Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polynucleotides having leader sequence function. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods using the polynucleotides for production of polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides substantially purified or isolated fungi of Nodulisporium spp. or Ascocoryne spp., plants infected with said fungi, organic compounds produced by said fungi, and related nucleic acids, polypeptides and methods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an innate DNA sequence within the complete genome sequence of Actinoplanes sp. SE50/110 which resembles the structure of an actinomycete integrative and conjugative element (AICE). Related AICEs were used for establishing genetic manipulation tools for other bacteria in the past. In this document, we describe the unique features of the specific AICE found in Actinoplanes sp. SE50/110 which are clearly distinct from any other known AICE as a whole, but share minor parts with varying sequence similarity with other characterized AiCEs from other species.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique which is for duplicating across a wide region any large region on a chromosome of a fungus belonging to Aspergillus strain, and which enables the stable and systematic acquisition of a previously un-acquirable fungus belonging to the Aspergillus strain having novel traits. Disclosed is a transformant wherein a transformation marker gene sequence is arranged on the outside of terminals (5?, 3?) of a region so as to sandwich an arbitrary region of a chromosome, and chromosome duplication has taken place by means of homologous recombination after double strand breakage generated in a homologous region inside the gene. Also disclosed is a method for duplicating an arbitrary region of a chromosome of a fungus belonging to Aspergillus strain by culturing said transformant.

Abstract: Ciliate organisms are provided that comprise reduced proteolytic processing in granules. For example, ciliates are provided that lack detectable expression of one or more sortilin (SOR) gene product. Methods for producing such genetically altered ciliates and methods for protein production in a these organisms are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for lowering the feed conversion rate in a vertebrate comprising inhibiting the function of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), wherein the feed conversion rate is defined as the mass of the feed eaten divided by the body mass gain.

Abstract: The objective is to provide a novel process for synthesizing a cyclic peptide compound. It is also an objective to provide a novel cyclic peptide compound. The novel process for synthesizing a cyclic peptide compound comprises the steps of: (1) translationally synthesizing a non-cyclic peptide compound having in a molecule a functional group 1 and a functional group 2, which are a pair of functional groups capable of reacting to form a bond, and (2) cyclizing the non-cyclic peptide compound by the reaction of the functional groups 1 and 2 to form a bond. The novel cyclic peptide compound can be synthesized by the process.

Abstract: A system for classifying thyroid nodule tissue as malignant or benign is provided that is based on the identification of sets of gene transcripts, which are characterized in that changes in expression of each gene transcript within a set of gene transcripts can be correlated to with either malignant or benign thyroid nodule disease. The thyroid classification system provides for sets of “thyroid classifying” target sequences and further provides for combinations of polynucleotide probes and primers derived there from. These combinations of polynucleotide probes can be provided in solution or as an array. The combination of probes and the arrays can be used for diagnosis. The invention further provides further methods of classifying thyroid nodule tissue.

Abstract: An expression vector is disclosed, which comprises: a) a polynucleotide sequence encoding a bacteriorhodopsin or a mutant bacteriorhodopsin; b) a multiple cloning site; c) a T7 promoter, d) a polyhistidine tag; e) a first protease cleavage site; f) optionally a second protease cleavage site; and g) optionally a linker; wherein the mutant bacteriorhodopsin comprises the residue corresponding to Asn94 of SEQ ID NO: 1. Also disclosed is a fusion membrane protein expression system, which comprises: a) a polynucleotide sequence encoding a mutant Haloarcula marismortui bacteriorhodopsin/D94N (HmBRI/D94N) or a Haloquadratum walsbyi bacteriorhodopsin (HwBR); b) a target membrane protein; and c) a T7 promoter, operably linked to the mutant HmBRI/D94N or HwBR and the target membrane protein. Host cells comprising the expression vector or the fusion membrane protein expression system and methods of using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides for a diagnostic test to monitor cancer-specific genetic abnormalities to diagnose cervical cell disorders and predict which patients might progress to cancer. Genetic abnormalities are detected by identification in chromosomal copy number of chromosome 3 and chromosome 5 using FISH analysis of probes targeted to 3q and/or 5p.

Abstract: This invention relates to genetic markers of mental illness, e.g., schizophrenia (SZ), and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a host for genetic recombination useful in the production of heterologous proteins in a large scale, by suppressing the production of extracellular polysaccharides in the basidiomycetous yeasts. Cryptococcus sp. S-2 D11 strain (FERM BP-11482) which is characterized in that the production of extracellular polysaccharides is suppressed as compared with the parent strain.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for coupling translation of a target gene to a detectable response gene. A version of the invention includes a translation-coupling cassette. The translation-coupling cassette includes a target gene, a response gene, a response-gene translation control element, and a secondary structure-forming sequence that reversibly forms a secondary structure masking the response-gene translation control element. Masking of the response-gene translation control element inhibits translation of the response gene. Full translation of the target gene results in unfolding of the secondary structure and consequent translation of the response gene. Translation of the target gene is determined by detecting presence of the response-gene protein product.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel polypeptides and cells comprising the polypeptides. The polypeptides and cells are used in methods to identify and/or isolate cells producing a protein with specific biological functions. In particular, the methods may be used for identifying, selecting, and isolating cells producing antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides for engineering and optimization of systems, methods, and compositions for manipulation of sequences and/or activities of target sequences. Provided are vectors and vector systems, some of which encode one or more components of a CRISPR complex, as well as methods for the design and use of such vectors with additional functional domains. Also provided are methods of directing CRISPR complex formation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells to ensure enhanced specificity for target recognition and avoidance of toxicity.

Abstract: The invention provides for engineering and optimization of systems, methods, and compositions for manipulation of sequences and/or activities of target sequences. Provided are vectors and vector systems, some of which encode one or more components of a CRISPR complex, as well as methods for the design and use of such vectors with additional functional domains. Also provided are methods of directing CRISPR complex formation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells to ensure enhanced specificity for target recognition and avoidance of toxicity.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial biocatalyst including a microbial organism having a 4-hydroxybutanoic acid (4-HB) biosynthetic pathway having at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding 4-hydroxybutanoate dehydrogenase, succinyl-CoA synthetase, CoA-dependent succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, or ?-ketoglutarate decarboxylase, wherein the exogenous nucleic acid is expressed in sufficient amounts to produce monomeric 4-hydroxybutanoic acid (4-HB).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for cancer diagnosis, research and therapy, including but not limited to, cancer markers. In particular, the present disclosure relates to RAF gene fusions as diagnostic markers and clinical targets for cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides for systems, methods, and compositions for altering expression of target gene sequences and related gene products. Provided are vectors and vector systems, some of which encode one or more components of a CRISPR complex, as well as methods for the design and use of such vectors. Also provided are methods of directing CRISPR complex formation in eukaryotic cells and methods for utilizing the CRISPR-Cas system.

Abstract: Lower eukaryotic host cells have been recombinantly engineered to produce glycoprotein having human-like O-glycosylation. The glycoproteins are useful for the production of glycoprotein compositions with advantages for the production of human therapeutics.