Abstract: A chimeric ErbB ligand binding molecule is disclosed along with its pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms. The molecule is a protein that as part of its sequence includes the sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2, or 3. The molecule can be fused to an IgGFc and especially IgGFc containing cysteine to serine changes in the hinge region. For example, the fusion can be to IgG 1Fc DNA sequences that encode the binding molecules are also contemplated as well as vectors containing such DNA sequences and hosts that contain such vectors. Pharmaceutical compositions are contemplated that contain the binding molecule along with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: Recombinant polypeptides comprising a DR?1 domain, an antigenic peptide, and a linker sequence are disclosed. The linker sequence comprises a first glycine-serine spacer, a thrombin cleavage site and a second glycine-serine spacer. Further disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the recombinant polypeptides, methods of treating inflammatory disease using said pharmaceutical compositions, and expression constructs comprising nucleic acids that encode the recombinant polypeptides.

Abstract: Provided here are new methods to identify specific families of mammalian odorant receptors for odorants or aroma, particularly indole and skatole malodors and their use in assays that may be used to discover compounds that modulate (blocking, enhancing, masking or mimicking compounds) their activity. Orphan mouse odorant receptors are identified from olfactory sensory neurons that respond to target compounds. The resulting receptors as well as their human counterparts can be screened in assays against test compounds to confirm their identity as odorant or aroma receptors, particularly malodor receptors and subsequently discover for example modulators that inhibit the perception of the malodor in humans.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of promoting and/or enhancing G-Protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR) localization to the cell membrane and/or cell surface; methods of promoting and/or enhancing GPCR functional expression; and methods and assays for screening or identifying ligands (e.g., agonists or antagonists) that bind GPCRs. Also provided are vectors, recombinant cells, and stable cell lines for use in the methods and assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel selection system for use in a eukaryotic cell culture process and for expression of a recombinant product of interest. The selection system is based on the introduction of an exogenous functional membrane-bound folate receptor gene together with the polynucleotide or gene encoding the product of interest into a eukaryotic cell and can be widely utilized with eukaryotic cells for which cellular viability is dependent upon folic acid uptake.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) comprising a) an antigen binding domain of HA22, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular T cell signaling domain; or b) an antigen binding domain of BL22, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular T cell signaling domain comprising CD28 and/or CD137. Nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, populations of cells, antibodies, or antigen binding portions thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions relating to the CARs are disclosed. Methods of detecting the presence of cancer in a mammal and methods of treating or preventing cancer in a mammal are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-Like (FGFR-L) polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. The invention also provides selective binding agents, vectors, host cells, and methods for producing FGFR-L polypeptides. The inventio further provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the diagnosis, treatment, amelioration, and/or prevention of diseases, disorders, and conditions associated with FGFR-L polypeptides.

Abstract: The present application provides novel human genes A7322, whose expression is markedly elevated in breast cancer. The present application also provides human genes F3374 whose expression is markedly elevated in breast cancer. These genes and polypeptides encoded thereby can be used, for example, in the diagnosis of breast cancer, and as target molecules for developing drugs against breast cancer. The invention features methods of screening for modulators of the kinase activity of PBK/TOPK. The invention further provides methods of screening for agents to prevent or treat cancer, such as breast cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides variant activin IIB soluble receptor polypeptides and proteins capable of binding and inhibiting the activities of activin A, myostatin, or GDF-11. The present invention also provides polynucleotides, vectors and host cells capable of producing the variant polypeptides and proteins. Compositions and methods for treating muscle-wasting and other diseases and disorders are also provided.

Abstract: Isolated receptors, DNAs encoding such receptors, and pharmaceutical compositions made therefrom, are disclosed. The isolated receptors can be used to regulate an immune response. The receptors are also useful in screening for inhibitors thereof.

Abstract: Binding agents that modulate the immune response are disclosed. The binding agents may include soluble receptors, polypeptides, and/or antibodies. Also disclosed are methods of using the binding agents for the treatment of diseases such as cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved fusion proteins for therapy of autoimmune and cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: The invention provides fusion proteins comprising at least two fluorescent proteins, with the fluorescent proteins emitting different wavelengths of light from one another, at least one plant hormone binding domain that changes three-dimensional conformation upon specifically binding to a plant hormone, and two linker peptides, with the first linker linking the first fluorescent protein to the N-terminus of the plant hormone binding domain and the second linker linking the second fluorescent protein to the C-terminus of the plant hormone binding domain. The invention also provides for methods of using the fusion proteins of the present invention and nucleic acids encoding the fusion proteins.

Abstract: The invention provides a CR2-FH molecule comprising a CR2 portion comprising CR2 protein or a fragment thereof and a FH portion comprising a factor H protein or a fragment thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a CR2-FH molecule. Also provided are methods of using the compositions for treatment diseases in which the alternative complement pathway is implicated, such as age-related macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, and ischemia reperfusion.

Abstract: A novel approach for inhibiting FGF2/FGFR1-mediated signalling is presented which is based on FGFR1 mutations to introduce higher affinity for the natural GAG co-receptors into the soluble part of the FGF1 receptor, preferably into the D2/D3 domains.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to the use of 24-hydroxylated vitamin D compounds as therapeutics in mammalian bone fracture repair. In addition, the instant invention relates to novel 24-hydroxylated vitamin D compound receptors which can be employed in the development of compounds capable of facilitating fracture repair in animals. The instant invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding such receptors as well as vectors, host cells, transgenic animals comprising such nucleic acids and screening assays employing such receptors.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to the use of 24-hydroxylated vitamin D compounds as therapeutics in mammalian bone fracture repair. In addition, the instant invention relates to novel 24-hydroxylated vitamin D compound receptors which can be employed in the development of compounds capable of facilitating fracture repair in animals. The instant invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding such receptors as well as vectors, host cells, transgenic animals comprising such nucleic acids and screening assays employing such receptors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides directed against or specifically binding to chemokine receptor CXCR2 and in particular to polypeptides capable of modulating signal transduction from CXCR2. The invention also relates to nucleic acids, vectors and host cells capable of expressing the polypeptides of the invention, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the polypeptides and uses of said polypeptides and compositions for treatment of diseases involving aberrant functioning of CXCR2.

Abstract: The invention provides FGFR fusion proteins, methods of making them, and methods of using them to treat proliferative disorders, including cancers and disorders of angiogenesis. The FGFR fusion molecules can be made in CHO cells and may comprise deletion mutations in the extracellular domains of the FGFRs which improve their stability. These fusion proteins inhibit the growth and viability of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The combination of the relatively high affinity of these receptors for their ligand FGFs and the demonstrated ability of these decoy receptors to inhibit tumor growth is an indication of the clinical value of the compositions and methods provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention involves a recombinant virus which comprises at least one foreign nucleic acid inserted within a non-essential region of the viral genome of a virus, wherein each such foreign nucleic acid encodes a protein. The protein which is encoded is selected from the groups consisting of a feline CD28 protein or an immunogenic portion thereof, a feline cD80 protein or an immunogenic portion thereof, a feline CD86 protein or an immunogenic portion thereof, or a feline CTLA-4 protein or an immunogenic portion thereof. The protein is capable of being expressed when the recombinant virus is introduced into an appropriate host. The present invention also involves a recombinant virus further comprising a foreign nucleic acid encoding an immunogen derived from a pathogen. The present invention also comprises recombinant viruses which are capable of enhancing an immune response in a feline.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polypeptides having an amino acid sequence having at least 70% identity to SEQ ID NO:20, wherein the polypeptide has ER-?36 activity. The invention further provides methods for identifying agents that bind to such polypeptides, methods for detecting such polypeptides, and methods for altering the activity of such polypeptides. Also provided are antibodies that specifically bind to an amino acid sequence depicted at SEQ ID NO:1, or an immunogenic fragment thereof, and methods for making and using such antibodies.

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of protein production and cell culture technology. CERT is identified as a novel in vivo PKD substrate. Phosphorylation on serine 132 by PKD decreases the affinity of CERT towards its lipid target phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate at Golgi membranes and reduces ceramide transfer activity, identifying PKD as a regulator of lipid homeostasis. The present invention shows that CERT in turn is critical for PKD activation and PKD dependent protein cargo transport to the plasma membrane. The interdependence of PKD and CERT is thus a key to the maintenance of Golgi membrane integrity and secretory transport.

Abstract: Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G protein-coupled receptors, and the genes and cDNA encoding said receptors are described. Specifically, T1R G protein-coupled receptors active in taste signaling, and the genes and cDNA encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for representing taste perception of a particular tastant in a mammal are also described, as are methods for generating novel molecules or combinations of molecules that elicit a predetermined taste perception in a mammal, and methods for simulating one or more tastes. Further, methods for stimulating or blocking taste perception in a mammal are also disclosed.

Abstract: Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G Protein-Coupled Receptors and the genes encoding said receptors are described. Specifically, T2R taste G Protein-Coupled Receptors that are believed to be involved in bitter taste sensation, and the genes encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for representing taste perception of a particular tastant in a mammal are also described, as are methods for generating a novel molecules or combinations of molecules that elicit a predetermined taste perception in a mammal, and methods for simulating one or more tastes.

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 invention provides methods of culturing mammalian taste cells, including taste receptor cells. Cells are maintained for a duration of up to three months and longer while maintaining molecular and functional characteristics of mature taste cells. The cells are cultured on coated cell culture vessels and, from first replacement of medium onwards, the medium is replaced in intervals of at least 5 days. The invention further provides isolation and culturing methods of taste cells wherein the time that the cells are exposed to isolation solution and proteolytic enzymes is minimized and the cells are cultured in coated culture vessels with the medium replaced in intervals of at least 5 days from first replacement onwards. The invention further provides cultured taste cells, transfection and assay methods, and taste cell assay buffers with an osmolarity of about 300-320 and pH of about 7.0-7.3.

Abstract: Novel polypeptide combinations, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for zcytor17-containing multimeric or heterodimer cytokine receptors that may be used as novel cytokine antagonists, and within methods for detecting ligands that stimulate the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic, lymphoid and myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. The present invention also includes methods for producing the multimeric or heterodimeric cytokine receptor, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed are fusion proteins comprising a RAGE polypeptide, wherein the RAGE polypeptide comprises a fragment of a mammalian wild type RAGE peptide and at least one point mutation in the RAGE polypeptide portion of the fusion protein relative to the wild type RAGE peptide. The point mutation may remove and/or alter a glycosylation site or an enzyme cleavage site. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding such proteins as well as methods of using such proteins for treating RAGE-mediated pathologies.

Abstract: Identified herein are different forms of bitter receptor genes that occur in different humans. These alleles are generated by numerous coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (cSNP's) that occur within the members of the T2R gene family. Some SNP's cause amino acid substitutions, while others introduce chain termination codons, rendering the allele non-functional. Differences in these genes are believed to have a large effect on those individuals' sense of bitter taste, such that these individuals perceive the taste of bitter substances differently than the rest of the population. The ability to assay this allelic information is useful in the development of flavorings and flavor enhancers, as it can be used to define large groups and populations who perceive bitter tastes differently. This in turn allows the taste preferences of these groups to be addressed at the molecular level for the first time.

Abstract: The invention is directed to B7L-1 as a purified and isolated protein, the DNA encoding the B7L-1, host cells transfected with cDNAs encoding B7L-1 and processes for preparing B7L-1 polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel chimeric receptors and methods of screening using the chimeric receptors. The chimeric receptors comprise an extracellular domain of a tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) receptor and an intracellular domain with kinase activity stemming from a receptor tyrosine kinase. According to an embodiment, the chimeric receptor comprises a full-length TNFRSF receptor. The present invention provides means for screening and testing of modulators of TNFRSF receptors.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions useful in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune diseases. In particular, the present invention provides improved methods and compositions for the diagnosis and management of Graves' disease. The methods of the present invention not only avoids the need for radioactivity and are much simpler, economical, and rapid than methods traditionally used for the diagnosis of Graves' disease, but also improve upon the sensitivity and detection abilities of previous luciferase-based autoantibody detection assays.

Abstract: Provided are a novel Epidermal growth factor receptor variant-EGFRvA protein, a polynucleotide encoding the EGFRvA protein and a method of preparing the EGFRvA protein via recombination technology. Also provided is a uses of the polynucleotide encoding the EGFRvA protein. The EGFRvA protein has a function of promoting tumor cell invasion or promoting tumor cell migration.

Abstract: This invention provides a cell presenting at least one T cell receptor (TCR) anchored to the membrane by a transmembrane sequence, said TCR comprising an interchain disulfide bond between extracellular constant domain residues which is not present in native TCRs.

Abstract: Use of a biological photoreceptor as light-controlled ion channel for the alteration of the ion conductivity of a membrane by means of light. The photoreceptor used comprises an apoprotein and a light-sensitive polyene covalently bound to the apoprotein, said polyene interacting with the apoprotein and functioning as a light-sensitive gate.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of immunology. More particularly, aspects of the invention concern the discovery of several T cell receptors (TCRs) that are specific for an immunodominant CTL epitope of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Embodiments include TCRs, DNAs encoding TCRs, methods of making TCRs, and methods of using TCRs to treat, prevent or inhibit hepatitis C virus (HCV) proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel variant androgen receptor (ARaiv) lacking ligand binding domain, a nucleic acid encoding the same and use thereof. That is, the present invention provides a method of screening for a substance for the prophylaxis or treatment of cancer, which includes contacting an ARaiv protein or ARaiv-producing cell with a test compound, measuring the activity of ARaiv (e.g., transcription regulating action of androgen responsive gene) or expression level thereof, and selecting a compound that suppresses the activity or expression level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel selection system for use in a eukaryotic cell culture process and for expression of a recombinant product of interest. The selection system is based on the introduction of an exogenous functional membrane-bound folate receptor gene together with the polynucleotide or gene encoding the product of interest into a eukaryotic cell and can be widely utilized with eukaryotic cells for which cellular viability is dependent upon folic acid uptake.

Abstract: The genes encoding ryanodine receptor homologs have been characterized from multiple insect families. The genes and their corresponding polypeptides have a number of uses including but not limited to the development of screens to identify insecticidally active compounds. Methods are outlined for overcoming toxic effects of expressing recombinant proteins in host cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to mutant G-protein coupled receptors with increased conformational stability, and methods of use thereof. In some aspects, polynucleotides encoding the mutant G-protein coupled receptors are provided. In some aspects, host cells comprising the polynucleotides are provided. In some aspects, the invention relates to crystallized forms of the mutant G-protein coupled receptors, and methods of preparing the same.

Abstract: Novel polypeptide combinations, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for zcytor17-containing multimeric or heterodimer cytokine receptors that may be used as novel cytokine antagonists, and within methods for detecting ligands that stimulate the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic, lymphoid and myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. The present invention also includes methods for producing the multimeric or heterodimeric cytokine receptor, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and a nucleotide sequence encoding a fusion protein comprising thymidylate kinase (TMPK) or a variant thereof and a cell surface marker or a variant thereof. Recombinant expression vectors, host cells, populations of cells, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits relating to the nucleic acids are disclosed. Methods of treating or preventing a disease in a host and methods of suppressing an immune system in a host are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides unstructured recombinant polymers (URPs) and proteins containing one or more of the URPs. The present invention also provides microproteins, toxins and other related proteinaceous entities, as well as genetic packages displaying these entities. The present invention also provides recombinant polypeptides including vectors encoding the subject proteinaceous entities, as well as host cells comprising the vectors. The subject compositions have a variety of utilities including a range of pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are assays, methods, and kits for the screening of test compounds for their capability to induce cardiotoxicity in a subject. In particular, whether a test compound has the effect to prolong the Q-T interval as measured by an electrocardiogram in a human. The assays, methods, and kits disclosed herein make use of the binding interaction between novel fluorescent tracers and the hERG K+ channel, and the propensity of a test compound to influence that binding interaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel androgen receptor splice variants (AR3, AR4, AR4b, AR5 and AR8) and variants and fragments thereof which have a role in the progression of androgen independent prostate cancer. The invention further relates to compositions and methods which can be used to identify and treat prostate cancer based on these novel androgen receptor splice variants, as well as methods for screening agents which modulate the activity and/or expression of the androgen receptor splice variants. Vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same and transgenic animals are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a kit for assaying a TSH receptor antibody, which are easy to manipulate and are safe. Specifically, the present invention provides a composition comprising a genetically modified cell forced to co-express a TSH receptor, a cyclic nucleotide responsive calcium channel, and a luminescent protein aequorin. Use of the composition enables the assay of a TSH receptor antibody contained in a sample.

Abstract: The present specification discloses SNAP-25 compositions, methods of making ?-SNAP-25 antibodies that bind an epitope comprising a carboxyl-terminus at the P1 residue from the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond from a SNAP-25 cleavage product, ?-SNAP-25 antibodies that bind an epitope comprising a carboxyl-terminus at the P1 residue from the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond from a SNAP-25 cleavage product, methods of detecting BoNT/A activity, and methods of detecting neutralizing ?-BoNT/A antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a host cell comprising a cofilin-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) sequence. The host cell may further comprise a nucleic acid encoding a recombinant protein. The present invention also relates to a method for producing a recombinant protein by the host cell comprising a cofilin-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) sequence.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated or purified nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) promoter operatively associated with a nucleotide sequence encoding IL-12. The invention also provides a nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) promoter operatively associated with a nucleotide sequence encoding IL-12, wherein the NFAT promoter is located 3? of the nucleotide sequence encoding IL-12. Also provided are related recombinant expression vectors, host cells, populations of cells, and pharmaceutical compositions. The invention further provides the use of the inventive nucleic acids or related materials in the treatment or prevention of cancer or an infectious disease in a mammal and in the induction of IL-12 expression in a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to TR21 polypeptides. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding human TR21 protein. TR21 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of TR21 activity.