Abstract: This document relates to materials and methods for the production of protein. In one aspect, this document provides a first exogenous nucleic acid construct including a nucleotide sequence encoding an aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS) protein operably linked to a first promoter element, wherein the ALAS includes at least a first heme responsive motif (HRM), and wherein the ALAS includes a mutation in the first HRM, and a second exogenous nucleic acid construct comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a heme-binding protein, wherein the second exogenous nucleic acid construct including a nucleotide sequence encoding the heme-binding protein is operably linked to the first promoter element or is operably linked to a second promoter element.

Abstract: This invention is intended to identify a gene cluster involved in biosynthesis of a cyclic peptide compound produced by a filamentous fungus of the Curvularia species and to establish a system for synthesizing such cyclic peptide compound. The gene is composed of a first module to a tenth module and encodes a protein having activity of synthesizing a nonribosomal peptide constituting a basic peptide backbone of a cyclic peptide compound produced by a filamentous fungus of the Curvularia species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vector, preferably included in a delivery vehicle, comprising no more than (100), preferably no more than (10), restriction sites recognized by the restriction enzymes encoded by each bacterium of a group of bacteria of interest. The invention also relates to the use of said vector, preferably included in a delivery vehicle, as a drug, especially in the treatment of a disease in a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to chitin, a hydrolysate and a method for the production of at least one desired product from insects. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for the production of at least one desired product from insects, comprising an insect cuticle pressing step, followed by the enzymatic hydrolysis of the insect cuticles using a proteolytic enzyme.

Abstract: Provided herein are filter cake-based systems and methods for cultivating cells and cell biomass therefrom. Provided herein is a system for cultivating cells and cell biomass comprising a filter chamber comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet, at least one filter support located within the filter chamber, and a filter cake located on the filter support, wherein the filter cake comprises at least one filter aid and a plurality of cells. Provided herein is a method for optimizing the cultivation of cells and cell biomass, comprising providing a filter support, adding at least one filter aid to the filter support, adding a plurality of cells to the filter aid, wherein the cells and the filter aid together comprise a filter cake, growing the cells into a cell biomass in the filter cake, wherein the filter cake is at least partially compressible.

Abstract: Stem cells are modified to express an extracellular component including a tag cassette. The tag cassette can be used to detect, enrich, isolate, activate, track, deplete, or eliminate modified cells. The cells can be administered before or following differentiation into a more committed cell type.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial nucleic acid molecule comprising at least one open reading frame and at least one 3?-untranslated region element (3?-UTR element) comprising a nucleic acid sequence which is derived from the 3?-UTR of a FIG4 gene or from a variant of the 3?-UTR of a FIG4 gene. The invention further relates to the use of such an artificial nucleic acid molecule in gene therapy and/or genetic vaccination. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a 3?-UTR element comprising a nucleic acid sequence which is derived from the 3?-UTR of a FIG4 gene or from a variant of the 3?-UTR of a FIG4 gene for the stabilization and/or prolongation of protein expression from a nucleic acid sequence comprising such 3?-UTR element.

Abstract: Genetically engineered bacteria, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of treating or preventing autoimmune disorders, inhibiting inflammatory mechanisms in the gut, and/or tightening gut mucosal barrier function are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are transformed cells and related nucleotide and protein sequences, and fermentation compositions and methods, all of which are related to providing selective advantage in fermentation. For example, a selective advantage results from transformation of a cell with a nucleic acid that allows a transformed cell to metabolize one or more nitrogen-, phosphorous-, and/or sulfur-containing compounds that a native cell of the same species as the transformed cell cannot metabolize, and from fermentation of the transformed cell using one or more feedstocks, such as fractioned grain, which are depleted in or free of conventional nitrogen-, phosphorous-, and/or sulfur-containing compounds that a native cell of the same species as the transformed cell can metabolize. Also disclosed are methods for improved oxygen transfer in an aerobic or microaerobic fermentation.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to an anucleated cell-based platforms for encapsulation and delivery of agricultural compounds. Disclosed herein are compositions for the stable and targeted delivery of agricultural compounds within achromosomal and/or anucleated cells. The present disclosure also provides methods of improving encapsulation and retention of agricultural compounds in achromosomal and/or anucleated cells.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating hair loss are provided. One embodiment provides a microneedle composition, which when administered to the skin of a subject promotes hair growth. The microneedle compositions include an effective amount of glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) protein having an amino acid sequence that has 99 or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 1, or fragment thereof to promote hair growth when administered to the skin of the subject and a bioerodible, biodegradable, or biosorbable polymer, wherein the composition is formulated as bioerodible, biodegradable, or bioabsorbable microneedles. In one embodiment the GILZ protein or fragment thereof is conjugated to a cell penetrating peptide. The cell penetrating peptide can be TAT GRKKRRQRRRPQ (SEQ ID NO:4) or a variant thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are nucleic acids, vector systems, and vaccines for vaccinating fresh water and marine fish using Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) i-antigens. In particular, a recombinant attenuated Edwardsiella vaccine (RAEV) vector system is disclosed with regulated delayed attenuation and regulated delayed lysis in vivo attributes that synthesizes Ich protective antigens to enable vaccination of fresh water and marine fish species susceptible to white spot disease. This vaccine construct is designed to exhibit the invasive properties of virulent Edwardsiella at the time of bath immunization and then is programmed to gradually lose virulence attributes and to synthesize protective antigens as a consequence of in vivo cell division as the RAEV colonizes internal effector lymphoid tissues. The ultimate lysis in vivo delivers a bolus of protective antigen along with immunostimulatory molecules to exhibit complete biological containment with no potential for survival in vivo or ex vivo.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions and methods for producing natural products in microorganisms that are otherwise unexpressed, poorly expressed or poorly transcribed. In particular aspects, the disclosure provides compositions and methods for activating a silent gene or gene cluster with a bacteriophage and/or Streptomyces Antibiotic Regulatory Protein (SARP) transcription factor.

Abstract: The invention provides genetically engineered microorganisms and methods for the biological production of ethylene glycol and precursors of ethylene glycol. In particular, the microorganism of the invention produces ethylene glycol or a precursor of ethylene glycol through one or more of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate, oxaloacetate, citrate, malate, and glycine. The invention further provides compositions comprising ethylene glycol or polymers of ethylene glycol such as polyethylene terephthalate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a CD24 protein for treating immune-related adverse events (irAEs) associated with cancer immunotherapy. Provided herein is a method of treating, mitigating, minimizing, or preventing immunerelated adverse events (irAEs) associated with a cancer immunotherapy by administering a CD24 protein to a subject in need thereof. The irAE may be diarrhea or another gastrointestinal disorder, pure red cell aplasia, microcytic anemia, lupus, autoimmune nephritism, autoimmune hepatitis, pneumonitis, myocarditis, pericarditis, endocrinopathy, Addison's disease, hypogonadism, Sjogren's syndrome, or type I diabetes. The CCD24 protein may comprise a mature human CD24 or a variant thereof.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for isolating a target nucleic acid including small target nucleic acids from a sample, said method comprising at least the following steps a) binding at least a portion of the target nucleic acid including small target nucleic acids to a nucleic acid binding solid phase comprised in a column by passing the sample through said column, b) performing an enzymatic and/or chemical treatment on the nucleic acid binding solid phase while the target nucleic acid is bound to said solid phase, c) collecting at least a portion of the small target nucleic acids released from the solid phase during said treatment of step b) as flow-through, d) contacting said flow-through which comprises small target nucleic acids mixed with a recovery solution with a nucleic acid binding solid phase for binding the contained small target nucleic acids to said nucleic acid binding solid phase, e) optionally performing an elution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mutated virus. Said virus can be an influenza virus of human or other animal origin. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing the mutated virus, the method comprising introducing UAG codons into positions upstream of the stop codons per se of one or more genes of a viral genome by reverse genetic techniques. The present invention further relates to uses of the mutated virus, for example, as a live attenuated vaccine, or in replication of controllable and safe virus models, and the like.

Abstract: Provided are recombinant antibodies comprising one or more peptides fused to the C-terminus of the light chain constant region. Recombinant immunocytokines comprising a cytokine fused to the C-terminus of the light chain constant region are described and shown to be surprisingly active.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for promoting fixed nitrogen from atmospheric nitrogen, and related products. Endophytic bacteria having an exogenous nif cluster promote fixed nitrogen for cereal plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polypeptide, wherein said polypeptide comprises or consists of an EGF-like domain of a neuregulin protein. The invention more over relates to a nucleic acid encoding for said polypeptide, a gene therapy vector comprising said nucleic acid and genetically modified cells expressing said polypeptide. The invention relates to the medical use of said polypeptide, said nucleic acid, said gene therapy vector or said cell for the treatment of tumours of the nervous system, in particular for the treatment of tumours of the cranial or peripheral nerves, tumours associated with neurofibromatosis, schwannomas, neurofibromas and malignant nerve sheath tumours.

Abstract: Provided are a polypeptide and nucleic acid for encoding the polypeptide, a nucleic-acid construct, an expression vector, and a host cell containing the nucleic acid, an antigen-presenting cell presenting the polypeptide on the surface of the cell, and immune effector cell thereof, a pharmaceutical composition containing the polypeptide, a vaccine containing the nucleic acid, the nucleic acid construct, the expression vector, the host cell, the antigen-presenting cell, and the immune effector cell, and an antibody recognizing the polypeptide. Also provided is a therapeutic method using the polypeptide, the nucleic acid, the pharmaceutical composition, the vaccine, and the antibody. Also provided are a diagnosis method and diagnosis apparatus for detecting the described polypeptide. Also provided is an application of the polypeptide in preparing a vaccine, a tumor diagnosis kit, or a pharmaceutical composition, and an application of the polypeptide or the nucleic acid as a test target in tumor diagnosis.

Abstract: Administration of a monoclonal Ab (mAb) that specifically targets IL-1? is useful to treating articular and extra-articular symptoms of arthritis.

Abstract: Provided are a resistant protein for use in herbicide dicamba, encoding gene and application thereof, the gene comprising: (a) a nucleotide sequence of an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; or (b) a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to the nucleotide sequence as defined by (a) under stringent conditions; or (c) a nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an oligosaccharyltransferase polypeptides and their use in the synthesis of glycoconjugates in bacterial cells; vaccines and immunogenic compositions comprising said glycoconjugates and their use in the prevention and/or treatment of bacterial infection. Bacterial expression system comprising said oligosaccharyltransferase polypeptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an attenuated strain of Salmonella comprising at least one copy of a DNA molecule comprising an expression cassette encoding PD-L1. In particular, the present invention relates to said attenuated strain of Salmonella for use in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for treating and/or immunizing against Haemophilus influenzae, including nontypeable H. influenzae (NTHi). The methods comprise administering a composition comprising H. influenzae proteins OppA and/or LapB.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of treating or preventing renal disease in a subject suffering from Alport Syndrome, as well a method of treating or preventing chronic kidney disease. The method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of human apolipoprotein M.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising anakinra, buffer, and optionally at least one osmolyte and optionally further excipients. Further, the present invention relates to use of said compositions for treatment of for example ophthalmic disorders.

Abstract: Provided herein are filter cake-based systems and methods for cultivating cells and cell biomass therefrom. Provided herein is a system for cultivating cells and cell biomass comprising a filter chamber comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet, at least one filter support located within the filter chamber, and a filter cake located on the filter support, wherein the filter cake comprises at least one filter aid and a plurality of cells. Provided herein is a method for optimizing the cultivation of cells and cell biomass, comprising providing a filter support, adding at least one filter aid to the filter support, adding a plurality of cells to the filter aid, wherein the cells and the filter aid together comprise a filter cake, growing the cells into a cell biomass in the filter cake, wherein the filter cake is at least partially compressible.

Abstract: Nutritive compositions containing an organism having attenuated or no poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) production are provided. These nutritive compositions are useful as feed, such as animal feed and feed additives for ruminants, non-ruminants and aquaculture, etc. Materials and methods for production of these organisms are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are oncolytic viruses comprising chimeric human/mouse CD40 ligands. The chimeric human/mouse CD40 ligand may be MEM40. The oncolytic virus may be replication competent. The oncolytic virus may be an oncolytic herpes simplex virus. Also disclosed are methods comprising administering an oncolytic virus armed with at least one chimeric human/mouse CD40 ligand, for example MEM40, to a patient suffering from cancer.

Abstract: Described are mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase variants having improved activity in converting 3-phosphonoxyisovalerate into isobutene. Such variants can be employed in processes for biologically producing isobutene from 3-hydroxyisovalerate or from 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyrate into isobutene, for biologically producing isoprenol from mevalonate or from mevalonate-3-phosphate or for biologically producing 1,3-butadiene from 3-hydroxypent-4-enoate or from 3-phosphonoxypent-4-enoate. Also described is an enzyme which is characterized in that it is capable of converting 3-phosphonoxyisovalerate into isobutene with a kcat of more than 0.1 s?1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a host cell, preferably a Myceliophthora thermophila cell, which presents a lower expression and/or secretion of non-contributory cellulolytic enzymes, preferably where the non-contributory cellulolytic enzyme is endoglucanase 6 comprising SEQ ID NO: 2, thereby promoting the presence of contributory cellulolytic enzymes in the enzymatic cocktail synthesised by said host cell. The invention also relates to the use of said host cells and the enzymatic cocktails synthesised by said host cells for the production of fermentable sugars of biomass and a method for producing bioproducts, preferably bioethanol, comprising the use of said host cell or the composition according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing a silk protein spinning dope solution suitable for producing high toughness fibres, the thus produced silk protein spinning dope solution, methods for producing fibres using said silk protein spinning dope solution.

Abstract: Methods, pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines comprising an attenuated bacteria that expresses a recall antigen are disclosed for treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates inter alia to a polynucleotide or viral vector encoding a variant of BPIFB4 (Bactericidal/Permeability Increasing protein family B, member 4) protein and to their use for the treatment of pathologies involving impairment of nitric oxide signalling.

Abstract: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major health concern, especially in very young, elderly, or immunocompromised patients. The present disclosure provides, inter alia, certain highly effective vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions in Streptococcus pneumoniae. The antigens may be used therapeutically or prophylactically.

Abstract: The invention is intended to identify glutathione-S-transferase that exhibits the activities to metabolize and detoxify an isoxazoline derivative, such as pyroxasulfone. The invention provides a method for cultivating a transgenic plant into which a nucleic acid encoding a protein (a or b) below has been introduced in the presence of isoxazoline derivatives: (a) a protein comprising the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; or (b) a protein comprising an amino acid sequence having 80% or higher identity to the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 and having the activity of glutathione-S-transferase.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an organism having an ergothioneine productivity that is capable of easily producing ergothioneine within a short period of time at a high yield, as compared with a conventional technology, and, therefore, enables ergothioneine production on an industrial scale. This purpose can be achieved by a transformed fungus into which a gene encoding enzyme (1) or genes encoding enzymes (1) and (2) have been inserted and in which the inserted gene(s) are overexpressed. (1) an enzyme catalyzing a reaction of synthesizing hercynyl cysteine sulfoxide from histidine and cysteine in the presence of S-adenosyl methionine, iron (II) and oxygen. (2) An enzyme catalyzing a reaction of synthesizing ergothioneine from hercynyl cysteine sulfoxide using pyridoxal 5?-phosphate as a coenzyme.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions comprising peptide-based nanofiber precursors and methods of using the same to inhibit cancerous cell growth and/or to deliver therapeutic or diagnostic agents to cells, e.g., cancerous cells. The compositions of the present technology include peptide-based nanofiber precursors as well as carrier complexes comprising a therapeutic or diagnostic agent, and a peptide-based nanofiber precursor. Also provided herein are methods for delivering a therapeutic or diagnostic agent to a cell comprising contacting the cell with a carrier complex including a therapeutic or diagnostic agent, and a peptide-based nanofiber precursor.

Abstract: There is provided an acetogenic microbial cell which is capable of producing at least one higher alcohol from a carbon source, wherein the acetogenic microbial cell is genetically modified to comprise an increased expression relative to its wild type cell of at least one enzyme, E8, a butyryl-CoA:acetate CoA transferase (cat3). There is also provided a method and use of the cell to produce higher alcohols.

Abstract: A bispecific antibody format providing ease of isolation is provided, comprising immunoglobulin heavy chain variable domains that are differentially modified in the CH3 domain, wherein the differential modifications are non-immunogenic or substantially non-immunogenic with respect to the CH3 modifications, and at least one of the modifications results in a differential affinity for the bispecific antibody for an affinity reagent such as Protein A, and the bispecific antibody is isolable from a disrupted cell, from medium, or from a mixture of antibodies based on its affinity for Protein A.

Abstract: Provided is an earthworm protein peptide for preparing a medicine for treating a thrombotic disease. The earthworm protein peptide is any one selected from a group consisting of Leu-Val-Thr-Leu-Gly-Asn-Glu (SEQ ID NO.: 1), Leu-Leu-Ala-Pro-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 2), Leu-Leu-Pro-Ala-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 3) and Thr-Val-Ala-Pro-Phe (SEQ ID NO: 4). The earthworm protein peptide can significantly inhibit the thrombin activity, thus achieving the anticoagulant effect. In vivo, the earthworm protein peptide has a significant inhibitory effect on carrageenan-induced rat tail thrombosis; and in vitro and in vivo studies of rats with thrombus, the earthworm protein peptide provided by the present invention shows good anticoagulant effects. The earthworm protein peptide has effects of thrombosis inhibition, thrombolysis, anticoagulation and fibrinolysis promotion, and can effectively prevent and treat thrombotic disease.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to genome-scale attenuation or knockout strategies for directing carbon flux to certain carbon based building blocks within the 7-aminoheptanoic acid (7-AHA) and 6-aminohexanoic acid (6-AHA) biosynthesis pathways, for example, to achieve reduced flux to unwanted side products while achieving increased production of desired intermediates and end products. This disclosure also relates to non-naturally occurring mutant bacterial strains comprising one or more gene disruptions in aldehyde reductase and/or aldehyde dehydrogenase genes that are generated to direct carbon flux to certain carbon based building blocks. This disclosure further relates to a method for enhancing production of carbon based building blocks by generating non-naturally occurring mutant bacterial strains, culturing said mutant bacterial strains in the presence of suitable substrates or under desired growth conditions, and substantially purifying the desired end product.

Abstract: The invention discloses a recombinant Corynebacterium glutamicum for producing lysine by biofilm continuous fermentation and a construction method thereof, wherein the recombinant Corynebacterium glutamicum is constructed by overexpressing a protease gene FtsH in a Corynebacterium glutamicum; and the construction method comprises the following steps of: (1) performing PCR on a genome of the Corynebacterium glutamicum, and amplifying the FtsH gene to obtain an amplified FtsH gene segment; (2) cloning the FtsH gene segment to an overexpression plasmid to obtain a recombinant plasmid; and (3) introducing the recombinant plasmid into the Corynebacterium glutamicum, and screening to obtain the recombinant Corynebacterium glutamicum.

Abstract: Immunogenic composition are provided comprising PnCo and/or GlpO polypeptides identified as being preferentially expressed during the virulent phase of an infection related to streptococcal bacteria. The compositions can be used for eliciting immune response against streptococcal infections, such as against infections caused by S. pneumoniae.

Abstract: Non-naturally occurring Zymomonas strains useful for the production of 2,3-butanediol are provided.

Abstract: The application describes recombinant BoHV-1 triple mutant viruses that express protective antigens of other bovine respiratory viruses associated with Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC).

Abstract: Provided herein are anti-VEGF-A antibodies and antibody conjugates thereof. Some embodiments of the antibodies can be conjugated to a moiety, such as a HEMA-PC polymer. Some embodiments of the antibody conjugates can retain or enhance antibody activity. The antibody and conjugate thereof can be particularly useful for treating diabetic retinopathy. Further provided are methods for conjugation of a polymer to a protein such as an antibody, such as IgG1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition containing albumin-binding arginine deiminase (AAD) fusion protein for treating cancer or other arginine-dependent diseases. The AAD fusion protein can be purified from both soluble and insoluble fractions of crude proteins, binds to human serum albumin (HSA) or animal serum albumin and has its high activity with longer half life for efficient depletion of arginine in cancer cells. The specific activities of wild-type ADI and AAD fusion protein in the present invention are about 20 and about 19 U/mg (at physiological pH 7.4), respectively. The composition can be used alone or in combination with at least one chemotherapeutic agent to give a synergistic effect on cancer treatment and/or inhibiting metastasis. The AAD fusion protein can also be used as a component for detection and quantitative analysis of arginine in a testing kit for various samples including blood, food and analytical samples.