Abstract: A method of analyzing a polynucleotide target involves incubating the target with an oligonucleotide probe, generally an array of immobilized oligonucleotide probes, to form a duplex, and using ligase or polymerase to extend one chain of the duplex. A point mutation or variable number tandem repeat section may be analyzed. Arrays of immobilized oligonucleotides are provided for use in the method.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of an ion includes contacting a nucleic acid enzyme with a sample suspected of containing the ion, where the enzyme contains a ribonucleotide and is dependent on the ion to produce a product from a substrate, and measuring an amount of the product produced. The ion is Pb2+, and is in the presence of other ions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the newly identified cancer therapeutic targets and biomarkers. These targets/biomarkers are overexpressed in carcinomas generally, and more specifically to adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The invention provides methods of diagnosis, characterization, and therapy of carcinoma based on the degree of overexpression of the targets/biomarkers.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for high-throughput identification of protein/nucleic acid binding pairs are provided. In the subject methods, a nucleic acid probe array, e.g., a molecular beacon probe array, is contacted with a target nucleic acid population to produce a hybridized array. The resultant hybridized array is then contacted with a population of proteins to produce a protein bound array. Any resultant array surface bound target nucleic acid/protein complexes are then detected to identify protein/nucleic acid binding pairs. In certain embodiments, the protein and/or nucleic acid members of the identified protein/nucleic acid binding pairs are further characterized. Also provided are systems and kits for use in practicing the subject methods. The subject invention finds use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel nucleic acid and peptide compositions comprising methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) and methods of use for MTAP amino acid sequences and DNA segments comprising MTAP in the diagnosis of human cancers and development of MTAP-specific antibodies. Also disclosed are methods for the diagnosis and treatment of tumors and other proliferative cell disorders, and identification of tumor suppressor genes and gene products from the human 9p21-p22 chromosome region. Such methods are useful in the diagnosis of multiple tumor types such as bladder cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, brain tumors, lymphomas, gliomas, melanomas, and leukemias.

Abstract: The present invention provides a common marmoset-derived beta-actin gene and use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel stabilized crosslinked compounds having secondary structure motifs, libraries of these novel compounds, and methods for the synthesis of these compounds libraries thereof. The synthesis of these novel stabilized compounds involves (1) synthesizing a peptide from a selected number of natural or non-natural amino acids, wherein said peptide comprises at least two moieties capable of undergoing reaction to promote carbon-carbon bond formation; and (2) contacting said peptide with a reagent to generate at least one crosslinker and to effect stabilization of a secondary structure motif. The present invention, in a preferred embodiment, provides stabilized p53 donor helical peptides. Additionally, the present invention provides methods for disrupting the p53/MDM2 binding interaction comprising (1) providing a crosslinked stabilized ?-helical structure; and (2) contacting said crosslinked stabilized ?-helical structure with MDM2.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for modeling and detecting LDL receptor transmembrane signaling by detecting proteolysis of an LDL receptor transmembrane domain. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing a sample comprising a cell membrane comprising (i) a polypeptide comprising an LDL receptor transmembrane domain fused to a C-terminal tail, and (ii) a protease which specifically cleaves the domain and thereby releases the tail from the membrane; b) incubating the sample under conditions wherein the protease cleaves the domain and thereby releases the tail from the membrane; and c) detecting a resultant released tail.

Abstract: Data consistent with autoimmune disease being caused by Epstein-Barr virus are shown. Based on this evidence, an effective vaccine would prevent the autoimmune disease in those vaccinated, modified or administered so that the vaccine is not itself capable of inducing autoimmune disease. In the case of anti-Sm, structures to be avoided in an Epstein-Barr virus-derived vaccine have been identified. Differences have been identified in the immune responses to Epstein-Barr infection between individuals who develop a specific autoimmune disease and those who do not. These differences are used to distinguish those who are at greater risk for developing specific autoimmune diseases from those who are a lesser risk. Assuming Epstein-Barr virus causes autoimmune disease and that Epstein-Barr virus remains latent in the patient for life, reactivation of the virus from the latent state is important in generating or maintaining the autoimmune response that culminates in autoimmune disease.

Abstract: Protein markers associated with organ transplant rejection and associated conditions are disclosed, and in particular materials and methods relating to the diagnosis and treatment of acute rejection. Examples of markers include a-Crystallin b-chain Tropomyosin a-chain and Myosin Light Chain 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a protein, GASP1, comprising at least one follistatin domain to modulate the level or activity of growth and differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8). More particularly, the invention relates to the use of GASP1 for treating disorders that are related to modulation of the level or activity of GDF-8. The invention is useful for treating muscular diseases and disorders, particularly those in which an increase in muscle tissue would be therapeutically beneficial. The invention is also useful for treating diseases and disorders related to metabolism, adipose tissue, and bone degeneration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel protein which binds to Osteoclastogenesis Inhibitory Factor (OCIF-binding molecule; OBM), a process for preparing the same, DNA encoding said protein, a protein having an amino acid sequence encoded by this DNA, a method for producing said protein by genetic engineering technique, and a pharmaceutical composition containing said protein. In addition, screening methods for a substance for controlling expression of said protein using said protein and the DNA, a substance which inhibits or protein through binding to said protein, the substance obtained by the screening methods, and a pharmaceutical composition which contains this substance are disclosed. An antibody for said protein, a process for preparing the same, a measuring method of said protein using the antibody, and a medicine comprising the antibody are also disclosed.

Abstract: Whether or not a sample of skin or of a skin equivalent contains such amount of a papillary fibroblast population as to be considered a normal skin is determined by labelling said skin or skin equivalent with at least one antibody specific for papillary fibroblasts and evaluating the extent of such labelling as a marker for skin or skin equivalent quality.

Abstract: Reagents and methods for detecting target proteins in a sample are provided. The reagents include a replicable genetic package, a protein displayed on an exterior surface of the package that is expressed from a heterologous nucleic acid borne by the package, and one or more antibodies complexed with the expressed protein and which have an open binding site for a target protein. Thus, a segment of the nucleic acid encodes for an epitope that is shared by the expressed polypeptide and the target protein. The reagents can be utilized individually or as part of a library or an array to bind target proteins within protein samples to form one or more complexes. By determining the sequence of the segment of the heterologous nucleic acid of a package within a complex, one can identify the target protein since the segment encodes for an epitope that is shared by the expressed and target proteins.

Abstract: A universal test apparatus for detecting tuberculosis (TB) in any of many different species of non-primate mammals is provided. The universal test apparatus includes a test site having a mycobacterial antigen cocktail comprising ESAT-6/CFP10 and 16 kDa/MPB83 polyfusion antigens, and a tracer having the ESAT-6/CFP10 polyfusion antigen and MPB83 antigen conjugated to latex or colloidal gold. The universal test apparatus is effective across genuses, families and orders of non-primate mammals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing haptens of formulae I and II that are useful in the preparation of immunogens, antibodies and conjugates, for use in competitive immunoassays for the detection of ractopamine, isoxsuprine and ritodrine. The haptens are prepared by reacting a phenylethanolamine derivative of formula D with a phenylalkylcarbonyl derivative of formula E: in which, in formula I, Z1 is a crosslinker and Z2 is H and, in formula II, Z1 is H and Z2 is a crosslinker.

Abstract: The polypeptides in the present invention possess the effects of promoting and inhibiting the secretion of prolactin, and are thus useful as drugs for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, in terms of prolactin secretion stimulants, which are associated with the secretion of prolactin, such as hypoovarianism, spermatic underdevelopment, menopausal symptoms, hypothyroidism, etc. The polypeptides are useful as drugs for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, in terms of prolactin secretion inhibitors, which are associated with the secretion of prolactin, such as pituitary tumor, diencephalon tumor, menstrual disorder, autoimmune diseases, prolactinoma, sterility, impotence, amenorrhea, lactorrhea, acromegaly, Chiari-Frommel syndrome, Argonz-del Castilo syndrome, Forbes-Albright syndrome, lymphoma, Sheehan's syndrome, spermatogenesis disorder, etc.

Abstract: A method for aiding in differentiating irritable bowel syndrome from inflammatory bowel disease by determining the level of total endogenous human lactoferrin in clinical specimens, such as feces, mucus and bile, wherein an elevated level of lactoferrin substantially precludes diagnoses of IBS and other noninflammatory etiologies, and a kit usable in such method are provided. Further provided is a method for quantitating the level of total endogenous human lactoferrin in clinical specimens, such as feces, mucus and bile, to monitor gastrointestinal inflammation in persons having inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: Purified and isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided which encode a FlaC flagellin protein of a strain of Campylobacter, particularly C. jejuni, or a fragment or an analog of the FlaC flagellin protein. The nucleic acid molecules may be used to produce proteins free of contaminants derived from bacteria normally containing the FlaA or FlaB proteins for purposes of diagnostics and medical treatment. Furthermore, the nucleic acid molecules, proteins encoded thereby and antibodies raised against the proteins, may be used in the diagnosis of infection.

Abstract: Platelet contractile force and/or clot elastic modulus measurements are used to identify patients at risk for atherosclerosis or for bleeding during surgical procedures or other applications. Measurements which are elevated are indicative of atherosclerosis, and measurements which are reduced are indicative of a bleeding risk.

Abstract: A reagent for measuring an alanine aminotransferase activity comprising L-alanine, 2-oxoglutaric acid, lactate dehydrogenase, and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, characterized by further comprising a substance having an activity of inhibiting lactate dehydrogenase activity is disclosed. Further, a method for measuring an alanine aminotransferase activity, characterized by bringing a sample to be analyzed, which may contain alanine aminotransferase, into contact with L-alanine, 2-oxoglutaric acid, lactate dehydrogenase, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, and a substance having an activity of inhibiting a lactate dehydrogenase activity is disclosed. According to the reagent and method, an increase in the reagent blank reaction, i.e., an increase in the initial absorbance, can be suppressed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an action between an inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein and members of the caspase family of cell death proteases, for example, an interaction of the X chromosome linked IAP (XIAP) and caspase-3, caspase-7 or caspase-9, wherein the IAP regulates the activity of the caspases. The invention provides screening assays for identifying agents that alter the specific association of an IAP such as XIAP, c-IAP-1 or c-IAP-2 and a caspase such as caspase-3 or caspase-7. The invention also provides screening assays for identifying agents that alter the specific association of an IAP such as XIAP, c-IAP-1 or c-IAP-2 and a pro-caspase such as pro-caspase-9. In addition, the invention also provides methods for identifying agents that modulate the activity of a caspase in the presence of an IAP and that regulate the activation of a pro-caspase by an IAP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for assaying homocysteine (Hcy) and thus related moieties, e.g., S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) or adenosine. More particularly, assay methods that employ, mutant SAH hydrolase having binding affinity for Hcy, SAH or adenosine but has attenuated catalytic activity, are provided. The modified enzymes and fusion proteins containing the modified enzymes are also provided.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to new thermostable enzymes and the use of these enzymes both in proteolysis as well as protein and polypeptide synthesis. The subject invention further concerns polynucleotide sequences which encode the enzymes of the subject invention.

Abstract: A method of increasing a fraction of free carotenoids in a source of carotenoids in which at least some of the carotenoids are fatty acid esterified carotenoids is disclosed. The method is effected by contacting the source of carotenoids with an effective amount of an esterase under conditions effective in deesterifying the fatty acid esterified carotenoids, thereby increasing the fraction of free carotenoids in the source of carotenoids.

Abstract: Screening methods to identify candidate therapeutic agents using a newly identified human caspases-1-like protease.

Abstract: Isolated PGE synthase, provided from encoding nucleic acid. Methods of production and use. Assays for modulators, especially inhibitors, of PGE synthase activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of testing for the presence of microorganisms in a gaseous environment comprising hydrogen peroxide, comprising the following steps: (i) bringing the gaseous environment comprising the hydrogen peroxide into contact with an agar growth medium, comprising a salt of pyruvic acid, (ii) placing the growth medium in an environment favoring the development of colonies of microorganisms; (iii) determining the presence of colonies of microorganisms which may have developed during step (ii). The invention also relates to a cassette containing an agar growth medium comprising a salt of pyruvic acid.

Abstract: The invention pertains to isolated phosphopantetheinyl transferases, such as the E. coli acyl carrier protein synthase, which transfer a phosphopantetheinyl group onto a substrate. The enzyme can be purified from a natural source, produced recombinantly, or synthetically. Accordingly, the invention provides compositions and kits including phosphopantetheinyl transferases and host cells expressing phosphopantetheinyl transferases. The invention also provides nucleic acids encoding phosphopantetheinyl transferases and vectors comprising such nucleic acids. The invention further provides methods for phosphopantetheinylating a substrate in vitro or in vivo and methods for producing antibiotics in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: Nucleic acid moleucles that encode conjugates containing as a ligand a chemokine receptor targeting agent, such as a chemokine, and a targeted agent, such as a toxin are provided. These conjugates are used to treat inflammatory responses associated with activation, proliferation and migration of immune effector cells, including leukocyte cell types, neutrophils, macrophages, and eosinophils.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and materials for increasing the expression of recombinant polypeptides. Methods and materials of the invention allow increased expression of transcription units that include recombinant DNA sequences which encode polypeptides of interest. The present invention provides expression vectors which contain multiple copies of a transcription unit encoding a polypeptide of interest separated by at least one selective marker gene and methods for sequentially transforming or transfecting host cells with expression vectors to increase transcription unit dosage and expression.

Abstract: IGFBP-3 fusion proteins are provided that are useful, for example, in cell-based assays, as IGF antagonists, and in mapping IGF-I and IGF-II binding sites on other molecules such as wild-type IGFBP-3 and IGF agonist peptides identified by phage display. Methods for making such fusion proteins are also provided.

Abstract: Ligand-dependent inteins allow for modulation of a protein's activity in vivo. Upon binding of the ligand to the ligand-dependent intein inserted into the protein of interest, the hybrid protein undergoes protein splicing removing the intein. The activity of the spliced protein is then restored. A 4-hydroxytamoxifen-dependent intein based on the M. tuberculosis RecA intein is prepared and demonstrated in a variety of exteins contexts. The invention provides a system for engineering other ligand-dependent inteins and using them, including the ligand-dependent inteins themselves, hybrid proteins with the inserted ligand-dependent inteins, polynucleotides encoding inteins and hybrid proteins, and engineered cells. Kits with the materials and reagents necessary for preparing and using ligand-dependent inteins are also included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant viral nucleic acid selected from a (+) sense, single stranded RNA virus possessing a native subgenomic promoter encoding for a first viral subgenomic promoter, a nucleic acid sequence that codes for a viral coat protein whose transcription is regulated by the first viral subgenomic promoter, a second viral subgenomic promoter and a second nucleic acid sequence whose transcription is regulated by the second viral subgenomic promoter. The first and second viral subgenomic promoters of the recombinant viral nucleic acid do not have homologous sequences relative to each other. The recombinant viral nucleic acid provides the particular advantage that it systemically transcribes the second nucleic acid in the host. Host organisms encompassed by the present invention include procaryotes and eucaryotes, particularly animals and plants.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the systematic elucidation and identification of regulatory sequences. The invention provides among others screenings and detection methods with which regulatory sequences can be identified. The invention further provides regulatory sequences and use thereof in various fields such as, but not limited to protein production, diagnostics, transgenic plants and animals, and the therapeutic field.

Abstract: (Beauveria) sp. FO-6979 (FERM BP-6681), which belongs to the genus Beauveria and is capable of producing FO-6979-M0, -M1, -M2, -M3 and -M4 substances, is cultured in a medium to thereby accumulate the FO-6979-M0, -M1, -M2, -M3 and -M4 substances in the liquid culture medium. Then the FO-6979-M0, -M1, -M2, -M3 and -M4 substances are collected from the culture medium. The substances thus obtained are less toxic, specifically inhibit acyl-Coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase, and inhibit the formation of oil droplets in macrophages. Owing to these characteristics, the above substances are useful in preventing and treating human diseases caused by cholesterol accumulation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing teicoplanin. The method includes purifying teicoplanin from a culture broth, obtained by culturing microorganisms capable of producing teicoplanin by a porous adsorption resin under selective elution conditions and recovering highly pure teicoplanin using activated carbon and/or ultrafiltration. In this regard, the method can further include ultrafiltration as pre-treatment before the culture broth is adsorbed into the porous adsorption resin so as to increase the purity of teicoplanin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the targeted transfection of cells, compositions which may be used for such processes, and corresponding pharmaceutical compositions for gene therapy. In particular, the invention relates to a process for introducing nucleic acid into cells comprising the steps of (a) mixing a nucleic acid with a dendrimer, in which a proportion of the dendrimer molecules are biotinylated; (b) mixing the resulting complex of nucleic acid and dendrimer with a second complex consisting of avidin or streptavidin and a biotinylated target-specific binding molecule; and (c) incubating the complex formed in step (b) with cells. Dendrimers which are well suited to the present invention include, for example, partially solvolysed polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers. Target-specific binding molecules are, in particular, cell-type-specific markers of the cell surface of the target cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the determination of a target nucleic acid using a special control nucleic acid, a method for the amplification of a partial sequence of said target nucleic acid using primers, a special control and a kit containing said control. The sequence of these control nucleic acids are at least in part parallel-complementary to the sequence of the target nucleic. These controls have similar properties as the target nucleic acid in hybridization and amplification methods, but can be well differentiated from the target nucleic acid by their different sequence.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an ?-isomaltosyl-transferring enzyme which forms a cyclotetrasaccharide having the structure of cyclo{?6)-?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?3)-?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?6)-?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?3)-?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?} from a saccharide having a glucose polymerization degree of at least three and having both the ?-1,6 glucosidic linkage as a linkage at the non-reducing end and the ?-1,4 glucosidic linkage other than the linkage at the non-reducing end; microorganisms which produce the enzyme; process for producing the enzyme; cyclotetrasaccharide or saccharide compositions comprising the same; and uses thereof.

Abstract: A methane-utilizing microorganism capable of producing L-amino acid, for example, bacteria belonging to type I, type X or type II in the taxonomic categorization methane-utilizing bacteria such as Methylomonas albus, Methylococcus capsulatus and Methylosinus trichosporium, is cultivated in a culture medium in contact with gas containing methane which is the main source of carbon, to allow the L-amino acid to be produced and accumulated in the medium, and the L-amino acid is collected from the medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides and polynucleotides involved in C1 assimilation in Methylophilus methylotrophus and methods of producing amino acids in microorganisms having enhanced or attenuated expression of these polypeptides and/or polynucleotides.

Abstract: Isolated polypeptide sequence having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or muteins thereof having the ability to bind cAMP and repress the expression of the aceB gene of C. glutamicum and which can be obtained from SEQ ID NO:1 by inserting, deleting or substituting up to 20% of the amino acids.

Abstract: A microorganism that is a mutant bacterial strain of the species Actinosynnema pretiosum, designated PF4-4, (ATCC PTA-3921), being capable of producing maytansinoid ansamitocins such as ansamitocin P-3 in improved yield compared to previous known strains, and capable of growth under varied culture conditions, and methods of producing maytansinoid ansamitocins by culturing PF4-4 in a suitable growth medium.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing amorpha-4,11-diene synthase from isopentenyl pyrophosphate are provided. A first method comprises introducing into a host microorganism a plurality of heterologous nucleic acid sequences, each coding for a different enzyme in the mevalonate pathway for producing isopentenyl pyrophosphate. Amorpha-4,11-diene synthase is then produced using an optimized amorpha-4,11-diene synthase gene. The invention also provides nucleic acid sequences, enzymes, expression vectors, and transformed host cells for carrying out the methods.

Abstract: The present invention includes devices, systems, and methods for assaying cells using cell-substrate impedance monitoring. In one aspect, the invention provides cell-substrate impedance monitoring devices that comprise electrode arrays on a nonconducting substrate, in which each of the arrays has an approximately uniform electrode resistance across the entire array. In another aspect, the invention provides cell-substrate monitoring systems comprising one or more cell-substrate monitoring devices comprising multiple wells each having an electrode array, an impedance analyzer, a device station that connects arrays of individual wells to the impedance analyzer, and software for controlling the device station and impedance analyzer. In another aspect, the invention provides cellular assays that use impedance monitoring to detect changes in cell behavior or state. In some preferred aspects, the assays are designed to investigate the affects of compounds on cells, such as cytotoxicity assays.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences, vectors, recombinant host cells, transgenic plants, and methods for their preparation are disclosed. The nucleic acid sequences encode threonine deaminase proteins that catalyze the conversion of threonine to ?-ketobutyrate. One or both of the amino acids at positions 447 and 481 of the encoded proteins can be selected from groups of particular amino acids. For example, the amino acid at position 447 can be alanine, isoleucine, valine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, or methionine. The amino acid at position 481 can be alanine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, tryptophan, or methionine.

Abstract: A material and a system are provided that efficiently inactivate a molting hormone by means of a protein having ecdysteroid 22-oxidase activity.

Abstract: A nicotianamine synthase is isolated and purified. Then the gene of this enzyme is cloned and the base sequence and amino acid sequence thereof are determined. This gene is employed in constructing plants, in particular, grass plants highly tolerant to iron deficiency. A nicotianamine synthase involved in the mugineic acid biosynthesis pathway; the amino acid sequence thereof; a gene encoding the same; a vector containing this gene; cells transformed by the vector; a process for producing nicotianamine by using the same; plants transformed by the gene encoding the nicotianamine synthase; and an antibody against the nicotianamine syntase.

Abstract: This invention provides prokaryotic glycosyltransferases, including a bifunctional sialyltransferase that has both an ?2,3- and an ?2,8-activity. A ?1,4-GalNAc transferase and a ?1,3-galactosyltransferase are also provided by the invention, as are other glycosyltransferases and enzymes involved in synthesis of lipooligosaccharide (LOS). The glycosyltransferases can be obtained from, for example, Campylobacter species, including C. jejuni. In additional embodiments, the invention provides nucleic acids that encode the glycosyltransferases, as well as expression vectors and host cells for expressing the glycosyltransferases.