Abstract: The invention relates to mTORbeta, a splice form of mTOR, nucleic acids encoding mTOR beta, and antibodies against mTOR beta. The invention also relates to methods of producing mTOR beta and methods of screening for an agent that modulates mTOR beta expression and/or activity. The invention further relates to a method of treating a disease associated with aberrant expression of mTOR beta by administration of an agent that alters mTOR activity and/or expression.

Abstract: A method of amplifying a template DNA molecule comprising incubating the template DNA molecule in a reaction mixture comprising a DNA polymerase and at least one accessory protein at a constant temperature to produce amplified product, wherein production of amplified product does not require exogenously-added oligonucleotide primers and the template DNA molecule does not have have terminal protein covalently bound to either 5? end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to human Janus Kinase 3 (JAK3) and JAK3-like binding pockets. The present invention provides a computer comprising a data storage medium encoded with the structure coordinates of such binding pockets. This invention also relates to methods of using the structure coordinates to solve the structure of homologous proteins or protein complexes. In addition, this invention relates to methods of using the structure coordinates to screen for and design compounds, including inhibitory compounds, that bind to JAK3 protein or JAK3 protein homologues, or complexes thereof. The invention also relates to crystallizable compositions and crystals comprising JAK3 kinase domain and JAK3 kinase domain complexes with AMP-PNP.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, compositions, and kits, for making and using compound droplets of a multiple emulsion to supply an amplification reagent, such as a heat-stable DNA polymerase or DNA ligase, to an aqueous phase in which the compound droplets are disposed. The compound droplets may be induced to supply the amplification reagent by heating the multiple emulsion, to achieve hot-start amplification.

Abstract: Provided are methods of producing a product nucleic acid. The methods include combining a template deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), a polymerase, a template switch oligonucleotide, and dNTPs into a reaction mixture. The components are combined into the reaction mixture under conditions sufficient to produce a product nucleic acid that includes the template DNA and the template switch oligonucleotide each hybridized to adjacent regions of a single product nucleic acid that includes a region polymerized from the dNTPs by the polymerase. Aspects of the invention further include compositions and kits.

Abstract: Provided herein are mutant polymerase enzymes resistant to inhibitors encountered in Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR). Also provided are nucleic acids or constructs encoding isolated polypeptides having polymerase activity. Also provided are kits useful for PCR containing isolated polypeptides having polymerase activity or isolated nucleic acids encoding such.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, methods and kits which can be used to amplify nucleic acids with the advantage of decreasing user time and possible contamination. The dried reagent composition of the invention can be used for easy processing and amplification of nucleic acid samples.

Abstract: Provided herein are mutant DNA-dependent polymerases which are derived from, or otherwise related to, wild type RB69 DNA polymerase. These mutant polymerases are capable of selectively binding labeled nucleotides. These mutant polymerases are also capable of incorporating a variety of naturally occurring and modified nucleotides, including, for example, terminator nucleotides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tumor antigen proteins or genes derived from polo-like kinase 1. As a result of the formation of a complex by binding polo-like kinase 1-derived proteins or variants having characteristics functionally identical to the proteins with MHC class I antigens or II antigens, the complex can be recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Therefore, the polo-like kinase 1-derived proteins or variants are identified as a tumor antigen which can be generally used in tumor immunotherapy.

Abstract: Improved Sso7-polymerase conjugate proteins are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic plants that have increased nitrogen use efficiency, stress tolerance, and/or alleviating a limitation such that yield is increased, or a combination of these and that have been transformed using a novel vector construct including a synthetic N-acetyl glutamate kinase (NAGK) gene that modulates nitrogen use in plants. The invention also includes the overexpression and enzymatic characterization of an arginine-insensitive NAGK isolated from a bacterial strain that improves stress tolerance and nitrogen uptake, metabolism or both. In various embodiments, the vector construct includes one or more nucleic acid sequences including SEQ ID NO: 1. The invention also relates to isolated vectors for transforming plants and to antibodies used for detecting transformed plants.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising recombinant DNA polymerases that include amino acid substitutions, insertions, deletions, and/or exogenous features that confer modified properties upon the polymerase for enhanced single molecule sequencing or nucleic acid amplification. Such properties include enhanced performance with large nucleotide analogs, increased stability, increased readlength, and improved detection of modified bases, and can also include resistance to photodamage, enhanced metal ion coordination, reduced exonuclease activity, reduced reaction rates at one or more steps of the polymerase kinetic cycle, decreased branching fraction, altered cofactor selectivity, increased yield, increased accuracy, altered speed, increased cosolvent resistance, and the like. Also provided are nucleic acids which encode the polymerases with the aforementioned phenotypes, as well as methods of using such polymerases to make a DNA or to sequence a DNA template.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods and kits for the removal of proteins from complex reaction mixtures useful in majority workflows of molecular biology research experiments. More specifically, such compositions, methods and kits are useful in such processes as purification of nucleic acids from biological samples or after their treatment with specific enzymes, when residual enzyme activity in reaction mixture is not compatible with downstream applications.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising recombinant DNA polymerases that include amino acid substitutions, insertions, deletions, and/or exogenous features that confer modified properties upon the polymerase for enhanced single molecule sequencing or nucleic acid amplification. Such properties include increased stability, increased readlength, enhanced performance with large nucleotide analogs, and improved detection of modified bases, and can also include resistance to photodamage, enhanced metal ion coordination, reduced exonuclease activity, reduced reaction rates at one or more steps of the polymerase kinetic cycle, decreased branching fraction, altered cofactor selectivity, increased yield, increased accuracy, altered speed, increased cosolvent resistance, and the like. Also provided are nucleic acids which encode the polymerases with the aforementioned phenotypes, as well as methods of using such polymerases to make a DNA or to sequence a DNA template.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of removing nucleic acid contamination from reverse transcription reactions and hot-start PCR, wherein said hot-start PCR is a barrier hot-start PCR set up and/or involves a hot-start DNA polymerase, which methods comprise use of a DNase that is substantially irreversibly inactivated by heating at a temperature of about 50° C. for 5 minutes, and that is substantially specific for double stranded DNA. The invention further provides a DNase that is substantially irreversibly inactivated by heating at a temperature of about 50° C. for 5 minutes, and that is substantially specific for double stranded DNA, nucleic acids encoding said DNase and kits or compositions comprising said DNase or said nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention investigate the two modes of glutamate release and the releasing rate of glutamate, and thus can provide a useful technique for neuron protection and acceleration of neurotransmission by controlling the glutamate release in astroctye. Thus, the present invention provides an inhibitor of the fast-mode release and/or the slow-mode release of astrocytic glutamate, a screening method of the inhibitor and a pharmaceutical composition or method of ameliorating, preventing and/or treating the disease associated with the over-release of glutamate via the Ca2+-activated anion channel, with the inhibition of fast-mode glutamate release.

Abstract: The present invention relates to newly identified genes that encode proteins that are involved in the synthesis of L-ascorbic acid (hereinafter also referred to as Vitamin C) and/or 2-keto-L-gulonic acid (hereinafter also referred to as 2-KGA). The invention also features polynucleotides comprising the full-length polynucleotide sequences of the novel genes and fragments thereof, the novel polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides and fragments thereof, as well as their functional equivalents. The present invention also relates to the use of said polynucleotides and polypeptides as biotechno logical tools in the production of Vitamin C and/or 2-KGA from microorganisms, whereby a modification of said polynucleotides and/or encoded polypeptides has a direct or indirect impact on yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of the fermentation product in said microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for increasing telomerase activity in cells. Such compositions include pharmaceutical formulations. The methods and compositions are useful for treating diseases subject to treatment by an increase in telomerase activity in cells or tissue of a patient. They are also useful for enhancing replicative capacity of cells in culture, as in ex vivo cell therapy and for enhancing proliferation of stem and progenitor cells.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for inhibiting the growth of cancer cells are provided. The cancer cells, the growth of which is inhibited, have constitutively active Abl tyrosine kinase activity due to a t(9;22)(q34;q11) translocation which results in expression of a chimeric Bcr-Abl protein which has constitutively active Abl tyrosine kinase activity that is believed to play an important role in leukemogenesis. The compositions include a modified protein kinase C (PKC) which has an Abl tyrosine kinase target motif. The methods involve administering the modified PCK to an individual to inhibit the growth of cancer cells that have Abl tyrosine kinase activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying and isolating native plant nucleic acid sequences that may function as T-DNAs or T-DNA border-like sequences, effecting the transfer of one polynucleotide into another polynucleotide. The present invention also provides a modified tuber, such as a genetically modified mature tuber, that comprises at least one trait that is not exhibited by a non-modified tuber of the same species.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for fragmentation and labeling of nucleic acids. More particularly, the invention relates to methods for fragmentation of nucleic acids to produce fragments with 3? end hydroxyl groups within a desired size range. In methods of the invention, nucleic acids are fragmented at abasic sites to produce fragments with blocked 3? ends. The 3? ends are unblocked to produce polynucleotide fragments with hydroxyl groups at their 3? ends. Methods, kits, and compositions for carrying out fragmentation of a polynucleotide template in a single reaction mixture to yield fragments with 3?-hydroxl ends within the desired size range are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a substantially pure nucleic acid encoding a eukaryotic protein kinase having at least one mutated amino-acid residue located in its subdomain IX. Also disclosed is a substantially pure eukaryotic protein kinase polypeptide having at least one mutation in its subdomain IX, the kinase being encoded by the nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides hyperactive piggyBac transposons, in particular hyperactive piggyBac transposons from Trichoplusia ni (cabbage looper moth) that transpose at a higher frequency than wildtype. The invention also features integration defective piggyBac transposons. The piggyBac transposons and transposases can be used in gene transfer systems for stably introducing nucleic acids into the DNA of a cell. The gene transfer system can be used in methods, for example, but not limited to, gene therapy, insertional mutagenesis, or gene discovery.

Abstract: Disclosed are DNA polymerases having increased reverse transcriptase efficiency relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the DNA polymerases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for identifying a thermostable polymerase having altered fidelity. The method consists of generating a random population of polymerase mutants by mutating at least one amino acid residue of a thermostable polymerase and screening the population for one or more active polymerase mutants by genetic selection. For example, the invention provides a method for identifying a thermostable polymerase having altered fidelity by mutating at least one amino acid residue in an active site O-helix of a thermostable polymerase. The invention also provides thermostable polymerases and nucleic acids encoding thermostable polymerases having altered fidelity, for example, high fidelity polymerases and low fidelity polymerases. The invention additionally provides a method for identifying one or more mutations in a gene by amplifying the gene with a high fidelity polymerase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reverse transcriptase having improved thermostability, more precisely a mutant reverse transcriptase with improved thermostability by substitution of one or more amino acids selected from the group consisting of the 63rd glutamine (Q63), the 264th lysine (K264), the 295th lysine (K295), the 306th threonine (T306), the 346th glutamic acid (E346), the 408th proline (P408), the 438th histidine (H438), and the 454th asparagin (N454) of the amino acid sequence of M-MLV originated reverse transcriptase represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 with other amino acids. The mutant reverse transcriptase of the present invention demonstrates excellent thermostability, compared with the wild type reverse transcriptase. Therefore, it is advantageous to obtain the target cDNA with stable reverse transcription activity even in the presence of RNA that can form the stable secondary structure at a high temperature.

Abstract: A composition for a biosample treatment and method for nucleic acid amplification using the same are provided. The composition for biosample treatment includes at least one halocarbon, at least one polyether and at least one surfactant. The composition contains 1˜70% by weight of the halocarbon based on the total weight of the composition. Accordingly, a biosample can be lysed and homogenized in a single tube at one step. Furthermore, reagents for use in nucleic acid amplification can be directly added in the same tube for nucleic acid amplification at the next step. The process, operation periods and risks of contamination can be therefore reduced and a result of nucleic acid amplification with less background noises can be therefore obtained as well.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method for amplifying a template of nucleic acid target sequence contained in a sample. The method includes contacting the sample with an amplification reaction mixture containing a primer complementary to the template of nucleic acid target sequence. A temperature of the reaction is oscillated between an upper temperature and a lower temperature wherein the change in temperature is no greater than about 20° C. during a plurality of temperature cycles. The template of nucleic acid target sequence is amplified.

Abstract: A method for detecting a mutation related to the gene encoding OAS1. This and other disclosed mutations correlate with resistance of humans to viral infection including hepatitis C. Also provided is a therapeutic agent consisting of a protein or polypeptide encoded by the mutated gene, or a polynucleotide encoding the protein or polypeptide. Inhibitors of human OAS1, including antisense oligonucleotides, methods, and compositions specific for human OAS1, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for isothermal amplification of RNA. The methods are particularly suitable for amplifying a plurality of RNA species in a sample. The methods employ a composite primer, a second primer and strand displacement to generate multiple copies of DNA products comprising sequences complementary to an RNA sequence of interest. In another aspect, the methods employ a single primer (which is a composite primer) and strand displacement to generate multiple copies of DNA products comprising sequences complementary to an RNA sequence of interest. In some embodiments, a transcription step is included to generate multiple copies of sense RNA of an RNA sequence of interest. The methods are useful for preparation of nucleic acid libraries and substrates for analysis of gene expression of cells in biological samples. The invention also provides compositions and kits for practicing the amplification methods, as well as methods which use the amplification products.

Abstract: The invention provides novel nucleic acid polymerases from strains GK24 and RQ-1 of Thermus thermophilus, and nucleic acids encoding those polymerases, as well as methods for using the polymerases and nucleic acids.

Abstract: An object is to provide a Tol1 element transposase and a use thereof. Provided is a Tol1 element transposase containing (a) a protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 1 or (b) a protein having an amino acid sequence homologous to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and having an enzymatic activity for transferring Tol1 element. Further, provided is a polynucleotide encoding the transposase and an expression construct containing the polynucleotide therein. The present invention also provides a DNA introduction system including (a) a donor factor having such a structure that a desired DNA is inserted in a transposase gene-defected Tol1 element and (b) a helper factor containing the transposase or the polynucleotide.

Abstract: A polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a thymidine kinase wherein at least one of the nucleotides corresponding to the splice donor site nucleotides is replaced by another nucleotide and wherein the nucleotides of the splice acceptor sites are not altered.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved DNA polymerases that may be better suited for applications in recombinant DNA technologies, in particular technologies involving plant-derived samples. Among other things, the present invention provides modified DNA polymerases derived from directed evolution experiments designed to select mutations that confer advantageous phenotypes under conditions used in industrial or research applications.

Abstract: Transposomes and oligonucleotide replacement methods to make DNA libraries that have distinct 5? and 3? tags, and to make directional libraries that are enriched for a desired strand.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant host cell having (a) a modification in an endogenous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having dual-role hexokinase activity; (b) a heterologous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having hexose kinase activity; and optionally (c) a modification in an endogenous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having pyruvate decarboxylase activity. Additionally, the invention relates to methods of making and using such recombinant host cells including, for example, methods of increasing glucose consumption, methods of improving redox balance, and/or methods of increasing the production of a product of a pyruvate-utilizing pathway.

Abstract: Novel thermostable chimeric nucleic acid polymerases and methods for their generation and use are disclosed. It is shown that these chimeric nucleic acid polymerases, such as DNA polymerases, can be constructed using enzymatically active domains, isolated from different proteins or chemically synthesized. It is demonstrated that chimeric nucleic acid polymerases of the present invention possess the chemical and physical properties of their component domains (e.g., exonuclease activity, thermostability) and that the chimeric polymerases are thermostable.

Abstract: Kinase and nucleotidyltransferase enzymes for the production of activated sugars have been developed. These enzymes have improved stability for industrial application and relaxed specificity towards a variety of sugars. These enzymes are useful in, for example, the production of diverse NDP-sugars for glycosylation of aglycones of interest, production of oligosaccharides, production of other important glycosylated sugars, and in drug discovery applications.

Abstract: Provided are methods for protein engineering, such as engineering proteases or kinases. The methods may utilize yeast display and/or ER sequestration of proteins or substrates. In some aspects, TEV proteases with altered substrate specificity, potency, and/or efficiency are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides chimeric 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1), the PIF-binding pocket of which has mutations to mimic a second protein kinase, its production and use. The invention further provides a method for screening for compounds interacting with the PIF-pocket of an AGC kinase.

Abstract: Modified DNA polymerases have an affinity for DNA such that the polymerase has an ability to incorporate one or more nucleotides into a plurality of separate DNA templates in each reaction cycle. The polymerases are capable of forming an increased number of productive polymerase-DNA complexes in each reaction cycle. The modified polymerases may be used in a number of DNA sequencing applications, especially in the context of clustered arrays.

Abstract: A kit for amplifying deoxynucleic acid (DNA) from ribonucleic acid (RNA) template is provided. The kit for amplifying a RNA comprises at least one inosine-containing primer; and at least one enzyme comprising a reverse transcriptase activity, a strand displacement DNA polymerase activity, a nuclease acitivity for nicking DNA 3? to an inosine residue of the primer or combinations thereof. The kit further comprises one or more quantifying reagents to detect the presence of RNA in a sample or quantify the RNA present in a sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermostable tannase derived from a microorganism. Specifically disclosed is a thermostable tannase derived from Aspergillus awamori or Aspergillus niger. A preferred embodiment of the tannase has the following chemoenzymatic properties: (1) activity: to act on a depside bond to thereby cause hydrolysis; (2) molecular weight: about 230,000 Da (as measured by gel filtration); and (3) thermal stability: stable at a temperature up to 65° C. (pH 5.0, 30 min.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions of vault complexes containing recombinant membrane lytic proteins, such as an adenovirus protein VI lytic domain, and methods of using the vault complexes to facilitate delivery and entry of a biomolecule into a cell or subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to recombinant fusion proteins, such as human antibody-based molecules called Vaccibodies, which are able to trigger both a T cell- and B cell immune response. The present disclosure also relates to a method of treating a cancer or an infectious disease by means of these specific fusion proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to creatine kinase for use as a medicinal product or in the prevention or treatment of addictions or of addictive disorders associated with opiates, and to various other analytical uses or for filtration of creatine kinase.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides methods for the creation of one or more user-defined mutations that can be located anywhere in a target sequence, such as in a gene. These mutations can comprise single mutations, multiple mutations, or a comprehensive codon mutagenesis library, in which all possible single codon substitutions in a gene are created. These methods can be used on a single-stranded or double-stranded template.

Abstract: A method includes combining a polynucleotide and an amplification reagent mixture to form a reaction mixture, wherein the reaction mixture comprises reversibly bound divalent ions in solution, and adjusting the pH of the reaction mixture to release the reversibly bound divalent ions, thereby initiating amplification of the polynucleotide.

Abstract: A method of processing a target RNA is provided. In certain embodiments, this method comprises: contacting the products of an RNA ligase-mediated ligation reaction with an CAS6 protein, wherein: (i) the RNA ligase-mediated ligation reaction comprises: a target RNA, an RNA ligase, and first and second adaptors that can ligate together to produce an adaptor dimer that contains a CRISPR stem loop; and (ii) the CAS6 protein recognizes the CRISPR stem loop; thereby preventing the adaptor dimer from being reverse transcribed.

Abstract: A hot start enzyme composition is described that includes a hot start nuclease, a nucleic acid polymerase, and a substantially double-stranded oligonucleotide that inhibits the catalytic activity of the nucleic acid polymerase at temperatures lower than the melting temperature of the oligonucleotide.