A method for screening compounds for their ability to interact with transmembrane proteins is provided. Also provided is a method for determining whether proteins such as transmembrane proteins are able to oligomerise.

Methods, compositions and kits for producing functional neurons, astroctyes, oligodendrocytes and progenitor cells thereof are provided. These methods, compositions and kits find use in producing neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and progenitor cells thereof for transplantation, for experimental evaluation, as a source of lineage- and cell-specific products, and the like, for example for use in treating human disorders of the CNS. Also provided are methods, compositions and kits for screening candidate agents for activity in converting cells into neuronal cells, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and progenitor cells thereof.

The present invention relates to a microfluidic device (1) for cultivating cells, in particular for generating brain organoids, comprising at least two fluid channels (2) positioned essentially opposite to each other and a main chamber (3) located between the fluid channels (2), wherein the main chamber (3) comprises at least one preferably sealable access opening, and each of the at least two fluid channels (2) is fluidly connected to the main chamber (3) at at least one point of contact (4), wherein a slotted structure (5) is provided at each point of contact (4) separating the main chamber (3) from the respective fluid channel (2), wherein the slotted structure (5) is permeable to a liquid.

Aspects of the present invention provide improved methods and apparatus for use in in vitro modeling of the interaction of cells with cellular constructs/parts/axons, including axon mimetics and use of three-dimensional fibers.

Provided herein are compositions and methods describing the generation and use of in vitro pro-organs using microparticle scaffolds.

Disclosed are yeast cells expressing a polypeptide comprising a signal sequence and a human ApoE protein. In some embodiments the polypeptide comprises ApoE2. In some embodiments the polypeptide comprises ApoE3. In some embodiments the polypeptide comprises ApoE4. Also disclosed are methods of screening yeast cells to identify compounds that prevent or suppress Apo-induced toxicity. Compounds identified by such screens can be used to treat or prevent neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Also disclosed are methods of screening yeast cells to identify genetic suppressors or enhancers of ApoE-induced toxicity. Also disclosed are genetic suppressors or enhancers of ApoE-induced toxicity identified using the methods, and human homologs thereof. Also disclosed are methods of identifying compounds that modulate expression or activity of genetic modifiers of ApoE-induced toxicity.

A method of assessing neurotoxicity of nanoparticles, includes: preparing a tissue or cell sample of mammal exposed to the nanoparticles; analyzing at least one polyamine metabolite selected from the group consisting of putrescine, N1-acetylspermidine, N8-acetylspermidine, N1-acetylspermine and spermine in the sample; and comparing expression degree of the polyamine metabolite with that of a control.

The present invention provides a method for producing retinal cells or a retinal tissue, comprising the following steps (1)-(3): (1) a first step of culturing human pluripotent stem cells in the absence of feeder cells and in a medium comprising a factor for maintaining undifferentiated state, (2) a second step of culturing the pluripotent stem cells obtained in the first step in suspension in the presence of a Sonic hedgehog signal transduction pathway activating substance to form a cell aggregate, and (3) a third step of culturing the aggregate obtained in the second step in suspension in the presence of a 1) a BMP signal transduction pathway activating substance to obtain an aggregate containing retinal cells or a retinal tissue.

The present invention relates to one or more ligands of a potassium channel β subunit for use in therapy, and in particular for use in treating or preventing a sleep disorder in a subject. The invention also provides a method of screening a test compound to determine if it is a substrate of a potassium channel β subunit.

The present invention has the object of providing a cell into which a protein, which can serve as a polymerization nucleus of a protein polymer, or polymer thereof is introduced, and a method for producing the cell. The invention relates to a cell into which a protein, which can serve as a polymerization nucleus of a protein polymer, or a polymer thereof is introduced, a method for producing the cell, and a method of screening for a compound inhibiting an intracellular accumulation of a protein containing fibril structures, wherein the method comprises bringing a candidate substance into contact with the cell.