Abstract: The present invention provides new interferon &bgr; conjugates, methods of preparing such conjugates and the use of such conjugates in therapy, in particular for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: Methods of unencrypting trait encrypted gene sequences to provide unencrypted RNAs or polypeptides. The invention also relates to methods of encrypting traits including splitting genes between two parental organisms or between a host organism and a vector. The gene sequences are unencrypted when the two parental organisms are mated or when the vector infects the host organism by trans-splicing either the split RNAs or split polypeptides upon expression of the split gene sequences. The invention also includes methods of providing multiple levels of trait encryption and reliable methods of producing hybrid organisms. Additional methods include those related to unencrypting engineered genetic elements to provide polypeptide functions and those directed at recombining non-overlapping gene sequences. The invention also includes integrated systems and various compositions related to the disclosed methods.

Abstract: The invention provides methods employing iterative cycles of recombination and selection/screening for evolution of whole cells and organisms toward acquisition of desired properties. Examples of such properties include enhanced recombinogenicity, genome copy number, and capacity for expression and/or secretion of proteins and secondary metabolites.

Abstract: Methods of recombining nucleic acids, including homologous nucleic acids, are provided. Families of gene shuffling oligonucleotides and their use in recombination procedures, as well as polymerase and ligase mediated recombination methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method for DNA reassembly after random fragmentation, and its application to mutagenesis of nucleic acid sequences by in vitro or in vivo recombination is described. In particular, a method for the production of nucleic acid fragments or polynucleotides encoding mutant proteins is described. The present invention also relates to a method of repeated cycles of mutagenesis, shuffling and selection which allow for the directed molecular evolution in vitro or in vivo of proteins.

Abstract: A method for DNA reassembly after random fragmentation, and its application to mutagenesis of nucleic acid sequences by in vitro or in vivo recombination is described. In particular, a method for the production of nucleic acid fragments or polynucleotides encoding mutant proteins is described. The present invention also relates to a method of repeated cycles of mutagenesis, shuffling and selection which allow for the directed molecular evolution in vitro or in vivo of proteins.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of obtaining pest resistance genes that are improved over naturally occurring genes for use in conferring upon plants resistance to pests. The methods involve the use of DNA shuffling of pest resistance genes to produce libraries of recombinant pest resistance genes, which are then screened to identify those that exhibit the improved property or properties of interest.

Abstract: Methods of shuffling nucleic acids to acquire or enhance mycotoxin detoxification activity, libraries of shuffled mycotoxin detoxification nucleic acids, transgenic cells, plants and DNA shuffling mixtures are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a number of strategies for transferring and/or evolving gene(s) associated with cellular DNA uptake so that they confer or enhance DNA-uptake capacity of a recipient cell. Evolution is achieved by recursive cycles of recombination and screening/selection. One such strategy entails evolving genes that confer competence in one species to confer either greater competence in that species, or comparable or greater competence in a second species. Another strategy entails evolving genes for use as components of cloning vector to confer enhanced uptake of the vector. Other strategies entail evolving viral receptors, viruses, and genes that mediate conjugal transfer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of identifying a plant containing a lesion in a gene sequence flanked in a wild type chromosome by known polynucleotide sequences. The methods comprise providing a collection of nucleic acids from source plants, providing a data base that associates each nucleic acid with its source plant, amplifying the collection of nucleic acids, thereby detecting the lesion, and using the database to identify the source plant carrying the lesion.

Abstract: Methods of recombining nucleic acids, including homologous nucleic acids, are provided. Families of gene shuffling oligonucleotides and their use in recombination procedures, as well as polymerase and ligase mediated recombination methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the evolution of proteins of industrial and pharmaceutical interest, including methods for effecting recombination and selection. Compositions produced by these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of providing shuffling libraries that include codon-varied oligonucleotide sequences are described. Codon-varied oligonucleotides are synthesized using trinucleotide or mononucleotide phosphoramidite sequences, and are derived from homologous or non-homologous nucleic acid sequences, or combinations of such sequences. Various methods of recombining codon-varied oligonucleotide sequences to expedite artificial evolution are also described. The present invention additionally relates to various integrated systems that are optionally used to automate these recombination methods.

Abstract: Methods of recombining nucleic acids, including homologous nucleic acids, are provided. Families of gene shuffling oligonucleotides and their use in recombination procedures, as well as polymerase and ligase mediated recombination methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of recombining nucleic acids, including homologous nucleic acids, are provided. Families of gene shuffling oligonucleotides and their use in recombination procedures, as well as polymerase and ligase mediated recombination methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method for DNA reassembly after random fragmentation, and its application to mutagenesis of nucleic acid sequences by in vitro or in vivo recombination is described. In particular, a method for the production of nucleic acid fragments or polynucleotides encoding mutant proteins is described. The present invention also relates to a method of repeated cycles of mutagenesis, shuffling and selection which allow for the directed molecular evolution in vitro or in vivo of proteins.

Abstract: Methods of modulating, tuning and improving hybridization properties and recombination properties of molecules for use in nucleic acid shuffling procedures, relates recombination mixtures and methods of modulating, tuning, improving and evolving splicing of RNAs and proteins are provided.

Abstract: Methods of modulating, tuning and improving hybridization properties and recombination properties of molecules for use in nucleic acid shuffling procedures, relates recombination mixtures and methods of modulating, tuning, improving and evolving splicing of RNAs and proteins are provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the evolution of proteins of industrial and pharmaceutical interest, including methods for effecting recombination and selection. Compositions produced by these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for DNA reassembly after random fragmentation, and its application to mutagenesis of nucleic acid sequences by in vitro or in vivo recombination is described. In particular, a method for the production of nucleic acid fragments or polynucleotides encoding mutant proteins is described. The present invention also relates to a method of repeated cycles of mutagenesis, shuffling and selection which allow for the directed molecular evolution in vitro or in vivo of proteins.