Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions to transfect cells for production of growth hormone (GH). These novel compositions also are used to produce germline transgenic birds that can successfully pass the transgene encoding growth hormone to their offspring. These novel compositions include components of vectors such as a vector backbone, a novel promoter, and a gene of interest that encodes for GH, and the vectors comprising these components. In one embodiment these vectors are transposon-based vectors. The present invention also provides methods of making these compositions and methods of using these compositions for the production of GH in vitro and in vivo. In one embodiment the GH is human (h)GH.

Abstract: Novel compositions for the in vitro or in vivo production of specific proteins are provided. The compositions comprise components of vectors, such as a vector backbone, a promoter, and a gene of interest that encodes for the protein of interest, and the transposon-based vectors comprising these components. Also provided are methods of making these compositions and methods of using these compositions for the production of desired proteins in vivo or in transfected cells in vitro.

Abstract: Novel compositions for the production of the light and heavy chains of an antibody are provided. These novel compositions are also used to produce germline transgenic birds that can successfully pass the transgene encoding the antibody to their offspring. The compositions comprise components of vectors, such as a vector backbone, a promoter, and a gene of interest that encodes the light or heavy chain of an antibody, and the vectors comprising these components. In certain embodiments, these vectors are transposon-based vectors. Also provided are methods of making these compositions and methods of using these compositions for the production of the light and heavy chains of an antibody. In one embodiment, the antibody is a human monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the administration of transposon-based vectors to the reproductive organs of animals and the creation of transgenic animals. Preferred methods involve administration of the transposon-based vectors to the lumen of the oviduct of an avian, expression of a vector derived transgene in the avian, and deposition of the resultant polypeptide in an egg. This invention allows for large amounts of protein to be deposited in the egg.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are presented for the administration of transposon-based vectors to an animal or human to provide gene therapy to the animal or human.

Abstract: Novel compositions for the in vitro or in vivo production of specific proteins are provided. The compositions comprise components of vectors, such as a vector backbone, a promoter, and a gene of interest that encodes for the protein of interest, and the transposon-based vectors comprising these components. Also provided are methods of making these compositions and methods of using these compositions for the production of desired proteins in vivo or in transfected cells in vitro.

Abstract: Novel compositions for the production of the light and heavy chains of an antibody are provided. These novel compositions are also used to produce germline transgenic birds that can successfully pass the transgene encoding the antibody to their offspring. The compositions comprise components of vectors, such as a vector backbone, a promoter, and a gene of interest that encodes the light or heavy chain of an antibody, and the vectors comprising these components. In certain embodiments, these vectors are transposon-based vectors. Also provided are methods of making these compositions and methods of using these compositions for the production of the light and heavy chains of an antibody. In one embodiment, the antibody is a human monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions to transfect cells for production of growth hormone (GH). These novel compositions also are used to produce germline transgenic birds that can successfully pass the transgene encoding growth hormone to their offspring. These novel compositions include components of vectors such as a vector backbone, a novel promoter, and a gene of interest that encodes for GH, and the vectors comprising these components. In one embodiment these vectors are transposon-based vectors. The present invention also provides methods of making these compositions and methods of using these compositions for the production of GH in vitro and in vivo. In one embodiment the GH is human (h)GH.

Abstract: Novel compositions for the production of interferons such as interferon-? 2a, interferon-? 2b, or interferon-? 1a (IFN-? 2a, IFN-? 2b, or IFN-? 1a) are provided. The compositions comprise components of vectors, such as a vector backbone, a promoter, and a gene of interest that encodes an interferon such as IFN-? 2a, IFN-? 2b, or IFN-? 1a, and the vectors comprising these components. In certain embodiments, these vectors are transposon-based vectors. Also provided are methods of making these compositions and methods of using these compositions for the production of an interferon such as IFN-? 2a, IFN-? 2b, or IFN-?1a.

Abstract: Administration of modified transposon-based vectors has been used to achieve stable incorporation of exogenous genes into animals. These transgenic animals produce transgenic progeny. Further, these transgenic animals produce large quantities of desired molecules encoded by the transgene. Transgenic egg-laying animals produce large quantities of desired molecules encoded by the transgene and deposit these molecules in the egg.

Abstract: Administration of modified transposon-based vectors has been used to achieve stable incorporation of exogenous genes into animals. These transgenic animals produce transgenic progeny. Further, these transgenic animals produce large quantities of desired molecules encoded by the transgene. Transgenic egg-laying animals produce large quantities of desired molecules encoded by the transgene and deposit these molecules in the egg.

Abstract: A paratransgenesis system is disclosed to kill targeted social insects such as termites and cockroaches, for example the Formosan subterranean termite. A genetically modified yeast can be effectively used to express and deliver lytic peptides directly within the termite gut. Some highly lytic peptides directly damage the insect gut itself, leading to the death of the insect within about three days. Other lytic peptides kill all (or at least most) species of protozoa in the termite gut. The protozoa provide wood-digesting enzymes (cellulases) to the termite. Without these protozoa (and their cellulases) the insect dies within about six weeks. The system is completely free from conventional neurotoxins and other organic pesticides.

Abstract: Administration of modified transposon-based vectors has been used to achieve stable incorporation of exogenous genes into animals. These transgenic animals produce transgenic progeny. Further, these transgenic animals produce large quantities of desired molecules encoded by the transgene. Transgenic egg-laying animals produce large quantities of desired molecules encoded by the transgene and deposit these molecules in the egg.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the administration of transposon-based vectors to the reproductive organs of animals and the creation of transgenic animals. Preferred methods involve administration of the transposon-based vectors to the lumen of the oviduct of an avian, expression of a vector derived transgene in the avian, and deposition of the resultant polypeptide in an egg. This invention allows for large amounts of protein to be deposited in the egg.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new, effective and efficient method of producing multimeric proteins in an individual. Multimeric proteins include associated multimeric proteins (two or more associated polypeptides) and multivalent multimeric proteins (a single polypeptide encoded by more than one gene of interest). Expression and/or formation of the multimeric protein in the individual is achieved by administering a polynucleotide cassette containing genes of interest that encode portions of the multimeric protein to the individual. The polynucleotide cassette may additionally contain one or more pro sequences, prepro sequences, cecropin prepro sequences, and/or cleavage site sequences.

Abstract: Administration of modified transposon-based vectors has been used to achieve stable incorporation of exogenous genes into animals. These transgenic animals produce transgenic progeny. Further, these transgenic animals produce large quantities of desired molecules encoded by the transgene. Transgenic egg-laying animals produce large quantities of desired molecules encoded by the transgene and deposit these molecules in the egg.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the administration of transposon-based vectors to the reproductive organs of animals and the creation of transgenic animals. Preferred methods involve administration of the transposon-based vectors to the lumen of the oviduct of an avian, expression of a vector derived transgene in the avian, and deposition of the resultant polypeptide in an egg. This invention allows for large amounts of protein to be deposited in the egg.

Abstract: Novel means have been discovered for increasing the resistance of an animal host (including humans) to diseases caused by intracellular bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. The infection treated may, for example, be equine infectious anemia, or infection by the human immunodeficiency virus. Novel means have also been found for treating tumors. Augmentation of the host's defenses against infectious diseases or tumors is achieved by "arming" the host's cells with an exogenous gene encoding a natural or synthetic lytic peptide. For example, the transfection of hematopoietic stem cells and embryonic cells will produce animals with enhanced disease resistance; and transfection of TIL (tumor infiltrating lymphocytes) cells or other cells can be used in the treatment of tumors. Genes coding for a cecropin or other native or synthetic lytic peptide can be transferred and stably expressed in mammalian, bony fish, other vertebrate, and other animal cells.

Abstract: Live-attenuated vaccines against Edwardsiella ictaluri or against Pasteurella piscicida are disclosed. Both vaccines are incapable of reversion to virulence, because both are made by deletion mutations in the aroA gene, the purA gene, or both. These vaccines may be used not only to vaccinate fish against Edwardsiella ictaluri or Pasteurella piscicida, but also to serve as vectors to present antigens from other pathogens to the fish, thereby serving as vaccines against other pathogens as well, with no risk of infection by reversion to the virulent form of the pathogen in which the antigen occurs naturally.

Abstract: Novel means have been discovered for increasing the resistance of an animal host (including humans) to diseases caused by intracellular bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. The infection treated may, for example, be equine infectious anemia, or infection by the human immunodeficiency virus. Novel means have also been found for treating tumors Augmentation of the host's defenses against infectious diseases or tumors is achieved by "arming" the host's cells with an exogenous gene encoding a natural or synthetic lytic peptide. For example, the transfection of hematopoietic stem cells and embryonic cells will produce animals with enhanced disease resistance; and transfection of TIL (tumor infiltrating lymphocytes) cells or other cells can be used in the treatment of tumors. Genes coding for a cecropin or other native or synthetic lytic peptide can be transferred and stably expressed in mammalian, bony fish, other vertebrate, and other animal cells.