Described are transgenic, non-human animals comprising a nucleic acid encoding an immunoglobulin light chain, whereby the immunoglobulin light chain is human, human-like, or humanized. The nucleic acid is provided with a means that renders it resistant to DNA rearrangements and/or somatic hypermutations. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprises an expression cassette for the expression of a desired molecule in cells during a certain stage of development in cells developing into mature B cells. Further provided is methods for producing an immunoglobulin from the transgenic, non-human animal.

The current disclosure describes methods of expanding precursor cells for hematopoietic transplantation in subjects. The methods culture precursor cells in media containing an immobilized high molecular weight LILRB2 agonist or an LILRB2 agonist in combination with a Notch agonist. The expanded cells can be used to treat a variety of hematopoietic disorders.

Disclosed herein is a companion diagnostic to predict efficacy of combination lenalidomide and erythropoietin treatment in patients with a erythropoietin (Epo)-refractory, Lower Risk (LR) Non-deletion 5q [Del(5q)] myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The method involves assaying erythroid precursors from a biological sample from the subject for a CD45 isoform profile, and treating the subject with a combination of lenalidomide and erythropoietin if the erythroid precursors have a predominance of large CD45RA and CD45RB isoforms compared to small CD45RO isoform.

The invention is based, in part, on the discovery that a polypeptide, referred to herein as Betacam, is selectively expressed on the surface of pancreatic islet cells. Thus, in one aspect, the invention is directed to compositions comprising Betacam or that can be used to detect Betacam. In another aspect, the invention provides methods of detecting (e.g., non-invasively) pancreatic beta cells from a mammalian cell source. Another aspect of the invention is directed to cellular purification of pancreatic beta cells from a heterogeneous cell source of multiple kinds. In another aspect, the invention provides methods of identifying agents that modulate activity of Betacam. In yet another aspect, the invention provides for improved treatment and diagnosis of diabetes.

A molecular marker expressed specifically in corneal endothelial cells, and a method for producing one or more corneal endothelial cells using the marker and a method for evaluating one or more corneal endothelial cells using the marker are provided. At least one molecule selected from the group consisting of ZP4, MRGPRX3, GRIP1, GLP1R, HTR1D, and CLRN1 is used as a marker specific to corneal endothelial cells.

Disclosed are methods and kits for evaluating predicting whether an individual IPF has slowly or rapidly progressive IPF.

Deamidation is usually viewed as a post-translational modification that sets an expiration date on proteins. Among apoptosis regulators of the Bcl-2 family, Bcl-xL shows a unique eligibility to be either singly or doubly deamidated. The inventors therefore analysed Bcl-xL deamidation state in platelets from mice models where platelets lifespan was manipulated. In parallel, the inventors compared human platelets obtained at steady state from healthy controls, to platelets newly synthesized after recovery from acute thrombocytopenia: they found that while expression levels of Asn52 monodeamidated Bcl-xL remains unchanged, Asn52Asn66 doubly-deamidated Bcl-xL is virtually absent in young platelets and accumulates in old platelets. Therefor the Asn52Asn66 doubly-deamidated Bcl-xL could be used as a reliable biomarker for determining the age of platelets.

Compositions, kits, and methods for isolating, detecting, and analyzing fetal cells are provided. Methods for preparing a fetal cell sample and for performing fetal genetic testing are also provided herein. The compositions, kits, and methods may comprise use an anti-TREML2 antibody. Alternatively, or additionally, the compositions, kits, and methods comprise or use an antibody conjugated to a colloidal magnetic particle and/or an exogenous aggregation enhancing factor.

Disclosed are methods and systems for analyte detection in a sample and more particularly, a biological sample. Methods and systems particularly relate to differentiating and/or identifying cell types in biological samples, such as blood samples, by adding antibodies specific to predetermined CD antigens. Other methods and systems relate to controlling the dynamic range of an assay for analyte detection.

This disclosure provides methods for producing size-adjustable tissue-hydrogel hybrids or cell-hydrogel hybrids for imaging cellular and subcellular details and system-scale (e.g., tissue or organism level) intercellular connectivity.