Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of GPCR structure biology and signaling. In particular, the present invention relates to protein binding domains directed against or capable of specifically binding to a functional conformational state of a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). More specifically, the present invention provides protein binding domains that are capable of increasing the stability of a functional conformational state of a GPCR, in particular, increasing the stability of a GPCR in its active conformational state. The protein binding domains of the present invention can be used as a tool for the structural and functional characterization of G-protein-coupled receptors bound to various natural and synthetic ligands, as well as for screening and drug discovery efforts targeting GPCRs. Moreover, the invention also encompasses the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic usefulness of these protein binding domains for GPCR-related diseases.

Abstract: The invention in general relates to human hepatic 3D co-culture models, more in particular 3D spheroid co-cultures of human hepatocyte-like cells and hepatic stellate cells. Furthermore, the invention provides a method for obtaining such co-cultures, as well as the use of said co-cultures in the identification of pro-fibrotic and/or anti-fibrotic compounds.

Abstract: A prosthesis or orthosis having a movement controlling mechanism (MCM) including a first MCM part, a second MCM part and one or more intermediate elements and biasing mechanism which, in a contacting mode of operation of the MCM, bias the intermediate elements against a MCM part.

Abstract: The application relates to the field of structural biology. More specifically, the disclosure relates to methods for the identification and characterization of biomolecular tools allowing the selective recognition and/or stabilization of distinct conformational states of protein complexes, including transient protein-protein interactions and protein-nucleic acid complexes. Such tools can then be used for purification purposes, crystallization and structure determination of these stabilized protein complexes, for drug discovery, as research tools, as well as for diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of GPCR structure biology and signaling. In particular, the present invention relates to protein binding domains directed against or capable of specifically binding to a functional conformational state of a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). More specifically, the present invention provides protein binding domains that are capable of increasing the stability of a functional conformational state of a GPCR, in particular, increasing the stability of a GPCR in its active conformational state. The protein binding domains of the present invention can be used as a tool for the structural and functional characterization of G-protein-coupled receptors bound to various natural and synthetic ligands, as well as for screening and drug discovery efforts targeting GPCRs. Moreover, the invention also encompasses the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic usefulness of these protein binding domains for GPCR-related diseases.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the field of cardiovascular diseases. In particular, immunoglobulin single variable domains directed against macrophage mannose receptor (MMR) are provided that can be used in the diagnosis, prognosis and/or monitoring of cardiovascular diseases or as therapeutics. Also, the anti-macrophage mannose receptor (MMR) immunoglobulin single variable domains of the disclosure are useful at different stages of cardiovascular diseases, including post-infarction cardiovascular events. Further, the anti-macrophage mannose receptor (MMR) immunoglobulin single variable domains of the disclosure are particularly useful for the in vivo targeting and/or imaging of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and genetically engineered cells useful for uncapping a mannose-6-phosphate residue on an oligosaccharide.

Abstract: Described are polypeptides and their use for screening and drug discovery. More specifically, the disclosure provides chimeric polypeptides comprising a membrane protein, in particular a GPCR, fused to a binding domain, wherein the binding domain is directed against and/or specifically binds to the membrane protein. In particular, the chimeric polypeptides are single proteins wherein, in an intramolecular reaction, the binding domain stabilizes the membrane protein in a conformation of interest. Also provided are nucleic acid sequences encoding such chimeric polypeptides, cells capable of expressing such chimeric polypeptides as well as cellular compositions derived thereof. Also screening methods for compounds using the chimeric polypeptides.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to immunoglobulin single variable domains directed against human macrophage mannose receptor (MMR) and their uses in the field of oncology. More specifically, it concerns immunoglobulin single variable domains, including single-domain antibodies (sdAbs), against human MMR and their use in targeting and in vivo imaging of tumor-associated macrophages, with applications in the field of cancer diagnostics and therapeutics and monitoring of the disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody that confers protection against influenza virus infection. More specifically, it relates to an anti-neuraminidase antibody, protecting against highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza strains. The invention relates further to the use of the antibody for prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of influenzavirusinfections, and to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody.

Abstract: Described is an epitope tag useful in affinity-based applications. The invention further includes fusion proteins, methods for preparing fusion proteins, nucleic acid molecules encoding these fusion proteins and recombinant host cells that contain these nucleic acid molecules. The invention also relates to nanobodies and other affinity ligands specifically recognizing the epitope tag, and uses thereof in affinity-based applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of GPCR structure biology and signaling. In particular, the present invention relates to protein binding domains directed against or capable of specifically binding to a functional conformational state of a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). More specifically, the present invention provides protein binding domains that are capable of increasing the stability of a functional conformational state of a GPCR, in particular, increasing the stability of a GPCR in its active conformational state. The protein binding domains of the present invention can be used as a tool for the structural and functional characterization of G-protein-coupled receptors bound to various natural and synthetic ligands, as well as for screening and drug discovery efforts targeting GPCRs. Moreover, the invention also encompasses the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic usefulness of these protein binding domains for GPCR-related diseases.

Abstract: A microstructured optical fibre comprises a doped core region embedded in a cladding layer, and a plurality of longitudinal tubes, wherein a radial cross-section of the optical fibre comprises a central hexagonal portion comprising a plurality of holes arranged according to a hexagonal grid surrounding a core section. Each hole corresponds to a respective tube, within a hexagonal boundary of the grid, and the plurality of holes comprises holes of first and second types arranged in a biaxial mirror-symmetric configuration. The holes of the first type are arranged in two side holey structures comprising distinct sub-grids of the hexagonal grid, defined by respective outer boundaries corresponding to portions of the hexagonal boundary of the grid and respective inner boundaries. Outer tangential lines to the respective inner boundaries cross each other at the opposed side of the core with respect to the side of the respective side holey structure.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and genetically engineered cells useful for uncapping a mannose-6-phosphate residue on an oligosaccharide.

Abstract: A sensor for dielectric spectroscopy of a sample is disclosed. The sensor comprises a waveguide inductively loaded with a composite dielectric section which comprises a sample holder and a discontinuity separating the sample holder from the waveguide. The electromagnetic impedance of the composite dielectric section varies gradually, at least along the propagation direction of the waveguide, and at least from the onset of the discontinuity towards the sample holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved RNA transcription vector, which is very suitable for the production of mRNA for in vivo therapeutic purposes. The improvements in the vector reside in the presence of a translation enhancer (TE) and a nuclear retention element (NRS), especially when the latter is the “Expression and Nuclear Retention Element” (ENE) of Kaposi's sarcoma associated Herpes virus (KSHV).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the field of GPCR structure biology and signaling. In particular, it relates to protein binding domains directed against or capable of specifically binding to a functional conformational state of a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). More specifically, it provides protein binding domains that are capable of increasing the stability of a functional conformational state of a GPCR, in particular, increasing the stability of a GPCR in its active conformational state. The protein binding domains hereof can be used as a tool for the structural and functional characterization of G-protein-coupled receptors bound to various natural and synthetic ligands, as well as for screening and drug discovery efforts targeting GPCRs. Moreover, also encompassed are the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic usefulness of these protein binding domains for GPCR-related diseases.

Abstract: The present invention in general relates to a method for identifying compounds that influence beta cell number and/or phenotype, more in particular beta cell differentiation, proliferation and/or expansion. Said method comprising culturing beta cells or precursors thereof in 5 medium comprising glucose, and determining the ability of said compound to induce the glucocorticoid receptor dependent-transactivation pathway in said beta cells. It further relates to compounds identified in such methods, and uses of said compounds as positive controls in methods for identifying compounds that influence beta cell number and/or phenotype; or uses thereof in the treatment of pathologies characterized by changes in beta-cell number and/or 10 phenotype such as for example diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a front-end system for a radio device comprising: a charge generator circuit arranged for receiving a digital baseband signal, a first converter circuit arranged for calculating at least one charge value based on the digital baseband signal, a second converter circuit arranged for converting the at least one charge value into at least one electrical charge, and a modulator circuit arranged for generating a radio frequency signal based on the at least one electrical charge and at least one local oscillator signal.

Abstract: Described are single domain antibodies with a specificity for BACE1. More specifically, described are single variable-domain antibodies derived from camelids that bind to BACE1 and are capable of inhibiting the activity of BACE1. The antibodies can be used for research and medical applications. Specific applications include the use of BACE1-specific antibodies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.