Abstract: Recombinant host cells are obtained that comprise (A) a heterologous, polypeptide-encoding polynucleotide segment, stably integrated into a chromosome, which is under transcriptional control of an endogenous promoter and (B) a mutation that effects increased expression of the heterologous segment, resulting in enhanced production by the host cells of each polypeptide encoded by that segment, relative to production of each polypeptide by the host cells in the absence of the mutation. The increased expression thus achieved is retained in the absence of conditions that select for cells displaying such increased expression. When the integrated segment comprises, for example, ethanol-production genes from an efficient ethanol producer like Zymomonas mobilis, recombinant Escherichia coli and other enteric bacterial cells within the present invention are capable of converting a wide range of biomass-derived sugars efficiently to ethanol.

Abstract: A 7,916 base pair nucleic acid fragment from Bacillus megaterium is disclosed. The fragment encodes five proteins, PhaP, PhaQ, PhaR, PhaB, 09 and PhaC, shown or inferred to be involved in the biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoate materials.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for identifying agents that alter mitochondrial membrane permeability transition. The screening methods generally detect agents that alter the interaction between the mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocator and cyclophilin D. Such agents may be used, for example, in the treatment of a variety of conditions associated with altered mitochondrial function.

Abstract: Methods and kits for detecting polymorphisms that are predictive of a subject's susceptibility to developing an obstructive airway disease, such as asthma, as well as for determining the relative severity of the disease are described. Assays for identify therapeutics are also described.

Abstract: Methods and kits for determining whether a subject has or is predisposed to developing a disease which is associated with IL-1 polymorphisms and assays for identifying therapeutics for treating and/or preventing the development of these diseases are provided.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and the activity of osteoclasts are disclosed. Methods of treating patients who have diseases characterized bone loss are disclosed. The present invention also provides peptides and peptide analogues designed from a binding loop of a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R) superfamily. According to the methods, an amount of an inhibitor effective to inhibit osteoclastogenesis is administered to the patient. Methods of modulating dendritic cell maturation, T cell proliferation, and/or CD40 receptor systems in an individual are disclosed. The methods comprise the step of administering to the individual an amount of an inhibitor effective to modulating dendritic cell maturation, T cell proliferation, and/or CD40 receptor systems.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes the use of genetic variance information for genes involved in inflammatory or immunologic disease, disorder, or dysfunction. The variance information is indicative of the expected response of a patient to a method of treatment. Methods of determining relevant variance information and additional methods of using such variance information are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel approach to utilizing the results of genomic sequence information by computer-directed polynucleotide assembly based upon information available in databases such as the human genome database. Specifically, the present invention can be used to select, synthesize and assemble a novel, synthetic target polynucleotide sequence encoding a target polypeptide. The target polynucleotide can encode a target polypeptide that exhibits enhanced or altered biological activity as compared to a model polypeptide encoded by a natural (wild-type) or model polynucleotide sequence.

Abstract: A new human polypeptide, a cDNA encoding the same and a pharmaceutical use of it. The polypeptides of the present invention possess hematopoiesis regulating activity, tissue generation/regeneration activity, activin/inhibin activity, chemotactic/chemokinetic activity, hemostatic and thrombolytic activity, and receptor/ligand activity, therefore, they are expected to be useful for prevention and/or treatment of various diseases.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inhibiting and/or inactivating nucleases by employing nuclease inhibitors are provided. The nuclease inhibitors comprise anti-nuclease antibodies and non-antibody nuclease inhibitors. The anti-nuclease antibodies of the present invention may be a polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies, and may be anti-ribonuclease antibodies, anti-deoxyribonuclease antibodies, or antibodies to non-specific nucleases. A preferred embodiment comprises at least two nuclease inhibitors, and is referred to as a nuclease inhibitor cocktail. In some specific embodiments, the invention concerns methods of performing in vitro translation comprising obtaining a first nuclease inhibitor, which inhibitor is further defined as an anti-nuclease antibody, and placing the anti-nuclease antibody in an in vitro translation reaction. In many cases, the in vitro translation reaction comprises at least one nuclease, which may be a ribonuclease, a deoxyribonuclease, or a nonspecific nuclease.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes the use of genetic variance information for folate transport or metabolism genes or pyrimidine transport or metabolism genes in the selection of effective methods of treatment of a disease or condition. The variance information is indicative of the expected response of a patient to a method of treatment. Methods of determining relevant variance information and additional methods of using such variance information are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the determination of the structure of biomolecular targets, as well as the site and nature of the interaction between ligands and biomolecular targets. The present invention also provides methods for the determination of the relative affinity of a ligand for the biomolecular target it interacts with. Also provided are methods for screening ligand or combinatorial libraries of compounds against one or more than one biological target molecules. The methods of the invention also allow determination of the relative binding affinity of combinatorial and other compounds for a biomolecular target. The present invention further provides methods for the use of mass modifying tags for screening multiple biomolecular targets. In a preferred embodiment, ligands which have great specificity and affinity for molecular interaction sites on biomolecules, especially RNA can be identified.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery and cloning of the human small conductance calcium activated potassium channel type 3 (hKCa3/KCNN3) gene, which is expressed in neuronal cells, skeletal muscle, heart, and lymphocytes. Alterations in the hKCa3/KCNN3 gene or its protein product may enhance susceptibility to schizophrenia and/or bipolar disorder. hKCa3/KCNN3 may be involved in neuropsychiatric, neurological, neuromuscular, and immunological disorders. Substantially purified hKCa3/KCNN3 polypeptides and polynucleotides are provided. Antibodies which bind to hKCa3/KCNN3 polypeptides are also disclosed. A method for identifying a compound which affects hKCa3/KCNN3 polynucleotide or polypeptide is provided. A method for diagnosis and determining the prognosis and treatment regimen of a subject having or at risk of having a hKCa3/KCNN3-associated disorder is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes sequence variants in the phenylalanine hydroxylase gene, and biochemical measures of amino acid and pterin homeostasis, which are associated with Psychotic, Mood and Personality Disorders. Methods for the definition of etiological/pathophysiological subtypes of the disorders and for the detection of disorder susceptibility are provided. Treatment and prophylactic strategies targeted at the elaborated psychopathology are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for determining an affinity of a first nucleobase-containing sequence for a second nucleobase-containing sequence includes providing a test medium containing the first nucleobase-containing sequence and the second nucleobase-containing sequence, applying a voltage across the test medium, measuring a test electric current through the test medium; and determining the affinity by evaluating whether the test electric current is equivalent to a reference electric current of a reference medium containing a longer of the first nucleobase-containing sequence and the second nucleobase-containing sequence. A complex in an electrically-stimulated phase contains at least two nucleobase-containing sequences in a medium, wherein the electrical conductivity of the medium increases linearly without a plateau as the temperature of the medium approaches and exceeds a Tm of the complex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for simultaneous quantification of the amounts of one or more radioactive nuclides within arbitrary regions on a surface where these nuclides have been deposited, adsorbed or fixed. These radioactive nuclides serve as markers on compounds that typically have been incorporated into tissue sections or into larger biological molecules that by various mechanisms have been bound to chemical substances on this surface. The method is especially well suited for DNA microarray deductions through the use of nucleotides labelled with different beta-emitting radionuclides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for sequencing nucleic acid molecules. More specifically, methods are provided for sequencing nucleic acid molecules present in bacterial lysates without the need to purify nucleic acid templates from highly soluble cellular components.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for detecting a target nucleic acid molecule. A set of oligonucleotide probes integrated into an electric circuit, where the oligonucleotide probes are positioned such that they can not come into contact with one another, are contacted with a sample. If the sample contains a target nucleic acid molecule, one which has sequences complimentary to both probes, the target nucleic acid molecule can bridge the gap between the probes. The resulting bridge can then carry electrical current between the two probes, indicating the presence of the target nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods and assays for the early determination of whether a test agent is a carcinogen. These novel methods and assays are used to correlate the pattern of differential gene expression from mammalian cells treated with the test agent with reference patterns of differential gene expression of mammalian cells treated with known carcinogens. Further, the present invention is drawn to methods of use of DNA and RNA isolated from the treated mammalian cells as well as kits comprising same. The present invention also is drawn to methods of determining whether a test agent is a carcinogen by measuring protein synthesis or post-translational modifications from mammalian cells treated with the test agent compared with mammalian cells treated with a known carcinogen.

Abstract: A method for identifying a product involves the steps of: (1) associating with the product a marker ligand; and (2) detecting the marker ligand in the product at a later point in time as a means of identifying the product by contacting the product with a detector composition. The detector composition comprises one or more first nucleotide sequences encoding one or more natural or synthetic ligand-dependent transcription factors, wherein said factors comprise at least one ligand binding domain, at least one DNA binding domain and at least one transactivation domain; and a second nucleotide sequence encoding a reporter gene under the regulatory control of a receptor response element or a modified or synthetic response element, and a second promoter.