Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for producing T cells from stem cell populations. Specifically exemplified herein is a culture system and method that produces CD4 cells and/or T cell subtypes from a CD4 lineage using a sample of hematopoietic stem cells. Adult hematopoietic precursor/stem cells (HPC) are progenitors to all lineages of immune cells. There has been limited success in generating functional CD4 T cells with this convenient culture system. Also disclosed herein is a novel stromal cell line expressing DL1, interleukin-7 (IL-7), and FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3-L). This improved culture system can greatly facilitate the study of late T cell development and enables immunotherapeutic applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are cells exhibiting neuronal progenitor cell characteristics, and methods of making them from marrow adherent stem cells by regulating cellular pathways in the marrow adherent stem cells that are associated with glial transdifferentiation of the marrow adherent stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention includes macrocyclic prodrug compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The present invention also includes use of these compounds in the treatment of various diseases including an autoimmune disease, an inflammatory disease, a neurological or neurodegenerative disease, cancer, a cardiovascular disease, allergy, asthma, a hormone-related disease, and tumors or symptoms resulting from neurofibromatosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rodent animal for studying the molecular mechanisms and physiological processes associated with uncontrolled cell growth, e.g. cancer, and with a modified FGFR4.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for determining an allergic response by determining the extent of degranulation of human IgE sensitized cells upon activation by allergens in food products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel isolated whitefly ecdysone receptor polypeptide. The invention also relates to an isolated nucleic acid encoding the whitefly ecdysone receptor polypeptide, to vectors comprising them and to their uses, in particular in methods for modulating gene expression in an ecdysone receptor-based gene expression modulation system and methods for identifying molecules that modulate whitefly ecdysone receptor activity.

Abstract: Methods and means for efficiently downregulating the expression of a target gene of interest in cell from an organism that is an animal, fungus, and protest. The invention provides chimeric nucleic acid molecules for downregulating target genes. The invention also provides modified cells and organisms comprising the chimeric nucleic acid molecules and compositions comprising the chimeric molecules.

Abstract: A method for expanding a population of stem cells using a porous scaffold, a porous scaffold populated with renewed stem cells, methods of administering stem cells using the porous scaffold and cells collected from the porous scaffold, and methods for tissue engineering and treating a condition treatable by administration of stem cells using the porous scaffold and cells collected from the porous scaffold.

Abstract: An isolated steroidogenesis modified cell comprising one or more steroid biosynthesis knock down nucleic acid operatively linked to a promoter, wherein the steroid biosynthesis knock down nucleic acid reduces the expression of a gene selected from the group CYP21A2, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, CYP19A1, 3-?HSD1, 3-?HSD2, 17-?HSD1, StAR, HMGR, CYP11B2, CYP11B1, 5?-Reductase 2, SULT1E1, CYP3A4 and UTG1A1, wherein the cell comprises reduced expression of one or more of said genes. The cells are useful for identifying endocrine disruptors. Accordingly, the disclosure includes in a further aspect a screening assay for identifying an endocrine disruptor comprising: a) contacting a cell described herein with a test substance; b) determining a level of at least one steroid or steroidogenic gene mRNA or enzyme activity; wherein a modulation in the level of the at least one steroid or steroidogenic gene mRNA or enzyme activity compared to a control is indicative that the test substance is an endocrine disruptor.

Abstract: A cotton rat cell line, uses of cotton rat cells for growing, propagating, or culturing organisms, pathogens or viruses, such as PRRSV, and uses of the resultant organisms, pathogens or viruses, are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. Specifically, this invention relates to the field of gene expression. More specifically, this invention relates to a novel inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating gene expression in a host cell for applications such as gene therapy, large scale production of proteins and antibodies, cell-based high throughput screening assays, functional genomics and regulation of traits in transgenic plants and animals.

Abstract: Methods for generating small diameter tissue engineered blood vessels through direct cell seeding onto tubular templates or mandrels, such as fibrin microthreads or collagen-coated silicon tubes, are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding immunodeficiency proteins. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. Also provided are methods of assessing the effects of agents in genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding immunodeficiency proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding proteins that are associated with a secretase disorder. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. Also provided are methods of using the genetically modified animals or cells disclosed herein to screen agents for toxicity and other effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding proteins that are associated with cognitive disorders. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. Also provided are methods of using the genetically modified animals or cells disclosed herein to screen agents for toxicity and other effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding ABC transporter proteins. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. Also provided are methods of assessing the effects of agents in genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding ABC transporter proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal involved in cardiovascular disease. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. The invention also provides zinc finger nucleases that target chromosomal sequences involved in cardiovascular disease and the nucleic acids encoding said zinc finger nucleases. Also provided are methods of using the genetically modified animals or cells disclosed herein to screen agents for toxicity and other effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptide compositions for use in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions against hepatitis C virus, as well as corresponding methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences involved in tumor suppression. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. The invention also provides zinc finger nucleases that target chromosomal sequence involved in tumor suppression and the nucleic acids encoding the zinc finger nucleases. Also provided are methods of assessing the effects of agents in genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences involved in tumor suppression.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding proteins associated with AD. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. Also provided are methods of using the genetically modified animals or cells disclosed herein to study AD development and methods of assessing the effects of agents in genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding proteins associated with AD.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding proteins associated with Parkinson's disease. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. Also provided are methods of using the genetically modified animals or cells disclosed herein to study PD development and screen agents for assessing their effect on progression or symptoms of PD.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding proteins that are associated ALS. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. Also provided are methods of using the genetically modified animals or cells disclosed herein to screen agents for toxicity and other effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding proteins associated with addiction disorders. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. The invention also provides zinc finger nucleases that target chromosomal sequence encoding addiction-related proteins and the nucleic acids encoding said zinc finger nucleases. Also provided are methods of using the genetically modified animals or cells disclosed herein to screen agents for addiction and withdrawal side effects and other effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding proteins that are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. Also provided are methods of using the genetically modified animals or cells disclosed herein to screen agents for toxicity and other effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding proteins associated with ASD. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. Also provided are methods of using the genetically modified animals or cells disclosed herein to study ASD development and screen agents for assessing their effect on progression or symptoms of an ASD.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding proteins that are associated with cognitive disorders. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. Also provided are methods of assessing the effects of agents in genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences associated with cognitive disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding proteins that are associated with trinucleotide repeat expansion disorders. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. Also provided are methods of using the genetically modified animals or cells disclosed herein to screen agents for toxicity and other effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding proteins that are associated with nociception or taste disorders. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. Also provided are methods of using the genetically modified animals or cells disclosed herein to screen agents for toxicity and other effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding proteins that are associated with neurotransmission disorders. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. Also provided are methods of using the genetically modified animals or cells disclosed herein to screen agents for toxicity and other effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding inflammation-related proteins. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. Also provided are methods of assessing the effects of agents in genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding inflammation-related proteins.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the in vitro preparation of cardiovascular progenitors cells from mammalian embryonic stem cells (ES cells) or mammalian embryonic-like state cells, preferably from primate, wherein said method comprises the use of the CD15 (SSEAI) marker as a positive cardiovascular progenitors differentiation marker. The present invention also claimed the use of a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, particularly the SU5402 or SU11248 in association with the BMP2 for improving the efficiency of the desired differentiation. The present invention is also directed to the use of platelet lysate as foetal animal serum substitute in a culture medium intended to the proliferation or propagation of primate ES cells maintaining their pluripotency feature. Derived compositions or kits in relation with the claimed methods or product obtainable by the claimed methods form also part of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated and purified DNA encoding feline CD80 (B7-1) ligand, feline CD86 (B7-2) ligand, feline CD28 receptor, or feline CTLA-4 (CD152) receptor, as well as vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding feline CD80, feline CD86, feline CD28, or feline CTLA-4. The present invention provides a host cells transformed with CD80-encoding vectors, CD86-encoding vectors, CD28-encoding vectors, or CTLA-4-encoding vectors. The invention provides polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid of feline CD80, feline CD86, feline CD28, or feline CTLA-4. The present invention provides a vaccine comprising an effective amount of polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid of feline CD80, feline CD86, feline CD28, or feline CTLA-4. The present invention also provides vaccines which further comprise immunogens derived from pathogens. The invention provides for vaccines capable of enhancing an immune response. The invention also provides for vaccines capable of suppressing and immune response.

Abstract: There is provided an improved efficient method for differentiating stem cells into pancreatic endoderm cells and pancreatic hormone expressing and secreting cells which express Pdx-1 and C-peptide. The invention further provides screening methods for detecting factors of interest that will affect the differentiation of the stem cells into pancreatic endoderm cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides expression vectors that facilitate high levels of expression of GPCR proteins. Encompassed by the invention are methods and compositions for recombinant cell lines expressing GPCR proteins with the aid of the expression vectors of the instant invention. The recombinant cell lines of the instant invention express GPCR proteins at levels of at least about 150,000 copies of the protein per cell. The present invention also provides methods and compositions for raising antibodies against GPCR proteins using the high expressing recombinant cells of the instant invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the identification of a biomarker specifically located in the plasma membrane of pancreatic beta cells. It was selected by a Systems Biology approach on Massively Parallel Signal Sequencing datasets obtained in human islets and Affymetrix microarray datasets on human islets, purified rat primary beta and non beta cells and insulinoma cells. Based on a set of specific features the biomarker is a unique candidate for imaging and targeting strategies to study the pancreatic beta cell mass in health and disease (T1 D, T2D, pancreatic cancers, obesity, islet transplantation, beta cell regeneration).

Abstract: The invention provides compositions (e.g., pharmaceuticals, formulations) and methods for ameliorating (e.g., preventing or treating) an anemia and/or stimulating erythropoiesis and/or EPO erythropoietin synthesis. The invention provides compositions comprising a chimeric protein artificial transcription factor comprising a plurality of (multiple) protein DNA-binding domains, e.g., zinc finger binding domains, specific for the promoter region of an erythropoietin (EPO) gene; a consensus nuclear localization protein sequence; a cell-penetrating peptide sequence; and a transcription activation domain.

Abstract: The present invention embraces compositions and methods for establishing and maintaining stem cells and inhibiting stem cell differentiation using a selective Protein Kinase C (PKC) inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention is the production of magnetosome-like structures in cells. The invention provides in vitro and in vivo diagnostic and therapeutic methods using eukaryotic cells expressing magnetosome-like structures that act as contrast agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a preantral follicle-derived embryonic stem cell and a preantral follicle-derived embryonic stem cell. The present method comprises the steps of (a) obtaining a preantral follicle from mammalian ovaries; (b) growing the preantral follicle in vitro; (c) maturing an oocyte in vitro present in the cultured preantral follicle; (d) activating the matured oocyte for parthenogenesis; (e) culturing the activated oocyte to form a blastocyst; and (f) culturing inner cell mass (ICM) cells of the blastocyst to produce the preantral follicle-derived embryonic stem cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the reduction of endotoxins in a plasmid preparation using a carbohydrate non-ionic detergent with silica chromatography.

Abstract: Methods for differentiation of cells of a rat liver epithelial (RLEC) cell line to hepatocyte-like cells are disclosed. In particular, methods involve sequential exposure of the RLEC to two or more differentiation agents. Cells obtained by the method are described as well as their uses in various pharmacological, toxicological, therapeutic, diagnostic and research applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of inducing undifferentiated cells into induced osteoblasts. The method includes: A) a step of providing an induced osteoblast differentiation inducing agent obtained by culturing chondrocytes capable of hypertrophication in a differentiation agent producing medium containing dexamethasone, ?-glycerophosphate, ascorbic acid and a serum component; and B) a step of culturing the undifferentiated cells in an undifferentiated cell culture medium containing the induced osteoblast differentiation inducing agent and a medium component, to differentiate the undifferentiated cells into the induced osteoblasts.

Abstract: A fusion polypeptide comprising (A)x-M-(A?)y, wherein A and A? are each polypeptides capable of binding a target receptor. The fusion polypeptides of the invention form multimeric proteins which activate the target receptor. A and A? may be each be an antibody or fragment derived from an antibody specific for a target receptor, such as the same or different ScFv fragments, and/or a ligand or ligand fragment or derivative capable of binding the target protein, M is a multimerizing component, and X and Y are independently a number between 1-10.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing an embryonic stem cell (ESC)-like cell, which includes the steps of: (a) obtaining a first cell population from a mammalian tissue or body fluid, wherein the first cell population comprises adult stem cells; (b) obtaining a second somatic cell population from a mammalian tissue, wherein the mammalian tissue is different from the mammalian tissue in step (a) and the second cell population is different from the first cell population; (c) coculturing the first cell population and the second cell population in a medium for a period of time sufficient to form a colony from either the first cell population or the second cell population; and (d) subculturing a cell from the colony in a medium for a period time sufficient to prepare the ESC-like cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a hair dermal papilla cell preparation comprising preparing a cell suspension by removing epidermal tissue from skin tissue and subjecting the resulting dermal tissue fraction to collagenase treatment, and cyropreserving the cell suspension to kill the follicular epidermal cells. The present invention also provides a composition for regenerating hair follicles comprising hair dermal papilla cell and epidermal cells, wherein the ratio of the number of hair dermal papilla cell to the number of epidermal cells is from 1:10 to 10:1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) targeting a G-alpha q subunit (GNAQ) of a heterotrimeric G gene, and methods of using the dsRNA to inhibit expression of GNAQ.

Abstract: The invention provides microfluidic systems for altering the solution environment around a nanoscopic or microscopic object, such as a sensor, and methods for using the same. The invention can be applied in any sensor technology in which the sensing element needs to be exposed rapidly, sequentially, and controllably, to a large number of different solution environments whose characteristics may be known or unknown.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of producing oligodendrocytes from multipotent neural stem cells by using at least one oligodendrocyte promoting factor, particularly granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, granulocyte colony stimulating factor, interleukin 3 or interleukin 5. The neural stem cells may optionally be expanded prior to being subjected to the oligodendrocyte promoting factor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies and fragment thereof directed against the human Anti-Müllerian Hormone type II receptor (AMHR-II) and their use for treating and diagnosing cancer diseases, such as ovarian cancers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a hair dermal papilla cell preparation comprising preparing a cell suspension by removing epidermal tissue from skin tissue and subjecting the resulting dermal tissue fraction to collagenase treatment, and cyropreserving the cell suspension to kill the follicular epidermal cells. The present invention also provides a composition for regenerating hair follicles comprising hair dermal papilla cell and epidermal cells, wherein the ratio of the number of hair dermal papilla cell to the number of epidermal cells is from 1:10 to 10:1.