Abstract: The invention provides methods of analzying a secreted protein from a cell encapsulated in a microdrop. The microdrop is formulated with biotinylated matrix molecules at a reduced ratio of biotin to matrix molecules compared with previous formulations. The reduced ratio is advantageous for improving the resolution of detection and allows simultaneous detection of multiple secreted proteins and/or multiple cell surface markers. The invention further provides inter alia methods of isolating IgG isotype antibodies that have switched from IgM isotype.

Abstract: Rh antibody hybrids for use in testing red blood cells for the presence of one or more Rh factors. The Rh hybrid antibody may also be used in therapeutic procedures which require the use of Rh antisera. The hybrid antibody includes an IgG anti-Rh antibody which has a polymeric tailpiece attached to the carboxy terminal end of each of the IgG antibody heavy chains. A hemagglutinin method is provided for Rh phenotyping in which agglutination of Rh-positive red blood cells is achieved in a one-step process involving addition of the hybrid Rh antisera to the red blood cells being tested.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to regulate actin polymerization in T lymphocytes involved in tumorigenesis, inflammatory responses, immune responses, allergic responses and graft rejection responses, kits to perform such assays and methods to identify regulatory reagents that specifically control actin polymerization in T lymphocytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to quinone reductase 2 (QR2) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), and, in particular, to methods of screening compounds for their ability to modulate the activity of QR2 and/or ALDH and thereby to function as anti-malarial, anti-arthritic and/or anti-lupus agents. The invention further relates to the use of compounds that inhibit ALDH in the production of stem cells en masse.

Abstract: Determination of cellular growth abnormality, particularly cancerous abnormality, by detection of target polypeptides or encoding mRNA, where the target polypeptides are members of the preinitiation complex of DNA replication in tissue, cells or fluid. Target polypeptides include CDC6, MCM2, MCM3, MCM4, MCM5, MCM6 and MCM7. Test samples include tissue of the cervix (both biopsy and smear samples), breast, colon, lung, bladder, skin, larynx, oesophagus, bronchus, lymph nodes and urinary tract (both biopsy and cytology smear samples), in determination of cancerous and precancerous cellular growth abnormality, and cells spun from urine, blood and serum, in determination of haematological malignancies and evidence of metastatic sarcoma and carcinoma.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of priming T cells against tumor antigens comprising by obtaining naïve CD4+ or CD8+ T cells from at least one healthy individual, obtaining at least one protein or peptide from at least one cancerous cell; obtaining antigen presenting cells (APCs), culturing the APCs with the at least one protein or peptide, and adding the T cells to the culture of the APCs. The primed T cells can then be employed to identify the antigens or therapeutically as prophylaxis or treatment for cancers.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for evaluating cellular status related to neoplasia. Affinity based probes, particularly having fluorophosphonates as a reactive functionality, are employed that react with a family of enzymes having a common catalytic activity, particularly serine/threonine hydrolases. The probe(s) are combined with the cell components and resulting conjugates are characterized, where the profile of reaction indicates cellular status. A novel serine/threonine hydrolase enzyme is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the differentiation of Crohn's disease from other gastrointestinal illnesses, such as ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome, using the presence of fecal anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) as a marker for Crohn's disease are provided. The apparatus includes an enzyme-linked immunoassay or other immunoassay that utilizes antibodies specific to human immunoglobins for the measurement of total endogenous ASCA in a human fecal sample. The method and apparatus may be used by healthcare providers to distinguish Crohn's disease from other gastrointestinal illnesses, such as ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention provides clostridial toxin substrates useful in assaying for the protease activity of any clostridial toxin, including botulinum toxins of all serotypes as well as tetanus toxins. A clostridial toxin substrate of the invention contains a donor fluorophore; an acceptor having an absorbance spectrum overlapping the emission spectrum of the donor fluorophore; and a clostridial toxin recognition sequence that includes a cleavage site, where the cleavage site intervenes between the donor fluorophore and the acceptor and where, under the appropriate conditions, resonance energy transfer is exhibited between the donor fluorophore and the acceptor.

Abstract: The present invention provides clostridial toxin substrates useful in assaying for the protease activity of any clostridial toxin, including botulinum toxins of all serotypes as well as tetanus toxins. A clostridial toxin substrate of the invention contains a donor fluorophore; an acceptor having an absorbance spectrum overlapping the emission spectrum of the donor fluorophore; and a clostridial toxin recognition sequence that includes a cleavage site, where the cleavage site intervenes between the donor fluorophore and the acceptor and where, under the appropriate conditions, resonance energy transfer is exhibited between the donor fluorophore and the acceptor.

Abstract: An assay method and kit is disclosed for detecting the presence of at least one predesignated, target antibody to a mycobacterium in a sample selected from one or more patient bodily fluids. The method comprises the following steps: (a) contacting the sample of one or more patient bodily fluids with at least one mycobacterium antigen on a lateral-flow assay membrane to bind to the target antibody in the sample; (b) previously, simultaneously or subsequently to step (a), binding the at least one mycobacterium antigen with a conjugated label producing a detectable signal; and (c) detecting the signal whereby the presence of the target antibody is determined in the sample by the intensity or presence of the signal. The method can further comprise the step of evaluating immunization status of the patient from whom the sample came by comparing the signal or lack thereof with immunizations previously received by the patient and in comparison to a known standard control.

Abstract: The invention provides a hapten comprising a 6-[D-&agr;-aminoacetamido]penicillin derivative crosslinked at the &agr;-amino group with a substituted or unsubstituted phenyldicarbaldehyde. In addition, the invention provides an immunogen comprising the aforementioned hapten coupled to an antigenicity-conferring carrier material, a conjugate comprising the aforementioned hapten coupled to a labelling agent, as well as, antibodies raised against the aforementioned immunogen and capable of binding with at least one structural epitope of an intact &bgr;-lactam ring.

Abstract: New F-Box Containing Protein-1 polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing New F-Box Containing Protein-1 polypeptides and polynucleotides in diagnostic assays.

Abstract: The invention provides a hapten derivatised with a crosslinker at the nitrogen of the 8&bgr;-carboxamide of 2-oxo-3-hydroxy LSD. The invention also provides an immunogen comprising the aforementioned hapten coupled to an antigenicity-conferring carrier material; a conjugate comprising the aforementioned hapten coupled to a labelling agent, as well as, antibodies raised against the aforementioned immunogen and capable of binding with at least the 3-hydroxy-2-pyrrolidone structural epitope of 2-oxo-3-hydroxy LSD.

Abstract: A method of identifying a compound that modulates the protein kinase activity of a protein kinase having a hydrophobic pocket in the position equivalent to the hydrophobic pocket of Protein Kinase A (PKA) that is defined by residues including Lys76, Leu116, Val80 and/or Lys111 of full-length mouse PKA, wherein the ability of the compound to inhibit, promote or mimic the interaction of the said hydrophobic pocket-containing protein kinase with an interacting polypeptide is measured and a compound that inhibits, promotes or mimics the said interaction interacts is selected, wherein the interacting polypeptide with the hydrophobic pocket of the protein kinase and/or comprises the amino acid sequence Phe/Tyr-Xaa-Xaa-Phe/Tyr.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that 3-Isopropylmalate dehydratase is essential for fungal pathogenicity. Specifically, the inhibition of 3-Isopropylmalate dehydratase gene expression in fungi results in no signs of successful infection or lesions. Thus, 3-Isopropylmalate dehydratase can be used as a target for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit 3-Isopropylmalate dehydratase expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for the detection of coliform and for the detection and confirmation of E. coli. In particular, the methods comprises contacting a sample so as to allow any coliform present in the sample to access a growth encouraging medium, incubating the sample at a temperature of at least 37 degrees C. so as to support growth of any coliform that may be present and for a time sufficient to allow growth that can be detected by a fluorogen or chromagen present in the medium, and inspecting the sample for a signal. Also disclosed are a novel antibiotic-free medium and devices containing this medium, both useful in the present methods.

Abstract: A process for the isolation of desired compound(s) from a microbial biomass is disclosed, wherein the microbial biomass (which, if necessary, is pretreated to give a dry matter content of from 25 to 80%) is granulated (e.g. by extrusion) and then dried to a dry matter content of at least 80%. The granulation of the biomass to granules significantly eases subsequent drying of the biomass (which can be stored as dried granules) and gives higher yields on extraction of the compound(s).

Abstract: Genes have been isolated from Rhodococcus and Deinococcus which encode a specific lycopene &bgr;-cyclase capable of converting acyclic carotenoids with at least one &psgr;-end group to the corresponding asymmetric carotenoid containing a single &bgr;-ionone ring end group. The genes are new. Transformed host cells expressing the present genes and methods for the bio-conversion of acylic carotenoid substrates to corresponding asymmetric carotenoid are also provided.

Abstract: An enzymatic synthesis and composition of oligomers and co-oligomers comprised of &agr;-hydroxy carboxylic acids and &agr;-amino acids or peptides is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a &agr;-hydroxy carboxylic acid with a specific chiral configuration is linked by an amide linkage to a &agr;-amino acid specific with a specific chiral configuration or linked by an amide linkage to a peptide made up of &agr;-amino acid monomers having identical chiral configurations. Proteolytic enzymes catalyze oligomerization of the &agr;-hydroxy carboxylic acid and &agr;-amino acid. The degree and distribution of oligomerization varies upon the type and concentrations of different reaction mixtures utilized and upon the length of allowed reaction time. The resultant oligomers may be provided to animals such as ruminants as bioavailable amino acid supplements that are resistant to degradation in the rumen and other animals such as swine, poultry and aquatic animals.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods for treating conditions characterized by leukocyte rolling are described. The compounds contain glycosulfopeptide structures comprising sulfated tyrosines and sialyated, fucosylated N-acetyllactosamino glycans. The glycosulfopeptides may be conjugated or complexed to other compounds for enhancing serum half-life or for controlled release, for example. Examples of conditions treated include inflammation, ischemia-reperfusion injury, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, leukocyte-mediated lung injury, restenosis, and thrombosis.

Abstract: A preferred way of converting insulin precursors into insulin compounds is to perform an enzymatic peptide cleavage in an aqueous medium and, thereafter, without removal of the intermediate product formed, to add an amino acid ester or a peptide ester and an organic solvent so that the desired coupling takes place.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a nontemplate directed, enzymatic thermo-cycled (NTDET) peptide synthesis process. The invention also provides products of manufacture comprising a reaction chamber for synthesizing a peptide or a polypeptide.

Abstract: A novel receptor of &agr;-latrotoxin (&agr;-LTx) which binds &agr;-LTx independently of calcium (Ca2+) presence and is thus a mediator of the calcium-independent stimulation of neurotransmitter release by &agr;-latrotoxin has been isolated, purified and characterized. Designated CIRL (calcium-independent receptor of &agr;-latrotoxin), it and its endogenous ligands can be used to modulate and regulate spontaneous calcium-independent neurotransmitter release and produce &agr;-latrotoxin-like effects on the nerve terminal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated genetic sequences encoding proteins which direct the biosynthesis of the antibiotic everninomicin in Micromonospora carbonacea. The isolated biosynthetic gene cluster serves as a substrate for bioengineering of antibiotic structures.

Abstract: The CA125 gene has been cloned and multiple repeat sequences as well as the carboxy terminus have been identified. The CA125 molecule comprises three major domains: an extracellular amino terminal domain (Domain 1); a large multiple repeat domain (Domain 2); and a carboxy terminal domain (Domain 3) which includes a transmembrane anchor with a short cytoplasmic domain. The amino terminal domain is assembled by combining five genomic exons, four very short amino terminal sequences and one extraordinarily large exon. This domain is dominated by its capacity for O-glycosylation and its resultant richness in serine and threonine residues. The molecular structure is dominated by a repeat domain comprising 156 amino acid repeat units, which encompass the epitope binding sites. More than 60 repeat units have been identified, sequenced, and contiguously placed in the CA125 domain structure. The repeat units encompass an interactive disulfide bridged C-enclosure and the site of OC125 and M11 binding.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a technique for efficiently extracting GPCR sequences from human genome sequences, thereby comprehensively identifying novel GPCRs.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of producing a pro-N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphodiester &agr; N-acetyl glucosimanidase (phosphodiester &agr;-GlcNAcase), in mammalian cells deficient in the furin proteolytic enzyme and methods of making lysosomal hydrolases having an N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphate.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding mammalian SNORF44 receptor, purified mammalian SNORF44 receptor, vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF44 receptor, cells comprising such vectors, antibodies directed to mammalian SNORF44 receptor, nucleic acid probes useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF44 receptor, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to unique sequences of nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF44 receptor, transgenic, nonhuman animals which express DNA encoding normal or mutant mammalian SNORF44 receptor, and methods of isolating mammalian SNORF44 receptor. This invention also provides methods of treating an abnormality that is linked to the activity of a mammalian SNORF44 receptor, as well as methods of determining binding of compounds to a mammalian SNORF44 receptor, methods of identifying agonists and antagonists of a SNORF44 receptor, and agonists and antagonists so identified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules for zamp1, a novel member of the &bgr;-defensin family. The polypeptides, and polynucleotides encoding them, exhibit anti-microbial activity and may be used in the study or treatment of microbial infections. The present invention also includes antibodies to the zamp1 polypeptides.

Abstract: Heteroclitic analogs of Class I epitopes are prepared by providing conservative or semi-conservative amino acid substitutions at positions 3 and/or 5 and/or 7 of these epitopes. The analogs are useful in eliciting immune responses with respect to the corresponding wildtype epitopes.

Abstract: The proteins involved in barnacle are useful in devising high-strength protein-based adhesives capable of curing under water, coatings for prosthetic implants to serve as an interface between the prosthetic and the bone or other tissue, and methods of preventing biofouling of underwater surfaces. DNA and amino acid sequences of the adhesion proteins are provided and isolated nucleic acid sequences and isolated proteins, vectors comprising such isolated nucleic acid sequences as well as microorganisms comprising such vectors and capable of expressing a barnacle adhesive protein are also provided.

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: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 38594, 57312, 53659, 57250, 63760, 49938, 32146, 57259, 67118, 67067, 62092, 8099, 46455, 54414, 53763, 67076, 67102, 44181, 67084FL, 67084ALT, FBH58295FL, 57255, and 57255alt nucleic acid molecules, which encode transporter molecules, including sugar transporters, organic anion transporters, amino acid transporters, and phospholipid transporters.

Abstract: Isolated fibroblast growth factor receptor polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides are provided, together with expression vectors and host cells comprising such isolated polynucleotides. Methods for the use of such polypeptides and polynucleotides are also provided.

Abstract: Rec-hydantoinases which may be obtained in more active form by a the process described herein. The invention also relates, inter alia, to a rechydantoinase from the organism Arthrobacter crystallopoietes DSM20117, to nucleic acids which code for such a protein and to vectors containing said nucleic acids and to uses thereof.

Abstract: Leucine-rich motifs appear in a large number of proteins that perform critical biological functions, such as cell adhesion and signal transduction. Zlrr3 is a new member of the human “leucine-rich repeat superfamily,” which may play a role in neural differentiation and development.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding an insect odorant receptor. This invention provides a nucleic acid molecule of at least 12 nucleotides capable of specifically hybridizing with the nucleic acid molecule encoding an insect odorant receptor. This invention also provides a purified, insect odorant receptor. This invention provides an antibody capable of specifically binding to an insect odorant receptor. This invention provides a method for identifying cDNA inserts encoding an insect odorant receptors. This invention provides a method of identifying a compound capable of specifically bind to an insect odorant receptor. This invention also provides a method of identifying a compound capable of activating the activity of an insect odorant receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to producing non-formylated proteins and/or peptides in bacterial cells lacking deformylase and/or transformylase.

Abstract: This invention relates to IMX97018, a new members of the human ataxin-1-like polypeptide family, methods of making such polypeptides, and to methods of using them to diagnose and treat neurological conditions and to identify compounds that alter IMX97018 polypeptide activities.

Abstract: Dominant negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic animals, new cell lines and animal varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation. These methods are useful for generating genetic diversity within immunoglobulin genes directed against an antigen of interest to produce altered antibodies with enhanced biochemical activity. Moreover, these methods are useful for generating antibody-producing cells with increased level of antibody production. The invention also provides methods for increasing the affinity of monoclonal antibodies and monoclonal antibodies with increased affinity.

Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the transporter peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the transporter peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the transporter peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying an inhibitor of a mammalian (e.g., human) C-C chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3), comprising combining (a) a compound to be tested, (b) a host cell expressing a recombinant protein comprising a mammalian CCR3, and (c) a ligand of said receptor, under conditions suitable for binding of ligand to said receptor, and detecting or measuring the formation of a receptor-ligand complex. Inhibition of complex formation by the compound is indicative that the compound is an inhibitor.

Abstract: Nucleic acid expression control sequence cassettes and vectors containing the same are provided for use in making abundant quantities of recombinant polypeptides of interest. The modified transcriptional control sequences, which include a T5 promoter sequence, are highly stable and can be used in a variety of vectors, such as plasmids.

Abstract: The invention provides human transferases (TRNFR) and polynucleotides which identify and encode TRNFR. 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 aberrant expression of TRNFR.

Abstract: This invention relates to the diagnosis, treatment and methods for discovery of new therapeutics for atopic asthma and related disorders based on variants of Asthma Associated Factor 2. One embodiment of the invention is a variant of AAF2 wherein codon 173 is deleted resulting in the loss of glutamine 173 from the mature protein precursor. This single amino acid deletion results in a non-functional AAF2 protein and therefore the presence of this phenotype should be associated with less evidence of atopic asthma. Correspondingly, the lack of susceptibility to an asthmatic, atopic phenotype is characterized by the loss of glutamine at codon 173. The invention includes isolated DNA molecules which are variants of the wild type sequence as well as the proteins encoded by such DNA and the use of such DNA molecules and expressed protein in the diagnosis and treatment of atopic asthma.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel human genes, for example a novel human gene comprising a nucleotide sequence coding for the amino acid sequence shown under SEQ ID NO:1. The use of the genes makes it possible to detect the expression of the same in various tissues, analyze their structures and functions, and produce the human proteins encoded by the genes by the technology of genetic engineering. Through these, it becomes possible to analyze the corresponding expression products, elucidate the pathology of diseases associated with the genes, for example hereditary diseases and cancer, and diagnose and treat such diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the transporter peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the transporter peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the transporter peptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the kinase peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the kinase peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the kinase peptides.

Abstract: The invention provides a human testin (HTES) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HTES. 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 HTES.