Abstract: The invention provides a polynucleotide comprising a reporter sequence operatively linked to a regulatory element of a gene selected from Bscl2, Srxnl, Cbr3, Ephxl, Nope, Cdknla, Perp, Pltp, Cgrefl, Ltb4r1, Btg2, Gpx2, Ltb4r2, Ddit4l, Fosl1, and Egr1, which regulatory element stimulates expression of the reporter sequence in response to a genotoxic agent or to an oxidative stress-inducing agent. The invention also provides a method of detecting a genotoxic or oxidative stress-inducing agent comprising subjecting a cell containing the polynucleotide of the invention to a test agent; and assessing the expression of the reporter sequence.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cell comprising a reporter gene under control of an ARIA gene promoter, the cell being used for searching for an agent for prevention or treatment of diseases attributed to reduced insulin sensitivity, for searching for an obesity-controlling substance, or for searching for an obesity-inducing substance.

Abstract: Provided herein are rodents that express the human endosialin gene. In preferred embodiments, the rodent is a mouse. Preferably, the human endosialin gene is integrated into the native or endogenous endosialin gene locus. More preferably, the host rodent is null for the endogenous endosialin gene product. The human endosialin gene is preferably expressed in a similar development and disease response pattern as that of the native endosialin gene product in parental or wild type rodents. This feature makes these rodents useful for studying the effects of test agents to positively or negatively affect endosialin biology for therapeutic use. Use of human endosialin expressing rodents lacking native endosialin gene product (HUE rodents) is proposed as a strategy for developing agents that can positively or negatively affect the endosialin pathway and also serve as a screening tool to identify those agents that may be useful as human therapies.

Abstract: The invention provides a mutant hydrolase protein with enhanced kinetics and functional expression, as well as polynucleotides encoding the mutant proteins and methods of using the polynucleotides and mutant proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to the isolation and propagation of pluripotent cells isolated from the mammalian late epiblast layer, termed Epiblast Stem Cells (EpiSCs). These cells are useful in a range of applications, including the generation of transgenic animal species.

Abstract: The present invention identified Lmx1a genes, which are expressed in dopaminergic neurons at all differentiation stages, from proliferating dopaminergic neuron progenitor cells before cell cycle exit to cells after cell cycle exit. Lmx1a expression in cells can be used as an indicator when selecting cells suitable for transplantation therapy for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, and is useful as a marker for screening agents involved in the induction of dopaminergic neuron differentiation.

Abstract: A variety of applications, systems, methods and constructs are implemented for use in connection with screening of ion-channel modulators. Consistent with one such system, drug candidates are screened to identify their effects on cell membrane ion channels and pumps. The system includes screening cells having light responsive membrane ion switches, voltage-gated ion switches and fluorescence producing voltage sensors. A chemical delivery device introduces the drug candidates to be screened. An optical delivery device activates the light responsive ion switches. An optical sensor monitors fluorescence produced by the voltage sensors. A processor processes data received from the optical sensor. A memory stores the data received from the optical sensor.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a newly identified insulin secretion regulation factor that can control blood sugar in the normal range, and a method for screening an antidiabetic drug using said factor. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a composition which is (i) a protein comprising an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 4; or (ii) a protein comprising an amino acid sequence in which one or several amino acids are deleted, substituted or added in an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 4 and negatively regulating insulin secretion, as well as a method for screening antidiabetic drug using said protein or a nucleic acid encoding the same.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide: a cancer stem cell mass from which cells incapable of forming cancer are substantially removed and which has a characteristic property of reproducing a layered structure of a cancer tissue; a process for producing the cancer stem cell mass; and use of the cancer stem cell mass. For achieving the purpose, the present inventors grew a human cancer tissue repeatedly in a NOG mouse, separated cancer cells from the grown cancer tissue, and made a comparison of various cancer cell culture processes with each other. As a result, a cancer stem cell composition which is homogeneous and is substantially free of the coexistence of cells capable of forming cancer and cells incapable of forming cancer in a mixed state can be produced successively by employing an attached culture process using a serum-free stem cell culture medium rather than a generally employed floating culture process, and consequently the present invention has been accomplished.

Abstract: The present provides a system and method of maintaining and/or increasing cell viability by downregulating cellular metabolic rate under hypoxic conditions. The present invention also relates to a system and method of prolonging the survival of implanted cells that are under hypoxic condition until host neovascularization is achieved.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are flowable tissue matrix compositions comprising small pieces of partially or completely decellularized tissue suspended in a gelatinized tissue or gelatin gel comprising partially or completely decellularized tissue or synthetic gelatin. The flowable tissue matrix compositions can contain factors that promote or enhance native cell migration, proliferation, and/or revascularization after implantation into a subject. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the flowable tissue matrix compositions. The compositions can be implanted into a tissue in need of repair, regeneration, healing, treatment, and/or alteration, and can promote or enhance native cell migration, proliferation, and/or revascularization.

Abstract: Synthetic surfaces suitable for culturing stem cell derived cardiomyocytes contain acrylate polymers formed from one or more acrylate monomers. The acrylate surfaces, in many cases, are suitable for culturing stem cell derived cardiomyocytes in chemically defined media.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing a protein of interest, comprising introducing an expression vector which comprises a gene fragment comprising a DNA encoding the protein of interest and a selectable marker gene and also comprises a pair of transposon sequences at both terminals of the gene fragment, into a suspension mammalian cell; integrating the gene fragment inserted between the pair of transposon sequences into a chromosome of the mammalian cell; obtaining a suspension mammalian cell producing the protein of interest; and suspension-culturing the suspension mammalian cell, and a suspension mammalian cell which expresses the protein of interest by the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides culture media and methods of culturing pluripotent stem cells, such as epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs), in order to culture, derive, and reprogram pluripotent stem cells, such as converting ESCs to EpiSCs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for characterizing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. In particular the invention provides the means and methods for the diagnosis, characterization, prognosis and treatment of cancer and specifically targeting cancer stem cells. The present invention provides a soluble FZD receptor comprising an extracellular domain of a human FZD receptor that inhibits growth of tumor cells. The present invention still further provides a soluble receptor comprising a Fri domain of a human FZD receptor that binds a ligand of a human FZD receptor and said soluble receptor is capable of inhibiting tumor growth. The present invention still further provides a method of treating cancer comprising administering a soluble FZD receptor comprising for example, either an extracellular domain of a human FZD receptor or a Fri domain of a human FZD receptor, in an amount effective to inhibit tumor growth.

Abstract: Provided are a method for preparing a mammalian ovum or embryo in which zona pellucida has been thinned or eliminated, and a method for fertilization using the mammalian ovum prepared by the aforementioned method. The method for thinning or eliminating zona pellucida of a mammalian ovum or embryo involves treating or culturing the mammalian ovum or embryo (such as an unfertilized ovum, a fertilized ovum, or an embryo in the early stages of development) in a culture medium containing a reducing agent having SH groups (such as reduced glutathione or DTT). The resulting mammalian ovum or embryo (such as an unfertilized ovum, a fertilized ovum, or an embryo in the early stages of development) in which zona pellucida has been thinned or eliminated is capable of realizing an improved fertilization rate and development rate when used for in vitro fertilization, transplantation of a fertilized ovum, or preparation of an embryo in the early stages of development used in the production of a genetically modified animal.

Abstract: Methods for producing stem cell banks, preferably human, which optionally may be transgenic, e.g., comprised of homozygous MHC allele cell lines are provided. These cells are produced preferably from parthenogenic, IVF, or same-species or cross-species nuclear transfer embryos or by dedifferentiation of somatic cells by cytoplasm transfer. Methods for using these stem cell banks for producing stem and differentiated cells for therapy, especially acute therapies, and for screening for drugs for disease treatment are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a series of eukaryotic expression vectors utilizing the reduction of transcription read-through events to create stable and high-yield cell lines for recombinant protein expression. The vectors comprise more than one polyadenylation signal or one or more polyadenylation signals plus other DNA fragment which is known to enhance transcription termination to control the expression level of selection marker, with the configuration to transcribe the minimal level of full-length bicistronic mRNA to express the selection marker, which can be used to create stable cell lines at high expression levels, without the need for drug selection or drug mediated gene amplification.

Abstract: Methods for propagating haploid genomes of male or female origina and genetic screening and modification thereof are provided. These haploid genomes may be used to produce haploid embryos, and embryonic stem-like cells and differentiated cells. Also, these haploid genomes and cells containing, may be used as nuclear transfer donors to produce diploid nuclear transfer units. These diploid NT units e.g., human NT units, may be used to obtain pluripotent cells and differentiated cells and tissues.

Abstract: The application discloses peptides capable of preventing or treating fungal disease, including fungal allergy disease.

Abstract: Recombinant proteins capable of inducing platelet aggregation and uses thereof.

Abstract: Introduction of double stranded RNA into cells, cell culture, organs and tissues, and whole organisms, particularly vertebrates, specifically attenuates gene expression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, cardiomyocytes produced by the method, a method for producing cardiomyocyte bodies from the cardiomyocytes, cardiomyocyte bodies produced by the method, a cellular therapeutic agent comprising the cardiomyocyte bodies as an active ingredient for the treatment of cardiac diseases, a method for treating cardiac diseases using the cellular therapeutic agent, and use of cardiomyocytes or cardiomyocyte bodies for the preparation of the cellular therapeutic agent. The method for producing cardiomyocytes of the present invention can be used to easily purify differentiated cardiomyocytes from embryonic stem cells. Further, the purified cardiomyocytes can be used to produce cardiomyocyte bodies, which can be used as a cellular therapeutic agent for treating cardiac diseases. Therefore, the cardiomyocyte bodies can be widely applied to the development of prophylactic or therapeutic agents for cardiac diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for increasing the stability and/or activity of a polypeptide at low pH and/or elevated temperatures. The invention further provides a method for increasing the melting temperature of a polypeptide. Also provided are paleoenzymologically reconstructed thioredoxin polypeptides having activity at higher temperatures and/or lower pH than extant thioredoxin polypepetides, as well as paleoenzymologically reconstructed thioredoxin polypeptides having higher melting temperatures than extant thioredoxin polypepetides.

Abstract: The application is in the field of transgenic (non-human) organisms, sialic acid chemistry, metabolism and antigenicity. More particularly, the invention is related to a method to produce Neu5Gc-free animals and products therefrom comprising disrupting the CMAH gene and thereby reducing or eliminating Neu5Gc from biological material of non-humans.

Abstract: The invention generally features compositions and methods based on the structure-based design of alpha 1-3 N-Acetylgalactosaminyltransferase (alpha 3 GalNAc-T) enzymes from alpha 1-3galactosyltransferase (a3Gal-T) that can transfer 2?-modified galactose from the corresponding UDP-derivatives due to substitutions that broaden the alpha 3Gal-T donor specificity and make the enzyme a3 GalNAc-T.

Abstract: The present invention relates inter alia to fertile non-human vertebrates such as mice and rats useful for producing antibodies bearing human variable regions, in which endogenous antibody chain expression has been inactivated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to humanized antibodies that specifically bind to CXCR5 and can, for example, inhibit CXCR5 function. The invention also includes uses of the antibodies to treat or prevent CXCR5 related diseases or disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of genetic products that are expressed in association with a tumor and the nucleic acid coding therefor. The invention relates to the therapy and diagnosis of diseases in which the genetic products that are expressed in association with a tumor are expressed in an aberrant manner. The invention also relates to proteins, polypeptides, and peptides which are expressed in association with a tumor and the nucleic acids coding therefor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid fragments and constructs comprising genomic nucleotide sequences from the promoter region of a 60S ribosomal protein L32 gene (RPL32), for the production of a gene product of interest in a eukaryotic, preferably mammalian, host cell in the presence of a stringent selectable marker. The invention further relates to host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs, to methods for generating the host cells and to methods for producing a gene product of interest using the host cells.

Abstract: An in vitro system for generating sequence, and thus structural, diversity in proteins is described. The system can be constructed using appropriately selected nucleic acid molecules that encode regions of a selected protein or proteins and recombination signal sequences (RSS). The selected protein(s) can be, for example, immunoglobulin (Ig) V, D, J and/or C regions, regions of a non-immunoglobulin (non-Ig) protein, or a combination of Ig regions and non-Ig regions. Assembly of such appropriately selected components and their introduction into suitable recombination-competent host cells allows for recombination between the RSS sequences and introduction of sequence and structural diversity into the protein(s).

Abstract: A process for high expression of protein of interest using an expression vector. The process comprises at least the following regulatory elements: a) a CMV promoter, or a functional variant thereof, b) an intron, c) TPL or a functional variant thereof, d) VA gene or a functional variant thereof, and e) a bovine growth hormone polyadenylation sequence or a functional variant thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure shows that the EBV FR-element comprised of EBNA1 multimeric binding sites can provide the stable maintenance replication function to the mouse polyomavirus (PyV) core origin plasmids in the presence of BPV-1 E2 protein and PyV large T-antigen (LT).

Abstract: Novel collectin related molecules i.e., a novel collectin gene comprising a nucleotide sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 1, and a novel collectin comprising an amino acid sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2, which are expected to exhibit anti-bacterial, anti-viral activity or the like especially in human body, and methods in which these molecules are used are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for diagnosis and for providing a prognosis of a cancer patient by assessing CK2 alpha 1 pseudogene (CSNK2A1P) status. The present disclosure also provides polypeptide, polynucleotide, host cell, and transgenic animal compositions associated with CSNK2A1P.

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 ecdysone receptor/chimeric retinoid X receptor-based 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 organisms.

Abstract: Chimeric clotting factors which localize the therapeutic to sites of coagulation (e.g., by being targeted to platelets or being activatable at sites of coagulation), have reduced clearance rates, have improved manufacturability, have reduced thrombogenicity, have enhanced activity, or have more than one of these characteristics are described as are methods for making chimeric clotting factors and methods for improving hemostasia using these clotting factors.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for isolating cell-type specific mRNAs by selectively isolating ribosomes or proteins that bind mRNA in a cell type specific manner, and, thereby, the mRNA hound to the ribosomes or proteins that bind mRNA. Ribosomes, which are riboprotein complexes, bind mRNA that is being actively translated in cells. According to the methods of the invention, cells are engineered to express a molecularly tagged ribosomal protein or protein that binds mRNA by introducing into the cell a nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a ribosomal protein or protein that binds mRNA fused to a nucleotide sequence encoding a peptide tag. The tagged ribosome or mRNA binding protein can then be isolated, along with the mRNA bound to the tagged ribosome or mRNA binding protein, and the mRNA isolated and further used for gene expression analysis.

Abstract: A method of producing a chimera animal, characterized by transplanting, into a host animal, an aggregate of a first pluripotent stem cell that is of interest to strain establishment, a second pluripotent stem cell in which the ability to form germ cells is absent or decreased, and embryo.

Abstract: Provided is a composition for regenerating hair follicles comprising CD36-expressing dermal sheath cells (DSc).

Abstract: In alternative embodiments, the invention provides cell-permeable recombinant or synthetic proteins to modulate autophagy, including a Tat-Atg5K130R (inhibitor of autophagy) and a Tat-Beclin 1 (stimulant or activator of autophagy), and nucleic acids expressing them and methods for making and using them, e.g., to treat conditions and disorders responsive to autophagy modulation (e.g., where autophagy is dysregulated), including neurodegeneration, cystic fibrosis, cancer, heart failure, diabetes, obesity, sarcopenia, aging, ischemia/reperfusion, inflammatory disorders including Crohns, ulcerative colitis, biliary cirrhosis, lysosomal storage diseases, infectious diseases associated with intracellular pathogens including viruses, bacteria, and parasites such as Trypanosomes and malaria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorescent proteins, in particular green fluorescent proteins (GFPs), with increased activity in cells, and thus increased signal strength. A further aspect of the present invention relates to the use of peptides for increasing the expression and/or stability of a protein in a cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to human secreted polypeptides, and isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding said polypeptides, useful for diagnosing and treating diseases, disorders, and/or conditions (such as immune, cardiovascular, cancer, and other proliferative diseases, disorders, and/or conditions) related to said human secreted proteins. Antibodies that bind these polypeptides are also encompassed by the present invention. Also encompassed by the invention are vectors, host cells, and recombinant and synthetic methods for producing said polynucleotides, polypeptides, and/or antibodies. The invention further encompasses screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention. The present invention further encompasses methods and compositions for inhibiting or enhancing the production and function of the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding a new family of small cysteine rich soluble proteins, from a mammal, reagents related thereto, including specific antibodies, and purified proteins are described. Methods of using said reagents and related diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of protein production and cell culture technology. CERT is identified as a novel in vivo PKD substrate. Phosphorylation on serine 132 by PKD decreases the affinity of CERT towards its lipid target phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate at Golgi membranes and reduces ceramide transfer activity, identifying PKD as a regulator of lipid homeostasis. The present invention shows that CERT in turn is critical for PKD activation and PKD dependent protein cargo transport to the plasma membrane. The interdependence of PKD and CERT is thus a key to the maintenance of Golgi membrane integrity and secretory transport.

Abstract: The present invention relates to potato virus NIa protease variants or fragments thereof, polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using the foregoing.

Abstract: In some aspects, this invention provides a method of making a bone marrow-derived tissue-specific stem cell proliferation, expansion, isolation and rejuvenation extracellular matrix. In other aspects, this invention provides a method of making a tissue-specific fibroblast-derived stem cell differentiation extracellular matrix. Also provided are methods of using such a cell-derived preservation or differentiation matrices to induce tissue-specific differentiation of pluripotent cells, repair damaged tissue, and treat a subject having a physiologic deficiency using the same.

Abstract: Beige cells that contain a reporter gene are disclosed herein. Such cells can be used to identify therapeutic agents for treatment of obesity and its associated disorders, such as diabetes.

Abstract: The present application relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting the differentiation of isolated embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, parthenogentic stem cells, or isolated embryoid bodies into neuronal progenitor cells or neuron cells comprising a mTOR inhibitor and an effective amount of cell culture growth media. The mTOR inhibitor can be Rapamycin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a virus vector, which comprises a step wherein cells that are capable of producing a virus vector are cultured in a culture medium that contains, as active components, a retinoic acid and a histone deacetylase inhibiting substance; and a culture medium for the production of a virus vector, which is characterized by containing, as active components, a retinoic acid and a histone deacetylase inhibiting substance.