Abstract: An improved baculovirus vector capable of expressing genes in mammalian or insect host cells, and the uses thereof are disclosed. The improved baculovirus vector includes in sequence: a promoter; a first nucleic acid operably linked to the promoter for expressing a first protein in the mammalian or insect host cells; a chimera internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) comprising a portion of an enterovirus (EV) IRES sequence at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1 and a portion of a Rhopalosiphum padi virus (RhPV) IRES sequence at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2; and a second nucleic acid operable linked to the portion of the RhPV IRES sequence for expressing a second protein in the mammalian or insect host cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of synaptic network remodeling by means of extranuclear RNA splicing. The present invention also provides methods of extranuclear RNA splicing, and methods of protein translation based on extranuclear RNA splicing.

Abstract: A method is described for the characterization of a tested substance, particularly useful in the study of its toxicity, and in particular immunotoxicity. Also described are cell lines and nucleic acids useful in its procurement, which may be used to embody said method, particularly in obtaining cell-chip collections destined for immunotoxicity assays.

Abstract: The emerging concept of cancer stem cells suggests that activation in transformed cells of “stemness” genetic pathways (e.g., normal stem cells' self-renewal pathways) may contribute to the survival life cycle of cancer stem cells, and to tumor progression and metastasis of the malignancy. Thus, activation of “stemness” genes in cancer cells may be associated with aggressive clinical behavior and increased likelihood of therapy failure. General methods and kits associated with prediction of clinical outcome for a disease state of a subject based on gene expression analysis are described. The invention includes determining expression of at least three genes selected from the group consisting of GBX2, MKI67, CCNB1, BUB1, KNTC2, USP22, HCFC1, RNF2, ANK3, FGFR2, and CES1, and mouse homologs thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unique mammalian cell line expressing inducible c-Src, and, particularly, a unique human cell line overexpressing c-Src in an inducible manner.

Abstract: This disclosure provides the identification of an eight base pair deletion in the 3?-untranslated region (UTR) of the striatin gene that is linked to arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) in Boxer dogs. Also provided are methods for detecting ARVC, methods of breeding Boxer dogs to reduce the prevalence or frequency of ARVC in a population, and methods of screening for a compound useful for treatment of ARVC.

Abstract: Provided are methods, compositions, and kits for molecular cloning of DNA using DNA topoisomerase. The methods comprise (I) combining into a mixture (A) a first polynucleotide, comprising an origin of replication, a selectable marker, two topoisomerase recognition sequences, and two nicking agent recognition sequences, each of the topoisomerase recognition sequences being within 50 nucleotides of at least one of the nicking agent recognition sequences and each of two nicking agent recognition sequences being nicked, with (B) a sequence-specific topoisomerase and (C) a second polynucleotide, having a 5? hydroxyl on each end; and (II) transforming the mixture into a host organism, thereby cloning the second polynucleotide. Formation or purification of a DNA-protein adduct prior to the addition of the second polynucleotide is not required. Also provided are vector sequences to facilitate performance of the methods and methods for modifying a vector of interest to render it useful in the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Sequences of a serotype 8 adeno-associated virus and vectors and host cells containing these sequences are provided. Also described are methods of using such host cells and vectors in production of rAAV particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of improving or treating inflammatory bowel disease through suppression of the expression of inflammatory cytokines based on the action mechanism of suppression of NF-?B activation by administering feruloyl serotonin to a subject in need of treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. The feruloyl serotonin of the present invention can be administered as a pharmaceutical agent or a food.

Abstract: Methods of introducing genetic material into cells of an individual and compositions and kits for practicing the same are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of contacting cells of an individual with a polynucleotide function enhancer and administering to the cells, a nucleic acid molecule that is free of retroviral particles. The nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein that comprises at least one epitope that is identical or substantially similar to an epitope of a pathogen antigen or an antigen associated with a hyperproliferative or autoimmune disease, a protein otherwise missing from the individual due to a missing, non-functional or partially functioning gene, or a protein that produces a therapeutic effect on an individual. Methods of prophylactically and therapeutically immunizing an individual against HIV am disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits for practicing methods of the present invention are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pancreatic islet isolation method comprising the steps of (1) injecting a protection solution containing a protease inhibitor into the pancreatic duct of an procured pancreas; (3) digesting the pancreas into which the protection solution has been injected; and (4) purifying the digested pancreatic tissue using a purification solution containing a density gradient reagent. The present invention also provides a protection solution for injection into the pancreatic duct, a pancreas preservation solution for the two-layer method, and an islet purification solution.

Abstract: A conjugate comprises: (a) a mitochondrial membrane-permeant peptide; (b) an active agent or compound of interest such as a detectable group or mitochondrial protein or peptide; and (c) a mitochondrial targeting sequence linking said mitochondrial membrane-permeant peptide and said active mitochondrial protein or peptide. The targeting sequence is one which is cleaved within the mitochondrial matrix, and not cleaved within the cellular cytoplasm, of a target cell into which said compound is delivered. Methods of use of such compounds are also described.

Abstract: Described are means and methods for providing a cell with a protein expression unit, the method comprising providing a nucleic acid sequence comprising the unit with a nucleic acid sequence encoding a binding site for a member of a chromatin modification system for rendering chromatin more accessible for transcription (opener), wherein the opener is present in the cell. Preferred openers comprise histone modification proteins, chromatin remodeling proteins and trithorax group proteins or equivalents. The cells thus generated and nucleic acid sequences encoding such openers are provided. Openers are preferred in the context of STAR and TRAP sequences.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the discovery of a novel family of enzymes designated herein as mRNA interferases that exhibit endoribonuclease activity. The novel finding of the present inventors, therefore, presents new applications for which mRNA interferase nucleic and amino acid sequences, and compositions thereof may be used to advantage. The invention also encompasses screening methods to identify compounds/agents capable of modulating mRNA interferase activity and methods for using such compounds/agents. Also provided is a kit comprising mRNA interferase nucleic and/or amino acid sequences, mRNA interferase activity compatible buffers, and instruction materials.

Abstract: A model system for screening and identification of compounds that interfere with Gli2 dependent tumorigenesis and provide potential use as anticancer agents is provided. In particular, the invention includes a Gli2 protein having an S662A point mutation that interferes with binding by the ubiquitin-ligase ?-TrCP. The mutation inhibits Gli2 degradation by the ubiquitin pathway. Gli2 stability and half-life are increased in the host cell resulting in an increase in Gli2-dependent transcription and concomitant neoplasia and tumorigenesis. Expression of the Gli2 mutant allows for the high throughput screening of compounds that interfere with the tumorigenesis thereby identifying anticancer agents.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and compositions for expressing proteins or polypeptides in prokaryotic hosts using eukaryotic signal sequences.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and compositions for expressing proteins or polypeptides in prokaryotic hosts using eukaryotic signal sequences.

Abstract: A method of efficiently expressing Plasmodium AMA-1 ectodomain or a functional part, derivative, and/or analogue thereof, in a eukaryotic expression system. Preferably, the Plasmodium AMA-1 ectodomain is Pf AMA-1 ectodomain. This protein may be expressed in yeast, such as Pichia pastoris. Efficient expression is possible using a method for producing mRNA encoding the Plasmodium AMA-1 ectodomain in a yeast cell, comprising providing the yeast cell with a nucleic acid encoding Plasmodium AMA-1 ectodomain, the nucleic acid being modified to utilize the yeast cell's codon usage. Preferably, at least one putative yeast polyadenylation consensus sequence in the nucleic acid has been modified. More preferably, also at least one site in the protein that is generally glycosylated by eukaryotic expression systems, has been removed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a transformation system for Labyrinthulomycota that allows the elucidation of biosynthetic mechanisms of lipids such as PUFA and carotenoids as well as for the construction of a high production system and the design and development of novel functional lipid molecules by the control of the mechanisms. The present invention provides a method for introducing a transgene into a cell of Labyrinthulomycota, which comprises introducing into a cell of Labyrinthulomycota a recombinant vector comprising a transgene and a nucleotide sequence which is homologous to a part of chromosomal DNA of Labyrinthulomycota and is capable of homologous recombination with the chromosomal DNA, and then inducing homologous recombination in this homologous nucleotide sequence.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for screening multimeric antibodies produced by mammalian cells to find those that exhibit a biological function. The methods can be used to screen large numbers of antibodies, which may be cell surface, secreted, or intracellular antibodies. Antibodies can be screened to find those that bind antigen more avidly or those that compete with a ligand that binds to the antigen for binding. Any biological function that can be tested in vitro can be used to screen the antibodies. Nucleic acids encoding the antibodies that exhibit the biological function can be obtained in a number of ways.