Abstract: System and method includes a body having a central microchannel separated by one or more porous membranes. The membranes are configured to divide the central microchannel into a two or more parallel central microchannels, wherein one or more first fluids are applied through the first central microchannel and one or more second fluids are applied through the second or more central microchannels. The surfaces of each porous membrane can be coated with cell adhesive molecules to support the attachment of cells and promote their organization into tissues on the upper and lower surface of the membrane. The pores may be large enough to only permit exchange of gases and small chemicals, or to permit migration and transchannel passage of large proteins and whole living cells. Fluid pressure, flow and channel geometry also may be varied to apply a desired mechanical force to one or both tissue layers.

Abstract: In certain embodiments methods are provided for inducing and/or restoring and/or maintaining a non-senescent phenotype, or aspects thereof (e.g., proliferative capacity and/or pluripotency) in a mammalian cell. The methods typically involve reducing the level or activity of SINE/Alu retrotransposon transcripts in the cell in an amount sufficient to induce or restore proliferative capacity and/or pluripotency to said mammalian cell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for identifying compounds for the treatment of viral infection, including RNA viral infection and uses of the compounds as pharmaceutical compositions. The identified compounds modulate the RIG-I pathway in vertebrate cells.

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: Provided are an ORF7 deficient varicella virus, an vaccine comprising the virus and use thereof, as well as a method for the production the virus.

Abstract: A fibrous structure comprising an assembly of hair follicle cells within a fibrous matrix.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to multipotent stem cell-based research tools. More particularly, the present invention relates to culture systems and 3-dimensional tissue models that may be used for identifying agents useful for treating diseases and conditions and that are suitable for high throughput screening applications. This present invention is based, in part, on the discovery of a method for propagating multipotent stem cells from human skin fibroblasts and subsequently differentiating those multipotent stem cells into cells of any of the three germ layers.

Abstract: Endothelial cells are detected in a blood sample by enriching the endothelial cells from the blood sample followed by performing on the enriched endothelial cells an immunoassay capable of detecting antigens expressed by the endothelial cells. The immunoassay is capable of detecting antigen expressed from 300 endothelial cells per milliliter of blood. The method can be used for assaying mature circulating endothelial cells or circulating endothelial progenitor cells.

Abstract: Personalized skin-specific topical formulations containing conditioned medium obtained from cultures of fibroblasts has been developed. Unlike other topical formulations, these formulations are specific for the recipient-skin type specific, and conditioned medium is obtained from a subject with desired skin characteristics. For example, since African American skin is known to wrinkle less and later than Caucasian skin, conditioned medium may be obtained from African American skin for application to pale skin. In another embodiment, the fibroblasts are obtained from young skin for administration to older skin. In still another embodiment, the fibroblasts are obtained from skin that does not suffer from acne or discoloration, for application to skin that is prone to acne or discoloration. Examples of skin donor selection criteria include delayed wrinkling, small pores, resistance to sunburn, resistance to acne, uniform coloration or lack of blotching or age spots and good moisture retention.

Abstract: Dosage units consist of an autologous cell therapy product composed of fibroblasts grown for each individual to be treated. The suspension of autologous fibroblasts, grown from a biopsy of each individual's own skin using current good manufacturing practices (CGMP), and standard tissue culture procedures, is supplied in vials containing cryopreserved fibroblasts or precursors thereof, having a purity of at least 98% fibroblasts and a viability of at least 85%, for administration of from one to six mL, preferably two mL, of cells at a concentration of from 1.0-2.0×107 cells/mL. When injected into the nasolabial fold wrinkles (creases on the sides of the nose that extend to the corners of the mouth), the autologous fibroblasts are thought to increase the synthesis of extracellular matrix components, including collagen, reducing the severity of these wrinkles. Dosage and timing of administration have been demonstrated to be critical to achieving clinically significant outcomes.

Abstract: Described herein are isolated paramyxovirus, a morbillivirus (FmoPV), isolated nucleic acids encoding the genome of FmoPV, isolated amino acid sequences of FmoPV proteins, antibodies to FmoPV and its proteins, and uses thereof. In certain embodiments, the modified FmoPV is a feline morbillivirus. Also described herein is a recombinant FmoPV comprising a modified FmoPV gene or gene segments and the use of such a virus. The recombinant FmoPV may be used in the prevention and/or treatment of diseases related to FmoPV or as a delivery vector. Also described herein is a diagnostic assay for the FmoPV. In certain embodiments, the FmoPV causes kidney disease. In certain embodiments, the kidney disease is in felines. In certain embodiments, the kidney disease is tubulointerstitial nephritis (“TIN”). Also described herein is a quantitative assay for the detection of the FmoPV, natural or artificial variants, analogs, or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of detecting viable epithelial cells in a sample. The method includes isolating the sample comprising cells from a patient and culturing the cells for a time sufficient for an epithelial cell-specific marker to be released from the cells. The marker includes a substantially full-length cytokeratin. The method further includes detecting the released marker. Detection of the marker indicates the presence of disseminated epithelial cells. Methods are also directed to identifying disseminated epithelial tumor cells.

Abstract: Use of the antimicrobial cathelicidin peptide II-37, N-terminal fragments of LL-37 or extended sequences of LL-37 having 1-3 amino acids in the C-terminal end, for stimulating proliferation of epithelial and stromal cells and thereby healing of wounds, such as chronic ulcers. The cytotoxic effect of LL-37 may be reduced by including a bilayer-forming polar lipid, especially a digalactosyldiacylglycerol, in pharmaceutical compositions and growth media comprising LL-37.

Abstract: A method for modulating cell differentiation capabilities using heterologous gene expression. Some embodiments of the invention relate to a method for inducing a cardiac progenitor cell by delivering a reprogramming factor to the cell, wherein the reprogramming factor comprises ETS2 or a combination of ETS2 and Mesp1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retinal pigment epithelial stem cell isolated from a posterior region of the retinal pigment epithelium of an adult mammal. The invention also relates to a method of inducing differentiation of retinal epithelial stem and progenitor cells in vitro, wherein the cells of the invention are highly plastic, multipotential stem cells. The invention also includes methods for the treatment of retinal diseases and vision loss involving the transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial stem cells or cells differentiated from retinal pigment epithelial stem cells to the retina of a patient in need of treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides tumor cell preparations for use as models of the EMT process for use in the identification of anti-cancer agents, wherein said tumor cell preparations comprise cells of the epithelial tumor cell line H1650, which are stimulated by receptor ligands to induce EMT, or which have been engineered to inducibly express a protein that stimulates EMT. The present invention also provides methods of identifying potential anti-cancer agents by using such tumor cell preparations to identify agents that inhibit EMT, stimulate MET, or inhibit the growth of mesenchymal-like cells. Such agents should be particularly useful when used in conjunction with other anti-cancer drugs such as EGFR and IGF-1R kinase inhibitors, which appear to be less effective at inhibiting tumor cells that have undergone an EMT.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of culturing mammalian taste cells, including taste receptor cells. Cells are maintained for a duration of up to three months and longer while maintaining molecular and functional characteristics of mature taste cells. The cells are cultured on coated cell culture vessels and, from first replacement of medium onwards, the medium is replaced in intervals of at least 5 days. The invention further provides isolation and culturing methods of taste cells wherein the time that the cells are exposed to isolation solution and proteolytic enzymes is minimized and the cells are cultured in coated culture vessels with the medium replaced in intervals of at least 5 days from first replacement onwards. The invention further provides cultured taste cells, transfection and assay methods, and taste cell assay buffers with an osmolarity of about 300-320 and pH of about 7.0-7.3.

Abstract: Disclosed are fusion proteins comprising a RAGE polypeptide, wherein the RAGE polypeptide comprises a fragment of a mammalian wild type RAGE peptide and at least one point mutation in the RAGE polypeptide portion of the fusion protein relative to the wild type RAGE peptide. The point mutation may remove and/or alter a glycosylation site or an enzyme cleavage site. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding such proteins as well as methods of using such proteins for treating RAGE-mediated pathologies.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for identifying compounds that are inhibitors of a calcium-activated chloride channel. Aminothiophene and aminothiazole compounds, and compositions comprising these compounds, described herein that inhibit efflux of chloride through a calcium-activated chloride channel are useful for treating diseases, disorders, and sequelae of diseases, disorders, and conditions that are associated with aberrantly increased chloride and fluid secretion, for example, secretory diarrhea.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intestinal primary epithelial cell system for detecting gastrointestinal segment-specific activation or suppression of a Toll-like receptor (TLR) by a target agent. The cell system includes an isolated human intestinal primary epithelial cell (HIPEC) line that expresses at least one TLR, where the HIPEC line is derived from a differentiable adult human gastrointestinal stem cell (ahGISC) line. Also disclosed are various methods of using the cell system, a kit that includes the cell system, and an isolated cell culture including an isolated HIPEC line derived from a differentiable ahGISC line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or/and treatment of an influenza virus infection.

Abstract: Methods for de-differentiating or altering the life-span of desired “recipient” cells, e.g., human somatic cells, by the introduction of cytoplasm from a more primitive, less differentiated cell type, e.g., oocyte or blastomere are provided. These methods can be used to produce embryonic stem cells and to increase the efficiency of gene therapy by allowing for desired cells to be subjected to multiple genetic modifications without becoming senescent. Such cytoplasm may be fractionated and/or subjected to subtractive hybridization and the active materials (sufficient for de-differentiation) identified and produced by recombinant methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preventing or repairing damage to a fetal membrane. In one embodiment, the method comprises contacting a fetal membrane with a composition comprising a four-armed catechol-terminated polyethylene glycol (cPEG) and a biocompatible oxidant. In one embodiment, the four-armed cPEG and the biocompatible oxidant are initially contained in separate solutions, and the solutions are mixed to form the composition just prior to or at the same time that the composition contacts the fetal membrane.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for endogenously tagging an endogenous protein in a cell, and a cell comprising an endogenously tagged protein. Also described are cells produced using such a method and a kit comprising a cell having tagged endogenous protein.

Abstract: The invention discloses a cell culture medium, human epidermis-derived mesenchymal stem cell-like pluripotent cells and a preparation method thereof. The culture medium is formed by adding fetal bovine serum, hbFGF, hSCF, non-essential amino acids, L-glutamine and gentamicin into a DMEM culture medium with the glucose content of 0.5-5 g/L, wherein every 100 mL of the final culture medium contains 10-25% by volume percent of fetal bovine serum, 100-4000 ng of the hbFGF, 10-2000 ng of hSCF, 0.1-2 mL of 100× non-essential amino acids, 0.1-2 mL of PBS solution containing 3% by mass percent of L-glutamine and 1000-8000 U of gentamicin. A human epidermis-derived mesenchymal stem cell-like pluripotent cell strain is prepared by culturing human epidermal cells in the culture medium, digesting with digestive juice, removing undigested human epidermal cells, collecting digested mesenchymal stem cell-like cells and performing in-vitro culture and passage.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for monitoring cellular signal transduction events. In particular, signal transduction events may be monitored by the use of biosensors comprising protein-binding domains, which bind signal-transduction proteins, and fluorescent proteins. Provided herein, therefore, methods for detecting activation of signal transduction proteins or screening for agents that modulate the activity of signal transduction proteins. Also provided are cells comprising the biosensors; lentiviral particles comprising biosensor coding sequence; and kits comprising the lentiviral particles.

Abstract: This invention relates to multipotent stem cells, purified from the peripheral tissue of mammals, and capable of differentiating into neural and non-neural cell types. These stem cells provide an accessible source for autologous transplantation into CNS, PNS, and other damaged tissues.

Abstract: The invention relates to a set of genetic constructs which comprises at least a first recombinogenic construct (i) with at least two portions homologous to the genomic regions preceding and following the DNA target site of a site specific endonuclease and also comprising both a negative selection and positive selection mark interposed with the homologous portions as well as a region into which a sequence of interest can be cloned adjacent to the positive selection marker; and a second construct (ii, iii or iv) comprising the meganuclease. The present invention also relates to a kit comprising these constructs and methods to use this set of constructs to introduce into the genome of a target cell, tissue or organism a sequence of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intestinal primary epithelial cell system for detecting gastrointestinal segment-specific activation or suppression of a Toll-like receptor (TLR) by a target agent. The cell system includes an isolated human intestinal primary epithelial cell (HIPEC) line that expresses at least one TLR, where the HIPEC line is derived from a differentiable adult human gastrointestinal stem cell (ahGISC) line. Also disclosed are various methods of using the cell system, a kit that includes the cell system, and an isolated cell culture including an isolated HIPEC line derived from a differentiable ahGISC line.

Abstract: Provided is dental stem cell comprising an Oct3/4 transgene. Also provided is a method of making a pluripotent stem cell. Additionally, a method of preparing an insulin-secreting cell is provided. Further provided is an insulin-secreting cell prepared by that method. A method of preparing a chondrocyte-like cell is also provided, as is a chondrocyte-like cell prepared by that method. Additionally provided is a method of preparing a myocyte-like cell. Also, a myocyte-like cell prepared by that method is provided. A method of preparing a hair follicle-like cell is additionally provided, as is a hair follicle-like cell prepared by that method. A method of preparing a neuron-like cell is additionally provided, as is a neuron-like cell prepared by that method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) targeting a G-alpha q subunit (GNAQ) of a heterotrimeric G gene, and methods of using the dsRNA to inhibit expression of GNAQ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, compositions and kits concerning resistance to treatment with an anti-cancer agent, specifically an inhibitor of BRAF. In particular embodiments, the invention concerns mutations in a BRAF sequence that confer resistance to a BRAF inhibitor. Identification of such mutations in a BRAF sequence allows the identification and design of second-generation BRAF inhibitors. Methods and kits for detecting the presence of a mutant BRAF sequence in a sample are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising retroviral vectors, transduced cells, and methods of using the same for gene therapy. In particular, the present invention relates to lentiviral vectors and cells transduced with those vectors to provide gene therapy to subjects having an adrenoleukodystrophy and/or adrenomyeloneuropathy.

Abstract: A material for ameliorating skin tissue provided by the invention comprises, as a main component, a culture obtained by culturing cells or tissue fragments derived from human or other mammalian alveolar mucosa. Typically, 50% or more of the cells contained in the culture are fibroblasts, and having a high growth rate and a high productivity in vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEDF) and/or keratinocyte growth factor (KGF).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides variants of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), pharmaceutical compositions comprising CNP variants, and methods of making CNP variants. The CNP variants are useful as therapeutic agents for the treatment of diseases responsive to CNP, including but not limited to bone-related disorders, such as skeletal dysplasias (e.g., achondroplasia), and vascular smooth muscle disorders (e.g., restenosis and arteriosclerosis).

Abstract: Provided are alternative splicing constructs and methods for their use. In particular, CD44 based alternative splicing constructs are provided that include CD44 exon 5. These alternative splicing constructs are useful in high-throughput assays for testing the effects of compounds on splicing and for achieving targeted cell death.

Abstract: Provided is a method of inducing tubulogenesis in normal endothelial cells comprising co-culturing the normal endothelial cells with tumor cells and forming tubules from the normal endothelial cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure uses different kinds of surface treatment processes on titanium-made dental implants. The growth and attachment conditions of bone cells (MC3T3-E), fibroblasts (NIH 3T3) and epidermal cells (XB-2) on the metal surface of titanium slices with different surface treatments are observed. Tetra-calcium phosphate is used to perform secondary sand-blasting process to clean up the metal surface and provide calcium ions for osteoblastoma physiology. Thus, by adjusting the cells adhesive and proliferative abilities, the success rate of the clinical applications in dental implant is improved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating a wound comprising applying a composition to a wound site on a patient in need of wound treatment, wherein the composition comprises mitotically inactive allogeneic cells that secrete one or more biologically active molecules selected from the group consisting of GM-CSF, VEGF, KGF, bFGF, TGF?, angiopoietin, EGF, IL-I?, IL-6 IL-8, TGF?, and TNF?, and wherein the cells are keratinocytes or fibroblasts, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is a population of breast cancer cells with preference for establishing dormancy in bone marrow. The breast cancer cells have characteristics of stem cells and express high levels of Oct4, designated Oct4hi, but are also not dependent on stem cell gene status. The Oct4hi cells exhibit functional gap junction intercellular communication with bone marrow stroma, indicating that these cells can establish dormancy and remain resistant to chemotherapy. Also provided by the present invention are a biomarker for metastatic breast cancer, a method for diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer, and a method for identifying treatments that target dormant metastatic cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell population comprising minimal volume of orbital fat-derived stem cells (OFSCs) and its isolation, purification, characterization and application. The OFSCs of the invention are capable of multilineage development and express at least CD90 and CD 105 but not hematopoietic and epithelial markers. The OFSCs have colony formation ability and multi-lineage differentiation ability. They possess at least osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation capacity; besides mesodermal tri-linage differentiation, the OFSCs have corneal epithelial differentiation potential. Taking together, orbital fat tissues are a novel source for multi-potent stem cells which possess multiple therapeutic potential. Therefore, the OFSCs can be used in cell therapy and tissue engineering.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to the identification of markers of endothelial cells which are in a quiescent or activated state, and more specifically to beta tubulin isotypes as markers which are differentially expressed between endothelial cells in these states. The beta tubulin isotypes can be used for the identification of candidate agents which selectively bind quiescent or activated endothelial cells, and to identify candidate agents which inhibit or promote angiogenesis and/or vascular function.

Abstract: This invention discloses isolated populations of human cancer stem cells. Methods for characterizing, isolating and culturing human cancer stem cells are also disclosed. Uses for human cancer stem cells are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or/and treatment of an influenza virus infection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for forming epithelial cells. Said method comprises the steps of aggregating stem cells from differentiated exocrine gland tissue to obtain an organoid body and differentiating at least one portion of the organoid body or a tissue body grown therefrom to obtain epithelial cells. Also disclosed is a cultivation device, particularly for forming differential epithelial cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for preserving cells, tissues and organs, comprising as an active ingredient indole and indazole compounds of formula (1), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or isomer thereof, which are effective for preventing injury of organs, isolated cell systems or tissues caused by cold storage, transplant operation or post-transplantation reperfusion; a preservation method; and a preparation method of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reprogramming a somatic cell to produce an induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell which is capable of differentiating into somatic cells derived from ectoderm, mesoderm or endoderm. The present invention also relates to the aforementioned iPS cells, methods of generating and maintaining iPS cells, and methods of using iPS cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a synthetic nucleic acid sequence which encodes a protein wherein at least one non-common codon or less-common codon is replaced by a common codon. The synthetic nucleic acid sequence can include a continuous stretch of at least 90 codons all of which are common codons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for encapsulating pancreatic progenitors in a biocompatible semi-permeable encapsulating device. The present invention also relates to production of human insulin in a mammal in response to glucose stimulation.

Abstract: Methods for melanoma treatment and prevention with selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor compounds and related pharmaceutical compositions, alone or in conjunction with one or more other melanoma therapies.