Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel isolated whitefly ecdysone receptor polypeptide. The invention also relates to an isolated nucleic acid encoding the whitefly ecdysone receptor polypeptide, to vectors comprising them and to their uses, in particular in methods for modulating gene expression in an ecdysone receptor-based gene expression modulation system and methods for identifying molecules that modulate whitefly ecdysone receptor activity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel NASH marker for use in a method for detecting NASH or evaluating the severity of NASH, which utilizes at least one factor selected from the group consisting of an IL-1 receptor antagonist, sCD40, HMGB1, sPLA2 group IIA and an sPLA2 activity as the marker. Also disclosed is a method for detecting NASH or evaluating the severity of NASH in a subject, which utilizes the marker.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating stroke and compositions for use in the same. The methods employ a chimeric peptide of an active peptide and an internalization peptide. The internalization peptide is a tat variant that promotes uptake of itself and a linked active peptide into a cell without substantial binding to N-type calcium channels. Use of the tat variant allows treating of stroke free of certain side effects associated with binding to N-type calcium channels. Tat variant peptides can also be linked to other active agent for use in treating other diseases.

Abstract: A method to identify an agent for reducing an odor of a pyrazine derivative, comprising: adding a test substance and a pyrazine derivative represented by the following Formula (I): wherein R1 represents methyl, ethyl, or acetyl; and R2, R3, and R4 each independently represent hydrogen or methyl, to an olfactory receptor OR5K1 or a polypeptide having at least 80% identity to the amino acid sequence of the olfactory receptor OR5K1; measuring a response of the olfactory receptor to the pyrazine derivative; and identifying a test substance inhibiting the response of the olfactory receptor on the basis of the measured response.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of Neuropeptide Q as ligand of the GALR2 GPCR (G-protein coupled receptor). The invention encompasses the use of the interaction of GALR2 polypeptides and Neuropeptide Q polypeptides as the basis of screening assays for agents that modulate the activity of the GALR2 receptor. The invention also encompasses diagnostic assays based upon the GALR2/Neuropeptide Q polypeptide interaction, as well as kits for performing diagnostic and screening assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of diabetes. More particularly, the invention relates to PEGylated insulin lispro compounds that are PEGylated with high molecular weight poly(ethylene glycol), are highly soluble at physiological pH, have an extended duration of action, and characterized by pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and/or activity peak-trough ratios of less than 2. The invention also relates to methods of providing such molecules, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and to their therapeutic uses.

Abstract: A mutated TSHR preparation which includes at least one point mutation characterized in that at least amino acid Arg at a position corresponding to amino acid 255 of a full length human TSHR has been mutated to a different amino acid residue in said mutated TSHR preparation, whereby said mutated TSHR preparation differentially interacts with patient serum stimulating TSHR autoantibodies, patient serum blocking TSHR autoantibodies and TSH, in that (i) the stimulatory effect of patient serum stimulating TSHR autoantibodies interacting with the mutated TSHR preparation is substantially reduced or essentially abolished, when compared to the stimulatory effect of the patient serum stimulating TSHR autoantibodies interacting with a reference TSHR preparation which has an amino acid sequence corresponding to that of said mutated TSHR preparation with the exception that said mutation of Arg at a position corresponding to amino acid 255 of a full length human TSHR is not present in said reference TSHR preparation, (ii)

Abstract: Described herein are compositions, a system, and kits for detection of endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) in environmental samples, such as samples of water including but not limited to waste water treatment plant effluent, using a live-cell fluorescence-based nuclear translocation reporter system. Upon binding of a ligand to a fluorescent-labeled reporter protein, the protein (and therefore the fluorescence) is translocated in a ligand level-dependent manner from the cytoplasm to the nucleus of live mammalian cells; this translocation is detectable as diffuse (cytoplasmic) fluorescence converting to localized, brightly fluorescent nuclei. The described kits can be used to reliably detect very low levels of EDC contamination, including in high throughput analysis systems as described.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel GPCR (G Protein Coupled Receptor) proteins and genes encoding the same. Also provided is the use of the proteins and the genes. Particularly, contemplated are a novel GPCR (G Protein Coupled Receptor) polypeptide, a polynucleotide coding for the same, a recombinant vector carrying the polynucleotide or a fragment thereof, host cells transformed with the vector, a transgenic animal infected with the vector. Also, a composition for detecting a cancer marker, comprising an agent capable of measuring the expression level of mRNA or protein of the GPCR polynucleotide, a kit for the diagnosis of cancer, comprising the composition, and a method for detecting the GPCR polypeptide and a gene encoding the polypeptide are provided.

Abstract: A humanized anti-EGFR antibody L4-H3 and gene encoding the antibody are disclosed. The antibody is composed of a heavy chain and a light chain. The amino acid sequence of the heavy chain variable region is shown as positions 1-145 of SEQ ID NO: 3, the heavy chain constant region is the heavy chain constant region of the human antibody IgG1, and the amino acid sequence of the light chain is shown as SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel gene encoding a protein termed voltage gated calcium channels ? subunit anchoring regulator protein (VDCC BARP) or a peptide fragments thereof. The present invention also relates to the use of VDCC BARP in Modulation of voltage gated calcium channels via altering the concentration of VDCC BARP or a peptide fragments thereof.

Abstract: To provide a method for objectively evaluating or screening to identify a substance which is capable of suppressing or regulating olfaction. A method of evaluating or screening to identify an agent for suppressing olfactory sensitivity, including adding a test substance to a substrate having a voltage-dependent cation channel and evaluating or selecting a substance that inhibits an electrical activity caused by the cation channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for the treatment of breast cancer based on hormone receptor status of progesterone receptor and estrogen receptor comprising the administration of a taxane alone, in combination with at least one other and other therapeutic agents, as well as other treatment modalities useful in the treatment of breast cancer. In particular, the invention relates to the use of nanoparticles comprising paclitaxel and albumin (such as Abraxane®) either alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents or radiation, which may be used for the treatment of breast cancer which does not express estrogen receptor and/or progesterone receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutations in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and methods of detecting such mutations as well as prognostic methods method for identifying a tumors that are susceptible to anticancer therapy such as chemotherapy and/or kinase inhibitor treatment. The methods involve determining the presence of a mutated EGFR gene or mutated EGFR protein in a tumor sample whereby the presence of a mutated EGFR gene or protein indicates the tumor is susceptible to treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for detecting thyroid hormone blocking immunoglobulin (TBI). The invention's methods are sensitive and specific for TBI, and may be used for the dual detection of both TBI and TSI. The invention's compositions and methods are useful for the diagnosis of diseases that are associated with the presence of TBI and/or TSI, for monitoring the progress of disease and/or treatment regimens, therapeutics, vaccines, etc., and for assisting clinicians in making treatment decisions.

Abstract: Described herein are truncated EGF receptor polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding them, and methods of using them to help select a method of treatment for an EGFR-related cancer, to predict clinical outcome, and to detect micrometastases or minimal residual disease. High EGFR expression and phosphorylated EGFR predicts poor survival in head and neck cancer patients, but does not correlate with advanced stage disease. In our studies, we determined that clinical biological correlates are likely to be more accurate when different aspects of EGFR are evaluated in combination. We analyzed EGFR phosphorylation, expression and mutations in 60 primary head and neck tumors. We not only found that head and neck tumors with either truncated or activated EGFR tend to have higher tumor and nodal stage, but also discovered three EGFR truncations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying a subject being susceptible to a cardiac intervention based on the determination of GDF-15 in a sample of a subject in need of a cardiac intervention. Moreover, the present invention pertains to a method for predicting the risk of mortality or a further acute cardiovascular event for a subject suffering from a cardiovascular complication based on the determination of GDF-15 and a natriuretic peptide and/or a cardiac troponin in a sample the said subject. Also encompassed by the present invention are devices and kits for carrying out the aforementioned methods.

Abstract: Antibodies binding to sites on the alpha-subunit of the (Na++K+)-ATPase increase cardiac contraction of both ventricular myocytes and mouse heart. In particular, antibodies binding to the RSATEEEPPNDD (SEQ ID NO: 1) or DVEDSYGQQWTYEQR (SEQ ID NO: 2) peptides (or isoforms/derivatives thereof) of the alpha-subunit of the (Na++K+)-ATPase, have been found to be highly inotropic. Both the antibodies and the peptides are important for the treatment of human heart failure and other contractile disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods comprising two or more proteins in which at least one of the proteins has been altered to reduce their mutual recognition and binding. Such compositions are useful as reference, calibrators or controls in methods and assays for determining the amount of one or more of the proteins that may be present in a sample of interest or in confirming the presence of one or more of the proteins in the sample. More particularly, it relates to compositions and methods comprising altered placental growth factor-1 (PlGF-1) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1) and methods for determining the amount or confirming the presence of sFlt-1 and/or PlGF-1 in a sample of interest.

Abstract: Fluorescent dyes useful for preparing fluorescent metal ion indicators, the fluorescent indicators themselves, and the use of the fluorescent indicators for the detection, discrimination and quantification of metal cations.