Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising gastrointestinal proliferative factor SCFA2, SCFA4 or SCFA4v polynucleotides and polypeptides. The invention further relates to the therapeutic use of SCFA2, SCFA4 or SCFA4v to prevent or treat conditions or disorders associated with the degeneration of the epithelial mucosa.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polynucleotides encoding human AdipoR2v1 polypeptides, mouse AdipoR2v1 polypeptides, human AdipoR3 polypeptides, human AdipoR2v2 polypeptides, human AdipoR3v1 polypeptides, rat AdipoR1 polypeptides, rat AdipoR2 polypeptides, fragments and homologues thereof. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant and synthetic methods for producing said polypeptides. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods for applying these novel human AdipoR2v1 polypeptides, mouse AdipoR2v1 polypeptides, human AdipoR3 polypeptides, human AdipoR2v2 polypeptides, human AdipoR3v1 polypeptides, rat AdipoR1 polypeptides, rat AdipoR2 polypeptides, to the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of various diseases and/or disorders related to these polypeptides. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: Human engineered anti-Ep-CAM antibodies and various uses therefore are disclosed. These human engineered anti-Ep-CAM antibodies have high affinity binding to Ep-CAM with low immunogenicity.

Abstract: The subject invention is related to a cell-mediated gene therapy treatment for orthopedic disease using a member belonging to the transforming growth factor-? (TGF-?) superfamily. TGF-? gene therapy as a new treatment method for degenerative arthritis is demonstrated. After transfection of TGF-? cDNA expression vectors into fibroblasts (NIH 3T3-TGF-?1), the cells were injected into rabbit achilles tendon and knee joints with artificially-made cartilage defects. Intratendinous injections were performed to determine the optimal concentration for in vivo expression. Partially defected cartilage model was made to simulate degenerative arthritis of the knee joint. The partial cartilage defect treated with the cell-mediated gene therapy procedure was covered by newly formed hyaline cartilage which indicates that the cells survived and stimulated matrix formation in this area. Completely denuded cartilage areas were covered by fibrous collagen.

Abstract: A method for preparing corneocytes specimen, which comprises stripping off corneocytes from the surface of a skin using an adhesive material, staining the corneocytes in a solution of stain in solvent containing a water-miscible organic solvent, and mounting the stained corneocytes into an oil and fat constituent and/or composition that is liquid at 1 atm, 25° C.

Abstract: A method for preparing corneocites specimen, which comprises stripping off corneocites from the surface of a skin using an adhesive material, staining the corneocites in a solution of stain in solvent containing a water-miscible organic solvent, and mounting the stained corneocites into an oil and fat constituent and/or composition that is liquid at 1 atm, 25° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for inducing repair of a joint tissue in a mammal includes the steps of removing a sample of synovial membrane from a joint of the mammal, isolating type B synoviocytes from the membrane to yield a suspension of enriched type B synoviocytes, and introducing the suspension into an injured joint of the mammal as well as medical devices containing enriched synoviocytes and kits for producing such enriched cell populations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and materials by which nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes, nanorods, etc. are bound to lectins and/or polysaccharides and prepared for administration to cells. Also disclosed are complexes comprising glycosylated nanostructures, which bind selectively to cells expressing glycosylated surface molecules recognized by the lectin. Exemplified is a complex comprising a carbon nanotube functionalized with a lipid-like alkane, linked to a polymer bearing repeated ?-N-acetylgalactosamine sugar groups. This complex is shown to selectively adhere to the surface of living cells, without toxicity. In the exemplified embodiment, adherence is mediated by a multivalent lectin, which binds both to the cells and the ?-N-acetylgalactosamine groups on the nanostructure.

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: 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: The present invention relates to in vitro cultured skin substitutes, and in particular to in vitro cultured skin substitutes that have improved barrier function. In some embodiments, improved barrier function is a result of improved culture conditions, while in other embodiments, improved barrier function results from genetic modification of keratinocytes. Improved culture conditions to improve barrier function include organotypic culture in the presence of linoleic acid and/or linoleic acid at about 75% humidity. Suitable genetic modifications for improving barrier function includes transfection with a DNA construct capable of expressing GKLF.

Abstract: The present invention relates to newly identified genes that encode proteins that are involved in the synthesis of L-ascorbic acid (hereinafter also referred to as Vitamin C). The invention also features polynucleotides comprising the full-length polynucleotide sequences of the novel genes and fragments thereof, the novel polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides and fragments thereof, as well as their functional equivalents. The present invention also relates to the use of said polynucleotides and polypeptides as biotechnological tools in the production of Vitamin C from microorganisms, whereby a modification of said polynucleotides and/or encoded polypeptides has a direct or indirect impact on yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of the fermentation product in said microorganism. Also included are methods/processes of using the polynucleotides and modified polynucleotide sequences to transform host microorganisms.

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: Cells are generated from skin biopsies for use in cell implantation by identifying a source of skin cells that have a surface concentration of at least one cell selected from the group consisting of keritinocytes and/or melanocytes; taking a sample of tissue from the surface area; mechanically disaggregating the tissue samples; collecting the disaggregated cells; washing the disaggregated cells; filtering the washed disaggregated cells; providing a cell suspension with filtered and washed keritinocytes and/or melanocytes; and suspending the cell suspension in a medium.

Abstract: This invention utilizes a two-hybrid system to screen for agents that modulate the ability of a cell to degrade or to accumulate a metabolic product or to selective kill a cell or to selectively express a gene or cDNA in a cell that has a defect in its ability to degrade or to accumulate a metabolic product. One embodiment provides a mammalian cell comprising a nucleic acid encoding a peptide binding domain and an effector gene; a first chimeric protein comprising a nucleic acid binding domain that binds the peptide binding domain attached to the metabolic product or to a ligand that binds to the metabolic product; and a second chimeric protein comprising an expression control protein attached to the metabolic product or to the ligand that binds to the metabolic product such that when the first chimeric protein comprises the metabolic product, the second chimeric protein comprises the ligand and when the first chimeric protein comprises the ligand, the second chimeric protein comprises the metabolic product.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the in situ growth, freezing and testing of cultured cells. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for the long-term preservation of cells in ready-to-use formats for testing. In addition, the present invention provides rapid and easy to use means to diagnose viral and other infections. Furthermore, the present invention provides easy to use means to grow and store cells in situ for testing methods. Indeed, the present invention makes viral, chlamydial and other diagnostic methods accessible to small laboratories, including those without cell culture capabilities.

Abstract: A method wherein differentiation of precursor fat cell lines originating in swine and mouse matured fat cells is induced so as to give cells having other functions; and cells having other functions acquired by this method. By inducing differentiation of precursor fat cell lines originating in swine and mouse matured fat cells, it is possible to acquire osteoblasts, myoblasts, chondrocytes and neurocytes. By inducing differentiation of a precursor fat cell line originating in mouse matured fat cells, furthermore, it is possible to acquire epitheliocytes.

Abstract: A cell separation process for the isolation of pathogenic cells in a small concentration in a biological fluid specimen, including treating the biological specimen to modify in a differential manner selected rare cells and other cells and causing differential migration of cells that reacted during treatment versus cells that did not react during treatment.

Abstract: The invention encompasses isolation, culture and characterization of goblet cells in vitro from mammalian conjuctiva. Goblet cells can be cultured from conjunctiva of such mammals as, e.g., humans, rats, mice, rabbits and the like. In another aspect of the invention, the culture of goblet cells has a concentration of pure goblet cells of 10% or greater. In a further embodiment, the invention comprises an immortalized goblet cell line.

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: The present invention provides a unique medium for the cultivation of intestinal cell lines. The medium allows for the development of a highly differentiated intestinal epithelial cell monolayer in a much shorter period of time than currently possible without the aid of cell culture substrates.

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: 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: Artificial dermis (1) obtained from plasma with platelets (2) and human fibroblasts. The plasma with platelets (2) is obtained from the fractionating of total blood (4) from the patient (8) by light centrifugation, and the human fibroblasts (3) from a skin biopsy (5). Clotting is obtained by adding calcium. This artificial dermis (1) provides for the rapid growth of the keratinocytes (6) seeded on its surface to build an artificial skin (7) which can easily be transplanted. Large areas of artificial dermis (1) are obtained from a small skin biopsy (5) and minimal quantities of plasma with platelets (2), which being enriched with cytokines and platelet growth factors, strengthens the proliferation of the cells seeded, both inside and on the surface. The artificial skin (7) obtained can be used to treat major burn treatments, chronic skin ulcers, etc., or be used, by employing genetically altered cells, as a vehicle for gene therapy.

Abstract: A method of constructing a synthetic polynucleotide, the method including selecting a first codon of a parent polynucleotide that encodes a polypeptide for replacement with a synonymous codon, wherein the synonymous codon is selected on the basis that it exhibits a higher translational efficiency in an epithelial cell of a mammal than the first codon in a comparison of translational efficiencies of codons in test cells of the same type as the epithelial cell; and replacing the first codon with the synonymous codon to construct the synthetic polynucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel, isolated, tumor-associated antigens, and methods for identifying such antigens in a biological sample, and of screening for the presence of such an antigen in a biological specimen, wherein the tumor antigen identified reacts with serum from a subject treated with a vaccine comprising a cytokine and proliferation-incompetent tumor cells which express the tumor-associated antigen. Also provided are kits for carrying out the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel, isolated, tumor-associated antigens, and methods for identifying such antigens in a biological sample, and of screening for the presence of such an antigen in a biological specimen, wherein the tumor antigen identified reacts with serum from a subject treated with a vaccine comprising a cytokine and proliferation-incompetent tumor cells which express the tumor-associated antigen. Also provided are kits for carrying out the methods of the invention.

Abstract: An organotypic culture comprises an artificial stroma overlayed with epithelial cells isolated from a human colon or intestine. The stroma comprises a mixture of collagen and human fibroblasts isolated from a human colon or intestine. The culture contains a factor that binds the IGF-1 receptor, a factor that binds the EGF receptor, and a factor that binds the LIF receptor. These factors may be added exogenously to the culture via medium or may be expressed by various recombinantly engineered cell types in the culture. The organotypic culture can result in growth that is in situ-like or emphasizes other physiological or morphological states, depending on the balance of factors in the growth media. The organotypic culture may be used in methods for screening of therapeutic, carcinogenic, or growth enhancement factors, or for treating intestinal injuries by applying to the site of an injury the intact culture or the components thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for culturing normal and malignant human bladder epithelial cells for many generations, and compositions of matter to be used in the methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inducing the differentiation of mammals' embryonic stem cells into keratinocytes, comprising the following steps of: isolating an extracellular matrix secreted by at least one mammals' cell type, cultivating mammals' embryonic stem cells in parallel in an undifferentiated condition in an appropriate culture medium in the presence of LIF, seeding the embryonic stem cells as a monolayer on said extracellular matrix, cultivating the thus seeded embryonic stem cells in the absence of LIF for a period of time sufficient for their differentiation into keratinocytes, and collecting the thus obtained keratinocytes.

Abstract: A reconstructed epidermis/skin equivalent supplemented with at least one ceramide 7 and/or 5.5 compound, suited for reinforcing the barrier function of normal human epidermis and for improving the barrier function of dry skin and of reconstructed skin or skin equivalents, is prepared by introducing the at least one ceramide 7 and/or 5.5 compound into the culture medium of such reconstructed epidermis/skin equivalent and/or topically applying onto the face surface of such reconstructed epidermis/skin equivalent a composition which comprises lipid lamellar vesicles incorporating at least one ceramide 7 and/or 5.5 compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions comprising cell culture medium conditioned by cells grown in three-dimensional culture. The cells used to condition the medium may be genetically modified to alter the concentration of growth factors and antioxidants in the medium. The conditioned cell medium (conditioned medium) may be used for at least one of cosmetic applications, cosmeceutical applications, and pharmaceutical applications, among other things. The invention also relates to proteins comprising a heterologous sequence that enhances cell penetration. The invention also relates to cells comprising DNA encoding such proteins. Methods for preparing the inventive compounds are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use and composition of matter of angiogenic or other growth/cytokine factors expressed by mixtures of allogeneic human cell strains or lines of various types and stages of differentiation. Also provided are unencapsulated preparations (mixed with or applied to extracellular matrix material or synthetic biocompatible substances) for the purpose of temporary application to wounds or defects in the skin or other tissues for the restoration of blood supplying connective tissue to enable organ-specific cells to reestablish organ integrity as well as to inhibit excessive scar formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for separating cells using immunorosettes. The method involves contacting a sample containing nucleated cells and red blood cells with an antibody composition which allows immunorosettes of the nucleated cells and the red blood cells to form. The antibody composition preferably contains bifunctional antibodies or tetrameric antibody complexes.

Abstract: Adenovirus packaging cell lines for growth of an E1A/E1B deficient adenovirus that is substantially free of replication competent adenovirus (RCA) are provided. Methods for producing adenovirus substantially free of RCA are also provided, wherein the adenovirus is grown in a cell line containing coding sequences for adenovirus E1A and E1B, which are operably linked to promoters that lack polynucleotide sequences sharing substantial sequence identity with the native adenovirus E1A and E1B promoters.

Abstract: A small percentage of cells within an established solid tumor have the properties of stem cells. These solid tumor stem cells give rise both to more tumor stem cells and to the majority of cells in the tumor that have lost the capacity for extensive proliferation and the ability to give rise to new tumors. Thus, solid tumor heterogeneity reflects the presence of tumor cell progeny arising from a solid tumor stem cell.

Abstract: This invention provides non-naturally occurring and isolated naturally occurring nucleic acid molecules which encode proteins designated pro-Yama, p11 Yama and p20 Yama. This invention also provides recombinant polynucleotides coding for these proteins. Also provided by this invention is a non-naturally occurring nucleic acid molecule encoding mutant CrmA protein and a dominant inhibitory Yama. Vectors and host cells containing these nucleic acid molecules are further provided. Methods of modulating a cellular function regulated by the Fas receptor pathway in a cell is provided herein. In one aspect, this method comprises introducing into the cell a nucleic acid molecule coding for a gene product having CrmA biological activity such as dominant inhibitory Yama or alternatively, the CrmA gene product.

Abstract: Adenovirus packaging cell lines for growth of E1A/E1B deficient adenovirus that is substantially free of replication competent adenovirus (RCA), are provided. Methods for producing adenovirus substantially free of RCA are also provided, wherein the adenovirus is grown in a cell line containing coding sequences for adenovirus E1A and E1B, are operably linked to promoters that lack polynucleotide sequences sharing substantial sequence identity with the native adenovirus E1A and E1B promoters.

Abstract: A method for constructing a stable bioactive mammalian embryonic kidney is described herein. A kidney so constructed requires no artificial support, nor porous man made membranes or tubing to effectuate its biological function of filtering body fluids. A single donor embryonic kidney, or fragment thereof, can produce a great number of functional kidneys suitable for treating subjects with various kidney disorders. It is anticipated that said in vitro produced kidney would be less, or not at all, antigenic when transplanted into a subject, because of its embryonic character and artificial propagation in culture. This method of producing a functional organ can be useful in cloning other organ structures containing inducible epithelial tissues.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a graft in heart tissue which comprises the transplantation of cells chosen from cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells and skeletal myoblasts. The grafts are especially useful in treating scar tissue on the heart.

Abstract: A cis-acting nucleotide sequence which is capable of rendering the removal of introns from a precursor transcript encoded by a gene, which gene harbors at least one such cis-acting nucleotide sequence, occurring during the production of mRNA of a gene, dependent upon activation of a trans-acting factor. The trans-acting factor is an RNA-activated protein kinase which is capable of phosphorylating the ?-subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2. The trans-acting factor is preferably, the RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR). The cis-acting nucleotide sequence can be derived from the 3? untranslated region of the human tumor necrosis factor ? gene (TNF-?3?-UTR) and may comprise the nucleotide sequence as denoted by SEQ ID NO:1 or biologically functional fragments, derivatives, mutants and homologues thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to materials and methods for producing equivalents of tissues of the ocular surface, especially conjunctival tissue equivalents. The method of the invention involves biopsy of an appropriate tissue, primary culture in a certain medium, proliferative culture in a second medium, and differentiative culture in a third medium. The tissue equivalents are typically grown upon a substrate, typically amniotic membrane, which provides ease of handling as one advantage.

Abstract: Adenovirus packaging cell lines for growth of an E1A/E1B deficient adenovirus that is substantially free of replication competent adenovirus (RCA) are provided. Methods for producing adenovirus substantially free of RCA are also provided, wherein the adenovirus is grown in a cell line containing coding sequences for adenovirus E1A and E1B, which are operably linked to promoters that lack polynucleotide sequences sharing substantial sequence identity with the native adenovirus E1A and E1B promoters.

Abstract: A chemically defined mammalian cell culture medium is provided that supports maintenance and long term clonal growth of mammalian hepatocytes and other cells.

Abstract: A method of separating the epithelium and the stroma of a cornea includes providing a solution that includes a detaching agent diluted in a culture medium and applying the solution to the surface of the cornea.

Abstract: Biological tissues are grown in a low shear, microgravity environment by culturing connective tissue cells to form a three-dimensional structure, which is thereafter co-cultured with endothelial and epithelial cells to replicate naturally occurring tissues. Preferably, the three-dimensional connective tissue cells are first cultured with endothelial cells to form three-dimensional structures of connective tissue cells and endothelial cells, which are thereafter co-cultured with epithelial cells to replicate naturally occurring tissue. The cultured tissue is in the general shape of spheroids having a diameter between about 0.1 mm and about 5 m.

Abstract: The present invention provides human transplantable inflammatory breast carcinoma xenografts. Such xenografts exhibit a number of unique characteristics which allows their use in experimental models of inflammatory carcinoma in order to dissect out the molecular basis of this phenotype. This experimental model of inflammatory carcinoma can be used to identify molecular targets for therapeutic intervention and to assess the efficacy of a broad spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Specific animal models of inflammatory breast cancer are described as well as methods for evaluating diagnostic and therapeutic agents for treating inflammatory breast cancer. Methods for identifying molecules whose expression is modulated in inflammatory breast cancer are provided. In addition, methods for diagnosing and inhibiting the growth of inflammatory breast cancer metastases in vivo are provided.

Abstract: Human Papillomavirus virus like particles (VLPs) have been constructed so that they contain a modified L2 protein. The L2 protein has been minimized and is fused to a second protein or peptide. The fused protein is incorporated into the VLP and the VLP can deliver the protein to a cell. The modified VLPs can be used to increase the breadth of immune response in vaccine preparations or to deliver other proteins of interest.

Abstract: A small percentage of cells within an established solid tumor have the properties of stem cells. These solid tumor stem cells give rise both to more tumor stem cells and to the majority of cells in the tumor that have lost the capacity for extensive proliferation and the ability to give rise to new tumors. The solid tumor heterogeneity reflects the presence of tumor cell progeny arising from a solid tumor stem cell. This discovery is the basis for solid tumor stem cell compositions, methods for distinguishing functionally different populations of tumor cells, methods for using these tumor cell populations for studying the effects of therapeutic agents on tumor growth, and methods for identifying and testing novel anti-cancer therapies directed to solid tumor stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immortalized, malignant, human, adult prostate epithelial cell lines or cell lines derived therefrom useful in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. More particularly, the present invention relates to cloned, immortalized, malignant, human, adult prostate epithelial cell lines and uses of these cell lines for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Furthermore, the present invention provides for the characterization of said cell lines through the analysis of specific chromosomal deletions.