Abstract: The present invention provides a method for at least in part decreasing the production of an aberrant protein in a cell, the cell comprising pre-mRNA comprising exons coding for the protein, by inducing so-called exon skipping in the cell. Exon-skipping results in mature MRNA that does not contain the skipped exon, which leads to an altered product of the exon codes for amino acids. Exon skipping is performed by providing a cell with an agent capable of specifically inhibiting an exon inclusion signal, for instance, an exon recognition sequence, of the exon. The exon inclusion signal can be interfered with by a nucleic acid comprising complementarity to a part of the exon. The nucleic acid, which is also herewith provided, can be used for the preparation of a medicament, for instance, for the treatment of an inherited disease.

Abstract: Luminescent compounds, reactive intermediates used to synthesize luminescent compounds, and methods of synthesizing and using luminescent compounds.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for determining in a subject a risk for having, or presence of, altered bone mineral density such as osteoporosis or osteopenia or other conditions characterized by decreased or increased bone density. Specifically, the invention relates to determination of a sclerostin gene region nucleotide polymorphism (SRP) in DNA of the sclerostin gene region of human chromosome 17. In certain embodiments, SRPs that indicate an increased risk for altered bone mineral density occur as gender-associated polymorphisms. Isolated polynucleotides comprising representative SRPs are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and routines for developing and optimizing nucleic acid detection assays for use in basic research, clinical research, and for the development of clinical detection assays. The present invention also provides cytochrome p450 genotyping methods and reagents for genotyping assays and a genomic DNA copy number assays.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and a method for amplification of and multiplex detection of molecules of interest involving rolling circle replication. The method is useful for simultaneously detecting multiple specific nucleic acids in a sample with high specificity and sensitivity. The method also has an inherently low level of background signal. A preferred form of the method consists of an association operation, an amplification operation, and a detection operation. The association operation involves association of one or more specially designed probe molecules, either wholly or partly nucleic acid, to target molecules of interest. This operation associates the probe molecules to a target molecules present in a sample. The amplification operation is rolling circle replication of circular nucleic acid molecules, termed amplification target circles, that are either a part of, or hybridized to, the probe molecules.

Abstract: A method is described for the in vivo identification of epitopes of an intracellular antigen comprising the steps of :a) co-transforming of cells by a first vector including the nucleotide sequence encoding for the region of an antibody able to recognise and bind the intracellular antigen and by a second vector comprising the nucleotide sequence encoding for a peptide; b) growing co-transformed cells in such an environment that only cells wherein the antibody region and peptide recognise and interact each other are able to replicate and/or be recognised because: the antibody region able to recognise and bind the intracellular antigen is associated with a first molecule; the peptide is associated with a second molecule; the interaction of the first with the second molecule generates a selectable phenotype and/or recognisable signal; and the interaction of the first with the second molecule occurs only when the antibody region and peptide recognise and interact each-other; c) selecting the b) cells and identify

Abstract: Libraries of nucleic acid-peptide fusion molecules are provided, wherein the peptide component of the fusion molecules contains one or more unnatural amino acid residues. Methods of making such libraries using sense suppression and/or nonsense suppression also are provided, as are methods of screening such libraries to identify peptides having desirable characteristics. Accordingly, isolated nucleic acid-peptide molecules also are provided, wherein the peptide component has a desirable characteristic, and is composed partially or entirely of unnatural amino acid residues.

Abstract: Libraries of nucleic acid-peptide fusion molecules are provided, wherein the peptide component of the fusion molecules contains one or more unnatural amino acid residues. Methods of making such libraries using one or more peptide modifying agents also are provided, as are methods of screening such libraries to identify peptides having desirable characteristics. Accordingly, isolated nucleic acid-peptide molecules also are provided, wherein the peptide component has a desirable characteristic, and is composed partially or entirely of unnatural amino acid residues.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparation of a substrate containing a plurality of sequences. Photoremovable groups are attached to a surface of a substrate. Selected regions of the substrate are exposed to light so as to activate the selected areas. A monomer, also containing a photoremovable group, is provided to the substrate to bind at the selected areas. The process is repeated using a variety of monomers such as amino acids until sequences of a desired length are obtained. Detection methods and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for analyzing a nucleic acid.

Abstract: Tubulin mutations commonly associated with resistance to paclitaxel are defined, and PCR allele-specific primers capable of detecting the mutations in DNA from tumor cells are described as well as method for treating paclitaxel-resistant cells in tumors. A simple, rapid, and cost effective means for detecting paclitaxel-resistant cells in tumor biopsies from patients receiving paclitaxel therapy is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oligonucleotides of probes or primers for detection or identification of Mycobacterium. In the claimed invention, oligonucleotide sequences of ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer Region) from M. fortuitum, M. chelonae, M. abscessus, M. vaccae, M. flavescens, M. asiaticum, M. porcinum, M. acapulcensis and M. diernhoferi have been identified. Using these ITS sequences, PCR primers or hybridization probes for detection or identification of Mycobacterium have been developed and presented as seq ID: 10 to seq ID: 241.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for regulating fungal gene expression, and reagents for carrying out those methods.

Abstract: A method for selectively combining multiple membranes for assembly into test strips (such as visual blood glucose test strips with side-by-side membranes). The method includes first measuring a plurality of color parameters (e.g., L*, a* and b* color parameters) associated with membrane samples from at least two membrane lots. Next, response characteristics (e.g., blood glucose response levels) are simulated for a speculative test strip that includes, for purposes of the simulation, combined multiple membranes tentatively selected from the at least two membrane lots. The simulated response characteristics are based on the measured plurality of color parameters of the tentative selection of combined multiple membranes. Optionally, the simulated response characteristics can also be based on simulated color parameters of the tentative selection of combined multiple membranes.

Abstract: Improved methods for assaying the activity of phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) enhance the signal-to-noise ratio by providing the substrate in donor particles with an aqueous core in the presence of suitable osmotic pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to TR2, TR4, androgen receptor, and estrogen receptor and the interactions between these proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for designing and producing novel CD40:CD154 binding interrupter compounds and methods using these compounds to treat conditions associated with inappropriate CD154 activation in a subject. This invention also relates to novel methods for screening candidate compounds for the properties of specifically binding CD154 and interrupting CD40:CD154 interaction. This invention further relates to methods of improving the binding affinity, or the ability to block CD40/CD154 interaction, of a synthetic molecule for a trimeric protein, such as CD154. These methods comprise converting a first synthetic molecule that cannot promote lattice or aggregate formation of its target trimeric protein to a second synthetic molecule that can promote lattice or aggregate formation of its target trimeric protein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of characterizing molecular interaction sites on a biological target molecule. The methods involve contacting a polypeptide with a library of ligand candidates each of which is capable of tethering to the polypeptide at a site of interest, and analyzing the physicochemical properties of the ligand candidates tethering to the polypeptide. The methods herein are useful for discovery of and development of small molecule drugs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a general approach for G protein coupled receptors that may be used to define agonists and antagonists, and the specificity of receptor coupling to G protein subunits. Methods of the present invention use small volumes (microliters) and are compatible with high throughput flow cytometry. When assays of the present invention are multiplexed, the specificity of the interactions of a receptor with many G proteins may be determined simultaneously.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the screening and identification of ligands that are expressed and displayed on the outer surface of eukaryotic cells and screening for binding of the ligand to a receptor domain of a chimeric fusion receptor protein which is also expressed and displayed on the surface of the cells have been developed. Binding to the receptor domain activates, inhibits, or modulates the enzymatic function of the receptor intracellular domain of the fusion protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel fluorescence-based assays for protein kinases and phosphatases which can be used in high throughput screening. The methods of the invention utilize a competitive immunoassay to determine the amount of substrate that is phosphorylated or dephosphorylated during the course of a kinase or phosphatase reaction to yield a product, as well as the phosphorylating or dephosphorylating activity of a kinase or phosphatase.

Abstract: An immunological or immunohematological assay system is disclosed that includes a vessel capable of containing an assay sample, an incubator, a sample separation system, an image acquisition system, and a pipettor. The immunological assay system may also include a washer. Also disclosed is an immunological assay method that includes the steps of placing a immunological assay sample in a vessel, which may include a filter; adding testing reagents to the vessel; incubating the sample and reagent mixture in the vessel; separating the sample and reagent mixture in the vessel into components that have and have not reacted; and analyzing the vessel to determine the presence of interactions between the sample and reagents. The bottom of the vessel is preferably of a material that aids in spreading out the reacted components of the sample evenly over the bottom of the vessel so that interactions can more easily be analyzed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, compositions, and the like, such as diagnostics, medicaments, and therapeutics, etc., relating to Neuropeptide FF2 Receptor, also known as GPR74. Such diagnostics and therapeutics, etc., include for example the nucleic acids, peptides, proteins, etc., of GPR74, as well as antibody and nucleic acid based compositions, treatments, assays, agonists, antagonists, probes, antisense, and gene therapies. The diagnosis, treatment, inhibition, etc., can be, for example, of Alzheimer's disease, of diseases of myocytes, such as myocardial infarct and diabetes-related conditions and congestive heart failure, and of Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Antibodies and peptide ligands are described herein, which are specific for epitopes on MUC-H, which reside on the MUC1 extracellular fragment remaining on the cell surface after cleavage of the MUC1 protein.

Abstract: There is disclosed antibody molecules containing at least one CDR derived from a mouse monoclonal antibody having specificity for human CD22. There is also disclosed a CDR grafted antibody wherein at least one of the CDRs is a modified CDR. Further disclosed are DNA sequences encoding the chains of the antibody molecules, vectors, transformed host cells and uses of the antibody molecules in the treatment of diseases mediated by cells expressing CD22.

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: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods for identifying compounds which modify the activity of the G protein-coupled receptor GPR45 like/GPR63, compositions useful for this method, and compounds identified by it.

Abstract: Methods and devices for rapid screening of drug candidates, especially candidate agents for treatment of Alzheimer's disease and stroke are disclosed. The invention provides treatment compounds and a biosensor method and device which is particularly applicable to screening libraries of compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for detecting enzyme activity in an immunoassay comprising the following steps:

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment of androgen-independent and androgen-dependent prostate carcinomas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rapid and accurate method to identify the Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) antigen, the cause of Lyme Disease, in a sample of whole blood, body tissues and fluids of a subject, a human or animal subject. The qualitative method provides a quick, easy and accurate method of detection of the Bb antigen. The quantitative method allows for monitoring of treatment in conjunction with severity of clinical signs and symptoms.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a novel bacterial antigen extraction and methods for its use. Further embodiments of the present invention use the novel bacterial antigens in diagnostic kits for the detection of Bartonella antibodies in serum.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a conjugate of a hapten to a natural or synthetic &bgr;-lactam derivative, comprising at least a side chain, wherein the side chain of the &bgr;-lactam derivative is at least partially constitutive of the conjugating arm.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for determining whether an agent increases ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux from a cell. This invention also provides methods for increasing cholesterol efflux from a cell and for decreasing the amount of cholesterol in a cell. This invention further provides methods for increasing the likelihood that a cholesterol-loaded macrophage will survive and for decreasing the likelihood that a cholesterol-loaded macrophage will contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis. Finally, this invention provides a method for treating a subject afflicted with atherosclerosis, and a related article of manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting thermonuclease-positive staphylococci that does not require inactivation of DNase-positive/TNase-negative bacteria with heat. The method includes (a) providing a culture medium selective for growing staphylococci; (b) inoculating the culture medium with a sample; (c) incubating the inoculated culture medium under conditions effective to promote the growth of staphylococci; (d) providing an indicator system that produces a differentiable, detectable signal in the presence of thermonuclease-positive staphylococci; (e) contacting the indicator system with the inoculated, incubated culture medium, thereby forming a detection assembly; (f) incubating the detection assembly under conditions effective for generating the differentiable, detectable signal; and (g) detecting the detectable signal.

Abstract: Described herein is a novel three domain gene from Schizochytrium, denoted carotene synthase, that encodes a protein with three different enzymatic activities: phytoene dehydrogenase (PD), phytoene synthase (PS), and lycopene cyclase (LC). Also described is the isolated gene encoding the carotene synthase, homologues thereof, the enzyme encoded by such gene, biologically active portions and homologues thereof, recombinant nucleic acid molecules, microorganisms and plants that have been genetically modified to increase or decrease the action of such gene, and methods of producing carotenoids and derivatives thereof or methods of producing microorganisms and lipid products lacking pigmentation using the knowledge of the carotene synthase described herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the simultaneous production of xylitol and ethanol from a hydrolyzed lignocellulose-containing material, wherein the starting material is fermented with a yeast strain, the ethanol produced is recovered, a chromatographic separation is carried out on the remaining xylitol solution, and pure xylitol is crystallized.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding same. Also disclosed are vectors, host cells, antibodies and recombinant methods for producing the polypeptides and polynucleotides, as well as methods for using same.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel nucleic acids, novel polypeptide sequences encoded by these nucleic acids and uses thereof.

Abstract: Core 1 &bgr;3-galactosyl transferases and nucleic acids encoding the core 1 &bgr;3-galactosyl transferases or proteins having core 1 &bgr;3-galactosyl transferase activity or proteins having core 1 &bgr;3 galactosyl transferase activity are described. The enzymes and the nucleic acids encoding said enzymes have been identified in human, rat, mouse D. melanogaster and C. elegans. The polypeptides exhibit a wide range of homologies. The polynucleotides can be used to transform or transfect host cells for producing substantially pure forms of the enzyme, or for use in an expression system for post-translational core 1 glycosylation of proteins or peptides produced within the expression system. The enzymes can be used to galactosylate, via a &bgr;3-linkage, an N-acetylgalactosamine linked to a serine, threonine or other O-linking amino acid on peptides or proteins requiring O-, N-, or S-linked glycosylation.

Abstract: The present invention offers new therapies for treating Cystic Fibrosis (CF), that are based on novel DNA molecules and proteins encoded by the DNA molecules. The present invention features DNA molecules encoding CFTR having a partially deleted R domain. The partial deletions in the R domain are between residues 708 and 835 of the wild-type CFTR.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the inducible expression of genes in eukaryotic cells. Expression of a nucleotide sequence of interest is controlled by a regulatory fusion protein that consists of a transcription blocking domain and a ligand-binding domain. When the cognate ligand for the ligand-binding domain is present, transcription of the nucleotide sequence of interest is blocked. Upon removal of the cognate ligand, the nucleotide sequence of interest is transcribed. The method is useful for large scale production of a desired product in eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polynucleotides, peptides, variants, and uses thereof for a novel peptide fragment designated TML peptides. Binding of the peptide fragment has been shown in kidney and small intestine. The present invention further includes agonists, antagonists, variants, antibodies, host cells expressing the cDNA encoding the novel TML peptides and methods for increasing gastric motility and secretion of digestive proteins and hormones using the novel TML peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a methods for producing recombinant heterodimeric BMP proteins useful in the field of treating bone defects, healing bone injury and in wound healing in general. The invention also relates to the recombinant heterodimers and compositions containing them.

Abstract: Materials and methods involving conditional retention domains (CRDs) are disclosed. Also disclosed are fusion proteins containing CRDs and cells expressing such fusion proteins. In addition, the invention provides novel methods for producing target proteins in vivo using fusion proteins containing conditional retention domains and methods for identifying novel CRDs.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and reagents for detecting a polymorphism associated with in an upstream region of the interleukin-1 beta (IL-B) gene (IL-1B (−3737)) that affects transcription of the gene and susceptibility to inflammatory and infectious diseases such as periodontal disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Methods for generating monoclonal antibodies in Th1-biased rodents are disclosed. The monoclonal antibodies are useful as therapeutic agents, diagnostic agents or research reagents.

Abstract: Recombinant host cells that comprise recombinant DNA expression vectors that drive expression of a product and a precursor for biosynthesis of that product can be used to produce useful products such as polyketides in host cells that do not naturally produce the product or produce the product at low levels due to the absence of the precursor or the presence of the precursor in rate limiting amounts.

Abstract: A functionally active hyaluronan synthase having at least one modified amino acid residue therein as compared to a corresponding functionally active native hyaluronan synthase such that the functionally active hyaluronan synthase has an altered enzymatic activity as compared to the corresponding functionally active native hyaluronan synthase is disclosed. Methods of producing hyaluronic acid utilizing a recombinant host cell having an expression construct encoding the functionally active hyaluronan synthase with altered enzymatic activity are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a recombinant Escherichia coli and a process for producing D-tagatose. In detail, it includes the construction of recombinant E.coli harboring L-arabinose isomerase, whole-cell conversion of D-galactose into D-tagatose by recombinant E.coli expressing L-arabinose isomerase, enzymatic production of D-tagatose by the extract of recombinant E.coli expressing L-arabinose isomerase, and bioconversion by immobilized L-arabinose isomerase.