Patents Issued in April 24, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080096211
    Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules, designated SES nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel SES proteins from Corynebacterium glutamicum are described. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing SES nucleic acid molecules, and host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced. The invention still further provides isolated SES proteins, mutated SES proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and methods for the improvement of production of a desired compound from C. glutamicum based on genetic engineering of SES genes in this organism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Pompejus, Burkhard Kroger, Hartwig Schroder, Oskar Zelder, Gregor Haberhauer
  • Publication number: 20080096212
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the responsiveness of cancer to an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the presence of at least one variance in the kinase domain of the erbB1 gene confers sensitivity to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib. Thus, a diagnostic assay for these mutations will allow for the administration of gefitinib, erlotinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors to those patients most likely to respond to the drug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicants: The General Hospital Corporation, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Daphne Bell, Daniel Haber, Pasi Janne, Bruce Johnson, Thomas Lynch, Matthew Meyerson, Juan Paez, William Sellers, Jeffrey Settleman, Raffaella Sordella
  • Publication number: 20080096213
    Abstract: There is provided a method for confirming conversion treatment of non-methylated cytosine, including a step of mixing a DNA taken from a living body, with a nucleic acid for accuracy control having a sequence A which is not contained in a genome of the living body and contains cytosine, a step of converting non-methylated cytosine in the mixture into a base other than cytosine, a step of detecting the sequence A and/or a sequence A? which has a sequence obtained by converting cytosine in the sequence A into the base other than cytosine, and a step of determining whether the conversion step has been properly performed or not based on the result of the detection step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiro Kajita, Noriaki Yamamoto, Ayako Sakai, Hideki Ishihara
  • Publication number: 20080096214
    Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kelly Ammann, Ernest Hansberry
  • Publication number: 20080096215
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions of matter useful for the diagnosis and treatment of tumor in mammals and to methods of using those compositions of matter for the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Genentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Avi Ashkenazi, Audrey Goddard, Austin Gurney, Paul Polakis, Victoria Smith, William Wood, Thomas Wu, Dong-Xiao Zhang
  • Publication number: 20080096216
    Abstract: Methods for high speed, high throughput analysis of polynucleotide sequences, and apparatuses with which to carry out the methods are provided in the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Stephen Quake
  • Publication number: 20080096217
    Abstract: This invention provides methods for the detection, diagnosing, monitoring, or predicting of non-neoplastic diseases, pathologic conditions, and injury. The methods of the invention detect extracellular non-neoplastic mammalian RNA in the blood, blood plasma, serum, or other bodily fluid of an animal, most preferably a human, having or predisposed to having a non-neoplastic disease, pathologic condition, or injury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: OncoMEDx Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Kopreski
  • Publication number: 20080096218
    Abstract: This invention relates to polynucleotide sequences encoding a gene that can confer resistance to at least one herbicide. It further relates to plants and seeds of plants carrying chimeric genes comprising said polynucleotide sequences, which enhance or confer resistance to at least one herbicide, and methods of making said plants and seeds. The invention further presents sequences that can be used as molecular markers that in turn can be used to identify the region of interest in corn lines resulting from new crosses and to quickly and efficiently select the best lines for breeding strategies by avoiding sensitive lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Thao Dam, Anthony Guida, Christine Hazel, Bailin Li, Mark Williams
  • Publication number: 20080096219
    Abstract: A biological molecule-immobilized chip is produced by: allowing a biological molecule having a portion capable of forming coordination bond to a metal ion to form a coordination bond to a metal ion, bringing the resultant complex adjacent to an electrically conductive support, and applying reduction potential to the electrically conductive support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Tetsuya Haruyama
  • Publication number: 20080096220
    Abstract: An affinity ligand-matrix conjugate comprises the matrix and conjugated thereto by the group Z, a ligand having general formula (I): wherein one X is N and the other X is N, CCL or CCn; A1 and A2 are each independently O, S or N-R1 and R1 is H, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 hydroxyalkyl, benzyl or ?-phenylethyl; B1 and B2 are each independently an optionally substituted hydrocarbon linkage containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms; D1 is H or a primary amino, secondary amino, tertiary amino, quaternary ammonium, imidazole, guanidine or amidino group; and D2 is a secondary amino, tertiary amino, quaternary ammonium, imadazole, guanidine or amidino group; or B2-D2 is —CHCOOH—(CH2)3-4—NH2; and p is 0 or 1. Such conjugates are useful for the separation, isolation, purification, characterization, identification or quantification of an endotoxin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher Robin Lowe, Kim Hilary Lawden
  • Publication number: 20080096221
    Abstract: A method of detecting platelet thrombosis or organ failure in a patient suffering from disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), comprising analyzing a von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease and/or a cleaving factor thereof, is disclosed. A kit for detecting platelet thrombosis or organ failure in a patient suffering from DIC or SIRS, comprising an antibody or a fragment thereof which specifically binds to a von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, and/or an antibody or a fragment thereof which specifically binds to a cleaving factor of the von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI KAGAKU IATRON, INC.
    Inventor: Tomoko Ono
  • Publication number: 20080096222
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for increasing or decreasing the phosphorylation of histone H3 using factors that alter the activity of the kinase haspin. The invention includes assays for identifying inhibitors, peptides that can serve as inhibitors or in the generation of antibodies that specifically recognize phosphorylated histone, polynucleotides encoding peptides, procedures for increasing intracellular haspin levels, and methods for assaying haspin activity in a biological sample to determine whether abnormalities in cell division may be due to the overexpression or underexpression of haspin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Higgins, Jun Dai
  • Publication number: 20080096223
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for distinguishing between different states or forms of diseases and disorders characterized by thrombocytopenia and/or by spontaneous interaction between Von Willebrand Factor (vWF) and platelets, and/or to predict the progression of such a disease or disorder, said method comprising the steps of providing at least one biological sample obtained from a patient suffering from, or suspected to suffer from, at least one disease or disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia and/or by spontaneous interaction between Von Willebrand Factor (vWF) and platelets and of determining the amount of activated vWF in said biological sample, in which the amount of activated vWF in the sample is representative for the different states or forms of the disease or disorder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicants: Ablynx N.V., UMC Utrecht Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Philip De Groot, Rob Fijnheer, Peter Lenting, Karen Silence
  • Publication number: 20080096224
    Abstract: Emission ratiometric indicators of phosphoinositides comprise a fusion protein comprising a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of Akt (also known as protein kinase B) and a “pseudoligand” containing acidic amino acid residues, which is sandwiched between resonance energy transfer (RET) pairs, such as cyan and yellow mutants of GFP (a FRET pair). Such indicators can be used, inter alia, to monitor spatiotemporal dynamics of phosphoinositides and in high throughput assays for inhibitors of P13K, including drug screening assays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Jin Zhang, Bharath Ananthanarayanan
  • Publication number: 20080096225
    Abstract: Described herein are methods of identifying compounds which modulate the activity of the cytoskeletal system. The methods are rapid, convenient and sensitive. Preferably, the method is used to identify lead compounds that can be used as therapeutics, diagnostics and agricultural agents. Generally, test compounds are added to two cytoskeletal components which bind to one another, to determine whether the binding is affected by the test compound. Wherein the binding is affected, a compound which modulates the cytoskeletal system is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicants: The Regents of the University of California, Stanford University
    Inventors: Ronald Vale, Daniel Pierce, James Spudich, Lawrence Goldstein
  • Publication number: 20080096226
    Abstract: The invention is directed to diagnostic and monitoring methods (assays) for cancer and kits that may be used in such methods. More particularly, an aspect of the invention relates to the use of activated Stat5 for diagnosing and monitoring breast cancer and predicting the effectiveness of cancer treatment. The invention also relates to the use of screening assays for discovering compounds that effect levels of activated Stat5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Marja NEVALAINEN, Hallgeir RUI
  • Publication number: 20080096227
    Abstract: The invention relates to use of a calcium release activated Ca+2 (CRAC) channel (CRACM) such as CRACM1 and CRACM2 to identify bioactive agents which can modulate store operated calcium entry and CRAC channel activity. The invention further relates to the use of recombinant nucleic acids that encode CRACM. One aspect of the invention includes methods of determining binding of candidate bioactive agents to a CRACM polypeptide and for determining modulation of CRACM polypeptide activity as it affects CRAC channel permeability. The invention further relates to methods and compositions modulating the cellular expression of the nucleic acids that encode CRACM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Reinhold Penner, Andrea Fleig, Jean-Pierre Kinet
  • Publication number: 20080096228
    Abstract: Contemplated compositions and methods are directed to IRES sequences and their use, especially in the context of CML. Among other contemplated aspects IRES sequences described herein are highly active in recombinant in vitro systems and allow high-level of recombinant protein from two, typically opposite reading frames. In vivo, and particularly in lymphocytes of CML patients, expression of genes associated with the IRES (e.g., LEF-1) is at least partially controlled by Bcr-Abl activity, which may be used as a diagnostic tool for CML patients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Marian Waterman, Judith Jimenez, S. Ong
  • Publication number: 20080096229
    Abstract: In general, the invention relates to receptors capable of the efficient recognition and binding of target molecules, said receptors being composed of flagellin proteins which comprise the flagellar filaments of bacteria. More closely, the invention relates to modified flagellins or flagellin fragments useful as receptors, and filamentous receptor-structures comprising them. Moreover, the invention relates to procedures for their preparation and their uses. Flagellin-based receptors can be produced easily and inexpensively by bacteria, and purified with an ease without lysing the cells. Moreover, flagellins, due to their polymerization ability, can be used to build various filamentous structures. Starting from flagellin receptors of the invention filaments of desired length and construction can be prepared with a very high binding site density on their surface. These supramolecular objects may serve as basic recognition units for biological sensors and diagnostic kits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Ferenc Vonderviszt, Peter Zavodszky, Szilard Kamondi, Istvan Barsony
  • Publication number: 20080096230
    Abstract: The invention provides enzymatic methods for direct determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples without the need of a separated measurement of total hemoglobin content in blood samples. The methods utilizes one or two different types of oxidizing agents which selectively oxidize low-molecular weight reducing substances and high-molecular weight (mainly hemoglobin) reducing substances in blood samples, coupled with enzymatic reactions catalyzed by proteases, fructosyl amino acid oxidase, and peroxidase. The invention provides kits for performing the methods of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Chong-Sheng Yuan, Abhijit Datta, Limin Liu
  • Publication number: 20080096231
    Abstract: Whole cell, simultaneous target and drug-target assay using differentially labeled antibodies and flow cytometry. First antibody binds to total target and second antibody binds to the drug binding site of the target, thus drug binding will competitively inhibit the second antibody allowing for a competitive inhibition assay of drug-target binding. The assay allows for whole cell analysis and even analysis of mixed populations of cells, yet provides detailed kinetic assessment of drug activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Esoterix, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman Purvis, Gregory Stelzer
  • Publication number: 20080096232
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi infection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Dinesh O. Shah, Chi-Deu Chang, Gerald Schochetman, Kevin Y. Cheng
  • Publication number: 20080096233
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting and/or isolating immune complexes. The antigen in the immune complexes can further be isolated from the immune complexes to facilitate research and characterization of the antigen. Other embodiments of the present invention can be used to, inter alia, develop assays for detecting immune complexes, diagnose diseases or medical conditions, as well as determine the correlation between the presence of immune complexes and diseases and medical conditions of interest. Still other embodiments provide reagents, equipments and kits for implementing the methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Karla M. Robotti, Magdalena A. Bynum
  • Publication number: 20080096234
    Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To provide examination methods and reagents able to detect efficiently cancer patients and patients at high risk of cancer. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] Significant differences in the distribution of GlcNAc-6-sulfotransferase isozymes, sulfation enzymes of sugar residues, between non-carcinoma tissues and carcinoma tissues or adenoma tissues were discovered. The discovery is evidently applicable to detect carcinomas and adenomas (except colorectal carcinomas and colorectal adenomas) specifically by assaying a certain range of GlcNAc-6-sulfated sugar residue groups in tissues of patients and in fecal samples. Examination of carcinomas and adenomas is possible by the use of antibodies reacting specifically with GlcNAc-6-sulfated sugar residues specifically synthesized by enzymes present in carcinoma and adenoma tissues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Reiji Kannagi, Mineko Izawa, Naoko Kimura, Shunsuke Kurei, Kazue Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20080096235
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are biomarkers and uses thereof for evaluating anti-cancer efficacy and sensitivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: The UAB Research Foundation
    Inventors: Robert Kimberly, Tong Zhou, Takeshi Isoyama
  • Publication number: 20080096236
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for separating a carbohydrate antigen from a Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria in a purified form that contains no more than 10% protein. The separated antigen is coupled to an affinity column, over which polyclonal antibodies to the same bacteria are chromatographed and recovered in a purified form that exhibits high specificity and sensitivity in immunoassays for the raw carbohydrate antigen corresponding to the purified antigen on the column. A particularly preferred form of rapid immunochromatographic assay employing the purified antibodies, which assay is very useful as an aid to rapid diagnosis of diseases caused by bacteria, is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Binax, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Koulchin, Norman Moore, Elena Molokova, Mary Fent
  • Publication number: 20080096237
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying an agent, for modulating cell growth or survival. The method involves the identification of an agent which modulates the net ratio of nuclear-localized versus cytosolic-localized H11 kinase or mutant H11 kinase in a cell. A method for diagnosing a cancer associated with H11 kinase or Akt activation in a subject is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen Vatner, Christopher Depre
  • Publication number: 20080096238
    Abstract: The present invention provides a high throughput assay with increased signal-to-noise ration for human Rho kinase activity in vitro, and methods and kits therefor. A high throughput method of assaying a test compound for human Rho kinase modulating activity is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: ALCON, INC.
    Inventors: Najam Sharif, Colene Drace, Gary Williams
  • Publication number: 20080096239
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel human orphan nuclear receptor that binds to a cytochrome P-450 monoxygenase (CYP) promoter and that is activated by compounds that induce CYP gene expression. The invention further relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding such a receptor, to methods of making the receptor and to methods of using the receptor and nucleic acid sequences encoding same. The invention also relates to non-human animals transformed to express the human receptor and to methods of using such animals to screen compounds for drug interactions and toxicities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: SMITHKLINE BEECHAM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Kliewer, Stacey Jones, Timothy Willson
  • Publication number: 20080096240
    Abstract: The present invention provides prostamide receptor antagonist compounds that may be represented by the general formula I. wherein A, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R6 are as defined in the specification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: David Woodward, Jenny Wang, Clive Cornell, Hans Fliri, Jose Martos, Simon Pettit
  • Publication number: 20080096241
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for detecting a drug resistant microorganism by surface plasmon resonance (SPR).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Chi-Hung Lin, How-Foo Chen, Ya-Ling Chiang
  • Publication number: 20080096242
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of fermentation technology. In particular the invention relates to fermentation processes for the production of a first and a second fermentation product by a single production organism wherein the first product is in a more reduced state than the substrate and the second fermentation product is in a more oxidised state than the substrate yet in a less oxidised state than the final oxidation product CO2, such that the concurrent synthesis of the first and second product in the organism allows recycling of reducing power and can be performed under (partially) anaerobic conditions. The invention also relates to such processes in which the first and second fermentation products are capable of forming a(n) (insoluble) complex or salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: AGROTECHNOLOGY AND FOOD INNOVATIONS B.V.
    Inventors: Johan Sanders, Ruud Weusthuis, Andreas Mooibroek
  • Publication number: 20080096243
    Abstract: A soy protein isolate and method for preparing the same are disclosed. The novel soy protein isolate possesses excellent suspension stability and flavor. The process used to produce the soy protein isolate includes an enzyme hydrolysis process, and the resulting soy protein isolate can be used in acidic beverage formulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Solae, LLC
    Inventors: Myong Cho, Richard Shen, Robert Mooshegian
  • Publication number: 20080096244
    Abstract: A D-aminoacylase having a high substrate specificity is provided. This D-aminoacylase can produce D-amino acids from N-acetyl-D,L-amino acids conveniently and efficiently at a low cost. A D-aminoacylase produced by a microorganism of genus Defluvibacter; which acts on a N-acetyl-D-amino acid; which has a molecular weight (as determined by electrophoresis) of about 55,000 daltons, and an isoelectric point (as determined by two-dimensional electrophoresis for denatured system) of 5.3; which acts on N-acetyl-D-valine, N-acetyl-D-leucine, and the like, but not on N-acetyl-L-valine, N-acetyl-L-leucine, and the like; which has an optimal temperature of 37° C. (pH 8) and an optimal pH value of 8 to 8.5 at 37° C.; and whose activity is inhibited by Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+ each at 1 mmol/L, and by dithiothreitol, 2-mercaptoethanol, o-phenanthroline, and L-cysteine each at 5 mmol/L.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicants: DAIICHI PURE CHEMICALS CO., LTD., ISOBE Kimiyasu
    Inventors: Kimiyasu Isobe, Seiki Yamaguchi, Masayuki Kobayashi, Shinya Kumagai, Takami Sarashina
  • Publication number: 20080096245
    Abstract: Cystatin-based peptide tags, referred to here as inclusion body tags (IBTs), are disclosed useful for the generation of insoluble fusion peptides. The fusion peptides comprise at least one inclusion body tag operably linked to a peptide of interest. Expression of the fusion peptide in a host cell results in a product that is insoluble and contained within inclusion bodies in the cell and/or cell lysate. The inclusion bodies may then be purified and the protein of interest may be isolated after cleavage from the inclusion body tag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Linda Jane Decarolis, Stephen R. Fahnestock, Hong Wang
  • Publication number: 20080096246
    Abstract: Zein-based peptide tags, referred to here as inclusion body tags (IBTs), are disclosed useful for the generation of insoluble fusion peptides. The fusion peptides comprise at least one inclusion body tag operably linked to a peptide of interest. Expression of the fusion peptide in a host cell results in a product that is insoluble and contained within inclusion bodies in the cell and/or cell lysate. The inclusion bodies may then be purified and the protein of interest may be isolated after cleavage from the inclusion body tag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Linda Jane Decarolis, Stephen R. Fahnestock, Hong Wang
  • Publication number: 20080096247
    Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding preduramycin and produramycin are described, along with recombinant nucleic acids host cells containing the same and methods of use thereof, such as for the manufacture of the lantibiotic duramycin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Luis Molina, Charles Romeo
  • Publication number: 20080096248
    Abstract: The specification discloses modified Clostridial toxins comprising a Clostridial toxin enzymatic domain, a Clostridial toxin translocation domain and an enhanced Clostridial toxin binding domain; polynucleotide molecules encoding such modified Clostridial toxins; and method of producing such modified Clostridial toxins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance Steward, Ester Fernandez-Salas, Joseph Francis, Shengwen Li, Marcella Gilmore, Kei Roger Aoki
  • Publication number: 20080096249
    Abstract: Production of efficiently producing agaro-oligosaccharide; a polypeptide having an agarase activity which is usable in, for example, efficiently extracting a substance such as a nucleic acid from an agarose gel; the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide; a gene encoding the polypeptide; a process for producing the polypeptide; a process for producing agaro-oligosaccharide; and a process for extracting a substance such as a nucleic acid from an agarose gel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Takara Bio Inc.
    Inventors: Jun TOMONO, Hiroaki Sagawa, Ikunoshin Kato
  • Publication number: 20080096250
    Abstract: TIRAP polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing TIRAP polypeptides and polynucleotides in therapy, and diagnostic assays for such.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Ruslan Medzhitov, Tiffany Horng, Gregory Barton
  • Publication number: 20080096251
    Abstract: The structure of gonadotropic hormone of an invertebrate (Asterina pectinifera) was elucidated. The gonadotropic hormone is a peptide with molecular weight 4500 to 4900 composed of two subunits, wherein the structure of the protein has the structure bound by SS bridges formed between SH residues of cysteines contained in the subunits. Mixing and oxidizing these two subunits after their synthesis enables to give a peptide (gonadotropic hormone) with gonad-stimulating activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Nagahama, Michiyasu Yoshikuni, Masatoshi Mita, Minoru Isobe
  • Publication number: 20080096252
    Abstract: The expression vectors and methods using an E. Coli expression system for the large scale production of IL-29 are described. The vectors utilize the IL-29 coding sequence with specific changes in nucleotides in order to optimize codons and mRNA secondary structure for translation in E. coli. Also included are methods of producing, purifying and pegylating an IL-29 polypeptide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Bruce L. Zamost, Geoffrey F. Lee, Robert M. Dedinsky
  • Publication number: 20080096253
    Abstract: The present invention is in the fields of nanotechology and biomimetics. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of modified ribosomes to produce biomimetic structures. These biomimetic structures, also known as directed element polymers, are not produced by traditional industrial means but instead are produced by living systems comprising modified ribosomes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Alexander Sunguroff
  • Publication number: 20080096254
    Abstract: The present invention can provide a process for producing a protein having ?1.4-galactosyltransferase activity using a transformant comprising a DNA encoding a protein having ?1.4-galactosyltransferase activity derived from a microorganism belonging to the genus Pasteurella and a process for producing a galactose-containing complex carbohydrate using a transformant capable of producing a protein having ?1.4-galactosyltransferase activity derived from a microorganism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: KYOWA HAKKO KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Endo, Satoshi Koizumi
  • Publication number: 20080096255
    Abstract: Means to circulate any nucleic acid molecule and to obtain from such circular nucleic acid molecules fragments that mark both ends of the initial nucleic acid molecule are provided. Means of high value to studies including, but not limited to, expression profiling, splicing, promoter identification, identification of genetic elements, and beyond, which are essential components of commercial applications and services including, but not limited to, drug development, diagnostics, or forensic studies are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Matthias Harbers, Yuko Shibata
  • Publication number: 20080096256
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for gene expression in a cell-free translation system, wherein the reaction solution comprises an RNA matrix with a gene sequence, which codes for an expression product to be expressed, and a translation system from eukaryotic cells, wherein the reaction solution is incubated, and wherein the expression product is optionally separated from the reaction solution, characterized by that the RNA matrix, viewed in the 5?-3? direction, comprises a Shine Dalgarno sequence, connected to a first spacer sequence and connected to the gene sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Helmut Merk, Wolfgang Stiege, Stefan Kubick
  • Publication number: 20080096257
    Abstract: A single-step, isothermal strand displacement amplification method that is conducted without the requirement for heat denaturation of the target nucleic acid. The method is particularly useful for analysis of clinical samples due to the decreased risk of potential contamination of the patient sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Zuxu Yao, Graham Lidgard
  • Publication number: 20080096258
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and a method for amplification of circular genomes. The method is based on rolling circle amplification of the circular genomes which involves strand displacement replication by primers. The disclosed method allows differential amplification of circular genomes of interest. In genomic nucleic acid samples containing both a circular genome of interest and non-target nucleic acids, such as non-target genomes, the disclose methods and compositions can result in many-fold differential amplification of the circular genome of interest over non-target nucleic acids. It has been discovered that selection of a set of primers complementary to a circular genome of interest can result in much greater amplification of the circular genome of interest relative to non-target nucleic acids present. Such differential amplification of circular genomes is very useful for obtaining useful amounts of genomes of interest from a mixed nucleic acid sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Christian Korfhage, Dirk Loffert
  • Publication number: 20080096259
    Abstract: It is intended to provide a method of chemically synthesizing an aminoacyl tRNA which is completely different from the existing methods, namely, a highly efficient and practically usable method for synthesizing an aminoacyl tRNA whereby any nonnatural amino acid can be conveniently aminoacylated without a need for genetic engineering techniques and detected without resort to a radioactive isotope. The above-described aminoacylation method comprises enclosing a tRNA and an amino acid in the vicinity of the micelle-water interface and bringing them close to each other to thereby react the same, or providing between them a peptide nucleic acid specifically binding to the tRNA as an antisense molecule and bringing them close to each other to thereby react the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Japan Science and Technology Agency
    Inventors: Masahiko Sisido, Keiko Ninomiya
  • Publication number: 20080096260
    Abstract: The formation of acrylamide during heat treatment in the production of a food product is reduced by treating the raw material with an enzyme before the heat treatment. The enzyme is capable of reacting on asparagine as a substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Novozymes A/S
    Inventors: Gitte Budolfsen, Morten Jensen, Hans Heldt-Hansen, Mary Stringer, Lene Lange