Methods for the detection, enumeration and analysis of circulating tumor cells expressing insulin-like growth factor-1 receptors (IGF-1R) are disclosed. These methods are useful for cancer screening and staging, development of treatment regimens, and for monitoring for treatment responses, cancer recurrence or the like. Test kits that facilitate the detection, enumeration and analysis of such circulating tumor cells are also provided.

A column-based device and method for retrieving cells of interest were enclosed. The said device comprises a column comprising (i) an inner wall defining an inner chamber with inlet and outlet openings, (ii) a perforated plug disposed adjacent to the outlet opening, (iii) a sleeve insert with a channel and disposed within the chamber and adjacent to the perforated plug, and (iv) a filtering means housed within sleeve insert sandwiched between two sealing means. In particular, Tumor-derived endothelial cell clusters (TECCs) as characterized multiple nuclei, expression of endothelial markers (PECAM1, VWF and CDH5), and non-expression of leukocyte, megakaryocyte and platelets markers, may be retrieved using the disclosed device. Also encompassed are methods, reagents and kits for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancers by detecting for the presence of TECCs isolated from blood samples using the claimed device.

The described invention identifies endothelial cells within the perivascular niche as a crucial component in driving bone marrow (BM) inflammation and HSC dysfunction. We demonstrate that crosstalk between ERK-MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways within the endothelium plays a key role in modulating the outcomes of chronic inflammation. Sustained activation of the MAPK pathway selectively within the endothelium of adult mice leads to inflammation-induced HSC dysfunction including loss of engraftment ability and a myeloid-biased output. HSC defects caused by endothelial MAPK activation are completely resolved upon simultaneous inhibition of endothelial NF-κB signaling. The described invention identifies Stem Cell Growth Factor alpha (SCGF) as a niche-derived factor that suppresses BM inflammation and enhances hematopoietic recovery following myelosuppressive injury.

A column-based device and method for retrieving cells of interest were enclosed. The said device comprises a column comprising (i) an inner wall defining an inner chamber with inlet and outlet openings, (ii) a perforated plug disposed adjacent to the outlet opening, (iii) a sleeve insert with a channel and disposed within the chamber and adjacent to the perforated plug, and (iv) a filtering means housed within sleeve insert sandwiched between two sealing means. In particular, Tumor-derived endothelial cell clusters (TECCs) as characterized multiple nuclei, expression of endothelial markers (PECAM1, VWF and CDH5), and non-expression of leukocyte, megakaryocyte and platelets markers, may be retrieved using the disclosed device. Also encompassed are methods, reagents and kits for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancers by detecting for the presence of TECCs isolated from blood samples using the claimed device.

The present invention concerns an ubiquitin ligase inhibitor for use for preventing and/or treating a disease linked with cerebral hypoperfusion, and an in vitro screening method for the identification of a candidate compound suitable for preventing and/or treating a disease linked with cerebral hypoperfusion.

The present invention relates to microfluidic fluidic devices, methods and systems as microfluidic kidney on-chips, e.g. human Proximal Tubule-Chip.

The present invention relates to the field of organ transplant and the issues associated with transplant rejection. Anti-body-mediated rejection (AMR) is associated with a poor transplant outcome. Pathogenic alloantibodies are usually directed against human leucocyte antigens (HLAs). However, evidence of AMR in the absence of anti-HLA antibodies suggests the presence of non-anti-HLA antibodies, identified as anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECAs). The inventors have demonstrated that kidney recipients who experienced acute rejection with microvascular inflammation within the first 3 months after transplantation in the absence of anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies, carried, before transplantation, unknown AECAs in their sera that specifically targeted the glomerular microvascular endothelium. Thus, the present invention relates to in vitro methods and kits for determining the likelihood of occurrence of an acute microvascular rejection (AMVR) against a renal allograft in an individual.

Disclosed herein are methods for obtaining endometrial stromal fibroblast cells from pluripotent stem cells, such as induced pluripotent stem cells. The present disclosure also provides methods of obtaining a three-dimensional, multilayered endometrial tissue composition. Methods of using the cells and tissue compositions in drug screening and therapeutic applications are also provided.

The present invention relates to uses of inhibitors of human Growth and Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF-15), and to combined uses of such inhibitors with immune checkpoint blockers, in the treatment of solid cancers.

Provided is a technology allowing for stable supply of brain microvascular endothelium-like cells. This coating agent for inducing differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into brain microvascular endothelium-like cells contains at least one component of a Laminin-221 fragment or an N-terminal Vitronectin.