Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treatment of clinical disorders associated with protein aggregation comprising administering, to a subject, an effective amount of an anti-protein aggregate (“APA”) compound selected from the group consisting of pimozide, fluphenazine (e.g., fluphenazine hydrochloride), tamoxifen (e.g., tamoxifen citrate), taxol, cantharidin, cantharidic acid, salts thereof and their structurally related compounds. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that each of the aforelisted compounds were able to promote degradation of aggregated ATZ protein in a Caenorhabditis elegans model system. According to the invention, treatment with one or more of these APA compounds may be used to ameliorate the symptoms and signs of AT deficiency as well as other disorders marked by protein aggregation, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Huntington's Disease.

Abstract: Genetically modified nematodes and methods for using the same are provided.

Abstract: A trifusion reporter plasmid is described that comprises a plasmid operably coupled to a mammalian FGF1B promoter that is operably coupled to a bioluminescence gene fused to a fluorescence gene fused to a nuclear medical imaging gene. The new reporter allows in vivo or ex vivo detection of gene expression in three different ways, in addition to traditional in vitro detection methods. Transgenic animals containing this new trifusion reporter and uses of same are described.

Abstract: Described are methods of treating and preventing conditions associated with a loss of elastic fibers. Also provided herein are methods of screening for agents useful in treating such conditions, and animal models of conditions associated with a loss of elastic fibers.

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: 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: The present invention relates to animal model systems comprising a chimera between an avian embryo and a mammalian organism. Specifically, chimeric model systems comprising normal, diseased or genetically transformed mammalian cells and tissues transplanted into avian embryos, and uses thereof for in vivo testing of drugs and therapeutic modalities are disclosed.

Abstract: Non-human animal models for frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitin-positive inclusions (FTLD-U) are disclosed. The invention relates to a transgenic mouse whose genome comprises a transgene operably linked to a neuronal specific promoter effective for an increased expression of the transgene in the brain of the mouse, in which the transgene comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43). The transgenic mouse exhibits reduced or impaired learning and memory capacity, and may further exhibits progressively impaired or reduced motor functions. Methods of using such animal models are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns materials and methods relating to the use of OMD (osteomodulin) and\or PRELP (Proline/arginine-rich end leucine-rich repeat protein) expression, particularly under-expression, to discriminate cancer and non-cancer cells in a variety of cancers. The invention further provides methods and materials based on OMD and\or PRELP for use in therapy e.g. to suppress cancer initiation or development.

Abstract: The invention provides transgenic rodents, particularly mice, expressing truncated versions of the Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia-1 (DISC1) gene and showing Schizophrenia-related neural and behavioral phenotypes. The rodents of the invention have (1) a plurality of copies of a heterologous truncated Disc1 genomic DNA sequence which includes at least 1 stop codon after exon 8 such as to encode a Disc1 polypeptide truncated before exon 9; (2) 2 copies of endogenous Disc1 genomic DNA sequence encoding full length Disc1 polypeptide. Also provided are related materials and methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an ?1/CaV3.1 double knockout mouse or ?1?/?; Emx1-Cre mouse with enhanced essential tremor and a screening method of therapeutic agents for essential tremor by using the same. The ?1/CaV3.1 double knockout mouse or ?1?/?; Emx1-Cre mouse of the present invention may be usefully used for development of therapeutic agents for essential tremor because the mouse exhibits essential tremor strong and evident enough to be visually confirmed, compared to an ?1 knockout mouse.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of evaluating whether a compound is effective in activating a calcium-calmodulin dependent kinase II? promoter in a human neuronal cell which comprises: (a) contacting the human neuronal cell which has been stably transformed by a recombinant nucleic acid molecule comprising a gene of interest operatively linked to a nucleic acid encoding a calcium-calmodulin dependent kinase II? promoter which has a nucleotide sequence of the promoter in ATCC Accession No. 98582 with the compound, and (b) comparing the expression level of the gene of interest in the neuronal cell in step (a) with the level in the neuronal cell in the absence of the compound, thereby determining whether the compound is effective in activating the calcium-calmodulin dependent kinase II? promoter.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel assays for the in vivo analysis of neurodegenerative diseases and the use of such assays to discover therapies capable of modulating such diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a transgenic non-human animal whose cells contain a DNA sequence comprising: (a) a nerve tissue specific promoter; and (b) a DNA sequence which encodes a receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE), wherein the promoter and the DNA sequence which encodes the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) are operatively linked to each other and integrated in the genome of the non-human animal, and wherein said non-human animal exhibits a reduced amount of cerebral tissue infarcted following a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion compared to an identical non-human animal lacking said DNA sequence.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of neurology. Specifically, the invention relates to the discovery and characterization of molecular components that play a role in neuronal demyelination or remyelination. In addition, the invention relates to the generation of an animal model that exhibits hypomyelination. The compositions and methods embodied in the present invention are particularly useful for drug screening and/or treatment of demyelination disorders.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-human gene-disrupted animal with a disrupted ADAM11 gene. According to the present invention, a non-human gene-disrupted animal, wherein either one of or both alleles of an ADAM11 gene are disrupted, is provided.

Abstract: Arteriovenous malformation, or Arteriovenous vascular malformation (AVM) is a congenic disorder characterized by an abnormal connection between veins and arteries, resulting in hemorrhaging and even death. A lack of good animal models has long been an obstacle for identifying effective drugs for neurological AVM treatment. Describe herein is a mouse model for AVM that includes a viable, postnatal animal with a conditional deletion of the activin receptor-like kinase 1 (Alk1;Acvrl1). The Alk1-cKO mouse model can be used to identify genes and gene products that are upregulated in subjects suffering from AVM. For example, it has been discovered Agpt2, IL1?, and TNF-?, are upregulated in Alk1-cKO compared to controls. Pharmaceutical compositions for treatment of AVM are disclosed. Preferred compositions inhibit or decrease expression of angiogenic and pro-inflammatory factors, such as VEFG, Cox-2, Agpt2, IL1?, TNF-?, and matrix metalloproteinases.

Abstract: The present invention relates the function of Dickkopf 3 (Dkk3 ) in testis using shRNA mediated knock down model. Specifically, the present invention provides knock down model comprising reduction in Dkk3 activity. The knock down model of Dkk3 consisting of non human vertebrates which have, incorporated in their genome, shRNA construct targeting mammalian Dkk3 gene exhibits low testis weight, low sperm count and has low litter size. The knock down model displays disrupted seminiferous tubules and are subfertile. The present invention model has a role in sex determination as its interruption leads to sex reversal of XY gonads, converting males to females. Sex reversal role of Dkk3 knock down model can find its utility in agricultural applications. The present invention describes Dkk3 as a dual function protein which is associated with sex determination as well as is essential for the process of spermatogenesis.

Abstract: It is intended to provide an animal model which shows a naturally occurring eye disease symptom, particularly ocular hypertension and/or retinal degeneration. The invention relates to a non-human animal for eye disease model in which the function of Vav2 gene and/or Vav3 gene have/has been impaired. Because the animal shows a naturally occurring eye disease symptom, such as ocular hypertension and/or retinal degeneration without administering a drug or placing it in a special growth environment, it can be used as a model useful for elucidation of onset mechanism of eye disease or evaluation for therapeutic agent for eye disease. When it is applied for such a purpose, because it is not affected by an exogenous factor, which is conventionally administered for artificially inducing eye disease, it reflects a natural pathology, therefore, the clinical and industrial usefulness thereof is high.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. More specifically, the present invention relates to novel combinatorial therapies of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. In particular, the invention concerns compounds which, alone or in combination(s), can effectively modulate synapse function and/or angiogenesis and/or cell stress response. The invention also relates to methods of producing a drug or a drug combination for treating Alzheimer's disease and to methods of treating Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in PRO226, PRO257, PRO268, PRO290, PRO36006, PRO363, PRO365, PRO382, PRO444, PRO705, PRO1071, PRO1125, PRO1134, PRO1155, PRO1281, PRO1343, PRO1379, PRO1380, PRO1387, PRO1419, PRO1433, PRO1474, PRO1550, PRO1571, PRO1572, PRO1759, PRO1904, PRO35193, PRO4341, PRO4348, PRO4369, PRO4381, PRO4407, PRO4425, PRO4985, PRO4989, PRO5737, PRO5800, PRO5993, PRO6017, PRO7174, PRO9744, PRO9821, PRO9852, PRO9873, PRO10196, PRO34778, PRO20233, PRO21956, PRO57290, PRO38465, PRO38683 or PRO85161 genes.

Abstract: This invention relates to knockout mice for the Ca2+ sensor membrane protein STIM-1, STIM-2, or both, as well as cell lines from these knockout mice. Provided herein are various methods of use of isolated with knockout STIM-1 and/or STIM-2.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mouse artificial chromosome vector, comprising: a natural centromere derived from a mouse chromosome; a mouse-chromosome-derived long-arm fragment formed by deleting a long-arm distal region at a mouse chromosome long-arm site proximal to the centromere; and a telomere sequence, wherein the vector is stably retained in a cell and/or tissue of a mammal. In addition, disclosed are cells or non-human animals comprising the vector, and use of the cells or non-human animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for testing the efficiency of delivering an inhibitory polynucleotide to a target cell or tissue. The invention also provides a method for testing efficiency of delivering and efficacy for an effect on tumor size of an inhibitory polynucleotide against a target gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treating and preventing pain. More particularly the present invention demonstrates the involvement of K2P potassium channels in the antalgic effect of morphine. The present invention therefore provides a screening method for identifying antalgics.

Abstract: A transgenic non-human animal, in particular a transgenic mouse encoding A? peptide proteins, which have been implicated in A? peptide-related diseases. Cells and cell lines comprising transgenes encoding for A? peptide. Methods and compositions for evaluating agents that affect A? peptide, for use in compositions for the treatment of A? peptide-related diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates in a first aspect to a cell model containing chondrocytes whereby said chondrocytes contain a first heterologous nucleic acid sequence operably linked with a mb1 promoter sequence. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a cell model, in particular, to a transgenic animal model whose genome comprises a first heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding a recombinase and/or restriction enzyme operably linked to a chondrocyte specific promoter, and a second heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding a target peptide of interest wherein the second nucleic acid sequence further comprises recombination sequences or restriction site for the enzyme encoded by the first heterologous nucleic acid sequence. In addition, methods for screening foreign agent or methods for testing the efficacy and/or efficiency of an agent are provided.

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: Disclosed is a nonhuman animal showing the symptoms of human nonalcoholic steatohepatitis which is obtained by transplanting human hepatocytes into an immunodeficient hepatopathic nonhuman animal to produce a chimeric nonhuman animal and then transplanting human hepatocytes that are propagated in the body of the chimeric nonhuman animal into an immunodeficient hepatopathic nonhuman animal of the same species as the immunodeficient hepatopathic nonhuman animal described above, as well as a nonhuman animal showing the symptoms of human fatty liver which is obtained by transplanting human hepatocytes into an immunodeficient hepatopathic nonhuman animal to produce a chimeric nonhuman animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for screening an agent being useful for the treatment of dry eye and/or corneal and conjunctival lesion of dry eye severity level 3 or more according to the report of the International Dry Eye WorkShop (DEWS Report) (2007) and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the agent. The present invention further provides a method for the treatment of dry eye and/or corneal and conjunctival lesion of dry eye severity level 3 or more according to DEWS Report (2007) using the agent.

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: A human artificial chromosome vector comprising a human antibody heavy chain gene, a human antibody light chain gene, and a human antibody surrogate light chain gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for inducible ablation of neural cells, in particular non-proliferating cells, such as oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. The methods and systems include an animal model that can be specifically induced to display phenotypic traits or characteristics of a demyelination condition. The methods and systems disclosed herein are useful for drug screening, by identifying compounds or agents that promote remyelination or reversal of phenotypic traits or characteristics of demyelination conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-human mammalian animal model for type 2 diabetes, which spontaneously develops a pathological condition similar to human type 2 diabetes of a non-obese type popular for the Japanese people. The non-human mammalian animal model for type 2 diabetes according to the present invention is deficient in a function of Cdkal1 gene on the chromosome of the ? cell of the pancreas.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composition for inhibiting the expression of GA733-2 or for detecting GA733-2, which comprises TREM-2 gene or protein, a transgenic animal containing same, and a method using the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for optical detection of the dynamics of Ca2+ in a biological system, said method comprising monitoring the photons emitted by a recombinant Ca2+-sensitive polypeptide, which comprises or consists of a chemiluminescent protein linked to a fluorescent protein, present in said biological system. In a particular embodiment, said recombinant polypeptide comprises or consists of the Aequorin and GFP linked by a linker allowing chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET), and optionally comprises a peptidic fragment capable of targeting said recombinant polypeptide into a specific cellular domain or compartment. The present invention also concerns a transgenic non-human animal expressing said recombinant polypeptide sensitive to calcium concentration, in conditions enabling the in vivo monitoring of Ca2+ dynamics.

Abstract: A conditional knock-out non-human animal is disclosed. Wherein some cells of the non-human animal but not all the cells comprise a disrupted MO-1 nucleic acid sequence, wherein the disruption results in an inability of the non-human animal to produce detectable levels of the MO-1 protein, as assayed by Southern blot analysis.

Abstract: Methods for treating an individual to improve cognitive function are provided. In the subject methods, an effective amount of a GABAB antagonist, or a blocker of Kir3.2 potassium channels, is administered to the individual, resulting in an improvement in cognitive function of the host. The subject methods find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: Developed here is a mitotic network comprising a signature of up to 54 genes, and including also sub-sets of genes within the signature, which can identify members by requiring higher correlation values for a signature gene. The present mitotic network provides for methods for prognosis and diagnosis of various cancers. The mitotic network is conserved across cancers exhibiting aberrant mitotic activity and several genes in the network act as therapeutic targets. Development of other inhibitors of mitosis can apply expression values of the genes in the mitotic network from patient tissue to select patients during clinical validation of the new drugs.

Abstract: Methods and assays are disclosed for treating subjects with 22q13 deletion syndrome or SHANK3 deletion or duplication, mutation or reduced expression, where the methods comprise administering to the subject insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), IGF-1-derived peptide or analog, growth hormone, an AMPAkine, a compound that directly or indirectly enhances glutamate neurotransmission, including by inhibiting inhibitory (most typically GABA) transmission, or an agent that activates the growth hormone receptor or the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor, or a downstream signaling pathway thereof

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in PRO194, PRO220, PRO241, PRO284, PRO331, PRO354, PRO355, PRO533, PRO541, PRO725, PRO937, PRO1014, PRO1120, PRO1182, PRO1325, PRO1382, PRO1410, PRO1555, PRO1556, PRO1760, PRO1787, PRO1868, PRO4326, PRO4332, PRO4346, PRO4400, PRO6003, PRO6094, PRO6244, PRO9820, PRO9828, PRO10274, PRO16090, PRO19644, PRO21340, PRO92165, PRO85143, PRO1124, PRO1026 or PRO23370 genes.

Abstract: This invention provides a biological selective breeding technique in preparation of a transparent zebrafish, Citrine. The appearance of Citrine is transparent and yellowish, with uniformly pigmented black eyes and its inner organs are observable by eyes. The invention also provides a method for in vivo observation of progression and expansion of various disease stages or physiological processes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fish whose genome has integrated therein an oncogenic nucleic acid operably linked to a promoter. Methods of making the fish and methods for their use are also provided. The fish may advantageously be utilized in methods of screening for drugs or agents that modulate oncogene-mediated neoplastic or hyperplastic transformation, or that modulate sensitivity to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Immortal tumor cells lines, methods of making immortal tumor cell lines and methods of their use are also 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: The present invention provides antibodies that preferentially bind to an ApoE(1-272) fragment relative to ApoE(1-299). These antibodies serve to reduce the toxicity of this fragment and find use in treatment and prophylaxis of a variety of neurological diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for identifying agents that modulates 138-kDa C2 domain-containing phosphoprotein (CDP138) activity or phosphorylation levels both in vivo and in vitro. Also provided are methods and compositions to prolong the survival of neuronal cells, to ameliorate or prevent a condition associated with release of insulin from insulin producing cells and insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism, to inhibiting proliferation of a cancer cell and to inducing cell cycle arrest of a cancer cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of regulating complement. In particular, the inventors have identified a relationship between a particular gene, CFHR5, and irregularities in complement regulation. The invention provides a method for diagnosing a complement related disease, comprising identifying a mutation in the CFHR5 gene in a sample obtained from a subject.

Abstract: A myeloid-specific c-fms-rtTA/(TetO)7-CMV-MMP12 bitransgenic mouse model was created. Induction of MMP12 abnormally elevated frequencies and numbers of common myeloid progenitor (CMP) and granulocyte/macrophage progenitor (GMP) populations, and decreased the frequency and number of the megakaryocyte/erythrocyte progenitor (MEP) population in bone marrow. CD11b+/Gr-1+ immature cell population increased in multiple organs. An immunosuppressive function on T cell proliferation and function by CD11b+/Gr-1+ immature cells was seen in vitro and in vivo from MMP12 over-expression. MMP12 stimulated (Lin?) progenitor cells to differentiate into CD11b+/Gr-1+ immature cells showing immunosuppression on T cell proliferation and function in vitro. Regulatory T cells were increased. In the lung, concentration of interleukin (IL)-6 was increased, which activated oncogenic signal transducer and increased expression of Stat3 downstream genes in epithelial tumor progenitor cells.

Abstract: A method for the detection and isolation of ligands, preferably nuclear receptor ligands, bound to their cognate receptors in live animals, is described. A novel composition comprising 1) a chimeric transcription factor containing a DNA-binding domain, preferably from a non-vertebrate transcription factor, fused to the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of a nuclear receptor, 2) a reporter system, driven by a promoter that contains binding sites for the chosen DNA-binding domain, 3) multiple affinity tags fused to the LBD fusion proteins to facilitate efficient purification, along with specifically associated molecules and 4) sequences required for simultaneous genomic integration of all three components above are described. To make use of the system, expression of the chimeric LBD protein is broadly induced.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for studying neuropathy. The compositions and methods provided herein are particularly useful for screening agents of therapeutic and/or diagnostic potential.