Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biotechnological means to diagnose or treat T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. More particularly, the invention relates to methods to diagnose T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia via determining the presence of a duplication of the MYB gene in cells taken from patients. The invention further relates to inhibitors capable of neutralizing the biological activity of MYB alone, or in combination with inhibitors capable of neutralizing the biological activity of NOTCH1, which can be used to treat T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sex-specific marker for shrimps and prawns. More specifically, it relates to a sex-specific PCR-based molecular marker, derived from Penaeus monodon, that can be used to determine the sex in shrimps and prawns and can be used for any and all requirement that require the determination of genetic sex in shrimp and prawn including but not limited to sex determination of very young animals, determination of genetic sex on any animals and setting up monosex cultures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and genetically engineered methylotrophic yeast strains for producing glycoproteins with mammalian-like glycosylation. The present invention also relates to vectors useful for generating methylotrophic yeast strains capable of producing glycoproteins with mammalian-like glycosylation. Glycoproteins produced from the genetically engineered methylotrophic yeast strains are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of pathological angiogenesis and arteriogenesis and, in particular, to a stress-induced phenotype in a transgenic mouse (PIGF?/?) that does not produce Placental Growth Factor (PIGF) and that demonstrates an impaired vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-dependent response. PIGF deficiency has a negative influence on diverse pathological processes of angiogenesis, arteriogenesis and vascular leakage comprising ischemic retinopathy, tumor formation, pulmonary hypertension, vascular leakage (edema formation) and inflammatory disorders. The invention thus relates to molecules that can inhibit the binding of PIGF to its receptor (VEGFR-1), such as monocloncal antibodies and tetrameric peptides, and to the use of these molecules to treat the above-mentioned pathological processes.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for increasing plant yield and/or increased stress resistance by decreasing the level of activity of a DEL1 polypeptide. One such method comprises introducing into a plant a nucleic acid comprising a variant DEL1 nucleic acid. Another method comprises downregulating expression of a DEL1 gene. The invention also relates to transgenic plants having introduced therein a variant DEL1 nucleic acid thereof, which plants have increased yield and/or increased stress resistance relative to control plants. The present invention also concerns a novel DEL1 protein and its encoding sequence, and constructs useful in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new type of leptin receptor antagonist, which is able to prevent leptin signaling without preventing the binding of leptin to the leptin binding domain. More specifically, the invention relates to the use of a part of the leptin receptor to prevent the leptin-dependent activation of the receptor, and by this the leptin-induced signaling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of pathological angiogenesis and arteriogenesis and, in particular, to a stress-induced phenotype in a transgenic mouse (PIGF?/?) that does not produce Placental Growth Factor (PIGF) and that demonstrates an impaired vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-dependent response PIGF deficiency has a negative influence on diverse pathological processes of angiogenesis, arteriogenesis and vascular leakage comprising ischemic retinopathy, tumor formation, pulmonary hypertension, vascular leakage (edema formation) and inflammatory disorders. The invention thus relates to molecules that can inhibit the binding of PIGF to its receptor (VEGFR-1), such as monoclonal antibodies and tetrameric peptides, and to the use of these molecules to treat the above-mentioned pathological processes.

Abstract: Naturally occurring and synthetic novel stress-related miRNAs are provided which can be used to modify the stress tolerance of plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing the flavonoid content of plants and plant cells wherein said method comprises increasing the activity of genes implicated in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. The invention further relates to recombinant plant and plant cells obtainable by the process of the invention and to flavonoids made there from.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and genetically engineered methylotrophic yeast strains for producing glycoproteins with mammalian-like glycosylation. The present invention also relates to vectors useful for generating methylotrophic yeast strains capable of producing glycoproteins with mammalian-like glycosylation. Glycoproteins produced from the genetically engineered methylotrophic yeast strains are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of pathological angiogenesis and arteriogenesis and, in particular, to a stress-induced phenotype in a transgenic mouse (PIGF?/?) that does not produce Placental Growth Factor (PIGF) and that demonstrates an impaired vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-dependent response. PIGF deficiency has a negative influence on diverse pathological processes of angiogenesis, arteriogenesis and vascular leakage comprising ischemic retinopathy, tumor formation, pulmonary hypertension, vascular leakage (edema formation) and inflammatory disorders. The invention thus relates to molecules that can inhibit the binding of PIGF to its receptor (VEGFR-1), such as monoclonal antibodies and tetrameric peptides, and to the use of these molecules to treat the above-mentioned pathological processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of muscle pathologies, more particularly to the field of diseases where skeletal muscle degeneration occurs. The invention describes transgenic mice that do not produce prolyl-hydroxylase-1, -2 or -3. It is revealed that the phenotype of the prolyl-hydroxylase 1 knock-out mouse is characterized by a protection of skeletal muscle atrophy due to a variety of muscle damages, especially ischemic insults. The invention thus relates to the use of molecules that can bind to prolyl-hydroxylase-1 for the prevention and/or treatment of skeletal muscle degeneration.

Abstract: The invention belongs to the field of functional proteomics and, more particularly, to the field of protein aggregation. Described are methods for interfering with the function of a target protein and uses a non-naturally, user-designed molecule, designated as interferor, that has a specificity for a target protein and that induces aggregation upon contact with the target protein. The invention also discloses such interferer molecules and their use in therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antagonist or inhibitor of leptin signaling via the leptin receptor. The leptin antagonist binds to the leptin receptor, but is unable to induce JAK-STAT signal transduction via the leptin receptor. By binding to the leptin receptor, the leptin antagonist impairs binding of leptin to the leptin receptor and blocks leptin signaling.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits to detect liver fibrosis or a change in the gradation of liver fibrosis in mammals. The diagnostic marker is based on the profiling and identification of diagnostic carbohydrates present in a body fluid such as blood serum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetic diagnosis and therapy of diseases of the nervous system (NS). More particularly, it relates to methods to induce neural precursor cells (NPCs) and to the identification of a domain that determines the functionality of polypeptides belonging to the atonal family and its use in therapy for the treatment of deafness, partial hearing loss and vestibular defects due to damage of loss of inner ear hair cells. Alternatively, the domain may be used in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits to detect liver fibrosis or a change in the gradation of liver fibrosis in mammals. The diagnostic marker is based on the profiling and identification of diagnostic carbohydrates present in a body fluid such as blood serum.

Abstract: Vascular endothelial growth factor, placenta growth factor or combinations of both including heteodimers are useful in the treatment or prevention of stroke or ischemic diseases in mammals.

Abstract: A ceiling support system for a suspended ceiling is provided that includes resilient clamps for attachment to the underside surface of a structural ceiling and inter-engaging ceiling runners that are shaped to be fitted into and be grasped by such clamps. The engagement edge of the runner is shaped to allow the runner to maintain multiple stable positions: a normal, ceiling panel supporting orientation, and a canted orientation for installation of ceiling panels. Runners may be joined end to end with an engagement piece. Cross-runners may be joined to runners with an engagement piece interfitted with a connector plate mounted transversely in the web of a runner.

Abstract: A chest belt for encircling the back and chest of a trainee at a level above the waist, an arm strap for accommodating the upper arm portion of the trainee's leading arm, a shoulder strap for overlying the shoulder of the leading arm, a thigh strap forming a loop for encircling that thigh of the trainee opposite the leading arm, and connecting straps coupling the thigh straps to the chest strap and extending diagonally across the front and back of the trainee. The construction is such that the trainee's shoulders and hips partake of coordinated movements during the execution of a golf swing.