeneration.

Abstract: Provided herein are gene therapy compositions and methods for treating, preventing, and/or curing NPC1. More specifically, the disclosure provides Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for delivery of nucleic acids and nucleic acids (including AAV transfer cassettes) for treating, preventing, and/or curing NPC1.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for packaging a recombinant adeno-associated vims (rAAV) particle comprising using inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) and rep genes of different serotypes and/or using chimeric rep genes.

Abstract: This disclosure provides improved lipid-based compositions, including lipid nanoparticle compositions, and methods of use thereof for delivering nucleic acids in vivo. These compositions have reduced immune activation resulting in accelerated blood clearance and/or anti-drug antibodies and they have an improved toxicity profile and therapeutic index in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are Type I Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) system related compositions and methods of using said Type I CRISPR/Cas system related compositions for altering gene expression and genome engineering. The invention relates to compositions comprising Type I CRISPR-Cas polypeptides and CRISPR array nucleic acids designed for genome modification in eukaryotic cells and for targeted killing of eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: A gel composition contains an amphiphilic block polymer having a hydrophilic block chain and a hydrophobic block chain. An organogel is obtained by mixing the amphiphilic block polymer with an organic solvent, and a xerogel is formed by removing the organic solvent from the organogel. A hydrogel is formed by mixing the xerogel with water or an aqueous solution. A hydrogel encapsulating cells to be cultured may be formed by mixing a xerogel with an aqueous solution containing the cells such as a cell culture solution.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an engineered cell having a first chimeric antigen receptor polypeptide including a first antigen recognition domain, a first signal peptide, a first hinge region, a first transmembrane domain, a first costimulatory domain, and a first signaling domain; and a second chimeric antigen receptor polypeptide including a second antigen recognition domain, a second signal peptide, a second hinge region, a second transmembrane domain, a second co-stimulatory domain, and a second signaling domain; wherein the first antigen recognition domain is different than the second antigen recognition domain.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for methods of improving the efficacy of T cells. In an aspect, the disclosure further provides for methods of enhancing the persistence of T cells for adoptive cell transfer or therapy (ACT). Cytokine sensitivity assays (CSA) and associated methodology capable of predicting the persistence of adoptively infused T Cells are further provided for by way of the instant disclosure. The disclosure also provides for methods of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof as well as T cells populations produced by methods described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cell culture compositions, for example, pancreatic cell culture compositions, derived from dedifferentiated human reprogrammed pluripotent stem cells, such as induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, and methods for producing and using such cell culture compositions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to recombinant viral vectors, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such recombinant vectors, and to methods for prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis in mammals. In particular, this disclosure provides adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors capable of expressing, in a host, osteoprotective/chondroprotective bioactive proteins, including hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) and lubricin (PRG4). Methods of production of these AAV are provided, as are methods of treatment of osteoarthritis in mammalian joints, by the long-term gene expression of osteoprotective/chondroprotective proteins, including HAS2 and PRG4, in both synovial and chondrocyte cells.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the storage, organization, access, and retrieval of information encoded by sequence controlled polymers such as data storage nucleic acids are provided. In some embodiments, organization, storage, and/or selective retrieval of the data is facilitated by hybridization of barcode sequence of the sequence controlled polymer to the reverse complementary sequence of an oligonucleotide. The plurality of oligonucleotides can be arrayed using a known organization scheme, and selectively capture and localize the corresponding sequence controlled polymer. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods utilize recombinant bacteriophage, typically featuring a minigenome having a bacteriophage origin of replication and packaging signal separated from a data storage sequence by barcodes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle comprising a surface-bound peptide that enhances transduction of cells across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Also disclosed herein is a modified AAV capsid protein comprising an insertion of a polypeptide that enhances transduction of cells across the BBB, and an AAV particle comprising the modified AAV capsid protein. Specific peptides are provided. Pharmaceutical formulations and method of administering/delivering a nucleic acid to a cell of the brain and/or central nervous system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention is an L-glutamate dehydrogenase mutant, the sequence of the L-glutamate dehydrogenase mutant being a sequence in which amino acid residue A at position 175 in SEQ ID NO: 1 is mutated to be G, and amino acid residue V at position 386 is mutated to be an amino acid residue having less steric hindrance. Further disclosed in the present invention is an application of the described L-amino acid dehydrogenase mutant in the preparation of L-glufosinate-ammonium or a salt thereof. When the L-glutamate dehydrogenase mutant of the present invention is used to prepare L-glufosinate-ammonium or a salt thereof, compared to an L-glutamate dehydrogenase mutant in which only position 175 or 386 is mutated, the specific enzyme activity is higher. Therefore, the action efficiency of the enzyme is improved, reaction costs are reduced, and industrial production is facilitated.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for modulating the psilocybin biosynthesis pathway in fungi or other organisms. Also provided are genetically modified fungi and organisms with induced and/or increased expression of psilocybin and psilocin and psilocybin and/or psilocin compositions generated by the provided methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide with anti-inflammatory activity, wherein the peptide comprises any one amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 161, the peptide has above 80% homology of amino acid sequence with above-mentioned sequences, or the peptide is the fragment of the above-mentioned peptides. The present invention also relates to an inflammatory composition comprising the above mentioned peptides. According to the present invention, a peptide that has at least one amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 161 has outstanding efficacy in both suppressing inflammation and in prophylactic means. Therefore, the composition comprising the peptides of this invention can be used as anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical compositions or as cosmetic compositions, in turn, treating and preventing a variety of different types of inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to bifunctional chemical epigenetic modifiers, and methods of making, kits and using the bifunctional chemical epigenetic modifiers. The bifunctional chemical epigenetic modifiers can include a FK506 molecule or derivative thereof, a linker and a bifunctional ligand. The bifunctional ligand can be a histone deacetylase inhibitor.

Abstract: Methods for the production of L-glufosinate (also known as phosphinothricin or (S)-2-amino-4-(hydroxy(methyl)phosphonoyl)butanoic acid) are provided. The methods comprise a two-step process. The first step involves the oxidative deamination of D-glufosinate to PPO (2-oxo-4-(hydroxy(methyl)phosphinoyl)butyric acid). The second step involves the specific amination of PPO to L-glufosinate, using an amine group from one or more amine donors. By combining these two reactions, the proportion of L-glufosinate in a mixture of L-glufosinate and D-glufosinate can be substantially increased.

Abstract: A novel modified polypeptide having an isopropylmalate synthase activity, a polynucleotide encoding the same, a microorganism including the polypeptide, and a method of producing L-leucine by culturing the microorganism.

Abstract: A method for producing L-lysine by fermentation, comprising modifying a gene for coding an NCBI reference sequence NP_601029.1 and/or NP_599350.1 on a Corynebacterium bacterial chromosome to enable the activity and/or expression quantity of NP_601029.1 and/or NP_599350.1 to be reduced; replacing a promoter of one or more genes on the Corynebacterium bacterial chromosome with a EP5 promoter, and fermenting bacteria obtained by modification to produce L-lysine. Also provided are methods and applications derived from the method, and bacteria and promoter that can used in the methods and the applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and kits for template-free enzymatic synthesis of polynucleotides that include or enable a step of efficiently cleaving the polynucleotide products from its initiator using an endonuclease V activity and initiator with a 3?-penultimate deoxyinosine.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a novel enzymatic process for production of retinyl esters, such as in particular retinyl long chain esters, via conversion of retinol, which process includes the use of enzymes having acyltransferase activity. Said process might be used for biotechnological production of vitamin A.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems, methods and compositions for the in vivo bioconversion of water-soluble acetylated cannabinoid glycosides in plant cell suspension cultures.

Abstract: Glycerol is a byproduct of biodiesel and bioethanol production and its conversion to value-added chemicals is a promising avenue for realization of the biorefinery concept Conversion of glycerol to pyruvate through glycerate yields pyruvate, is a common intermediate of many high-value natural products. The present invention aims at improving the specific activity of a naturally occurring enzyme toward conversion of glycerate to pyruvate (TvDHT). The present invention features compositions of isolated dehydratase enzyme (DHT) polypeptide composition, in particular the DHT polypeptide composition comprising a single point mutation that increases the specific activity of the enzyme as compared to wild type.

Abstract: Method for characterising a microorganism, comprising: —illuminating, in the wavelength range of 390 nm-900 nm, the microorganism having a natural electromagnetic response in said range; —acquiring, in said range, a light intensity reflected by said (or transmitted through said) illuminated microorganism; and —determining the microorganism as being a yeast or a bacterial strain according to the light intensity acquired in said range.

Abstract: A sample testing apparatus includes a sample tray defining a planar surface and a plurality of wells recessed relative to the planar surface, and a lid member configured to be sealed about the planar surface of the sample tray. The lid member includes an adhesive layer configured to be sealed to the planar surface of the sample tray, a breathable film layer disposed about the adhesive layer, and a backing layer disposed about the breathable film layer. Methods of using the sample testing apparatus for testing a sample and kits to facilitate such testing are also provided.

Abstract: A dry reagent composition that includes an active redox enzyme that oxidizes an analyte as a specific substrate to produce an inactive reduced form of the enzyme; and a salt of ferricyanide provides improved performance in electrochemical test strips such as those used for detection of glucose. The salt of ferricyanide consists of ferricyanide and positively-charged counter ions, and the positively charged counter ions are selected such that the salt of ferricyanide is soluble in water, and such that the salt of ferricyanide or the crystalline phase of the salt of ferricyanide has a solubility in water and/or a lower E0eff at a concentration of 100 mM than potassium ferricyanide. For example, the salt of ferricyanide may be tetramethylammonium ferricyanide.

Abstract: An immobilized enzymatic reactor can include a wall defining a chamber having an inlet and an outlet; a solid stationary phase covalently linked to an enzyme and disposed within the chamber; and a pressure modulator in a fluid communication with the chamber and adapted to support continuous flow of a liquid sample comprising a polymer analyte through the inlet, over the solid stationary phase, and out of the outlet under a pressure between about 2,500 and 35,000 psi. In one example, the solid stationary phase includes inorganic/organic hybrid particles in an ultra performance liquid chromatography system, the enzyme is a protease, and the polymer analyte is a polypeptide. The immobilized enzymatic reactor can prepare an analyte for applications such as for hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Provided is a method of modifying a target site in the genome of a eukaryotic cell, the method comprising: (1) a step of introducing into the cell, introduction nucleic acids comprising (a) a template nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding an RNA-guided nuclease, (b) a template nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a guide RNA, or a guide RNA, and (c) a template nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a selectable marker; and (2) a step of selecting a cell expressing the selectable marker, wherein the number of moles (C) of (c) the template nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a selectable marker, subjected to the step (1), is smaller than any of the number of moles (A) of (a) the template nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding an RNA-guided nuclease and the number of moles (B) of (b) the template nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a guide RNA, or the guide RNA.

Abstract: A process for preparing a biological sample including biological species, implemented in a preparation system, the preparation system including a device that includes: a housing, a first channel provided in the housing, a second channel provided in the housing, a chamber into which the first channel and the second channel open, a filter separating the chamber into two distinct spaces, the process including the following steps: injection of the biological sample in the form of a fluid via the first channel to concentrate biological species in the first space of the chamber of the device, injection of an immunological buffer fluid via the second channel of the device so as to at least partially elute the biological species with the immunological buffer fluid.

Abstract: Improved multiple displacement amplification (MDA) reagents and methods are provided.

Abstract: A digital biosensor for assaying a target nucleic acid and methods of using the biosensor for digitally detecting the target nucleic acid are disclosed wherein the biosensor includes a substrate having a substrate surface and at least two electrodes, a linker molecule having a first moiety conjugated to the substrate surface, a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) conjugated to a second moiety of the linker molecule, and a guide ribonucleic acid (gRNA) having a first sequence capable of binding to the inactive RNP and a second sequence capable of binding to the target nucleic acid.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for accurate and scalable Primary Template-Directed Amplification (PTA) nucleic acid amplification and sequencing methods, and their applications for research, diagnostics, and treatment.

Abstract: A sequencing primer set comprising a universal upstream primer, a universal downstream primer and a downstream primer in rich of promoter; wherein the universal upstream primer has a sequence of: 5?-TBarcodeCAAAXXXXNNN-3?; the universal downstream primer has a sequence of: 5?-GACTGCGTACGZZZZNNN-3?(SEQ ID No. 9); the downstream primer in rich of promoter has a sequence of: 5?-GACTGCGTACYYNCTATA-3?(SEQ ID No. 7).

Abstract: The methods, compositions, and kits of the disclosure provide a novel approach for a whole genome, unbiased DNA analysis method that can be performed on limited amounts of DNA. can be used to analyze DNA to determine its modification status. Aspects of the disclosure relate to a method for amplifying bisulfite-treated deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules comprising: (a) ligating an adaptor to the DNA molecules, wherein the adaptor comprises a RNA polymerase promoter comprising bisulfite-protected cytosines; (b) treating the ligated DNA molecules with bisulfite; (c) hybridizing the bisulfite-treated DNA molecules with a primer; (d) extending the hybridized primer to make double stranded DNA; and (e) in vitro transcribing the double-stranded DNA to make RNA.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to sequencing library preparation methods. In certain embodiments, two or more template nucleic acids are joined together by a linking molecule, such as a PEG derivative. Identical copies of a nucleic acid fragment or both strands of a duplex fragment may be linked together. The linked nucleic acids are amplified, creating linked amplicons. Emulsion PCR with linked primers creates linked template nucleic acids for seeding sequencing clusters and errors can be readily identified by their presence on only one of the linked fragments.

Abstract: According to various embodiments described herein, a microfluidics-chip based purification device and system for Sanger-sequencing reactions is provided. The device and system allow for the introduction into a sequencing system of a cartridge containing purification technologies specific to the sequencing contaminants or sequencing method where the simplified purification solution of a cartridge allows automation of the sample purification process, reduced consumption of purification reagents, and consistency in sampling by reducing the sampling errors and artifacts. These various embodiments therefore solve the need for a microfluidics-chip-based, Sanger-sequencing reaction purification system for CE devices. The microfluidic chips described can be used as a PCR chip by reorganizing the on-chip reagents, reaction wells and work flow steps.

Abstract: A sequencing system includes an automated sequencing instrument adapted to determine variant calls for one or more extracted polynucleotide samples with a performance of at least 98.5% raw read accuracy and a run time in a range of 5 hours to 14 hours to determine variant calls for 4 extracted polynucleotide samples using a targeted assay with one DNA pool per sample and an average amplicon size in a range of 100 to 120 bases.