Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating levels of amyloid-? peptide (A?) exhibited by cells or tissues. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods of screening for compounds that modulate A? levels. The invention also provides modulation of A? levels via selective modulation (e.g., inhibition) of ATP-dependent ?-secretase activity. The invention also provides methods of preventing, treating or ameliorating the symptoms of a disorder, including but not limited to an A?-related disorder, by administering a modulator of ?-secretase, including, but not limited to, a selective inhibitor of ATP-dependent ?-secretase activity or an agent that decreases the formation of active (or optimally active) ?-secretase. The invention also provides the use of inhibitors of ATP-dependent ?-secretase activity to prevent, treat or ameliorate the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a crystallized N-terminal domain of an NS5A protein of hepatitis C virus, methods of producing the same and methods of use thereof. The present invention also relates to structural elements of the N-terminal domain of hepatitis C virus NS5A protein, and methods of inhibiting hepatitis C virus infection, replication and/or pathogenesis, by interacting with the same.

Abstract: A composition of matter suitable for use in identifying chemical compounds that bind to voltage-dependent ion channel proteins, the composition comprising a screening protein that comprises an ion channel voltage sensor domain of the ion channel protein immobilized on a solid support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides and methods of inhibiting fusion between the virion envelope of Flaviviruses and membranes of the target cell, the process that delivers the viral genome into the cell cytoplasm. The invention provides for methods which employ peptides or peptide derivatives to inhibit Flavivirus:cell fusion. The present invention is based in part on the discovery that E1 envelope glycoprotein of hepaciviruses and E2 envelope glycoprotein of pestivirus have previously undescribed structures, truncated class II fusion proteins. The present invention provides peptides and methods of treatment and prophylaxis of diseases induced by Flaviviruses.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleic acids encoding glycosyltransferases, the proteins encoded thereby, and to methods for synthesizing oligosaccharides using the glycosyltransferases of the invention. In particular, the present application is directed to identification a glycosyltransferase locus of Neisseria gonorrhoeae containing five open reading frames for five different glycosyltransferases. The functionally active glycosyltransferases of the invention are characterized by catalyzing reactions such as adding Gal ?1?4 to GlcNAc or Glc; adding GalNAc or GlcNAc ?1?3 to Gal; and adding Gal ?l?4 to Gal. The glycosyltransferases of the invention are particularly suited to the synthesis of the oligosaccharides Gal?1?4GlcNAc?1?3Gal?1?4Glc (a mimic of lacto-N-neotetraose), GalNAc?1?3Gal?1?4GlcNAc?1?3Gal?1?4Glc?1?4 (a mimic ganglioside), and Gal?1?4Gal?1?4Glc?1?4Hep?R (a mimic of the saccharide portion of globo-glycolipids).

Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits for characterizing the activity of an acetyl transferase or deacetylase. The method involves enzymatically acetylating or deacetylating in vitro a substrate that is a peptide fragment of a full-length polypeptide, and then non-enzymatically acylating the peptide substrate with acyl groups that differ in molecular weight from the enzymatically added or removed acetyl groups. Typically, deuterated acetic anhydride is used to non-enzymatically acylate the substrate. The fully acylated substrate is then characterized by mass spectrometry to determine the amino acid positions of the substrate that are enzymatically acetylated or deacetylated.

Abstract: The full-length nucleic acid sequence of the C1 bacteriophage is disclosed in the present application. The specific regions of the C1 genome encoding the PlyC lysin have also been identified and sequenced. The invention relates to the pharmaceutical and diagnostic utility of these sequences and provides for development of pharmaceutical compositions for treating or preventing streptococcal infections in mammals, for compositions for decontamination of inanimate surfaces and for diagnosis of streptococcal infections.

Abstract: This invention relates to the in vivo expansion of NKT cells by their exposure to mature dendritic cells expressing ?-galactosyl ceramide and to methods of use thereof in modulating immune responses, such as anti-cancer responses, and enhancing memory responses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell permeable peptide to specifically inhibit tyrosine phosphorylation and/or subsequent activation of STAT-6. This peptide is composed of a protein transduction moiety operably linked to a portion of STAT-6 which contains tyrosine residue 641 (Tyr-641) of STAT-6, wherein Tyr-641 is phosphorylated. The chimeric STAT-6 peptide enters cells and binds to the SH2 domain of wild-type STAT-6, and subsequently inhibits dimerization and nuclear translocation of the wild-type STAT-6 protein. Administration of this chimeric peptide inhibits allergen-induced airway inflammation, cytokine production and airway hyperresponsiveness and is useful in methods for preventing or treating diseases or conditions associated with STAT-6 activation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for isolating infrequently-dividing, slow-cycling cells, a feature which is typical of stem cells in their niche. The methods of the present invention are advantageously used as classical stem cells can be isolated. Further provided are methods for generating clonal populations and inhibiting the differentiation of these cells. In addition markers for distinguishing these cells from progenitor cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for promoting somatic embryogenesis from a tissue or organ of a plant, by overexpressing a Wuschel gene in said tissue or organ. In one embodiment, such overexpression can be used as a silent selectable marker for transgenic plants. In another embodiment, such expression can be used to confer apomixis to a plant. In another embodiment, such overexpression can be used to create haploid plants, which can be used to produce dihaploid plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to identification of a receptor for a satiety factor, which is involved in body weight homeostasis. Mutations in this receptor are associated with obese phenotypes. In particular, the present invention relates to identification and characterization of the receptor for leptin, including a naturally occurring soluble form of the receptor that is expected to modulate leptin activity, in particular to agonize leptin activity. The invention further relates to the nucleic acids encoding the receptor, and to methods for using the receptor, e.g., to identify leptin analogs, therapeutically, such as in gene therapy or in soluble form as an agonist or antagonist of leptin activity, or diagnostically.

Abstract: A DNA Polymerase has been identified in a thermophile that functions as a chromosomal replicase. The specific enzyme is a holoenzyme III that has been identified in Thermus thermophilus, and corresponds to Polymerase III in E. coli. The genes and the polypeptides corresponding to T.th. ?, ?, ?, ? and ? subunits that they encode are disclosed, as are probes, vectors, methods of preparation and the methods of use. The enzymes of the present invention and their components are particularly well suited for use in procedures for the preparation of DNA, such as PCR, because of the speed and accuracy that they are able to achieve.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to chemically modified oligonuceotides useful for modulating expression of microRNAs and pre-microRNAs. More particularly, the invention relates to single stranded chemically modified oligonuceotides for inhibiting microRNA and pre-microRNA expression and to methods of making and using the modified oligonucleotides. Also included in the invention are compositions and methods for silencing microRNAs in the central nervous system.

Abstract: The invention provides a polypeptide containing at least one IgG Fc region, wherein said at least one IgG Fc region is glycosylated with at least one galactose moiety connected to a respective terminal sialic acid moiety by a ? 2, 6 linkage, and wherein said polypeptide having a higher anti-inflammatory activity as compared to an unpurified antibody.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds and compositions useful for inhibiting and/or reducing platelet deposition, adhesion and/or aggregation. The present invention also relates to methods for screening compounds and compositions useful for inhibiting or reducing platelet deposition, adhesion and/or aggregation. The present invention further relates to methods for the treatment or prophylaxis of thrombotic disorders, including stroke, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, peripheral vascular disease, abrupt closure following angioplasty or stent placement and thrombosis as a result of vascular surgery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the characterization of odorant receptors. In particular, the present invention relates to the OR7D4 proteins and nucleic acids encoding OR7D4 proteins and cell systems for screening for modulators of OR7D4 receptors. The present invention further provides assays for the detection of OR7D4 polymorphisms and mutations associated with altered olfactory sensation states, as well as methods of screening for therapeutic agents, ligands, and modulators of OR7D4 receptors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for promoting somatic embryogenesis from a tissue or organ of a plant, by overexpressing a Wuschel gene in said tissue or organ. In one embodiment, such overexpression can be used as a silent selectable marker for transgenic plants. In another embodiment, such expression can be used to confer apomixis to a plant. In another embodiment, such overexpression can be used to create haploid plants, which can be used to produce dihaploid plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides infectious recombinant Hepatitis C Viruses (HCV), and vectors, cells and animals comprising the same. The present invention provides methods of producing infectious recombinant HCV, and their use in identifying anti-HCV therapeutic agents, as well as sequences of HCV associated with HCV pathogenesis.

Abstract: We describe an improved method for generating sizable numbers of mature dendritic cells from nonproliferating progenitors in human blood. The first step or “priming” phase is a culture of T cell depleted mononuclear cells in medium supplemented with GM-CSF and IL-4 to produce immature dendritic cells. The second step or “differentiation” phase requires the exposure to dendritic cell maturation factor such as monocyte conditioned medium. Using this two-step approach, substantial yields are obtained. The dendritic cells derive from this method have all the features of mature cells. They include a stellate cell shape, nonadherence to plastic, and very strong T cell stimulatory activity. The mature dendritic cells produced according to this invention are useful for activating T cells.