Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a means for evaluating atherosclerotic lesions by identifying a protein (marker protein) group, the expression level of which varies according to the progression of the atherosclerotic lesion, and using the proteins. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for evaluating atherosclerotic lesions, comprising the steps of detecting a marker protein exhibiting an expression pattern (expression variation) characteristic at a specific disease stage of atherosclerotic lesions in a subject, and evaluating the atherosclerotic lesions in the subject based on the detection result.

Abstract: The invention describes methods and reagents useful for sequencing polypeptide molecules. The method comprises affixing a polypeptide to a substrate and contacting the polypeptide with a plurality of probes. Each probe selectively binds to an N-terminal amino acid or an N-terminal amino acid derivative. Probes bound to the polypeptide molecule are then identified before cleaving the N-terminal amino acid or N-terminal amino acid derivative of the polypeptide. Also provided are methods for the sequencing a plurality of polypeptide molecules in a sample and probes specific for N-terminal amino acids or N-terminal amino acid derivatives.

Abstract: Antibodies for detecting nitration of nitrotyrosine 247 PKG-1? and antibodies for detecting nitrotyrosine 425 of PKG-1? are disclosed. Methods of detecting nitrotyrosine 247 PKG-1? and nitrotyrosine 425 of PKG-1?, and uses thereof are also disclosed for identification and diagnosis or phenotypes, pathologies, diseases and disorders associated with protein nitration of PKG-1? are also disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the disclosed antibodies is used in the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and kits are disclosed for detection and/or diagnosis of cancer (e.g., active malignancy) in a subject patient by analyzing a first sample of the subject patient's albumin-containing extracellular fluid (e.g., blood serum). Some embodiments comprise analyzing a second sample of the subject patient's albumin-containing extracellular fluid obtained between 2 and 90 days (e.g., between 5 and 30 days) after the first sample.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a method for isolating chromatin from a sample, comprising a step of passing a liquid sample comprising chromatin through a rigid porous matrix on which a ligand is immobilized, wherein the ligand binds to a protein associated with the chromatin.

Abstract: Provided is method of diagnosing liver cancer in a subject, the method comprising contacting a sample from a subject with a substance that specifically binds to transmembrane emp24 domain trafficking protein 2 (TMED2), cluster of differentiation 43 (CD43), or any combination thereof on the surface of a microvesicle; and measuring the level of the substance bound to microvesicles in the sample; and related methods and compositions.

Abstract: An immunoassay for the quantification of fragments having an N- or a C-terminal neo-epitope formed by cleavage of a titin protein by a proteinase is provided. The immunoassay includes the steps of contacting a sample with an antibody specifically binding to the N- or C-terminal neo-epitope of the fragments and determining the level of binding.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for measuring the level of MG53 found in a biological fluid as a biomarker for a disease or disorder, e.g., tissue damage, exercise capacity or a muscle-related disease or disorder. In addition, the invention relates to targeting the native MG53 found in the blood as a therapeutic approach.

Abstract: The disclosure provides biomarker proteins, a change in the concentration or activity level of which are associated with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) or clinically meaningful treatment of aHUS with a complement inhibitor. Also provided are compositions and methods for interrogating the concentration and/or activity of one or more of the biomarker proteins in a biological fluid. The compositions and methods are useful for, among other things, evaluating risk for developing aHUS, diagnosing aHUS, determining whether a subject is experiencing the first acute presentation of aHUS, monitoring progression or abatement of aHUS, and/or monitoring response to treatment with a complement inhibitor or optimizing such treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of novel biomarkers of in vivo apoptosis based on a large number of caspase-like cleavage sites. These biomarkers are useful for detection and quantification of apoptosis in a biological sample. The invention also provides synthetic peptides and proteins corresponding to neo-epitopes created by proteolytic processing of these cleavage sites. The synthetic peptides can be used as standards to enable identification and quantitation of these biomarkers using mass spectrometry. The synthetic proteins can be used to generate antibodies and other binding reagents specific for these biomarkers. Methods for detecting apoptosis as well as for diagnosing or for providing a prognosis for a disease or disease state characterized by apoptosis are also provided herein. Finally, the invention provides compositions and kits for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of clinical diagnostics. Particularly the present invention relates to the prognosis of adverse events in patients with stable chronic heart failure or being suspected of having stable chronic heart failure by determination of the level of Procalcitonin (PCT).

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining level of bioactive testosterone in a biological sample. In one aspect, aromatase enzyme is utilized to convert free, bio-available testosterone into estradiol and the amount of estradiol is measured before and after the addition of enzyme. The difference in measurements provides the amount of bioactive testosterone in the sample. In another aspect, a competitor of testosterone binding to SHBG is utilized to displace testosterone bound to SHBG. Measurements of total testosterone in the sample before addition of competitor and afterwards are taken, such that the delta reflects the amount of testosterone that was bound on SHBG.

Abstract: The invention provides an ELISA assay for the determination of serum mast cell ?-tryptase levels using rabbit anti-tryptase as the capture antibody and alkaline phosphatase conjugated G3 as the detecting antibody. Luminescent substrate CPSD was used to enhance the assay sensitivity. Also provided are methods for aiding in the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome by detecting the serum level of ?-tryptase, histamine and/or prostaglandin E2.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods for measuring and assaying PAS Kinase activity. The methods are useful, for example, for detecting PASK activity in a cell, and for screening for small molecule regulators of PAS kinase activity, as well as characterizing endogenous factors and stimuli that modulate PAS kinase activity, and identifying and optimizing the activity of potential PAS kinase inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of treatment regimens in subjects suffering from or suspected of having a renal injury. In particular, the invention relates to using assays that detect one or more markers selected from the group consisting of Clusterin, Heart-type fatty acid binding protein, Hepatocyte growth factor, Interferon gamma, Interleukin-12 subunit beta, Interleukin-16, Interleukin-2, 72 kDa type IV collagenase, Matrix metalloproteinase-9, Midkine, and Serum amyloid P-component as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in renal injuries.

Abstract: An assay for citrullinated fragments of SOCS-2, Alpha 1 anti tyrpsin, versican, biglycan, laminin, or other protein having a terminal antibody binding site comprising citrulline in a blood derived sample shows diagnostic relevance in relation to rheumatoid arthritis or fibrotic disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of treatment regimens in subjects suffering from or suspected of having a renal injury. In particular, the invention relates to using a one or more assays configured to detect a kidney injury marker selected from the group consisting of Heat shock 70 kDa protein 1, Alpha-1-antitrypsin Neutrophil elastase complex, Stromelysin-1:Metalloproteinase inhibitor 2 complex, 72 kDa type IV collagenase:Metalloproteinase inhibitor 2 complex, Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor, Myeloid differentiation primary response protein MyD88, Neuronal cell adhesion molecule, and Tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 10 as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in renal injuries.

Abstract: Methods and kits for determining if one or more animals have mastitis and for monitoring animals and the quality of the milk they produce are disclosed. Kits and test assays disclosed are used to determine the quantity of proteasomes and proteins thereof, the activity of proteasome enzymes, the quantity of proteasome bound and regulating proteins, and the quantity of ubiquinated protein. Components and reagents for use in the kits and assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and kits for predicting whether a subject with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or at risk of developing COPD is likely to have progressive COPD are provided. Methods, compositions, and kits for predicting whether lung function is likely to decline in a subject with COPD or at risk for developing COPD are also provided.

Abstract: A method of analyzing protein-protein interactions includes binding the first proteins to the substrate where the first proteins are tagged with the first markers which bind specifically to the biomolecules immobilized on the substrate or the first proteins bind specifically to the biomolecules immobilized on the substrate; incubating the substrate bound first proteins with cell lysate containing the second proteins which are tagged with second markers; analyzing the interactions between the first proteins and the second proteins in the cell lysate, and obtaining the first analytic value representing the kinetic picture of the interactions; incubating the substrate bound first proteins with cell lysate mixture of a cell lysate consisting of the second markers-tagged second proteins and another cell lysate comprising other proteins including unlabelled second proteins and obtaining the second analytic value; comparing and analyzing the first and the second analytic values.