Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a medium composition for culturing stem cells, and more specifically, to a medium composition for culturing mesenchymal stem cells, in which the medium composition includes a basic medium in which various quasi-completed mediums (DMEM, ?-MEM, IMDM, F12, and DMEM/F12) are mixed, L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, fetal bovine serum, basic fibroblast growth factors (b-FGF), insulin, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, calcium chloride, and hydrocortisone. According to the present disclosure, it is capable of improving proliferation ability and differentiation ability of the mesenchymal stem cells, and is capable of producing cell therapy products more economically using the mesenchymal stem cells by enabling the mesenchymal stem cells to be cultured at a low price compared to the existing culturing methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cells engineered to express at least one cytokine and at least one antigen which induces the self differentiation of dendritic cell (DC) progenitor cells into functional antigen-presenting induced DC (iDC). Moreover, therapeutic uses of said iDC for regenerating the immune system after transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells are disclosed. Said iDC are also useful for generating mice with a functional endogenously regenerated humanized immune system producing antigen-specific T and B cell responses which can be used as animal models for the study of the human adaptive immune responses.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the in vitro differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells, which have been expanded and/or maintained under defined conditions, into endodermal precursor cells (EPCs) that are capable of producing mono-hormonal beta cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a prophylactic agent or therapeutic agent for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, containing as an active ingredient a binding inhibitor that inhibits interaction between activin and activin A receptor type I (ACVR1), or an expression suppressor that suppresses expression of activin.

Abstract: A recombinant fusion protein comprising a human erythropoietin peptide portion linked to an immunoglobulin peptide portion is described. The fusion protein has a prolonged half-life in vivo compared to naturally occurring or recombinant native human erythropoietin. In one embodiment, the protein has a half-life in vivo at least three-fold higher than native human erythropoietin. The fusion protein exhibits enhanced erythropoietic bioactivity compared to native human erythropoietin. In one embodiment, the fusion protein comprises the complete peptide sequence of a human erythropoietin (EPO) molecule and the peptide sequence of an Fc fragment of human IgG1, which Fc fragment includes the hinge region, CH2 and CH3 domains. The EPO molecule may be linked directly to the Fc fragment to avoid extraneous peptide linkers and lessen risk of an immunogenic response when administered. In one embodiment the hinge region is a human Fc fragment variant having a non-cysteine residue at amino acid 6.

Abstract: A method for engineering and utilizing large DNA vectors to target, via homologous recombination, and modify, in any desirable fashion, endogenous genes and chromosomal loci in eukaryotic cells. These large DNA targeting vectors for eukaryotic cells, termed LTVECs, are derived from fragments of cloned genomic DNA larger than those typically used by other approaches intended to perform homologous targeting in eukaryotic cells. Also provided is a rapid and convenient method of detecting eukaryotic cells in which the LTVEC has correctly targeted and modified the desired endogenous gene(s) or chromosomal locus (loci) as well as the use of these cells to generate organisms bearing the genetic modification.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a composite nanofiber support and a fish collagen/synthetic polymer nanofiber support manufactured by the method, wherein the method comprises: a first step for dissolving a synthetic polymer in an organic solvent; a second step for dissolving a fish collagen in water to prepare an aqueous fish collagen solution; a third step for adding the aqueous fish collagen solution prepared in the second step to the synthetic polymer solution prepared in the first step, followed by mixing; and a fourth step for electrospinning the mixture solution prepared in the third step to manufacture a nanofiber support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for preventing or treating diseases associated with human papillomavirus (HPV), and more specifically, cancer associated with HPV, and even more specifically, cervical cancer. The nucleotide sequence of the present invention, the sequence in which the base thereof is modified, and a specific combination thereof can be useful in a composition for effectively treating diseases associated with HPV infection by greatly inhibiting the expression of the E6/E7 gene of HPV type 16 or 18.

Abstract: This invention provides gels and matrices having a rigidity in the range of 0.1-2.5 kPa, methods of manufacturing same, and method of preserving a mesenchymal stem cell population or studying mesenchymal stem cells, comprising same.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising nucleic acids capable of targeting IGF-1R expression in M2 cells. The present disclosure also provides methods for the selective reduction of M2 cells by targeting expression of IGF-1R in these cells. The present disclosure further provides methods for treating cancer and enhancing therapeutic by targeting expression of IGF-1R in M2 cells in patients. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is effective when administered systemically to subjects in need thereof. The ease of administration of the pharmaceutical composition facilitates treatment and enhances patient compliance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protein nanoparticle having a surface on which a cancer-specific epitope is fused and expressed, a method for producing the same, and a composition for cancer immunotherapy containing the protein nanoparticle as an active ingredient, and more specifically, to a recombinant microorganism into which a vector in which a promoter, a gene of a human ferritin heavy chain protein, and a gene encoding the cancer-specific epitope are operably linked is introduced, a protein nanoparticle in which a cancer-specific epitope is fused and expressed on a surface of the human ferritin heavy chain protein, a method of producing the protein nanoparticle, and a composition for cancer immunotherapy including the protein nanoparticle as the active ingredient, wherein the cancer-specific epitope on the surface of the protein nanoparticle according to the present invention is able to be expressed with correct orientation and high density, and the composition for cancer immunotherapy including the

Abstract: The present invention generally concerns particular methods and compositions for generation of induced pluripotent stem cells. In particular aspects, induced pluripotent stem cells are generated from adult somatic cells following downregulation of a particular gene of interest. In some embodiments, induced pluripotent stem cells are generated from keratinocytes upon downregulation of ?Np63 or DGCR8.

Abstract: A transgenic avian containing in its genome an exogenous nucleotide sequence which includes a promoter component and a vector with reduced promoter interference wherein the exogenous nucleotide sequence is integrated into the genome and the avian.

Abstract: The present invention relates to large-scale bioreactors having at least two impellers, large-scale bioreactor systems and methods for the large scale cultivation and propagation of mammalian cells using these bioreactors.

Abstract: The current invention provides an improved oligonucleotide and its use for treating, ameliorating, preventing and/or delaying DMD or BMD.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing pancreatic islet-like cell structures characterized by a unique combination of morphological and functional features which make them particularly suitable for use in both clinical and drug screening application, as well as to the pancreatic islet-like cell structures obtained therefrom.

Abstract: Compounds comprising peptides capable of binding C3 protein and inhibiting complement activation are disclosed. The compounds comprise compstatin analogs in which the N-terminus contains an added or substituted component that improves (1) the peptide's binding affinity to C3 or its fragments, (2) the peptide's solubility in aqueous liquids, (3) the peptide's plasma stability, (4) the peptide's in vivo retention and/or (5) the peptide's bioavailability, as compared with an unmodified compstatin peptide under equivalent conditions. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using the compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bioreactor and method of forming complex three-dimensional tissue constructs in a single culture chamber. The bioreactor and methods may be used to form multi-phasic tissue constructs having tissue formed from multiple cell types in a single culture chamber. The bioreactor includes at least one translation mechanism to facilitate translation of one or more tissue constructs without direct user intervention, thereby providing a closed, sterile environment for complex tissue fabrication. The bioreactor may be used as a stand-alone device or as part of a large-scale system including many bioreactors. The large-scale system may include a perfusion system to monitor and regulate the tissue culture environment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for treating cardiovascular disease and damaged cardiac tissue which employ at least one hyaluronan (HA) compound and one or more cells selected from the group consisting of stem cells, precursor cells, progenitor cells, committed cells, mature somatic cells, and recombinant cells.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating defects in connective tissue are provided along with methods for making such devices. The devices can include enzyme-activated acellular tissue matrices that facilitate regrowth of the damaged tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides genetically modified non-human animals that express chimeric human/non-human MHC I and MHC II polypeptides and/or human or humanized ?2 microglobulin polypeptide, as well as embryos, cells, and tissues comprising the same. Also provided are constructs for making said genetically modified animals and methods of making the same. Methods of using the genetically modified animals to study various aspects of human immune system are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to promote differentiation of pluripotent stem cells to pancreatic endoderm cells expressing PDX1, NKX6.1, and HB9. In particular, the methods encompass culturing Stage 4 to Stage 6 cells with a thyroid hormone (e.g. T3), an ALK5 inhibitor, or both.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for generation of genetically modified T cells, T cell subsets and/or T cell progenitors comprising the steps: a) providing a cell sample comprising T cells, T cell subsets and/or T cell progenitors b) preparation of the cell sample by centrifugation c) magnetic separation of the T cells, T cell subsets and/or T cell progenitors d) activation of the enriched T cells, T cell subsets and/or T cell progenitors using modulatory agents e) genetic modification of the T cells, T cell subsets and/or T cell progenitors f) expansion of the genetically modified T cells, T cell subsets and/or T cell progenitors in a cultivation chamber g) washing of the cultured T cells, T cell subsets and/or T cell progenitors characterized in that all steps are performed in a closed and sterile cell culture system.

Abstract: A tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) for use in a method for the treatment of cancer in a patient, wherein the method comprises subjecting the patient to reduced caloric intake, i.e a daily caloric intake reduced by 10-100%, including starvation, for a period of 24-190 hours and administering the tyrosine kinase inhibitorto the patient during such period; the tyrosine kinase inhibitor is preferably selected among Lapatinib, Crizotinib, Gefitinib, Erlotinib, Afatinib and Regorafenib.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide diagnostic markers of immunosenescence and methods of identifying individuals with impaired immune function based on a combination of such markers obtained from various analyzes, primarily from blood, testing immune function including the analysis of immune cell subset frequencies, gene expression, cytokine and chemokine levels, and signaling responses to stimulation with cytokines (‘cytokine response’). Particular combinations of markers can predict with high accuracy whether an individual will respond to active vaccination and become protected against recurring diseases.

Abstract: A light-sensitive chimeric protein includes domains from at least two members of the G-protein-coupled-receptor (GPCR) protein super family, which are fused to yield a light-sensitive GPCR chimera capable of coupling a light signal to the signaling cascade of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 (mGluR6) is provided for medical therapy and pharmaceuticals for treating loss of vision, in particular resulting from retinal photoreceptor degeneration. A first GPCR family member contributes domains which mediate the light-sensitivity to the chimeric light-sensitive GPCR protein and belongs to the family of light-sensitive GPCR proteins also called photopigments. In some cases, the GPCR protein is melanopsin, in particular human melanopsin. A second of the at least two GPCR family members is mGluR6, which contributes domains for coupling the light signal to the intracellular signaling cascade of mGluR6, which is a native component of the cell membrane of ON-bipolar cells in the inner retina.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for fabricating a three-dimensional artificial cardiac patch construct. In some embodiments, such method includes the steps of coating a substrate with an organic polymer; allowing the organic polymer coating to air dry; mounting anchors on the organic polymer coating; and sterilizing the organic polymer coating and the anchors. In further embodiments, the method includes the steps of forming a biodegradable gel-based support scaffold on top of the organic polymer coating and seeding the biodegradable gel-based support scaffold with neonatal cardiac cells. In yet further embodiments, the method comprises culturing the neonatal cardiac cells in vitro to form a real cardiac layer, under culture conditions that are suitable for the cells to self-organize into a monolayer and detach from the substrate to form the three-dimensional cardiac patch.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a cell culture medium for the expression of a protein, which medium comprises a PAM inhibitor, or a physiological equivalent thereof, and to a cell culture process for the expression of a protein, in which process a PAM inhibitor, or a physiological equivalent thereof, is used (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The invention relates to in vitro methods for differentiating mammalian pluripotent stem cells into cells displaying a neuronal phenotype, more particularly into cortical-type neurons including inter alia pyramidal neurons and cortical inhibitory interneurons. The invention further encompasses so-obtained neuronal cells and cell population, compositions comprising such, and further uses of said neuronal cells and cell population.

Abstract: The present invention has an object of providing a method for producing specific cells by amplifying cells in a desired differentiation stage. The present invention provides a method for producing specific cells by inducing differentiation of cells, wherein an oncogene is forcibly expressed in cells in a desired differentiation stage to amplify the cells in the desired differentiation stage. The present invention also provides a method for producing specific cells, wherein oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) which is induced by the oncogene expressed in the cells in the desired differentiation stage is suppressed.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for RNA interference and methods of use thereof. In particular, the invention provides small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) having modification that enhance the stability of the siRNA without a concomitant loss in the ability of the siRNA to participate in RNA interference (RNAi). The invention also provides siRNAs having modification that increase targeting efficiency. Modifications include chemical crosslinking between the two complementary strands of an siRNA and chemical modification of a 3? terminus of a strand of an siRNA. Preferred modifications are internal modifications, for example, sugar modification, nucleobase modification and/or backbone modifications. Such modifications are also useful, e.g., to improve uptake of the siRNA by a cell. Functional and genomic and proteomic methods are featured. Therapeutic methods are also featured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for separating target cells from non-target cells using immunorosettes and magnetic particles. The method involves contacting a sample containing target cells and secondary targets such as erythrocytes with an antibody composition which allows immunorosettes of the target cells and the secondary targets to form. The sample is subsequently contacted with a second antibody composition which allows the binding of magnetic particles to the formed immunorosettes and free secondary targets. The immunorosettes and secondary targets labeled with magnetic particles are separated from non-target cells using a magnetic field. The antibody composition optionally contains bifunctional antibodies or tetrameric antibody complexes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for lowering blood glucose levels in an animal by transplanting a population of pancreatic endocrine precursor cells into an animal.

Abstract: Methods are described for the isolation and selection of a heterogeneous bone marrow cell population, called NCS-01, that is effective at treating neurodegeneration. For example, NCS-01 cells are shown to treat neurodegeneration caused by ischemia. In vivo studies demonstrate that selected NCS-01 cell populations treat neurodegeneration in a standard rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) animal model under conditions of transient or permanent total arterial occlusion. These studies also disclose that when the neurodegeneration is caused by ischemic stroke, combining the administration of a selected NCS-01 cell population with thrombolytic agents and/or mechanical methods of clot removal leads to a decrease in the volume of infarction caused by acute onset neurodegeneration. The disclosed cell therapy promises to make a significant clinical impact on patient survival after stroke.

Abstract: The invention concerns pluri- or multipotent stem cells (SCs), e.g. human pluri- or multipotent stem cells (hSCs) engineered to express a multispecific antibody and which further express, on their surface, a human immune cell co-stimulatory ligand or an active fragment thereof.

Abstract: The technology relates in part to methods and compositions for ex vivo proliferation and expansion of epithelial cells.

Abstract: The present invention is of methods of establishing and propagating human embryonic stem cell lines using feeder cells-free, xeno-free culture systems and stem cells which are capable of being maintained in an undifferentiated, pluripotent and proliferative state in culture which is free of xeno contaminants and feeder cells.

Abstract: Provided is a method of preparing induced pluripotent stem cells using a synthetic peptide, and more particularly, to a method of preparing induced pluripotent stem cells using a peptide capable of inhibiting the activity of NF-?B and promoting mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). Since undifferentiated multipotent stem cells may be efficiently prepared under xenopathogen-free or feeder cell-free conditions without requiring co-culture with animal serum or xenogeneic cells, the method for preparing the induced pluripotent stem cells using the synthetic peptide according to the present disclosure is very useful for developing stem cell therapeutic agents that are clinically applicable.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to promote differentiation of pancreatic endoderm cells to pancreatic endocrine rich clusters and to enhance insulin expression in hormone-expressing cells.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide single stranded oligonucleotides for activating or enhancing expression of SMN1 or SMN2. Further aspects provide compositions and kits comprising single stranded oligonucleotides for activating or enhancing expression of SMN1 or SMN2 that comprises exon 7. Methods for modulating expression of SMN1 or SMN2 using the single stranded oligonucleotides are also provided. Further aspects of the invention provide methods for selecting a candidate oligonucleotide for activating or enhancing expression of SMN1 or SMN2.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the treatment of PML by infusion of activated and expanded autologous lymphocytes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adult retinal cell line isolated from extra-retinal ocular tissue, and methods of isolating adult retinal cells from extra-retinal ocular tissue. The present invention is further directed to adult retinal stem cells isolated from vestigial tissue dissected from the eye of a donor mammal suffering from persistent fetal vasculature. The present invention is further directed to a culture medium for growing or maintaining retinal stem cells, and methods of maintaining adult retinal cells in culture. The present invention is further directed to methods of treating a treating an eye with retinal dystrophy using retinal stem cells, and an eye with glaucomatous injury with retinal stem cells. The present invention is further directed to kits for harvesting extra-retinal ocular tissue comprising a sterile container and a harvesting solution, wherein the kit allows the survival of the tissue until later dissociation of cells from the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides assays for detecting presence or quantity of multiple biomarkers in one biological sample.

Abstract: Dithiol compounds and derivatives thereof are disclosed. The agents are useful for treating ocular disease, especially presbyopia and cataract.

Abstract: Provided are methods for the determination of the viability of a mammalian embryo or a potential embryo generated from a mammalian oocyte, comprising applying a mechanical stimulus to the embryo or oocyte, detecting a temporal response of the embryo or oocyte to the mechanical stimulus, and deriving measurements for one or more parameters from the temporal response, the measurements being indicative of viability. Also provided are methods for selecting an embryo for transfer and methods for enhancing the viability of an embryo or oocyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cell culture media comprising inorganic ester derivatives of tyrosine and/or cysteine. The poor solubility of tyrosine and the often non-sufficient stability of cysteine in cell culture media is overcome by substituting them with an inorganic ester derivative, e.g. with a phosphorylated derivative.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to reversibly inactivated membrane active polymers useful for cellular delivery of compounds. Described are polyconjugate systems that incorporate targeting, anti-opsonization, anti-aggregation, and transfection activities into small biocompatible in vivo delivery conjugates. The use of multiple reversible linkages connecting component parts provides for physiologically responsive activity modulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems for cell separation based on cell rolling on surfaces along edges of regions coated with cell adhesion molecules. A variety of designs of coated regions and edges are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for preparing a bone including percutaneously forming a path to the cancellous bone using a multi-lumen cannula, providing a first passage to the cancellous bone in a central lumen and a second passage in a concentric outer lumen, introducing a rinsing fluid in one of the passages to rinse bone marrow and other soft tissue from the cancellous bone, and removing the rinsed bone marrow from the other passage. Also, a method for percutaneously treating a tissue affected by a lesion, including introducing a rinsing fluid in one of the passages to rinse the lesion and removing the rinsed lesion from the other of the passages. Also, a method of treating tissue with a lesion including introducing a thick flowable material through one lumen of the cannula and applying suction through the other lumen of the cannula.

Abstract: Provided are a method of inducing differentiation of pluripotent stem cells, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (hereinafter abbreviated as iPS cells), to hepatocytes in a short period of time, and a substance to be used in the method. Specifically, provided are a method of producing a cell culture formed substantially of hepatoblasts, the method including culturing pluripotent stem cells, such as iPS cells, in a culture medium having a composition shown in Table 1 below, and a culture medium for inducing differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into hepatoblasts, which has a composition shown in Table 1 below.