Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of genotyping samples containing short tandem repeat (STR) loci. More specifically, the present invention discloses a composition of matter containing an array of probes and a method to genotype these loci relying on the recognition of RNA:DNA base pairing followed by cleavage of the RNA containing strand. By measuring the temperature at which the chimeric DNA-RNA-DNA probe is cleaved, resulting in an increase of fluorescence of the probe, it can be assessed whether or not the probe and the sample share the same amount of repeats. An array of probes is utilised, covering all possible alleles of the investigated STR-locus. The probes and method of the present invention are well-suited to be used in a portable, less-expensive DNA analysis device and can be applied in other fields than forensics, like food fraud, diagnostics and many others.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the field of DNA-fingerprinting, e.g., in a forensic setting. More specifically, the disclosure discloses a method to genotype polymorphisms such as short tandem repeats, relying on the fluorescein-quenching properties of guanine. As such, the degree of complementary between an amplified DNA sample and a specifically designed probe, can be assessed by measuring fluorescence intensity of the fluorophore attached to the probe upon hybridization or melting. The probes and method of the disclosure are well-suited to be used in a portable, less-expensive DNA analysis device and can be applied in other fields than forensics, like food fraud, diagnostics and many others.

Abstract: The invention is based on the identification of aminopeptidase N (APN) as the receptor for F4 fimbriae of enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). Based on the observation that oral administration of F4 fimbriae induces a protective intestinal mucosal immune response against a subsequent challenge with F4 ETEC, and the observation that the internalization of said F4fimbriae is clathrin-mediated, the present invention provides the characterization of APN as a target useful in: in an in vitro assay to screen for molecules that are capable to mimic the clathrin-mediated F4 endocytosis; in an in vitro assay to screen for molecules that are capable to modulate the binding of F4 fimbriae with APN; in the development of a carrier for the delivery of antigens/therapeutics, i.e. immunomodulators to the intestinal submucosa or the intestinal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, wherein said carrier comprises an APN specific target molecule that mimics the clathrin-mediated F4 endocytosis.

Abstract: The invention is based on the identification of aminopeptidase N (APN) as the receptor for F4 fimbriae of enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). Based on the observation that oral administration of F4 fimbriae induces a protective intestinal mucosal immune response against a subsequent challenge with F4 ETEC, and the observation that the internalization of said F4fimbriae is clathrin-mediated, the present invention provides the characterization of APN as a target useful in: in an in vitro assay to screen for molecules that are capable to mimic the clathrin-mediated F4 endocytosis; in an in vitro assay to screen for molecules that are capable to modulate the binding of F4 fimbriae with APN; in the development of a carrier for the delivery of antigens/therapeutics, i.e. immunomodulators to the intestinal submucosa or the intestinal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, wherein said carrier comprises an APN specific target molecule that mimics the clathrin-mediated F4 endocytosis.

Abstract: In vitro methods for differential diagnosis of spondyloarthropathy are disclosed which involve determining the levels of GDF15 in biological samples.

Abstract: The invention is based on the identification of aminopeptidase N (APN) as the receptor for F4 fimbriae of enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). Based on the observation that oral administration of F4 fimbriae induces a protective intestinal mucosal immune response against a subsequent challenge with F4 ETEC, and the observation that the internalization of said F4 fimbriae is clathrin-mediated, the present invention provides the characterization of APN as a target useful in: in an in vitro assay to screen for molecules that are capable to mimic the clathrin-mediated F4 endocytosis; in an in vitro assay to screen for molecules that are capable to modulate the binding of F4 fimbriae with APN; in the development of a carrier for the delivery of antigens/therapeutics, i.e. immunomodulators to the intestinal submucosa or the intestinal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, wherein said carrier comprises an APN specific target molecule that mimics the clathrin-mediated F4 endocytosis.

Abstract: In vitro methods for differential diagnosis of spondyloarthropathy are disclosed which involve determining the levels of GDF15 in biological samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to GDF15 as a molecular marker in in vitro assays determining phenotypic stability of articular chondrocytes and predicting the outcome of chondrocyte transplantation.

Abstract: The invention is based on the identification of aminopeptidase N (APN) as the receptor for F4 fimbriae of enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). Based on the observation that oral administration of F4 fimbriae induces a protective intestinal mucosal immune response against a subsequent challenge with F4 ETEC, and the observation that the internalization of said F4 fimbriae is clathrin-mediated, the present invention provides the characterization of APN as a target useful in: in an in vitro assay to screen for molecules that are capable to mimic the clathrin-mediated F4 endocytosis; in an in vitro assay to screen for molecules that are capable to modulate the binding of F4 fimbriae with APN; in the development of a carrier for the delivery of antigens/therapeutics, i.e. immunomodulators to the intestinal submucosa or the intestinal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, wherein said carrier comprises an APN specific target molecule that mimics the clathrin-mediated F4 endocytosis.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the field of tissue engineering. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods for identifying a population of cells suitable for the repair of connective tissue, including cartilage. The invention further provides methods and compositions related to the generation of a population of cells suitable for the repair of cartilage, in particular in the repair of cartilage degeneration associated with osteoarthritis. Methods of using said cells thus identified or thus generated, in methods to extend the period of cell manipulation, i.e. to increase the yield of cells suitable in the aforementioned methods, are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting a form of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in a subject are described which allow for distinguishing more aggressive forms of the disease from less aggressive forms. Particularly described methods include assaying a sample obtained from the subject having or suspected of having chronic lymphocytic leukemia for a marker selected from a vimentin cleavage product, annexin 5 and 6-phosphogluconolactonase. A combination of any of these markers may be assayed in particular embodiments of a method according to the present invention. In particular embodiments, detection of an intermediate weight vimentin cleavage product is indicative of a less aggressive form of CLL associated with good prognosis.