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.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of formula (I), and the use thereof as a drug, particularly for the treatment of tumors associated with hyperactivation of the hedgehog protein signaling pathway, treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, treatment of diseases related to cerebral development (holoprosencephaly), for stem cell monitoring treatment of cerebrovascular accidents and cardiovascular accidents, treatment of diseases involving oligodendrocytes and diseases involving neurolemmocytes, for application thereof in vitro for modulating human or animal stem cell renewal, and for the treatment of diabetes. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions having a compound of formula (I).

Abstract: A novel population of multipotent cardiac precursor (MCP) cells derived from human blastocysts derived stem cells is disclosed, methods for the preparation thereof and use of the cells for in vitro testing. Basement cells derived from hBS cells are also disclosed and method for the preparation of MCP cells from basement cells. The MCP cells have the following characteristics i) at least 1% of the cells exhibit no antigen expression of one or more markers for undifferentiated cell, the marker being selected from the group consisting of SSEA-3, SSEA-4, TRA-1-60, TRA-1-81 and Oct-4, ii) at least 1% of the cells exhibit no protein expression of one or more of a neural marker including nestin or GFAP iii) at least 1% of the cells exhibit protein and/or gene expression of one or more of a mesodermal marker including brachyury, vimentin or desmin iv) at least 1% of the cells exhibit protein and/or gene expression of Flk-1 (KDR). Furthermore, the MCP cells have a characteristic morphology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of isolating and culturing autologous pluripotent stem (aPS) cells. The present invention also provides isolated aPS cells, populations of aPS cells and cultures of aPS cells. Further provided are culture media for expanding aPS cells and methods of culturing aPS cells. The invention also provides for the use of aPS cells, e.g., for diagnostics, drug evaluation and screening, and regenerative medicine.

Abstract: A method for maintaining stem cells in the undifferentiated state by mixing the stem cells with at least one extracellular hemoglobin, globin or globin protomer from annelids.

Abstract: The invention provides cell culture conditions for culturing stem cells, including feeder-free conditions for generating and culturing human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). More particularly, the invention provides a culture platform that allows long-term culture of pluripotent cells in a feeder-free environment; reprogramming of cells in a feeder-free environment; single-cell dissociation of pluripotent cells; cell sorting of pluripotent cells; maintenance of an undifferentiated status; improved efficiency of reprogramming; and generation of a naïve pluripotent cell.

Abstract: Techniques for generating microtissues, including a micro-fabricated platform including at least one micro-well including a plurality of micro-cantilevers coupled thereto and surrounded by a plurality of ridges, each micro-cantilever including a cap at a terminal end thereof. The platform can be immersed in a suspension of cells. The suspension of cells can be driven into at least one micro-well, and the ridges can be de-wetted to remove excess suspension and isolate the suspension of cells in each micro-well. The cells can be driven in the suspension of each micro-well toward a top surface of the suspension, which can be polymerized to form a matrix. The cells can be cultivated to spontaneously compact the matrix such that the micro-cantilevers anchor and constrain the contracting matrix to form a band of microtissue that spans across the micro-cantilevers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies against human collagen II, polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding human collagen II antibodies or fragments thereof, and methods of making and using the foregoing.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a xeno-free and a feeder free self-renewal extracellular matrix for long-term maintenance of undifferentiated Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs) and undifferentiated Human Pluripotent Stem Cells (hPSCs) and a method of synthesizing the same. The extracellular matrix includes a conditioned medium comprising a neurobasal medium, a DMEM/F12 medium, a plurality of additives and a plurality of feeder cells. The plurality of additives are L-glutamine, ?-mercaptoethanol, nonessential amino acids and insulin-transferrin-selenite. The feeder cells are Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDFs). The conditioned medium may be added with a Rho-associated Coiled Kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632. The extracellular matrix is in the form of a gel. The method comprises preparing a conditioned medium and incubating the conditioned medium for 24 hours or 72 hours at 37° C. The method comprises coating a plate with the prepared conditioned medium for 5 min or 15 min.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acids encoding polypeptides that exhibit butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme activity are disclosed, along with molecular criteria for preparing such nucleic acids, including codon optimization. Methods of preparing modified and/or truncated BChE molecules having selected properties, especially selective formation of monomers, are also described. Vectors and cells containing and/or expressing the nucleic acids are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and to the creation of cloned animals and cells. The disclosure relates to a method of cloning a mammal, obtaining pluripotent cells such as embryonic stem cells, or for reprogramming a mammalian cell using an oocyte and a fertilized embryo.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of microstructured membranes, methods of fabricating microstructured membranes, bioreactors housing microstructured membranes, and methods of using bioreactors and microstructured membranes. In some embodiments, the present disclosure allows culturing of cellular tissues in an environment which more accurately resembles a native environment. In some more specific embodiments, the present disclosure allows culturing of tumor cells on a membrane having a microfabricated pattern which mimics a native vasculature system.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated pluripotent adult stem cells which are obtained from exocrine glandular tissue as well as methods of isolating and culturing these pluripotent stem cells.

Abstract: Methods of treating individuals with a glucose metabolism disorder and/or a body weight disorder, and compositions associated therewith, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for inducing an immune response that confers dual protection against infections by either or both of a rabies virus and a filovirus, and/or which can be used therapeutically for an existing infection with rabies virus and/or a filovirus to treat at least one symptom thereof and/or to neutralize or clear the infecting agents. In particular, the present invention provides a recombinant rabies virus vector omprising a nucleotide sequence encoding at least one filovirus glycoprotein or an immunogenic fragment thereof, as well as pharmaceutical compostions comprising the vaccine vectors.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods to induce cell death by methuosis, a non-apoptotic cell death mechanism, to induce vacuolization without cell death, or to induce cell death without vacuolization. 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: Provided herein is a synthetic polymer-based hydrogel for the self-renewal and expansion of human stem cells such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Also provided are methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A method of ex-vivo increasing insulin content in beta cells or stem cells is disclosed. The method comprising contacting the beta cells or stem cells with an agent for downregulating an activity or expression of miR-7, thereby increasing the insulin content in the beta cells or stem cells.

Abstract: Formulations and methods are disclosed for the harvesting and subsequent passaging of human pluripotent stem cells without the use of enzymes and/or scraping to dislodge cells from cell culture vessels. The formulations and methods permit the harvesting of cells as large clusters from the surface of various cell culture vessels including multilayer cell culture vessels. Further, the formulations and methods provide high yields of harvested cells for subsequent passaging and high post-harvest cell viability. Pluripotent stem cells passaged with the formulations according to the methods remain undifferentiated and express typical stem cell markers, while, at the same time, they retain the differentiation capability and are able to differentiate into the cells in all three germ layers and generate teratomas, even after numerous rounds of harvesting and passaging. These hPSCs also maintain normal karyo-type after passaged with the formulations for extended period of time.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions comprising decellularized bone marrow extracellular matrix and uses thereof. Methods for repairing or regenerating defective, diseased, damaged or ischemic tissues or organs in a subject, preferably a human, using the decellularized bone marrow extracellular matrix of the invention are also provided. The invention is further directed to a medical device, preferably a stent or an artificial heart, and biocompatible materials, preferably a tissue regeneration scaffold, comprising decellularized bone marrow extracellular matrix for implantation into a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mechanically elongated neurons and provides useful compositions, devices and methods for treating a nerve lesion using such mechanically elongated neurons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medicine and is used to evaluate conditions and to detect connective tissue pathology (and/or organ) by clonal analysis. The present invention relates to aesthetic medicine and is used for correction of aging skin changes. The method includes: cultivation of substrate-dependent cell colonies of analyzed tissue and/or organ, at conditions which provide formation of discrete colonies applicable for visualization, statistically reliable analysis of derived colonies, determination of at least one parameter which characterizes regenerative potential of population of substrate dependent cells, determination of at least one parameter which characterizes proliferative potential of population of substrate dependent cells, and processing of obtained results which allows to evaluate regenerative ability of patient's tissue and/or organ.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel rationale and methods for identifying human and primate taste-specific genes, including genes involved in salty taste perception, especially human salty taste perception, but also genes involved in sweet, bitter, umami, and sour taste perception, and genes involved in other taste cell or taste receptor related activities such as digestive function and digestive related diseases, taste cell turnover, immunoregulation of the oral and digestive tract, and metabolic regulation such as in diabetes and obesity, the genes identified using these methods, and assays for identifying taste modulators (enhancers or blockers) and potential therapeutics using these genes. These compounds have potential application in modulating (enhancing or blocking) taste perception, especially salty taste perception and as potential therapeutics.

Abstract: The invention provides T cell receptors (TCRs) having antigenic specificity for a cancer antigen, e.g., tyrosinase. Also provided are related polypeptides, proteins, nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, isolated host cells, populations of cells, and pharmaceutical compositions. The invention further provides a method of detecting the presence of cancer in a host and a method of treating or preventing cancer in a host using the inventive TCRs or related materials.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for effecting phenotype conversion in a cell by transfecting the cell with phenotype-converting nucleic acid. Expression of the nucleic acids results in a phenotype conversion in the transfected cell. Preferably the phenotype-converting nucleic acid is a transcriptome, and more preferably an mRNA transcriptome.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods of delivering living cells in a dry mode, wherein the compositions include a surface layer disposed on the outer surface of the composition that is permeable to carbon dioxide and oxygen. The compositions may be used to deliver living cells to a delivery point without the use of expensive refrigerants such as dry ice or liquid nitrogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubule forming platform and an in vitro cardiovascular model for use in pharmacological studies. Furthermore, the invention relates to methods for the preparation said platform and model, and to a method of determining a biological activity of a test substance in said platform and cardiovascular model. Still further, the invention relates to an implantable cardiac structure for use in the treatment of cardiac disorders.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention for regenerating defective or absent myocardium comprise an emulsified or injectable extracellular matrix composition. The composition may also include an extracellular matrix scaffold component of any formulation, and further include added cells, proteins, or other components to optimize the regenerative process and restore cardiac function.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provides methods for preparing and using adipose-tissue-derived stem and progenitor cells, adipose-tissue-derived lymphatic endothelial cells, and cells capable of differentiating into lymphatic endothelial cells to treat disorders of the lymphatic system and to modulate expansion, repair, and/or regeneration of the lymphatic system. The invention further provides using adipose-tissue-derived lymphatic endothelial cells and cells capable of differentiating into lymphatic endothelial cells for delivery of therapeutic agents to tumor cells as a means for treating malignant disease, and assays to screen for drugs that modulate lymphatic system expansion, repair or regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to promote the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage that co-express PDX1, NKX6.1, but do not express CDX2 and NGN3.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention for regenerating defective or absent myocardium comprise an emulsified or injectable extracellular matrix composition. The composition may also include an extracellular matrix scaffold component of any formulation, and further include added cells, proteins, or other components to optimize the regenerative process and restore cardiac function.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to promote the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into insulin producing cells. In particular, the present invention provides a method to produce cells capable of producing insulin following transplantation into an animal.

Abstract: A transgene for endowing human quiescent cells from primary cultures with exogenously inducible telomere length homeostasis and cell cycle traverse is described. The transgene includes at least three promoter sequences; a G1-specific RNA interference sequence which is operably linked downstream of a first promoter sequence; a telomere length maintenance gene sequence which is operably linked downstream to a second promoter sequence; a Scaffold/Matrix attachment region (S/MAR) element positioned downstream in frame with said telomere length maintenance gene sequence and an exogenously-inducible transcriptional regulation system. The transgene is useful to immortalize human quiescent cells from primary cultures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for metabolic evolution of a variant of a natural small aromatic molecule product of a metabolic pathway, by somatic in vivo assembly and recombination of said metabolic pathway employing a gene mosaic of at least one gene A, which comprises a) in a single step procedure (i) transforming a cell with at least one gene A having a sequence homology of less than 99.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of producing intestinal cells by use of pluripotent stem cells as a starting material. According to the present invention, provided is a method of producing intestinal cells, comprising the steps of: (A) inducing differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into definitive endoderm cells; and (B) culturing the definitive endoderm cells in the presence of (2?Z,3?E)-6-bromoindirubin-3?-oxime (BIO) and N-[(3,5-difluorophenyl)acetyl]-L-Ala-2-phenyl-L-Gly-tert-butyl-OH (DAPT) to thereby induce differentiation of the definitive endoderm cells into intestinal cells.

Abstract: A method of differentiating adult stem cells, such as those derived from a teratocarcinoma cell line, the Ntera2/D1 clone (NT2). The developed cells exhibit a stable neurotransmitter phenotype without the required use of growth factors or retinoic acid in differentiation process, which may be difficult to completely remove during commercial production. An identification of specific neurotransmitters is possible in these differentiated NT2-derived neurons (NT2-N) after 30 days in culture or 30 days survival in vivo. The invention includes a method to stably differentiate neuronal stem/precursor cells to a neuronal phenotype for use in cell replacement therapy for neurodegenerative disease, stroke or spinal cord injury. At least four different types of neurons are produced from this method of differentiation: dopaminergic, cholinergic, GABAergic and glutaminergic.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds S3I-201.1066 (Formula 1) and S3I-201.2096 (Formula 2) as selective Stat3 binding agents that block Stat3 association with cognate receptor pTyr motifs, Stat3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, Stat3 transcriptional function, and consequently induced Stat3-specific antitumor cell effects in vitro and antitumor response in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of modifying gene expression and to synthetic genes for modifying endogenous gene expression in a cell, tissue or organ of a transgenic organism, in particular a transgenic animal or plant. More particularly, the present invention utilizes recombinant DNA technology to post-transcriptionally modify or modulate the expression of a target gene in a cell, tissue organ or whole organism, thereby producing novel phenotypes. Novel synthetic genes and genetic constructs which are capable of repressing delaying or otherwise reducing the expression of an endogenous gene or target gene in an organism when introduced thereto are also provided.

Abstract: A method for reprogramming a fibroblast into a human induced neuronal cell (hIN) is described. The method comprises expressing heterologous reprogramming factors Bm2, Myt11, Zic1, Olig2, Asc11 or any combination thereof, in said fibroblast, and culturing the fibroblast in a medium comprising BDNF, NT3, GeM or any combination thereof. Biomarkers describing the obtained hiN cells are also presented. In another aspect, methods for screening compounds using the hiN cells is described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cell cultures comprising PDX1-positive endoderm cells and methods of producing the same. Also disclosed herein are cell populations comprising substantially purified PDX1-positive endoderm cells as well as methods for enriching, isolating and purifying PDX1-positive endoderm cells from other cell types. Methods of identifying differentiation factors capable of promoting the differentiation of endoderm cells, such as PDX1-positive foregut endoderm cells and PDX1-negative definitive endoderm cells, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cell cultures comprising expanded definitive endoderm cells as well as methods for expanding definitive endoderm cells in culture.

Abstract: The invention relates to phosphatases and more in specific to (genetically) modified phosphatases, pharmaceutical compositions comprising (genetically) modified phosphatases and the use of (genetically) modified phosphatases for treating or curing for example sepsis, inflammatory bowel disease or other inflammatory diseases, or renal failure. The invention further relates to a method for producing phosphatases.

Abstract: The methods and compositions described herein are based, in part, on the discovery of a stem cell state in human cells that resembles the morphology observed in murine-derived stem cells. Induction of such a state in human stem cells permits an increase in the efficiency of homologous recombination. Thus, the methods and compositions described herein relate to cells and methods for increasing the efficiency of homologous recombination in human stem cells.

Abstract: Pluripotent human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) hold great potential for restoring tissue and organ function, which has been hindered by inefficiency and instability of generating desired cell types through multi-lineage differentiation. This instant invention is based on the discovery that pluripotent hESCs maintained under defined culture conditions can be uniformly converted into a specific lineage by small molecule induction. Retinoic acid induces specification of neuroectoderm direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs and triggers progression to neuronal progenitors and neurons efficiently. Similarly, nicotinamide induces specification of cardiomesoderm direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs and triggers progression to cardiac precursors and cardiomyocytes efficiently. This technology provides a large supply of clinically-suitable human neuronal or cardiac therapeutic products for CNS or myocardium repair.

Abstract: Provided are humanized anti-CD40 antibodies and antigen-binding fragments and methods for treating disease characterized by expression of CD40 antigen.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cell cultures comprising PDX1-positive endoderm cells and methods of producing the same. Also disclosed herein are cell populations comprising substantially purified PDX1-positive endoderm cells as well as methods for enriching, isolating and purifying PDX1-positive endoderm cells from other cell types. Methods of identifying differentiation factors capable of promoting the differentiation of endoderm cells, such as PDX1-positive foregut endoderm cells and PDX1-negative definitive endoderm cells, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to variants and fusions of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), variants and fusions of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), fusions of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and/or fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), and variants or fusions of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and/or fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) proteins and peptide sequences (and peptidomimetics), having one or more activities, such as glucose lowering activity, and methods for and uses in treatment of hyperglycemia and other disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides, among other things, methods and compositions for expanding stem cells. The invention further provides methods, devices and systems for directing differentiation of expanded stem cells. The invention further provides methods, devices and systems for treating a subject with differentiated cells in a subject in need thereof.

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.