Abstract: A highly homogeneous library can be obtained by cleaving a genomic DNA by a sequence-independent cleavage method, such as sonication. By selecting satellite sequences from such a library, efficiency of isolation is improved. Thus, an efficient method of isolating microsatellite sequences, which are useful as DNA markers, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel plant expression constructs. More specifically the present invention provides DNA constructs comprising 5? regulatory sequences for modulating the expression of operably linked genes in plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating nucleic acid molecules, preferably open circular and supercoiled plasmid DNA and RNA molecules from each other, comprising the steps of providing a solution comprising the molecules; adsorbing the molecules to adsorbing groups on a carrier; and optionally washing the column with a suitable solution. The present process is especially suitable for large-scale isolation of supercoiled ccc DNA to be used in gene therapy.

Abstract: The invention provides recombinant vectors including adenovirus/adeno-associated virus (Ad/AAV) vectors and mini-adenovirus (mAd) vectors. Further, the invention provides cells containing these vectors, and methods for making and using the vectors and cells. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful in transferring nucleotide sequences of interest into a cell, including, but not limited to, in gene therapy applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing attenuated forms of bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus by mutating the Npro protease gene. The invention includes the attenuated viruses made by this method, antibodies generated using these viruses, and vaccines that can be used for immunizing cattle.

Abstract: Dendritic cell subsets, and various methods of making and using same are provided. In particular, methods for making a defined subset of dendritic cells are provided.

Abstract: A method of detecting increased levels of DNA single strand breaks in a eukaryotic cell sample, comprising the steps of: (a) contacting a eukaryotic cell sample to a water-soluble tetrazolium salt under conditions in which said tetrazolium salt is converted to a formazan dye in said cell sample in the presence of NADH or NADPH; and then (b) detecting the presence of the formazan dye in said cell sample, with decreased levels of the formazan dye indicating increased levels of DNA single strand breaks in the eukaryotic cell sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mutant aprE promoter and methods for the production of a desired protein in a Bacillus host cell, which comprises the mutant aprE promoter. The present invention provides the sequence of a preferred aprE mutant promoter, which provided for a 100-fold increase in the production of a protein from Bacillus subtilis.

Abstract: Methods and associated materials for transducing mesenchymal stem cells with a desired nucleic acid. Mesenchymal stem cells are a recently discovered kind of stem cell for which suitable transfer vehicles are still desired. Typical gene delivery vehicles such as the adenoviruses or adeno associated viruses have no particular tropism for mesenchymal stem cells. Also disclosed is gene therapy using adenoviruses provided with tropism for mesenchymal stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing a polypeptide, comprising: (a) cultivating a mutant of a parent filamentous fungal cell under conditions conducive for the production of the polypeptide, wherein (i) the mutant cell comprises a first nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide and a second nucleic acid sequence comprising a modification of at least one of the genes involved in the production of a trichothecene and (ii) the mutant produces less trichothecene than the parent filamentous fungal cell when cultured under the same conditions; and (b) isolating the polypeptide from the cultivation medium. The present invention also relates to mutants of filamentous fungal cells and methods for obtaining the mutant cells, isolated trichodiene synthases and nucleic acid sequences encoding the trichodiene synthases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to linear expression elements (LEEs) and circular expression elements (CEEs), which are useful in a variety of molecular biology protocols. Specifically, the invention relates to the use of LEEs and CEEs to screen for gene function, biological effects of gene function, antigens, and promoter function. The invention also provides methods of producing proteins, antibodies, antigens, and vaccines. Also, the invention relates to methods of making LEEs and CEEs, and LEEs and CEEs produced by such methods.

Abstract: Non-human mammalian animals having a higher epidermal expression level of protein kinase C? than their wild-type counterparts are phenotypically distinguished from wild-type animals in that the animals induced to develop tumors in a chemical initiation/promotion protocol are suppressed for subsequent papilloma development but are susceptible to developing squamous cell carcinoma and metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. The animals are advantageously used in methods for screening putative agents for altering the susceptibility, development and progression of squamous cell carcinoma and metastatic squamous cell carcinoma and have further commercial value as tools for investigating the development of metastatic disease.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods of recombinant protein production in cell culture. More specifically, the invention relates to the modulation of the IGF-1 signaling pathway in cells so as to improve production characteristics.

Abstract: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Intron A fragments for expressing gene products are disclosed. Also described are expression vectors including the fragments, as well as methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified rapid expansion method (termed “low-PBMC-REM” or “modified-REM”), for quickly generating large numbers of T lymphocytes, including cytolytic and helper T lymphocytes, without using the large excesses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cells (LCL) characteristic of high-PBMC-REM. Clonal expansions of greater than 500-fold can be achieved within a single stimulation cycle of about 8-14 days.

Abstract: Lambdoid phage comprising a matrix of proteins encapsulating a genome encoding first and second polypeptides of an autogenously assembling receptor and a receptor comprised of the first and second polypeptides surface-integrated into the matrix via a lambdoid phage tail protein matrix anchor domain fused to at least one of the polypeptides.

Abstract: This invention involves a process for selecting and producing eukaryotic alkaline phosphatase in yeast. Yeast cells are subjected to multiple transformations using a vector comprising a first resistance marker gene and the alkaline phosphatase gene. Those strains that grow in media containing the first resistance marker are further transformed using a vector comprising a second selection marker gene and the alkaline phosphatase gene. Transformants that grow in media containing the second selection marker are selected for expressing the eukaryotic alkaline phosphatase.

Abstract: Methods of cloning and/or amplifying toxic genes in bacteria using a vector which amplifies the toxic gene in bacteria and also allows subsequent expression in mammalian systems is provided. A vector having an origin of replication, a first promoter, a polylinker, a second promoter in reverse orientation with respect to the first promoter, a poly adenylation signal, and a gene encoding a selectable marker, and optionally an enhancer operably connected to the first promoter, and/or a nucleotide sequence encoding a toxic protein is also provided.

Abstract: A testing system useful for food products employs a multispecies testing array to test for presence or amount of a plurality of organisms in a sample by detecting plural characteristic sequences for each of plural organisms to form a multispecies distribution output or microbial profile, and this is processed or used in conjunction with data mining or other processing to provide trend, warning or other data. The processor correlates and stores information relating to taste, smell, texture, processing conditions, quality or source of a component or ingredient, potential pathogenicity or other factor, with correlations on a multidimensional space yielding new preconditions or warning indications, and providing a mechanism for specialization of the species distribution data for specific products, as well as for incorporation or development of process changes and company trade secrets.

Abstract: A screen has been designed to genetically engineer microbial pathogens so that expression of specific genes can be regulated in vitro and during host infection to facilitate the identification of bacterial genes essential for maintaining an infection. Specifically, gene regulatory elements which respond to the presence or absence of tetracycline are used to regulate the expression of endogenous bacterial genes. Because tetracycline is not normally present in animals, a tetracycline-regulated microbial gene can be controlled in vivo by adding or removing tetracycline from the infected animals' diet.