The present invention provides compositions and methods for reprogramming somatic cells using purified RNA preparations comprising single-strand mRNA encoding an iPS cell induction factor. The purified RNA preparations are preferably substantially free of RNA contaminant molecules that: i) would activate an immune response in the somatic cells, ii) would decrease expression of the single-stranded mRNA in the somatic cells, and/or iii) active RNA sensors in the somatic cells. In certain embodiments, the purified RNA preparations are substantially free of partial mRNAs, double-stranded RNAs, un-capped RNA molecules, and/or single-stranded run-on mRNAs.

The present disclosure provides methods of screening, diagnosing, monitoring and/or treating acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) disorders such as Niemann-Pick disease. In particular, the methods encompass techniques for improved diagnosis and/or treatment of an ASM disorder, for example using enzyme replacement therapy.

Provided herein are fusion proteins that comprise an enzyme replacement therapy enzyme and an Fc region, as well as methods of using such proteins to treat a lysosomal storage disorder. Methods for transporting agents across the blood-brain barrier are also provided herein.

Provided herein are fusion proteins that comprise an enzyme replacement therapy enzyme and an Fc region, as well as methods of using such proteins to treat a lysosomal storage disorder. Methods for transporting agents across the blood-brain barrier are also provided herein.

Provided herein are fusion proteins that comprise an enzyme replacement therapy enzyme and an Fc region, as well as methods of using such proteins to treat a lysosomal storage disorder. Methods for transporting agents across the blood-brain barrier are also provided herein.

The present invention relates to a method for treating degenerative neurological disorders in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising an acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) activity inhibitor or expression inhibitor as an active ingredient.

The present invention provides compositions and methods for reprogramming somatic cells using purified RNA preparations comprising single-strand mRNA encoding an iPS cell induction factor. The purified RNA preparations are preferably substantially free of RNA contaminant molecules that: i) would activate an immune response in the somatic cells, ii) would decrease expression of the single-stranded mRNA in the somatic cells, and/or iii) active RNA sensors in the somatic cells. In certain embodiments, the purified RNA preparations are substantially free of partial mRNAs, double-stranded RNAs, un-capped RNA molecules, and/or single-stranded run-on mRNAs.

The present invention provides a oxazole compound represented by Formula (1), or a salt thereof:

##STR00001##

wherein R.sup.1 is an aryl group which may have one or more substituents; R.sup.2 is an aryl group or a nitrogen atom-containing heterocyclic group each of which may have one or more substituents; and W is a divalent group represented by Y.sup.1-A.sup.1- or Y.sup.2C(O) wherein Y.sup.1 is a group such as C(O), A.sup.1 is a group such as a lower alkylene group, and Y.sup.2 is a group such as a piperazinediyl group. The oxazole compound has a specific inhibitory action against phosphodiesterase 4.

The invention provides methods for the synthesis of oligosaccharides comprising an aminooxy group. The invention further provides oligosaccharides comprising an aminooxy group, methods for coupling oligosaccharides comprising an aminooxy group to glycoproteins, and oligosaccharide-protein conjugates. Also provided are methods of treating a lysosomal storage disorder in a mammal by administration of an oligosaccharide-protein conjugate.

The invention relates to an antibody which binds to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), an antibody fragment thereof, a hybridoma which produces the antibody or the antibody fragment, a nucleic acid containing a nucleotide sequence which encodes the antibody or the antibody fragment, a transformant cell containing a vector containing the nucleic acid, a method for producing the antibody or the antibody fragment, a composition containing the antibody or the antibody fragment and a method for detecting or measuring an antigen that is present in the brain, a method for diagnosing or treating a brain disease, a method for improving the property of an antibody of accumulating in the brain and a method for increasing the amount of an antibody in the brain which use the antibody or the antibody fragment.