Abstract: The methods and kits disclosed in the present disclosure allow quantified exchange of peptides into MHC proteins. These methods and kits allow MHC proteins with exchanged peptides to be used in further applications such as cell staining. The methods and kits may also be used to quantify peptides present in complex mixtures.

Abstract: Microfluidic “organ-on-a-chip” devices have been developed with the aim to replicate human tissues in vitro. However, there is no option to quantitatively monitor biological processes that take place within the chip, over time. Destructive methods in order to analyze, tissue formation, gene expression, protein secretion etc. require the harvest of the “tissue” at a certain time point. Described herein are methods and compositions for non-destructive molecular imaging methods and systems in order to quantitatively monitor specific biological processes, over time, within the chip, without the need to harvest.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to recombinant production reporter cells comprising a logic gate such that an expressible sequence (e.g., a reporter gene) is expressed after the occurrence of triggering event related to a stage of production or an environmental condition of a biological production system. Nucleic acids, kits, and methods for making and using the recombinant production reporter cells are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell sheet construct for neurovascular reconstruction. The cell sheet construct has a vascular endothelial cell layer and a neural stem cell layer, and the two layers are physically in direct contact with each other, where the vascular endothelial cell layer forms branching vasculatures, and the neural stem cell layer differentiates into neurons. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the cell sheet construct, having the following steps: culturing vascular endothelial cells on a substrate to form a vascular endothelial cell layer, seeding neural stem cells on the vascular endothelial cell layer to make the neural stem cells be physically in direct contact with the vascular endothelial cell layer, and culturing the neural stem cells and the vascular endothelial cell layer to differentiate into neurons and branching vasculatures to form a cell sheet construct.

Abstract: A method of producing a cell structure includes applying a magnetic field, in a container (40), to a plurality of culture carriers to arrange the culture carriers. The culture carriers include at least one of a carrier (10) and a cell holding carrier (30), the carrier (10) having a magnetic portion (12), formed only in a part of the carrier (10), and a cell holder (11). The method also includes culturing cells (20) held on the cell holder (11) while maintaining the culture carriers in the arranged state.

Abstract: Provided are chimeric antigen receptors having the hinge, transmembrane region, and/or intracellular domain of LILRB1, or functional fragments or variants thereof. Also provided herein are cells comprising the LILRB1 based receptors, and methods of making and using same.

Abstract: Co-crystals comprising the Nuclear receptor related 1 protein-ligand binding domain (Nurr1-LBD) and a cyclopentenone prostaglandin are provided. Also provided are methods of identifying or designing Nurr1-modulating ligands and compounds based on the crystal structures described herein as well as the applications of said ligands and compounds as Nurr1 modulators or medicaments.

Abstract: The present technology relates to systems and associated methods for measuring properties of particles in a solution. In one or more embodiments, a particle measurement system is configured to generate a reference signal, communicate the reference signal across a plurality of resistors and overlapping pairs of electrodes that define detection regions for particulates traveling through a microchannel, and measure various properties of the particles based on detecting changes in the communicated reference signal.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to molecular biological manipulation of genes and genomes and particularly, but not exclusively, to CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) methods, compositions, systems, and kits for improved genetic editing.

Abstract: A specimen processing system includes a plate for supporting a specimen system, wherein the specimen system includes a container and a specimen contained therein. The specimen processing system further includes a camera disposed above the plate and configured to generate images of the specimen system, a light source disposed beneath the plate for radiating light towards the plate, a light stop for blocking a portion of the light from reaching the specimen system to produce darkfield illumination of the specimen at the camera, and one or more processors electronically coupled to the camera and configured to track a position of the specimen within the specimen container during a specimen processing protocol based on the images.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a genetically modified hematopoietic stem cell comprising, in at least one globin gene comprised in the genome thereof, at least one transgene encoding a therapeutic protein or a therapeutic ribonucleic acid, the said transgene being placed under the control of the endogenous promoter of the said globin gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides constructs comprising modified riboswitches to regulate expression of a transgene within a subject. Methods of treating a disease, specifically an eye disease, are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, proteins, nucleic acids and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumor-associated T-cell peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that can for example serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses, or to stimulate T cells ex vivo and transfer into patients. Peptides bound to molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), or peptides as such, can also be targets of antibodies, soluble T-cell receptors, and other binding molecules.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for processing stromal precursor cells (i.e., cells which can differentiate into connective tissue cells, such as in muscles, ligaments, or tendons) which can be obtained from fatty tissue extracts obtained via liposuction. Normal processing of a liposuction extract involves centrifugation, to concentrate the stromal cells into a semi-concentrated form called “spun fat”. That “spun fat” can then be treated by mechanical processing (such as pressure-driven extrusion through 0.5 mm holes) under conditions which can gently pry the stromal cells away from extra-cellular collagen fibers and other debris in the “spun fat”. The extruded mixture is then centrifuged again, to separate a highly-enriched population of stromal cells which is suited for injection back into the patient (along with platelet cells, if desired, to further promote tissue repair or regeneration).

Abstract: Engineered orthogonal cytokine receptor/ligand pairs, and methods of use thereof, are provided.

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, and a stabilizer, wherein the formulation does not collapse during lyophilization.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of identifying patients that may be responsive to mitochondrial inhibitor therapies to target and eradicate cancer stem cells. Also described are diagnostic kits that may be used to identify patients responsive to mitochondrial inhibitor therapies.

Abstract: A particle isolation apparatus 100 for isolating particles from a suspension sample, includes a droplet dispenser device 10 for collecting the suspension sample from a carrier substrate 20 and for dispensing droplets onto a target substrate 30, a mechanical pump device 40 being coupled with the droplet dispenser device 10 for loading a dilution liquid into the droplet dispenser device 10 and for aspirating a first portion of the suspension sample into the droplet dispenser device 10, and a syphon pump device 50 being coupled with the droplet dispenser device 10 and being arranged for aspirating a second portion of the suspension sample into the droplet dispenser device 10. Preferably, the droplet dispenser device 10 is configured for dispensing single particle droplets on the target substrate 30. Furthermore, a method of isolating particles from a suspension sample is described.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for detecting bladder cancer are provided. In some embodiments, methods of detecting low grade bladder cancer are provided. In some embodiments, methods of monitoring recurrence of bladder cancer are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise detecting androgen receptor (AR) and/or uroplakin 1B (UPK1B).

Abstract: A polypeptide comprising the sequence of SEQ. ID NO. 2, 3, 4, 7 or 8. The polypeptide may have the sequence of an immunogenic fragment thereof comprising at least eight amino acids, wherein the immunogenic fragment is not one of SEQ. ID NOS. 6 or 11 to 16. The polypeptide may have a sequence having at least 80% sequence identity to the aforementioned polypeptide or immunogenic fragment. The polypeptide is less than 100 amino acids in length and does not comprise the sequence of any of SEQ. ID NOS. 10, 46, 56, 57 or 59 to 62 and does not consist of the sequence of SEQ ID NO. 58. The polypeptide is useful in the treatment or prophylaxis of cancer.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the expansion of cells in a cell expansion system using an active promotion of a coating agent(s) to a cell growth surface. A coating agent may be applied to a surface, such as the cell growth surface of a hollow fiber, by controlling the movement of a fluid in which a coating agent is suspended. Using ultrafiltration, the fluid may be pushed through the pores of a hollow fiber from a first side, e.g., an intracapillary (IC) side, of the hollow fiber to a second side, e.g., an extracapillary (EC) side, while the coating agent is actively promoted to the surface of the hollow fiber. In so doing, the coating agent may be hydrostatically deposited onto a wall, e.g., inner wall, of the hollow fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are neural extracellular vesicles (EVs) and methods of using these EVs in the treatment of spinal cord injury, stroke, and traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for detecting an estrogen-induced cancer in a subject, for identifying a subject at risk of developing an estrogen-induced cancer and for determining or predicting prognosis for a subject with an estrogen-induced cancer. The methods of the disclosure comprise determining the level of expression of ALPPL2 in a biological sample, typically a blood sample, obtained from a subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of performing an assay for a compound. The method makes use of a device (390) which has a plurality of wells (340) which contain cells, and according to the method a liquid is transferred from the wells (340) to a substrate which is used to perform the assay. Each well (340) of the device comprises a bottom provided with a through-hole (370) extending from the well (340) to the backside of the device (390). Liquid containing the compound is transferred via the through-holes (370) to the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of manufacturing cell spheroids using a bioink. More particularly, provided is a method of manufacturing a cell spheroid, the method including extruding a first bioink including an alginate; extruding a second bioink including cells into the extruded first bioink; adding a calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution to the alginate included in the first bioink; and dissolving the second bioink, present in the first bioink, in a cell culture medium to form a cell spheroid from the cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of stem cells. More specifically, the invention provides methods and compositions useful for forming three-dimensional human retinal tissue in vitro. In a specific embodiment, an in vitro method for differentiating hiPSCs into three-dimensional retinal tissue comprising functional photoreceptors comprises the steps of (a) culturing the hiPSCs to form aggregates; (b) transitioning the aggregates into a neural induction medium; (c) seeding the aggregates on to extracellular matrix coated cell culture substrates; (d) replacing NIM with a chemically-defined differentiation medium; (e) detaching NR domains; (f) culturing in suspension; and (g) adding animal serum or plasma component and retinoic acid.

Abstract: Trans-activating transcription (TAT) factor peptide oligomers coupled with functional agents can selectively complex to the anionic surface of cancerous cells. The TAT conjugates can be delivered to the locus of the tumors using intra-arterial injection during transient blood flow arrest.

Abstract: A vector containing a first nucleotide sequence S1 encoding a protein Z1, a second nucleotide sequence S2 encoding a protein Z2, a third nucleotide sequence S3 encoding a protein Y1, and a fourth nucleotide sequence S4 encoding a protein Y2, in which Z1 and Z2 form a first dimer and Y1 and Y2 form a second dimer, in which the first dimer Z1Z2 is different from the second dimer Y1Y2.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and compositions for treatment of lung disease, including at least chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In particular cases, fibroblasts (including activated fibroblasts) and/or exosomes thereof are provided to an individual for the treatment of COPD. In particular cases the fibroblasts are activated and/or express one or more particular markers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing graphene-metal nanowire hybrid material, comprising: (A) preparing a catalyst metal-coated mixture mass, which includes mixing graphene sheets with source metal particles to form a mixture and depositing a nanoscaled catalytic metal onto surfaces of the graphene sheets and/or metal particles; and (B) exposing the catalyst metal-coated mixture mass to a high temperature environment (preferably from 100° C. to 2,500° C.) for a period of time sufficient to enable a catalytic metal-catalyzed growth of multiple metal nanowires using the source metal particles as a feed material to form the graphene-metal nanowire hybrid material composition. An optional etching or separating procedure may be conducted to remove catalytic metal or graphene from the metal nanowires.

Abstract: A strong insulator fragment from foamy virus, which can be used to insulate expression of a transgene and reduce genotoxicity of integrating vectors comprising such. The insulator fragment can also be used in gene targeting constructs in gene editing.

Abstract: This invention relates to molecules, particularly polypeptides, more particularly fusion proteins that include a serpin polypeptide or an amino acid sequence that is derived from a serpin and second polypeptide comprising of at least one the following: an Fc polypeptide or an amino acid sequence that is derived from an Fc polypeptide; a cytokine targeting polypeptide or a sequence derived from a cytokine targeting polypeptide; a whey acidic protein (WAP) domain containing polypeptide or a sequence derived from a WAP containing polypeptide; and an albumin polypeptide or an amino acid sequence that is derived from a serum albumin polypeptide. This invention also relates to methods of using such molecules in a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic indications, as well as methods of producing such molecules.

Abstract: The present application provides immune cells (such as T cells) comprising a chimeric antibody-T cell receptor (TCR) construct (caTCR) and a chimeric signaling receptor (CSR) construct. The caTCR comprises an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to a target antigen and a T cell receptor module (TCRM) capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule, and the CSR comprises a ligand-binding domain that specifically binds to a target ligand and a co-stimulatory signaling domain capable of providing a stimulatory signal to the immune cell. Also provided are methods of making and using these cells.

Abstract: Genome editing systems, guide RNAs, dead guide RNAs, and CRISPR-mediated methods are provided for altering portions of a target nucleic acid.

Abstract: Methods and systems for synthesizing multicompartment capsules are disclosed, as well as multicompartment polymer capsules formed in accordance with disclosed techniques. At least one plurality of polymer capsules are formed via a capsule-forming process. A feed solution and a reservoir solution are provided, each comprising a biopolymer. The feed solution biopolymer and the reservoir solution biopolymer have opposite charges. Droplets of the feed solution are introduced into the reservoir solution, thereby forming via electrostatic complexation a plurality of polymer capsules. At least a portion of the resulting polymer capsules are then encapsulated in a larger polymer capsule via a similar process, wherein the feed solution utilized for the encapsulation process also comprises the formed smaller capsules.

Abstract: Herein is reported a method for the co-cultivation of single deposited B-cells, which can be of any source, with EL-4 B5 feeder cells in a suitable co-cultivation medium. In the herein reported methods the EL-4 B5 cells have been irradiated with a dose of less than 40 Gy, preferably 9.5 Gy or less. Thereby the EL-4 B5 cells have a higher viability and maintain the ability to divide in cultivation at doses less than 6 Gy.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to particular subsets of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, methods of isolating and generating these cells, compositions comprising these cells, and methods of treatment of a tumor or cancer by administering these cells alone or in combination with each other and/or additional therapies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medium composition for reinforcing the efficacy of stem cells, including ethionamide, a method of reinforcing the efficacy of stem cells, including culturing stem cells in the medium composition, a method of preparing stem cells with reinforced efficacy, stem cells prepared by the above-mentioned method, and a use thereof. According to the present invention, the anti-inflammatory effect of mesenchymal stem cells and expression levels of paracrine factors may be effectively improved by a simple method of treating mesenchymal stem cells with ethionamide, and the stem cells obtained by the above method may be effectively used for preventing or treating an inflammatory disease or a degenerative brain disease.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rapid gene set enrichment analysis and applications thereof are described. These systems and methods enable improved prioritization of relevant gene sets while maintaining a relatively lower false positive rate. Additionally, the ability to accelerate enrichment analysis and analyze hundreds of thousands of gene sets is described.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to antigen recognizing constructs against COL6A3 antigens. The invention in particular provides novel T cell receptor (TCR) based molecules which are selective and specific for the tumor expressed antigen COL6A3. The TCR of the invention, and COL6A3 antigen binding fragments derived therefrom, are of use for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of COL6A3 expressing cancerous diseases. Further provided are nucleic acids encoding the antigen recognizing constructs of the invention, vectors comprising these nucleic acids, recombinant cells expressing the antigen recognizing constructs and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention.

Abstract: Provided is a plant or plant part comprising a polynucleotide encoding a mutant TriA polypeptide, the expression of the polynucleotide confers to the plant or plant part tolerance to herbicides.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting or culturing cells or cell colonies includes: a common substrate formed from a flexible resilient polymeric material and having a plurality of wells formed therein; and a plurality of rigid cell carriers releasably connected to said common substrate, with said carriers arranged in the form of an array, and with each of the carriers resiliently received in one of the wells. A method of collecting or culturing cells or cell colonies with such an apparatus is carried out by depositing a liquid media carrying cells on the apparatus so that said cells settle on or adhere to said the carriers; and then (c) releasing at least one selected carrier having said cells thereon by gradual application of release energy to each carrier from the cavity in which it is received (e.g., by pushing with a probe).

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a technology for efficiently introducing a desired foreign substance from the outside of eukaryotic cells into at least the cytoplasm (and the nucleolus) of the cells is provided. A method disclosed here includes a step of preparing a construct for introducing a foreign substance including a carrier peptide fragment composed of any of amino acid sequences: KKRTLRKKKRKKR (SEQ ID NO: 1), KKRTLRKRRRKKR (SEQ ID NO: 2), KKRTLRKRKRKKR (SEQ ID NO: 3) and KKRTLRKKRRKKR (SEQ ID NO: 4), and a foreign substance that is bound to an N-terminal side and/or C-terminal side of the carrier peptide fragment, a step of supplying the construct for introducing a foreign substance to a sample containing desired eukaryotic cells, and a step of incubating the sample to which the construct for introducing a foreign substance is supplied and introducing the construct into eukaryotic cells in the sample.

Abstract: A device may receive images of a patient, and may perform segmentation of surfaces on the images to create a 3D model. The device may identify normal tissue regions and atrial fibrosis (AF) regions in the 3D model, and may divide the 3D model into the normal tissue regions and the AF regions. The device may assign first cell and tissue properties to the normal tissue regions, and may assign second cell and tissue properties to the AF regions. The device may perform simulations on the normal tissue regions and the AD regions, based on the first and second cell and tissue properties, to generate simulation results, and may extract first features from the simulation results. The device may extract second features from the images, and may process the first and second features, with a model, to select a feature that is predictive of atrial fibrillation recurrence.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for linking DNA binding domains and cleavage domains (or cleavage half-domains) to form non-naturally occurring nucleases with alternative configurations. Also described are methods of making and using compositions comprising these linkers.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for regulating the specificity and activity of T cells. In one embodiment, the invention provides a type of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) wherein the CAR is termed a “KIR-CAR” which is a CAR design comprising a component of a receptor naturally found on natural killer (NK) cells. In one embodiment, the NK receptor includes but is not limited to a naturally occurring activating and inhibitory receptor of NK cells known as a killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR).

Abstract: Non-human animals, and methods and compositions for making and using the same, are provided, wherein said non-human animals comprise a humanization of an endogenous cluster of differentiation (CD) gene, in particular a humanization of a CD47 gene. Said non-human animals may be described, in some embodiments, as having a genetic modification to an endogenous CD47 gene so that said non-human animals express a CD47 polypeptide that includes a human portion and a non-human portion (e.g., a murine portion).

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial transcription factors (ATFs) that alter gene expression, including inducing pluripotency in cells or promoting the conversion of cells to specific cell fates. In particular, provided herein is a zinc-finger based ATF library that can be screened in cells by looking for expression of a specific gene (e.g., reporter expression), monitoring for cell surface markers or morphology, or via functional assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medium composition for improving stem cell migration, which includes ethionamide, and a use thereof. According to the present invention, the migration of stem cells may be effectively improved by the adjustment of a culture environment, which is a simple and safe method, without using gene manipulation or a viral vector, and the stem cells improved in migration by the method may be effectively used as a stem cell therapeutic agent that is able to function by rapidly migrating to the damaged region after transplantation.

Abstract: A bioreactor includes a scaffold, a scaffold support, and a manifold. The scaffold is seeded with a plurality of cells. The scaffold has an extended state and a non-extended state. The scaffold support that selectively modifies a state of the scaffold from the non-extended state to the extended state. A manifold is configured to provide a medium to the scaffold. The state of the scaffold from the non-extended state to the extended state is modified at a rate tuned to maintain a cell density associated with the plurality of cells within a particular density range.