Abstract: Osteochondral graft composition comprising a cartilage component and a bone component, and further comprising one or more perforations in the bone component and/or the cartilage component, are provided. Methods of manufacturing and using osteochondral graft compositions comprising one or more perforations in the bone component and/or the cartilage component are also provided.

Abstract: Invented is a method of treating degenerative diseases/injuries, in a mammal, including a human, in need thereof which comprises the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a non-peptide TPO receptor agonist to such mammal.

Abstract: A human immature endocrine cell population and methods for making an immature endocrine cell population are provided. Specifically, immature beta cells and methods for production of immature beta cells are described. Immature beta cells co-express INS and NKX6.1 and are uni-potent and thereby develop into mature beta cells when implanted in vivo. The mature beta cells in vivo are capable of producing insulin in response to glucose stimulation.

Abstract: The invention provides expression vectors and host cells for high-level expression of recombinant proteins. The expression vectors comprise Chinese hamster ovary elongation factor 1-? (CHEF1) transcriptional regulatory DNA elements and a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter and/or a human adenovirus tripartite leader (AdTPL) sequence. The invention achieves increased protein expression and better productivity of host cells compared to previously described expression systems.

Abstract: The described invention provides an ex vivo dynamic multiple myeloma (MM) cancer niche contained in a microfluidic device. The dynamic MM cancer niche includes (a) a three-dimensional tissue construct containing a dynamic ex vivo bone marrow (BM) niche, which contains a mineralized bone-like tissue containing viable osteoblasts self-organized into cohesive multiple cell layers and an extracellular matrix secreted by the viable adherent osteoblasts; and a microenvironment dynamically perfused by nutrients and dissolved gas molecules; and (b) human myeloma cells seeded from a biospecimen composition comprising mononuclear cells and the multiple myeloma cells. The human myeloma cells are in contact with osteoblasts of the BM niche, and the viability of the human myeloma cells is maintained by the MM cancer niche.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for isolation of a stem-cell derived differentiated cell, which method entails illuminating an incident light onto a plurality of stem-cell derived cells that comprise at least an undifferentiated cell and a differentiated cell possessing a noncentrosymmetric structure, wherein the differentiated cell generates second-harmonic light from the incident light; and isolating the differentiated cell identified by the second-harmonic light. Devices for carrying out the methods are also provided.

Abstract: The current disclosure provides a method for the creation of a high-density cryopreserved cell bank using perfusion culture techniques and non-centrifugal concentration of cells. Methods of production using this high-density cryopreserved cell bank are also provided.

Abstract: The present application relates to an adaptable cell culture system that allows the application of mechanical strain to cells in culture through the displacement of a stretchable cell culture substrate. The system can apply dynamically heterogeneous strains to simulate the complex in vivo strain profiles on cultured cells, the strains including simulation of physiologic waveform such as a simulation of normal or diseased physiological biphasic stretch of the cardiac cycle, a simulation of normal or diseased physiological arterial waveform, or a cyclic mechanical strain. The system is modular and compatible with commercially available cell culture plate formats and robotic liquid handling devices. The system has a variety of applications including screening compounds for cardio toxicity or therapeutic activity, and identifying drug target, all using cell culture under the mechanical strain applied by the system.

Abstract: A family of novel feline bitter taste receptors, referred to as feline TAS2R (fTAS2R), are disclosed herein. Isolated polynucleotides encoding the novel feline bitter taste receptors and chimeric polypeptides are also disclosed, as are expression vectors and host cells for expression of the novel feline bitter taste receptors. Methods of identifying compounds that bind to the novel feline bitter taste receptors and modulate their activity are disclosed.

Abstract: Chondrocytes and compositions including chondrocytes produced via methods that do not require the formation of embryoid bodies are disclosed herein. The cells and compositions disclosed herein are suitable for use in treating osteoarthritis and other cartilage disorders or injury, as well as for tissue regeneration, particularly cartilage regeneration.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) comprising a) an antigen binding domain of HA22, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular T cell signaling domain; or b) an antigen binding domain of BL22, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular T cell signaling domain comprising CD28 and/or CD137. Nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, populations of cells, antibodies, or antigen binding portions thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions relating to the CARs are disclosed. Methods of detecting the presence of cancer in a mammal and methods of treating or preventing cancer in a mammal are also disclosed.

Abstract: A human cell line for implementing a method for preparing recombinant human factor H, more particularly the recombinant human factor H represented by the sequence SEQ ID NO: 1, or a variant possessing a percentage homology of at least 99% with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 1, with a yield greater than the quantity of endogenous factor H produced by said cell line.

Abstract: The present invention is related generally to embryonic-like stem cells isolated from adult human peripheral blood, designated herein as peripheral blood-stem cells (PB-SC), which display the characteristics of embryonic stem cells and hematopoietic cells. These cells have the capability of proliferation and are able to differentiate to other types of cells. These cells are, therefore, suitable for use in stem cell-based therapies, particularly autologous stem cell therapies, for the treatment of various diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, spinal cord damage, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disease, stroke and birth defects.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods useful for treating wounds and enhancing wound healing, particularly for diabetic wound healing. One embodiment provides a method of treating a wound comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of adipose tissue derived stem cells to treat said wound, wherein the cells are cultured in the absence of serum prior to the administration to said subject. Another embodiment provides a method of treating a wound comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of adipose tissue derived stem cells to treat said wound, wherein the cells are cultured to induce the formation of at least one self-organizing mesenchymal blastema (SOMB) prior to the administration to said subject, wherein said SOMB is formed by culturing adipose tissue derived stem cells in hanging droplets.

Abstract: In accordance with some preferred embodiments, without limitation, the present invention comprises compositions, methods and systems for preparation of stem-cell enriched cell populations from sources of biological materials by sorting cell types in relation to size.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing pluripotent cells that are free of the risk of cellular canceration and that can be applied to regenerative medicine with a high degree of safety. The present invention provides a method for producing pluripotent cells from somatic cells comprising a step of bringing bacteria having fermentation ability or a component or secretory product thereof into contact with somatic cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for establishing and maintaining growth of cells and embryonic tissue on a synthetic polymer matrix. For example, the present invention provides synthetic growth matrices for stem cells, gametes, mature differentiated cells, and embryonic tissue (e.g., blastomeres, embryos, and embryoid bodies). In certain embodiments, the cells are capable of going through multiple passages while remaining in an undifferentiated state as a result of the synthetic polymer matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polynucleotides that can serve as translation enhancing elements and their use in protein expression reagents and methods.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the treatment of stroke comprising administering to a stroke victim placental stem cells, populations of cells comprising placental stem cells, and/or compositions comprising placental stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene transfer vector (GTV) and in particular to an integrating gene transfer vector (IGTV), which comprises at least one genetic insulator element (GIE), wherein the each comprises at least two copies of an element selected from the group consisting of: a CTF binding site; a first CTCF binding site and a second CTCF binding site, wherein the first and the second CTCF binding sites are derived from the regulatory sequences of different genes.

Abstract: Methods for expanding proliferating populations of neuronal subtype-specific progenitors are provided herein. In particular, the present invention provides methods for maintaining the unique gene profile and differentiation potential of neuronal subtype-specific progenitors, such as motor neuron progenitors and hindbrain serotonergic neural progenitors.

Abstract: The one aspect of the present invention aims to provide a novel cloning method for human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), which method is based on culture of dispersed single cells without addition of an apoptotic agent. More specifically, the one aspect of the present invention aims to provide a cloning method for hESCs and hiPSCs based on culture of dispersed single cells utilizing shear stress. The above problem is solved by providing a method for culturing dispersed single pluripotent cells, wherein the dispersed single cells are cultured under laminar flow conditions.

Abstract: The invention describes specific sialylated structures present on human stem cells and cell populations derived thereof. The invention is especially directed to methods to control the status of stem cells by observing changes in sialylation of the cells; and control of potential contaminations of biological materials; and reagents and methods used in connection with the cells in order to avoid alterations of the cell glycosylation by contaminating materials. The invention is further directed to novel stem cells, the glycosylation of which has been specifically altered.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for preventing, reducing, delaying or inhibiting the proliferation and/or growth and/or metastasis of lung cancers and prostate cancer that express or overexpress CD22 by contacting the lung cancer cell or prostate cancer cell with an antigen binding molecule that binds to CD22 expressed on the surface of the cancer cell.

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of recombinant gene engineering. It concerns novel introns and compositions comprising such introns as well as a method to improve expression of polypeptides from nucleic acids such as cloned genes with heterologous introns, especially genes encoding antibodies and antibody derived fragments, and the production of various polypeptides in eukaryotic host cells using said novel intron sequences as heterologous introns.

Abstract: Mesenchymal stem cells which express TNF-? receptor Type I in an amount of at least 13 pg/106 cells. Such mesenchymal stem cells inhibit the proliferation of lymphocytes and may be employed, in particular, in the treatment of graft-versus-host disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of evaluating whether a compound is effective in activating a calcium-calmodulin dependent kinase II? promoter in a human neuronal cell which comprises: (a) contacting the human neuronal cell which has been stably transformed by a recombinant nucleic acid molecule comprising a gene of interest operatively linked to a nucleic acid encoding a calcium-calmodulin dependent kinase II? promoter which has a nucleotide sequence of the promoter in ATCC Accession No. 98582 with the compound, and (b) comparing the expression level of the gene of interest in the neuronal cell in step (a) with the level in the neuronal cell in the absence of the compound, thereby determining whether the compound is effective in activating the calcium-calmodulin dependent kinase II? promoter.

Abstract: There are provided a DNA construct comprising a suppressor tRNA gene of a non-eukaryote containing no internal promoter functioning in a eukaryotic cell, and a eukaryotic or bacteriophage promoter linked at the 5? end of the tRNA gene, a method for synthesizing a suppressor tRNA by using the DNA construct, and a process for producing protein incorporating a non-natural amino acid by using the same.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for generating pancreatic progenitor cells, insulin producing cells or endoderm cells using embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of preparing aggregated pluripotent stem cell clusters for differentiation.

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 cellular model is described that targets dysregulation or inappropriate activation of the Sonic Hedgehog/Patched (SHH/PTCH) pathway. Also described, is a screening method using this cellular model to screen for pharmacological compounds that can treat or prevent skin cancer, in particular, Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) lesions.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the production of stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, and for uses thereof.

Abstract: Cells derived from human umbilical cords are disclosed along with methods for their therapeutic use. Isolation techniques, culture methods and detailed characterization of the cells with respect to their cell surface markers, gene expression, and their secretion of trophic factors are described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of generating neural stem cells from differentiated somatic cells. The present disclosure also provides induced neural stem cells generated using a subject method, as well as differentiated cells generated from a subject induced neural stem cell. A subject neural stem cell, as well as differentiated cells derived from a subject neural stem cell, is useful in various applications, which are also provided in the present disclosure.

Abstract: The present inventors discovered that genes could be introduced specifically into trophectodermal cells with high efficiency, by infecting blastocysts with viral vectors carrying an arbitrary polynucleotide, or by using a nucleic acid transfection reagent in blastocysts, from which zona pellucida (extracellular matrix covering preimplantation early embryos to protect them from infection of viruses and the like) is removed. This method has no risk of infecting cells of the inner cell mass, which develops into a fetus in the future, with the introduced polynucleotide because the trophectoderm serves as a barrier. The present invention provides methods for introducing foreign genes into only placenta but not fetus, which enables rescue of genetically mutant animals from embryonic lethality due to placental abnormality and allows their birth. Furthermore, it is possible to analyze expression and effect of genes that regulate placental formation or placental function by using these methods.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods for automated culture of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) such as human ESCs. In some aspects, methods of the invention employ optimized culture media and limited proteolytic treatment of cells to separate cell clusters for expansion. Automated systems for passage and expansion of ESCs are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for treating Alzheimer's disease, or the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, are provided. Some embodiments are to methods for treatment comprising administering cells obtained from human umbilical cord tissue, or administering pharmaceutical compositions comprising such cells or prepared from such cells, such as cell derivatives. Some embodiments are to methods for treatment comprising hUTC. Pharmaceutical compositions for use in the inventive methods, as well as kits for practicing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making an insulin-producing cell derived from an endometrial stromal stem cell (ESSC). The invention includes the progeny of ESSC, including any cell type generated during the differentiation of ESSC towards cells that produce insulin and exhibit cell markers characteristic of insulin producing cells. The cells of the invention can be used to treat various diseases such as diabetes type I, diabetes type II and gestational diabetes.

Abstract: A system for the high-throughput screening of mechanical properties of cells and/or particles is provided. In certain embodiments the system comprises a first structure comprising a plurality of sample receiving wells; a second structure comprising a plurality of exit ports; a porous structure disposed between said plurality of sample receiving wells and said plurality of exit ports and in communication with said plurality of sample receiving wells and in communication with said plurality of exit ports, and said first structure, said second structure and said porous structure are sealed or configured such that when sufficient pressure is applied to sample receiving wells in said first structure said cells or particles migrate through the porous structure into said exit ports, and wherein the mean or the median pore size of said porous structure is smaller than the mean or median cross-section of a cell or particle that is to be screened.

Abstract: Provided is a method for increasing proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells. The method entails contacting the cells with 6-bromoindirubin-3?-oxime (BIO). This results in robust proliferation and “sternness” in a dose-dependent fashion, as indicated by the gene expression of two stem cell genes: Sox2 and Nanog.

Abstract: The following disclosure provides compositions and methods for the repairing of a diseased or disordered retina, for example, in patients suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a pseudotyped viral vector particle for transferring biological material into cells, wherein said vector particle comprises at least:—a chimeric envelope glycoprotein which comprises or consists in a fusion of the transmembrane and extracellular domain of a baboon endogenous retrovirus (BaEV) envelope glycoprotein and the cytoplasmic tail domain of a murine leukemia virus (MLV) envelope glycoprotein; or—a modified BaEV envelope glycoprotein wherein the cytoplasmic tail domain is devoid of the fusion inhibitory R peptide.

Abstract: A cellular model is described that targets dysregulation or inappropriate activation of the Sonic Hedgehog/Patched (SHH/PTCH) pathway. Also described, is a screening method using this cellular model to screen for pharmacological compounds that can treat or prevent skin cancer, in particular, Basal Cell Carcinoma, (BCC) lesions.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel nucleotides sequences, protein sequences, immunogenic compositions, vaccines, and methods that relate to making and using new porcine parvovirus 5B (PPV5B) that infects, inter alia, domestic swine. The compositions and methods provide for the detection of infections by said new virus, monitoring genetic changes in the viral sequences in wild and domestic animals and herds, and making and using novel vaccines for protecting animals from infection by the virus.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated nucleic acid having a sequence encoding a spermidine/spermine acetyltransferase (“SSAT”), wherein translation of an mRNA comprising the encoded SSAT has increased basal translation and increased stimulated translation, compared to a wild-type mRNA encoding SSAT. Methods of use for the nucleic acid are also provided. Methods and compositions are also provided for reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury in organs or tissue for transplantation.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and related compositions for inducing differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into hemogenic endothelium with pan-myeloid potential or restricted potential, by forced expression in the hPSCs of a combination of transcription factors as described herein.

Abstract: A method of treating a mammalian subject afflicted with a disease characterized by a loss of protein function caused by a genetic abnormality associated with the disease comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a protein phosphatase 2A inhibitor or a histone deacetylase inhibitor.

Abstract: Immunocompatible pluripotent stem cells (pSCs), which include cells compatible with different patient populations or patient-specific cells, find wide application in regenerative medicine therapies. Described herein are immunocompatible pSCs generated using techniques such as parthenogenesis resulting in cells possessing desired haplotypes of reduced zygosity, antigenically compatible with multiple patient populations, or nuclear transfer allowing generation of patient-specific cells. Methods described herein related to parthenogenesis, nuclear transfer, or pSC cell line generation. Also described herein are compositions of immunocompatible pSCs and cell lines generated by the aforementioned techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates in essence to a compound which decreases or inhibits the binding of mammalian T-cells to mammalian endothelial cells for use in a method of prophylaxis and/or amelioration and/or treatment of clinical adverse events caused by therapy which comprises re-directing of T-cells against target cells in a patient. Methods of treatment of patients having or being at risk of clinical adverse events caused by therapy which comprises re-directing of T-cells against target cells are also contemplated.