Abstract: The present invention relates to a protein which binds to the domain encoded by exon 9 of human CD44 (CD44ex9), to fusion proteins and conjugates of said protein and especially to nanoparticles conjugated to said protein. The invention further relates to a method of production for the protein and the respective conjugated nanoparticles and the use of the protein of the invention for treatment and diagnosis of cancer diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protein which binds to the domain encoded by exon 9 of human CD44 (CD44ex9), to fusion proteins and conjugates of said protein and especially to nanoparticles conjugated to said protein. The invention further relates to a method of production for the protein and the respective conjugated nanoparticles and the use of the protein of the invention for treatment and diagnosis of cancer diseases.

Abstract: The use of fluorescent nanoparticles is disclosed which includes an inorganic core, a passivating layer and specific ligands having a hydrodynamic diameter of the inorganic core with the passivating layer of not more than 15 nm, preferably of not more than 10 nm, particularly preferably of not more than 5 nm, for preparing an in vivo diagnostic aid, the nanoparticles showing an emission of less than 700 nm.

Abstract: The invention relates to optimized adhesins and nanoparticles to which said adhesins are bound. The invention furthermore relates to providing said nanoparticles by way of in vivo contrast agents, in particular for the diagnosis of bowel cancer.

Abstract: A method of identifying high-affinity ligands, comprising the following steps: a) generating a library for a mutagenized first hybrid protein, comprising a multiplicity of mutants; b) expressing said first hybrid protein in a host with a second hybrid protein, with one of said hybrid proteins comprising the DNA binding domain of a transcription factor and a bait protein, and the other hybrid protein comprising the activating domain for a transcription factor and a prey protein; c) enabling said first and second hybrid proteins to bind to one another to give a complex containing a functional transcription factor in the host cell under reaction conditions chosen so as to shift the equilibrium of the binding reaction toward the side of the hybrid proteins; d) detecting the binding reaction by detecting a reporter gene expressed via the functional transcription factor; e) optionally repeating one or more steps from a) to d); f) selecting a mutant.

Abstract: The invention relates to optimized adhesins and nanoparticles to which said adhesins are bound. The invention furthermore relates to providing said nanoparticles by way of in vivo contrast agents, in particular for the diagnosis of bowel cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for creating genetic diversity in vivo, comprising the following steps: fragments of at least one wild-type gene sequence are produced, each of said fragments being provided with at least one region which is homologous with a vector that is suitable for in vivo recombination; randomized bridging oligonucleotides of at least one defined oligonucleotide sequence are produced, parts of the bridging oligonucleotide being homologous with at least one fragment of the wild-type gene sequence; and the linearized vector, at least one wild-type fragment, and the randomized bridging oligonucleotide/s are introduced into an in vivo system for homologous recombination.

Abstract: The use of fluorescent nanoparticles comprising an inorganic core, a passivating layer and specific ligands having a hydrodynamic diameter of the inorganic core with the passivating layer of not more than 15 nm, preferably of not more than 10 nm, particularly preferably of not more than 5 nm, for preparing an in vivo diagnostic aid, the nanoparticles showing an emission of less than 700 nm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying highly affinous ligands comprising the following steps: a) creating a bank for a mutagenized first hybrid protein comprising a plurality of mutants; b) expression of a first hybrid protein in a host with a second hybrid protein, one of the hybrid proteins comprising the DNA binding domain of a transcription factor and a bait protein and the other hybrid protein comprising the activation domain for a transcription factor and a prey protein; c) allowing the binding reaction between the first and second hybrid protein in order to form a complex with a functional transcription factor in the host cell under reaction conditions, which are such that the balance of the binding reaction is offset on the side of the hybrid proteins; d) detecting the binding reaction by detecting a reporter gene expressed via the functional transcription factor; e) optionally repeating one or more steps from a) to d); f) selection of a mutant.