The present invention provides PiggyBac transposase proteins, nucleic acids encoding the same, compositions comprising the same, kits comprising the same, non-human transgenic animals comprising the same, and methods of using the same.

The present invention relates to the field of stem cells. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions useful for the highly efficient conversion of human stem cells to lineage-specific neurons. In a specific embodiment, a method of inducing differentiation of human stem cells into dopaminergic (DA) neurons comprises the steps of (a) transfecting human stem cells with a lentiviral vector encoding Atoh1, wherein the vector is Dox inducible; and (b) growing the transfected cells in culture in the presence of Dox, Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) and FGF-8b until DA neurons are induced.

The present invention relates to methods for reprogramming a somatic cell to pluripotency by administering into the somatic cell at least one or a plurality of potency-determining factors. The invention also relates to pluripotent cell populations obtained using a reprogramming method.

Combinations of anti-cancer antibodies and inhibitory antibodies to CD223 overcome immune suppression in cancer patients. The inhibitory antibodies may be generated in an animal by injection of fragments of CD223. Antibodies may be monoclonal antibodies or single chain antibodies or humanized antibodies.

In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a retroviral vector (FIG. 1A). Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods for producing siRNA encoding lentivirus where the siRNA activity may interfere with the lentiviral life cycle. In yet a further aspect, the invention provides methods for expression of a small RNA molecule within a cell, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, wherein expression of the small RNA molecule is relatively non-cytotoxic to the cell. The invention also includes small RNA molecules, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, that are relatively non-cytotoxic to cells.

The disclosure is directed to methods and uses of antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof against Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2). Specifically, the disclosure is direct to the use of anti-Ang2 antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof for treating ischemia. The methods disclosed are useful for reducing microvascular permeability, increasing microvascular perfusion, reducing inflammation in a tissue, and treating or ameliorating diseases associated with ischemia and/or reperfusion injury. The disclosed methods are also useful for protecting solid organ transplant tissue and treating or preventing chronic tissue transplant rejection.

The invention features nucleic acid constructs encoding chimeric immune T-Cell receptors (CIRs) that are useful for treating HIV in patients. In general, the CIRs contain an extracellular domain which targets HIV or HIV infected cells (e.g., the extracellular domain of CD4), a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain for mediating T-Cell activation (e.g. CD3 zeta and/or the partical extracellular domain of CD28). The invention also features the use of host cells expressing CIRs in the treatment of HIV.

Disclosed herein is a method for producing a recombinant polypeptide in a mammalian cell culture in which the mammalian cells have a modified microRNA activity level. In one embodiment, a microRNA activity level is increased. In another embodiment, a microRNA activity level is decreased. In a more particular embodiment, the mammalian cells have a reduced miRNA-let-7a activity level.

Methods and compositions are provided for delivering a polynucleotide encoding a gene of interest to a target cell using a virus. The virus envelope comprises a cell-specific binding determinant that recognizes and binds to a component on the target cell surface, leading to endocytosis of the virus. A separate fusogenic molecule is also present on the envelope and facilitates delivery of the polynucleotide across the membrane and into the cytosol of the target cell. The methods and related compositions can be used for treating patients having suffering from a wide range of conditions, including infection, such as HIV; cancers, such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and breast cancer; and hematological disorders, such as severe combined immunodeficiency.

The present invention provides PiggyBac transposase proteins, nucleic acids encoding the same, compositions comprising the same, kits comprising the same, non-human transgenic animals comprising the same, and methods of using the same.