Abstract: The invention provides cellular transformation, directed evolution, and screening methods for creating novel transgenic organisms having desirable properties. Thus in one aspect, this invention relates to a method of generating a transgenic organism, such as a microbe or a plant, having a plurality of traits that are differentially activatable. Also, a method of retooling genes and gene pathways by the introduction of regulatory sequences, such as promoters, that are operable in an intended host, thus conferring operability to a novel gene pathway when it is introduced into an intended host. For example a novel man-made gene pathway, generated based on microbially-derived progenitor templates, that is operable in a plant cell. Furthermore, a method of generating novel host organisms having increased expression of desirable traits, recombinant genes, and gene products.

Abstract: The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activity in a patient's bloodstream or other biological sample can serve as a diagnostic and prognostic index for cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, and other pathologies. Antibody-sandwich ELISA method and kits for VEGF as an antigen were developed to detect VEGF levels in biological samples from animal models and human patients and are used as a diagnostic/prognostic index.

Abstract: This patent describes a novel method of detecting genetic interactions in yeast. This method can also be used to screen for function of biological effectors on yeast. The method encompasses crossing yeast strains with genetic alterations to acquire double mutants. The phenotypes of these double mutants are then checked to detect genetic interactions between the double mutants. This method can be used to assign function to yeast genes and their viral, prokaryotic, and eukaryotic homologs, and aptamers. It can also be used to study yeast two hybrid interactions and to find genes that regulate certain yeast promoters.

Abstract: The cDNA that encodes a glycoprotein receptor from the tobacco hornworm which binds a Bacillus thuringiensis toxin has been obtained and sequenced. The availability of this cDNA permits the retrieval of DNAs encoding homologous receptors in other insects and organisms as well as the design of assays for the cytotoxicity and binding affinity of potential pesticides and the development of methods to manipulate natural and/or introduced homologous receptors and, thus, to destroy target cells, tissues and/or organisms.

Abstract: Surprisingly, the present inventors have discovered that thermal denaturation of prion protein facilitates its detection by immunological methods. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the preparation and thermal denaturation of samples for prion detection, comprising: homogenizing a candidate sample and heating said sample in a buffer, preferably one with properties that aid stabilization of the denatured form of the protein. The methods described in this disclosure can be used in the detection of PrPSc. Such detection is useful for the diagnosis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. This method can be used with immunoassays of various formats, including, but not limited to, dot blot and western blot assays, which utilize polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies, antibody fragments, receptors, natural and synthetic ligands and other entities.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting a protein in a sample, such as a sample flushed through a food processing system. If the sample or food processing system contains the protein in detectable amounts, a test membrane will change color. The invention thus provides a simple semi-quantitative test for the presence of a protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a generic capture ELISA for the detection and measurement of antibodies in biological fluids such as serum. This newly developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system uses a first binding partner of a binding pair, preferably glutathione, crosslinked to casein as capture protein to bind recombinant protein antigens fused to a second binding partner of said binding pair, preferably N-terminal glutathione S-transferase (GST). The method not only allows the specific and efficient detection of antibodies in biological samples but, in addition, simple and efficient immobilization and one-step purificaton of overexpressed recombinant antigens even from crude lysates on ELISA plates coated with the first binding partner/casein. Several antigens can be tested in parallel under the same conditions without the need to biochemically purify or renature the proteins.

Abstract: A method, kit, system and reagent for performing coagulation assays with higher sensitivity and greater dynamic range is provided which involves the use of one or more metal compounds that interact with calcium binding sites in the blood coagulation cascade, particularly lanthanide compounds, manganese compounds and magnesium compounds. A Protein C reagent, kit, and assay method is also provided using the same type of metal compounds to provide greater detection sensitivity and dynamic range between samples.

Abstract: A means for stable preparing a composition, which comprises plasma component derived from human or animals, at least fibrinogen, which is blood coagulation factor, and factor V, is provided, and the composition prepared remains stable even when allowed to stand over one day or longer in a freeze-dried state, in freeze-thawed state, in a refrigerator, or under room temperature. By adding an inhibitor of Factor XIII in an effective amount for achieving the inhibitory effect, compositions comprising human or animal plasma components, at least fibrinogen and Factor V, which are blood coagulation factors, and reagents for measuring extrinsic coagulation factor for blood coagulation function comprising at least thromboplastin, Factor V and fibrinogen can be stabilized during preparation, storage and measurement.

Abstract: A test strip for confirming a desired proportion of components in dialysate, including a first medium capable of indicating the concentration of bicarbonate ion, and a second medium capable of indicating the concentration of glucose. The test strip defines a first region impregnated with the first medium, and a second region impregnated with the second medium. The test strip optionally includes a third medium capable of indicating the pH of the dialysate. The third medium is impregnated at a third region on the test strip. Alternatively, the test strip comprises a bicarbonate test pad attached to the first region, a glucose test pad attached to the second region, and optionally a pH test pad attached to the third region. The glucose test pad is impregnated with the first medium, the glucose test pad is impregnated with the second medium, and the pH test pad is impregnated with the third medium.

Abstract: A test strip for confirming a desired proportion of components in dialysate, including a first medium capable of indicating the concentration of bicarbonate ion, and a second medium capable of indicating the concentration of glucose. The test strip defines a first region impregnated with the first medium, and a second region impregnated with the second medium. The test strip optionally includes a third medium capable of indicating the pH of the dialysate. The third medium is impregnated at a third region on the test strip. Alternatively, the test strip comprises a bicarbonate test pad attached to the first region, a glucose test pad attached to the second region, and optionally a pH test pad attached to the third region. The glucose test pad is impregnated with the first medium, the glucose test pad is impregnated with the second medium, and the pH test pad is impregnated with the third medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of a protein phosphatase type 2C as an enzyme and a phospho-BAD as substrate. The protein BAD is dephosphorylated in position Ser155. Furthermore, the combination is used in an in vitro screening for ligands which modulate protein phosphatase type 2C, comprising the steps: incubating the protein phosphatase type 2C in combination with the substrate phospho-BAD and the ligand of the assay and detecting the decrease in phospho-BAD and/or the increase in phosphate and/or BAD. Therefore, new drugs for the treatment apoptosis may be found.

Abstract: Test system for the determination of in-vivo active hemostasis proteases or of trypsin or subtilisin in biological fluids and the usage thereof to determine the in-vivo activation of hemostasis or to diagnose a pancreatitis.

Abstract: This invention concerns an enzyme substrate consisting of a target part and a marker part, hydrolysis of the substrate leading to separation of the target part from the marker part, and said target part being specific for the enzyme activity being assayed. It also concerns a formulation containing at least one such substrate, and a method for detecting the bacterial species Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to methods and systems for testing a substance for inflammatory or oxidant properties under acute inflammatory conditions characterized by increased levels of redox-active metal ions. The method includes the steps of applying an eccentric exercise stimulus to a subject, thereby inducing a muscle injury; administering a substance of interest to the subject; measuring one or more biological markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and muscle damage, or combinations thereof, within the subject; and correlating the measured value of the biological marker(s) with the inflammatory or oxidative properties of the substance administered.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for forming a concentration gradient of a reagent for use in chemotactic evaluation. A flow passage is provided and defined at least in part by a substrate having a target region on a surface thereof. A concentration gradient of a reagent is formed over the target region by controlled delivery of a fluid containing the reagent in laminar flow through the flow passage and over the target region. The concentration gradient is suitable for chemotactic evaluation. Typically, the inventive methods and devices are employed to evaluate the chemotactic interaction between a candidate compound and a monolayer of immobilized cells.

Abstract: Two novel phosphorylation sites of myosin light chain 1 (MLC1) are described. Methods of monitoring phosphorylation of MLC1 to identify new cardiac and skeletal muscle protective agents, monitor the extent of preconditioning of cardiac and skeletal muscles, and monitoring the status of a subject with cardiac or skeletal muscle damage are provided. Also provided are methods and compositions for altering MLC1 to change contractility of cardiac and skeletal muscles and to protecting cardiac and skeletal muscles from damage caused by conditions and/or agents including, but not limited to, cardiomyopathies, hypertension, free radicals ischemia, hypoxia, and ischemia/hypoxia with reperfusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the early diagnosis of cancer in a subject, which is based on determination of the relative fraction of microorganisms derived from the feces of the sublect, as compared to the total count of microorganisms in the same of corresponding sample. This relation has been found to be indicative of ihe presence or absence of cancer in said subject.

Abstract: The present invention is related with the Microbiology field and particularly with a composition and a method for early detection, identification, differentiation and count of microscopic organisms, concretely Gram-negative microorganisms.

Abstract: A method of screening a candidate compound for susceptibility to biliary excretion. The method includes the steps of providing a culture of hepatocytes, the culture having at least one bile canaliculus; exposing a candidate compound to the culture; and determining an amount of candidate compound in the at least one bile canaliculus, the amount of candidate compound in the at least one bile canaliculus indicating the susceptibility of the candidate compound to biliary excretion. Optionally, the culture of hepatocytes is a long-term culture in a sandwich configuration. The method is particularly applicable to the screening of multiple candidate compounds in a single effort.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the synthesis of &bgr;-lactam antibacterials using soluble side chain esters in the presence of enzyme acylase. Also disclosed are novel esters useful as reactants in said process.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel process for the transformation of 17&agr;-hydroxy-6&agr;-methylpregn-4-ene-3,20-dione 17-acetate (I) 1

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for changing production ratios of carotenoid compounds in a process of microbiological production of a plurality of carotenoid compounds. By controlling the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the culture during cultivation, production ratios of carotenoid compounds such as astaxanthin, adonixanthin, &bgr;-carotene, echinenone, canthaxanthin, zeaxanthin, &bgr;-cryptoxanthin, 3-hydroxyechinenone, asteroidenone and adonirubin, are changed.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel neurogenin proteins, nucleic acids and antibodies.

Abstract: A novel nuclear receptor, termed the steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR), a broad-specificity sensing receptor that is a novel branch of the nuclear receptor superfamily, has been discovered. SXR forms a heterodimer with RXR that can bind to and induce transcription from response elements present in steroid-inducible cytochrome P450 genes in response to hundreds of natural and synthetic compounds with biological activity, including therapeutic steroids as well as dietary steroids and lipids. Instead of hundreds of receptors, one for each inducing compound, the invention SXR receptors monitor aggregate levels of inducers to trigger production of metabolizing enzymes in a coordinated metabolic pathway. Agonists and antagonists of SXR are administered to subjects to achieve a variety of therapeutic goals dependent upon modulating metabolism of one or more endogenous steroids or xenobiotics to establish homeostasis.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of hHAC3, antibodies to hHAC3, methods of detecting hHAC3, and methods of screening for modulators hyperpolarization-activated cation channels using biologically active hHAC3. The invention further provides, in a computer system, a method of screening for mutations of human HAC3 genes as well as a method for identifying a three-dimensional structure of human HAC3 polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel proteins. More specifically, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding novel polypeptides. Novel polypeptides and antibodies that bind to these polypeptides are provided. Also provided are vectors, host cells, and recombinant and synthetic methods for producing human polynucleotides and/or polypeptides, and antibodies. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing, treating, preventing and/or prognosing disorders related to these novel polypeptides. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention. The present invention further relates to methods and/or compositions for inhibiting or enhancing the production and function of the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: A cloned gene encoding the expression of an antigenic mutant pertussis toxin with substantially reduced enzymatic activity has been described.

Abstract: The present invention describes a newly discovered human G-protein coupled receptor and its encoding polynucleotide. Also described are expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antagonists, aritisense molecules, and antibodies associated with the polynucleotide and/or polypeptide of the present invention. In addition, methods for treating, diagnosing, preventing and screening for disorders associated with aberrant cell growth and those related to the small intestine and colon are illustrated.

Abstract: This invention relates to nectin polypeptides and polynucleotides, to methods of making such polypeptides and polynucleotides, and to methods of using such polypeptides and polynucleotides to modulate cell adhesion, cell migration, and angiogenesis, to treat conditions related to cell adhesion including endothelial and epithelial cell proliferation, migration, and barrier function, and to identify agents that alter nectin polypeptide activities.

Abstract: There is provided a method for sterilizing a transformed microorganism, which is characterized by mixing at a temperature range of 25° C. or higher to less than 35° C. a solution containing a transformed microorganism belonging to Eschcrichia introduced with a DNA coding for an enzyme having a thermal denaturation temperature of 50° C. or higher, with at least one member selected from the group consisting of monovalent alcohols having one to three carbon atoms and acetone, in an amount of 10 to 35% by weight of the solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids corresponding to various exons of ABCA5, ABCA6, ABCA9, and ABCA10 genes as well as cDNAs encoding the novel full length of ABCA5, ABCA6, ABCA9, and ABCA10 proteins. The invention also relates to means for the detection of polymorphisms in general, and of mutations in particular, in the ABCA5, ABCA6, ABCA9, and ABCA10 genes or in the corresponding protein produced by the allelic form of the ABCA5, ABCA6, ABCA9, and ABCA10 genes.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for the production of polypeptides sensitive to proteolysis due to their content of arginine and lysine residues. The methods of the invention utilize yeast cells with reduced expression of either or both of the proteases encoded by YAP3 and MKC7. The methods of the invention also utilize yeast cells with reduced activity for either or both of the Yap3 and Mkc7 proteases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel polypeptide and to nucleic acid molecules encoding that polypeptide. Also provided herein are methods of treating and diagnosing bone disorders.

Abstract: Human G-protein coupled receptor polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptides for identifying antagonists and agonists to such polypeptides and methods of using the agonists and antagonists therapeutically to treat conditions related to the underexpression and overexpression of the G-protein coupled receptor polypeptides, respectively. Also disclosed are diagnostic methods for detecting a mutation in the G-protein coupled receptor nucleic acid sequences and an altered level of the soluble form of the receptors.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated laminin 10, methods for making recombinant laminin 10, host cells that express recombinant laminin 10, and methods for using the recombinant laminin 10 to accelerate the healing of injuries to vascular tissue, and to promote cell attachment and migration.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of producing kinesins. In a preferred embodiment, the kinesins are produced from a prokaryote, most preferably, a bacterial cell. Bacterial expression offers several advantages over systems previously utilized, such as, for example, Bacculovirus. The yield of protein is higher, the cost of the expression setup is lower, and creation of alternative expression vectors is easier. The concern of copurifying a contaminating activity from the expression host is also eliminated since bacteria, in contrast to the bacculovirus expresion system, do not have kinesin like proteins. Also described herein are purified kinesins, preferably unglycosylated and methods of use.

Abstract: The present invention provides soluble forms of integral membrane proteins, or domains or portions thereof, that retain the biological activity of the integral membrane protein, domain or portion from which they are designed or derived and that can readily be expressed in high yield.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: Modified target molecules are disclosed comprising genetically modified molecules, preferably enzymes, that include a catalytic triad which alters the performance of the polypeptide. Optionally, such a catalytic triad in the modified target molecule comprises three members equivalent to amino acid residues Serine 227, Histidine 200, or Glutamate 139, respectively, in the Bacillus cellulase 103 sequence. Using the embodiments disclosed by the present invention, altered performance profiles, such as enzyme activity or stability, under alkaline conditions can be achieved. Methods of making and using modified target molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel proteins. More specifically, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding novel polypeptides. Novel polypeptides and antibodies that bind to these polypeptides are provided. Also provided are vectors, host cells, and recombinant and synthetic methods for producing human polynucleotides and/or polypeptides, and antibodies. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing, treating, preventing and/or prognosing disorders related to these novel polypeptides. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention. The present invention further relates to methods and/or compositions for inhibiting or enhancing the production and function of the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel proteins. More specifically, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding novel polypeptides. Novel polypeptides and antibodies that bind to these polypeptides are provided. Also provided are vectors, host cells, and recombinant and synthetic methods for producing human polynucleotides and/or polypeptides, and antibodies. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing, treating, preventing and/or prognosing disorders related to these novel polypeptides. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention. The present invention further relates to methods and/or compositions for inhibiting or enhancing the production and function of the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: Fusion protein including a fusion part and a protein of interest, the combination of the two proteins leading to the fusion protein being secreted into a supernatant of a bacterial host with the protein of interest being present in its correct three-dimensional structure. Nucleic acid including a sequence coding for a fusion protein, the sequence including: —F—Asm—Rn—Y—, where F is a nucleic acid sequence coding for an amino acid sequence which allows secretion of a protein encoded by Y into a fermentation medium, As is a chemical bond or a nucleic acid sequence comprising a codon, m is an integer from 0-10, R is a chemical bond or an arginine codon, n is 0 or 1, and Y is a nucleic acid sequence coding for a protein of interest. Processes therefor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel proteins. More specifically, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding novel polypeptides. Novel polypeptides and antibodies that bind to these polypeptides are provided. Also provided are vectors, host cells, and recombinant and synthetic methods for producing human polynucleotides and/or polypeptides, and antibodies. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing, treating, preventing and/or prognosing disorders related to these novel polypeptides. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention. The present invention further relates to methods and/or compositions for inhibiting or enhancing the production and function of the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human coagulation Factor VII polypeptides, Factor VII derivatives as well as polynucleotide constructs encoding such polypeptides, vectors and host cells comprising and expressing the polynucleotide, pharmaceutical compositions, uses and methods of treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials capable of screening human melatonin which comprise an animal cell containing an expression plasmid for the gene encoding a human melatonin receptor protein and having said protein expressed therein, as well as a method for screening the same, thus permitting not only human melatonin but also hormones showing affinity for the same, and their agonists or antagonists to be screened with an enhanced degree of precision.

Abstract: This invention relates to small and intermediate conductance, calcium-acaivated potassium channel proteins. More specifically, the invention relates to compositions and methods for making and detecting calcium-activated potassium channel proteins and the nucleic acids encoding calcium-activated potassium channel proteins. The invention also provides methods and compositons for assaying compounds which increase or decrease potassium ion flux through a calcium-activated potassium channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to calcium channel compositions and methods of making and using same. In particular, the invention relates to calcium channel alpha2delta (&agr;2&dgr;) subunits and nucleic acid sequences encoding them. These compositions are useful in methods for identifying compounds that modulate the activity of calcium channels and for identifying compounds as therapeutic for disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to KCNQ proteins defining potassium channels. In particular, the invention concerns the human KCNQ2, human KCNQ3, murine KCNQ2, and rat KCNQ2 proteins reported herein. KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 proteins are nervous system-selective and may be involved in neurotransmission and neuroprotection. The KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 of the present invention can be used to assay for modulators of the proteins, which would be useful in treatment of such disorders as ataxia, myokymia, seizures, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, age-associated memory loss, learning deficiencies, motor neuron diseases, epilepsy, stroke, and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides human extracellular matrix and cell adhesion molecules (XMAD) and polynucleotides which identify and encode XMAD. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing, treating, or preventing disorders associated with expression of XMAD.