Abstract: The invention relates to a novel microcarrier bead; a method for producing same; a therapeutic comprising said microcarrier bead and attached thereto or grown thereon at least one selected cell or tissue type; a method for making said therapeutic; and a method of treatment involving the use of said microcarrier bead or said therapeutic.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides tissue supports and methods for preparing a cartilage composition for repairing cartilage defects, which is prepared by expanding and integrating small cartilage tissue pieces derived from donor or engineered tissue. The methods and supports described herein promote cell migration and integration of neighboring tissue pieces in culture to form the cartilage composition. Methods of cartilage repair using the cartilage composition are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for purifying immunogenic, prophylactically and therapeutically effective complexes of modified heat shock proteins noncovalently associated with antigenic peptides of cancer or infected cells. The claimed methods comprise the constructing of a nucleotide sequence encoding a secretable modified heat shock protein, expressing the sequence in an appropriate host cell, recovering the immunogenic complexes from the cell culture and the cells, and purifying the immunogenic complexes by affinity chromatography. Large amounts of such immunogenic complexes can be obtained by large-scale culturing of host cells containing the genetic sequence. The complexes can be used as a vaccine to elicit specific immune responses against cancer or infected cells, and to treat or prevent cancer or infectious diseases.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that are used to separate cells from a wide variety of tissues. In particular, automated systems and methods are described that separate regenerative cells, e.g., stem and/or progenitor cells, from adipose tissue. The systems and methods described herein provide rapid and reliable methods of separating and concentrating regenerative cells suitable for re-infusion into a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids coding for and capable of expressing a rod-derived cone viability factor (RdCVF) and viral vectors containing these nucleic acids. The invention also relates to compositions and pharmaceutical preparations comprising these nucleic acids or vectors, methods of producing or secreting an RdCVF, and methods of treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of maintaining and amplifying pluripotent stem cells, including repeating the following steps: (i) suspension culturing pluripotent stem cells until cell aggregates have an average diameter of about 200-about 300 ?m, (ii) fragmenting the cell aggregates obtained by step (i) into cell aggregates having a uniform average diameter of about 80-about 120 ?m. In step (i), a suitable viscosity is conferred to the medium to prevent movement of floating cell aggregates and adhesion and fusion of cell aggregates. In step (ii), the cell aggregates are mechanically fragmented into smaller uniform cell aggregates by passing the cell suspension through a mesh.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for depleting extraneous phenotypes from a mixed population of cells comprising the in vitro differentiated progeny of primate pluripotent stem cells, The invention also provides cell populations enriched for target cell populations which are the differentiated in vitro progeny of primate pluripotent stem cells.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for increasing the production of a type I interferon (IFN) in a cell. Aspects of the methods include increasing the level of a 2?-5? phosphodiester linkage comprising cyclic-di-nucleotide in a cell in a manner sufficient to increase production of the type I interferon (IFN) by the cell. Also provided are compositions and kits for practicing the embodiments of the methods.

Abstract: A method of culturing human pluripotent stem cells to produce pancreatic lineage, the method comprising the steps of (a) culturing the stem cells in the presence of a chemically defined medium comprising an effective amount of FGF, Activin A, and BMP; (b) culturing the cells from step (a) in the presence of a chemically defined medium comprising an effective amount of insulin, transferrin, and selenium (ITS), and FGF; (c) culturing the cells from step (b) in the presence of a chemically defined medium comprising an effective amount of insulin, transferrin, and selenium (ITS), and Noggin-Nicotinamide-Retinoic acid; and (d) culturing the cells from step (c) in the presence of a serum free chemically defined medium (ITSFINE and Noggin) comprising an effective amount of ITS, FGF7, islet neogenesis associated peptide (INGAP), nicotinamide, and Exendin-4, wherein pancreatic lineage cells are produced, wherein the pancreatic lineage cells are insulin+ cells.

Abstract: The present invention is related to uses of a composition comprising a pharmaceutically active component and a compound according to formula (I), wherein R1 and R2 are each and independently selected from the group comprising alkyl; n is any integer between 1 and 4; R3 is an acyl selected from the group comprising lysyl, ornithyl, 2,4-diaminobutyryl, histidyl and an acyl moiety according to formula (II), wherein m is any integer from 1 to 3 and Y? is a pharmaceutically acceptable anion.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions relating, in part, to the generation of human progenitor cells committed to the lung lineage and uses of such cells for treatment of lung diseases/disorders or injury to the lung. Whether an adult stem cell can be isolated from human adult lung remains controversial in the art and at present, methods for isolating and using adult lung stem cells from humans lack reproducibility. Thus, the methods and compositions described herein are advantageous over the present state of knowledge in the art and permit the generation of human lung progenitor cells for treatment, tissue engineering, and screening assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, kits and methods for making and using RNA compositions comprising in vitro-synthesized ssRNA inducing a biological or biochemical effect in a mammalian cell or organism into which the RNA composition is repeatedly or continuously introduced. In certain embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for changing the state of differentiation or phenotype of a human or other vertebrate cell. For example, the present invention provides mRNA and methods for reprogramming cells that exhibit a first differentiated state or phenotype to cells that exhibit a second differentiated state or phenotype, such as to reprogram human somatic cells to pluripotent stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving viability and/or stress tolerance of viable biological material and using the said material comprising applying hydrostatic pressure to said biological material; keeping the said viable biological material at the hydrostatic pressure for a predetermined time period; releasing the hydrostatic pressure; and using the said material for any desired purpose in accordance with any useful protocol. The usage of the said biological material incorporates any techniques, protocols that are applicable in the field of assisted reproductive techniques, biotechnical and/or biotechnological manipulations.

Abstract: The present invention provides tissue scaffolds, methods of generating such scaffolds, and methods of use of such scaffolds to generate aligned and functional tissues for use in methods including regenerative medicine, wound repair, and transplantation.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and assays relating to the diagnosis and treatment of a taxane-resistant cancer. Such methods and assays comprise determining the level of expression of miR-135a in a biological sample from a subject having or suspected of having a taxane-resistant cancer or from a subject that was or is being treated with a taxane anti-cancer agent. Also provided herein are methods for treating such cancers by administering an inhibitor of the miR-135a pathway and a taxane to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of medical science, in particular to technology directed at repairing defects in living, preferably human, tissue. The present invention provides a method for inducing differentiation of multipotent cells to a desired cell type, as well as a method for repairing a tissue defect in a human or animal patient using the concept of said method for inducing differentiation of multipotent cells. The invention further relates to a kit for carrying out the method for repairing a tissue defect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to topical ophthalmic compositions for treating or preventing epithelial lesions or ophthalmic disorders, including dry eye or keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Abstract: A biocompatible implantable bone anchor is provided that has a threaded first portion that engages and anchors into a bone. The implant also has a neck region extending from the first portion adapted to promote autologous cell growth thereon at an interface of the bone and one or more epidermal or gum layers, the neck region having a plurality of channels extending about the neck region. The neck region is configured to mechanically engage at least one of an abutment, dental restoration, or osseous device attachment. An in situ bone anchor cell growth assembly includes the bone anchor and a manifold encompassing the neck portion so as to form a seal therebetween and a route of fluid communication between a manifold inlet and at least one of said plurality of channels. A process for growing autologous cells on a neck region of a bone anchor is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for transferring cells to carriers, including: (a) providing a hydrophobic cell culture container or a cell culture container coated with a hydrophobic material on a bottom thereof; (b) adding carriers which are more hydrophilic than the hydrophobic cell culture container or hydrophobic materials and a culture medium containing cells into the hydrophobic cell culture container or the cell culture container coated with the hydrophobic material on the bottom thereof; and (c) culturing the cells, wherein the cells attach to the carriers and grow.

Abstract: The present invention provides a culture substrate which enables maintenance culture of human pluripotent stem cells in a pluripotent state under a feeder-free culture environment, and a culture method of human pluripotent stem cells using the culture substrate. By seeding human pluripotent stem cells dissociated into single cells at a cell density of 4×104 to 10×104 cells/cm2 onto a culture substrate coated with human laminin ?5?1?1 E8 fragment or human laminin ?3?3?2 E8 fragment preferably at a concentration of 0.5 to 25 ?g/cm2, the human pluripotent stem cells can be rapidly expanded in a pluripotent state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing heteromultimeric polypeptides such as bispecific antibodies, bispecific immunoadhesins and antibody-immunoadhesin chimeras. The invention also relates to the heteromultimers prepared using the method. Generally, the method provides a multispecific antibody having a common light chain associated with each heteromeric polypeptide having an antibody binding domain. Additionally the method further involves introducing into the multispecific antibody a specific and complementary interaction at the interface of a first polypeptide and the interface of a second polypeptide, so as to promote heteromultimer formation and hinder homomultimer formation; and/or a free thiol-containing residue at the interface of a first polypeptide and a corresponding free thiol-containing residue in the interface of a second polypeptide, such that a non-naturally occurring disulfide bond is formed between the first and second polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel tissue protective peptides. The tissue protective peptides of the invention may bind to a tissue protective receptor complex. In particular, the present invention is drawn to tissue protective peptides derived from or sharing consensus sequences with portions of cytokine receptor ligands, including Erythropoietin (EPO), that are not involved in the binding of the ligand to the receptor complex, e.g., to the EPO receptor homodimer. Accordingly, the tissue protective peptides of the invention are derived from the amino acid sequences of regions of cytokine receptor ligands that are generally located on or within the region of the ligand protein that is opposite of the receptor complex, i.e., are generally derived from amino acid sequences of regions of the ligand protein that face away from the receptor complex while the ligand is bound to the receptor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expression cassette including a gene of interest under the control of an inducible promoter, characterized in that said inducible promoter includes at least one CARE regulatory sequence (C/EBP-ATF responsive element) and a minimal promoter. The invention also relates to a vector and a host cell, as well as to a pharmaceutical composition including such a cassette, and to the use thereof for treating diseases by gene therapy.

Abstract: In some aspects, the present invention provides cell-reactive compstatin analogs and compositions comprising cell-reactive compstatin analogs. In some aspects, the invention further provides methods of using cell-reactive compstatin analogs, e.g., to inhibit complement-mediated damage to a cell, tissue, or organ. In some aspects, the invention provides long-acting compstatin analogs and compositions comprising long-acting compstatin analogs. In some aspects, the invention further provides methods of using long-acting compstatin analogs, e.g., to inhibit complement-mediated damage to a cell, tissue, or organ. In some aspects, the invention provides targeted compstatin analogs and compositions comprising targeted compstatin analogs. In some aspects, the invention further provides methods of using targeted compstatin analogs, e.g., to inhibit complement-mediated damage to a cell, tissue, or organ.

Abstract: Intramolecular biosensors are disclosed, including PBP-based biosensors, comprising a ligand binding domain fused to donor and fluorescent moieties that permit detection and measurement of Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer upon binding ligand. At least one of the donor and fluorescent moieties may be internally fused to the biosensor such that both ends of the internally fused fluorophore are fixed. In addition, methods of improving the sensitivity of terminally fused biosensors are provided. The biosensors of the invention are useful for the detection and quantification of ligands in vivo and in culture.

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 novel substitution mutant receptors and their use in a nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating the expression of a gene 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: The present disclosure relates to methods for increasing telomere length in one or more human adult cells and/or increasing genome stability of one or more human adult cells, for example by contacting one or more human adult cells with an agent that increases expression of Zscan4 in the one or more human adult cells. Methods of treating a subject in need of telomere lengthening, treating a disease or condition associated with a telomere abnormality, of rejuvenating one or more human adult cells, of rejuvenating tissues or organs, and of rejuvenating a subject in need thereof, for example by contacting one or more human adult cells in the subject with an agent that increases expression of Zscan4, or by administering to a subject in need thereof, an agent that increases expression of Zscan4 is also provided.

Abstract: There is described herein a method of enriching a population of stem cells for hematopoietic progenitors. The method comprises inducing hematopoietic differentiation in a population of human embryonic stem cells or human induced pluripotent stem cells; sorting the population based on expression of CD43 and at least one of CD34, CD31 and CD144; and selecting a fraction that is at least one of CD34+CD43?, CD31+CD43? and CD144+CD43?. Also provided are populations of hematopoietic progenitors obtained by the methods described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods to induce cell death by methuosis, a non-apoptotic cell death mechanism. Small molecules herein are useful for treating cell proliferation disorders or anomalies, particularly, but not exclusively, cancer. Methods related to the research and pharmaceutical use of the small molecules are also provided herein.

Abstract: This invention offers an effective method of inhibiting the expression of apolipoprotein E by mammalian cells. Apolipoprotein E is a protein that plays a significant role in the development of Alzheimer's Disease in humans. The method comprises administering an effective amount of a triarylmethyl amine compound having the general formula: wherein the R1 group may comprise acyclic amines and aliphatic amines. The R2 group may comprise one of three aryl varieties: aryl, substituted aryl, or heterocycle. Triarylamine compounds inhibit apolipoprotein E expression in mammalian cells. In one aspect of the invention the mammalian cells may be human cells, and more specifically may be human brain cells.

Abstract: Methods for treating a cardiovascular disorder comprising concomitant administration of one or more extracellular matrix (ECM) based compositions directly to damaged or diseased cardiovascular tissue associated with the cardiovascular disorder, and provision of ventricular assistance. In a preferred embodiment, the ECM based compositions include an ECM material derived from a mammalian source.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for the treatment of wounds. Such methods utilize novel compositions, including but not limited to amnion-derived multipotent cells (herein referred to as AMP cells), conditioned media derived therefrom (herein referred to as amnion-derived cellular cytokine suspension or ACCS), cell lysates derived therefrom, cell products derived therefrom, each alone or in combination.

Abstract: The present invention investigate the two modes of glutamate release and the releasing rate of glutamate, and thus can provide a useful technique for neuron protection and acceleration of neurotransmission by controlling the glutamate release in astroctye. Thus, the present invention provides an inhibitor of the fast-mode release and/or the slow-mode release of astrocytic glutamate, a screening method of the inhibitor and a pharmaceutical composition or method of ameliorating, preventing and/or treating the disease associated with the over-release of glutamate via the Ca2+-activated anion channel, with the inhibition of fast-mode glutamate release.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medium for culturing mesenchymal stem cells, and more particularly to a medium composition for culturing mesenchymal stem cells, which contains basal medium, L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, fetal bovine serum, basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF), non-essential amino acids (NEAAs), insulin, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, calcium chloride, and hydrocortisone, and a method of culturing mesenchymal stem cells using the same. According to the present invention, a number of mesenchymal stem cells required for stem cell therapy can be obtained in a short time, and the ability of mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate is improved so that they are useful for stem cell therapy.

Abstract: Provided is an isolated human naive pluripotent stem cell (PSC), wherein: (i) when the naive PSC is a female PSC, then said naive female PSC has two unmethylated alleles of an X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) gene; and (ii) when said naive PSC is a male PSC, then said naive male PSC has an unmethylated allele of said XIST gene. Also provided is a culture medium which comprises an ERK1/2 inhibitor, a GSK3beta inhibitor, a p38 inhibitor, a JNK inhibitor, a STAT3 activator and at least one agent selected from the group consisting of: bFGF, TGFbeta 1, a PKC inhibitor, a ROCK inhibitor and a NOTCH inhibitor; or at least agent selected from the group consisting of: a TGFR inhibitor, a FGFR inhibitor, a PKC inhibitor, a ROCK inhibitor and a NOTCH inhibitor.

Abstract: Described is a method of fabricating biologically active, unnatural polypeptides. The method includes the steps of selecting a biologically active polypeptide or biologically active fragment thereof having an amino acid sequence comprising ?-amino acid residues, and fabricating a synthetic polypeptide that has an amino acid sequence that corresponds to the sequence of the biologically active polypeptide, but wherein about 14% to about 50% of the ?-amino acid residues found in the biologically active polypeptide or fragment of step (a) are replaced with ?-amino acid residues, and the ?-amino acid residues are distributed in a repeating pattern.

Abstract: Methods and products (e.g., recombinant proteins) are described for increasing frataxin expression/levels in a cell, as well as uses of such methods and products, for example for the treatment of Friedreich ataxia in a subject suffering therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, in recombinant cells such as yeast or plant cells. Also provided are recombinant cells or plants which produce long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a group of new enzymes which possess desatorase or elongase activity that can be used in methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to cell culture vessels comprising fabricated cell culture surfaces providing means for efficient corneal endothelial cell growth and the use of the cultured cells in the repair of corneal tissue damage.

Abstract: The invention provides a fusion protein comprising, from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a first portion of a Family B G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) that comprises transmembrane helix (TM)-1, TM2 and TM3 of the GPCR; b) a stable protein domain; and c) a second portion of the GPCR comprising TM4, TM5, TM6 and TM7 of the GPCR. The invention also provides a method of crystallising a GPCR comprising providing the fusion protein of the invention and crystallising it to obtain crystals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the provision of a composition comprising a glucocorticoid and a thiazolidinedione for inducing adipogenic differentiation, thereby successfully generating functional stem cells, from non-differentiated embryonic or adult stem cells originating from humans or other mammals, special preference being given to human mesenchymal stem cells. The preferred glucocorticoid is dexamethasone and the preferred thiazolidinedione is rosiglitazone. However, the invention extends to the families of both compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanofibers. In particular, the present invention provides aligned nanofiber bundle assemblies. In some embodiments, the aligned nanofiber bundle assemblies are used for tissue regeneration, controlled growth of cells, and related methods (e.g., diagnostic methods, research methods, drug screening).

Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus for the processing of biological sample. The apparatus comprises a first sheet of material, a second sheet of material bonded to the first sheet of material, and a plurality of chambers defined between the first sheet of material and the second sheet of material, the plurality of chambers including a sample dissociation chamber including an inlet and an outlet; a waste collection chamber including an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the sample dissociation chamber, and a cell refinement chamber including an inlet in fluid communication with the sample dissociation chamber and an outlet.

Abstract: We disclose a particle comprising a matrix coated thereon and having a positive charge, the particle being of a size to allow aggregation of primate or human stem cells attached thereto. The particle may comprise a substantially elongate, cylindrical or rod shaped particle having a longest dimension of between 50 ?m and 400 ?m, such as about 200 ?m. It may have a cross sectional dimension of between 20 ?m and 30 ?m. The particle may comprise a substantially compact or spherical shaped particle having a size of between about 20 ?m and about 120 ?m, for example about 65 ?m. We also disclose a method of propagating primate or human stem cells, the method comprising: providing first and second primate or human stem cells attached to first and second respective particles, allowing the first primate or human stem cell to contact the second primate or human stem cell to form an aggregate of cells and culturing the aggregate to propagate the primate or human stem cells for at least one passage.

Abstract: Immunogenic peptides from tumor associated stromal cell antigens, including combinations of such peptides, are disclosed herein. In some examples the peptides are useful for methods of eliciting an immune response. In additional examples the peptides are useful for methods of treating cancer. Methods for decreasing vascularization of a tumor using a Protein Delta Homolog 1 (DLK1) protein or a nucleic acid encoding the protein are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to methods and compositions for determining the level of DCLK1-S in a sample and treating a subject having elevated levels of DCLK1-S.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for introducing miRNA activity or function into cells using synthetic nucleic acid molecules. Moreover, the present invention concerns methods and compositions for identifying miRNAs with specific cellular functions that are relevant to therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic applications wherein synthetic miRNAs and/or miRNA inhibitors are used in library screening assays.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to methods and compositions for the production of heterogeneous tissue from human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing mesenchymal stem cell-like cells and cardiomyocyte-like cells from induced pluripotent stem cells. With the method, embryoid bodies are first formed from induced pluripotent stem cells in a non-adherent substrate. The embryoid bodies are then contacted with a serum-free and insulin-free medium comprising a p38-MAPK inhibitor to form aggregates of contracting embryoid bodies. The contracting embryoid body aggregate(s) are then induced to form mesenchymal stem-cell-like cells and aggregates of cardiomyocyte-like stem cells with a medium comprising ?5% serum in a cell-culture treated substrate. The cardiomyocyte-like cells and the mesenchymal stem-cell like cells may be separated to give isolated populations of each cell type. The population of cardiomyocyte-like cells and mesenchymal stem-cell like cells and the isolated population of each cell type may be used for replacing cells.

Abstract: Provided are peptide sequences derived from prostate serum antigen (PSA). The peptides are provided in cyclic and linear form. Methods for using the peptides for inhibition of angiogenesis, such as angiogenesis in a tumor, are provided.