The present invention relates to a SIRT1 activator for use in promoting and/or enhancing sperm capacitation process in mammals, a specific process for these cells. The disclosure also relates to a compound and a kit comprising the SIRT1 activator. The present invention further discloses the use of a commercially available SIRT1 activator, YK-3-237, as an additive or as a new ingredient to any sperm media already existing in the market to promote the sperm capacitation process, promoting fertilization in mammals.

The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule encoding (I) a polypeptide having the activity of an endonuclease, which is (a) a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; (b) a nucleic acid molecule comprising or consisting of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; (c) a nucleic acid molecule encoding an endonuclease, the amino acid sequence of which is at least 70% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; (d) a nucleic acid molecule comprising or consisting of a nucleotide sequence which is at least 50% identical to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; (e) a nucleic acid molecule which is degenerate with respect to the nucleic acid molecule of (d); or (f) a nucleic acid molecule corresponding to the nucleic acid molecule of any one of (a) to (e) wherein T is replaced by U; (II) a fragment of the polypeptide of (I) having the activity of an endonuclease. Also, the present invention relates to a vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule and a protein encoded by said nucleic acid molecule. Further, the invention relates to a method of modifying the genome of a eukaryotic cell and a method of producing a non-human vertebrate or mammal.

The present invention relates, inter alia, to a process for making modified fish zygotes or early-stage fish embryos (particularly salmon zygotes and salmon embryos), wherein the process comprises (a) modifying the genome of the fish zygote or an early-stage fish embryo to eliminate functional expression of a germ cell survival factor gene (e.g. dead-end, dnd)\ and (b) introducing functional protein or RNA encoded by the germ cell survival factor gene into the zygote or early-stage embryo. The invention also provides fish zygotes, fish embryos, juvenile fish, mature fish and sterile fish which are produced by the processes of the invention.

The present invention relates to amino acid salts of nicotinic acid and nicotinamide and compositions thereof of Formula I, useful in the treatment of disorders and diseases associated with deficiencies in NAD.sup.+:

##STR00001##

wherein A, L, M.sup.1, M.sup.2, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are as described herein.

The present invention relates to amino acid salts of nicotinic acid mononucleotides and nicotinamide mononucleotides and compositions thereof of Formula I, useful in the treatment of disorders and diseases associated with deficiencies in NAD.sup.+:

##STR00001##

wherein A, M.sup.1, M.sup.2, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are as described herein.

A method of differentiating a primordial germ cell into a primordial follicle in vitro includes culturing a primordial germ cell and a supporting cell adjacent to the primordial germ cell under a pressurized condition or a low oxygen concentration condition.

The invention relates to transgenic animals lacking endogenous Ig and capable of producing transgenic antibodies, as well as methods of making the same. The invention further relates to methods for producing transgenic antibodies in such animals, and transgenic antibodies so produced.

Haploid human embryonic stem cells and cell lines, haploid multipotent human cells, and haploid differentiated human cells are provided. In addition, methods of making and using the haploid human cells are provided.

The present invention relates to inorganic salts of nicotinamide mononucleotides and compositions of Formula I, useful in the treatment of disorders and diseases associated with deficiencies in NAD.sup.+:

##STR00001##

wherein A, M, k, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are as described herein.

The subject invention pertains to methods and devices for generating mature oocytes from immature oocytes and improving oocyte quality for improved success of assistant reproductive technology (ART). The methods include the use of tunneling nanotube-forming cells and oocytes, wherein the tunneling nanotube-forming cells transfer autologous genomic materials, biomolecules and cellular components to the oocytes. The devices of the invention include microfluidic device to improve the efficiency of the transfer of biomolecules and cellular components between tunneling nanotube-forming cells and oocytes.