Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies, including chimeric and humanized antibodies, that bind both acylated and unacylated human ghrelin are disclosed. An antibody of the invention can be a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof. Such antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof are useful for neutralizing ghrelin activity in, for example, a human subject suffering from a disorder in which ghrelin activity is detrimental.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the need for better pharmaceutical agents for teating anemias by providing polymer derivatized non-glycosylated erythropoietic compounds which show stability and bioactivity in vivo. The invention further provides methods for preparing these derivatived proteins which involves the use of a linkerless aldehyde modification process.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies, including humanized and chimeric antibodies, that bind acylated and unacylated human ghrelin are provided. Such monoclonal antibodies can be full-length, or an antigen-binding portion thereof, and are useful for neutralizing ghrelin activity, e.g., in a human subject suffering from a disorder in which ghrelin activity is detrimental.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses analogs of humanized antibody Hu007 that neutralize IL-1? activity in vivo. These antibodies can be used to treat various diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Abstract: Human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to TNFSF13b polypeptides are disclosed. These antibodies have high affinity for hTNFSF13b (e.g., KD=10?8 M or less), a slow off rate for TNFSF13b dissociation (e.g., Koff=10?3 sec?1 or less) and neutralize TNFSF13b activity in vitro and in vivo. The antibodies of the invention are useful in one embodiment for inhibiting TNFSF13b activity in a human subject suffering from a disorder in which hTNFSF13b activity is detrimental. Nucleic acids encoding the antibodies of the present invention, as well as, vectors and host cells for expressing them are also encompassed by the invention.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided that encode maize UDPGdH variant UDPGdH, and mutant UDPGdH proteins. These nucleic acid molecules can be used to produce transgenic plants having altered quality or quantity of starch. Also provided are vectors capable of expressing such nucleic acid molecules, host cells containing, such vectors, and polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acids.

Abstract: A method for commercial production of aprotinin entails heterologous expression of the protein in plants, preferably at a level such that aprotinin accounts for at least 0.1% of the total extracted protein. An aprotinin-expressing plant also has potential of increased insecticidal resistance by virtue of producing the protein. A genetic map of the integration locus allows identification of plants derived from the transgenic plant. This approach also reveals genetic loci on a plant chromosome that support high levels of gene expression and can be used as site of integration for expression of other genes of interest.

Abstract: A method for commercial production of GUS entails heterologous expression of the protein in plants, in native conformation, at an expression level such that avidin represents at least 0.1% of total extracted protein. A genetic map of the integration locus allows for the identification of the GUS-expressing plant. Genetic loci on a plant chromosome are revealed that support high levels of GUS expression and that can be used as a site of integration for high level expression of other genes of interest.

Abstract: A method for commercial production of avidin entails heterologous expression of the protein in plants, in native conformation, at an expression level such that avidin represents at least 0.1% of total extracted protein. A genetic map of the integration locus allows for the identification of the avidin-expressing plant. Genetic loci on a plant chromosome are revealed that support high levels of avidin expression and that can be used as a site of integration for high level expression of other genes of interest.