Method To Generate Chondrocytes from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (hIPSCs) and their use in Repairing Human Injury and Degenerative Diseases

This technology includes a method for differentiating human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into stable chondrocytes, capable of producing cartilage, and their use in cartilage repair in human injury and degenerative diseases. In suspension culture, hiPSC aggregates demonstrate gene and protein expression patterns similar to articular cartilage.

Full-Length cDNA Clone Representing the Consensus Sequence of the RNA Genome of a Human Norovirus (strain MD145-12) That Encodes Biologically Active Proteins

The invention provides for a full-length cloned cDNA copy of the RNA genome of a predominant norovirus strain (Genogroup II.4) designated MD145-12 that was associated with human gastrointestinal illness. The noroviruses, which were formerly known as "Norwalk-like" viruses are estimated to cause 23 million cases of acute gastroenteritis in the USA each year. The virus has been designated into category B of the CDC biodefense-related priority pathogens because it can be used as an agent of bioterrorism.

The Use of Rabbits with Defined Immunoglobulin Light Chain Genes (C<sub>kappa</sub> b allotypes) to Optimize Production of Chimeric and Humanized Monoclonal Antibodies for Therapeutic, Imaging and Diagnostic Applications

Biological materials are important research tools that can be used for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. Antibodies have become viable drugs in the market today and there is a general market need for systems that may facilitate production of efficient and effective antibodies. In recent years, monoclonal antibodies have gained significant importance in their use, both as diagnostics and therapeutics, to intervene and combat diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and infections.

Reversible SNAP-Tag and CLIP-Tag Ligands for Live Cell Imaging

Recently-developed protein tags enable the specific covalent attachment of synthetic ligands, incorporating fluorophores or other substituted groups, to fusion proteins containing these tags. For example, SNAP and CLIP tags bind O6-benzylguanine-containing and O2-benzylcytosine containing ligands respectively, which can be derivatized with a wide variety of labels, including fluorescent dyes, affinity probes, and cross-linkers.

Genome Wide DNase I Hypersensitive Sites Detection in Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Single Cells

A method of detecting DNase I hypersensitive sites ((DHS) in a single cell or very small number of cells, including cells recovered from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue slides of patient samples. DHS has revealed a large number of potential regulatory elements for transcriptional regulation in various cell types. The application of DNase-Seq techniques to patient samples can elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms of gene function in a variety of diseases as well as provide potentially important diagnostic and prognostic information.

Treatment of Alcoholism by Inhibition of the Neuropeptide Y Receptor

Aversive or anticraving medications are currently used to supplement behavioral treatment of alcohol dependence. However, there is a need for developing more effective medications than those available. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a neurotransmitter known for increasing appetite and possibly having a role in alcohol preference and dependence. This is likely to be mediated by activation of the post-synaptic NPY-Y1 receptor, but developing molecules suitable for human therapeutics that activate that receptor represents a major challenge.

Prostatic Adenocarcinoma Cells Expressing or Lacking the Tumor Suppressor Gene PTEN

PTEN is a tumor suppressor gene that is frequently deleted or mutated in a variety of human cancers, including prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, and ovarian cancers. In prostate cancer cells, PTEN deletion is the most common event observed. The loss of PTEN is thought to play and important role in tumor cell proliferation and metastasis due to a lack of control of the signaling pathways that mediate cellular processes such as apoptosis and migration.