摘要:
A device and method for analyzing cells includes a housing with a chamber, a barrier supported by a frame disposed within the chamber, and a plate arranged at a bottom surface of the housing interior of the chamber. The plate is adapted to receive and sustain cells and the barrier separates the plate into at least two contiguous separate areas. In some embodiments, a thin rubber strip is arranged at the bottom edge of the barrier, which facilitates control of the area in which each cell type is grown, the size of the gap between the cells, and helps prevents over growth of the two cell types on to each other.
摘要:
This invention provides methods for determining the ability of a gene construct to alter the rhythm and contractility of a syncytial cell. Furthermore, this invention provides methods for constructing a gene construct capable of altering the rhythm or contractility of a syncytial cell. Finally, this invention provides a method for constructing a gene construct capable of coupling to a syncytial cell.
摘要:
A method of delivering an oligonucleotide or a plasmid expressing an oligonucleotide into a target cell comprises introducing an oligonucleotide into a donor cell, particularly a stem cell, and contacting the target cell with the donor cell under conditions permitting the donor cell to form a gap junction with the target cell, whereby the oligonucleotide or a product of the oligonucleotide is delivered into the target cell from the donor cell.
摘要:
The present invention relates to expression of CXCR4 in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and homing of MSCs to sites of injury. In particular, the invention provides expanded cultures of MSCs which maintain cell surface expression of CXCR4. The MSCs are capable of homing to sites of injury and are suitable for treatment of ischemic disorders, including cardiac disorders, bone and cartilage disorders, liver disorders, inflammatory disorders, and stroke.
摘要:
The present invention provides compositions and methods of treatment for atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. The compositions are useful for modifying the conducting properties of heart tissues in which impulses are generating and/or are useful for altering refractoriness without prolonging repolarization.
摘要:
The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to the labeling of target cells with quantum dots (QDs). Specifically, a delivery system is disclosed based on the use of negatively charged QDs for delivery of a tracking fluorescent signal into the cytosol of target cells via a passive endocytosis-mediated delivery process. In a specific embodiment of the invention the target cell is a stem cell, preferably a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC). Such labeled MSCs provide a means for tracking the distribution and fate of MSCs that have been administered to a subject to promote cardiac repair. The invention is based on the discovery that MSCs can be tracked in vitro for up to at least 6 weeks. Additionally, QDs delivered in vivo can be tracked for up to at least 8 weeks, thereby permitting for the first time, the complete 3-D reconstruction of the locations of all MSCs following administration into a host.
摘要:
The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to the labeling of target cells with nanometer scale fluorescent semiconductors referred to as quantum dots (QDs). Specifically, a delivery system is disclosed based on the use of negatively charged QDs for delivery of a tracking fluorescent signal into the cytosol of target cells via a passive endocytosis-mediated delivery process. In a specific embodiment of the invention the target cell is a stem cell, preferably a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC). Such labeled MSCs provide a means for tracking the distribution and fate of MSCs that have been genetically engineered to express, for example, a hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (“HCN”) channel and administered to a subject to create a biological pacemaker. The invention is based on the discovery that MSCs can be tracked in vitro for up to at least 6 weeks. Additionally, QDs delivered in vivo can be tracked for up to at least 8 weeks, thereby permitting for the first time, the complete 3-D reconstruction of the locations of all MSCs following administration into a host.
摘要:
The invention provides a method of treating a heart to remodel gap junctions, obtain gap junctional remodeling and/or alteration or effective refractory period comprising contacting linked multiple electrode pairs to an epicardial surface of a heart, and connecting the electrode pairs to a pacemaker to apply periodic electrical signals to the epicardial surface through the electrode pairs, the signals being applied for a sufficient time and having characteristics sufficient to remodel gap junctions, obtain gap junctional remodeling and/or alteration of effective refractory period in the heart. The invention also provides a device comprising a strip of electrode material having mounted thereon linked multiple electrode pairs arranged in two columns.
摘要:
The present invention provides a method for testing the efficiency of delivering an inhibitory polynucleotide to a target cell or tissue. The invention also provides a method for testing efficiency of delivering and efficacy for an effect on tumor size of an inhibitory polynucleotide against a target gene.
摘要:
A method of creating an atrioventricular bypass tract for a heart comprises growing mesenchymal stem cells into a strip with two ends, attaching one end of the strip onto the atrium of the heart, and attaching the other end of the strip to the ventricle of the heart, to create a tract connecting the atrium to the ventricle to provide a path for electrical signals generated by the sinus node to propagate across the tract and excite the ventricle.