Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising desiccated biologics comprising a cell, protein, virus, nucleic acid, carbohydrate, or lipid, or any combination thereof, along with at least one membrane penetrable sugar, and at least one membrane impenetrable sugar, wherein the moisture content is from 5% to 95%, and to methods of preparing the same, and to methods of treating animals using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in vitro cultured skin tissue, and in particular to cultured skin tissue comprising exogenous genes encoding angiogenic growth factors. In some embodiments, the keratinocytes express exogenous angiopoietin-1 or a member of the VEGF family, preferably VEGF-A. In particularly preferred embodiments, the keratinocytes are incorporated into cultured skin tissue.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions containing additives having properties of emission and/or absorption of radiation in the long infrared region, and articles shaped therefrom are produced, including yarns and textile articles such as fabrics or knits; such additives include organic additives or inorganic fillers which have a capacity for absorption/emission of radiation in the infrared region, in a wavelength range of from 2 ?m to 20 ?m, and also a polymeric substrate, with the proviso that the inorganic fillers may be selected from among oxides, sulfates, carbonates, phosphates and silicates, and such inorganic fillers having an average particle size of less than 2 ?m.

Abstract: A 3D organotypic culture which phenocopies aggressive, invasive cancer and methods of use thereof are provided.

Abstract: The present invention features a human skin explant culture system and uses thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a cell culture method whereby an in vivo function can be sustained over a long period of time and culture can be conducted using the minimum number of cells required. The cell culture method includes culturing undifferentiated cells in a layered state in a partitioned micro-space and obtains differentiated cells. When screening a pharmaceutical agent, undifferentiated cells capable of differentiating into liver cells, intestinal epithelial cells, nerve cells, myocardial cells and vascular endothelial cells are preferred. Particularly, in the prediction of pharmacokinetics or the like for humans, human cells are preferred.

Abstract: The present invention concerns RPE cells obtainable by directed differentiation from stem cell, particularly, human stem cells. It has been specifically found that culturing stem cells in the presence of one or more member of the TGF? superfamily, such as Activin A) induced directed differentiation into mature and functional RPE cells. This was evidenced by the expression of markers specific to mature RPE cells, including MiTF-A, RPE65 or Bestrophin). In accordance with one particular embodiment, the cells are a priori cultured with nicotinamide (NA) which was found to augment the cells' response to the inductive effect of the one or more member of the TGF? superfamily. The invention also provides methods of performing the directed differentiation, as well as methods for use of the resulting RPE cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising cells comprising keratinocytes or fibroblasts, or mixtures thereof, that secrete one or more biologically active molecules selected from the group consisting of GM-CSF, VEGF, KGF, bFGF, TGF?, angiopoietin, EGF, IL-ID, IL-6, IL-8, TGF?, and TNF? and an extracellular matrix comprising alginate, wherein the cells are allogeneic and mitotically inactive.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to compositions for treating patients that have skin cancer or have recently had skin cancers removed. More specifically, the present invention provides human skin substitutes engineered to express exogenous IL-12 and compositions and methods for making human skin substitutes engineered to express exogenous IL-12. In addition, the present invention provides methods for treatment of sites on a patient where skin cancers have been removed with human skin substitutes engineered to express exogenous IL-12.

Abstract: The present invention relates to GPR1 25 as a marker of stem and progenitor cells, including multipotent adult spermatogonial-derived stem cells (MASCs), spermatogonial stem and progenitor cells, skin stem or progenitor cells, intestinal stem or progenitor cells, neural stem or progenitor cells, and cancer stem cells. The invention provides, inter alia, methods for enriching or isolating GPR125-positive stem or progenitor cells, methods for detecting GPR125-positive stem or progenitor cells, methods for culturing GPR125-positive stem or progenitor cells, purified GPR125-positive stem or progenitor cells, therapeutic compositions containing purified GPR125-positive stem or progenitor cells, methods for targeting therapeutic agents to GPR125-positive stem and progenitor cells, and methods of treatment comprising administering GPR125-positive stem and progenitor cells, or differentiated cells derived therefrom, to subjects in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing skin removed from a human donor, removal of cellular components and sterilizing the decellularized skin. The process comprises the following steps: (1) decellularizing the skin, including inspection for visual defects, trimming and soaking the tissue in a detergent and rinsing same with sterile water; (2) sterilizing the skin under pressure at a temperature for a time period to maximize sterilization; and (3) processing the tissue by cutting the tissue to size.

Abstract: Nucleic acids and vectors for interfering with the expression of membrane efflux transport proteins in cells that express such proteins are provided. Also provided are cells and cell lines comprising such nucleic acids and vectors. Methods for screening chemicals and biomolecules for gastrointestinal absorption in animals, and kits for practicing such methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention makes available a keratin coating of a support substrate and a method for the production thereof. This keratin coating is suitable particularly for the in vitro or in vivo culturing of epithelial or endothelial cells and, because of its optical transparency, for microscopy. The keratin coating is prepared by applying or coating keratin in the form of nanoparticles from an aqueous keratin solution or keratin suspension. The solution or suspension does not contain any reducing compounds. The keratin solution is prepared preferably from hair, such as human hair. For the preparation of the coating, keratin is brought into solution or into a suspension of nanoparticles by mixing the keratin with an aqueous composition which contains thiourea, urea, and mercaptoethanol.

Abstract: Nucleic acids and vectors for interfering with the expression of membrane efflux transport proteins in cells that express such proteins are provided. Also provided are cells and cell lines comprising such nucleic acids and vectors. Methods for screening chemicals and biomolecules for gastrointestinal absorption in animals, and kits for practicing such methods are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for increasing the longevity of a cell culture and permitting the increased production of proteins, preferably recombinant proteins, such as antibodies, peptides, enzymes, growth factors, interleukins, interferons, hormones, and vaccines. Cells transfected with an apoptosis-inhibiting gene or vector, such as a triple mutant Bcl-2 gene, can survive longer in culture, resulting in extension of the state and yield of protein biosynthesis. Such transfected cells exhibit maximal cell densities that equal or exceed the maximal density achieved by the parent cell lines. Transfected cells can also be pre-adapted for growth in serum-free medium, greatly decreasing the time required to obtain protein production in serum-free medium. In certain methods, the pre-adapted cells can be used for protein production following transformation under serum-free conditions. The method preferably involves eukaryotic cells, more preferably mammalian cells.

Abstract: This invention discloses a substantially pure population of human urinary bladder-derived epithelial cells and methods of isolating and culturing the urinary bladder-derived epithelial cells. In addition, several uses of human urinary bladder-derived epithelial cells and cells differentiating therefrom are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method for aggregating dermal papilla cells or dermal sheath cells or a combination thereof, the method comprising: growing dermal papilla cells or dermal sheath cells or a combination thereof in suspension culture; and contacting the culture with an effective amount of an enzyme, wherein a substrate of the enzyme is an extracellular matrix molecule in the suspension culture, so as to aggregate dermal papilla cells or dermal sheath cells. The culture may be a hanging drop culture and the enzyme may be a hyaluronidase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pluripotent or multipotent somatic stem cells characterized by the expression of the germline specific gene, DAZL. The somatic stem cells expressing the DAZL marker are further characterized by expression of additional markers and absence of expression of certain blood markers. In particular, the present invention discloses therapeutic and diagnostic uses, other than the germ cell potential use, of the DAZL pluripotent or multipotent stem cells isolated from adult or peripheral somatic sources such as peripheral blood, bone marrow or umbilical cord blood.

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: In order to provide a gene expression enhancer for enhancing expression of FoxP3 gene in a cell; a cell differentiation inducer for inducing differentiation of a cell into a regulatory T cell; an immunosuppressor for suppressing immunity and an agent for treating hyperimmune diseases based on the abovementioned actions; an inhibitor of enhancement of gene expression for inhibiting enhancement of expression of FoxP3 gene in a cell; an inhibitor of induction of cell differentiation for inhibiting induction of differentiation of a cell into a regulatory T cell; a reducer of immunosuppression for reducing immunosuppression, a stimulator of tumor immunity and an antitumor agent based on the abovementioned actions; and the like, for example, an agent containing at least one of a cell expressing Snail protein, MCP1 protein, FSTL1 protein, membrane IL-13Ra2 protein or secretory IL-13Ra2 protein, or MCP1 protein, FSTL1 protein or secretory IL-13Ra2 protein, is used as a gene expression enhancer for FoxP3, an inducer o

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 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 composition for implantation in the subretinal space of an eye, the composition including amniotic membrane, which may be cryopreserved human amniotic membrane, and a plurality of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells or RPE equivalent cells present at the amniotic membrane. The amniotic membrane may be intact, epithelially denuded, or otherwise treated. The invention includes the use of amniotic membrane for the culturing of RPE cells thereon, forming a surgical graft for replacement of Bruch's membrane as a substrate, and for the transplanting of RPE cells to the subretinal space. The composition does not elicit immunological reactions to alloantigens or to RPE specific autoantigens; and exerts anti-inflammatory, and angiogentic, and anti-scarring effects. The invention includes methods and kits for making or using composites including amniotic membrane and RPE cells. Also disclosed is a device for harvesting RPE cells.

Abstract: Cultured tissue constructs comprising cultured cells and endogenously produced extracellular matrix components without the requirement of exogenous matrix components or network support or scaffold members. Some tissue constructs of the invention are comprised of multiple cell layers or more than one cell type. The tissue constructs of the invention have morphological features and functions similar to tissues their cells are derived and their strength makes them easily handleable. Preferred cultured tissue constructs of the invention are prepared in defined media, that is, without the addition of chemically undefined components.

Abstract: The invention provides cells and cell lines the are genetically modified to express the hCox-2 enzyme, which, in turn, results in the upregulation of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2a) production. The invention also provides encapsulated cell therapy devices containing such cells or cell lines that are capable of delivering PGF2a as well as methods of using these devices to deliver PGF2a to the eye and to treat ophthalmic disorders in patients suffering therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for decreasing expression of a decorin polypeptide in a cell, methods for identifying an agent that alters, preferably decreases, the distribution of decorin polypeptide in a cell, and methods for determining a prognosis for oral cancer in a subject through the use of a compound that binds decorin polypeptide. Also provided are antibodies that specifically bind decorin polypeptides and double stranded polynucleotides, for instance, dsRNAs, that inhibit expression of a polynucleotide encoding a decorin polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and means for producing adenoviral vectors on complementing cell lines, wherein the early region 4 open reading frame 6 (E4-orf6) encoding nucleic acid is present in the adenoviral vector and wherein the E4-orf6 gene product is compatible with one or more products of the E1 gene products provided by the complementing cell, such that the adenoviral vector can be efficiently produced by the complementing cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for isolating and culturing adult stem cells derived from human amniotic membrane in high yield, and more particularly to a method for obtaining a large amount of adult stem cells, the method comprising obtaining amniotic epithelial cells from human amniotic tissue in high yield by treatment with dithiothreitol (DTT) and a low concentration of trypsin and culturing the amniotic epithelial cells in a medium containing a Rho-associated kinase inhibitor. The human amniotic epithelial cell-derived stem cells are easily extracted compared to existing therapeutic stem cells such as umbilical cord blood stem cells and bone marrow stem cells, the yield and proliferation thereof are significantly increased by DTT treatment, the addition of the ROCK inhibitor or the replacement of medium. Thus, the method can be used to efficiently prepare adult stem cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for in vitro growing of connective tissue substitute, said connective tissue substitute being populated with fibroblasts, a connective tissue substitute obtainable by such a method, as well as a method for closing of a wound, wherein such connective tissue substitute is applied onto a wound.

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 invention relates to in vitro cultured skin tissue, and in particular to cultured skin tissue comprising exogenous genes encoding angiogenic growth factors. In some embodiments, the keratinocytes express exogenous angiopoietin-1, HIF-1?, or a member of the VEGF family, preferably VEGF-A. In particularly preferred embodiments, the keratinocytes are incorporated into cultured skin tissue.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for reconstructing artificial female reproductive organs. The constructs and methods of the invention can be used for ameliorating congenital malformations and disorders of female reproductive tract using tissue engineered female reproductive organs, such as the uterus, vagina, cervix, and fallopian tubes. These tissue engineered female reproductive organs can be generated by perfusing cultured cell populations derived from cells of the female reproductive tissues, such as uterine, vaginal, cervical, fallopian tube epithelial cells as well as smooth muscle cells.

Abstract: A method for promoting the in vitro multiplication of human melanocytes and/or the freezing thereof, notably human melanocytes obtained from individuals of phototype IV, V or VI or from hyperpigmentary lesions, entails introducing into a culture of same, a thus effective amount of at least one 1-phenyl-3-(2-thiazolyl)-2-thiourea (PTU) compound or PTU analogue or PTU mimetic selected from the group consisting of vitamin C, arbutin, hydroquinone, kojic acid or acid or ester derivative thereof, ellagic acid, aminophenol derivative, procysteine or derivative thereof, niacinamide, isothiocyanate, thiocyanate, lucinol and mixtures thereof; also provided thereby can be melanocyte libraries, co-cultures and reconstructed epidermides and/or reconstructed skin that are highly pigmented which are useful for the study of pigmentation disorders, for the screening of cosmetic or dermatological active agents, or for the treatment of skin lesions, in particular in individuals with a high phototype.

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: A tissue graft construct for use in repairing diseased or damaged tissues is provided. The tissue graft construct comprises a matrix composition selected from the group consisting of liver basement membrane and extracts and hydrolysates thereof, and processed collagen from vertebrate non-submucosal sources, added endothelial cells, and at least one additional preselected, exogenous population of cells which enhance the initiation of vessel-like structures in the grant. The preselected population of cells can be a population of non-keratinized or keratinized epithelial cells or a population of mesodermally derived cells selected from the group consisting of fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, skeletal muscle cells, cardiac muscle cells, multi-potential progenitor cells, pericytes, osteogenic cells, and any other suitable cell type, preferably selected based on the tissue to be repaired.

Abstract: The invention relates to means and methods for regulating gene expression and production of proteinaceous molecules. The invention provides a method for producing a proteinaceous molecule in a cell comprising selecting a cell for its suitability for producing the proteinaceous molecule, providing a nucleic acid encoding the proteinaceous molecule with a nucleic acid comprising a STAR (STabilizing Anti-Repression) sequence, expressing the resulting nucleic acid in the cell and collecting the proteinaceous molecule. Providing at least one STAR sequence to a nucleic acid encoding a proteinaceous molecule will enhance production (yield) of the proteinaceous molecule by a host cell, increase the proportion of host cells with acceptable expression levels, and/or increase stability of a gene expression level.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to bioartificial devices and systems that mimic kidney or nephron function and methods of making them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds and methods of inhibiting p97/valosin-containing protein and compounds and methods of inhibiting gp78, the compounds and methods being useful for the treatment of a disorder comprising a I?B/NF?B mediated chronic inflammatory response component, for example cystic fibrosis.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of making novel skin replacement compositions. The invention is further directed to the novel skin replacement compositions. The invention is also directed to methods for treating wounds, in particular burns and chronic, non-healing wounds, with such novel skin replacement compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to culturing cells which may be used in hair induction. In one aspect of the invention there is provided a method for cultivation of hair inductive cells, comprising the step of culturing the hair inductive cells in a culture medium comprising a medium conditioned by conditioning cells, in which the conditioning cells are derived from non-epidermal tissue.

Abstract: A tissue graft construct for use in repairing diseased or damaged tissues is provided. The tissue graft construct comprises a matrix composition selected from the group consisting of urinary bladder submucosa and stomach submucosa, and extracts and hydrolysates thereof, added endothelial cells, and at least one additional preselected, exogenous population of cells which enhance initiation of the formation vessel-like structures in the graft construct. The preselected population of cells can be a population of non-keratinized or keratinized epithelial cells or a population of mesodermally-derived cells selected from the group consisting of fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, skeletal muscle cells, cardiac muscle cells, multi-potential progenitor cells, pericytes, osteogenic cells, and any other suitable cell type, preferably selected based on the tissue to be repaired. Methods for enhancing the vascularization in vivo of these tissue graft constructs and for preparing these graft constructs are also provided.

Abstract: The present technology provides for a cell-synthesized biological thread, processes for making a cell-synthesized thread, and an apparatus for carrying out a process used to engineer the cell-synthesized thread. The thread is produced from living cells in culture and can be grown around the outer surface of a cylindrical bioreactor. The tissue comprising the thread has mechanical and biological properties achieved by altering the climactic conditions, stresses and strains on the tissue and chemical composition that prove beneficial in the medical industry. This process results in a biological thread that has high mechanical strength, decreased immunogenic effect and decreased thrombogenic effect when combined with other tissue. It also results in a product which can be used to create more complex constructs that otherwise could not have been generated. The threads can be used to make sutures, patches, and tubes, for example.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for causing the selective targeting and killing of tumor cells. Through ex vivo gene therapy protocols tumor cells are engineered to express an ? (1,3) galactosyl epitope. The cells are then irradiated or otherwise killed and administered to a patient. The ? galactosyl epitope causes opsonization of the tumor cell enhancing uptake of the opsonized tumor cell by antigen presenting cells which results in enhanced tumor specific antigen presentation. The animal's immune system thus is stimulated to produce tumor specific cytotoxic cells and antibodies which will attack and kill tumor cells present in the animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a means that allows supplying lacritin stably and in large amounts, and provides a vector containing polynucleotide that encodes lacritin, wherein said nucleotide is operatively linked to a cytomegalovirus immediate early enhancer/promoter and an SV40 late polyA signal, a lacritin-expressing cell prepared by introducing the vector into a cell, a method of producing recombinant lacritin, including the step of culturing the lacritin-expressing cell in a medium, and the step of isolating lacritin in the culture supernatant, and an agent for treating ocular disease containing the lacritin-expressing cell.

Abstract: Cell lines, compositions comprising them for the treatment of melanomas, procedures to prepare the compositions, and treatment methods. More particularly, the invention relates to diverse human melanoma cell lines for the treatment of malignant diseases, wherein the cell lines are: (a) Mel-XY1 (deposited at German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures DSMZ under access number DSM ACC2830), (b) Mel-XY2 (deposited at German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures DSMZ under access number DSM ACC2831), (c) Mel-XY3 (deposited at German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures DSMZ under access number DSM ACC2832), (d) Mel-XX4 (deposited at German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures DSMZ under access number DSM ACC2829), or (e) sub-populations thereof. The cell lines may be irradiated, thus obtaining populations with apoptotic phenotype, and populations with necrotic phenotype of such lines.

Abstract: Methods for increasing trichogenic activity of populations of dermal cells by inducing local trauma to skin tissue that serves as a source of the dermal cells are provided. Methods for obtaining dermal cells with increased trichogenic activity and for using the disclosed dermal cells to implant into a mammalian host at a site of desired follicle generation are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to new keratinocytes which may be cultured in vitro and the advantageous use thereof for preparing a product which can be used to treat acute and chronic wounds.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful for the treatment of aberrant programming diseases, particularly those associated with aberrant apoptosis are disclosed

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of diagnostic microbiology, and, more particularly, to compositions and methods for detecting and differentiating one or more viruses or other intracellular parasites present in a specimen. The present invention also provides compositions and methods to evaluate the susceptibility of organisms to antimicrobial agents.