Abstract: The present invention provides gene sets the expression of which is important in the diagnosis and/or prognosis of breast cancer.

Abstract: Elevated levels of cathepsin E (catE) are demonstrated to be diagnostic of intestinal forms of cancer, such as colorectal cancer. Elevated levels of cathepsin E (catE, monomeric forms) are demonstrated to be detectable in the urine of animals having colorectal cancer, and a diagnostic/screening method for identifying and/or detecting colorectal cancer in an animal from a urine sample is provided. Specific tissue immunohistochemcial staining for catE (monomeric forms) in dysplastic tissue is also disclosed, and is shown to correlate with the level of dysplastic lesion severity. Hence, a method for identifying and determining the level of dysplastic lesion severity is provided. Cathepsin E mRNA transcription and expression levels are also demonstrated to be upregulated in dysplastic tissue, relative to non-dysplastic tissue. Hence, a method for transcriptionally profiling an animal to monitor the progression of colorectal disease is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method or methods of targeted genetic recombination or mutagenesis in a host cell or organism, and compositions useful for carrying out the method. The targeting method of the present invention exploits endogenous cellular mechanisms for homologous recombination and repair of double stranded breaks in genetic material. The present invention provides numerous improvements over previous mutagenesis methods, such advantages include that the method is generally applicable to a wide variety of organisms, the method is targeted so that the disadvantages associated with random insertion of DNA into host genetic material are eliminated, and certain embodiments require relatively little manipulation of the host genetic material for success. Additionally, it provides a method that produces organisms with specific gene modifications in a short period of time.

Abstract: The invention discloses the use of glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) for the prevention or treatment of cardiomyopathies or ischemic heart diseases and for the diagnosis thereof.

Abstract: A modified beetle luciferase protein which is an environmentally sensitive reporter protein is provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting the length of analytes and/or sequencing analytes are provided in which two or more electrical signals are obtained as an analyte traverses a nanopore or fluidic channel. Detection of the relative position of probes hybridized to a biomolecule and/or the length of the analyte (e.g., a biomolecule) rely on detection events to determine a distance associated with the biomolecule. Multiple signals may be obtained (e.g., as functions of time) corresponding to a plurality of detector volumes at known locations along a fluidic channel through which the biomolecule passes, and the distances may be determined from the multiple signals.

Abstract: The invention provides the identification of the presence of polypeptides with ROS kinase activity in mammalian lung cancer. In some embodiments, the polypeptide with ROS kinase activity is the result of a fusion between a ROS-encoding polynucleotide and a polynucleotide encoding a second (non-ROS) polypeptide. Three different fusion partners of ROS are described, namely proteins encoded by the FIG gene, the SLC34A2 gene, and the CD74 gene. The invention enables new methods for determining the presence of a polypeptide with ROS kinase activity in a biological sample, methods for screening for compounds that inhibit the proteins, and methods for inhibiting the progression of a cancer (e.g., an lung cancer).

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the in vitro diagnosis of bronchopulmonary carcinoma, in particular of non-small cell bronchial carcinoma, characterized in that it comprises the stage of detecting, in a biological sample derived from a patient suspected to be suffering from said bronchopulmonary carcinoma, at least one of the major alternative transcripts of the KLK8 gene encoding kallikrein 8. This method is particularly useful for the survival prognostication of patients suffering from bronchopulmonary carcinoma.

Abstract: A method for identifying A. baumannii with OXA-131-like drug resistance in diabetic patients includes the steps of obtaining a sample from a patient; identifying an isolate as A. baumannii; screening the isolate for genes encoding an OXA-51-like enzyme; sequencing any of the genes encoding an OXA-51-like enzyme; and identifying the isolate as OXA-131-like when the sequence matches the sequence for OXA-90 (SEQ ID NO: 1), OXA-130 (SEQ ID NO: 2), OXA-131 (SEQ ID NO: 3), or OXA-132 (SEQ ID NO: 4). The method may further include the step of identifying the ISAba1 sequence upstream from the gene encoding the OXA-131-like enzyme.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for determining whether a subject is at risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, for example, the wet or neovascular form of age-related macular degeneration. The method involves determining whether the subject has a protective variant and/or a risk variant at a polymorphic site in the HTRA1 gene. In addition, the invention provides a method of treating or slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration by reducing the expression of the HTRA1 gene, or reducing the biological activity of the HTRA1 gene product.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to methods and materials for producing simvastatin and related compounds such as huvastatin. In particular, the disclosure teaches that variants of the LovD acyltransferase polypeptide can be engineered to exhibit properties that facilitate their use in the production of simvastatin and/or huvastatin. The materials and processes disclosed herein are designed so that fermentation facilities currently producing lovastatin can be converted to producing simvastatin and related compounds with minimal modifications.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for identifying and producing stabilized chimeric proteins.

Abstract: A method of predicting clinical outcome in a subject diagnosed with colorectal cancer comprising determining evidence of the expression of one or more predictive RNA transcripts or their expression products in a biological sample of cancer cells obtained from the subject.

Abstract: The present inventors here present a novel strategy for identification of RNA transcript variants and demonstrate that these can be correlated to disease states in mammals such as cancer. In particular, the transcript variants show prevalence and specificity to cancer, and thus also show clinical applicability in e.g. cancer diagnostics and prognostics, treatment and therapeutics. The present inventors have identified RNA transcript variants of VNN1 that can be used as biomarkers. The RNA transcript variant may also be used as biomarkers for diagnosing, prognosing, and/or monitoring a cancer.

Abstract: Methods are provided for predicting the presence, subtype and stage of ovarian cancer, as well as for assessing the therapeutic efficacy of a cancer treatment and determining whether a subject potentially is developing cancer. Associated test kits, computer and analytical systems as well as software and diagnostic models are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is to provide an isolated transgenic mammalian neural cell, which comprises at least one heterologous vector expressing AhR/ARNT. Also provided is methods the detection of a sample containing a chemical substance damage to the nervous system and the selection of drugs for treating neurodegenerative disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biomarker and a composition for diagnosis of preeclampsia. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a biomarker for diagnosis of preeclampsia using an enzyme selected from the group consisting of placental chondroitin 4-O-sulfotransferase 1 (C4ST), chondroitin 6-sulfotransferase (C6S), heparan sulfate 6-O-sulfotransferase 1 (HS6S), and dermatan/chondroitin sulfate 2-sulfotransferase (CS-2OST), or uronic acid-2-sulfate (UA2S).

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel human gene ZNFN3A1 whose expression is markedly elevated in a great majority of HCCs compared to corresponding non-cancerous liver tissues. The gene encodes a protein having a zinc finger domain as well as a SET domain and has been found to form a regulatory complex with RNA helicase and RNA polymerase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, an assay and a kit for providing an indication of abnormal cell function. The present inventors describes ADAM12 as a overall general marker for abnormal cell function, and the present inventor for the first time demonstrate that ADAM12 is an important indicator of fetal chromosomal disease and placenta function. Specifically ADAM12 is a good marker for e.g. Downs's syndrome, trisomy 18, preeclampsia, Turner syndrome in both first and second trimester. The present inventors developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay for the quantification of ADAM12 in serum. The present application demonstrates in several examples the variation of the ADAM12 level in fetal abnormality and/or adverse pregnancy outcomes correlated gestational age when compared to normal controls. It is an object of the invention to provide an improvement of the existing marker tests that exhibits a decreased false positive rate.

Abstract: The invention provides deimmunized mutant proteins having reduced immunogenicity while exhibiting substantially the same or greater biological activity as the proteins of interst from which they are derived, as exemplified by mutant L-asparaginase that comprises amino acid substitutions compared to wild type L-asparaginase. The invention further provides methods for screening mutant deimmunized proteins that have substantially the same or greater biological activity as a protein of interest, and methods for reducing immunogenicity, without substantially reducing biological activity, of a protein of interest. The invention's compositions and methods are useful in, for example, therapeutic applications by minimizing adverse immune responses by the host mammalian subjects to the protein of interest.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to mitochondrial myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2), Parkinson's disease, and other related diseases. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to analyzing the levels of mitochondrial MEF2 isoforms and/or its mitochondrial target gene ND6 in peripheral blood cells such as white blood cells as an indicator for neuronal mitochondrial MEF2 or ND6 and correlated the level to disease diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment or prevention of an inflammatory skin disease, disorder or condition, by modulating a protein that is normally regulated by caspase-8 in the skin or by increasing caspase-8 activity or level in the skin. Another aspect of the invention relates to methods for diagnosing an inflammatory skin disease, disorder or condition or a predisposition to develop said disease disorder or condition in an individual. Further aspects of the invention relate to methods for identifying target proteins involved in the course or pathology of an inflammatory skin disease, disorder or condition and to methods of screening a candidate compound for treating said disease, disorder or condition. In particular, the invention relates to inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include double-fusion human embryonic stem cells, methods of imaging double-fusion human embryonic stem cells, double-fusion polynucleotides, double-fusion proteins, triple-fusion human embryonic stem cells, methods of imaging triple-fusion human embryonic stem cells, triple-fusion polynucleotides, triple-fusion proteins, methods of monitoring the progression of human embryonic stem cells, methods of making isolated double-fusion human embryonic stem cells, methods of making isolated triple-fusion human embryonic stem cells, and the like.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes the use of genetic variance information for folate transport or metabolism genes or pyrimidine transport or metabolism genes in the selection of effective methods of treatment of a disease or condition. The variance information is indicative of the expected response of a patient to a method of treatment. Methods of determining relevant variance information and additional methods of using such variance information are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides dynamic charge state cationic polymers that are useful for delivery of anionic molecules. The dynamic charge state cationic polymers are designed to have cationic charge densities that decrease by removal of removable functional groups from the polymers. The present invention also provides interpolyelectrolyte complexes containing the polymers complexed to a polyanion. Methods for using the interpolyelectrolyte complexes to deliver anionic compounds are also provided.

Abstract: Use of Annexin A1 or Rab23 as a biomarker for diagnosing kidney disease or assessing efficacy of kidney disease treatment.

Abstract: Method and systems for determining if one or more animals has mastitis and for monitoring animals and the quality of the milk they produce are disclosed. Systems and test assays disclosed are used to determine the quantity of proteasomes and proteins thereof, the activity of proteasome enzymes, the quantity of proteasome bound and regulating proteins, and the quantity of ubiquinated protein. Components and reagents for use in the systems and assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in Nicotiana plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for cytochrome P450s that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Expression cassettes, vectors, plants, and plant parts thereof comprising inhibitory sequences that target expression or function of the disclosed cytochrome P450 polypeptides are also provided. Methods for the use of these novel sequences to inhibit expression or function of cytochrome P450 polypeptides involved in this metabolic conversion are also provided. The methods find use in the production of tobacco products that have reduced levels of nornicotine and its carcinogenic metabolite, NNN, and thus reduced carcinogenic potential for individuals consuming these tobacco products or exposed to secondary smoke derived from these products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of secreted protein isoforms specific in ovarian cancer and methods for diagnosis or prognosis of ovarian cancer in a subject by detecting the secreted protein isoforms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agonists of Neprilysin and their use in preventing and treating pulmonary vascular remodeling. Also described are diagnostic and screening applications stemming from the inventor's discovery that Neprilysin is expressed at reduced levels in disease tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of predicting the likelihood of embryo or oocyte survival. This method involves providing a sample of an embryo, an oocyte, or surrounding liquid or cells, and screening the sample for ceramidase expression or activity. The ceramidase expression or activity obtained through said screening is then correlated to a prediction of the likelihood of embryo or oocyte survival. Also disclosed is a kit.

Abstract: The invention provides methods to identify, diagnose, and treat kidney cancer through the detection of expression and/or activity of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). The detection of the presence of a polypeptide with ALK kinase activity (e.g., by detecting expression and/or activity of the polypeptide), identify those kidney cancers that are likely to respond to an ALK-inhibiting therapeutic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for functional expression of higher plant nitrate transporter (Nrt) genes in Pichia pastoris, an in vivo nitrate uptake assay using these Pichia pastoris transformants and an assay for readily identifying successful transformants.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for determining inflammatory diseases including myocardial infarction as a typical example, which involves identifying polymorphisms associated with myocardial infarction and using the gene polymorphisms, an oligonucleotide that can be used for the method, a kit for diagnosing inflammatory diseases, a therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases, and the like. The present invention provides a method for determining an inflammatory disease, which comprises detecting at least one type of gene polymorphism existing in a proteasome subunit ? type 6 gene.

Abstract: Polymorphisms in the FLAP and LTA4H gene are shown by genetic association analysis to be susceptibility markers for myocardial infarction (MI) and ACS, as well as stroke and PAOD. Pathway targeting for treatment and diagnostic applications in identifying those who are at risk of developing MI, ACS, stroke or PAOD, in particular are described. The invention also provides methods of prophylaxis therapy for MI in human subjects having a race including black African ancestry by administering to the subject a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of MI therapeutic agent that inhibits leukotriene synthesis in vivo. The invention also provides for compositions comprising a leukotriene synthesis inhibitor and a statin and methods of using these compositions to reduce C-reactive protein in a human subject at risk of MI, ACS, stroke and/or PAOD.

Abstract: An in vitro screening method for identifying a compound with iPLA2? modulating activity.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions and methods for identifying a cancer patient suitable or not suitable for a therapy that includes administration of a pyrimidine antimetabolite such as 5-fluorouracil. After determining if a patient is likely to be successfully treated, the disclosure also provides methods for treating these patients.

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.

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: A nucleic acid encoding an acetolactate synthase (ALS) protein that provides resistance to ALS inhibitors, e.g., sulphonylurea and imidazolinone compounds, is provided. The nucleic acid may be used as a selectable marker for expression of a protein of interest in host cells.

Abstract: A method of recovering a nucleic acid derived from a mammalian cell taken from feces is provided. The nucleic acid is recovered easily even from feces collected in routine health checkups or the like. The nucleic acid of mammalian cell can be recovered more selectively than that from an enterobacterial cell. The method of recovering of the present invention includes the steps of, (A) preparing a fecal sample by placing the feces in a treatment solution with a high salt concentration, immersing the feces in the treatment solution for a predetermined period; (B) recovering a solid component from the fecal sample after the step (A); and (C) recovering a nucleic acid from the solid component recovered in the step (B).

Abstract: This invention relates to the identification and characterization of racemases and definition of protein signatures of these racemases. More particularly, this invention relates to the identification of nucleic acid molecules encoding a peptide consisting of a motif characteristic of the protein signatures, and to the peptides consisting of these motifs and more specifically SEQ ID NOS: 1-4. This invention also relates to antibodies specific for the peptides and to immune complexes of these antibodies with the peptides. Further, the invention relates to methods and kits for detecting racemases using the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, as well as the peptides consisting of the motifs and antibodies to these peptides.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a method of determining fatty acid composition in intramuscular fat on the basis of bovine genotype, in particular a method of simply determining an amount of an oleic acid content with a high degree of accuracy, and a method of objectively determining the goodness of eating quality of beef on the basis of the results of the determination. The present invention provides a method of determining an amount of fatty acid content in bovine intramuscular fat on the basis of the genotype of fatty acid synthase determined by determining base <1> and/or base <2> described below, and a method of determining whether cattles are those from which beef with an excellent eating quality is obtained on the basis of the results thereof. <1> A 16,024th base corresponding to a polymorphic site which is either adenine (A) or guanine (G) in a base sequence represented by SEQ ID NO. 1 of a sequence list.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to hydrogen production for use in fuel cells, foodstuffs and chemical production, and more particularly, to biologically and photosynthetically produced hydrogen. Specifically, disclosed is a method for producing bacteria and green alga that can produce hydrogen in quantities that exceed four hundred percent of the hydrogen produced by green alga in nature; thus, producing organisms which can serve as hydrogen generators for fuel cells, chemical production and numerous other applications.

Abstract: Compositions and methods comprising polynucleotides and polypeptides having 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) activity and having insensitivity to an HPPD inhibitor are provided. Further provided are nucleic acid constructs, plants, plant cells, explants, seeds and grain having the HPPD sequences. Various methods of employing the HPPD sequences are provided. Such methods include, for example, methods for producing an HPPD inhibitor tolerant plant, plant cell, explant or seed and methods of controlling weeds in a field containing a crop employing the plants and/or seeds disclosed herein. Methods are also provided to identify additional HPPD variants. Further provided are various methods and compositions that allow the various HPPD polypeptides and variant and fragments thereof to be expressed in a chloroplast or transported to a chloroplast.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for detecting the presence of lethal system in a patient using the expression of nuclear factor A (NFA) in marker cell. In another aspect, provided herein is a method for predicting if a patient has metastatic potential and is at risk of developing metastasis and for determining a prognosis for the patient.

Abstract: The present invention discloses construct systems and methods for comparing different iso-accepting codons according to their preference for translating RNA transcripts into proteins in cell or tissues of interest or for producing a selected phenotype in an organism of interest or part thereof. The codon preference comparisons thus obtained are particularly useful for modifying the translational efficiency of protein-encoding polynucleotides in cells or tissues of interest or for modulating the quality of a selected phenotype conferred by a phenotype-associated polypeptide upon an organism of interest or part thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant E. coli exhibiting a complex phenotype, comprising one or more RNA polymerase subunit genes, one or more functional genes, and, optionally, one or more transcription factors from a heterologous prokaryote. Also provided are methods for screening such a recombinant E. coli.

Abstract: A composition for detecting a marker for the diagnosis or prognosis of liver cancer is disclosed. The composition includes an agent capable of assessing the expression level of UQCRH (ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase hinge protein). In addition, a kit having the composition, a microarray for the diagnosis of liver cancer using the marker, and a method for detecting the marker, and predicting recurrence following surgery in liver cancer patients are disclosed. The marker is able to contribute to the early diagnosis of liver cancer and prediction of recurrence following surgery and survival of liver cancer patients who have undergone hepatic resection, and also is significant for being a promising therapeutic target for liver cancer.