Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inducing insulin gene expression in cultured pancreas cells, the method comprising contacting a culture of endocrine pancreas cells expressing a PDX-1 gene and a NeuroD/BETA2 gene with a GLP-1 receptor agonist, wherein the cells have been cultured under conditions such that the cells are in contact with other cells in the culture, thereby inducing insulin gene expression in the cells. The invention also provides high throughput screening methods for modulators of ?-cell function, stable cultures of cells made by the methods of the invention, and methods of treating a human subject using the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to tissue implant material for use in grafting procedures. More particularly, the present invention provides non-vascular tissue for use as vascular graft material. The present invention further contemplates a method of vascular grafting using non-vascular tissue. The tissue of the present invention is preferably autologous relative to the recipient of the graft and is conveniently prepared around or on a molding support or other foreign body inserted into a body cavity of the intended recipient of the graft. The tissues and methods of the present invention are particularly useful in the treatment or prophylaxis of diseased or damaged blood vessels such as in atherosclerosis.

Abstract: Dendritic cell subsets, and various methods of making and using same are provided. In particular, methods for making a defined subset of dendritic cells are provided.

Abstract: Treatment of tumors, including their metastases, is described. Retrieved cytokines and other molecules from the growth medium of human monocytes stimulated ex vivo with gamma globulin, or other immune stimulators are employed for cancer therapy.

Abstract: The present invention describes an efficient retroviral or viral based method that allows easy and quick identification of gene transfer in living, transduced mammalian cells. Retroviral and viral vector producer cells were generated containing a gene for an improved humanized red-shifted, Green Fluorescent Protein (hRGFP) which increases the resulting fluorescence yield after excitation. This humanized, red-shifted GFP (hRGFP) gene was cloned into several vectors and transfected into various packaging cell lines to produce vibrant green fluorescence after excitation with blue light at 450-490 nm. These vectors represent a substantial advance over currently available gene transfer marking systems or wild-type GFP marker systems none of which have been stably transfected into cells.

Abstract: Methods and products for stimulating hematopoiesis, preventing low levels of hematopoietic cells and producing increased numbers of hematopoietic and mature blood cells are provided. The methods and products can be used both in vivo and in vitro. The methods involve administering an agent of Formula I: wherein m is an integer between 0 and 10, inclusive; A and A1 are L-amino acid residues such that the A in each repeating bracketed unit can be the same or a different amino acid residue; the C bonded to B is in the L-configuration; the bonds between A and N, A1 and C, and between A1 and N are peptide bonds; and each X1 and X2 is, independently, a hydroxyl group or a group capable of being hydrolyzed to a hydroxyl group in aqueous solution at physiological pH. A particularly preferred agent that is useful in practicing the invention is a ValBoroPro.