Abstract: Lambda phages that can be used to introduce recombineering functions into host cells are disclosed. Also disclosed are plasmids that can be used to confer recombineering functions to a variety of strains of E. coli and to other bacteria, including Salmonella, Pseudomonas, Cyanobacteria, Spirochaetes. These plasmids and phages can be isolated in vitro and can be used to transform bacterial cells, such as gram negative bacteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to a set of genetic constructs which allow the efficient and reproducible introduction of a specific nucleotide sequence at a fixed position in the genome by generating a double strand break at a specific position in the genome using a meganuclease and so stimulating a homologous recombination event at this locus between the genomic site and a transfected donor sequence. The present invention also relates to methods using these constructs and to these materials in the form of a kit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an active (immunostimulatory) composition comprising at least one RNA, preferably a mRNA, encoding at least two (preferably different) antigens capable of eliciting an (adaptive) immune response in a mammal. The invention furthermore relates to a vaccine comprising the active (immunostimulatory) composition, and to the use of the active (immunostimulatory) composition (for the preparation of a vaccine) and/or of the vaccine for eliciting an (adaptive) immune response for the treatment of lung cancer, particularly of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), preferably selected from the three main sub-types squamous cell lung carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell lung carcinoma, or of disorders related thereto. Finally, the invention relates to kits, particularly to kits of parts, containing the active (immunostimulatory) composition and/or the vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for classification of kidney tumors through the analysis of the expression patterns of specific microRNAs and nucleic acid molecules relating thereto. Classification according to a microRNA expression framework allows optimization of treatment, and determination of specific therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the generation of compact Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALENs) that can efficiently target and process double-stranded DNA. More specifically, the present invention concerns a method for the creation of TALENs that consist of a single TALE DNA binding domain fused to at least one catalytic domain such that the active entity is composed of a single polypeptide chain for simple and efficient vectorization and does not require dimerization to target a specific single double-stranded DNA target sequence of interest and process DNA nearby said DNA target sequence. The present invention also relates to compact TALENs, vectors, compositions and kits used to implement the method.

Abstract: Isolated transduced cells exhibiting FRDA characteristics in an inducible fashion are disclosed. Isolated transduced cells comprise an expression vector having a nucleic acid sequence encoding an shRNA for frataxin protein knockdown and a heterologous expression control sequence. Additionally, methods of screening for a candidate therapeutic agent for treating Friedreich's Ataxia using isolated transduced cells are disclosed. Further, a recombinant nucleic acid construct for frataxin knockdown is disclosed that comprises a nucleic acid encoding an shRNA operably linked to a heterologous expression control sequence and expressing an shRNA molecule in a dose-responsive fashion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for targeted cleavage of a genomic sequence, targeted alteration of a genomic sequence, and targeted recombination between a genomic region and an exogenous polynucleotide homologous to the genomic region. The compositions include fusion proteins comprising a cleavage domain (or cleavage half-domain) and an engineered zinc finger domain and polynucleotides encoding same. Methods for targeted cleavage include introduction of such fusion proteins, or polynucleotides encoding same, into a cell. Methods for targeted recombination additionally include introduction of an exogenous polynucleotide homologous to a genomic region into cells comprising the disclosed fusion proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid constructs comprising selectable marker genes in a multicistronic transcription unit for use in the generation and selection of eukaryotic host cells for expression of a gene product of interest. For increased stringency of selection, the coding sequence of the selectable marker may be directed preceded by a relatively short functional open reading frame to reduce the efficiency of translation of the selectable marker, and/or the amino acid sequence of the selectable marker may comprise one or more mutations that reduce the level of resistance provide by the mutated marker as compared to its wild type counterpart. The invention further relates to methods for generating eukaryotic host cells for expression of a gene product of interest, wherein these nucleic acid constructs are used, and to methods for producing a gene product of interest wherein thus generated host cells are applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increased production of a secreted, recombinant protein product through the introduction of molecular chaperones in a mammalian host cell. The present invention also relates to a mammalian host cell with enhanced expression of a secreted recombinant protein product by coexpressing at least one chaperone protein.

Abstract: A nucleic acid molecule that can bind to HMGB1 protein and applications thereof are provided. A nucleic acid molecule having a dissociation constant for HMGB1 protein of 5×10?7 or less can be used as the nucleic acid molecule that can bind to HMGB1 protein. The HMGB1 binding nucleic acid molecule can bind to HMGB1 protein that is known to be a cause of diseases such as cancer and inflammation, and it is therefore possible to obtain an effect to prevent and an effect to treat such diseases by allowing the HMGB1 binding nucleic acid molecule to bind to HMGB1 protein in a living body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for targeted integration of a exogenous sequence into a predetermined target site in a genome for use, for example, in protein expression and gene inactivation.

Abstract: A system operable to determine a future point of time, at which the alcohol concentration in blood of a user is less than a threshold value. The system includes an alcohol sensor operable to detect a current alcohol concentration in blood of the user, and a portable apparatus. The alcohol sensor and the portable apparatus comprises each a wireless communication apparatus. The wireless communication apparatus in the alcohol sensor is operable to wirelessly transmit the current alcohol concentration to the wireless communication apparatus in the portable apparatus.

Abstract: A genetic polymorphism and a hair shape susceptibility gene that are related to hair shape, and a method for determining the genetic susceptibility to hair shape in individual test subjects are provided. Disclosed is a hair shape susceptibility gene, which overlaps with a haplotype block in the 1q32.1 to 1q32.2 region (D1S249 to D1S2891) of human chromosome 1 and comprises a portion or the entirety of the base sequence of the haplotype block, wherein the haplotype block is determined by a linkage disequilibrium analysis conducted on a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker whose allele frequency differs statistically significantly between a group having a curly hair trait and a group having a non-curly hair trait, and consists of a base sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NO:1 to NO:3.

Abstract: The present application provides stable peptide-based Akt capture agents and the use thereof as detection, diagnosis, and treatment agents. The application further provides novel methods of developing stable peptide-based capture agents, including Akt capture agents, using iterative on-bead in situ click chemistry.

Abstract: Cells derived from postpartum umbilicus and placenta are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions, devices and methods for the regeneration or repair of ocular tissue using the postpartum-derived cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for diagnosing a Parkinson's disease comprising mesenchymal stromal cells derived from adipose tissue, a method of providing information for diagnosing Parkinson's disease and/or the extent of the disease progression, a biomarker for diagnosing a Parkinson's disease, a method of screening a drug candidate treating Parkinson's disease where the drug candidate is a target of the biomarker, and an immortalized mesenchymal stromal cell from adipose tissue.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided which allowed for increased expression of a transfected gene of interest in a recombinant host cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant PRPK protein, a recombinant TPRKB protein, or a recombinant PRPK/TPRKB complex expressed by use of a eukaryotic cell expression system. The present invention also provides a method of preparing a recombinant PRPK, a recombinant TPRKB, or a recombinant PRPK/TPRKB, comprising expressing a recombinant PRPK, a recombinant TPRKB, or a recombinant PRPK/TPRKB complex by use of a eukaryotic cell expression system. The present invention also provides a method of identifying an agent that modulates PRPK, TPRKB, or PRPK/TPRKB complex using the recombinant PRPK, the recombinant PRPK or the recombinant PRPK/TPRKB complex.

Abstract: Methods of producing populations of predominantly astrocytes, neurons or oligodendrocytes are provided. In addition, methods of treating mammals having astroglial tumors, oligodendrocyte tumors, or neuronal tumors are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to Pompe disease and, in particular, to a methods of treating Pompe disease and to compounds/constructs suitable for use in such methods.