Abstract: An animal, e.g., transgenic mouse, in which the MSH5 gene is misexpressed. The animal is useful for screening treatments for a number of conditions. Methods for identifying contraceptive agents are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, apparatus, and a computer data retrieval system for conducting proteomics.

Abstract: Method for the detection of dormant cryptobiotic microbes by detection of electromagnetic radiation emitted from intrinsic alkali earth metal pyridine dicarboxylic acid salts in the 710 nm to 860 nm region when excited with electromagnetic energy in the 610 nm to 680 nm region. Utilizing the novel lower energy emission of intrinsic calcium dipicolinic acid salts makes it possible to quickly detect bacterial spores, fungal spores and oocysts without the need for any added reagents, sample processing, or contact with the sample.

Abstract: Cloned filovirus genomic cDNA and methods of using the cDNA are provided. Further provided are noninfectious lipid encapsulated filovirus-based particles.

Abstract: Provided is a method for reducing viral load of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2) in a pig by inducing an immune response against PCV-2 through the administration of an immunogenic composition comprising a PCV-2 antigen. A preferred antigen is a vector containing a PCV-2 nucleotide sequence. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the PCV-2 nucleotide sequence is ORF4, ORF13, or ORF4 and ORF13. In some embodiments, the immunogenic composition includes one or more additional pig pathogens.

Abstract: A physiologically active polypeptide derived from human brain and a DNA fragment comprising the base sequence encoding the polypeptide are disclosed. The polypeptide possesses excellent smooth muscle relaxation activity, diuretic or natriuretic activity, and vasodepressor activity, and is thus useful as a medicine for curing circulation diseases, e.g. cardiac edema, nephric edema, hepatic edema, pulmonary edema, hypertension, congestive heat failure, and acute and chronic renal failure.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences are provided that are useful as amplification primers and hybridization probes for amplifying and detecting target sequence from the ?2 adrenergic receptor gene. The primers and probes can be employed in amplification based methods for detecting the presence of the target sequence in a test sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions that reduce target-independent primer extension or enhance template dependent primer extension. The methods and compositions of the present invention are applicable not only in PCR, but also in nucleic acid sequencing, genotyping, and other applications employing extension of a primer in a target-dependent manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to kits and methods for assessing skin health for a human and the human's susceptibility to skin disorders. The methods involve assessing occurrence in the human's genome of one or more polymorphisms (e.g., single nucleotide polymorphisms) that occur in one or more genes associated disclosed herein and that are associated with a disorder in humans. Preferred assessment and scoring methods are disclosed, as are kits for performing the methods.

Abstract: Comparative genomic hybridization assays and compositions for use in practicing the same are provided. In the subject methods, at least first and second genomic templates are prepared from first and second genomic sources using an amplification reaction that employs a highly processive polymerase, where the amplification reaction produces amplification products having an average molecular size of at least about 10 kb with substantially no amplification bias. The resultant templates are then employed to produce at least first and second probe nucleic acid populations. The resultant probe nucleic acid populations are then contacted with a plurality of oligonucleotide target elements immobilized on a solid support surface and the binding of at least first and second populations is then evaluated. Also provided are kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for reducing stutter in the amplification of a microsatellite comprising the steps of providing a sample comprising a microsatellite having a G+C content of 50% or less; contacting the sample with at least one enzyme having nucleic acid polymerase activity; and incubating the sample with the enzyme for a sufficient amount of time and under conditions sufficient to amplify the microsatellite; wherein the incubation is performed in the presence of an amount of betaine, sorbitol or mixtures thereof, effective to reduce stutter relative to the amount of stutter observed in the absence of betaine and/or sorbitol. The invention also provides compositions containing betaine and/or sorbitol, kits for amplifying microsatellites having a G+C content of 50% or less, and methods of using all of the foregoing.

Abstract: The present invention includes polymorphisms in nucleic acids encoding the alpha-2A adrenergic receptor and expressed alpha-2A adrenergic receptor molecule. The invention also pertains to methods and molecules for detecting such polymorphisms and transgenic animals expressing alpha-2A adrenergic receptor molecules. The invention further pertains to the use of such molecules and methods in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of diseases such as cardiovascular and central nervous system diseases.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a DNA sequence comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a variant paraoxonase protein and to said variant paraoxonase protein as well as a method and a kit for detecting a risk of cancer, coronary or cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dementia, joint arthrosis, cataract, or sensitivity to organophosphorus compounds in a subject, the method comprising isolating genomic DNA from said subject, determining the allelic pattern for the codon 102 of the paraoxonase encoding PON1 gene in the genomic DNA, identification of Ile101Val mutation indicating said risk being increased and for targeting paraoxonase activity modulating therapies. Further this invention relates to transgenic animals comprising a human DNA molecule encoding said variant paraoxonase and to a method of phenotype-targeted gene sequencing.

Abstract: A method for profiling and identifying persons by using data samples provides a collapsed list of one or more aggregated matching samples having consistent STR profiles. Each of the one or more aggregated matching samples are presented on a one-line display, the one-line display having a composite profile representing consensus of all STR profiles in an associated aggregate matching sample. The one-line display of an aggregated matching sample may be expanded, and the expanded one-line display provides a view of all member samples in the aggregated matching sample. A method for aggregating samples from a plurality of disparate samples, and combining the aggregated samples is also provided.

Abstract: The immunoglobulins of the present invention are useful therapeutic immunoglobulins against mucosal pathogens such as S. mutans. The immunoglobulins contain a protection protein that protects the immunoglobulins in the mucosal environment. The invention also includes the greatly improved method of producing immunoglobulins in plants by producing the protection protein in the same cell as the other components of the immunoglobulins. The components of the immunoglobulin are assembled at a much improved efficiency. The method of the invention allows the assembly and high efficiency production of such complex molecules. The invention also contemplates the production of immunoglobulins containing protection proteins in a variety of cells, including plant cells, that can be selected for useful additional properties. The use of immunoglobulins containing protection proteins as therapeutic antibodies against mucosal and other pathogens is also contemplated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatuses for sequencing a nucleic acid. In one aspect, the method includes annealing a population of circular nucleic acid molecules to a plurality of anchor primers linked to a solid support, and amplifying those members of the population of circular nucleic acid molecules which anneal to the target nucleic acid, and then sequencing the amplified molecules by detecting the presence of a sequence byproduct such as pyrophosphate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for predicting the outcome of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia and methods for treating a cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia. More particularly, the methods comprise the determination of the presence of the HLA-DRB1*13 allele and the absence of a high risk human papillomavirus (HPV).

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 2150 nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel protein kinase family members. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 2150 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 2150 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 2150 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-2150 antibodies. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A method of protecting the 3? end of a DNA molecule from nuclease damage is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of exposing the DNA molecule to a preparation of DdrA protein.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for the non-radioactive labeling, detection, quantitation and isolation of nascent proteins translated in a cellular or cell-free translation system. tRNA molecules are misaminoacylated with non-radioactive markers which may be non-native amino acids, amino acid analogs or derivatives, or substances recognized by the protein synthesizing machinery. Markers may comprise cleavable moieties, detectable labels, reporter properties wherein markers incorporated into protein can be distinguished from unincorporated markers, or coupling agents which facilitate the detection and isolation of nascent protein from other components of the translation system. The invention also comprises proteins prepared using misaminoacylated tRNAs which can be utilized in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of diseases and disorders in humans and other mammals, and kits which may be used for the detection of diseases and disorders.

Abstract: Compositions comprising non-naturally occurring serum albumin binding moieties are described, together with methods of use thereof, e.g., for detecting or isolating serum albumin molecules in a solution, for blood circulation imaging, and for linking therapeutics or other molecules to albumin. Preferred serum albumin binding peptides having a high affinity for human serum albumin are particularly disclosed.

Abstract: Various antibodies with different binding characteristics for MBL A or MBL B bound to mannan or MBL A or MBL B bound to an antibody against MBL are provided. Also provided are methods for selecting antibodies against MBL with different binding characteristics and methods and kits for using these antibodies to measure MBL capable of binding to mannan or oligomerized MBL and abnormal, poorly oligomerized MBL in a sample. The methods and kits are useful in diagnosing increased susceptibility to and exacerbation of infections and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Assays for detecting and determining the presence of prostate cancer is provided. The assays are capable of detecting prostate cancer in the population of men with a significantly higher ratio of free PSA to total PSA. The assays are also capable of detecting prostate cancer in the population of men with a low amount of total PSA, i.e., in the range of 2 to 4 ng/ml.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel human genes, to proteins expressed by the genes, and to variants of the proteins. The invention also relates to diagnostic assays and therapeutic agents related to the genes and proteins, including probes, antisense constructs, and antibodies. The subject nucleic acids have been found to be differentially regulated in tumor cells, particularly in colon cancer tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting leptin receptor ligands using resonance energy transfer between fusion proteins comprising a leptin receptor and energy donor protein and a leptin receptor and energy acceptor protein. The present invention also relates to the fusion proteins for implementing said method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of treating and diagnosing disorders characterized the by the presence of antigens associated with inflammatory diseases and/or cancer, and nucleotide sequences, including expressed sequence tags (ESTs), oligonucleotide probes, polypeptides, vectors and host cells expressing such antigens PRO301, PRO362 or PRO245.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the detection of prion diseases, such as scrapie of sheep, bovine spongiform encephalopathy of cattle, Creutzfeld-Jacob disease of man, whereby aberrant proteins or prion proteins are detected in tissues which can be sampled from live animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially purified nucleic acid molecule encoding a p/CIP polypeptide, which regulates the activity of CBP/p300-dependent transcription factors. The invention also provides a substantially purified p-CIP polypeptide and active fragments thereof. In addition, the invention provides methods of identifying an effective agent that alters the association of a p/CIP polypeptide with a second protein. Further provided herein are methods of selectively inhibiting signal transduction pathways using an active fragment of a p/CIP polypeptide or a nucleic acid molecule encoding such an acive fragment.

Abstract: Device for assaying an analyte, comprising a labelling zone, where a label can bind to the analyte, in communication with a capture zone, wherein the pore size of the capture zone is such that label which is not bound to the analyte can migrate therethrough, whereas label which is bound to the analyte cannot. During migration from the labelling zone (large pore size) to the capture zone (small pore size), unbound label can pass into and through the capture zone, whereas bound label will be captured at the junction of the labelling zone and the capture zone. The device relies upon the label being smaller than the analyte, such that free label is not retarded by the capture zone. It is particularly suitable for assying analytes such as spermatozoa, which are large in comparison with a label such as a labelled antibody.

Abstract: A substantially enriched mammalian hepatic liver engrafting cell population is provided. Methods are provided for the isolation and culture of this liver engrafting cell. The progenitor cells are obtained from a variety of sources, including fetal and adult tissues. The cells are useful in transplantation, for experimental evaluation, and as a source of lineage and cell specific products, including mRNA species useful in identifying genes specifically expressed in these cells, and as targets for the discovery of factors or molecules that can affect them.

Abstract: The full amino acid and DNA sequences of placental protein 13 (PP13) are disclosed. Also described are various PP13 derived peptide fragments, and a recombinant method for the production of PP13. PP13 may be used in a screening and a diagnostic method for pregnancy-related complications.

Abstract: A novel polypeptide which is useful in searching for a therapeutic agent for diabetes, a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide, an expression vector comprising the polynucleotide, a cell transfected with the expression vector, an antibody binding to the polypeptide, and a method of screening a therapeutic agent for diabetes are disclosed. The polypeptide is a novel background potassium channel expressed in the pancreas.

Abstract: Disclosed are high throughput assay systems and methods for identifying agents that alter the level of surface expression of integral membrane proteins, such as cardiac ion channels, in mammalian cells. Also disclosed are therapeutic methods of using agents identified using such methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides having T cell stimulating activity termed recombitope peptides. Recombitope peptides of the invention preferably comprise at least two T cell epitopes derived from the same or from different protein antigens, and more preferably comprise at least two regions, each region preferably having human T cell stimulating activity and each region comprising at least one T cell epitope derived from a protein antigen. Recombitope peptides of the invention can be derived from protein allergens, autoantigens, or other protein antigens. The invention also provides methods of diagnosing sensitivity to a protein allergen or other protein antigen in an individual, methods to treat such sensitivity and therapeutic compositions comprising one or more recombitope peptides. The invention further provides methods for designing recombitope peptides of the invention where the protein antigen to which the individual is sensitive has unknown or ill-defined T cell epitopes.

Abstract: A compound of formula (1) and an immunoassay method for quantitative determination of dioxins in a sample using as a standard the compound of the following formula (1): wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 may be the same or different and represent chlorine or hydrogen, n is an integer from 1 to 10, and Z represents an amino acid residue or peptide.

Abstract: An analytical fluorometric method and a kit for use in such method are disclosed for assessing the presence of alkaline sphingomyelinase (SMase) in the stool of a patient in need of such an assessment since alkaline SMase is a marker of serious pathological states, such as colon cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating a wart in a subject by administering to the subject a composition containing (1) a heat shock protein or an immunostimulatory fragment thereof, and (2) a protein of a human papilloma virus or an antigenic fragment thereof. Also disclosed is a method of treating a human papilloma virus infection in a subject infected or suspected of being infected with a human papilloma virus of a first type by administering to the subject a composition containing (1) a heat shock protein or an antigenic fragment thereof, and (2) a protein of a human papilloma virus of a second type or an antigenic fragment thereof, where the first type and second type are different.

Abstract: Provided are a process for producing purified anthocyanidin glucoside in which a rhamnose end of anthocyanidin rutinoside is cleaved using rhamnosidase to convert the anthocyanidin rutinoside component into anthocyanidin glucoside, the anthocyanidin glucoside component being then purified and isolated; or a crystalline anthocyanidin glucoside salt obtained by further crystallizing the purified anthocyanidin glucoside and a process for producing the same. Also provided are a process for producing purified anthocyanidin rutinoside in which a glucose end of anthocyanidin glucoside is cleaved using ?-glucosidase to degrade and remove the end, the anthocyanidin rutinoside component being then purified and isolated; or a crystalline anthocyanidin rutinoside salt obtained by further crystallizing the purified anthocyanidin rutinoside and a process for producing the same.

Abstract: Nucleotide triphosphate probes containing a molecular and/or atomic tag on a a ? and/or ? phosphate group and/or a base moiety having a detectable property are disclosed, and kits and method for using the tagged nucleotides in sequencing reactions and various assay. Also, phosphate and polyphosphate molecular fidelity altering agents are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of L-amino acids by fermentation of recombinant microorganisms of the Enterobacteriaceae family, wherein a) the yfiD ORF and/or the pflB gene or nucleotide sequences coding for the gene products are overexpressed in the microorganisms producing the desired L-amino acid, and the microorganisms are cultured in a medium under conditions in which the desired L-amino acid is enriched in the medium or in the cells; and b) the desired L-amino acid is isolated, in a manner such that constituents of the fermentation broth and/or the biomass in its entirety or in portions (>0 to 100%) either remain in the isolated product or are completely removed.

Abstract: L-Lysine is produced by culturing a methanol-utilizing bacterium which requires L-methionine for its growth and has an ability to produce L-lysine in a medium containing methanol as a main carbon source to produce and accumulate L-lysine in culture and collecting the L-lysine from the culture.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new antibiotic designated P175-A, to production of fermentation of Micromonospora echinospora NRRL 30633, to methods for recovery and concentration from the crude solutions, and to a process for purification and to semisynthetic esters and ethers of P175-A.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems, to homologues thereof, to isolated nucleic acid molecules and recombinant nucleic acid molecules encoding biologically active domains of such a PUFA PKS system, to genetically modified organisms comprising PUFA PKS systems, to methods of making and using such systems for the production of bioactive molecules of interest, and to novel methods for identifying new bacterial and non-bacterial microorganisms having such a PUFA PKS system.

Abstract: L-arginine, citrulline and pyrimidine derivatives including orotic acid, uridine, uridine 5?-monophosphate (UMP), cytidine and cytidine 5?-monophosphate (CMP) are produced using a bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia harboring a mutant carbamoylphosphate synthetase in which the amino acid sequence corresponding to positions from 947 to 951 in a wild type carbamoylphosphate synthetase is replaced with any one of amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 9, and feedback inhibition by uridine 5?-monophosphate in the bacterium is desensitized.

Abstract: A process for oxidizing a substrate which is an acyclic or cyclic terpene, or a cycloalkene; or a substituted derivative thereof, which process comprises oxidizing said compound with a mutant haem-containing enzyme, the mutant comprising the substitution of an amino acid in the active site by an amino acid with a less polar side-chain. The enzyme is typically P450cam or P450BM-3. Cells and libraries of cells in which the process can be carried out or which can be used to select advantageous mutant enzymes are also provided.

Abstract: An Escherichia coli mutant strain deficient in dihydrodipicolinate synthase or dihydrodipicolinate reductase is transformed with a chromosomal gene library of Bacillus methanolicus, and a transformant strain which can grow on a minimal medium is selected. Recombinant DNA which codes for dihydrodipicolinate synthase or dihydrodipicolinate reductase (named dapB) is obtained from the transformant.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a polypeptide which can be used to produce a saccharide having the structure of cyclo{?6)-?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?3)-?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?6)-?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?3)-?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?}, a DNA encoding the polypeptide, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to novel nucleotide and amino acid sequences, and more particularly to novel human acetyl CoA carboxylase 2 (ACC2) and rat ACC2 sequences. The sequences provided herein can be expressed in a recombinant format. Methods of isolating the ACC2 sequence are also provided, which can be employed to isolate any ACC sequence. The ACC2 sequences can be employed in therapeutic applications to diagnose or treat a condition associated with ACC2. The invention also relates to the identification of modulators of ACC activity using the recombinant human ACC2 enzyme as the screening target.

Abstract: Using RT-PCR and degenerate oligonucleotides derived from the active site residues of subtilisin-kexin-like serine proteinases, we have identified a highly conserved and phylogenetically ancestral human, rat and mouse type-I membrane-bound proteinase called subtilisin-kexin-isozyme-1 (SKI-1). Computer data bank searches reveals that human SKI-1 was previously cloned but with no identified function. A SKI-1 processed fragment is secreted in culture media in a soluble form. In vitro studies suggest that SKI-1 is a Ca2+-dependent serine proteinase exhibiting a wide pH optimum for cleavage of proBDNF. Peptides mimicking SKI-1 cleavages sites are also disclosed. SKI-1 prosegment has an ex vivo inhibitory effect on SKI-1 activity. The prosegment is also processed and secreted in culture media. One of its fragments is found tightly associated with the SKI-1 soluble form. Therapeutic applications for SKI-1 inhibitors are disclosed.

Abstract: There are provided proteins having the amino acid sequences represented by SEQ ID NOS: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20; proteins having amino acid sequences derived from these amino acid sequences by deletion, substitution or addition of one to several amino acids; and nucleotide sequences encoding the same; transgenic non-human animals with altered expression level of a serine protease BSSP4; an antibody against BSSP4; and a method for detecting BSSP4 in a specimen by using the antibody.