Abstract: The invention provides antibodies against Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP) and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an auxin receptor protein involved in activation of proton pump in plasma membrane of a plant derived from rice, a gene encoding the protein, a recombinant vector comprising the gene, a host cell transformed with the recombinant vector, a method of improving traits of a plant by transforming the plant with the recombinant plant expression vector, a plant having improved traits by transformation with the recombinant plant expression vector and seeds of the plant, and a composition comprising the gene of the invention for improving traits of a plant.

Abstract: The present invention provides the amino acid and nucleic acid sequences of heavy chain and light chain complementarity determining regions of a cancer specific antibody. In addition, the invention provides cancer specific antibodies and immunoconjugates comprising the cancer specific antibody attached to a toxin or label, and methods and uses thereof. The invention also relates to diagnostic methods and kits using the cancer specific antibodies of the invention. Further, the invention provides a novel cancer-associated antigen and its uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to double-stranded ribonucleic acids (dsRNAs) targeting gene expression of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PI4K), in particular human phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase, catalytic, beta polypeptide (PIK4CB) or human phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase, catalytic, alpha polypeptide (PIK4CA), and their use for treating infection by positive stranded RNA viruses such as hepatitis C virus (HCV). Each dsRNA comprises an antisense strand having a nucleotide sequence which is less that 30 nucleotides in length, generally 19-25 nucleotides in length, and which is substantially complementary to at least a part of the PIK4CB or PIK4CA target mRNA. A plurality of such dsRNA may be employed to provide therapeutic benefit. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the dsRNA together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and including a delivery modality such as fully encapsulated liposomes or lipid complexes.

Abstract: Described herein is a variant of wild type Gaussia luciferase that catalyzes glow-type emission kinetics suited for high-throughput functional screening applications. Polypeptides, functional fragments, variants, and nucleic acids that encode the enhanced luciferase are further described. One such polypeptide corresponds to wild type Gaussia luciferase with a substitution mutation of I for M at position 43 of the mature peptide. Methods of use, assay systems and kits that contain the polypeptides and/or nucleic acids are further described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human secreted proteins and isolated nucleic acids containing the coding regions of the genes encoding such proteins. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing human secreted proteins. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating diseases, disorders, and/or conditions related to these novel human secreted proteins.

Abstract: The invention provides antibodies binding to TWEAK, including anti-TWEAK antibodies comprising a heavy chain variable domain CDR3 (CDR3H) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 8, 16 or 24. The invention provides anti-TWEAK antibodies which are useful for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, psoratic arthritis, muscle diseases, e.g. muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, chronic kidney diseases, bone diseases, e.g. bone degeneration in multiple myeloma, systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis, and vascular injury.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for generating and isolating tagged nuclei of specific cell types with a high yield and purity. The compositions, methods, and kits provided herein comprise expressing in a cell a nuclear envelope tagging fusion polypeptide comprising a nuclear envelope targeting domain and an affinity reagent binding region. In some embodiments, expression of the fusion polypeptide is under the control of a cell type-specific promoter. Some embodiments also comprise expressing in a cell a biotin ligase, wherein the affinity reagent binding region comprises a biotin ligase accepting site, and wherein at least one of the nuclear envelope tagging fusion polypeptide and the biotin ligase is expressed under the control of a cell type-specific promoter.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication are provided. Also provided are compositions and methods of treating an HCV infection; methods of reducing the incidence of complications associated with HCV and cirrhosis of the liver; and methods of reducing viral load, or reducing the time to viral clearance, or reducing morbidity or mortality in the clinical outcomes, in patients suffering from HCV infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo the genes encoding VP2 and VP5 of African Horse Sickness Virus or an epitope thereof that elicits an immune response in a horse against African horse sickness virus, compositions comprising said vectors, methods of vaccination against African horse sickness virus, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.

Abstract: A novel IFN-?/? independent ligand receptor system which upon engagement leads, among other things, to the establishment of an anti-viral state is disclosed. Further disclosed are three closely positioned genes on human chromosome 19 that encode distinct but highly homologous proteins, designated IFN-?1, IFN-?2, IFN-?3, based, inter alia, in their ability to induce antiviral protection. Expression of these proteins is induced upon viral infection. A receptor complex utilized by all three IFN-? proteins for signaling is also disclosed. The receptor complex is generally composed of two subunits, a novel receptor designated IFN-?R1 or CRF2-12, and a second subunit, IL-10R2 or CRF2-4, which is also a shared receptor component for the IL-10 and IL-22 receptor complexes. The gene encoding IFN-?R1 is generally widely expressed, including many different cell types and tissues. Expression of these proteins is induced by immune events, including, for example, upon viral infection.

Abstract: Differentiation of a large number of embryonic stem cells or artificial pluripotent stem cells such as induced pluripotent stem cells can be readily induced by the following method. A substrate surface having a cell non-adhesive region on the periphery of a cell adhesive region is used, and (1) the cells are allowed to adhere to the cell adhesive region of the substrate surface in a differentiation-inducing medium; (2) the cells are subsequently allowed to grow on the cell adhesive surface to reach confluence; (3) the culture is further continued to three-dimensionally stratify the cells from the boundary with the cell non-adhesive region surrounding the cell adhesive region; and (4) a plurality of the stratified portions formed in the cell adhesive region is finally bound to one another to produce a cell agglomerate spreading over the entire cell adhesive region with a certain thickness.

Abstract: The present application relates to compositions and the treatment of skin disorders, dry skin, protection of skin in inflammatory events and neurological disorders. The present application more particularly discloses the identification of new genes and metabolic pathways involved in skin disorders, which provide novel targets and approaches for treating said disorders and for screening biologically active compounds. The present invention also provides various products and constructs, such as probes, primers, vectors, recombinant cells, which can be used to implement the above methods. The invention may be used to detect or treat various skin disorders, particularly dry and inflammatory skin disorders and neurological disorders, in various subjects, including mammalian subjects, particularly human beings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying a substance altering glucose uptake and/or GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane of a cell comprising contacting a test system comprising AKT substrate 160 kDa-protein (AS160-protein) with a test substance, and identifying a test substance as a substance altering glucose uptake of a cell by detecting a signal indicative for altered glucose uptake of a cell; a test system comprising a gene coding for the AKT substrate 160 kDa-protein (AS160-protein) and an inducible promoter providing for controllable expression of the gene; the use of the test system for the identification of a substance improving glucose uptake and/or GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane of a cell; and the use of AS 160-protein in a model for type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multiple inducible gene regulation system that functions within cells to simultaneously control the quantitative expression of multiple genes.

Abstract: Provided herein are helper nucleic acids comprising at least one microRNA target sequence of an endogenous, cellular microRNA and a nucleic acid encoding a viral protein, wherein the microRNA target sequence is located in the untranslated or translated region of the nucleic acid encoding the viral protein. Also provided are vector systems, compositions and cells comprising the provided helper nucleic acids and a vector or replicon. Methods of making virus-like replicon particles and populations of virus-like replicon particles (VRP) are also provided.

Abstract: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Intron A fragments for expressing gene products are disclosed. Also described are expression vectors including the fragments, as well as methods of using the same.

Abstract: A method of producing Fc-containing polypeptides, such as antibodies, having stabilized Fc regions is provided, together with stabilized Fc polypeptides produced according to these methods as well as methods of using such antibodies as therapeutics.

Abstract: We have identified by molecular cloning a protease which originates from the larvae of Lucilia sericata and which was termed debrilase due to its activities useful for debridement of wounds.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and materials for increasing the expression of a protein of interest such as an antibody by a cell. ABC50 expression or activity is increased which increases expression of the protein or antibody of interest. The disclosure also provides methods and materials for increasing the sensitivity of a cell to an endoplasmic reticulum stress agent such as Econozole by decreasing the level of ABC50.

Abstract: Modified erythropoietin (EPO) polypeptides and other modified therapeutic polypeptides are provided. The EPO polypeptides and other therapeutic polypeptides are modified to exhibit physical properties and activities that differ from the unmodified EPO polypeptides and other unmodified therapeutic polypeptides, respectively. Nucleic acid molecules encoding these polypeptides also are provided. Also provided are methods of treatment and diagnosis using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for polypeptide transfer into cells. The present invention further relates to the detection of polypeptide-specific immune cells and the priming, expansion and reactivation of polypeptide-specific T cells. Moreover the present invention relates to polypeptides of the methods of the present invention in combination with urea and their use for research, diagnosis or treatment and prevention of diseases in animals and humans.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for enhancing protein expression from an RNA viral vector and RNA viral vectors with enhanced protein expression capacity. The present inventors successfully increased the level of protein expression significantly by expressing the proteins fused with an AB5B protein from RNA viral vectors. Effective gene therapy, gene vaccination, monoclonal antibody preparation, or such can be achieved by using a gene transfer RNA viral vector of the present invention.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for stimulating an immune response against Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) antigens are disclosed. The compositions include a multiple epitope fusion protein comprising more than one epitope of an immunogenic STEC protein from more than one STEC serotype. Additional compositions include at least two purified STEC proteins, wherein the STEC proteins are selected from a full-length STEC protein, an immunogenic fragment or variant thereof, wherein at least one of the STEC proteins generates antibodies that react with STEC O157 and at least one other STEC serotype.

Abstract: This invention relates to the isolation and propagation of pluripotent cells isolated from the mammalian late epiblast layer, termed Epiblast Stem Cells' (EpiSCs). These cells are useful in a range of applications, including the generation of transgenic animal species.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides encoding Macaca fascicularis CCL17 (CynoCCL17), polypeptides obtainable from expression of these polynucleotides, recombinant cells, and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: IL-21 variants nucleic acid sequences are provided that encode a peptide having deletions and zero to ten conservative amino acid substitutions in the region of amino acid residues 65-96 of SEQ ID. NO:2.

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: The present invention provides binding agents comprising peptides capable of binding myostatin and inhibiting its activity. In one embodiment the binding agent comprises at least one myostatin-binding peptide attached directly or indirectly to at least one vehicle such as a polymer or an Fc domain. The binding agents of the present invention produced increased lean muscle mass when administered to animals and decreased fat to muscle ratios. Therapeutic compositions containing the binding agents of the present invention are useful for treating muscle-wasting disorders and metabolic disorders including diabetes and obesity.

Abstract: The present invention provides human, rat and mouse NPC1L1 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. Also provided are methods for detecting agonists and antagonists of NPC1L1. Inhibitors of NPC1L1 can be used for inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption in a subject.

Abstract: This invention relates transgenic animals that overexpress TL1A in a tissue specific manner to model inflammatory bowel disease (IBM such as colitis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, fibrosis, and related inflammatory diseases and conditions. TL1A transgenic animals constitutively express both TL1A and GFP in lymphoid and myeloid cell lineages, allowing convenient identification and sorting of immune cells involved in IBD disease progression, such as T-cells, antigen presenting cells (APC), and dendritic cells (DC). TL1A transgenic animals may be induced to exhibit gross fibrosis, or isolated cells may be implanted into immunodeficient mice to establish colitis.

Abstract: The present invention relates a host cell comprising an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a protein requiring gamma-carboxylation and associated expression control sequences and a nucleic acid molecule encoding a vitamin K epoxido reductase and associated expression control sequences and a nucleic acid molecule encoding a ?-glutamyl carboxylase and associated control sequences. The invention further relates to a method of producing a protein requiring gamma-carboxylation in high yields.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a mammalian cell-based high-throughput assay for the profiling and screening of human epithelial sodium channel (hENaC) cloned from a human kidney c-DNA library and is also expressed in other tissues including human taste tissue. The present invention further relates to amphibian oocyte-based medium-throughput electrophysiological assays for identifying human ENaC modulators, preferably ENaC enhancers. Compounds that modulate ENaC function in a cell-based ENaC assay are expected to affect salty taste in humans.

Abstract: Recombinant microbial cells are provided which have been engineered to produce fatty acid derivatives having linear chains containing an odd number of carbon atoms by the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway. Also provided are methods of making odd chain fatty acid derivatives using the recombinant microbial cells, and compositions comprising odd chain fatty acid derivatives produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the culturing of cells, preferably El-immortalized HER cells, more preferably PER.C6 cells in a reactor in suspension in a cell culture medium, wherein the cells produce a biological substance, preferably an antibody, wherein at least one cell culture medium component is fed to the cell culture and wherein the cell culture comprising the cells, the biological substance and cell culture medium is circulated over a separation system and wherein the separation system separates the biological substance from substances having a lower molecular weight than the biological substance and wherein the biological substance is retained in or fed back into the reactor. Preferably part of the substances of lower molecular weight is continuously removed from the cell culture.

Abstract: The present disclosure identifies pathways, mechanisms, systems and methods to confer chemoautotrophic production of carbon-based products of interest, such as sugars, alcohols, chemicals, amino acids, polymers, fatty acids and their derivatives, hydrocarbons, isoprenoids, and intermediates thereof, in organisms such that these organisms efficiently convert inorganic carbon to organic carbon-based products of interest using inorganic energy, such as formate, and in particular the use of organisms for the commercial production of various carbon-based products of interest.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and fusion proteins comprising a flagellin adjuvant and a Pseudomonas aeruginosa antigen. The invention further provides pharmaceutical formulations and methods for inducing an immune response against P. aeruginosa (e.g., to prevent and/or treat P. aeruginosa infection).

Abstract: The invention describes novel virus-like particles for use as vaccines, diagnostic tools and R&D tools based on recombinant DNA and cell cultivation techniques for production. The recombinant virus-like particles of the invention are assembled by polypeptide chains that incorporate several, in particular two or more, different epitopes which are selected either (a) from different viral strains of the same virus and/or (b) from different serotypes of the same virus and/or (c) from different viral strains specific for different hosts. These epitopes are then displayed on the particle surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of collecting semen from the epididymis or the testis of a lab animal and an artificial insemination method thereof. The present invention relates to a new applicable method in the animal production field using artificial insemination. Since the present invention solves the problems of the conventional method of artificial insemination of lab animals, it is excellent in terms of the pregnancy rate and productivity; is time-efficient; and is superior in economic and industrial respects by preventing a huge economic loss due to the costs for maintaining the mass breeding of animals.

Abstract: The invention relates to biparatopic A-beta binding polypeptides and, more specifically, to biparatopic A-beta binding polypeptides comprising at least two immunoglobulin single variable domains binding to different epitopes of A-beta. The invention also relates to specific sequences of such polypeptides, methods of their production, and methods of using them, including methods of treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for modulating the expression of a HLA locus or for selectively deleting or manipulating a HLA locus or HLA regulator.

Abstract: Novel methods are disclosed for forming a heterodimeric receptor complex with IL-28R and CRF2-4. The methods may be used for detecting and treating viral infections in in vitro and in vivo. Ligand-binding receptor polypeptides can also be used to block ligand activity in vitro and in vivo. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell capable of high-yield production of polypeptides and a method for producing the same. The present invention relates to a method for producing a cell capable of high-yield production of a desired polypeptide, wherein a strongly bicarbonate transporter-expressing cell into which DNA encoding the desired polypeptide has been introduced is cultured in the presence of a high concentration of methotrexate and a cell capable of high-yield production of the desired polypeptide is selected from among surviving cells.

Abstract: Cloning and expression of genes encoding C. parvum antigenic polypeptides are described as are antibodies that recognize epitopes on these polypeptides. The antigenic polypeptides and antibodies thereto can be used in therapeutic compositions for the prevention and treatment of C. parvum infections, as well as in diagnostic methods for determining the presence of C. parvum infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides antisense oligomers to PLA2 to inhibit PLA2 protein expression and enzyme activity, and to treat diseases and disorders associated with induced expression of PLA2. In particular, the invention provides for the simultaneous inhibition of cPLA2 and sPLA2.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel methods for controlling the glycosylation of a protein and the protein produced thereby. An exemplary method of the invention comprises producing a protein comprising a decreased level of glycosylation, e.g., the protein comprises fewer glycans or fewer saccharides at the glycosylation site, by culturing a host cell expressing the protein in the presence of a glycosylation inhibitor. In an exemplary method of the invention, the biological characteristics of the protein are altered by the decreased level of glycosylation, e.g., the binding of the protein with its target ligand is modified.

Abstract: Reagents, methods and kits for screening for compounds that modulate the activity of voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV), such as human NaV1.5/SC-N5A/hH1 are described. The reagents, methods and kits are based on mutated NaV alpha subunit polyptides of SEQ ID NO:5 with mutations at positions 372, 898, 1419 and 1711 (the DEKA motif) and at positions 11485, 1486 and 1487 (the IFM motif) resulting in increased permeability for a group IIA divalent cation (Ca+) and decreased inactivation rate. The mutant polypeptide is used in a method and kit for determining whether a test compound modulates the channel activity, preferably using a chimeric polypeptide (chameleon polypeptide) comprising calmodulin, a calmodulin binding protein (M13), and two fluorescent agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for preparing splice variants of TNFalpha receptor (TNFR) in vivo or in vitro, and the resulting TNFR protein variants. Such variants may be prepared by controlling the splicing of pre-mRNA molecules and regulating protein expression with splice switching oligonucleotides or splice switching oligomers (SSOs). The preferred SSOs according to the invention target exon 7 or 8 of TNFR1 (TNFRSF1A) or TNFR2 (TNFRSF1A) pre-mRNA, typically resulting in the production of TNFR variants which comprise a deletion in part or the entire exon 7 or 8 respectfully. SSOs targeting exon 7 are found to result in a soluble form of the TNFR, which has therapeutic benefit for treatment of inflammatory diseases. The SSO's are characterized in that they are substantially incapable or incapable of recruiting RNaseH.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified HIV-1 envelope proteins where one or more N-glycosylation sites have been deleted or modified, which produce a broadly cross reactive neutralizing response, their methods of use and antibodies which bind to these proteins. The invention also provides for nucleic acids, vectors, antibodies and pharmaceutical compositions that comprise said modified HIV-1 envelope proteins.

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 and 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.