Abstract: The present invention relates to biodetectors for detecting and quantifying molecules in liquid, gas, or matrices. More specifically, the present invention relates to biodetectors comprising a molecular switching mechanism to express a reporter gene upon interaction with target substances. The invention further relates to methods using such biodetectors for detecting and quantifying selected substances with high specificity and high sensitivity.

Abstract: Present invention concerns the use of Cathepsin C. Other aspects of the invention concern methods for screening pharmaceuticals, for diagnosing pain susceptibility and for the treatment of pain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample using at least one photon producing agent and at least one photon reducing agent (e.g. dye-based photon reducing agents). The present invention further provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample (e.g., a biochemical or cellular sample) with at least one photon producing agent and at least one collisional quencher. The present invention also provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample (e.g., a biochemical or cellular sample) with at least one photon producing agent and at least one quencher, such as an electronic quencher. The present invention also provides a system and method of screening test chemicals in fluorescent assays using photon reducing agents. The present invention also provides compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits for practicing these methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for detecting the activity of DNA (cytosine 5)-methyltransferase, protein methyltransferase or any enzyme that forms S-adenosyl-1-homocysteine (AdoHcy) as a product, and for screening for inhibitors of DNA (cytosine 5)-methyltransferase, protein methyltransferase and any enzyme that forms S-adenosyl-1-homocysteine (AdoHcy) as a product using luciferase-linked assays that convert the S-adenosyl-1-homocysteine (AdoHcy) product to a quantifiable luminescent signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing marine ostracod crustacean luciferin or a derivative thereof represented by a general formula (4), characterized by reacting a compound represented by a general formula (2) with a compound represented by a general formula (3): wherein R1, R2, R3, R5, Y1 and Z1 are the same as defined in the specification.

Abstract: Sample-collecting devices, articles and methods of use are disclosed. Premoistened sample-collecting devices comprise 1,2-propanediol as a humectant, which promotes the retention of a liquid solution on the sample-collecting device during storage. 1,2-propanediol as humectant can be compatible with proteins and other reagents used to detect an analyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of therapeutic methods to screen for compounds on the basis of their ability to influence Wnt activity. The screening process is applied to both a physical library of a series of compounds and a virtual library of compounds that affect Wnt activity. In one aspect, the virtual screening process could be carried out where a permutational library of small peptides is substituted for the small organic molecules. The inventive methods may be used to empirically test for effects on Wnt activity and may also be applied to any pair of proteins involved in protein-protein interactions.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a device for detecting an analyte in a sample. The device comprises a fluidic network and an integrated circuitry component. The fluidic network comprises a sample zone, a cleaning zone and a detection zone. The fluidic network contains a magnetic particle and/or a signal particle. A sample containing an analyte is introduced, and the analyte interacts with the magnetic particle and/or the signal particle through affinity agents. A microcoil array or a mechanically movable permanent magnet is functionally coupled to the fluidic network, which are activatable to generate a magnetic field within a portion of the fluidic network, and move the magnetic particle from the sample zone to the detection zone. A detection element is present which detects optical or electrical signals from the signal particle, thus indicating the presence of the analyte.

Abstract: Provided herein is a large immuno-sorbent surface area assay (ALISSA) for rapid and sensitive detection of toxin or enzyme activity. This assay is designed to capture a low number of toxin or enzyme molecules and to measure their intrinsic protease activity via conversion of a fluorigenic or luminescent substrate. The ALISSA is significantly faster and more sensitive than methods routinely utilized in the art. This assay is applicable for use for detection of a variety of toxins or enzymes having proteolytic activity, such as botulinum neurotoxin, bacillus anthracis lethal factor, human chitinases, and aspergillus fumigatus proteases. Also provided are methods for constructing and identifying novel luminescent or fluorescent substrates suitable for use with the ALISSA method.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel functional assay for 5-HT2A, histamine H1 or adrenergic alpha 1b receptors, by measuring intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels utilizing reporter gene driven cell based assay. The novel assay provides both binding affinity as well as mode of action of compounds in a single set. The novel assay of the invention is useful in identification of compounds acting through 5-HT2A, histamine H1 or adrenergic alpha 1b receptors. Furthermore, the assay offers utility in categorizing compounds in to agonist, partial agonist, inverse agonist and antagonist classes. The novel assay can be scaled up to any high throughput format.

Abstract: A modification of the existing INSM1 promoter region has been discovered that incorporated DNA elements that silence expression of neuronal genes in non-neuronal cells and that has increased the effectiveness and safety of using the INSM1 promoter for tumor treatment. One modification was addition of one or two tandem copies of neuronal restrictive silencer elements (NRSEs) derived either from the mouse nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) or the rat superior cervical ganglion 10 (SCG10) promoters. These NRSEs were placed in the expression construct either directly upstream or downstream of the INSM1 promoter sequence. The most effective expression construct was the nAChR NRSE element positioned downstream of the INSM1 promoter. This expression construct increased the tissue specificity of the INSM1 promoter without a significant decrease in its activity. In addition, the modified INSM1 promoter was placed into a viral vector, adenovirus 5.

Abstract: This invention relates to the detection and quantitation of target nucleic acids in a heterogeneous mixture in a Sample and the methods of use thereof. The detection system includes a chemiluminescent molecule, a chemiluminescent substrate, a dye that is light responsive when intercalated into nucleic acids and nucleic acids. This invention is useful in any application where detection of a specific nucleic acid sequence is desirable, or where the detection of enzymes that modify nucleic acids is desirable such as diagnostics, research uses and industrial applications.

Abstract: The invention involves transforming Cannabis with a transgene(s) or chemical(s) expressing biological, chemical, luminescent, and fluorescent markers from the UV, visible, near, mid, and far spectrums of light. This transformation allows for the detection of Medical Marijuana from other forms of marijuana. Cannabis is a genus of flowering plant that include three putative species Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, and harvested products from transformed Cannabis. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of transformed Cannabis and to plants of transformed Cannabis reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerated cells or tissue from transformed Cannabis.

Abstract: A rapid, sensitive method of separating and detecting microorganisms from a sample potentially containing microorganisms, such as but not limited to bacteria, fungi, yeast, viruses, and the like. The method relies on separation techniques to separate and concentrate the cells from the sample, together with chemical techniques to amplify the amount of detectable signal from low numbers of cells to provide a rapid and sensitive method of detecting microorganisms. This detection method may utilize: a filtration device; a centrifugation device; a system; a swab device; and kit comprising one or more of the devices and components to perform the present method of separating and detecting microorganisms in a sample potentially containing microorganisms. The sample may be a chemical, cosmetic, personal care, pharmaceutical, or consumable good in its raw material, in-process, and/or finished product states that needs to be tested for any contaminating microorganisms prior to shipment to the consumer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for screening and evaluating ameliorants of dry skin caused by atopic dermatitis, comprising: evaluating a candidate drug as being an ameliorant of dry skin caused by atopic dermatitis in the case the candidate drug significantly increases expression and/or activity of bleomycin hydrolase in comparison with a control drug.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a detection cell for a biological material and methods for detecting biological material including a photosensitive material optically coupled to an interior volume containing the biological material so to avoid optical components or an external light source.

Abstract: A method for screening a potential modulator compound of a taste receptor wherein use is made of a BRET technique.

Abstract: Novel luciferins, methods of making luciferins, and uses of the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A split luciferase-based sensor system was developed to noninvasively monitor and image phosphorylation-mediated c-Myc activation, in which the complementation of the split FL is induced by phosphorylation-mediated interaction between GSK3? and c-Myc. The complemented luciferase activity resulting from this interaction is specific to c-Myc phosphorylation and correlated with the steady-state and temporal regulation of c-Myc phosphorylation in cell culture. The sensor system also allows monitoring of c-Myc—targeted drug efficacy in intact cells and living animals. This new imaging sensor can provide insight into the role of functional c-Myc in cancer biology and is useful for the discovery and development of specific anti-c-Myc drugs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a luminescence measuring method which can produce a luminous intensity depending on the amount of a substance to be measured even when the substance occurs in a biological sample in an amount equal to or more than a given amount, and which can achieve quantitative measurement. The method is characterized by includes preparing a biological sample containing a luminescence-associated protein which is can react with a substance occurring in the biological sample in amount equal to or more than a given amount and which has a Km value equal to or higher than a predetermined value so that the luminous intensity can be quantified depending on the amount of the substance, measuring the luminescence intensity emitted from the biological sample, and outputting a result of the measurement on a regions and/or part of the biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound as a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) activator and a hydrate, a solvate, a stereoisomer and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutical composition, a cosmetic composition, a muscle strengthening agent, a memory improving agent, a therapeutic agent for dementia and Parkinson's disease, a functional food and a feed composition containing the same.

Abstract: Described herein are antibacterial compounds, methods for making the compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and methods of treating bacterial infections utilizing the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides provides compositions and methods to determine or detect the activity of enzymes, including phosphotransferases such as kinases (e.g., protein, lipid, and sugar kinases) and ATP hydrolases such as ATPases, e.g., HSP90, that employ ATP as a substrate and form ADP as a product by monitoring changes in ADP.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to transgene constructs, transgenic non-human animals comprising transgene constructs, methods of making and methods of using the transgenic non-human animals comprising transgene constructs. An embodiment of the invention relates to methods of assaying the activation of GPCR ligands non-invasively in whole animals, tissue slices, or in native cells using a transgenic model containing a bioluminescent transgene reporter system that is responsive to pathway modulation following ligand binding of GPCR receptors.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a compound represented by the general formula (I) or (I?) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof; pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one of these compounds; methods of making at least one of these compounds; methods of using at least one of these compounds for treating and/or preventing various cancers and/or proliferation disorders; methods of using at least one of these compounds for monitoring the effectiveness of an anticancer therapy against various cancers. In one embodiment, the subject matter relates to compounds that bind with a level of specificity to heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70). In another embodiment, the subject matter relates to compounds that bind with a level of specificity to inhibit both heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and heat shock cognate protein 70 (Hsc70).

Abstract: A composition to simulate feces. A method of using artificial feces to evaluate the efficacy of a cleaning product and/or cleaning procedure. A method of demonstrating the cleaning efficiency of a cleaning product and/or cleaning procedure using artificial feces.

Abstract: The present invention provides an animal toxicity model that can be used to screen agents that may cause or increase the occurrence of a developmental defect. The invention also provides methods and compositions for creating such an animal toxicity model, as well as methods and kits for using these animal models.

Abstract: This application involves detecting luminescence. Various methods and devices are described that reduce interference of ambient light, including UV radiation, on test results. Such methods and devices include using UV blocking material and covering test components prior to use.

Abstract: Extracellular matrix bioscaffolds capable of supporting the formation and growth of tumors from tumor cells introduced thereto containing tumor associated macrophages and carcinoma-associated fibroblast-like cells cultured under conditions effective to provide a cellular matrix capable of supporting the formation and growth of tumors from tumor cells introduced to the matrix. Bioscaffold kits and methods for using the bioscaffolds for testing, identifying and development of known or novel anti-cancer therapeutics are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: Transgenic mammals, cells derived from the animals, and methods of using these to monitor the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response are provided. In some embodiments, the methods allow for monitoring the ER stress response in real time. Some of the methods allow non-invasive in vivo visualization of ER stress response. Also provided are methods of screening molecules and/or treatment conditions for the ability to modulate the ER stress response, methods of treating diseases characterized by ER stress response activity, and methods of detecting the toxicity or therapeutic ratio of molecules that modulate the ER stress response.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detection of concentrations of less than 3.4 picomolar of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) using recombinant luciferase in the luciferin-luciferase reaction. Aspects include a low pH composition for use in detecting the presence of ATP. The low pH composition can include low concentrations of detergents and can be used in combination with methods for reading, calculating and interpreting luminescence generated by the ATP-luciferin-luciferase reaction.

Abstract: A method to detect live and dead cells in a sample with one bioluminogenic reagent is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of Hedgehog signalling, and more specifically to a cell-based assay system and methods for identifying inhibitors and/or antagonists of specific cellular events in said signalling pathway. The present invention hereby proposes a novel approach for identifying inhibitors and/or antagonists downstream of the signalling components Smoothened and Patched, e.g. at the Gli-level. The assay comprises cells lacking a functional Sufu protein, which according to the invention is a protein component of emerging importance in the Hedgehog signalling pathway.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds for modulating protein kinase enzymatic activity for modulating cellular activities such as proliferation, differentiation, programmed cell death, migration and chemoinvasion. More specifically, the invention provides quinazolines and quinolines which inhibit, regulate, and/or modulate kinase receptor, particularly c-Met, KDF, c-Kit, flt-3 and flt-4, signal transduction pathways related to the changes in cellular activities as mentioned above, compositions which contain these compounds, and methods of using them to treat kinase-dependent diseases and conditions. The present invention also provides methods for making compounds as mentioned above, and compositions which contain these compounds.

Abstract: Novel luciferins, methods of making luciferins, and uses of the same are disclosed.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials involved in modulating deubiquitinases (e.g., USP10 polypeptides) and/or ubiquitinated polypeptides (e.g., tumor suppressor polypeptides or mutant versions of tumor suppressor polypeptides). For example, methods and materials for increasing deubiquitinase (e.g., a USP10 polypeptide) expression or activity, methods and materials for decreasing deubiquitinase (e.g., a USP10 polypeptide) expression or activity, methods and materials for stabilizing tumor suppressor polypeptides (e.g., wild-type p53 polypeptides), methods and materials for de-stabilizing mutant versions of tumor suppressor polypeptides (e.g., mutant p53 polypeptides), and methods and materials for reducing cancer cell proliferation, increasing cancer cell apoptosis, and/or treating cancer (e.g., cancers having reduced levels of wild-type p53 polypeptides or cancers having increased levels of mutant p53 polypeptides) are provided.

Abstract: An isolated polynucleotide encoding a modified luciferase polypeptide and substrates. The OgLuc variant polypeptide has at least 60% amino acid sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 and at least one amino acid substitution at a position corresponding to an amino acid in SEQ ID NO: 1. The OgLuc variant polypeptide has at least one of enhanced luminescence, enhanced signal stability, and enhanced protein stability relative to the corresponding polypeptide of the wild-type Oplophorus luciferase.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for investigating the structural basis of the activation process of CRAC channels, which are essential for T-lymphocyte activation and adaptive immunity. The invention also provides compositions and methods to design, identify and evaluate agents that modulate calcium signaling by regulating the interaction between STIM and Orai proteins. The invention also provides therapeutic agents for cases of immunological disorders, compromised immune function, organ transplantation, or thrombosis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, compositions and articles of manufacture useful for the treatment of Bacillus anthracis and B. cereus bacteria and spores, and related conditions. The disclosure further relates to methods and compositions for the identification of a phage associated lytic enzyme to rapidly and specifically detect and kill Bacillus anthracis and other bacteria. Related articles of manufacture, methods of degrading spores and methods of treatment of infections or bacteria populations of, or subjects exposed to or at risk for exposure to, Bacillus anthracis are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses modified luciferases, methods for making modified luciferases, and assays utilizing modified luciferases. Modified luciferases of the invention show increased activity over wildtype luciferases and also show increased stability of signal. The present invention also encompasses multiplex assays utilizing multiple luciferases with different emission spectra.

Abstract: A method to detect live and dead cells in a sample with one bioluminogenic reagent is provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to bioluminescent methods for detecting specific target bacteria, such as E. coli, coliforms, Enterococcus spp, Listeria spp and S. aureus in samples. The sample to be tested is incubated in a non-selective growth medium for up to 8 hours to produce a sample culture and which is then mixed with detection reagents. The detection reagents include a lysis reagent which disrupts bacterial cells in the sample, a pro-luciferin molecule which is specifically converted into luciferin by said target bacteria; and luminescence reagents which produce a luminescent signal in the presence of luciferin. The mixture of sample culture and detection reagents is then incubated and the luminescent signal from the reaction mixture measured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a yeast cell based system for determining factors that control the folding of amyloid proteins of diverse origins. Further the present invention provides methods of using such a system to screen for reagents that affect amyloid formation, a process that is integral to several devastating human disease including Creutzfeld-Jacob disease (CJD), fatal familial insomnia (FFI), Gertsmann-Straussler-Scheinker (GSS) syndrome, and kuru. The system of the present invention provides a rapid screening system to quickly and cheaply identify reagents that affect the folding and aggregation properties of the target protein.

Abstract: A composition for treating waters, e.g. ballast water or injection water for oil recovery, to kill in-situ aquatic invasive species comprises at least one biocide capable of killing both animal and plant micro-organisms. The at least one biocide preferably comprises Brilliant Green, Gentian Violet, and/or erythrosine, and a wetting agent or detergent-like compound such as CTAB or CTAC. The invention also relates to a system for treating ballast water in situ comprising means for injecting a composition for treating ballast water; means for measuring the flow rate or amount of ballast water to be treated; means for controlling the dosing of the composition; and means for storing or receiving the composition. The invention also relates to a method of detecting viable aquatic organisms in ballast water in situ comprising detecting metabolism in viable micro-organisms in ballast water and, therefore, measuring the efficacy of any treatment.

Abstract: An isolated polynucleotide encoding a modified luciferase polypeptide and novel coelenterazine-based substrates. The OgLuc variant polypeptide has at least 60% amino acid sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 and at least one amino acid substitution at a position corresponding to an amino acid in SEQ ID NO: 1. The OgLuc variant polypeptide has at least one of enhanced luminescence, enhanced signal stability, and enhanced protein stability relative to the corresponding polypeptide of the wild-type Oplophorus luciferase.

Abstract: The invention provides an anti-proliferative composition comprising a non-peptide analog of the C-terminal isoleucine-arginine (IR) tail motif of an activator of an anaphase promoting complex (APC). The invention further provides methods of inhibing the ubiquitination activity of the APC by administering compositions of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides coelenterazine derivatives which are substrates for a non-luminescent enzyme and a pro-substrate for a luminescent enzyme. The invention also provides a method of using the derivatives.

Abstract: Articles are provided for the detection of cells in a sample. The articles include a release element. The release element comprises a coated substrate that includes a cell extractant. The release element controls the release of the cell extractant into a liquid mixture containing the sample. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: Inhibitors of luciferase enzymes are disclosed and find use in multiplexed assays using multiple luciferases and multiple inhibitors, in both in vitro and in vivo embodiments.