Abstract: A recombinant double stranded RNA (dsRNA) nucleocapsid useful for the expression of dsRNA expression cassettes encoding passenger genes, such as, but not restricted to, vaccine antigens, bioactive proteins, immunoregulatory proteins, antisense RNAs, and catalytic RNAs, replicates in bacterial hosts and includes a P8 protein shell and three dsRNA segments where one of the segments includes a cap independent translation enhancer (CITE) operationally linked to a passenger gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to means and methods for regulating gene expression and production of proteinaceous molecules. The invention provides a method for producing a proteinaceous molecule in a cell comprising selecting a cell for its suitability for producing the proteinaceous molecule, providing a nucleic acid encoding the proteinaceous molecule with a nucleic acid comprising a STAR (STabilizing Anti-Repression) sequence, expressing the resulting nucleic acid in the cell and collecting the proteinaceous molecule. Providing at least one STAR sequence to a nucleic acid encoding a proteinaceous molecule will enhance production (yield) of the proteinaceous molecule by a host cell, increase the proportion of host cells with acceptable expression levels, and/or increase stability of a gene expression level.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for altering the splicing of mRNA in cells. In particular, this invention also relates to methods for increasing the ratio of wild type to misspliced forms of mRNA and corresponding encoded proteins in cells possessing a mutant gene encoding either the i) misspliced mRNA corresponding to the mutant protein or ii) a component in the splicing machinery responsible for processing the misspliced mRNA. In addition, this invention relates to treating individuals having a disorder associated with a misspliced mRNA, such as Familial Dysautonomia or Neurofibromatosis 1, by administering to such an individual a cytokinin such as kinetin.

Abstract: Alterations in the genetic content of a cell underlie many human diseases, including cancers. A method called Digital Karyotyping provides quantitative analysis of DNA copy number at high resolution. This approach involves the isolation and enumeration of short sequence tags from specific genomic loci. Analysis of human cancer cells using this method identified gross chromosomal changes as well as amplifications and deletions, including regions not previously known to be altered. Foreign DNA sequences not present in the normal human genome could also be readily identified. Digital Karyotyping provides a broadly applicable means for systematic detection of DNA copy number changes on a genomic scale.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a promoter for high-throughput screening for inhibitors against Mycobacteria under low carbon or starved conditions. Further, the use of this novel 200 bp promoter open new vistas and provides a new system that would enable the TB drug developers to isolate and develop highly efficient inhibitors or medicines against ever evolving and changing M. tuberculosis mycobacteria.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to promoter sequences and promoter control elements, polynucleotide constructs comprising the promoters and control elements, and methods of identifying the promoters, control elements, or fragments thereof. The invention further relates to the use of the present promoters or promoter control elements to modulate transcript levels.

Abstract: The invention features an enhancer cassette and methods of its use. The enhancer cassette has the formula [X?Y]n, wherein each X is independently a cell type-specific enhancer element; Y is absent or is a mono or polynucleotide that has between one and thirty nucleotides; and n is an integer between five and fifty, inclusive.

Abstract: A recombinant double stranded RNA (dsRNA) phage expresses dsRNA-encoded genes in eukaryote cells. Recombinant dsRNA phage are useful for the expression of dsRNA expression cassettes encoding passenger genes, such as, but not restricted to, vaccine antigens, bioactive proteins, immunoregulatory proteins, antisense RNAs, and catalytic RNAs in eukaryotic cells or tissues. Methods are provided to deliver recombinant dsRNA phage to eukaryotic cells and tissues, either by direct administration, formulated in lipid or polylactide-coglycolide, or by utilizing a bacterial vaccine vector.