Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods, compositions and kits for testing for a virus in a sample. The methods determine the presence of a viral enzyme by contacting the sample with a peptidal compound capable of being cleaved by the viral enzyme to form peptidal compound fragments. Detection of a peptidal compound fragment confirms the presence of the virus.

Abstract: The present invention provides reagents, kits and methods for assaying monoglycerol lipase activity and for identifying compounds that modulate monoglycerol lipase (“MGL”) activity. A simple, sensitive fluorescence assay, which is amenable to high throughput screening, is described. In one embodiment, 7-Hydroxycoumarinyl-arachidonate (7-HCA) is used as a fluorogenic substrate for MGL, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of 7-HCA to generate arachidonic acid and the highly fluorescent 7-hydroxycoumarin (7-HC). Release of 7-HC is monitored continuously using a fluorometer. MGL protein catalyzed the hydrolysis of 7-HCA with an apparent KM of 9.8 mM and Vmax of 1.7 mmoles min?1 mg protein?1.

Abstract: Disclosed are a monoclonal antibody against human D-dimer produced in a mouse and high molecular weight crosslinked fibrin including a corresponding epitope, a cell line secreting the monoclonal antibody, and a method for manufacturing the same. The anti-D-dimer monoclonal antibody of the present invention may be effectively used as a diagnosis agent for screening and detecting in vivo D-dimer, and high molecular weight crosslinked fibrin and its derivatives containing the D-dimer since the monoclonal antibody specifically reacts with D-dimer, and crosslinked fibrin and its derivatives containing the D-dimer, which do not bind to human fibrinogen or fibrin.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods that inhibit expression of Adam9 gene products, such as ADAM9 mRNA and/or ADAM9 polypeptides, as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of pathological neovascularization and conditions associated with angiogenesis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to diagnostic tools and therapies using antibodies to Bacillus anthracis. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a B. anthracis-specific monoclonal antibody that binds to the EA1 antigen (corresponding to the eag gene) of the S-layer (surface layer) of spores. This monoclonal antibody may be used in a variety of applications, including to specifically detect and diagnose B. anthracis. Preferably, antibodies are monoclonal and bind to a surface protein, such as EA1 protein, on the spores of B. anthracis, and not to spores of either B. cereus or B. thuringiensis. Antibodies can be incorporated into detection kits using, for example, colloidal particle based lateral flow detection system. Such detection kits can distinguish anthrax spores from non-pathogenic varieties of spores. In addition, the invention is directed to B.

Abstract: Improved methods for assaying the activity of phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) enhance the signal-to-noise ratio by providing the substrate in donor particles with an aqueous core in the presence of suitable osmotic pressure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for detecting the presence of clostridial neurotoxins in a sample by mixing a sample with a peptide that can serve as a substrate for proteolytic activity of a clostridial neurotoxin; and measuring for proteolytic activity of a clostridial neurotoxin by a mass spectroscopy technique. In one embodiment, the peptide can have an affinity tag attached at two or more sites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorescent dyes based on acridine derivatives and use of such dyes, for example, in biochemical and/or cell based assays. A preferred feature of some of the dyes described is their long fluorescence lifetimes and their use to label biological molecules.

Abstract: Screening assays that allow for the identification of agents that modulate the activity of the arginylation branch of the N-end rule pathway are provided. Also provided are method of using an agent that modulate the activity of the arginylation branch of the N-end rule pathway to increase or decrease protein degradation in a cell, and to modulate physiologic and pathologic associated with N-end rule pathway mediated arginylation.

Abstract: A rapid and convenient method for detecting inflammatory conditions in breast tissue, such as those associated with mastitis, is described. The method comprises measuring the presence and quantity of Serum Amyloid A (SAA) in milk samples obtained from the breast tissue. The amount of SAA present in the milk is positively correlated with the level of inflammation of the breast tissue, and can localize the inflammation to a particular region of the breast organ, such as a specific quadrant of a cow's udder. Test kits and their use in the method are also described.

Abstract: Engineered fluorescent proteins, nucleic acids encoding them and methods of use are provided.

Abstract: A method to detect the presence or amount of at least one molecule for an enzyme-mediated reaction in a multiplex luminogenic/nonluminogenic assay is provided.

Abstract: A novel metalloproteinase inhibitor, analogs thereof, polynucleotides encoding the same, and methods of production, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating disorders caused by excessive amounts of metalloproteinase are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel reagents whose fluorescence changes upon cleavage or a change in conformation of a backbone. The reagents comprise a backbone (e.g. nucleic acid, polypeptide, etc.) joining two fluorophores of the same species whereby the fluorophores form an H-dimer resulting in quenching of the fluorescence of the fluorophores. When the backbone is cleaved or changes conformation, the fluorophores are separated, no longer forming an H-type dimer, and are de-quenched thereby providing a detectable signal. The use of a single fluorophore rather than an “acceptor-donor” fluoresecence resonance energy transfer system offers synthesis and performance advantages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a newly identified receptor belonging to the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors. The invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the receptor. The invention further relates to methods using the receptor polypeptides and polynucleotides as a target for diagnosis and treatment in receptor-mediated disorders, specifically, cardiovascular diseases, including congestive heart failure. The invention further relates to drug-screening methods using the receptor polypeptides and polynucleotides to identify agonists and antagonists for diagnosis and treatment. The invention further encompasses agonists and antagonists based on the receptor polypeptides and polynucleotides. The invention further relates to procedures for producing the receptor polypeptides and polynucleotides.

Abstract: A rapid method for the quantitation of various live cell types is described. The method may include a variety of steps including: 1) suspending the cells in a detergent-like compound, 2) isolating the washed cells by centrifugation or filtration, 3) resuspending the cells in a solution that contains a preservative, a fluorescent dye and a compound such as dequalinium which can be taken up by the cells, 4) measuring the fluorescence increase over time of the cell-dye mixture with a simple fluorometer, and 5) measuring the native fluorescence of the cells. This new cell fluorescence method correlates with other methods of enumerating cells such as the standard plate count, the methylene blue method and the slide viability technique. The method is particularly useful in several applications such as: a) quantitating bacteria in milk, yogurt, cheese, meat and other foods, b) quantitating yeast cells in brewing, fermentation and bread making, c) quantitating mammalian cells in research, food and clinical settings.

Abstract: Assay systems and methods are provided for detecting a target antigen in a physiological fluid (e.g., blood, serum, or urine). The method includes linking via a first antibody a magnetic microparticle to the target antigen in the physiological fluid; linking via a second antibody a glucose molecule to the target antigen; utilizing a magnetic field to separate the magnetic microparticle-linked antigen from the physiological fluid to form a test sample; and detecting the glucose in the test sample to determine the concentration of target antigen in the physiological fluid. The target antigen can be a protein or marker resulting from cardiac tissue injury, which can be used to assess acute myocardial infarction. An exemplary target antigen is myoglobin. The glucose detection preferably is one that can be done rapidly, e.g., with a conventional glucometer, and may include measuring the electrical resistance, color, or pH of the test sample.

Abstract: A novel assay method suitable for screening of novel antipsychotics wherein the drugs may be selected based on the differential internalization of the 5-HT2A receptor in neuronal and non-neuronal cell lines effect for it to predict the extrapyramidal symptoms that may be induced by an antipsychotic without having to carry out in vivo experiments.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining a risk of cancer relapse comprising a step of determining the risk of cancer relapse on the basis of a comprehensive activity value of a transmembrane tyrosine kinase of a tumor cell, as well as a computer program product for determining a risk of a cancer relapse.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel methods and compositions for the detection of analytes using the nuclear reorganization energy, ?, of an electron transfer process.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for determining the optimal biologic dose of a TGF? receptor kinase inhibitor for administration to patients in need of such therapy and for monitoring the effectiveness of therapy with a TGF? receptor kinase inhibitor in patients receiving such therapy. Kits comprising antibodies and reagents useful in such methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Antibodies, polypeptides, and polynucleotides are provided for the detection, prevention, amelioration and treatment of diseases caused by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the presence and/or amount of an asymmetric methylarginine in a sample, the method comprising: (a) contacting the sample with a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) polypeptide in the presence of a detectably labelled species under conditions which permit the asymmetric methylarginine and detectably labelled species to bind to the NOS polypeptide; and (b) determining the amount or presence of the detectably labelled species bound to the NOS polypeptide

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds that are substrates for an enzyme, and upon reaction with the enzyme provide a detectable response, such as an optically detectable response. In particular, the compounds have utility in detecting the presence of a ?-lactamase in a sample. In addition to the compounds, methods are disclosed for analyzing a sample for the presence of a ?-lactmase, for example, as an indicator of expression of a nucleic acid sequence including a sequence coding for a ?-lactmase. Kits are disclosed that include the disclosed compounds and additional components, for example, cells, antibodies, a ?-lactmase or instructions for using the components in an assay.

Abstract: Examination of obesity or emaciation is performed based on expression levels of LCE gene or protein in a test tissue or a test cell or a polymorphism of the gene. Evaluation of compounds including screening of therapeutic agents for obesity or emaciation is performed utilizing the nature of LCE gene or protein.

Abstract: We disclose methods for measuring vitamin D metabolite in plasma or serum samples. The methods comprise a step of adding to the plasma or serum samples a non-competitive displacement agent comprising 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid ammonium salt, 3-(acetonylbenzyl)-4-hydroxycoumarin and a water miscible solvent. The non-competitive displacement agent separates vitamin D metabolite from binding proteins in the sample, such that the displaced vitamin D metabolite is available for capture and detection in subsequent binding assays. Thus, our invention finds use in methods of separating and detecting vitamin D metabolites otherwise tightly bound to plasma or serum binding proteins.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for detecting HPV in a sample. This invention also provides related kits, systems, and computers.

Abstract: An object is to provide a particle for detecting an enzyme activity wherein by measuring an intensity of a fluorescence wavelength in a sample solution, it is possible to not only detect the presence or absence of an enzyme but also accurately perform a quantitative analysis of the enzyme in the sample solution, handleability is excellent as well as measurement accuracy and quantitative property can be enhanced because the present invention is hardly influenced by absorbed moisture and weighing errors hardly occur, and further productivity is remarkably excellent because complicated steps such as a step of cleaving and purifying a synthesized peptide and a step of lyophilizing are not required upon production thereof. The particle 1 for detecting the enzyme activity of the present invention comprises a particle 2 and a first compound 3 binding the particle 2 to one end, binding a first fluorescent group 4 to the other end and having a cleavage site by an enzyme 5 in a sample solution.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a method of measuring an activity, which is a method of measuring an activity of an enzymatic reaction in which a lipid-soluble reaction product is formed by catalyzing an addition reaction of two or more kinds of substrates, characterized by comprising a labeling step in which any one of the substrates is labeled, a reaction step in which an enzymatic reaction is carried out in the presence of an enzyme, all substrates and an acceptor, and a detection step in which the reaction product is detected by bringing the labeled molecule and a molecule to be detected close to each other via the acceptor and transferring an energy generated by the labeled molecule to the molecule to be detected, and a method of evaluating a compound utilizing the method of measuring an activity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method comprising the steps of a) contacting a sample containing a sample substance and a solid phase comprising a signal element, and optionally a substance containing a signal element, i.e. a signal element substance; wherein at least one of said sample substance, said solid phase, and said signal element substance comprises a signal element; wherein the surface of the solid phase contains no specific binding partners; and wherein the solid phase is capable of binding said sample substance nonspecifically, preferably through adsorption, to said solid phase, and b) detecting a signal change resulted from binding of said sample substance and/or signal element substance to said solid phase, and/or change in distance from said sample substance and/or said signal element substance to said solid phase.

Abstract: This invention describes a relevant etiology of cancer and a novel anti-cancer therapeutic strategy, based on the discovery that a protein named serine protease inhibitor (SPIK/SPINK/PSTI) was up-regulated by hepatitis B and C virus infections consequently suppressing the cell apoptosis. Accordingly, this invention provides an inhibitor of SPIK and/or a technology of suppression of over-expression of SPIK in cells. The inhibitors include: 1) chemical compounds, which can inhibit SPIK transcripts, protein activity, and gene expression, 2) SPIK siRNA (RNAi gene silence or dsRNA of SPIK, 3) DNA anti-sense and anti-SPIK antibody. Further, this invention provides a method of using the inhibitor as an anti-cancer agent to re-instate cancer cell apoptosis (e.g., serine protease dependent cell apoptosis).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel radiolabeled nucleosides and methods for detecting cellular proliferation in a mammal, the method comprising administrating an effective amount of a radiolabeled nucleoside; the method comprising: a) administering to the mammal a diagnostically effective amount of the nucleoside to the mammal; b) allowing the nucleoside to distribute into the effective tissue; and c) imaging the tissue, wherein an increase in binding of the compound to tissue compared to a normal control level of binding indicates that the mammal is suffering from a disease involving cellular proliferation.

Abstract: Methods of and kits for quantitatively determining the concentrations of Bcl10 in a biological sample were developed that provide an accurate means of identifying therapeutic molecules with a plurality of therapeutic effects. A solid-phase sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for human Bcl10 that provides reproducible, precise measurements was developed and characterized. The sensitivity of the assay is 0.25 ng/ml, enabling accurate detection of small quantities of Bcl10. The sensitive and specific, solid-phase, sandwich ELISA for Bcl10 is well-suited for the accurate determination of Bcl10 values in different experimental conditions, in immune and non-immune cells, and may find use in a clinical context. An ELISA as described herein may have particular clinical utility, since increased Bcl10 is associated with inflammation, infection and malignancy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sugar and/or a sugar alcohol as a substance for suppressing dephosphorylation reaction of a phosphorylated coenzyme. Also disclosed is a method for stabilizing a phosphorylated coenzyme which is characterized by having at least a substance for suppressing dephosphorylation reaction of the phosphorylated coenzyme coexist with the phosphorylated coenzyme.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method (assay) for determining the activity of an enzyme selected from the group consisting of a sphingosine kinase and a phosphatase involved in the sphingolipid pathway by use of a labeled sphingosine.

Abstract: Magnetic sensors are very suitable for use in determination of enzymatic activity. In a preferred embodiment the invention relates to a method for determining activity of an enzyme in modification of substrate (2) to product (3), comprising binding substrate or a binding composition that may bind e.g. substrate or product, to the sensor surface. This enables easy detection of magnetic label that is linked to substrate, product or the binding composition.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods of characterization of the properties and functions of SV2 proteins. The invention further includes methods of identifying compounds or agents which modulate the activity of SV2 proteins. Included in these methods is the identification of compounds or agents which modulate the binding of levetiracetam to SV2 proteins, including SV2A. Additionally, the present invention provides biotinylated ligands as a tool to screen chemical libraries and characterize the SV2 proteins. Further, the present invention provides a method of solubilizing and purifying functionally active membrane associated proteins, such as SV2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluorogenic composition for assaying complement activation that comprises a substrate for C3 convertase that is linked to a first fluorophore and a second fluorophore, wherein the fluorescence of the first and second fluorophores are mutually substantially quenched when the two fluorophores are present at a distance less than the characteristic distance for the two fluorophores. In one embodiment, the fluorescence of the first fluorophore is substantially quenched by the second fluorophore, and the second fluorophore emits heat upon quenching. The present invention also provides a method for assaying complement activation, wherein the method includes the steps of incubating a biological sample with a polymer to provide a polymeric biological sample, followed by incubating the polymeric biological sample with the fluorogenic composition, and measuring the fluorescence.

Abstract: The invention concerns saccharide type fluorescent enzymatic substrates comprising on the same saccharide unit a fluorophor F1 and an inhibitor of the fluorescence of F1, and their use for preparing a diagnostic reagent for in vivo functional imaging, as well as a diagnostic reagent containing at least such an enzymatic substrate.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining the activity of proteins that modulate the acetylation state of a protein substrate. The methods may be used for determining both acetyltransferase activity and deacetylase activity. The methods involve fluorescence polarization measurements for determining the acetylation state of a substrate peptide. The methods may also be used to identify compounds that modulate the activity of a protein having acetyltransferase or deacetylase activity. Also provided are substrates for acetyltransferase or deacetylase enzymes for use in association with a fluorescence polarization assay.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for activating Caspase 9 in such a way that it can be used in assays to discover modulators of Caspase 9.

Abstract: Solid supports for chemiluminescent assays are provided. The solid support includes a plurality of probes covalently or physically attached to the support surface and a chemiluminescent enhancing moiety incorporated onto the surface or into the bulk of the support. The solid support can be a multi-layered support including an upper probe binding layer (e.g., an azlactone polymer layer or porous functional polyamide layer) adjacent to a cationic microgel layer. The azlactone-functional polymer can be a copolymer of dimethylacrylamide and vinylazlactone crosslinked with ethylenediamine. The cationic microgel layer can be a cross-linked quaternary onium salt containing polymer. A method and a kit for conducting chemiluminescent assays using the solid supports is also provided. The kit comprises a dioxetane substrate, a biopolymer probe-enzyme complex, and a solid support.

Abstract: The invention relates to mutations in ErbB2 gene products. The mutations described are identified in human tumours of natural origin. These mutations are associated with cancerous phenotypes and can be used as a basis for the diagnosis of cancer, cancerous cells or a predisposition to cancer in human subjects, selection of appropriate anti-cancer therapy and the development of anti-cancer therapeutics.

Abstract: A method of generating light through chemiluminescence involves providing a stable 1,2-dioxetane of the formula: Wherein (a) R1 and R2 are each, individually, a chemical reactive site or when fused together form a chemical reactive site, and R3 and R4 are each, individually, a chemical reactive site or when fused together form a chemical reactive or (b) R1 has at least two hetero atoms with chemical reactive site and R3 and R4 are inactive site and R2 is a chemical reactive site.

Abstract: A method to detect the presence or amount of at least one molecule for an enzyme-mediated reaction in a multiplex luminogenic/nonluminogenic assay is provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a simple detection method with excellent sensitivity and specificity, which allows prompt detection of an analyte by allowing a labeled reagent to effectively react with the analyte in the process of treating an analyte-containing specimen, such as during removal of impurities, a detection apparatus, and a detection kit. This method for detecting an analyte in specimens comprises steps of: bringing a labeled reagent containing a ligand that specifically binds to the analyte into contact with a specimen; and supplying the mixture of the specimen and the labeled reagent to a solid-phase support onto which a capture reagent that specifically binds to the analyte has been immobilized, wherein the step of bringing the specimen into contact with the labeled reagent is carried out at a site that is not on the solid-phase support and that is detached from the solid-phase support.

Abstract: The application discloses novel polypeptides and nucleic acids involved in a variety of biological processes, including viral reproduction. Related methods and compositions are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetic fine particles having immobilized thereto a polymer having an upper critical solution temperature, and a process for producing the same, a method of separating or concentrating a microorganism, a method of purifying, detecting, or concentrating a nucleic acid, a separating agent, a method of separating a biological substance, and a method of converting a substance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid molecule which contains a nucleotide sequence encoding a SNAP-25 substrate which includes (i) a green fluorescent protein; (ii) a first partner of an affinity couple; and (iii) a portion of SNAP-25 that includes a BoNT/A, BoNT/C1 or BoNT/E recognition sequence containing a cleavage site, where the cleavage site intervenes between the green fluorescent protein and the first partner of the affinity couple. Further provided herein is a nucleic acid molecule which contains a nucleotide sequence encoding a tagged toxin substrate which includes (i) a fluorescent protein; (ii) a first partner of an affinity couple; and (iii) a clostridial toxin recognition sequence containing a cleavage site, where the cleavage site intervenes between the fluorescent protein and the first partner of the affinity couple.

Abstract: Provided is a method of identifying a target cell using a virus. The method includes infecting the target cell with the virus by contacting the virus to the target cell and culturing the target cell to propagate the virus; adding a chromogenic substrate to the resultant cell culture to induce enzyme reaction converting the chromogenic substrate to a chromogenic product; and measuring an optical signal emitted from the chromogenic product, wherein the virus contains in its genome a gene encoding an enzyme capable of converting the chromogenic substrate to the chromogenic product and a gene encoding a ligand allowing the virus to specifically bind with a receptor of the target cell to infect the target cell with the virus.