Abstract: Exosomes can be used for detecting biomarkers for diagnostic, therapy-related or prognostic methods to identify phenotypes, such as a condition or disease, for example, the stage or progression of a disease. Cell-of-origin exosomes can be used in profiling of physiological states or determining phenotypes. Biomarkers or markers from cell-of-origin specific exosomes can be used to determine treatment regimens for diseases, conditions, disease stages, and stages of a condition, and can also be used to determine treatment efficacy. Markers from cell-of-origin specific exosomes can also be used to identify conditions of diseases of unknown origin.

Abstract: A cell in which the activity of a protein relating to transport of an intracellular sugar nucleotide, GDP-fucose, to the Golgi body is more decreased or deleted than its parent cell; a process for producing an antibody composition using the cell; a transgenic non-human animal or plant or the progenies thereof, in which genome is modified so as to have a decreased or deleted activity of a protein relating to transport of an intracellular sugar nucleotide, GDP-fucose, to the Golgi body; a process for producing an antibody composition from the animal or plant; and a medicament comprising the antibody composition.

Abstract: A modified G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), having modified ligand affinity is provided by binding a G-protein-coupled receptor to a polypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. Furthermore, agonists for or antagonists against the modified GPCR are screened using a transformant in which the modified GPCR has been expressed. This makes it possible to provide a technique for analyzing the function of many putative GPCRs whose entities have not been clarified.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides modified cell-derived exosomes substantially lacking one or more immunosuppressive polypeptides. The presently-disclosed subject matter further provides methods of producing the modified exosomes and methods of using the modified exosomes for treating cancers.

Abstract: An emulsion is useful in allowing a wide variety of gene products to be expressed via eukaryotic in vitro expression. The emulsion comprises a silicone based surfactant, a hydrophobic phase and a hydrophilic phase; wherein the hydrophilic phase comprises a plurality of compartments containing a functional in vitro eukaryotic expression system.

Abstract: The invention provides for a novel cholesterol loaded insect cell membrane preparation having an increased cholesterol level as compared to physiological cholesterol levels of insect cell membranes or to control insect cell membrane preparations without cholesterol loading, wherein said cholesterol loaded membrane preparation comprises an ABC transporter protein having an increased substrate transport activity due to increased cholesterol level of the membrane. The invention also relates to reagent kits comprising the preparations of the invention. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing said preparations and methods for measuring any type of activity of the ABC transporters present in the cholesterol loaded membranes as well as studying or testing compounds and interaction of compounds and ABC transporters, in this assay systems. The invention also provides for a test system useful for testing whether ABC transporter proteins can be activated by cholesterol in an insect cell membrane.

Abstract: Transgenic seed for crops with improved traits are provided by trait-improving recombinant DNA in the nucleus of cells of the seed where plants grown from such transgenic seed exhibit one or more improved traits as compared to a control plant. Of particular interest are transgenic plants that have increased yield. The present invention also provides recombinant DNA molecules for expression of a protein, and recombinant DNA molecules for suppression of a protein.

Abstract: Knockout of the meningococcal mltA homolog gives bacteria that spontaneously release vesicles that are rich in immunogenic outer membrane proteins and that can elicit cross-protective antibody responses with higher bactericidal titres than OMVs prepared by normal production processes. Thus the invention provides a bacterium having a knockout mutation of its mltA gene. The invention also provides a bacterium, wherein the bacterium: (i) has a cell wall that includes peptidoglycan; and (ii) does not express a protein having the lytic transglycosylase activity of MltA protein. The invention also provides compositions comprising vesicles that, during culture of bacteria of the invention, are released into the culture medium.

Abstract: Bioanodes, biocathodes, and biofuel cells comprising an electron conductor, at least one anode organelle or cathode organelle, and an organelle immobilization material. The anode organelle is capable of reacting with a fuel fluid to produce an oxidized form of the fuel fluid, and capable of releasing electrons to the electron conductor. The cathode organelle is capable of reacting with an oxidant to produce water, and capable of gaining electrons from the electron conductor. The organelle immobilization material for both the anode organelle and the cathode organelle is capable of immobilizing the organelle, and is permeable to the fuel fluid and/or the oxidant. In various embodiments, the organelle immobilization material is further capable of stabilizing the organelle.

Abstract: Extraction methods that allow a molecular complex (e.g., an organelle) to be extracted from a sample by employing pressure cycling are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for producing products by photosynthetic organisms. The photosynthetic organisms are genetically modified to effect production, secretion, or both, of products. The methods and compositions are particularly useful in the petrochemical industry.

Abstract: Red blood cell-derived vesicles (RDV) as a nanoparticle drug delivery system. The RDV are smaller than one micrometer, capable of encapsulating and delivering an exogenous substance into cells. The substance may be at least one selected from the group consisting of fluorophores, nucleic acids, superparamagnetic compounds and therapeutic agents. The RDV are capable of delivering encapsulated substances into cells including stem cells. The delivered substance within the cell or stem cell may be traced or tracked using a suitable device either in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: Methods of isolating membrane vesicles from a biological fluid sample are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise providing a biological fluid sample comprising membrane vesicles; filtering the biological fluid sample through a filtration module comprising a filter having an average pore diameter of between about 0.01 um and about 0.15 um; and collecting from the filtration module a retentate comprising the membrane vesicles, thereby isolating the membrane vesicles from the biological fluid sample.

Abstract: Chemically reactive carbocyanine dyes that are intramolecularly crosslinked between the 1-position and 3?-position, their bioconjugates and their uses are described. 1,3?-crosslinked carbocyanines are superior to those of conjugates of spectrally similar 1,1?-crosslinked or non-crosslinked dyes. The invention includes derivative compounds having one or more benzo nitrogens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and compositions for high throughput screening of genetically modified photosynthetic organisms for plasmic state. The present invention provides methods of producing one or more proteins, including biomass degrading enzymes in a plant. Also provided are the methods of producing biomass degradation pathways in alga cells, particularly in the chloroplast. Single enzymes or multiple enzymes may be produced by the methods disclosed. The methods disclosed herein allow for the production of biofuel, including ethanol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of obtaining micro- and nanometric polymeric particles in a controlled, reproducible manner. The aforementioned particles have a spherical shape and a very narrow, uniform size distribution. The invention comprises the use of an easy particle-forming method consisting in using hydrodynamic forces to focus a composite microjet formed by two concentric fluids and can be used in the encapsulation of fragile compounds of biological interest, from peptides and proteins to cells and micro-organisms.

Abstract: As the richest source of astaxanthin, a natural antioxidant and coloring agent, the unicellular green alga, Haematococcus pluvialis, is being commercially exploited. A major constraint in the Haematococcus production system, however, is the thick, rigid cell walls associated with astaxanthin-rich cysts (or aplanospores). The thick walls prevent the extraction of cellular materials and consequently reduce the bioavailability of astaxanthin. Using a physical, chemical, or enzymatic method to disrupt the cell wall has proven to be very expensive and also introduce the risk of oxidation of astaxanthin by atmospheric oxygen The present invention provides a novel method for solving this problem by introducing two genetically modified Haematococcus pluvialis mutants. These two mutants, named as D 13-17 and N54-22, contain remarkably reduced amounts of cell wall materials, but retain the growth potential and ability to accumulate astaxanthin as high as the wild type strain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the elucidation that TRPML3 is involved in salty taste perception in primates including humans and likely other mammals and based thereon high-throughput mammalian and medium-throughput oocyte-based electrophysiological assays for identifying human TRPML3 modulators, preferably TRPML3 enhancers. Compounds that modulate TRPML3 function in the assay are expected to affect salty taste in humans. The inventive electrophysiological assays, such as the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique, facilitate the identification of compounds which specifically modulate human TRPML3. The assays of the invention provide a robust screen useful to detect compounds that facilitate (enhance) or inhibit TRPML3 function. Compounds that enhance or block TRPML3 channel activity should thereby modulate salty taste. In addition, these compounds may be used to regulate sodium excretion, urinary output and other biological functions relating to sodium levels and TRPML3 related functions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of using scorpion venom peptide that is a ligand for ABC transporters. One aspect provides a peptide having at least 80% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. The peptide Is believed to have a molecular mass of about 3.7 kDa and specifically interacts with cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. Methods of treating a disorder or symptom of a disorder related to aberrant ABC transporter activity are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for assembling, solubilizing and/or purifying a membrane associated protein in a nanolipoprotein particle, which comprise a temperature transition cycle performed in presence of a detergent, wherein during the temperature transition cycle the nanolipoprotein components are brought to a temperature above and below the gel to liquid crystalling transition temperature of the membrane forming lipid of the nanolipoprotein particle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synthetic regulator of glutamate receptor function, which regulator is a light-sensitive (photoreactive) regulator. The present invention further provides a light-regulated glutamate receptor that includes a subject synthetic regulator non-covalently associated with the glutamate receptor. Also provided are cells and membranes comprising a subject light-regulated glutamate receptor. The present invention further provides methods of modulating glutamate receptor function, involving use of light. The present invention further provides methods of identifying agents that modulate glutamate receptor function.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of separating substances from liquid media and to separating agents suitable therefor.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for reducing and/or inhibiting inflammation by topical application of dermatocosmetic compositions comprising effective amounts of extracts of Coriolus versicolor that have been hydrolyzed by an acid protease, preferably Rhizomucor miehei, and thereafter rendered substantially devoid of acid-protease activity.

Abstract: Artificial plant minichromosomes comprising a functional centromere which specifically bind centromeric protein C (CENPC) and methods for making such minichromosomes are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions (blood sugar increase inhibitors) that have an action of lowering the blood sugar level of a subject in a hyperglycemic condition and are for use in lowering the blood sugar level of such a subject. Moreover, the present invention provides compositions for use in preventing or treating diseases resulting from hyperglycemia, in particular, diabetes and diabetic complications, due to the aforementioned action (a preventive or ameliorative composition for diseases resulting from hyperglycemia, an antidiabetic agent).

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed to engineer chloroplast comprising heterologous genes encoding target binding domain fused to a eukaryotic toxin and produced within a subcellular organelle, such as a chloroplast. The present disclosure demonstrates that when chloroplasts are used, toxins normally refractive to production in eukaryotic cells may be used to produce recombinant fusion proteins with binding domains that are soluble, properly folded and post-translationally modified, where the multifunctional activity of the fusion protein is intact. The binding domains may include those from antibodies, receptors, hormones, cytokines, chemokines, and interferons. The present disclosure also demonstrates the utility of plants, including green algae, for the production of complex multi-domain proteins as soluble bioactive therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides capable of promoting odorant receptor cell surface localization and odorant receptor functional expression. The present invention further provides assays for the detection of ligands specific for various odorant receptors. Additionally, the present invention provides methods of screening for odorant receptor accessory protein polymorphisms and mutations associated with disease states, as well as methods of screening for therapeutic agents, ligands, and modulators of such proteins.

Abstract: This invention provides transgenic plant cells with recombinant DNA for expression of proteins that are useful for imparting enhanced agronomic trait(s) to transgenic crop plants. This invention also provides transgenic plants and progeny seed comprising the transgenic plant cells where the plants are selected for having an enhanced trait selected from the group of traits consisting of enhanced water use efficiency, enhanced cold tolerance, increased yield, enhanced nitrogen use efficiency, enhanced seed protein and enhanced seed oil. Also disclosed are methods for manufacturing transgenic seed and plants with enhanced traits.

Abstract: Stabilizing solutions for submicronic particles, methods for making the same and methods of stabilizing submicronic particles is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a lysate used for cell-free protein biosynthesis, comprising the following steps: a) a genomic sequence in an organism, which codes for an essential translation product that reduces the yield of cell-free protein biosynthesis, is replaced by the foreign DNA located under a suitable regulatory element, said foreign DNA coding for the essential translation product that additionally contains a marker sequence; b) the organism cloned according to step a) is cultivated; c) the organisms from the culture obtained in step b) are lysed; and d) the essential translation product is eliminated by means of a separation process that is selective for the marker sequence. Also disclosed are said lysate and the use thereof.

Abstract: Method and device for automated cell analysis and determination of transport and communication between living cells by analyzing the formation of tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) between cells. This method comprising the steps of singularizing cells in a culture medium and staining the cells with a fluorescent or luminescent dyes for staining of cytoplasm and membranes as well as TNTs, flagella and other cell particles for 3-D cell microscopy. The method comprises further an image analysis system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an expression cassette containing a polynucleotide encoding an IFN?2b polypeptide and having two overlapping primers at a 5? end encoding a polyhistidine tag and a thrombin cleavage site fused to the polypeptide, the expression cassette carried by a vector competent for integrating the expression cassette in a plastid genome. Also disclosed is a transgenic plastid, preferably a chloroplast, containing a genome transformed by integration of an expression cassette having a non-plant gene encoding an IFN?2b polypeptide and having regions that encode a polyhistidine tag and a thrombin cleavage site fused with the IFN?2b polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant vacuole targeting sequence X1X2X3PX4 wherein X1 is a hydrophobic amino acid, X2 is a basic amino acid, X3 is a hydrophobic amino acid, P is proline; and X4 is a hydrophilic amino acid, such as the sequences IRLPS, IKLPS, LRLPS and LKLPS. The vacuole targeting sequence may be present in a chimeric protein linked to an amino acid sequence of a heterologous protein to facilitate vacuole vacuole targeting of the expressed chimeric protein in a plant cell. The invention is applicable to production of expressed, chimeric proteins in monocots and dicots, and in particular monocots such as cereals and sugarcane.

Abstract: Peptides and conjugates thereof comprising one or more bioactive agents which can be coupled to a tissue via a transglutaminase and related methods.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a transformed plant which has high photosynthesis activity, and has promoted growth and productivity as compared with a wild strain, and has no fear of diffusion of an introduced gene by pollens, by expressing a trait of a specified gene by chloroplast technology in a higher plant. According to the present invention, there is provided a transformed plant using a gene recombinant vector having an expression cassette for enhancing photosynthesis activity, containing a DNA fragment comprising a gene encoding a protein having fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase sedoheptulose-1,7-bisphosphatase activities between a nucleotide sequence complementary to the chloroplast gene rbcL and the chloroplast gene aacD.

Abstract: The invention provides materials and methods relating to G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) oligomers. Complexes of two or more GPCRs associated with G-proteins are provided. Also provided are fusion proteins comprising a GPCR and a G-protein, nucleic acids, expression vectors and host cells. Methods of producing the complexes and fusion proteins of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A method of producing a reprogrammed cell or reprogrammed cell nucleus, comprising exposing a differentiated cell, or the nucleus of a differentiated cell to a cell or cell extract thereof derived from an oocyte, egg, ovary or early embryo of a cold blooded vertebrate, wherein the cold blooded vertebrate has one or more of the following properties: (i) a primitive vertebrate body plan including laterally projecting ribs and/or spinal projections; (ii) germ cells which do not contain germ plasm; and/or (iii) the oocyte, egg, ovary or early embryo cell or cell from which the cell extract is derived, expresses a highly conserved form of Oct-4 and/or nanog. There is also provided uses of the reprogrammed cells.

Abstract: Described are methods for inactivating adenine nucleotide transporter proteins in specific tissues of a transgenic nonhuman animal using a conditional knockin/knockout technology such as the Cre-LoxP, Flip-FLP recombinase, or Tet-on/off technologies. Specifically, the Ant2 gene is functionally inactivated in a mouse in liver, with or without the concurrent inactivation of the Ant1 gene. The result is an animal in which the Ant2 gene and accompanying ANT 2 protein is absent in one or more tissues, either in the presence or absence of the Ant1 gene and accompanying protein. The resulting animals, cells, mitochondria, and subcelluar fractions such as the mitochondrial permeability transition pore can then be used to identify agents that affect animal and/or subcellular function via a direct or indirect interaction with the ANT2 protein and/or its Ant2 gene.

Abstract: The invention concerns membrane fractions of cells containing a recombinant MGDG synthase and enriched with 1,2-sn-diacylglycerol, their preparation method, their use for screening molecules inducing MGDG synthase activity and a method for screening molecules inducing MGDG synthase activity using said membrane fractions.

Abstract: An emulsion is useful in allowing a wide variety of gene products to be expressed via eukaryotic in vitro expression. The emulsion comprises a silicone based surfactant, a hydrophobic phase and a hydrophilic phase; wherein the hydrophilic phase comprises a plurality of compartments containing a functional in vitro eukaryotic expression system.

Abstract: A method for immobilizing an amino-containing material to a substrate is described. The method involves providing a tethering compound with two reactive groups: a substrate reactive group and a fluoroalkoxycarbonyl group. The method further involves preparing a substrate-attached tethering group by reacting the substrate reactive group of the tethering compound with a complementary functional group on the surface of a substrate. The substrate-attached tethering group has a fluoroalkoxycarbonyl group that can be reacted with an amino-containing material to form an immobilization group that connects the amino-containing material to the substrate.

Abstract: A technique for controlling membrane denaturation reactions other than physical shear force was developed. For example, the present invention provides, a method for causing membrane disruption at a specific site by reacting a stimulus such as light with a compound that is activated by the stimulus, where the reaction occurs on a membrane such as a biomembrane. It also provides a membrane structure such as cells in which a specific site has been disrupted, which are obtained by the present method. Introduction of substances such as genes also became possible by using this membrane structure. Further provided is a membrane-destroying member for disrupting a membrane at a specific site. Thus, the present invention enabled, for example, easy membrane penetration using components constituting microelectrodes, micromanipulators, and microinjectors, which were conventionally hardly usable in penetrating cell membranes.

Abstract: The goal of the invention is to increase the therapeutical activity of oncolytic NDV. This issue is solved by a Newcastle Disease Virus comprising a recombinant nucleic acid, wherein the nucleic acid codes for a binding protein that has a therapeutic activity when expressed by the virus-infected tumor cell. Binding proteins belong to the following group: A natural ligand or a genetically modified ligand, a recombinant soluble domain of a natural receptor or a modified version of it, a peptide-ligand, an antibody molecule and derivatives thereof or antibody-like molecules like ankyrin repeat molecules or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Intact mitochondria is isolated from cells by swelling the cells, lysing the swollen cells using a mild detergent such as CHAPS to release the mitochondria, and then recovering the mitochondria.

Abstract: A method of delivering a molecule, such as a membrane protein, to a lipid bilayer uses a probe capable of holding the molecule on a carrier surface thereof. The molecule is deposited on the carrier surface and the probe is moved to engage the carrier surface against the lipid bilayer. The carrier surface may be the surface of a drop of hydrogel which adsorbs the molecule. The molecule may be a membrane protein which is thus inserted into the lipid bilayer. The method is fast and simple to perform thereby allowing high throughput experimentation.

Abstract: A functional human salt taste receptor and a cell based assay that simulates human salt taste stimulation is disclosed. A method for the identification of enhancers or modulators of salt taste and food products that contain them is also disclosed. The method for the production of food products with desirable flavor properties having greatly reduced salt concentrations are disclosed. Such foods can provide substantial health benefits in many circumstances thereby providing substantial health benefit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pili obtained from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, methods of producing the pili and the use of the pili for inducing an immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The present invention also provides proteins and peptides which are constituents of the pili. Antibodies which bind to the pili are also provided.

Abstract: Long rod shaped M13 viruses were used to fabricate one dimensional (1D) micro- and nanosized diameter fibers by mimic the spinning process of the silk spider. Liquid crystalline virus suspensions were extruded through the micrometer diameter capillary tubes in cross-linking solution (glutaraldehyde). Resulting fibers were tens of micrometers in diameter depending on the inner diameter of the capillary tip. AFM image verified that molecular long axis of the virus fibers were parallel to the fiber long axis. Although aqueous M13 virus suspension could not be spun by electrospinning, M13 viruses suspended in 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol were spun into fibers. After blending with highly water soluble polymer, polyvinyl 2-pyrolidone (PVP), M13 viruses was spun into continuous uniform virus blended PVP (virus-PVP) fibers. Resulting virus-PVP electrospun fibers showed intact infecting ability to bacterial hosts after suspending in the buffer solution.

Abstract: A thylakoid extract that is preferably stabilized and activable for treating inflammation is described. Different types of cell or tissue targets and inflammatory stimuli have been used to evaluate the performance of the extract, which, in all cases successfully modulate inflammation through a balance of pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines. Compositions comprising the extract and other anti-inflammatory agents, such as glucocorticoids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are further disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining the sequence and/or occurrence frequency of a number of variable gene inserts from a gene library, which inserts exhibit a desired specific characteristic, wherein each variable gene insert is flanked (5?) and (3?) by known sequences, the method comprising; selecting the number of inserts by their ability to exhibit the desired specific characteristic, conducting polymerase chain reaction to amplify the selected number of variable gene inserts to produce components of a mixed PCR product, ligating the components of the mixed PCR product to produce a concatenated sequence and sequencing or determining the occurrence of the gene inserts in the concatenated sequence.