Abstract: Foreign cells can be grown in fetal non-mammalian hosts for the production of transplant organs and tissues, the development of new therapeutic agents, and the production of biological factors and drugs. Tissue-specific injury to fetal host target cells is carried without substantial injury to the maternal host or foreign cells, providing an environment in which the injured tissue can be regenerated with the foreign cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying a compound as a candidate drug, comprising the steps a. bringing said compound into contact with a cell expressing the genes CYPC, AGPAT3, AGL, PVRL2, HMGB 3, HSDL2; and b. analyzing if said compound modulates the expression of at least one of said genes. It also relates to a method for identifying a compound as a candidate drug, comprising the steps a. bringing said compound into contact with a cell expressing the gene LDB2; and b. analyzing if said compound modulates the expression of LDB2. The invention further relates to genetically modified cells and animals useful in such methods and to methods for treatment of atherosclerosis, atherosclerosis-related diseases or inflammatory diseases, comprising the use of such identified compounds.

Abstract: The present inventors discovered that knockout mice whose S1-5 gene function is lost develop age-related diseases or symptoms. In such knockout mice, bone mineral content, bone mineral density, and bone strength were found to be decreased, and the number of osteoclasts in bone tissues was found to be increased. Analysis of osteoclast-forming ability using bone marrow cells derived from the knockout mice revealed that osteoclast-forming ability is enhanced and osteoclasts are larger in the knockout mice than in wildtype mice. When purified S1-5 protein was added to this in vitro system, osteoclast-forming ability was inhibited. Furthermore, administration of purified S1-5 protein to osteoporotic model mice showed that this protein has the effect of improving osteoporosis. The above findings demonstrate that S1-5 protein is useful for treating and preventing age-related diseases such as osteoporosis.

Abstract: A method and oligonucleotides for targeted nucleotide exchange of a duplex DNA sequence, wherein the donor oligonucleotide contains at least one modified nucleotide which is a propynylated purine and/or pyrimidine having a higher binding affinity compared to naturally occurring A, C, T or G and/or binds stronger to a nucleotide in an opposite position in the first DNA sequence as compared to a naturally occurring nucleotide complementary to the nucleotide in the opposite position in the first DNA sequence.

Abstract: The present application describes a method of producing embryonic stem cell (ESC)-like cells derived from adult mammalian testis. Furthermore, the application describes to a method of producing embryoid bodies from ESC-like cells as well as a method of producing a tissue and/or a differentiated cell from the ESC-like cell or the embryoid body. In addition, an ESC-like cell, an embryoid body and/or differentiated cell and/or tissue obtainable by said methods and pharmaceutical preparations containing the same are provided. Finally, the application describes to the use of these products for medical treatments and the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for medical treatments.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for modulating the activity of sirtuin deacetylase protein family members; p53 activity; apoptosis; lifespan and sensitivity to stress of cells and organisms. Exemplary methods comprise contacting a cell with an activating compound, such as a flavone, stilbene, flavanone, isoflavone, catechin, chalcone, tannin or anthocyanidin; or an inhibitory compound, such as a sphingolipid, e.g., sphingosine.

Abstract: The invention relates to orthogonal pairs of tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases that can incorporate unnatural amino acids into proteins in mammalian host cells, for example, primate host cells and rodent host cells. The invention provides, for example but not limited to, translation systems that include host cells (e.g., primate or rodent cells), orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases derived from eubacterial synthetases, orthogonal tRNAs, and the unnatural amino acid. The invention also relates to methods for producing proteins of interest comprising at least one unnatural amino acid in mammalian host cell systems.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing multiple polypeptides, such as antibodies or antibody fragments, in a eukaryotic cell using a single expression vector. The expression vector is engineered to comprise two or more expression cassettes under the control of a single promoter wherein the expression cassettes have splice sites which allow for their alternative splicing and expression as two or more independent gene products at a desired ratio. Use of the vector for the efficient expression of recombinant antibodies in eukaryotic host cells is disclosed as well as the use of such antibodies in diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ex vivo method for expanding monocytes, macrophages or dendritic cells, which method comprises inhibiting the expression or the activity of MafB and c-Maf in monocytes, macrophages or dendritic cells; and expanding the cells in the presence of at least one cytokine or an agonist of cytokine receptor signaling.

Abstract: Disclosed are cells exhibiting neuronal progenitor cell characteristics, and methods of making them from marrow adherent stem cells by regulating cellular pathways in the marrow adherent stem cells that are associated with glial transdifferentiation of the marrow adherent stem cells.

Abstract: Mechanisms regulating cell proliferation stop and differentiation initiation during the development stage of mammalian embryo, and the proteins involved therein, are presented. Differentiation regulators, methods of regulating differentiation, transgenic organisms with loss of expression of the differentiation regulator, and methods of preparing the transgenic organisms, are provided.

Abstract: Neuronal stem cell lines derived from the Arctic Ground Squirrel, methods related to culturing and maintaining a neuronal stem cell line derived from the Arctic Ground Squirrel and a culture media required to maintain and differentiate a neuronal stem cell line derived from the Arctic Ground Squirrel is disclosed. Antibodies specific for antigens expressed on a neuronal stem cell line derived from the Arctic Ground Squirrel, and products and methods related to the use of neuronal stem cell lines derived from the Arctic Ground Squirrel are also included.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treating HIBM in a subject comprising identifying subject in need thereof, and administering to the subject a compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, amide, glycol, peptidyl, or prodrug thereof, wherein the compound is a compound that is biosynthesized in a wild type individual along a biochemical pathway between glucose and sialic acid, inclusive. Also disclosed herein are vectors comprising a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a polypeptide having at least 80% sequence identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, recombinant cells comprising these vectors, and recombinant animals comprising the cells. In addition, methods of identifying a compound having therapeutic effect for HIBM are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in PRO218, PRO228, PRO271, PRO273, PRO295, PRO302, PRO305, PRO326, PRO386, PRO655, PRO162, PRO788, PRO792, PRO940, PRO941, PRO1004, PRO1012, PRO 1016, PRO474, PRO5238, PRO1069, PRO1111, PRO1113, PRO1130, PRO1195, PRO1271, PRO1865, PRO1879, PRO3446, PRO3543, PRO4329, PRO4352, PRO5733, PRO9859, PRO9864, PRO9904, PRO9907, PRO10013, PRO90948, PRO28694, PRO16089, PRO19563, PRO19675, PRO20084, PRO21434, PRO50332, PRO38465 or PRO346 genes.

Abstract: Modified factor VII polypeptides and uses thereof are provided. Such modified FVII polypeptides include Factor VIIa and other forms of Factor VII. Among modified FVII polypeptides provided are those that have altered activities, typically altered procoagulant activity, including increased procoagulant activities. Hence, such modified polypeptides are therapeutics.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for screening for compounds that modulate insulin promoter activity. Vectors that express green fluorescent protein under the control of the human insulin promoter are introduced into mouse and human cells in which the insulin promoter is expressed in a glucose-responsive manner. Such cells are then used to screen for compounds that modulate insulin promoter activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing prion PrPSc proteins from biological material by contacting a biological material comprising prion PrPSc proteins with sepharose under conditions that allow for the specific and high affinity binding of the sepharose to the prion PrPSc proteins and removing the biological material from the sepharose wherein the biological material is selected from mammalian urine or a fraction thereof or from cell culture-derived materials. Another aspect of the present invention concerns the use of specific and high affinity sepharose for removing prion PrPSc proteins from biological material.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods, agents and kits for qualitative and quantitative detection and identification of pathogens and pathogen spectra based on endotoxins and other pyrogens.

Abstract: The invention provides a transgenic Mustelidae in which a gene associated with a human disease or condition comprises a targeted genetic modification, and uses thereof. Also provided is a method to cryopreserve Mustelidae embryos or cells, and to enhance the number of live offspring from cryopreserved Mustelidae embryos.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant MVA which is capable of expressing structural HCV antigens, functional parts of said structural antigens or epitopes of said structural antigens. The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition, especially in the form of a vaccine and containing the recombinant MVA according to the invention, to eukaryotic cells that contain the inventive recombinant MVA and to various uses of the recombinant MVA, for example for producing recombinant structural proteins, for producing a pharmaceutical preparation that is suitable for the therapy and prophylaxis of HCV infections and diseases thereby caused. The invention further relates to methods for producing recombinant MVA and recombinant structural HCV polypeptides encoded by said recombinant MVA, and to DNA or RNA of said recombinant MVA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-human mammal in which all cells contain genetic modifications in a Ca2+ handling Serca ATPase gene, more particularly the Serca2 ATPase. Defective Ca2+ handling is induced in live animals by introducing genetic elements which direct the timing and specificity of the gene inactivation to the organ or tissue of interest; e.g. cardiac muscle cells. The primary application is to provide a standardized and reproducible animal model for heart failure or other human diseases, in which the defective Ca2+ handling function by the Serca gene can be manipulated in live animals. This is the only existing animal to date with such genetic modifications for this class of Ca2+ handling proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of several genes of the domestic dog (Canine familiaris) associated with taste perception. The invention provides, inter alia, the nucleotide sequence of the canine Tas1r1, Tas1r2, and Tas1r3 receptor genes, the amino acid sequences of the polypeptides encoded thereby, and antibodies to the polypeptides. The present invention also relates to methods for screening for compounds that modify the genes' function or activity, the compounds identified by such screens, and mimetics of the identified compounds. The invention further provides methods for modifying the taste preferences, ingestive responses, or general behavior of a mammal such as a dog by administering compounds that affect the function or activity of the gene or the polypeptide encoded thereby.

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: The present invention relates to the discovery of several genes of the domestic cat (Felis catus) associated with taste perception. The invention provides, inter alia, the nucleotide sequence of the feline Tas1r1, Tas1r2, and Tas1r3 receptor genes, the amino acid sequences of the polypeptides encoded thereby, and antibodies to the polypeptides. The present invention also relates to methods for screening for compounds that modify the genes' function or activity, the compounds identified by such screens, and mimetics of the identified compounds. The invention further provides methods for modifying the taste preferences, ingestive responses, or general behavior of a mammal, such as a cat, by administering compounds that affect the function or activity of the gene or the polypeptide encoded thereby.

Abstract: An anti-IL-12 antibody that binds to a portion of the IL-12 protein corresponding to at least one amino acid residue selected from the group consisting of residues 15, 17-21, 23, 40-43, 45-47, 54-56 and 58-62 of the amino acid sequence of the p40 subunit of IL-12, including isolated nucleic acids that encode at least one anti-IL-12 antibody, vectors, host cells, transgenic animals or plants, and methods of making and using thereof have applications in diagnostic and/or therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding (poly)peptides having LPI (Lectin Pathway Inhibitor) activity, to recombinant vectors harboring such molecules, and the host cells carrying the vectors. The invention further relates to methods for preparing recombinant (poly)peptides having LPI activity and to the use of such recombinant (poly)peptides having LPI activity for diagnosis, prophylaxis and treatment, such as the treatment of inflammation reactions. In addition the invention provides therapeutic and diagnostic compositions comprising as the active ingredient the (poly)peptide having LPI activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in PRO194, PRO220, PRO241, PRO284, PRO331, PRO354, PRO355, PRO533, PRO541, PRO725, PRO937, PRO1014, PRO1120, PRO1182, PRO1325, PRO1382, PRO1410, PRO1555, PRO1556, PRO1760, PRO1787, PRO1868, PRO4326, PRO4332, PRO4346, PRO4400, PRO6003, PRO6094, PRO6244, PRO9820, PRO9828, PRO10274, PRO16090, PRO19644, PRO21340, PRO92165, PRO85143, PRO1124, PRO1026 or PRO23370 genes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to at least one novel anti-alpha-V subunit antibodies, including isolated nucleic acids that encode at least one anti-alpha-V subunit antibody, alpha-V subunit, vectors, host cells, transgenic animals or plants, and methods of making and using thereof, including therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a monoclonal antibody or a fragment thereof binding to the extracellular I-domain of integrin alpha10beta1 and a hybridoma cell line deposited at the Deutsche Sammlung von Microorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH under the accession number DSM ACC2583. Furthermore, the present invention also provides a monoclonal antibody or a fragment thereof binding to the extracellular I-domain of integrin alpha10beta1 produced by the hybridoma cell line deposited. Methods and uses of said antibody or a fragment thereof in identifying and selecting cells of a chondrogenic nature for treatment purposes, in particular for the identification and isolation of chondrocytes, mesenchymal progenitor cells and embryonic stem cells for tissue engineering of cartilage, or for identifying diagnostic and therapeutic tools in studying the biological role and the structural/functional relationships of the integrin alpha10beta1 with its various extracellular matrix ligands are also included.

Abstract: Melanoma can be treated in a mammalian subject by administering to the subject an immunologically-effective amount of a xenogeneic melanoma-associated differentiation antigen. For example, genetic immunization with a plasmid containing a sequence encoding human gp75 has been shown to be effective in treatment of dogs with melanoma.

Abstract: We describe a Cricetulus griseus cell which is modified, preferably genetically engineered, so that the expression of a heat shock protein is up-regulated compared to a cell which has not been so modified, as well as a method of expressing a recombinant protein from a host comprising such an engineered cell. Novel CHO heat shock protein sequences SEQ ID NO: 2 and SEQ ID NO: 4, as well as nucleic acid sequences SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 3 are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to multipotent stem cells, purified from the peripheral tissue of mammals, and capable of differentiating into neural and non-neural cell types. These stem cells provide an accessible source for autologous transplantation into CNS, PNS, and other damaged tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in PRO844, PRO1131 or PRO5992 genes. Such in vivo studies and characterizations may provide valuable identification and discovery of therapeutics and/or treatments useful in the prevention, amelioration or correction of diseases or dysfunctions associated with gene disruptions such as neurological disorders; cardiovascular, endothelial or angiogenic disorders; eye abnormalities; immunological disorders; oncological disorders; bone metabolic abnormalities or disorders; lipid metabolic disorders; or developmental abnormalities.

Abstract: Methods of inducing differentiation of stem cells and stem cells obtained are disclosed. A method for stabilizing the phenotype of isolated primary cells in vitro is disclosed. In both methods, a central role is played by histone deacetylase inhibitors.

Abstract: A method for the differentiation of mammalian pluripotent stem (PS) cells into a mortal multi-lineage progenitor cell population is provided which comprises culturing the pluripotent stem cells in the presence of Hyaluronan (HA). The mortal multi-lineage progenitor cell population may be a population of mesenchymal stem cells. The mortal multi-lineage progenitor cell population may form cells of the mesodermal lineage, suitably osteoblasts. Alternatively, the mortal multi-lineage progenitor cell population may form cells of the endodermal lineage or of the ectodermal lineage, which may be neuronal progenitors.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acids comprising a lipocalin gene promoter region, isolated nucleic acids comprising a human lipocalin gene, isolated nucleic acids encoding a lipocalin polypeptide, isolated lipocalin polypeptides, and uses thereof. The disclosed lipocalin nucleic acids and polypeptides can be used to generate a mouse model of male infertility, for drug discovery screens, and for therapeutic treatment of fertility-related conditions.

Abstract: Nucleic acid and protein sequences relating to a cation channel which is sperm-specific (CatSper2) are disclosed. The CatSper2 protein is shown to be specifically expressed in sperm. Nucleic acids, vectors, transformed cells, transgenic animals, polypeptides, and antibodies relating to the CatSper2 gene and protein are disclosed. Also provided are methods of in vitro fertilization and contraception, methods of identifying modulators of CatSper2 activity, methods of genotyping subjects with respect to CatSper2, methods of diagnosing and treating CatSper2-mediated disorders, including infertility, as well as methods of doing business related to CatSper2-mediated disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation, in vitro propagation, and transplantation and integration of non-pigmented retinal stem cells derived from the neuroretina of the eye, ex vivo and in vivo.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleic acid sequence encoding peptides which inhibit the interaction of protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase A anchor proteins (AKAP), to a host organism comprising said nucleic acid sequence and optionally expressing said peptides, to the use of said peptides and of said host organism in investigating diseases associated with said AKAP-PKA interaction, and to the use of said peptides as pharmaceutical agent for the treatment of such diseases.

Abstract: Spider silk protein encoding nucleic acids, polypeptides and antibodies immunologically specific therefore are disclosed. Methods of use thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to at least one novel anti-TNF antibodies, including isolated nucleic acids that encode at least one anti-TNF antibody, TNF, vectors, host cells, transgenic animals or plants, and methods of making and using thereof, including therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel compositions for deriving, maintaining and growing pluripotent and germ-line competent mammalian embryonic stem cells. The compositions of this invention refer to compositions comprising a 1) conditioned medium of a cell line expressing limited amounts of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF), 2) conditioned medium from a cell line transfected with mammalian LIF and 3) a medium supplemented with recombinant rabbit LIF. The present invention describes novel compositions for deriving, maintaining and growing adult human stem cells and/or adult early progenitor cells, preferably under stroma-free conditions and without added LIF and/or cytokines or growth factors. The media of the present invention are used for the generation of pluripotent and germ-line competent embryonic stem cells of mammals of which these cells were not obtained up to now. The media of the present invention are used for the generation of adult human stem cells and/or adult early progenitor cells.

Abstract: Modified factor VII polypeptides and uses thereof are provided. Such modified FVII polypeptides include Factor VIIa and other forms of Factor VII. Among modified FVII polypeptides provided are those that have altered activities, typically altered procoagulant activity, including increased procoagulant activities. Hence, such modified polypeptides are therapeutics.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in part, NPC1L1 from various species. Methods of using the NPC1L1 polypeptides and polynucleotide set forth herein, e.g., in screening assays, are also set forth.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for their use, such as in identifying G-protein-coupled receptors, ligands and compounds that modulate the activities of G-protein-coupled receptors. The compositions and methods employ cyclic nucleotide-gated channels and fluorescence dyes in detecting changes of intracellular cAMP levels in response to the stimulation of G-protein-coupled receptors. Activation of the G-protein-coupled receptors can be detected in a variety of assays, including cell-based imaging assays with fluorescence microscopes and high throughput assays with multi-well plates and fluorescence plate readers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of therapeutic use of proteins, genes and cells, in particular to the therapy based on secreted therapeutic proteins, NsG29 and NsG31. NsG29 and Ns31 are members of a newly identified family of growth factors with a specific cystein pattern and characterised by expression in the nervous system. The secreted growth factors have potential for the treatment of disorders of the nervous system. The invention also relates to bioactive NsG29 and NsG31 polypeptide fragments and the corresponding encoding DNA sequences.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel, synthetic, standardised, soluble, reproducible and easy-to-handle infectious material of the prion type, consisting of a cell lysate or culture supernatant from stable transgenic cells expressing a prion protein PrP and supporting replication of the pathogenic form, PrPsc, of the said Prp.

Abstract: A method to generate unlimited numbers of macrophage/dendritic cells or neutrophils from mice, using conditional Hox oncoproteins is disclosed. The invention further includes the establishment of a system to investigate immune responses to microorganisms or diseases involving chronic inflammation.

Abstract: The present invention provides short interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA), compositions and methods for inhibiting the CAR gene expression simply and rapidly, which can be used for evaluating toxicity of a chemical substance.

Abstract: Provided herein are nucleic acids, proteins, vectors, cells, kits, devices and methods useful for identifying regulatable proteins that are able to complement components of cellular signaling pathways. Also provided are compositions and methods using these complementing genes directly as markers for cancer diagnosis or prognosis and as targets for anti-neoplastic therapeutics. Further provided are methods for using changes caused by expression of the complementing genes to indirectly identify associated genes to be used as markers for cancer diagnosis or prognosis and as targets for anti-neoplastic therapeutics.