Abstract: Conjugate of biomacromolecule with bioreductive which can be useful for treating tumor is provided. The biomacromolecule is selected from apo-transferrin, Fe-transferrin, Ru-transferrin, Ti-transferrin, Ga-transferrin, Pt-transferrin, somatostatin, EGF, folacin acid or transcobalamin, and the bioreductive agent is selected from quinones, aromatic nitrogen oxides, fatty nitrogen oxides, heterocyclic nitro compound, transition metal compound. Such conjugate can selectively target the tumor cells, and lower the toxicity of medicines and survivability of tumor cells, so that the conjugate can be used for delivery of anti-tumor compounds or treating tumors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel arginine analogs, and methods for their synthesis and use. Such analogs are designed to provide a protected or free thiol (—SH) group, thereby providing a convenient linkage chemistry for coupling to a suitable group on a target such as a protein, polypeptide, detectable label or solid phase, and at a site distal to the guanidino group. Arginine analog conjugates are useful for generating antibodies that can bind specifically with dimethylarginine, which can be detected using such antibodies in immunoassays.

Abstract: The invention presented herein provides methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections. The methods are based on the discovery that depletion of bioavailable iron stimulates surface motility in bacteria thus inhibiting the ability of a bacterial population to develop into a biofilm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biomaterials modified with non-proteinaceous catalysts for the dismutation of superoxide, and processes for making such materials. This modification may be by covalent conjugation, copolymerization, or admixture of the non-proteinaceous catalysts with the biomaterial. The resulting modified biomaterials exhibit a marked decrease in inflammatory response and subsequent degradation when placed in contact with vertebrate biological systems.

Abstract: A method for selectively arranging ferritin modified with a peptide, which specifically binds to titanium, to titanium formed on a substrate surface is provided. The method for arranging ferritin of the present invention is characterized in that ferritin is selectively bound on titanium on a substrate by modifying the N-terminal part of ferritin with a peptide which specifically binds to titanium. Also, the method for arranging ferritin of the present invention is characterized in that selectivity for titanium can be markedly improved by adding a nonionic surface activating agent.

Abstract: The specificity of binding of a zinc finger to a triplet or quadruplet nucleotide target subsite depends upon the location of the zinc finger in a multifinger protein and, hence, upon the location of its target subsite within a larger target sequence. The present disclosure provides zinc finger amino acid sequences for recognition of triplet target subsites having the nucleotide G in the 5?-most position of the subsite, that have been optimized with respect to the location of the subsite within the target site. Accordingly, the disclosure provides finger position-specific amino acid sequences for the recognition of GNN target subsites. This allows the construction of multi-finger zinc finger proteins with improved affinity and specificity for their target sequences, as well as enhanced biological activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing conjugates of an active substance and hydroxyalkyl starch and to conjugates of an active substance and hydroxyalkyl starch, preferably hydroxyethyl starch, wherein the conjugates are prepared by covalently linking the hydroxyalkyl starch and the active substance by a chemical residue having a structure according to formula (I) or formula (I?) or formula (I?) wherein R1, R2, R2?, R3, R3? and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, an optionally suitably substituted, linear, cyclic and/or branched alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, and heteroaralkyl group, preferably hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the separation of metals or molecules such as polypeptides, nucleic acids, or endotoxins using a metal-modified solid support. The metals or molecules are isolated from a starting material using the modified solid supports of the invention. Also provided by the invention are kits that can be used in connection with the inventive methods.

Abstract: A method for selectively arranging ferritin in a specified inorganic material part formed on a substrate is provided. The method for arranging ferritin of the present invention is characterized in that ferritin is selectively arranged on a part including titanium or silicon nitride (SiN) in an efficient manner by adding a nonionic surface active agent. Also, selective arrangement capability of ferritin can be markedly improved by modifying the N-terminus of ferritin with a certain peptide.

Abstract: A method for selectively arranging ferritin in a specified inorganic material part formed on a substrate is provided. The method for arranging ferritin of the present invention is characterized in that ferritin is selectively arranged on a part including titanium or silicon nitride (SiN) in an efficient manner by adding a nonionic surface active agent. Also, selective arrangement capability of ferritin can be markedly improved by modifying the N-terminus of ferritin with a certain peptide.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating dense arrays of polymeric molecules in a highly multiplexed manner are provided using semiconductor-processing-derived lithographic methods. Advantageously, the methods are adaptable to the synthesis of a variety of polymeric compounds. For example, arrays of branched peptides and polymers joined by peptide bonds may be fabricated in a highly multiplexed manner. Additionally, peptides that adopt helical structures are synthesized on a substrate surface and arrays are created having one or more features containing peptides capable of forming helixes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, compositions, and systems for reducing and/or eliminating (“suppressing”) undesirable effects of a masking agent on a molecular assay. In addition, the present disclosure relates to molecular assays of nucleic acids in bodily fluids and/or excretions. Suppressing undesirable effects of a masking agent may include, according to some embodiments, contacting a test sample with a composition comprising a chelator, a chelator enhancing component, and a buffer. A buffer, in some embodiments, may increase the concentration of chelators and/or chelator enhancing components that may be used without undesirable effects on a nucleic acid of interest (e.g., the integrity of the nucleic acid). In some embodiments, a buffer may enhance suppression of interference from masking agents.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the generation of polypeptides having varied material properties are disclosed herein. Methods include means for initiating the polymerization of aminoacid-N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) monomer by combining the monomer with an amido-containing metallacycle, for making self assembling amphiphilic block copolypeptides and related protocols for adding oligo(ethyleneglycol) functionalized aminoacid-N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) to polyaminoacid chains. Additional methods include means of adding an end group to the carboxy terminus of a polyaminoacid chain by reacting an alloc-protected amino acid amide with a transition metal-donor ligand complex to forming an amido-amidate metallacycle for use in further polymerization reactions. Novel compositions for use in peptide synthesis and design including five and six membered amido-containing metallacycles and block copolypeptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compound comprising a labeled nickel complex (FIG. 1) that is used to detect and purify nucleic acid sequences by forming an adduct between a specific nucleic acid base and the labeled nickel complex.

Abstract: A series of organometallic complexes and the singlet oxygen sensitization properties of these complexes are provided. Complexes with acetylacetonate ligands give singlet oxygen quantum yields near unity, whether exciting the ligand-based state or the lowest energy excited state (MLCT+3LC). The singlet oxygen quenching rates for these ?-diketonate complexes are small, roughly three orders of magnitude slower than the corresponding phosphorescence quenching rate. Similar complexes were prepared with glycine or pyridine tethered to the Ir(III) center (i.e. (bsn)2Ir(gly) and (bt)2Ir(py)Cl, where gly=glycine, and py=pyridine). The glycine and pyridine derivatives give high singlet oxygen yields.

Abstract: A method of preparing an ultra-cleansed lactoferrin preparation, termed treatment for contaminant reduction (TCR) is provided which includes the steps of treating commercial lactoferrin preparation with at least one each of surfactants, antioxidants and polyphenols to form purified lactoferrin (LF-TCR) and drying the LF-TCR. Additionally a therapeutic lactoferrin composition is provided which contains LF-TCR and optionally surfactants, antioxidants, polyphenols, tissue/membrane diffusion facilitating agents and anionic compounds. The therapeutic lactoferrin composition can additionally contain bioactive agents, dietary supplements, nutraceuticals/functional foods, prophylactic agents, therapeutic agents and probiotic lactic acid bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using lactoferrin (LF) to reduce pain in conditions associated with severe or intractable pain by administering a composition of lactoferrin either alone or in combination with other therapy for pain.

Abstract: A synergistic antimicrobial composition for inhibiting biofilm formation includes an iron-sequestering glycoprotein, a cationic polypeptide and a chelating agent, or an iron-sequestering glycoprotein and a chelating agent, or an iron-sequestering glycoprotein and a cationic polypeptide. Additionally, surfactants and quaternary ammonium compounds may also be advantageously combined with iron-sequestering glycoproteins in an antimicrobial composition. Methods of using a synergistic composition for inhibiting medical device biofilm formation are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for synthesizing peptide conjugates comprising a functional peptide, cyclic by means of a lactam bridge; a sulfur-linker bound to said cyclic peptide, wherein said sulfur-linker comprises sulfur or a sulfur-reactive site. The invention further relates to a method for synthesizing peptide-effector conjugates. The invention also relates to peptide conjugates. Peptide conjugates according to the present invention have improved half-life and increased availability at the active site and they are useful in cell targeting and tumor diagnosis and therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using a composition of lactoferrin for the treatment of diabetes mellitus as manifested by a reduction in the levels of serum glucose, blood pressure, obesity, or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c).

Abstract: Improved synthesis methods are provided for preparing conjugates of proteins and chelating agents. In the synthesis methods, non-stable bonds are hydrolyzed after the conjugate is synthesized, for example by treating the conjugate with a quenching agent. The synthesis method provides conjugates that are substantially free of non-stable bonds between the protein and the chelating agent, such that the chelating agent is less likely to dissociate with the conjugate after the conjugate has been stored for extended periods. The conjugate may be useful for therapeutic or diagnostic methods.

Abstract: Purified and isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided which encode Tbp2 proteins of M. catarrhalis strains M35, 3 and LES1. The nucleic acid sequence may be used to produce recombinant Tbp2 proteins of the strain of Moraxella free of other proteins of the Moraxella strain for purposes of diagnostics and medical treatment. Furthermore, the nucleic acid molecules may be used in the diagnosis of infection.

Abstract: Analogs of 6-monoacetyl morphine (6-MAM) are described. These include analogs derivatized at either the C-3 position, the C-6 position, or the nor position of the molecule. These analogs allow for elaboration with linkers terminated by a functional group such as an activated ester, the functional groups being useful for attaching the molecule to other entities such as proteins, polysaccharides, and reporter groups.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a cobalt-apoferritin complex according to the present invention includes: the step a) of preparing a solution including a Co2+ ion, a protein, a pH buffer agent and a Co2+ associating agent; and the step b) of adding an oxidizing agent to the solution and thereby making the protein contain a fine particle including cobalt.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for modulating expression of endogenous cellular genes using recombinant zinc finger proteins.

Abstract: A highly magnetically aligned metallothionein (MT) containing manganese (Mn) and cadmium (Cd) has been synthesized. The metallotionein has a formula of Mnx Cd7?x MT with x being in the range of 1 to 6. Its size and biological functions are similar as those of the native metallothionein as tested by dynamic light scattering, UV, and CD spectroscopic experimental methods. Its maximum magnetic moment per formula unit, in saturation field, is estimated to be 19.46 ?B, and persists from 277 to 330 K.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of enhancing the rate of iron release from ferritin. By increasing the amount of iron available for chelation, the invention also provides methods of treating conditions associated with iron overload. The invention also provides in one embodiment agents which are useful for treating iron overload.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions comprising: (a) a thiol-specific reagent and a cationic polypeptide or (b) a thiol-specific reagent and an iron-sequestering glyocoprotein; and uses thereof for the preparation of devices, and in particular medical devices, susceptible to colonization by biofilm forming bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated archael and bacterial heme binding protein which reversibly binds oxygen with a low affinity. The heme binding protein may be utilized as a blood substitute. The invention also provides a method for controlled storage of oxygen by contacting a bacterial heme binding protein with oxygen allowing the protein to bind and store oxygen. The also provides methods to sense gaseous ligands using the heme binding protein. In other embodiments, the invention provides chimeric proteins having a heme-binding domain of an isolated heme binding archael bacterial protein and a heterologous signaling domain.

Abstract: A method of preparing an ultra-cleansed lactoferrin preparation, termed treatment for contaminant reduction (TCR) is provided which includes the steps of treating commercial lactoferrin preparation with at least one each of surfactants, antioxidants and polyphenols to form purified lactoferrin (LF-TCR) and drying the LF-TCR. Additionally a therapeutic lactoferrin composition is provided which contains LF-TCR and optionally surfactants, antioxidants, polyphenols, tissue/membrane diffusion facilitating agents and anionic compounds. The therapeutic lactoferrin composition can additionally contain bioactive agents, dietary supplements, nutraceuticals/functional foods, prophylactic agents, therapeutic agents and probiotic lactic acid bacteria.

Abstract: We claim a metal complex-protein composite comprising a salen metal complex and an apoprotein having a cavity, wherein the salen metal complex has a structure given by the following formula: R1 and R5 each independently represents an alkyl group containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms; and R2 through R4 and R6 through R10 each represents a hydrogen atom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a precious metal-recombinant apoferritin complex produced by recombination technique, wherein the precious metal is gold (Au) or platinum (Pt), and wherein the residues of glutamic acid and aspartic acid in a channel of apoferritin complex are substituted with small polar amino acid residues or/and noncharged amino acid residues, e.g., serine, or/and with basic amino acid residues, e.g., lysine. The substitution prevents a repulsive force due to electrostatic interaction between a metal ion, e.g., (AuCl4)? that has a negative charge and a negative amino acid residue of the apoferritin, and facilitates the capture of (AuCl4)? into holding portion in the channel of said metal-recombinant apoferritin complex. The captured (AuCl4)? is subsequently reduced to Au, and thus the gold-recombinant apoferritin complex is produced.

Abstract: An isolated ferritin fusion protein is provided in which ferritin is fused with a protein or peptide capable of being fused to ferritin without interfering with the polymeric self-assembly of the resulting fusion protein, and the protein may be of the endocapsid form when fused at the C terminus or an exocapsid form when fused at the N terminus. These fusion proteins may self-assemble into a variety of useful higher polymeric forms, e.g., capsid or other polymeric aggregate, and they are advantageous in that they are useful in a variety of applications, including human and veterinary vaccines and therapeutics, blood substitutes, image contrast agents, metal chelating agents, gelling agents, protein purification platforms, and therapeutic receptor-binding proteins.

Abstract: A metal complex-protein composite comprising apohemoglobin, apoheme oxygenase, apocatalase or apoferrin having cavity and a metal complex has a specific structure that the metal complex is received in the cavity of the apoprotein. The metal complex is prepared by complexation of a metal ion, which is selected from the group consisting of rhodium, ruthenium, and palladium, with a ligand. The metal complex-protein composite functions as a hydrogenation catalyst of an olefin in water. The metal complex-protein composite is thus effectively applied to hydrogenation of water-soluble subtrates and has enviromental advantages over organic solvents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using a composition of lactoferrin for the treatment of diabetes mellitus as manifested by a reduction in the levels of serum glucose, blood pressure, obesity, or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc).

Abstract: Using a gene recombination technique, a glutamic acid and an aspartic acid positioned in a channel of apoferritin are substituted with serine having a small size and no charges. Then, a glutamic acid positioned in a holding portion is substituted with a basic amino acid such as lysine or a neutral amino acid. Furthermore, at least one cysteine is introduced into the holding portion. This prevents a repulsive force due to electrostatic interaction between (AuCl4)? having a negative charge and a negative amino acid from occurring, which facilitates the capture of (AuCl4)? into the channel and the holding portion. The (AuCl4)? captured into the holding portion is subsequently reduced to Au, and thus apoferritin including gold particles can be produced.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polynucleotides encoding MMP-29 polypeptides, fragments and homologues thereof. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant and synthetic methods for producing said polypeptides. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods for applying these novel MMP-29 polypeptides to the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of various diseases and/or disorders related to these polypeptides. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: Complexes of bacteriocins and metals are provided that are useful in detecting bacteria, fungi and other biological analytes, and are particularly useful in detecting gram positive bacteria. The complexes are preferably chelated complexes wherein the bacteriocin is a lantibiotic, non-lanthionine containing peptide, large heat labile protein and complex bacteriocin, fusion protein thereof, mixture thereof, and fragment, homolog and variant thereof, and (b) a detectable label comprising a transition or lanthanide metal. The complex preferentially binds to viable gram positive or mycobacterial cells. The complex can also bind to gram negative bacteria and fungi. Methods of using the complexes in assays, diagnosis and imaging are also provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the formation of metal chelates which are able to remain stable in high alkaline environments when compared to metal chelates produced from a reaction with amino acids. The method involves the reaction of sugars, amino groups, and metal components for a sufficient period of time and temperature in a water solution. Additionally, the stability of metal chelates can be enhanced by oxidation of the sugars with an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide which form an MRP which will react with the metal component to form a more stable metal chelate than if oxidation were not utilized.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition or a food supplement containing at least an iron complexing protein optionally in the presence of at least an iron salt, and at least a precursor of nitrogen monoxide metabolism and/or at least a chemical donor of nitrogen monoxide, the use of at least an iron complexing agent and of at least a precursor of nitrogen monoxide metabolism and/or a chemical donor of nitrogen monoxide, and optionally at least an iron salt for making pharmaceutical compositions in particular for treating asthenia or anaemia or for making a food supplement.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to utilize, as a sensor protein, a molecular recognizing ability of a protein that scarcely undergoes any structural change by the binding of a target substance. According to the present invention, there is provided a sensor protein comprising an insert-type fusion protein composed of a reporter protein and a biding protein wherein said binding protein is inserted into the amino acid sequence of said reporter protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genes and their encoded proteins which regulate neurite growth and the diagnostic and therapeutic use of such proteins (termed herein neurite growth regulatory factors). The proteins of the present invention include metalloproteases associated with glioblastoma cells. The metalloproteases of the invention have value in the treatment of nerve damage and of degenerative disorders of the nervous system.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and materials for use in the typing, diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of prion disease.

Abstract: Metal binding proteins, associated compositions and methods for their production and use are disclosed. The metal binding proteins include have amino acid sequences analogous to at least one metal binding protein, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof from a brine shrimp (Artemia). Also provided are the associated nucleic acid sequences encoding metal binding proteins.

Abstract: A gene expressed specifically in the testis has been unexpectedly isolated in the course of studies of the expression of a gene encoding an unknown protein that triggers cell death. The isolated gene was a novel gene sequence that had no significant homologue in the database. This gene was also found to be involved in the regulation of differentiation in the testis.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding a novel ferritin light chain variant, a ferritin light chain variant polypeptide, ferritin light chain variant polypeptide-specific antibodies, and methods of use thereof are provided herein. Also provided are methods to screen and identify agents capable of modulating the activity of the ferritin light chain variant.

Abstract: The present invention provides variants of cyanovirin-N and water-soluble polymer conjugates thereof. The cyanovirin-N of the invention are particularly suited for site-selective covalent attachment of one or more water soluble polymers, to provide polymer conjugates of cyanovirin-N variants exhibiting antiviral activity.

Abstract: The invention concerns a ligand comprising (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 5 Y is CO2H or PO3H2T represents —X or -phenyl-X, wherein X represents NO2, NH2, NCS, NHCOCH2-Z, NHCO—W—COCNHS, —NH-Q, —NHCS-Q, —NHCOCH2-Q, or NHCO(CH2)m-Q where Q is a hapten chosen from the group consisting of steroids, enzymes, proteins, monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antibodies, or fragments thereof or any activated linker ready for coupling reaction, W is —(CH2)m- m is an integer from 1 to 10 Z is chloride, bromide or iodine.

Abstract: The invention features methods of detecting enzymatic activity (e.g., in a magnetic resonance image). In general, the methods include: (1) providing a monomeric substrate (e.g., a substrate that is polymerizable in the presence of an enzyme or as a result of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction), having the generic structure X-Y-Z, where X includes a chelator moiety having a chelated paramagnetic or superparamagnetic metal atom or ion, Y includes a linker moiety (e.g., to provide a covalent or non-covalent chemical bond or bonds between X and Z), and Z includes a polymerizing moiety; (2) contacting the substrate with a target tissue, wherein the substrate undergoes polymerization to form a paramagnetic or superparamagnetic polymer, the polymerization being catalyzed by an enzyme in an extracellular matrix or bound to the surfaces of cells of the target tissue; and (3) detecting an increase in relaxivity for the polymer relative to an equivalent amount of unpolymerized substrate.

Abstract: An isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule consisting essentially of a nucleotide sequence encoding KLH or a fragment thereof, as well as an isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule consisting essentially of a nucleotide sequence complementary thereto; a vector comprising such a nucleic acid, optionally as part of an encoded fusion protein when the nucleic acid encodes KLH or a fragment thereof; a cell comprising and expressing an above-described nucleic acid, optionally in the form of a vector; an isolated or purified polypeptide molecule consisting essentially of an amino acid sequence encoding KLH-1, KLH-2, or a fragment of either of the foregoing, as well as a conjugate or fusion protein comprising the same and a therapeutically or prophylactically active agent, and related compositions; a method of treating cancer, pathogenic infection, and high blood pressure in a mammal; methods of stimulating an immune response in a mammal; a method of identifying an immunogenic portion of KLH, and an isolated or