Abstract: The present invention relates to single chain Fc Type III Interferon fusion proteins and methods of using same. The single chain Fc Type III Interferon fusion proteins comprise at least one Type III Interferon, two Fc regions and at least one linker, can be produced in a variety of single chain configurations, and are effector function minus or have a substantially reduced effector function.

Abstract: Epitopes localized on FNIII-8 repeat that are normally cryptic but are unmasked by insertion of FNIII-B into the FN molecule and are recognized by specific ligands are described; antibodies or their fragments able to identify the above said Cepitope are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the finding that microRNA-146 plays a role in modulating the development and function of the immune system. Immune cell development and function can be modulated by delivery of microRNA-146 (miR-146) or antisense miR-146 to target immune cells or precursor cells. For example, in some embodiments, activity and/or proliferation of certain immune cells is regulated by administering miR-146 oligonucleotides or anti-miR-146 oligonucleotides. In other embodiments, pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in immune cells is regulated by administering a miR-146 oligonucleotide or anti-miR-146. In further embodiments, methods of regulating macrophage activity using antisense miR-146 are provided. Additional methods and compositions for regulating immune system function and development using miR-146 are disclosed.

Abstract: In order to provide a method for producing neural stem cells easily and quickly by inducing differentiation of somatic cells directly into neurospheres, dedifferentiation factors are introduced into somatic cells, which are then cultured in suspension in the presence of growth factors to produce the neurospheres, thereby allowing the neural stem cells to be produced quickly without establishing iPS cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing mammalian induced pluripotent stem cells, comprising introducing mammal-derived reprogramming factors comprising Oct3/4 and Nanog, or nucleic acids encoding Oct3/4 and Nanog, into mammal-derived somatic cells and thereby inducing induced pluripotent stem cells from the somatic cells, wherein the reprogramming factors comprise neither Sox2 nor nucleic acid encoding Sox2.

Abstract: The invention is to provide an isolated transgenic mammalian neural cell, which comprises at least one heterologous vector expressing AhR/ARNT. Also provided is methods the detection of a sample containing a chemical substance damage to the nervous system and the selection of drugs for treating neurodegenerative disorders.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding mammalian, e.g., primate, receptors, purified receptor proteins and fragments thereof. Antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are described.

Abstract: Gene complementation is used to restore cholesterol independence in NS lineage murine myeloma cells, such as NS0 and NS 1, yielding a selectable system for recombinant production of polynucleotides and polypeptides.

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: In vitro studies using cells transfected with acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3) or acid-sensing ion channel 1 (ASIC1) cDNA, demonstrated that the miRNAs against mouse ASIC3 (miR844 and miR847) selectively inhibit mouse ASIC3, but not ASIC1 as detected by protein expression and responses to pH. When the RNAi agents, miR844 or miR847, were used in vivo, delivered into the muscle of mice using a replication-defective herpes simplex viral (HSV-1) vector, primary and secondary hyperalgesia were reduced after carrageenan-induced muscle inflammation. Accordingly, the present invention provides RNAi agents that target ASIC3, methods of preparing such RNAi agents, and methods of using them to modulate in a cell the level of ASIC3 or activity of an ASIC including at least one ASIC3. Modulation of ASIC3 activity or levels can be used for different purposes such as treating pain associated with the expression of ASIC3 and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cell culture technology and relates to methods of replicating/cloning cells, preferably cell lines which are important for the production of biopharmaceuticals. The invention also relates to methods of preparing proteins using cells that have been obtained and replicated by single cell deposition and compositions which make it possible to replicate individual cells. By using IGF particularly in conjunction with HSA in the culture medium after recloning, the recloning efficiency and hence the quantity of clones obtained can be increased significantly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for restoring native chondrocyte phenotype and functions of, and/or increasing type II collagen as well as aggrecan mRNA expression levels and GAG accumulation level in dedifferentiated chondrocytes which have been subcultured and expanded in vitro, which comprising culturing the said dedifferentiated chondrocytes in vitro with a medium comprising type II collagen, or its biologically active peptide fragment(s) or analogs with or without growth factor(s), wherein the type II collagen or its biologically active peptide fragment(s) or analogs are effective to restore chondrocyte phenotype and functions of, and/or to increase type II collagen and aggrecan expression levels and GAG accumulation level in the said dedifferentiated chondrocytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to animal protein free cell culture media comprising a combination of non-animal derived peptides derived from soy hydrolysate and yeast hydrolysate. The invention also provides an animal protein free culture process, wherein cells are cultivated, propagated and passaged without animal-derived components. This process is useful for cultivating cells, such as recombinant cells or cells infected with a virus, and for production biological products by cell culture processes under conditions devoid of animal protein components.

Abstract: The present invention provides GPCR polypeptides and polynucleotides, recombinant materials, and transgenic mice, as well as methods for their production. The polypeptides and polynucleotides are useful, for example, in methods of diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders. The invention also provides methods for identifying compounds (e.g., agonists or antagonists) using the GPCR polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention, and for treating conditions associated with GPCR dysfunction with the GPCR polypeptides, polynucleotides, or identified compounds. The invention also provides diagnostic assays for detecting diseases or disorders associated with inappropriate GPCR activity or levels.

Abstract: A transgenic mammal, including a transgenic mouse, whose genome comprises a transgene, said transgene comprises a neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) promoter gene operably linked to at least one sequence encoding at least one of a fluorescent or bioluminescent protein, wherein the NGAL promoter gene expression in the mouse can be assayed by bioluminescence or fluorescence imaging.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enriched preparation of cancer stem cells selected by a process that eliminates non-cancer stem cells under extreme culture conditions. The cancer stem cells of the invention are tumorigenic in vivo and form in vitro multilayered 3D-tumors attached to culture plates. The present invention also provides a whole-cell cancer vaccine, which is able to eradicate all cancer cells to make cancer-free mice in a xenograft tumor model. The cancer stem cells of the invention are very useful for basic cancer research, and development of therapeutic and preventive agents for various cancer types.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method for the production of a non-human transgenic mammal by means of which it is possible to monitor in vivo and in all the tissues the state of activation of any intracellular receptor, utilising a reporter gene inducible by natural or synthetic molecules which modulate the activity of such receptor. The mammal is question is preferably a mouse.

Abstract: Prosaposin, saposin C and various peptide fragments of saposin C stimulate neurite outgrowth in vitro. In addition, prosaposin and saposin C promote increased myelination ex vivo. Prosaposin is present in large neurons of the brain, including both upper and lower motor neurons.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding mammalian, e.g., primate, IL-?, purified IL-1? polypeptides and fragments thereof. Binding proteins, e.g., antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are provided.

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: A promoter comprising nucleotides from positions 2489-3038 of FIG. 3.

Abstract: Purified genes encoding cytokine from a mammal, reagents related thereto including purified proteins, specific antibodies, and nucleic acids encoding this molecule are provided. Methods of using said reagents and diagnostic kits are also provided.

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 invention provides transgenic animals comprising a disruption in the endogenous GPR101 gene and methods of producing such transgenic animals. The invention further provides methods of identifying compounds that modulate GPR101 receptor proteins.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding mammalian, e.g., primate or rodent, genes, purified proteins and fragments thereof. Antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a nucleated red blood cell simulating particle, which may be leukocytes bound to a fluorescent-staining inhibitor capable of stably binding to the nucleus or a nucleic acid in a cell so as to reduce the binding capacity of the particles to a fluorescent dye during their detection. The present disclosure also provides a method for preparing nucleated red blood cell simulating particles, including the following steps: (a) obtaining purified leukocytes; (b) suspending the leukocytes in a cell treatment solution containing a fluorescent-staining inhibitor which stably binds to the nucleus or a nucleic acid in a cell, and (c) washing the obtained product. The present disclosure also provides a hematology control mixture containing the nucleated red blood cell simulating particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated and purified neural precursor cells, to methods for the generation of such precursor cells in unlimited quantities from embryonic stem cells, and to their use for the therapy of neural defects, particularly in mammals, preferably in human beings, and for the generation of polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the generation of novel non-human transgenic animals which contain an alteration in a gene of interest. These transgenic animals are capable of generating antibodies, e.g., human monoclonal antibodies, specific for the product of a gene of interest that has been functionally disrupted in the transgenic animal. Furthermore, the methods and compositions of the invention are suitable for use in the treatment, diagnosis, and imaging of disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a screening method for somatic cell nuclear reprogramming substances, which comprises (a) a step for bringing into contact with each other a somatic cell comprising a gene wherein a marker gene is present at a position permitting expression control by the expression control region of an ECAT gene, and a test substance, and (b) a step following the aforementioned step (a), for determining the presence or absence of the emergence of cells expressing the marker gene, and selecting a test substance allowing the emergence of the cells as a somatic cell nuclear reprogramming substance candidate, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic mice and isolated transgenic mouse cells, the mice and mouse cells comprising a disrupted H2 class I gene, a disrupted H2 class II gene, a functional HLA class I transgene, and a functional HLA class II transgene. In embodiments, the transgenic mouse or mouse cells are deficient for both H2 class I and class II molecules, wherein the transgenic mouse comprises a functional HLA class I transgene and a functional HLA class II transgene. In embodiments, the transgenic mouse or mouse cell has the genotype HLA-A2+HLA-DR1+?2m°IA?°. The invention also relates to methods of using a transgenic mouse of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to animal models of metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, glucose intolerance, hyperlipidemia, and the like. In particular, the invention relates to transgenic non-human animals having a reduction in functional Jhdm2a gene expression and use of such animals and cells having reduced Jhdm2a expression in drug discovery. The invention further relates to the identification of subjects having or at increased risk for developing a metabolic disorder based on a genetic marker in the Jhdm2a gene.

Abstract: Antibodies specifically binding to c-Met protein, hybridoma cell lines, and compositions comprising the antibodies are disclosed herein. Methods of making and using the antibodies and compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting the expression of a TGF-beta receptor type I gene, comprising an antisense strand having a nucleotide sequence which is less than 30 nucleotides in length and which is substantially complementary to at least a part of a TGF-beta receptor type I gene. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the dsRNA or nucleic acid molecules or vectors encoding the same together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; methods for treating diseases caused by the expression of a TGF-beta receptor type I gene using said pharmaceutical composition; and methods for inhibiting the expression of a TGF-beta receptor type I gene in a cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in PRO179, PRO181, PRO244, PRO247, PRO269, PRO293, PRO298, PRO339, PRO341, PRO347, PRO531, PRO537, PRO718, PRO773, PRO860, PRO871, PRO872, PRO813, PRO828, PRO1100, PRO1114, PRO115, PRO1126, PRO1133, PRO1154, PRO1185, PRO1194, PRO1287, PRO1291, PRO1293, PRO1310, PRO1312, PRO1335, PRO1339, PRO2155, PRO1356, PRO1385, PRO1412, PRO1487, PRO1758, PRO1779, PRO1785, PRO1889, PRO90318, PRO3434, PRO3579, PRO4322, PRO4343, PRO4347, PRO4403, PRO4976, PRO260, PRO6014, PRO6027, PRO6181, PRO6714, PRO9922, PRO7179, PRO7476, PRO9824, PRO19814, PRO19836, PRO20088, PRO70789, PRO50298, PRO51592, PRO1757, PRO4421, PRO9903, PRO1106, PRO1411, PRO1486, PRO1565, PRO4399 or PRO4404 genes.

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: The molecular mechanism underlying degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis (OA), is not fully understood. Disruption of mitogen inducible gene 6 (Mig-6) in mice by homologous recombination (KO mice) led to early onset OA as revealed by simultaneous enlargement and deformity of multiple joints, degradation of articular cartilage and the development of bony outgrowths or osteophytes within the joint space. The latter appeared to be derived from proliferation of mesenchymal progenitor cells followed by differentiation into chondrocytes. Because of the striking similarity to human OA, Mig-6 KO mice are a useful animal model for studying the mechanism of this disease and for testing new drugs or therapies for treating OA. These KO mice also developed epithelial hyperplasia, adenoma, and adenocarcinoma in organs such as lung, gallbladder, and bile duct. Mig-6 is therefore a tumor suppressor gene and is a candidate gene for the frequent Ip36 genetic alterations found in lung cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of identifying inhibitors of gene silencing or re-silencing, which can include repressing expression of a selectable marker gene in mammalian cells, treating the cells with at least one test compound, growing the cells under selective conditions, and quantifying the relative number of cells that live, wherein a change in the relative number of cells as compared to cells that were not treated with the test compound, identifies the compound as an inhibitor of gene silencing or re-silencing. Also disclosed herein are transgenic mice and isolated cell lines that are useful in the disclosed methods and kits for use in performing the disclosed methods.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a high affinity antibody effective as a diagnostic or therapeutic for various diseases; a transgenic mammal for producing the high affinity antibody; and a medicine comprising the high affinity antibody or a cell producing the high affinity antibody. According to the present invention, a transgenic mammal carrying a GANP gene transferred thereinto, its progeny, or a part thereof, and a method of producing a high affinity antibody using the same are provided.

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: The present invention provides methods for improving the production of recombinant proteins through the use of pharmacological chaperones for the recombinant proteins. As exemplified by the present invention, the binding of a pharmacological chaperone to a recombinant protein expressed by a cell can stabilize the protein and increase export of the protein out of the cell's endoplasmic reticulum, and increase secretion of the protein by the cell.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for screening for compounds that modulate insulin promoter activity. Vectors that express green fluorescent protein under the control of the human insulin promoter are introduced into mouse and human cells in which the insulin promoter is expressed in a glucose-responsive manner. Such cells are then used to screen for compounds that modulate insulin promoter activity.

Abstract: The present invention-relates to transgenic mice and isolated transgenic mouse cells, the mice and mouse cells comprising a disrupted H2 class I gene, a disrupted H2 class II gene, a functional HLA class I transgene, and a functional HLA class II transgene. In embodiments, the transgenic mouse or mouse cells are deficient for both H2 class I and class II molecules, wherein the transgenic mouse comprises a functional HLA class I transgene and a functional HLA class II transgene. In embodiments, the transgenic mouse or mouse cell has the genotype HLA-A2+HLA-DR1+?2m°IA?°. The invention also relates to methods of using a transgenic mouse of the invention.

Abstract: Substantially enriched mammalian lung endothelial and epithelial progenitor cell populations are provided. Methods are provided for the isolation and in vivo differentiation of such lung progenitor cells. The progenitor cells are obtained from lung tissue, including fetal and adult tissues. The cells are useful in transplantation, for experimental evaluation, and as a source of lineage and cell specific products, including mRNA species useful in identifying genes specifically expressed in these cells, and as targets for the discovery of factors or molecules that can affect them.

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: Synovial sarcoma is an aggressive soft-tissue malignancy. Disclosed herein is an animal model of synovial sarcoma wherein one or more myogenic cells of the animal express recombinant SYT-SSX fusion polypeptide. Using this model, myoblasts were identified as a source of synovial sarcoma. Remarkably, within the skeletal muscle lineage, while expression of the oncoprotein in immature myoblasts leads to induction of synovial sarcoma with 100% penetrance, its expression in more differentiated cells induces myopathy without tumor induction. In addition, early widespread expression of the disclosed fusion protein disrupts normal embryogenesis, causing lethality.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions for differentiating an isolated embryonic stem cell or an isolated embryoid body into neuronal progenitor cells and methods for using same.

Abstract: Polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences that encode novel variants of mouse or human thyroid stimulating hormone-? proteins are disclosed that can be used in therapeutic, diagnostic, and pharmacogenomic applications to prevent, treat or reduce the severity of thyroid stimulating hormone-?-related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel sequences for use in detection, diagnosis and treatment of bowl disease (BD). The invention provides BD-associated polynucleotide sequences whose expression is associated with BD. Provided herein are diagnostic compositions and methods for the detection of BD. The present invention provides monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies specific for the BD polypeptides. The present invention also provides diagnostic tools and therapeutic compositions and methods for screening, prevention and treatment of BD.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treating cancer using a Chd5 protein or an agonist thereof Also provided are diagnostics, screening methods of cancer therapeutics, and cancer models useful for studying cancer biology and drug screening.