Abstract: Articles and methods for stem cell differentiation are generally described. In some embodiments, an article for stem cell differentiation may comprise an oxygen permeable substrate having at least a portion of a surface coated with a matrix. The matrix may allow the surface chemistry of the substrate to be altered, such that the cell-substrate surface interactions may be finely controlled without substantially affecting the oxygen permeability of the substrate. The surface chemistry may be altered to promote directed stem cell differentiation by, e.g., modification of the matrix surface with a specific density of biological molecules. In some embodiments, methods for stem cell differentiation may comprise directing the differentiation of stem cells on the articles, described herein, under suitable environmental conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and uses of C-terminal peptides for inhibiting neuronal cell death or dysfunction, such as retinal ganglion cell death or dysfunction, treating retinal degenerative disorders, stroke, CNS and PNS insults. The disclosure also relates to the C-terminal peptides, fusion proteins and compositions thereof.

Abstract: Described herein is the finding that increasing the frequency of Zscan4 activation in mouse ES cells not only enhances, but also maintains their developmental potency in long-term cell culture. Particularly disclosed herein is the finding that the constitutive presence of Zscan4-ERT2, even in the absence of its usual activator tamoxifen, can increase the frequency of endogenous Zscan4 activation in ES cells, resulting in the increase of developmental potency of the ES cells. Accordingly, provided herein are Zscan4-ERT2 fusion proteins and nucleic acid molecules and vectors encoding Zscan4-ERT2 fusion proteins. Further provided are methods of prolonging and/or enhancing stem cell plmipotency using the disclosed Zscan4-ERT2 nucleic acid molecules and fusion proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions useful for therapeutic vascular tissue engineering. In particular, the present invention provides methods for generating substantially pure populations of vasculogenic cells from human mesenchymal progenitors, and methods and compositions for clinical applications in the field of regenerative medicine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fibromodulin (FMOD) reprogrammed (FReP) cell and a method of making therefor, a culture medium therefor, and a supernatant thereof, and methods of making and using these.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel therapies for treatment of new and existing type 1 and type 2 diabetes, PreDiabetes, Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood, and diseases of insulin deficiency, beta cell deficiency, insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism. In particular, the present invention identifies common peptides within the human Reg1a, Reg1b, Reg3a and Reg4, as signaling peptides for beta cell generation acting through the human Reg Receptor on the surface of human pancreatic extra-islet tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for muscle repair or regeneration comprising administering therapeutically effective amounts of RAR agonists or stem cells that are pretreated with contact with a RAR agonist to a subject at a site of muscle damage. Additionally, the invention provides compositions comprising RAR agonist treated stem cells and methods of use of said cells for muscle repair or regeneration. In one embodiment, the stem cells are mesenchymal stem cells. In one embodiment, the RAR agonist is an RAR? agonist. In one embodiment, administration of the RAR agonist is begun during a period of increased endogenous retinoid signaling in the subject resulting from incurrence of the damaged muscle tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ex vivo method for preparing induced paraxial mesoderm progenitor (iPAM) cells, said method comprising the step of culturing pluripotent cells in an appropriate culture medium comprising an effective amount of an activator of the Wnt signaling pathway and an effective amount of an inhibitor of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling pathway.

Abstract: The invention provides peptides comprising a human cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitope from the human tumor-associated antigen (TAA) mucin 1 (MUC1) and analogs thereof, which can be used in vaccine prevention or therapy of cancer, as well as a nucleic acid encoding the peptide, a vector comprising the nucleic acid, a cell comprising the peptide, nucleic acid, or vector, and compositions thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inducing differentiation of a human pluripotent stem cell into an intermediate mesoderm cell without the use of a growth factor. Such method comprises performing culture in a medium containing a specific compound, so as to induce differentiation of a human pluripotent stem cell into an intermediate mesoderm cell.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods of binding and identifying undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells and particularly, although not exclusively, to use of binding moieties which bind to PHB on the surface of undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells, such as PHB-binding peptides, and to methods for depleting undifferentiated stem cells from a sample.

Abstract: The present application concerns mutant proteins of the fusion protein (F protein) of the parainfluenza virus (PIV) which are currently indexed as type 5 PIV (PIV-5 or PIV5) and type 2 PIV (PIV-2 or PIV2). The present application concerns products deriving therefrom, such as: nucleic acids, vectors, cells, fusion inhibitors of the antibody, aptamer, interfering RNA type; myelomas, hybridomas; stem and progenitor cells. The present application also concerns mutant proteins and products derived therefrom for use in medical and biotechnological applications.

Abstract: The present technology provides a cell based assay for identifying compounds that modulate store-operated ionic calcium levels using itpr mutant cell lines, such as itpr-ku cells, which have abnormal ionic calcium levels.

Abstract: There is provided a method for stably preserving cells and valuable materials included in the cells at room temperature by lyophilizing the cells. When the cells are lyophilized using a lyoprotectant, damage to the structure of the cells which may otherwise occur during a freezing process can be prevented, the lyophilized cells can be stored at room temperature, and the valuable material included in the cells may maintain the functions thereof at room temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid containing at least one homing endonuclease site (HE) and at least one restriction enzyme site (X) wherein the HE and X sites are selected such that HE and X result in compatible cohesive ends when cut by the homing endonuclease and restriction enzyme, respectively, and the ligation product of HE and X cohesive ends can neither be cleaved by the homing endonuclease nor by the restriction enzyme. Further subject-matter of the present invention relates to a vector comprising the nucleic acid of the present invention, host cells containing the nucleic acid and/or the vector; a kit for cloning and/or expression of multiprotein complexes making use of the vector and the host cells, a method for producing a vector containing multiple expression cassettes, and a method for producing multiprotein complexes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the insertion of an MHC class I, MHC Class II, or ?2 microglobulin upstream promoter sequence into a lentiviral vector to increase viral titers. The invention encompasses these vectors, methods of making the vectors, and methods of using them, including medicinal uses.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to differentiating iPS cells into glucose-responsive, insulin-secreting progeny. For example, methods and material for using indolactam V (ILV) and glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to produce glucose-responsive, insulin-secreting progeny from iPS cells are provided.

Abstract: A carrier for expansion of induced pluripotent stem cells is provided, wherein the carrier comprises a substrate comprising one or more outer surfaces, wherein the one or more outer surfaces are modified with gas plasma treatment, and one or more structured indentations on one or more of the outer surfaces. The carrier has a length at least about 0.2 mm, a width at least about 0.2 mm, and a height in a range from about 0.05 mm to 1.2 mm and each of the structured indentations has a major axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, a minor axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and a depth in a range from about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm. A method of making the carrier, and culturing induced pluripotent stem cells using the same carrier are also provided.

Abstract: A cell culture comprising human foreskin cells, the human foreskin cells being capable of maintaining stem cells in an undifferentiated state when co-cultured therewith.

Abstract: The present invention addresses a need for improved treatments for filovirus infections.

Abstract: Methods of modulating expression of a target nucleic acid in a cell are provided including introducing into the cell a first foreign nucleic acid encoding one or more RNAs complementary to DNA, wherein the DNA includes the target nucleic acid, introducing into the cell a second foreign nucleic acid encoding a nuclease-null Cas9 protein that binds to the DNA and is guided by the one or more RNAs, introducing into the cell a third foreign nucleic acid encoding a transcriptional regulator protein or domain, wherein the one or more RNAs, the nuclease-null Cas9 protein, and the transcriptional regulator protein or domain are expressed, wherein the one or more RNAs, the nuclease-null Cas9 protein and the transcriptional regulator protein or domain co-localize to the DNA and wherein the transcriptional regulator protein or domain regulates expression of the target nucleic acid.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for somatic cell proliferation as well as increasing viability of somatic cells are provided. The compositions include heparin binding protein isolated from a medium conditioned by growth of pluripotent stem cells, such as, human embryonic stem cells, human embryonic carcinoma cells. The methods include contacting a somatic cell with a heparin binding protein composition for a sufficient period of time to provide for enhanced proliferation and/or viability of the somatic cell as compared to the absence of the heparin binding protein composition.

Abstract: This present invention provides novel methods for deriving embryonic stem cells and embryo-derived cells from an embryo without requiring destruction of the embryo. The invention further provides cells and cell lines derived without embryo destruction, and the use of the cells for therapeutic and research purposes. It also relates to novel methods of establishing and storing an autologous stem cell line prior to implantation of an embryo, e.g., in conjunction with reproductive therapies such as IVF.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for improved cell-based therapies for retinal degeneration and for differentiating human embryonic stem cells and human embryo-derived into retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and other retinal progenitor cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a type of cell—potential regenerative cell (PRC) capable of continuous proliferation, and generated mammal (including human) cells, tissues and tissue-organs by in vitro culture and replication of PRCs. The present invention also relates to the methods and cell growth regulators for culturing mammal (including human) PRCs, tissues, and tissue-organs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for expanding mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in low-density and hypoxic condition as compared to normal air conditions traditionally used in cell culture. The present method provides rapid and efficient expansion of human MSCs without losing cellular proliferation and stem cell properties, including increase in proliferation, decrease in senescence, and increase in differentiation potential both in vitro and in vivo. The expanded MSCs by the present method may maintain normal karyotyping, and will not form tumor when transplanted into mammal.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of differentiating stem cells into muscle cells by growing the cells in a myogenic culture medium. The differentiated cells can be used as a source of cells for transplantation in a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and kits for the isolation, processing and cryopreservation of mesenchymal cells from the Wharton's Jelly and vascular progenitor cells from umbilical cord tissue. Also provided are isolated mesenchymal cells or vascular progenitor cells obtained by the invention methods, and compositions thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising of preparations of human embryonic stem (hES) cells and their derivatives and methods for their transplantation into the human body, wherein transplantation results in the clinical reversal of symptoms, cure, stabilization or arrest of degeneration of a wide variety of presently incurable and terminal medical conditions, diseases and disorders. The invention further relates to novel processes of preparing novel stem cell lines which are free of animal products, feeder cells, growth factors, leukaemia inhibitory factor, supplementary mineral combinations, amino acid supplements, vitamin supplements, fibroblast growth factor, membrane associated steel factor, soluble steel factor and conditioned media. This invention further relates to the isolation, culture, maintenance, expansion, differentiation, storage, and preservation of such stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite hydrogels comprising at least one non-peptidic polymer and at least one peptide having the general formula: Z—(X)m—(Y)n—Z?p, wherein Z is an N-terminal protecting group; X is, at each occurrence, independently selected from an aliphatic amino acid, an aliphatic amino acid derivative and a glycine; Y is, at each occurrence, independently selected from a polar amino acid and a polar amino acid derivative; Z? is a C-terminal protecting group; m is an integer selected from 2 to 6; n is selected from 1 or 2; and p is selected from 0 or 1. The present invention further relates to methods of producing the composite hydrogels, to uses of the composite hydrogels for the delivery of drugs and other bioactive agents/moieties, as an implant or injectable agent that facilitates tissue regeneration, and as a topical agent for wound healing.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include methods and compositions related to the production and use of clonal lineages of embryonic progenitor cell lines derived from differentiating cultures of primordial stem cells. In particular, said methods and compositions relate to methods of differentiating cells in the presence of agents that inhibit the signaling of the TGF beta family members of growth factors and the applications of said cell lines in the treatment of diseases such as degenerative muscle disorders, cancer, and vascular disease.

Abstract: The invention generally regards methods for providing endothelial cells and precursors of endothelial cells from a variety of cell sources, such as pluripotent stem cells. Also provided are therapeutic compositions including the provided endothelial cells, and methods of using them for the treatment of subjects.

Abstract: Methods and composition for providing induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are provided. For example, in certain aspects methods including reprogramming B lymphocytes transformed by episomal vectors such as Epstein-Barr virus-based vectors are described. Furthermore, the invention provides induced pluripotent stem cells essentially free of exogenous elements and having B cell immunoglobin variable region rearrangement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for production of undifferentiated or differentiated embryonic stem cell aggregate suspension cultures from undifferentiated or differentiated embryonic stem cell single cell suspensions and methods of differentiation thereof.

Abstract: Nucleases and methods of using these nucleases for modification of an HPRT locus and for increasing the frequency of gene modification at a targeted locus and clones and for generating animals.

Abstract: The invention provides for engineering and optimization of systems, methods, and compositions for manipulation of sequences and/or activities of target sequences. Provided are compositions and methods related to components of a CRISPR complex particularly comprising a Cas ortholog enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immuno-protected encapsulated cells producing an immunomodulator, for example GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor). The cells of the invention are particularly well adapted for providing an active adjuvant or immunomodulator, for example in the context of immunisation in humans and animals. These cells can be used for vaccination where they provide the immunomodulator in an active form, in a continuous, non-immunogenic manner in the immediate vicinity of the vaccine antigen(s). The invention also relates to a vaccine composition comprising immuno-protected encapsulated cells producing an immunomodulator and an antigenic component. The invention also relates to a kit comprising a cell as described and an antigenic component. The strategy of the invention is perfectly suited for both cancer immunotherapy and vaccination against infectious agents.

Abstract: A method of altering a eukaryotic cell is provided including transfecting the eukaryotic cell with a nucleic acid encoding RNA complementary to genomic DNA of the eukaryotic cell, transfecting the eukaryotic cell with a nucleic acid encoding an enzyme that interacts with the RNA and cleaves the genomic DNA in a site specific manner, wherein the cell expresses the RNA and the enzyme, the RNA binds to complementary genomic DNA and the enzyme cleaves the genomic DNA in a site specific manner.

Abstract: A nucleotide construct comprising a nucleotide sequence that forms a stem and a loop, wherein the loop comprises a nucleotide sequence that modulates expression of a target, wherein the stem comprises a nucleotide sequence that modulates expression of a target, and wherein the target modulated by the nucleotide sequence in the loop and the target modulated by the nucleotide sequence in the stem may be the same or different. Vectors, methods of regulating target expression, methods of providing a cell, and methods of treating conditions comprising the nucleotide sequence are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a retinal tissue by (1) subjecting pluripotent stem cells to floating culture in a serum-free medium containing a substance inhibiting the Wnt signal pathway to form an aggregate of pluripotent stem cells, (2) subjecting the aggregate to floating culture in a serum-free medium containing a basement membrane preparation, and then (3) subjecting the aggregate to floating culture in a serum-containing medium. The invention also provides a method for producing an optic-cup-like structure, a method for producing a retinal pigment epithelium, and a method for producing a retinal layer-specific neural cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oligomer compounds (oligomers) which target nucleic acids encoding human SMN2 in a cell, leading to modulation of SMN2 mRNA splicing which favors full length SMN2 mRNA rather than the poorly functional truncated transcript, SMN2 ?7. Reduction of SMNA7 mRNA expression and/or increase in full length SMN2 mRNA expression are beneficial for the treatment of diseases or disorders associated with overexpression or undesirably high levels of aberrant forms of SMN2, particularly SMN2 ?7, such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Abstract: This disclosure provides a system for producing pancreatic islet cells from embryonic stem cells. Differentiation is initiated towards endoderm cells, and focused using reagents that promote emergence of islet precursors and mature insulin-secreting cells. High quality populations of islet cells can be produced in commercial quantities for use in research, drug screening, or regenerative medicine.

Abstract: We provide for the use of Tbx3 (GenBank Accession Number: NM_005996.3 (SEQ ID NO. 1), NP_005987.3 (SEQ ID NO. 2), NM_016569.3 (SEQ ID NO. 3), NP_057653.3 (SEQ ID NO. 4)) in a method of enhancing or inducing pluripotency in a cell such as a somatic cell. We describe a method of reprogramming a cell, the method comprising modulating the expression and/or activity of Tbx3 in the cell. The cell may become a pluripotent cell such as a stem cell. We further describe a method of causing a cell such as a somatic cell to display one or more characteristics of a pluripotent cell, the method comprising modulating the expression and/or activity of Tbx3 in the cell. The method may further comprise modulating the expression and/or activity of one or more, a combination of or all of Oct4, Sox2 and Klf4 in the cell.

Abstract: The invention provides for engineering and optimization of systems, methods, and compositions for manipulation of sequences and/or activities of target sequences. Provided are compositions and methods related to components of a CRISPR complex particularly comprising a Cas ortholog enzyme.

Abstract: A method for expanding human corneal endothelial cells includes: (a) providing an amniotic membrane with or without amniotic cells, wherein the amniotic membrane has an extracellular matrix; (b) placing onto the amniotic membrane, a sheet of endothelial layer, or a cell suspension including human corneal endothelial stem cells; and (c) culturing the corneal endothelial cells on the amniotic membrane for a duration sufficient for the corneal endothelial stem cells to expand to an appropriate area. The invention also relates to a method for creating a surgical graft for a recipient site of a patient using the method for expanding human corneal endothelial cells, and the surgical graft prepared therefrom.

Abstract: Novel ALK and NTRK1 fusion molecules and uses are disclosed.

Abstract: The pharmaceutical composition provided by the present invention comprises at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and an active ingredient including an artificially synthesized peptide comprises: (A) an amino acid sequence constituting a cell-penetrating peptide and (B) an amino acid sequence constituting the signal peptide in amyloid precursor protein (APP) or an N-terminal partial amino acid sequence or C-terminal partial amino acid sequence from the amino acid sequence constituting that signal peptide.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a method of producing pancreatic cells or pancreatic cell precursors by exposing human embryonic stem cells to an effective amount of at least one compound listed in Table I to differentiate the human embryonic stem cells into the pancreatic cells or the pancreatic cell precursors. Kits and pancreatic cell lines produced using the methods are also described.

Abstract: Provided is a gene targeting vector that enables highly efficient gene targeting. The gene targeting vector has a structure comprising a positive selection marker flanked by a DNA homologous to a 5?-upstream region of a target site and a DNA homologous to a 3?-downstream region of the target site, wherein a splice acceptor site and a DNA sequence allowing for bicistronic expression are added 5?-upstream of the positive selection marker, and another splice acceptor site is also added 5?-upstream of the DNA homologous to the 5?-upstream region of the target site.

Abstract: Human pluripotent embryonic stem cells produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer as well as methods of making and using said human pluripotent embryonic stem cells are disclosed.