Abstract: The present invention is a method for identifying agents which modulate microRNA activity. The invention involves contacting a cell harboring a microRNA and a microRNA binding sequence, which is operably linked to a nucleic acid molecule encoding a reporter protein, with a test agent increases or decreases the expression of the reporter protein thereby identifying a microRNA modulator. Antagonists identified by this screening assay are provided, as are methods for using the same to inhibit microRNA activity and prevent or treat disease.

Abstract: Methods for altering pancreatic and liver cell function are provided, wherein the compositions and methods are based on use of netrin-4 or on altering the activity of netrin-4.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel aralkyl carboxylic acid compound which has an agonistic activity on GPR-120 and/or GPR-40, particularly GPR-120, and is therefore useful as an appetite regulator, an anti-obesity agent, a therapeutic agent for diabetes, a pancreatic beta differentiating cell growth enhancer, a therapeutic agent for metabolic syndrome, a therapeutic agent for a gastrointestinal disease, a therapeutic agent for a neuropathy, a therapeutic agent for a mental disorder, a therapeutic agent for a pulmonary disease, a therapeutic agent for a pituitary hormone secretion disorder or a lipid flavoring/seasoning agent. The aralkyl carboxylic acid compound is represented by the general formula (I).

Abstract: The present invention features methods for decreasing fat mass, increasing energy expenditure, increasing resistance to obesity, and lowering blood glucose levels in a subject with an agent that inhibits the expression or activity of type III deiodinase. In this regard, agents of the invention are useful in treating diabetes and obesity.

Abstract: Uracil auxotroph mutants of apicomplexans are provided which lack a functional carbamoyl phosphate synthase II (CPSII) enzyme. Also provided are T. gondii autoxtroph mutants which express exogenous antigens, and methods of protecting an animal against a T. gondii and non-T. gondii disease.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method of inhibiting growth of tumor cells in vivo, comprising contacting the cells with an anti-Ovr115 antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof. This invention also encompasses a method of alleviating an Ovr115-expressing cancer in a mammal, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-Ovr115 antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, to the mammal.

Abstract: The present invention provides attenuated Toxoplasma gondii knockout mutants of the de novo pyrimidine synthesis pathway and use of the same in vaccines and methods of providing an immune response and protecting a subject against infection by T. gondii and a non-T. gondii disease.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of using compositions that induce UBE1L or a ubiquitin-like protein ISG15, or inhibit a deconjugase UBP43 to degrade oncogenic proteins and enhance apoptosis of cancer (neoplastic) or pre-cancerous (pre-neoplastic) cells are provided. Methods for the prevention or treatment of cancer via administration of these compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for regulating CD154 gene expression are provided that rely on the interaction of hnRNP L with the CA-dinucleotide rich sequence of the 3?-untranslated region of CD154.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for determining the thermal stability of a collagen peptide, collagen-like peptide or triple-helix construct with the repeating peptide unit Gly-Xaa1-Xaa2. The instant method accounts for the destabilizing effect of peptide repeats which do not conform to the highly stable Gly-Pro-Hyp peptide and for the interaction between triplets. The instant method finds use in mutant analysis of collagen peptides, collagen-like peptides or triple-helix constructs and engineering of collagen peptides, collagen-like peptides or triple-helix constructs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the constitutive activity of the Hedgehog pathway in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). A method for diagnosing NSCLC by detecting the level of a component of the Hedgehog pathway is provided, as is a method for identifying subjects that will respond positively to treatment with a Hedgehog pathway antagonist. Methods for treating subjects with cancer or cancers resistant to Hedgehog pathway antagonists are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising prebiotic and probiotic components and is used to reduce elevated levels of nitrogenous waste products and to promote a healthy bowel microenvironment.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for inhibiting gastrointestinal absorption of phosphate in a subject are provided. Such compositions are composed of enteric-coated, sustained-release calcium carbonate, which find application in the prevention or treatment of hyperphosphatemia.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel variant of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (S16AhTERT), which displays properties distinct from those of wildtype telomerase reverse transcriptase. Accordingly, the amino acid sequence of S16AhTERT and nucleic acid sequences encoding same are presented herein, as are methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Methods, systems and kits are provided for detecting and quantifying multiple immunogens in a sample via consecutive addition of quantifiable extenders to immunogen bound complexes of immunogen binding agent attached to a DNA containing an RNA polymerase promoter.

Abstract: A lithium insertion-type positive electrode material based on an orthosilicate structure and electrical generators and variable optical transmission devices of this material are provided.

Abstract: The present invention embraces methods for identifying compounds that modulate the activity of telomerase. Compounds of the invention are identified by designing or screening for a compound which binds to at least one amino acid residue of the TRBD, “thumb,” “finger,” and/or “palm” domain; or FP-pocket, PT-pocket or Th-pocket of telomerase and testing the compound for its ability to modulate the activity of telomerase.

Abstract: Antibody antagonists of human interleukin-13 receptor alpha 1 are disclosed. The antibody molecules are useful in the inhibition of IL-13R?1-mediated activities and, accordingly, present desirable antagonists for the use in the treatment of conditions associated with hIL-13R? activity. The present invention also discloses nucleic acid encoding said antibody molecules, vectors, host cells, and compositions comprising the antibody molecules. Methods of using the antibody molecules for inhibiting or antagonizing IL-13R?1-mediated activities are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated anti-ovarian, pancreatic, lung or breast cancer antigen (Ovr115) antibodies that bind to Ovr115 on a mammalian cell in vivo. The invention also encompasses compositions comprising an anti-Ovr115 antibody and a carrier. These compositions can be provided in an article of manufacture or a kit. Another aspect of the invention is an isolated nucleic acid encoding an anti-Ovr115 antibody, as well as an expression vector comprising the isolated nucleic acid. Also provided are cells that produce the anti-Ovr115 antibodies. The invention encompasses a method of producing the anti-Ovr115 antibodies. Other aspects of the invention are a method of killing an Ovr115-expressing cancer cell, comprising contacting the cancer cell with an anti-Ovr115 antibody and a method of alleviating or treating an Ovr115-expressing cancer in a mammal, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the anti-Ovr115 antibody to the mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated nicotinamide riboside kinase (Nrk) nucleic acid sequences, vectors and cultured cells containing the same, and Nrk polypeptides encoded thereby. Methods for identifying individuals or tumors susceptible to nicotinamide riboside-related prodrug treatment and methods for treating cancer by administering an Nrk nucleic acid sequence or polypeptide in combination with a nicotinamide riboside-related prodrug are also provided. The present invention further provides screening methods for isolating a nicotinamide riboside-related prodrug and identifying a natural source of nicotinamide riboside.