Abstract: This invention relates to: the development of a mutant firefly luciferase in order to use dATP as a DNA polymerase substrate upon pyrosequencing, such luciferase being subjected to substrate specificity modification in a manner such that the dATP-induced activity alone is decreased while the ATP-induced activity is maintained; and a mutant firefly luciferase for which the proportion of activity induced by dATP to activity induced by ATP (dATP/ATP) is lower than that for the wild-type firefly luciferase, in which an amino acid identified based on homology analysis as corresponding with the 421st amino acid (glycine) of the amino acid sequence of the wild-type North American firefly (Photinus pyralis) luciferase has been substituted with a polar amino acid.

Abstract: To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors introduced site-specific mutations into sc(Fv)2 and examined the stabilizing effects on sc(Fv)2. As a result, they succeeded for the first time in significantly increasing the Tm value of sc(Fv)2 by amino acid substitutions. Furthermore, they discovered that sc(Fv)2 is stabilized by introducing site-specific mutations into sc(Fv)2.

Abstract: Colon cancer cells in a sample are screened by analyzing the amount of expression of at least 2 or more genes or products thereof selected from the group of genes listed in Tables 1 and 30. As compared to conventional method, patients having colon cancer can be detected with higher accuracy. Colon cancer cells in stool are also screened by analyzing expression of genes selected from the group of genes listed in Table 37.

Abstract: Promoter activities were examined by comparing combinations of promoters and enhancers derived from various genes. A hybrid promoter comprising a combination of a CMV enhancer and a mammalian ?-actin promoter, or the post-transcriptional regulatory region of the genomic sequence Woodchuck Hepatitis Virus (WPRE) and a mammalian ?-actin promoter was found to be stronger than existing promoters. Furthermore, the activities of the ?-actin promoters could be enhanced by coexpressing the oncogene product Ras, which is a transactivator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering cells from stool are provided for diagnosing colorectal cancer from stool naturally voided by multiple specimens. The method includes the steps of preparing a sample of naturally voided and collected stool, to which sample a buffer solution is added, causing cancer cells in the sample from which the impurities have been removed to be adsorbed on a solid carrier, and recovering the cancer cells thus adsorbed.

Abstract: Anti-human Mp1 antibodies were isolated and purified, and then single-chain anti-human Mp1 antibodies were prepared using genetic engineering techniques. The antibodies were found to exhibit a high agonistic activity. This shows that the activity of an antibody can be enhanced by making the antibody into a single-chain polypeptide that comprises two or more heavy chain variable regions and two or more light chain variable regions linked via linkers.

Abstract: An antibody capable of binding to a specific region of glypican 3, as well as a humanized antibody created based on that antibody are disclosed. The anti-GPC3 antibody of the invention has a higher ADCC activity and CDC activity compared with those of a conventional antibody. The antibody of the present invention is useful as a cell growth inhibitor, an anticancer agent and an agent for diagnosis of cancers.

Abstract: Colon cancer cells in a sample are screened by analyzing the amount of expression of at least 2 or more genes or products thereof selected from the group of genes listed in Tables 1 and 30. As compared to conventional method, patients having colon cancer can be detected with higher accuracy.

Abstract: Methods for isolating polynucleotides encoding antibodies against lesional tissues are provided, wherein the methods comprise the steps of: (a) isolating a B cell(s) that infiltrates into a lesional tissue of interest; and (b) obtaining an antibody-encoding polynucleotide from the isolated B cell(s). The lesions may be a cancer tissue or such. Antibody genes can be obtained without depending on B cell cloning. Accordingly, it is also possible to obtain genes encoding human-derived antibodies which are difficult to clone. Genes that encode antibodies against cancer can be obtained using cancer tissues as the lesion.

Abstract: Anti-human Mpl antibodies were isolated and purified, and then anti-human Mpl diabodies and anti-human Mpl sc(Fv)2 were purified using genetic engineering techniques. Furthermore, the present inventors succeeded in humanizing anti-human Mpl sc(Fv)2. The diabodies and sc(Fv)2 were assayed for TPO-like agonistic activity, and were found to have activities higher than those of anti-human Mpl antibodies, or activities equivalent to or higher than those of naturally-occurring human TPO ligand.

Abstract: A container for the suspension and filtration of stool enables quick, simple, and safe collection of cancer cells separated in stool. The container comprises (a) a stool collection container 1, (c) a stool processing container main body 20, and (d) a pushing member 30. The stool collection container 1 comprises a syringe 2 capable of collecting 0.5 g or more of stool by being thrust into stool, a stool collecting opening, a handle 3 provided on the periphery of the syringe at the opposite end to the stool collecting opening, and a cap member 4 provided at the opposite end to the stool collecting opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering cells from stool are provided for diagnosing colorectal cancer from stool naturally voided by multiple specimens. The method includes the steps of preparing a sample of naturally voided and collected stool, to which sample a buffer solution is added, causing cancer cells in the sample from which the impurities have been removed to be adsorbed on a solid carrier, and recovering the cancer cells thus adsorbed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modified antibody which contains two or more H chain V regions and two or more L chain V regions of monoclonal antibody and can transduce a signal into cells by crosslinking a cell surface molecule(s) to thereby serve as an agonist. The modified antibody can be used as a signal transduction agonist and, therefore, useful as a preventive and/or remedy for various diseases such as cancer, inflammation, hormone disorders and blood diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modified antibody which contains two or more H chain V regions and two or more L chain V regions of monoclonal antibody and can transduce a signal into cells by crosslinking TPO receptor to thereby exert TPO agonist action. The modified antibody can be used as a TPO signal transduction agonist and, therefore, useful as a preventive and/or remedy for various diseases such as platelet-reduction-related blood diseases, thrombopenia following chemotherapy for cancer or leukemia, etc.