Abstract: Disclosed are data processing and analysis methods for gene expression data for identifying endogenous reference genes and a composition for the quantitative analysis of gene expression, comprising a pair of primers and/or probes useful in amplifying the identified endogenous reference genes. Introduced with the concepts of “Zero's proportion” and CV, the method allows different datasets to be integrally analyzed, thereby searching for novel reference genes. By the method, 2,087 genes are first found as housekeeping genes which are expressed in most tissues, and the usefulness thereof in the relative quantification of different target genes is determined by analyzing their expression stability. Of the 2,087 genes, 13 genes show higher expression stability with lower expression levels across a wide range of samples than traditional reference genes such as GAPDH and ACTS, and therefore are suitable for the normalization of universal genes having relatively low expression levels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vector construct, and more specifically to a vector construct comprising human hypoxia inducible factor ? gene. The present invention also relates to a transgenic animal or cell containing said vector construct which in the presence of an inducing agent expresses human hypoxia inducible factor ? gene causing hair growth suppression. The present invention further relates to use of this animal model for determining the efficacy of methods for suppressing or inducing hair growth and discover further molecules which regulate hair growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid regulatory elements that are able to enhance liver-specific expression of genes, methods employing these regulatory elements and uses of these elements. Expression cassettes and vectors containing these nucleic acid regulatory elements are also disclosed. The present invention is particularly useful for applications using gene therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating cancer by administering an IL8-CXCR1 pathway inhibitor (e.g., an anti-CXCR1 antibody or Repertaxin) alone or in combination with an additional chemotherapeutic agent such that non-tumorigenic and tumorigenic cancer cells in a subject are killed. The present invention also provides compositions and methods for detecting the presence of and isolating solid tumor stem cells in a patient (e.g., based on the presence of CXCR1 or FBXO21).

Abstract: Identification and use of compounds which inhibit the expression or activity of micro-RNAs for preventing and/or attenuating ageing. An in vitro method for screening for candidate compounds for preventing and/or attenuating ageing of the skin including (a) bringing at least one test compound in contact with a sample of fibroblasts, (b) measuring the expression or the activity of at least one microRNA chosen from miR-134 and miR-152 in said fibroblasts, and (c) selecting the compounds for which an inhibition of at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, preferably at least 40% of the expression or an inhibition of at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, preferably at least 40% of the activity of at least one microRNA is measured in the fibroblasts treated in (a) compared with the untreated fibroblasts.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and composition for identifying agents that modulate nerve regeneration in vivo in extended third instar (ETI) Drosophila larvae. The methods include the use of ETI Drosophila larvae having a structural or functional disruption in one or more neurons (e.g., motor neurons) to evaluate a nerve regeneration phenotype over an extended developmental time period in the presence or absence of a test agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides (1) a method for producing a non-human animal having a humanized liver, comprising transplanting human hepatic stem cells and/or hepatic progenitor cells and/or immature hepatocytes to a liver-damaged non-human animal to induce the differentiation of the cells into hepatocytes, (2) a non-human animal having a humanized liver, produced by the method, (3) a method for examining the pharmacokinetics and/or hepatotoxicity of a test substance, comprising using the animal, (4) a method for producing human hepatocytes, comprising transplanting human hepatic stem cells and/or hepatic progenitor cells and/or immature hepatocytes to a liver-damaged non-human animal to induce the differentiation of the cells into hepatocytes, and (5) a method for examining the pharmacokinetics and/or hepatotoxicity of a test substance, comprising using human hepatocytes produced by the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a knock-out non-human animal, in particular a mouse carrying a Qpct knock-out mutation. The present invention additionally provides the respective cells and cell lines and methods and compositions for evaluating agents that affect Qpct, for use in compositions for the treatment of Qpct-related diseases.

Abstract: Microbiota restoration therapy compositions and methods for manufacturing, processing, and/or delivering microbiota restoration therapy compositions are disclosed. An example method for manufacturing a microbiota restoration therapy composition may include collecting a human fecal sample and adding a diluent to the human fecal sample to form a diluted sample. The diluent may include a cryoprotectant. The method may also include mixing the diluted sample with a mixing apparatus and filtering the diluted sample. Filtering may form a filtrate. The method may also include transferring the filtrate to a sample bag and sealing the sample bag.

Abstract: Provided is a porcine CD28 receptor molecule, which is: 1) a protein consisting of an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:2, or 2) a protein derived from 1) by substitution, deletion or addition of one or several amino acids in the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:2 and having equivalent activity with 1). Further provided is a gene for coding the porcine CD28 receptor, the nucleotide sequence of which is shown as SEQ ID NO:1. When the provided co-stimulating receptor CD28 is expressed specifically and highly in a T cell, the activation, proliferation and cell factor secretion activity of the T cell when stimulated by an antigen can be enhanced, thereby enhancing the acquired immune response of a host and enhancing the immune effect of a vaccine.

Abstract: Described is a transgenic mouse with two transgenes, each of which transgene comprises a DNA sequence encoding a dominant negative form of RbAp48 protein, wherein the expression of the dominant negative form of RbAp48 is spatially restricted to the forebrain by a CaM Kinase IIa promoter and wherein the expression of the dominant negative form of RbAp48 is controlled by tetracycline-controlled transcriptional activation. Also provided are methods for evaluating in the transgenic mouse the potential therapeutic effect of an agent for slowing, inhibiting or preventing age-related memory decline in a mammalian subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to transgenic animals lacking endogenous Ig and capable of producing transgenic antibodies, as well as methods of making the same. The invention further relates to methods for producing transgenic antibodies in such animals, and transgenic antibodies so produced.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to develop a new alternative splicing reporter system and to provide a method for detecting alternative splicing patterns in a mammalian multicellular organism more precisely, a method for identifying efficiently substances and gene regions that affect alternative splicing in a mammalian multicellular organism, and the like by utilizing the alternative splicing reporter system. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for detecting alternative splicing in a mammalian multicellular organism, and a method for identifying substances and gene regions that affect alternative splicing in a mammalian multicellular organism, which use a DNA construct in which at least two different reporter genes are inserted into a specific gene that undergoes alternative splicing, or a combination of DNA constructs (a combination of at least two different DNA constructs) in which DNA construct a reporter gene is inserted into a specific gene that undergoes alternative splicing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-human mammal deficient in the expression of prothymosin ? gene in the striatum and a screening method for a prophylactic/therapeutic drug for Huntington's disease and the like, which uses the animal.

Abstract: The invention provides genetically altered fish of the family Cyprinidae, or genus Danio, including zebrafish (Danio rerio) and host cells from these animals, where the fish have been genetically altered to lack or have a modified gene related to lipid metabolism, for example, an ApoE, ApoAI and/or LDL-R gene. In another aspect, the invention is directed to drug design or discovery using the animal or cell models of the invention and/or wild type zebrafish, and by administering an altered diet and/or environment to the animal of invention. The invention also provides methods for screening for a compound capable of ameliorating or preventing or reversing: atherosclerosis; hyperlipidemia; lipoprotein oxidation; the accumulation of lipid in a blood vessel wall; vascular inflammation associated with lipid accumulation in a blood vessel wall; acute atherosclerosis-associated events; heart attack; stroke.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for the preparation, manufacture and therapeutic use of polynucleotides, primary transcripts and mmRNA molecules.

Abstract: Genetically modified non-human animals and methods and compositions for making and using them are provided, wherein the genetic modification comprises a deletion of the endogenous low affinity Fc?R locus, and wherein the mouse is capable of expressing a functional FcR?-chain. Genetically modified mice are described, including mice that express low affinity human Fc?R genes from the endogenous Fc?R locus, and wherein the mice comprise a functional FcR?-chain. Genetically modified mice that express up to five low affinity human Fc?R genes on accessory cells of the host immune system are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods associated with detecting prostate cancer (CaP) in a magnetic resonance (MR) image of a prostate of a CaP patient are described. One example apparatus includes logics that acquire an image of a prostate, learn a weighted vector, detect salient features in the image of the prostate, and generate a heatmap that facilitates detecting CaP. An image acquisition logic acquires a T2 weighted MR image of a prostate. A learning logic learns a weighted vector based on a set of positive LBP descriptors and a set of negative LBP descriptors extracted from the image at multiple scales. A salient feature detection logic detects salient features in the image based on the weighted vector and a pixel-by-pixel weighted Hamming matching of the image. A prediction logic generates a statistical probability heatmap based on the weighted vector and the weighted Hamming matching of the image.

Abstract: Provided herein is a recombinant non-human mammal having an immune system including human immune cells and having a liver including human liver cells, and methods for producing the same. Also provided are methods of screening a compound for activity in treating hepatitis, comprising: administering a test compound to a recombinant non-human mammal as described herein; and then detecting the presence or absence of said activity in said mammal (e.g., by biochemical assay), said presence of said activity in said mammal indicating that said compound has activity in treating hepatitis. Methods of making fusion cells useful for the production of human monoclonal antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: Nucleases and methods of using these nucleases for alteration of a CFTR gene and generation of cells and animal models.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for detecting, characterizing, preventing, and treating metabolic diseases, including obesity and obesity-associated disorders such as diabetes.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for improved cell-based therapies for retinal degeneration and for differentiating human embryonic stem cells and human embryo-derived into retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and other retinal progenitor cells.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described for normalizing a bioluminescent signal in a live animal.

Abstract: In an aspect, the invention relates to a method of screening for a therapeutic for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In an aspect, the invention relates to transgenic Drosophila. In an aspect, the invention relates to a Drosophila model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided is an arthropod male germline gene expression system suitable for conditional expression of an effector gene in an Arthropod male germline. The system comprises a first expression unit comprising an effector gene and a promoter therefor operably linked thereto; and a second expression unit. Said second unit comprises a coding sequence for a transcription factor and an upstream regulatory element operably linked thereto, the transcription factor being capable of acting upon the promoter in the first expression unit to drive expression of the effector gene. The upstream regulatory element includes a promoter for the transcription factor; and a 5? UTR adjacent a start site for the transcription factor coding sequence. The upstream regulatory element driving sufficient expression of the transcription factor such that the transcription factor protein in turn drives transcription of the effector gene before meiosis.

Abstract: A lentiviral vector was used to produce non-human animals that express human sFLT1 specifically in the murine placenta, to provide model animals of diseases such as pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome that are close to the clinical conditions, methods for producing the model animals, methods of screening for candidate compounds as therapeutic agents for diseases such as pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome by using the model animals, and therapeutic agents for diseases such as pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome. As a result, the model animals were found to exhibit symptoms that are very close to the clinical conditions in human, which are presentation of hypertension as well as placental insufficiency, intrauterine growth retardation, glomerulosclerosis, and proteinuria during pregnancy, and improvement of those symptoms postpartum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mouse with liver damage, having a high degree of damage against the mouse's original hepatocytes while having a uPA gene in a heterozygous form, and a method for efficiently preparing the mouse. Specifically, the method for preparing a mouse with liver damage having the uPA gene in a heterozygous form comprises the following steps of: (i) transforming mouse ES cells with a DNA fragment containing a liver-specific promoter/enhancer and cDNA that encodes a urokinase-type plasminogen activator operably linked under the control thereof; (ii) injecting the transformed mouse ES cells obtained in step (i) into a host embryo; (iii) transplanting the host embryo obtained in step (ii) via the injection of the ES cells into the uterus of a surrogate mother mouse, so as to obtain a chimeric mouse; and (iv) crossing the chimeric mice obtained in step (iii), so as to obtain a transgenic mouse in which the DNA fragment is introduced in a heterozygous form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods useful for detecting and/or measuring, e.g., intracellular signaling in vivo. More particularly, compositions and methods are provided, which include transgenic animals, that are useful in mapping and examining, e.g., calcium fluctuations in vivo between and within populations of cells in real time. Methods for screening for candidate compounds that effect, e.g., intracellular calcium signaling are also provided.

Abstract: The invention discloses novel model of transgenic mammal, a method of crossbreeding transgenic mammal and the use of the transgenic mammal for assessing prevention and/or treatment methods for cardiovascular and other diseases related to lipoprotein(a). The transgenic mammal expresses human apolipoprotein (a) (apo(a)) and human apolipoprotein B-100 (apo B-100) genes and produces human lipoprotein (a), apo (a) and apo B-100 and produces no vitamin C. This novel dual transgenic mammal is the ideal model for testing pharmaceutical compounds for efficacy and usefulness in the prevention and/or treatment of human diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of identification and characterization of novel insecticidal target sites and, in particular, relates to host cells, assays and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: A method for producing a heart valve xenograft from bovine tissue expressing reduced or undetectable levels of I1-3 galactosyl transferase are provided.

Abstract: A screening method is described for selecting patient-specific anti-cancer agents reflecting individual genetic properties, in a precise and rapid manner, using an extremely small amount of cancer cells. Such screening method is useful for development of novel anti-cancer agents and the personalized medical field.

Abstract: Described herein is the generation of Fah+/? heterozygote pigs by homologous recombination and somatic cell nuclear transfer, and a method for producing Fah?/? homozygote pigs. The Fah-deficient pigs of the disclosure can be used for a variety of research and therapeutic purposes, such as for the expansion of human hepatocytes, and as large animal models of hereditary tyrosinemia type 1, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for a hepatic disease, containing AIM or a partial peptide thereof, or a nucleic acid containing a base sequence encoding the same, a method of screening for a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for a hepatic disease, comprising using an0 animal obtained by loading a non-human mammal deficient in AIM expression with a high fat diet and the like.

Abstract: A modified non-human warm-blooded vertebrate animal in which a biologically active human APP polypeptide is expressed, and in which function of its inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) protein is reduced as compared to a non-modified animal, methods of making the animal, and methods of testing a candidate composition for activity in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease using the animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of screening an agent for activity using teleosts. Methods of screening an agent for angiogenesis activity, toxic activity and an effect cell death activity in teleosts are provided. Methods of screening an agent for an activity in the brain or central nervous system in zebrafish are provided. The invention further provides high throughput methods of screening agents in multi-well plates.

Abstract: Genetically modified non-human animals and methods and compositions for making and using the same are provided, wherein the genetic modification comprises a humanization of an endogenous signal-regulatory protein gene, in particular a humanization of a SIRP? gene. Genetically modified mice are described, including mice that express a human or humanized SIRP? protein from an endogenous SIRP? locus.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method of testing for efficacy of a potential drug agent against cancerous cells in a mammal, including generating the cancer cells in a mammal; contacting the cancer cells with a potential drug agent by administering the potential drug agent to the mammal; and measuring effect of the potential drug agent on the cancer cells, wherein reduction of number of cancer cells in the mammal is indicative of efficaciousness of the potential drug agent against cancerous cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for performing assays for determining the presence of one or more compounds or analytes in a sample using whole-animals. The systems and methods are particularly suited to high-throughput screening techniques to identify compounds that are effective in a whole animal based system. The methods of the invention have broad application in high-throughput drug discovery and identification, particularly for molecules which are associated with disease and disease progression.

Abstract: The invention discloses novel model of transgenic mammal, a method of crossbreeding transgenic mammal and the use of the transgenic mammal for assessing prevention and/or treatment methods for cardiovascular and other diseases related to lipoprotein(a). The transgenic mammal expresses human apolipoprotein (a) (apo(a)) and human apolipoprotein B-100 (apo B-100) genes and produces human lipoprotein (a), apo (a) and apo B-100 and produces no vitamin C. This novel dual transgenic mammal is the ideal model for testing pharmaceutical compounds for efficacy and usefulness in the prevention and/or treatment of human diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to development of non-human transgenic animals expressing a human blood clotting factor, such as Factor VIII, Factor VII, Factor IX and von Willebrand factor. The invention further provides methods of detecting immunogenic events against human blood clotting factor using the transgenic animals described.

Abstract: This invention relates to the engineering of animal cells, preferably mammalian, more preferably rat, that are deficient due to the disruption of gene(s) or gene product(s) resulting in altered nervous system function. In one aspect, the altered function results in pain in the mammal. In another aspect, the nervous system dysfunction results in prolonged hyperalgesia, allodynia, and loss of sensory function. In another aspect, the invention relates to genetically modified rats, as well as the descendants and ancestors of such animals, which are animal models of altered nervous system function mediated pain and methods of their use. In another aspect, the genetically modified rats, as well as the descendants and ancestors of such animals, are animal models of nervous system dysfunction resulting in prolonged hyperalgesia, allodynia, and loss of sensory function and methods of their use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a desired rat or a rat cell which contains a predefined, specific and desired alteration rendering the rat or rat cell predisposed to drug transport sensitivity or resistance drug transport resistance or sensitivity. Specifically, the invention pertains to a genetically altered rat, or a rat cell in culture, that is defective in at least one of two alleles of a drug transporter gene such as the Slc7a11 (NC_005101.2) gene, the Abcb1 (NC_005103.2) gene, etc. The present invention also provides a desired rat or a rat cell which contains a predefined, specific and desired alteration rendering the rat or rat cell predisposed to drug transport sensitivity or resistance drug transport resistance or sensitivity. Specifically, the invention pertains to a genetically altered rat, or a rat cell in culture, that is defective in at least one of two alleles of a drug transporter gene.

Abstract: Genetically modified mice comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human M-CSF protein are provided. Also provided are genetically modified mice comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human M-CSF protein that have been engrafted with human cells such as human hematopoietic cells, and methods for making such engrafted mice. These mice find use in a number of applications, such as in modeling human immune disease and pathogen infection; in in vivo screens for agents that modulate hematopoietic cell development and/or activity, e.g. in a healthy or a diseased state; in in vivo screens for agents that are toxic to hematopoietic cells; in in vivo screens for agents that prevent against, mitigate, or reverse the toxic effects of toxic agents on hematopoietic cells; in in vivo screens of human hematopoietic cells from an individual to predict the responsiveness of an individual to a disease therapy, etc.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide: an immunostimulant useful for maintaining, enhancing or suppressing an immune function associated with CD300a activation signaling, or an immunomodulator as an immunosuppressant useful for suppressing the immune function; use of a CD300a gene-deficient mouse for pathology analysis and the like; an anti-CD300a antibody; and the like.

Abstract: A non-human transgenic animal having a polynucleotide encoding a PTN polypeptide, which polynucleotide is operably linked to a promoter, wherein said transgenic animal has greater than wild-type expression of the PTN polypeptide in at least one brain region, as well as related vectors, methods of producing transgenic animals, in vitro and in vivo screening methods for potential therapeutic agents, and methods for treating and diagnosing neuropsychiatric illnesses, particularly anxiety and depression, are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides compositions and methods for the identification of cells that are functionally activated after stimulation or during an activity while maintaining the viability of the identified cells.

Abstract: The disclosure provides non-human optogenetic animal models of depression. Specifically, non-human animals each expresses a light-responsive opsin in a neuron of the animal are provided. The animal models are useful for identifying agents and targets of therapeutic strategies for treatment of depression. Examples of using the non-human animals expressing light-responsive opsin including Halorhodopsin family of light-responsive chloride pumps and Channelrhodopsin family of light-responsive cation channel proteins are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-human animal deficient in the N-terminal domain of the IL-33 gene. Also provided herein is the use of said non-human animal as an in vivo model of inflammatory diseases, especially with regard to screening methods for anti-inflammatory compounds, and methods for evaluating and optimising the pharmacological properties of a given anti-inflammatory compound.

Abstract: This invention relates transgenic animals that overexpress TL1A in a tissue specific manner to model inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as colitis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, fibrosis, and related inflammatory diseases and conditions. TL1A transgenic animals constitutively express both TL1A and GFP in lymphoid and myeloid cell lineages, allowing convenient identification and sorting of immune cells involved in IBD disease progression, such as T-cells, antigen presenting cells (APC), and dendritic cells (DC). TL1A transgenic animals may be induced to exhibit gross fibrosis, or isolated cells may be implanted into immunodeficient mice to establish colitis.