Abstract: The invention relates to polynucleotides, and in particular to novel polynucleotides which represent promoter sequences. The invention is especially concerned with novel promoters for use in germline expression, in that they are substantially operative in only germline cells. In particular, the promoters initiate transcription of genes in the germline cells of an arthropod, and can be used in a gene drive. The invention is also concerned with vectors and gene drive constructs comprising the polynucleotides of the invention. The invention is also concerned with methods of producing arthropods comprising vectors containing such promoters.

Abstract: The invention relates to gene drives, and in particular to genetic sequences and constructs for use in a gene drive. The invention is especially concerned with ultra-conserved and ultra-constrained sequences for use as a gene drive target with the aim of overcoming the development of resistance to the drive. The invention is also concerned with methods of suppressing wild type arthropod populations by use of the gene drive construct described herein.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of quantifying multiple antigen-specific immunoglobulins in a test sample, the method comprising utilising a serial dilution of anti-immunoglobulin antibodies, fragments or derivatives thereof, immobilised on a solid support in combination with a serial dilution of a reference sample of immunoglobulin to generate multiple binding capacity curves. Such binding capacity curves are matched to specific dose response curves generated for each specific antigen to be tested using serum samples of known reactivity to those antigens to provide a calibration system that enables more accurate analysis of antigen-specific immunoglobulin in a sample. The invention also provides methods for calibrating a device suitable for assaying multiple antigen-specific immunoglobulins binding to multiple antigens or fragments thereof immobilised on a solid support. A multi-allergen test system and kits for use in the methods are also provided.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a conjugate comprising: (a) a first region comprising the homeodomain of antennapedia or a variant thereof; and (b) a second region not naturally associated with the first region. In one embodiment, the second region of the conjugate comprises a protein of at least 100 amino acids.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of quantifying multiple antigen-specific immunoglobulins in a test sample, the method comprising utilising a serial dilution of anti-immunoglobulin antibodies, fragments or derivatives thereof, immobilised on a solid support in combination with a serial dilution of a reference sample of immunoglobulin to generate multiple binding capacity curves. Such binding capacity curves are matched to specific dose response curves generated for each specific antigen to be tested using serum samples of known reactivity to those antigens to provide a calibration system that enables more accurate analysis of antigen-specific immunoglobulin in a sample. The invention also provides methods for calibrating a device suitable for assaying multiple antigen-specific immunoglobulins binding to multiple antigens or fragments thereof immobilised on a solid support. A multi-allergen test system and kits for use in the methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of assessing if a subject is at risk of developing or has already developed asthma, conjunctivitis or rhinitis. The invention further relates to antigen sets for use in such methods including identifying other suitable antigens correlated with asthma, conjunctivitis or rhinitis.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a conjugate comprising: (a) a first region comprising the homeodomain of antennapedia or a variant thereof; and (b) a second region not naturally associated with the first region. In one embodiment, the second region of the conjugate comprises a protein of at least 100 amino acids.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a conjugate comprising: (a) a first region comprising the homeodomain of antennapedia or a variant thereof; and (b) a second region not naturally associated with the first region. In one embodiment, the second region of the conjugate comprises a protein of at least 100 amino acids.

Abstract: The invention provides an assay device for quantification or detection of the presence or absence of an analyte in a liquid sample, comprising a molding (1) permanently or removably attached to a substantially planar plate (2) such that a part of said molding forms a capillary chamber (3) between said plate and the said molding, the device further comprising a chamber (5) into which a test sample and/or reagent can be introduced and further comprising a chamber (7) capable of accommodating an absorbent pad, wherein the said chamber into which a test sample and said chamber capable of holding an absorbent pad are in lateral flow contact via the said capillary chamber (3).

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a conjugate comprising: (a) a first region comprising the homeodomain of antennapedia or a variant thereof, and (b) a second region not naturally associated with the first region. In one embodiment, the second region of the conjugate comprises a protein of at least 100 amino acids.

Abstract: A device (100) for reading fluorescent signals comprising: an illuminator (110) for illuminating a material (130) bound with a fluorophore, at an appropriate wavelength to induce fluorescence; a detector (140) for detecting fluorescent signals emitted by the material (130); a signal processor for processing the signals detected; the device defining an optical system (170, 120, 240, 190, 180, 200, 150, 220, 210) having an excitation optical path and a detection optical path; characterised in that the illuminator (110) comprises a light emitting diode (LED), and in that the illumination illuminates all, or a substantial portion of the material (130) simultaneously.

Abstract: Proteins that contain the amino acid sequence motif X1X1X2X3X1, where X1=R or K and X2 and X3=any amino acid have been found to translocate and can therefore be used in the manufacture of compositions for therapeutic applications. The proteins may also be used as translocation factors to deliver proteins or nucleic acids into a cell.

Abstract: A conjugate of a peptide capable of translocation across a cell membrane, and a therapeutic agent. The peptide comprises a defined amino acid sequence that provides the signal necessary for translocation.

Abstract: A conjugate for controlling the expression of a gene comprises a nucleic acid-binding domain, a gene-regulating region and a factor that permits translocation of the conjugate across a cell membrane, wherein the nucleic acid-binding domain is heterologous to that naturally associated with the gene-regulating region, and binds to a conserved sequence on the gene.

Abstract: A serum-free composition comprises a conjugate of a DNA-binding protein, or a fragment thereof, and a polynucleotide. The composition is suitable for intramuscular administration, to treat disease.

Abstract: A method for the genetic modification of an insect embryo, comprises first treating an insect egg under conditions which prevent or delay the hardening of the insect egg chorion, and then injecting a transposable element into the egg to permit integration of the element into the genome of the embryo. The method permits modifications to be made to mosquitoes, which may prevent transmission of a host parasite.