Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods related to selective inhibition of PPO11 and use for improving shelf life of a plant or parts thereof. In accordance with the invention, for example, compositions for topical application to a plant or part thereof, are provided that can reduce browning of the plant or part thereof to extend shelf life.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detecting molecular translocations, particularly protein translocations within and between sub-cellular compartments, using at least two components that exhibit a localization-dependent difference in complementation activity. In particular, alpha-complementing ?-galactosidase fragments are provided. These ?-galactosidase reporter fragments display significantly enhanced enzymatic activity when one fragment is localized in a membrane. Methods for carrying out no-wash ELISA assays based on the reporter component system are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for detection, diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention of chronic pelvic pain syndrome. In particular, the present invention provides biomarkers of chronic pelvic pain syndrome (e.g., mast cell markers (e.g., tryptase)), and/or inhibition of mast cell function (e.g. inhibition of MCP-1 and/or MIP-1?) to treat or prevent chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Abstract: The invention provides methods related to evaluating the methylation status of a polynucleotide that includes an internal control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aptazyme sensor devices comprising, in addition to the aptamer, ribozyme and communication components, a competitive inhibitory component with a metal nanoparticle or a competitive inhibitory and signalling component with a metal nanoparticle and a label, such that the enzymatic activity of the ribozyme is inhibited as long as the inhibitory or the inhibitory and signalling component is bound to the substrate binding site of the ribozyme. The aptazyme sensor devices of the invention have increased shelf-life and are suitable for the parallel detection of different ligands by using an array of aptazyme sensor devices utilizing inhibitory and inhibitory and signalling components with different metal nanoparticles. The present invention furthermore relates to the post-synthetic chemical modification of the aptamer component for avoiding unspecific binding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reporter construct and method for identifying or enriching the cells, wherein a specific endogenous nucleotide sequence is cleaved by a specific nuclease or modified by such cleavage; a host cell comprising the reporter construct; and a system for monitoring a nuclease activity. The reporter system of the present invention is simple and non-invasive, and allows for an efficient enrichment of the gene-modified cells. Therefore, the present invention will promote the application of a nuclease in the field of gene therapy and genetic engineering as well as basic research.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided that relate to the bioremediation of chlorinated ethenes, particularly the bioremediation of vinyl chloride by Dehalococcoides-like organisms. An isolated strain of bacteria, Dehalococcoides sp. strain VS, that metabolizes vinyl chloride is provided; the genetic sequence of the enzyme responsible for vinyl chloride dehalogenation; methods of assessing the capability of endogenous organisms at an environmental site to metabolize vinyl chloride; and a method of using the strains of the invention for bioremediation.

Abstract: Described are diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a microorganism or cell containing a DNA sequence encoding a detectable protein or a protein capable of inducing a detectable signal, e.g. a luminescent or fluorescent protein, and, in a particular embodiment, furthermore (a) DNA sequence(s) encoding (a) protein(s) suitable for tumor therapy and/or elimination of metastatic tumors, e.g. a cytotoxic or cytostatic protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid and polypeptide sequence that encodes for a luciferase of Luciola italica, as well as mutants thereof. The luciferase proteins of the present invention have been found to have extended bioluminescence emission that is red- or blue-shifted, and are useful as a bioluminescent marker or as an additive to selected materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for identifying substances capable of influencing the activity of a target molecule affecting cellular proliferation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to screen for a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide involved in the synthesis of naringenin chalcone which demonstrates altered expression, activity or substrate specificity. The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules identified by said screen and to transgenic plants modified to express said nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for the treatment and diagnosis of inflammatory diseases and disorders, including pulmonary diseases and fibrotic disorders, including COPD. The invention also provides means for predicting an increased risk of progression of COPD symptoms.

Abstract: A polynucleotide encoding a biosensor polypeptide comprising a modified circularly-permuted thermostable luciferase and a linker linking the C-terminal portion of the thermostable luciferase to the N-terminal portion of the thermostable luciferase. The modified circularly-permuted thermostable luciferase is modified relative to a parental circularly-permuted thermostable luciferase. The linker contains a sensor region capable of interacting with a target molecule in a cell. The modified circularly-permuted thermostable luciferase has an enhanced response after interaction of the biosensor with the target molecule relative to the parental circularly-permuted thermostable luciferase in the presence of the target molecule. Alternatively, the modified circularly-permuted thermostable luciferase has an enhanced response after interaction of the biosensor with the target molecule relative to the modified circularly-permuted thermostable luciferase in the absence of the target molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying a heterologous polypeptide having enzymatic activity for converting pyruvate, acetaldehyde or acetate into acetyl-CoA in (the cytosol of) a yeast cell comprising: a) providing a mutated yeast cell comprising a deletion of at least one gene of the (PDH) by-pass, selected from the genes encoding the enzymes pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC), acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALD), and acetyl-CoA synthetase (ACS); b) transforming said mutated yeast cell with an expression vector comprising a heterologous nucleotide sequence encoding a candidate polypeptide having potential enzymatic activity for converting pyruvate, acetaldehyde or acetate into acetyl-CoA; c) testing said recombinant mutated yeast cell for its ability to grow on minimal medium containing glucose as sole carbon source, and d) identifying said candidate polypeptide as a heterologous polypeptide having enzymatic activity for converting pyruvate, acetaldehyde or acetate into acetyl-CoA in (the cytosol of

Abstract: This invention relates, in part, to methods and compositions for determining altered susceptibility of a human immunodeficiency virus (“HIV”) to the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (“NNRTIs”) efavirenz (“EFV”), nevirapine (“NVP”), and delavirdine (“DLV”), the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor AZT, and the integrase strand transfer inhibitors diketo acid 1, diketo acid 2, and L-870,810 by detecting the presence of a mutation or combinations of mutations in the gene encoding HIV reverse transcriptase that are associated with altered susceptibility to the anti-HIV drugs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of differentiated respiratory epithelial cells comprising: (a) providing a cell population comprising or consisting of precursor cells of respiratory epithelial cells; (b) culturing the cell population of (a) in culture medium to which keratinocyte growth factor has been added; wherein the cultured cell population is supplemented with a glucocorticoid, a cAMP analogue and a cAMP elevating agent and wherein said supplementation is either simultaneously with the addition of keratinocyte growth factor in step (b) or prior or subsequently to the addition of keratinocyte growth factor in step (b), thereby differentiating said precursor cells into respiratory epithelial cells.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid reporter construct, the protein for which it encodes and methods for its use for the in vivo or in vitro measurement of the concentration of a specific biologically important molecule in a subcellular compartment or locale are provided. Certain constructs described are useful in measuring the local concentration of ATP at synapses.

Abstract: A system for the identification of proteases and protease inhibitors is provided. The system has at least two components. The first component is a reporter construct with at least one binding site, a transcriptional promoter, an inducible promoter region, and at least one reporter gene, all functionally connected for expression of the reporter gene(s) in functional coordination with a transcriptional activation agent. The second component is a transcriptional activation agent comprising a nucleic acid binding domain, at least one protease substrate domain, and at least one transcriptional activation domain for an inducible promoter. The system allows detection and evaluation of agents affecting protease activity directed to the protease substrate domain. The system also allows for the detection of the presence of proteases in environmental samples.

Abstract: The methods described herein provide nucleic acid constructs and screening methods for identifying and validating compounds for use in the treatment of cancer, wherein the compounds down-regulate the post-transcriptional expression of Bmi-1.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is in particular the use of an amino acid sequence of IDE, or of an analogue or fragment thereof, or of at least one nucleic acid sequence encoding this sequence, as a biomarker, or as an active agent, with regard to a dandruff condition of the scalp.

Abstract: The present invention is related to compound capable of modulating the activity and/or expression of the protein kinases SCYL1, ADCK1, and GRK5, thereby enhancing the expression and/or release of insulin. The invention is further related to methods of identifying said compounds for the treatment of diseases of the carbohydrate metabolism. The invention is further related to methods of treatment of diseases of the carbohydrate metabolism, particularly diabetes mellitus type 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for determining the antibiotic-resistance status of microorganisms. The invention further provides methods for determining the antibiotic-resistance status of microorganisms in situ within a single system.

Abstract: A novel function phospholipase A2, referred to herein as calcium-independent phospholipase A2? (iPLA2?) having SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 2, and nucleic acid sequences (SEQ ID NO: 3 and SEQ ID NO: 4) encoding and expressing iPLA2? is disclosed. This novel enzyme has been isolated and characterized and is involved in the catalysis and hydrolysis of lipids cycling in a living cell biosystem. In an embodiment, the iPLA2? polypeptide is encoded and expressed by an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a set of iPLA2? polynucleotides. In one aspect, an isolated and characterized gene comprises a polynucleotide having a sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3 and SEQ ID NO: 4.

Abstract: One or more genes in a biosynthesis pathway for a vitamin or other essential nutrient which is needed for the survival of a microorganism can be used as an effective selective marker to identify cells transformed with an exogenous nucleic acid. The microorganism does not naturally contain or express the one or more gene. This permits genetic manipulations to be performed. It permits lower cost fermentations to be performed. It permits production of the essential nutrient for subsequent commodity use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel polypeptide vitamin K epoxide recycling polypeptide (VKORC1) as a target for coumarin and its derivatives. The invention further provides methods for identifying coumarin derivatives, and also claims VKORC1 polypeptides and VKORC1 nucleic acids containing a sequence abnormality associated with a VKORC1 associated deficiency such as warfarin resistance, wherein the VKORC1 polypeptides and VKORC1 nucleic acids can be used for diagnosing these deficiencies. Moreover, the invention relates to methods for identifying coumarin derivatives usable in pest control of rodents.

Abstract: A method, called GETWISE, for targeting mouse genes is described. GETWISE is designed to increase the frequency of homologous recombination, facilitate screening, widen the applicability of engineered animals and circumvent intrinsic gene targeting problems. GETWISE utilizes the principle of modulating gene expression by targeting tetracycline-responsive elements into a specific locus. In GETWISE alleles, control of gene expression is transferred from the endogenous to a tetracycline-inducible promoter. Endogenous promoters now control expression of the reporter gene luciferase. Breeding of GETWISE carriers with tTA/rtTA carriers enables investigators to modulate gene expression in a ubiquitous or tissue-specific manner, depending on the presence of doxycycline. GETWISE enables the study of loss or gain of gene expression in any tissue of choice within a single mouse strain. GETWISE enables the analysis of the gene expression pattern with the luciferase assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-toxic dipolar solvent for chromogenic substrate for detecting presence of lacZ gene and/or gene activity, which comprises a stabilizing amount of a solubilizing agent. The present invention also relates to a method for inducing lac operon in screening assay, comprising the step of contacting an agar plate with at least one essential oil in a concentration sufficient to induce the lac operon. The present invention further relates to a method for detecting the presence of bacteria, comprising the step of contacting an agar plate with at least one essential oil in a concentration sufficient to induce detection of the bacteria.

Abstract: A system and a method for DNA double-strand break repair in vitro are disclosed. Applications of the disclosed method in multiple areas are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the identification of genetic polymorphisms that may be associated with a risk for QT prolongation after treatment with iloperidone and related methods of administering iloperidone to patients with such polymorphisms.

Abstract: A Zea mays regulatory region is shown, which provides improved seed preferred, and particularly pericarp preferred expression in plants. Methods of use are also shown in preferentially expressing a heterologous protein to the pericarp tissue of a plant. The sequence is particularly useful in expression of heterologous proteins to the pericarp of monocotyledonous plants, particularly cereals, and maize.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for selecting for cells or cell lines that produce a recombinant protein/polypeptide in high yields, the method allowing for the selection of high producer cells or cell lines in an early phase of cell line development, the method comprising the step of determining the nuclear DNA content of the cells or cell lines, wherein the level of the nuclear DNA content of the cells or cell lines positively correlates with the capacity of the cells or cell lines to produce the recombinant protein/polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying regenerated transformed plants and differentiated transformed plant parts, obtained without subjecting plant cells to selective conditions prior to regenerating the cells to obtain differentiated tissues. In particular embodiments, the plant cells are corn plant cells. Methods for growing and handling plants, including identifying plants that demonstrate specific traits of interest are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to bacterial nitroreductase enzymes and methods of use thereof: More particularly, although not exclusively, said enzymes have use in non-invasive imaging techniques, monitoring of therapeutic cell populations and gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy. The invention also relates to the use of bacterial nitroreductase enzymes in radioimaging and/or ablation of biological agents and to compositions of use in such methods.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a plastidic phosphoglucomutase protein is disclosed. Also disclosed is the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a substantial portion of the plastidic phosphoglucomutase, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the plastidic phosphoglucomutase in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: A method for rational mining for induced enzymes in microbial communities is described. The method is characterized in that a community of microorganisms is provided and that the microbial populations of the community are cultivated in a container under conditions of choice, where the microorganisms are given a defined culturing medium, to eliminate matter deriving from the natural habitat and to allow the microbial community to reach a metabolic steady-state.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for generating nucleotide sequences containing candidate homing endonuclease genes (HEGs). A search is performed in a database stored on a storage medium of nucleotide sequences for amino acid sequences having a subsequence having a homology level with the translation of a subsequence of one or more predetermined HEGs. For each amino acid sequence generated by the search, one or more nucleotide sequences are retrieved encoding the amino acid sequence. The results of this search used in a second search of a database stored on a storage medium to generate the HEG containing sequences.

Abstract: The present invention discloses manufacturing method of low temperature protease and special yeast strain, which can generate low temperature protease in the condition of low temperatures. More particularly, the present invention is to obtain a protease (preferably Cold-adapted protease PI12) using the marine strain of the Leucosporidium antarcticum sp. (NCYC accession no: 3391) for possible use in industries.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a genetically modified thermophilic or mesophilic microorganism, wherein a first native gene is partially, substantially, or completely deleted, silenced, inactivated, or down-regulated, which first native gene encodes a first native enzyme involved in the metabolic production of an organic acid or a salt thereof, thereby increasing the native ability of said thermophilic or mesophilic microorganism to produce lactate or acetate as a fermentation product. In certain embodiments, the aforementioned microorganism further comprises a first non-native gene, which first non-native gene encodes a first non-native enzyme involved in the metabolic production of lactate or acetate. Another aspect of the invention relates to a process for converting lignocellulosic biomass to lactate or acetate, comprising contacting lignocellulosic biomass with a genetically modified thermophilic or mesophilic microorganism.

Abstract: Some embodiments provided herein relate to bioluminescent packaging, methods of making, and methods of sensing the state of a material, in some embodiments, light emitted by a bioluminescent organism can be used to sense the state of a material.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for selection and enrichment of a target gene from a library of polynucleotide sequences such as might be formed from a genome or by random mutagenesis of a genetic sequence. The selection and enrichment occurs in aqueous droplets formed in an emulsion that compartmentalize individual polynucleotides from the library or a plurality of polynucleotides that may include polynucleotides not derived from the library, transcription and translation reagents and optionally additional chemical and enzyme reagents. The selection and enrichment method utilizes a polynucleotide adaptor which when ligated to the polynucleotide fragment enables amplification to occur in the presence of an adaptor specific primer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a reporter gene construct. The reporter gene construct comprises a transcriptional regulatory sequence and a reporter gene that is functionally bound to downstream of the transcriptional regulatory sequence. The reporter gene construct is activated dependently of environment and the reporter gene codes for a protein producible of producing a free radical by the activation of the transcriptional regulatory sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermostable polypeptides related to Arabidopsis Rubisco Activase polypeptides. Nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides of the invention are also provided. Methods for using the polypeptides and nuclei acids of the invention to enhance resistance of plants to heat stress are encompassed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a diacylglycerol acyltransferase. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the diacylglycerol acyltransferase, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the diacylglycerol acyltransferase in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: This invention relates to immortalized avian cells, and to the use of these cells for the production of viruses. The cells according to the invention are particularly useful for the production of recombinant viral vectors which can be used for the preparation of therapeutic and/or prophylactic compositions for the treatment of animals and more particularly humans.

Abstract: The invention relates to orthogonal pairs of tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase that can incorporate unnatural amino acid into proteins produced in eubacterial host cells such as E. coli, or in a eukaryotic host such as a yeast cell. The invention provides, for example but not limited to, novel orthogonal synthetases, methods for identifying and making the novel synthetases, methods for producing proteins containing unnatural amino acids, and translation systems.

Abstract: A method for producing a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae with introduced genes coding for xylose reductase, xylitol dehydrogenase and xylulokinase and with improved ethanol production, improved xylose conversion, reduced xylitol production and improved inhibitor tolerance is described. The method comprises culturing a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at a continuous mode with a medium comprising essentially only xylose as carbon source at a temperature of 25-38° C., preferably 30-35° C., and an airflow of 0.040-0.055 vvm, and increasing the dilution rate to maintain a constant cell level, said cell level being in the range of 1.5-3.0 determined by optical density or equivalent analytical means, and adding at least one inhibitor to the cells and gradually increasing the addition of said inhibitor. Further, strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae obtained by the method according to the invention are described.

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 relates to a method of screening for an improved enzyme variant, said method comprising the steps of: (i) providing a recombinant host cell capable of sporulating comprising a polynucleotide encoding a sporulation factor and a polynucleotide encoding an enzyme variant which are operably linked to an inducible promoter; (ii) culturing the host cell under conditions suitable to induce the formation of spores; (iii) culturing the spores obtained in step (ii) in a medium containing a substrate for the enzyme variant; and (iv) determining the activity of the enzyme variant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the compound of formula (I) for use in the treatment of a nonsense-mutation-mediated genetic disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling hair growth, a method for selecting or evaluating a hair growth control agent, and a hair growth suppression agent. The present invention provides a method for selecting or evaluating a hair growth control agent, including the steps of administering a test substance to a cell capable of expressing DnaJC6; measuring the expression of DnaJC6 in the cell; and evaluating the controlling effect of the test substance on hair growth based on the expression. The present invention also provides a hair growth suppression agent containing funabarasou (Cynanchum atratum) or its extract as the active ingredient.