Abstract: Novel kinase polypeptides, proteins, and nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. In addition to isolated, full-length kinase proteins, the invention further provides isolated kinase fusion proteins, antigenic peptides, and anti-kinase antibodies. The invention also provides kinase nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a kinase gene has been introduced or disrupted. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing structured, self-organized molecular monolayers of individual molecular species. The invention is preferably used to create solid-phase bonded substance libraries. To this end, a) a substrate (2) suitable for the first monolayer is provided; b) a microstructured polymer mask (1) having openings is applied to the subtrate (2) at least once in a defined direction.

Abstract: Diagnostics and therapeutics for osteoporosis, which are based on the identification of the subject's IL-1 haplotype pattern are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of screening a potential translational regulatory element of mRNA, which promotes or suppresses the translation efficiency of mRNA in a given translation system, by applying the in vitro evolution principles. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method of screening a potential translational regulatory element of mRNA, comprising the steps of synthesizing mRNAs with random oligonucleotide sequences, which are candidates of translational regulatory elements, introduced into the untranslated regions (UTRs), and selecting mRNAs with altered translation efficiency by virtue of the inserted motifs; to translational regulatory elements screened by this method; and to a method of isolating mRNA with altered translation efficiency in comparison with the native mRNA by using such a screening method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for depositing a nucleic acid on a solid support. The method comprises contacting a solid support with a solution of nucleic acid, the solution comprising about 30% to about 80% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) by volume, sodium chloride and sodium citrate salt containing buffer (SSC) at a final concentration of from about 0.1× (15 mM sodium chloride+1.5 mM sodium citrate) to about 0.8× (120 mM sodium chloride+12 mM sodium citrate). The composition includes a nucleic acid at a concentration ranging from 0.01 mg/ml to 0.50 mg/ml. Preferably, the solution comprises about 40% to about 80% DMSO by volume and SSC at a final concentration from about 0.1× to about 0.5×. More preferably, the solution comprises about 40% to about 60% DMSO by volume and SSC at final concentration from about 0.25× to about 0.5×. Most preferably, the solution comprises about 50% DMSO by volume and SSC at a final concentration of about 0.25×.

Abstract: Methods and kits for labeling nucleic acids are provided. In the subject methods, an oligonucleotide tagged nucleic acid comprising an oligonucleotide tag is first generated. The oligonucleotide tagged nucleic acid is then contacted under hybridization conditions with a labeled oligonucleotide complementary to the oligonucleotide tag, yielding a labeled nucleic acid. The kits of the subject invention at least include a primer for use in enzymatically generating an oligonucleotide tagged target nucleic acid, where the primer generally at least includes an oligo dT region and the oligonucleotide tag, and a labeled oligonucleotide complementary to the oligonucleotide tag. The subject methods and kits find use in a variety of applications, and are particularly suited for use in gene expression analysis applications.

Abstract: In broad terms, the present invention includes materials and methods useful to distinguish between and among species of a genus. The present methods utilize the differences in PCR amplicon sizes to specifically identify a given species.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of taste cell specific G-protein coupled receptors, antibodies to such receptors, methods of detecting such nucleic acids and receptors, and methods of screening for modulators of taste cell specific G-protein coupled receptors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to male infertility, and in particular to assays for predicting fertility in animals including human and bovines. In some embodiments, semen samples are evaluated by measuring the amount of ubiquitin in the sample, and in particular by measuring the extent of ubiquitination spermatozoa. Increased levels of ubiquitination in a sample are correlated with lower fertility. Ubiquitination may be assayed by several methods, including immunocytochemical measurement, ELISA, and flow cytometry.

Abstract: The invention features substantially pure NRAGE polypeptides. The invention also features substantially pure nucleic acids encoding these polypeptides. The polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention are useful for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes, and for drug discovery.

Abstract: Method for screening for the presence of a genetic defect associated with thrombosis and/or poor anticoagulant response to activated protein C (APC). The method is directed at detecting one or more mutations at one or more of the cleavage and/or binding sites for APC of Factor V and/or Factor Va or at Factor VIII and/or Factor VIIIa at either nucleic acid or protein level or both.

Abstract: The invention provides a human lysophosphatidic acid acyltranferase (HLPAAT) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HLPAAT. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating or preventing disorders associated with expression of HLPAAT.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding an isopentenyl diphosphate biosynthetic enzyme. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the isopentenyl diphosphate biosynthetic enzyme, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the isopentenyl diphosphate biosynthetic enzyme in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the effect of each of a plurality of test agents on cells from a subject, and a method to profile patient cell responses to test agents.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) in which R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are hydrogen atoms or chromogenic substituents and X is hydroxyl, OR6 wherein R6 is selected from the group consisting of C1-C4 alkyl, or O−Me+ wherein Me+ is a cation derived from an organic or inorganic base; these compounds do not exhibit significant fluorescence but are capable of being cleaved by phosphatidyl-inositol-specific phospholipase C, an enzyme which is indicative of bacterial activity; the umbelliferyl moity resulting from such cleavage is a strong fluorogen thus providing effective test methods for various pathogenic bacteria, such as Listeria, Staphylococcus and Clostridium species. Also disclosed are plating media for detection of microorganisms that are capable of metabolic generation of a phosphatidyl inositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC).

Abstract: Compositions of matter consisting of a family of related nucleic acid sequences that encode proteins, termed Cell Growth Regulatory Proteins, that phosphorylate cell cycle targets, and methods of using the nucleotide sequences and the proteins encoded thereby, to diagnose and/or treat disease where the Cell Growth Regulatory Proteins have an apparent molecular weight of about 54.6 kdaltons.

Abstract: The invention provides ampS polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding ampS polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing ampS polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: According to the protein expression system in which a variety of desired useful proteins are highly produced by fusing a coding region of useful protein gene to the downstream of a promoter region of a tyrosinase-encoding gene (melO) of Aspergillus oryzae by a usual method of DNA manipulation, transferring a plasmid containing the resulting novel fusion gene into Aspergillus oryzae and incubating the thus-obtained transformant, various proteins can efficiently be produced at a high purity and in a high yield.

Abstract: An isolated DNA having the promoter sequence of the hex gene of P. chrysogenum or a DNA fragment that is hybridizable to the complement of the promoter sequence under stringent conditions and is capable of directing expression of DNA downstream of the fragment in P. chrysogenum. Also a process for promoting expression of a coding sequence of interest in a microorganism using the isolated DNA and a process to block expression of a gene of interest in a microorganism using the isolated DNA are disclosed.

Abstract: Purified BAMT proteins that function in floral scent production are provided. The proteins are enzymes that advantageously function in the formation of floral scent compounds, such as methyl benzoate. Nucleotide sequences encoding functional BAMT proteins are also provided. The invention also provides recombinant vectors including the nucleotide sequence encoding BAMT, host cells that include the recombinant vectors described herein, transgenic plants, methods of expressing proteins, including BAMT, and methods of transforming host cells.

Abstract: The invention provides an in vitro single cycle, recombinant virus assay (RVA) for determining inhibition of HIV replication by a protease inhibitor. The assay comprises transfecting a human epithelial cell line with amplified HIV protease sequences of an HIV virus; an HIV envelope defective molecular clone having a complete deletion of its protease coding sequence as well as two separate deletions in its env gene and a deletion of part of its gag gene; and a plasmid containing HIV envelope coding sequence under the control of a promoter for phenotypic complementation of the envelope defective molecular clone. The transfected cells are cultured in the presence of a protease inhibitor to produce a testable stock of infectious particles that can be used to infect indicator cells containing an indicator gene without amplification of the infectious particles prior to infecting the indicator cells. Accumulation of indicator gene product is a measure of inhibition of HIV replication by the protease inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing an insulin C-peptide, which comprises expressing in a host cell a multimeric polypeptide comprising multiple copies of the insulin C-peptide, and cleaving the expressed polypeptide to release single copies of the insulin C-peptide. Also provided are nucleic acid molecules, expression vectors and host cells, for use in such a method and the multimeric insulin C-peptide polypeptide expressed and cleaved in such a method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Stem Cell Inhibitor (SCI) protein which comprises at least one amino acid alteration from its native form which protein does not significantly aggregate but which retains substantially unaltered stem cell inhibitory activity. The alteration is preferably a conservative subsitution of a charged amino acid residue. Such proteins may be used in treating stem cells in a patient undergoing chemotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for the growth of C. tetani and production of Tetanus Toxin for use in formulating Tetanus Toxoid preparations. The system includes growth media that contain significantly reduced levels of meat or dairy by-products using non-animal based products to replace the animal-derived products. Preferred media are substantially free of animal-derived products.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the modification, cloning and amplification of cDNAs which are complete at their 5′ end which is essentially characterized in that the first strand cDNA synthesis is carried out in the presence of manganese2+ ions or manganese2+ is added as an additive at a later time. The CAP structure at the 5′ end of the reversely transcribed mRNA triggers the attachment of deoxy-cytosines to the 3′ end of the cDNA with high efficiency. In a preferred embodiment a controlled ribonucleotide tailing is carried out with the aid of terminal transferase following the first strand cDNA synthesis.

Abstract: Rolling circle replication of a padlock primer is inhibited when it is hybridized to a target nucleic acid that is long or circular. The invention provides methods of addressing this problem including cutting the target nucleic acid near or preferably at the site which hybridizes with the padlock probe, whereby a 3′-end of the cut target nucleic acid acts as a primer for rolling circle replication of the padlock probe.

Abstract: An increase in the selectivity, sensitivity and the suppression of primer dimer formations, fluorescence-based gene expression analyses and gene mutation analyses is accomplished by adding bovine serum albumin to the conventional PCR reaction components. Magnesium chloride concentration is adjusted accurately depending on the Taq polymerase used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to physiologically active materials separated from the cereals and manufacturing method thereof. Physiologically active materials such as ferulic acid and arabinoxylan present in cereal brans were separated by the extrusion process and the subsequent treatment with plant cell wall hydrolyzing enzymes. This combined process of extrusion and enzyme treatments for cereal brans, compared to the individual treatment, significantly increased the separation efficiency of physiologically active materials in cereal brans, ferulic acid and arabinoxylan, which inherently exist as insoluble materials in the cell wall of cereal bran.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing Fexofenadine from Terfenadine by a bioconversion process using Absidia corymbifera LCP 63-1800 or Stepromyces platensis NRRL 2364 strain.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel gene, gridlock, and its encoded protein. gridlock plays a role in vascular development and modeling, and a mutation in gridlock has been associated with an aortic arch disease, coarctation. Thus, gridlock nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides can be used in methods of diagnosing, treating, and preventing gridlock-related diseases and conditions, such as aortic arch diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutant 1,3-propanediol dehydrogenase and a novel microorganism that is capable of growing in concentrations of at least 105 g/l 1,3-propanediol, levels normally toxic to wild-type microorganisms. The present invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising the mutant 1,3-propanediol dehydrogenase as well as methods for producing 1,3-propanediol comprising the use of cells comprising the mutant 1,3-propanediol dehydrogenase.

Abstract: A novel gene defining a novel enzyme in the UDP-D-galactose: &bgr;-N-acetyl-glucosamine &bgr;-1,4-galactosyltransferase family, termed &bgr;4Gal-T2, with unique enzymatic properties is disclosed. The enzymatic activity of &bgr;4Gal-T2 is shown to be distinct from that of previously identified enzymes of this gene family. The invention discloses isolated DNA molecules and DNA constructs encoding &bgr;4Gal-T2 and derivatives thereof by way of amino acid deletion, substitution or insertion exhibiting &bgr;4Gal-T2 activity, as well as cloning and expression vectors including such DNA, cells transfected with the vectors, and recombinant methods for providing &bgr;4Gal-T2. The enzyme &bgr;4Gal-T2 and &bgr;4Gal-T2-active derivatives thereof are disclosed, in particular soluble derivatives comprising the catalytically active domain of &bgr;4Gal-T2.

Abstract: The invention provides human transferase proteins (TRNSFS) and polynucleotides which identify and encode TRNSFS. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provide methods for diagnosing, treating, or preventing disorders, associated with expression of TRNSFS.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding human lipase proteins and fragments, derivatives, and variants thereof. These nucleic acids and proteins are useful for diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of a number of human and other animal disorders associated, for example, with aberrant lipid metabolism or aberrant pancreatic activity. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, expression vectors containing the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and non-human transgenic animals in which a nucleic acid molecule of the invention has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated polypeptides, fusion polypeptides, antigenic peptides, and antibodies. Diagnostic, prognostic, screening, and therapeutic methods involving use of compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Two cellobiohydrolase polypeptides (CBHA and CBHB) derived from Aspergillus are described and can be used to degrade cellulose. Variants of these peptides are described as well as DNA encoding the peptides, vectors and host cells. The peptides can be used to produce or process food, animal feed, wood pulp, paper and textiles.

Abstract: Enzymes produced by mutating the genes for a number of subtilases and expressing the mutated genes in suitable hosts are presented. The enzymes exhibit improved wash performance in any detergent in comparison to their wild type parent enzymes.

Abstract: Novel isolated proteases of the RP-II type and variants of RP-II proteases exhibiting improved properties in comparison to the parent RP-II protease, DNA constructs and vectors coding for the expression of said proteases and variants, host cells capable of expressing the proteases and variants from the DNA constructs, as well as a method of producing them by cultivating said host cells. The proteases may advantageously be used as constituents in detergent compositions and additives, optionally in combination with other enzymes such as proteases, lipases, cellulases, amylase, peroxidases or oxidases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new strain of Streptomyces sp., called CIMAP A1 isolated from the soil of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) planted in the experimental fields of CIMAP and having the accession No. ATCC PTA-4131 and capable of inhibiting the growth of phytopathogenic fungi.

Abstract: Nanoemulsions are prepared containing oily droplets of a diameter of less than 100 nm in an aqueous phase. The oily droplets contain a lipophilic substance, and have on their surface an amphoteric emulsifier in an amount of preferably 0.65 to 0.75 parts by weight amphoteric emulsifier for one part by weight of oily component forming the droplets. The oily component of the droplets is preferably a triglyceride containing oleic acid and/or linoleic acid. The nanoemulsions, which may be sterile, are used for delivering into cells the lipophilic substance contained by the oily droplets. This delivery can be used to biotransform the lipophilic substance, promote cell differentiation, growth or biosynthesis of a desired substance, or to test for toxicity of the lipophilic substance.

Abstract: Combinatorial libraries of polyketides can be obtained by suitable manipulation of a host modular polyketide synthase gene cluster such as that which encodes the PKS for erythromycin. The combinatorial library is useful as a source of pharmaceutically active compounds. In addition, novel polyketides and antibiotics are prepared using this method.

Abstract: A solid state fermentation (SSF) method is provided which is effective for both small- and large-scale fungal cultivation. Also provided is SSF media for fungal cultivation. The media preferably contains a carbon source and nitrogen source to provide a carbon to nitrogen ratio of about 5:1 to about 25:1 by weight. The media may also contain a vitamin and an inorganic substance. A preferred SSF medium contains malt extract, yeast extract, peptone, glucose, water, solid base, and calcium carbonate or gypsum. Before propagating fungal mycelia in the SSF medium, the mycelia may be pre-cultivated in a solid culture medium and then in a liquid medium. Although the SSF method can be used in growing most fungi, preferred fungi include Cordyceps sinensis, Ganoderma lucidum, Antrodia camphorata, Trametes versicolor, and Agaricus blazei. The SSF method not only produces high yield of fungi, but also stimulates the production of fungal metabolites, particularly the kinds with pharmaceutical and medicinal activities.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods that are useful for performing high-throughput screening assays. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention are useful in screening large numbers of different compounds for their effects on a variety of chemical, and preferably, biochemical systems.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for miniaturized DNA sequencing using four-color detection. The method employs a multichannel chip where the channels are simultaneously irradiated to excite fluorophores in the channels. The emitted light is divided into four different wavelength beams and read by CCDs. The results are multiplexed for rapid sequencing of a large number of samples, with high fidelity of the sequences.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for rapidly identifying biological agents in a sample suspected of containing the same. The biomarkers are released from biological agents present in a sample, separated from contaminants present in the sample, ionized to form an ionized stream of biomarkers which are sent to a mass spectrometer to obtain a mass spectral profile of the biomarkers in the sample for analysis and identification. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus useful for carrying out the steps of the above method in an automated mode.

Abstract: A thermal cycling device for a titration plate enables selected sample wells to be individually subjected to heating and cooling cycles independent of the temperature of adjacent sample wells. Each sample well is fitted with its own mechanism for independently heating and cooling the sample therein while a heat sensing mechanism provides feedback to the controller. The device is especially well adapted for enabling elected samples in a single titration plate to be simultaneously subjected to different PCR programs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a permanent amniocytic cell line comprising at least one nucleic acid which brings about expression of the gene products of the adenovirus E1A and E1B regions. The present invention further relates to the production of a permanent amniocytic cell line and to its use for producing gene transfer vectors and/or adenovirus mutants. Further aspects are the use of amniocytes and of the adenoviral gene products of the E1A and E1B regions for producing permanent amniocytic cell lines.

Abstract: This invention relates to media for culturing human cells that the proliferation speed of human cells is increased and the cell expression type is stably manifested, and to a method for culturing human cells using the same. This invention is characterized in that the media used for culturing human cells comprises human serum.

Abstract: The invention features p28 Bap31 polypeptides and nucleic acids. The invention also features methods for modulating apoptosis using these polypeptides and nucleic acids, and methods for identifying apoptosis-modulating compounds.

Abstract: A method of inducing the maturation of dendritic cells by stimulating immature dendritic cells with an imidazoquinoline type immune response modifying compound. Dendritic cells that have been matured in this manner display increased antigen presenting ability and may be used as immunotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating diabetes mellitus in a patient in need thereof are provided. The methods include administering to a patient a composition providing a gastrin/CCK receptor ligand, e.g., a gastrin, and/or an epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor ligand, e.g., TGF-&agr;, in an amount sufficient to effect differentiation of pancreatic islet precursor cells to mature insulin-secreting cells. The composition can be administered systemically or expressed in situ by cells transgenically supplemented with one or both of a gastrin/CCK receptor ligand gene, e.g., a preprogastrin peptide precursor gene and an EGF receptor ligand gene, e.g., a TGF-&agr; gene. The methods also include transplanting into a patient cultured pancreatic islets in which mature insulin-secreting beta cells are proliferated by exposure to a gastrin/CCK receptor ligand and an EGF receptor ligand.