Abstract: The invention relates to methods to be used in the maturation of ovarian follicles and oocytes. More specifically, the invention concerns the use of inhibitors of the phosphatase PTEN, such as oxovanadate and peroxovanadate complexes, in methods for in vitro and in vivo maturation of follicles and oocytes.

Abstract: In some embodiments the present invention provides cells, such as pluripotent stem cells and differentiated cells, derived from tissue samples that have been frozen without a cryoprotective agent, and also cell panels comprising such cells, model systems comprising such cells, and methods for making and using such cells, cell panels, and model systems.

Abstract: African swine fever virus (ASFV) is the etiological agent of a contagious and often lethal viral disease of domestic pigs. Control of ASF has been hampered by the unavailability of vaccines. Experimental vaccines have been derived from naturally occurring, cell culture-adapted, or genetically modified live attenuated ASFVs; however, these vaccines are only successful when protecting against homologous viruses. Among viral genes reported to be involved in virulence are components of the multi gene family (MGF). Here we report the construction of a recombinant ?MGF virus derived from the highly virulent ASFV Georgia 2007 (ASFV-G) isolate. In vivo, ASFV-G ?MGF administered intramuscularly (IM) to swine at either 102 or 104 HAD50 are completely attenuated; the inoculated animals are completely asymptomatic. Animals infected with 102 or 104 HAD50 of ASFV-G ?MGF are protected against the presentation of clinical disease when challenged at 28 days post infection with the virulent parental strain Georgia 2007.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of enhancing virus replication in permissive cells that express a receptor to FGF2 protein. The method includes administering FGF2 protein or a functional variant thereof and the virus to the permissive cells. An oncolytic virus having a genome that includes an open reading frame that encodes FGF2 protein or a functional variant thereof is also described.

Abstract: Methods of making vaccinia viruses for gene-directed prodrug therapy are disclosed and their use in the treatment of disease is provided. In particular, the anti-tumor effects of vaccinia viruses that are modified to express a prodrug-activating enzyme are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for improving virus production in a host cell infected with the virus is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-naturally occurring polypeptides useful for preparing armodafinil, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods of using the polypeptides. The non-naturally occurring polypeptides of the present invention are effective in carrying out biocatalytic conversion of the (i) 2-(benzhydrylsulfinyl)acetamide to (?)-2-[(R)-(diphenylmethyl)sulfinyl]acetamide (armodafinil), or (ii) benzhydryl-thioacetic acid to (R)-2-(benzhydrylsulfinyl)acetic acid, which is a pivotal intermediate in the synthesis of armodafinil, in enantiomeric excess.

Abstract: This invention provides a range of translatable messenger UNA (mUNA) molecules. The mUNA molecules can be translated in vitro and in vivo to provide an active polypeptide or protein, or to provide an immunization agent or vaccine component. The mUNA molecules can be used as an active agent to express an active polypeptide or protein in cells or subjects. Among other things, the mUNA molecules are useful in methods for treating rare diseases.

Abstract: Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius are provided. Further provided are methods for glycosylating and/or post-translationally modifying proteins using isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for inactivating the human TCR-alpha gene comprising engineered LAGLIDADG homing endonucleases (LHEs) and their derivatives, particularly derived from members of the \-Onul subfamily of LHEs. Polynucleotides encoding such endonucleases, vectors comprising said polynucleotides, cells comprising or having been treated with such endonucleases, and therapeutic compositions deriving therefore are also provided.

Abstract: A method to treat cancer and other malignant diseases, said method comprising parenterally administering an agent which destroys blood extracellular DNA into the systemic circulation of a cancer patient to slow down cancer growth. The agent is embodied in the form of a DNase enzyme and, more particularly, as a DNase I enzyme. Doses from 50,000-250,000,000 Kunitz units/day are administered for 5-360 days.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods relating to an alpha-amylase from a Bacillaceae family member. The compositions and methods are useful, for example, for starch liquefaction and saccharification, for cleaning starchy stains in laundry, dishwashing, and other applications, for textile processing (e.g., desizing), in animal feed for improving digestibility, and for baking and brewing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of alpha amylase. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling a polypeptide modification reaction, in particular but not exclusively, a method of controlling the activation of human factor VII (FVII) to produce human factor VII(a) (FVII(a)). The invention also relates to polypeptides obtainable by the polypeptide modification reaction and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said polypeptides.

Abstract: Improved methods of measuring gene expression in intracellularly immunostained FACS-sorted cell populations are provided. Exemplary methods involve fixing cells with formalin and permeabilizing with mild detergent in the presence of ribonucleoside vanadyl complex prior to FACS sorting, followed by RNA extraction in the presence of de-crosslinking agents. The resulting RNA is suitable for gene expression analysis. The method allows for analysis of the gene expression pattern specifically associated with any sortable cell population or subpopulation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for identifying one or more nucleic acid agents, e.g., aptamers, having a desired property from a mixture of candidate nucleic acid agents. The method generally includes immobilizing the mixture of candidate nucleic acid agents onto particles, wherein only a subset of the candidate nucleic acid agents are immobilized on any one of the particles, and wherein the subset is present in multiple copies. The particles are exposed to a target, and particles including candidate nucleic acid agents having the desired property are isolated. In this way, one or more nucleic acid agents having the desired property may be identified. Related compositions and nucleic acid agents identified as having one or more desired properties are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions, including kits, for directional nucleic acid amplification and sequencing. The invention further provides methods and compositions for the construction of directional cDNA libraries.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the use of isolated short sequence motifs capable of directing or packaging regulatory nucleic acids, preferably RNAs, into extracellular vesicles, preferably exosomes. This mechanism is enhanced by the binding of hnRNP family proteins, which are sumoylated, to such nucleic acid. In this sense, sumoylated hnRNPs directs the loading of nucleic acids into EVs through recognition of specific short motifs disclosed in the present invention. Additionally, the present invention discloses recombinant nucleic acids comprising such sequence motifs, EVs in turn comprising these recombinant nucleic acids, as well as the compositions, preferably pharmaceutical compositions comprising either the recombinant nucleic acids or the EVs of the invention. The identification of such motifs is a useful tool for use in genetic engineering and gene therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for in vivo administration of sd-rxRNA molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene delivery system for targeting adipocytes and a treatment system for obesity and obesity-derived metabolic syndromes using the same and, more particularly, to a non-viral gene delivery system which directly targets a differentiated obesity (mature) adipocyte and contains an adipocyte targeting sequence (ATS)-arginine (R9) peptide.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to RNA amidates and thioamidates useful for RNA interference applications. The RNA amidates and thioamidates contain at least one internucleoside linkage chosen from ribo-N3??P5? phosphoramidate (NP) and ribo-N3??P5? thiophosphoramidate (NPS) linkages, and optionally further containing at least one covalently conjugated lipid moiety. Compositions comprising the amidates and thioamidates are disclosed, as are methods for their use in modulating gene expression.

Abstract: Provided herein are signal activatable molecular constructs for enzyme-assisted delivery of molecules and related components, such as a sensor domain, compositions, methods and systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, oligonucleotide modulators (e.g., inhibitors) of B cell lymphoma/leukemia 11A (BCL11A) and improved methods and composition for treating BCL11A-related diseases, disorders or conditions based on such modulators.

Abstract: Disclosed are double-stranded antisense nucleic acid complexes that can efficiently alter the processing of RNA in a cell via an antisense effect, and methods for using the same. One method comprises contacting with the cell a double-stranded nucleic acid complex comprising: a first nucleic acid strand annealed to a second nucleic acid strand, wherein: the first nucleic acid strand comprises (i) nucleotides independently selected from natural DNA nucleotides, modified DNA nucleotides, and nucleotide analogs, (ii) no regions that have 4 or more consecutive natural DNA nucleotides, (iii) the total number of natural DNA nucleotides, modified DNA nucleotides, and nucleotide analogs in the first nucleic acid strand is from 8 to 100, and (iv) the first nucleic acid strand is capable of hybridizing to RNA inside of the cell; and the second nucleic acid strand comprises nucleotides independently selected from natural RNA nucleotides, modified RNA nucleotides, and nucleotide analogs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of Alpha-L-Iduronidase (IDUA), in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of Alpha-L-Iduronidase (IDUA). The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of IDUA.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotide aptamers that selectively bind to and inhibit polymerization of sickle hemoglobin (HbS), pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, methods of use for diagnostics and treatment of sickle cell disease, methods of use as capture reagents, and methods of rational drug design.

Abstract: Provided is siRNA effective for the treatment of fibrosis and a pharmaceutical containing the siRNA.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a ribonucleic acid comprising a double stranded structure whereby the double-stranded structure comprises a first strand and a second strand, whereby the first strand comprises a first stretch of contiguous nucleotides and whereby said first stretch is at least partially complementary to a target nucleic acid, and the second strand comprises a second stretch of contiguous nucleotides whereby said second stretch is at least partially identical to a target nucleic acid, and whereby the double stranded structure is blunt ended.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for generating polycystronic nucleic acid vectors, said method comprising the steps of a) providing a first nucleic acid vector, said first nucleic acid vector comprising: i) an origin of replication placed in front of ii) at least one first gene of interest functionally cloned within a first expression cassette, said first expression cassette comprising a promoter sequence as well as a termination sequence, said first gene of interest being located between said promoter sequence and said termination sequence, iii) a marker gene together with its termination sequence, said marker gene being situated downstream of a target sequence for a recombinase, wherein the promoter necessary for the expression of said marker gene in a host cell is absent from said first nucleic acid vector, and optionally iv) a first further marker gene which is different from the marker gene of iii), said first further marker gene being situated within said first expression cassette of ii) or with

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing the efficiency of targeted integration of a polynucleotide to a pre-determined site into the genome of a filamentous fungal cell with a preference for NHR, wherein said polynucleotide has a region of homology with said pre-determined site, comprising steering an integration pathway towards HR. The present invention also relates to a mutant filamentous fungus originating from a parent cell, said mutant having an HR pathway with elevated efficiency and/or an NHR pathway with a lowered efficiency and/or a NHR/HR ratio with decreased efficiency as compared to said HR and/or NHR efficiency and/or NHR/HR ratio of said parent cell under the same conditions.

Abstract: Specific polypeptides were identified as bacterial xylose isomerases that are able to provide xylose isomerase activity in yeast cells. The xylose isomerase activity can complete a xylose utilization pathway so that yeast can use xylose in fermentation, such as xylose in biomass hydrolysate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transgenic eukaryotic cell or non-human organism comprising one or more genetic modifications providing the activation of one or more signal transduction pathways which are involved in stress-induced gene expression and/or the pre-activation of one or more members of the transcriptional machinery and an expression cassette which comprises a nucleic acid sequence coding for a reporter protein under the control of a promoter the methylation of which increases upon priming for a stress response. The present invention also relates to a method for identifying substances which prime eukaryotic cells for a stress response by using this transgenic cell or organism.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of soybean organogenic tissue using a gene or genes for tolerance to HPPD inhibitors as selection marker. The invention also relates to methods for regenerating transgenic soybean plants from said transformed soybean cells or tissue, and to transgenic soybean plants and seeds obtained by such methods.

Abstract: Artificial DNA of a 5?-UTR leader region, which artificial DNA is effective in increasing the expression of recombinant proteins in plants, and comprises, along the 5??3? direction, an Inr initiator site and a Kozak or Kozak-like consensus sequence, and also comprises, between the Inr initiator site and the Kozak or Kozak-like consensus sequence, a plurality of poly(CAA) and a plurality of poly(CT) regions, in the same number as the poly(CAA) regions wherein at least one, optionally each one, poly(CAA) region, in the 5??3? direction, is upstream of a poly(CT) region and at least one poly(CAA) region, in the 5??3? direction, is contiguous with a poly(CT) region, wherein the artificial DNA provides the absence of A/T-rich motifs, the absence of trinucleotide elements ATT, the absence of trinucleotide elements CTG and the absence of homopolymeric tracts, that is, sequences consisting of more than 3, optionally more than 4, identical nucleotides.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns compositions and methods for promoting transcription of a nucleotide sequence in a plant or plant cell, employing a minimal core promoter element from a Zea mays Ubiquitin-1 gene promoter, and the full-length nucleotide sequence elements from a Rice Ubiquitin-3 promoter. Some embodiments relate to a synthetic bi-directional promoter that may function in plants to promote transcription of two operably linked nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns compositions and methods for promoting transcription of a nucleotide sequence in a plant or plant cell, employing a minimal core promoter element from a Arabidopsis thaliana Ubiquitin-10 gene promoter or Cassava Vein Mosaic Virus promoter, and the full-length nucleotide sequence elements from a Cassava Vein Mosaic Virus promoter. Some embodiments relate to a synthetic CsVMV bi-directional promoter that functions in plants to promote transcription of two operably linked nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: A method for producing leafy biomass from undifferentiated plant cells, the method comprising providing undifferentiated plant cells, contacting them with an agent that promotes differentiation of the cells into leafy tissue and growing the cells in a temporary liquid immersion culture system. This method of the invention may be used to produce polypeptides, and natural medicinal products, and can be used to capture carbon dioxide. A method of producing a polypeptide in plant cells in vitro comprising: providing undifferentiated plant cells containing chloroplasts that carry a transgenic nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide, wherein the plant cells display homoplastomy; and propagating the cells according to the above method to produce leafy biomass containing the polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polynucleotides comprising sequences encoding a u ORF peptides and variants and fragments thereof. The invention also provides constructs and vectors containing the polynucleotides. The invention further provides cells, plant cells and plants transformed with the polynucleotides and constructs. The invention also provides methods of using the polynucleotides to control expression of operably linked polynucleotides. The invention also provides methods of manipulating GDP-L-Galactose phosphorylase (GGP) expression and ascorbate production in plants utilising the polynucleotides of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pepper plant (Capsicum annuum L.) which may comprise at least one QTL selected from QTL1, QTL2 and QTL3, which when present lead to the plant producing fruits with an increased total content of terpenoids, wherein said QTL1 is obtainable from a pepper plant which may comprise said QTL representative seed of which was deposited at the NCIMB under number NCIMB 42140, and wherein said QTL2 and QTL3 are obtainable from a pepper plant which may comprise said QTL representative seed of which was deposited at the NCIMB under number NCIMB 42138.

Abstract: The invention provides engineered diatoms and methods of producing oil using diatoms. The invention also provides methods of modifying the lipids quantity and/or quality produced by diatom organisms through genome engineering. Also provided are oils, fuels, oleochemicals, chemical precursors, and other compounds manufactured from such modified diatoms.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining soybean plants that produce seed with low linolenic acid levels and moderately increased oleic levels are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for producing seed with low linolenic acid levels, moderately increased oleic levels and low saturated fatty acid levels. These methods entail the combination of transgenes that provide moderate oleic acid levels with soybean germplasm that contains mutations in soybean genes that confer low linolenic acid phenotypes. These methods also entail the combination of transgenes that provide both moderate oleic acid levels and low saturated fat levels with soybean germplasm that contains mutations in soybean genes that confer low linolenic acid phenotypes. Soybean plants and seeds produced by these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Plant metabolism and alkaloid levels can be regulated by transcription factors that regulate the nicotinic alkaloid biosynthetic pathway. In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a transcription factor that negatively regulates alkaloid biosynthesis, such as nicotine biosynthesis.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of plant molecular biology; more particularly to the field of agriculture; even more particularly to the field of improving the yield of plants. This disclosure provides chimeric genes and constructs that can be used to enhance the yield in plants and crops.

Abstract: This invention provides a plant belonging to the family Solanaceae that does not produce glycoalkaloids. This invention concerns a protein having activity of an enzyme that oxidizes position 16 of the steroid skeleton of a plant belonging to the family Solanaceae, a novel plant in which a gene encoding such protein is suppressed, and a method for producing and testing such plant.

Abstract: A rice cultivar designated CL172 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of rice cultivar CL172, to the plants of rice CL172, to methods for producing a rice plant produced by crossing the cultivar CL172 with itself or another rice variety, and to methods for controlling weeds in the vicinity of plants of rice cultivar CL172, which comprises increased resistance to acetohydroxyacid synthase-inhibiting herbicides. The invention further relates to hybrid rice seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar CL172 with another rice cultivar.

Abstract: Recombinant vectors in which expression of one or more elements (e.g. genes required for viral replication, detectable imaging agents, therapeutic agents, etc.) is driven by an mda-9/syntenin (mda-9) cancer selective promoter are provided, as are cells and transgenic animals that contain such vectors. The vectors are used in cancer therapy and/or diagnostics, especially to visualize (image) and treat metastasis (including in rapid in vitro assays), and the transgenic mice are used to monitor cancer progression and/or the efficacy of candidate therapeutic agents in screening assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyelectrolyte complex composition comprising a polymer, a nucleic acid molecule, a lyoprotectant, and a buffer. The polyelectrolyte complex composition preserving the biological activities of the polyelectrolyte complex following freeze-drying and rehydration.

Abstract: New cationic lipids are provided that are useful for delivering macromolecules, such as nucleic acids, into eukaryotic cells. The lipids can be used alone, in combination with other lipids and/or in combination with other transfection enhancing reagents to prepare transfection complexes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a DNA-targeting RNA that comprises a targeting sequence and, together with a modifying polypeptide, provides for site-specific modification of a target DNA and/or a polypeptide associated with the target DNA. The present disclosure further provides site-specific modifying polypeptides. The present disclosure further provides methods of site-specific modification of a target DNA and/or a polypeptide associated with the target DNA The present disclosure provides methods of modulating transcription of a target nucleic acid in a target cell, generally involving contacting the target nucleic acid with an enzymatically inactive Cas9 polypeptide and a DNA-targeting RNA. Kits and compositions for carrying out the methods are also provided. The present disclosure provides genetically modified cells that produce Cas9; and Cas9 transgenic non-human multicellular organisms.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a DNA-targeting RNA that comprises a targeting sequence and, together with a modifying polypeptide, provides for site-specific modification of a target DNA and/or a polypeptide associated with the target DNA. The present disclosure further provides site-specific modifying polypeptides. The present disclosure further provides methods of site-specific modification of a target DNA and/or a polypeptide associated with the target DNA. The present disclosure provides methods of modulating transcription of a target nucleic acid in a target cell, generally involving contacting the target nucleic acid with an enzymatically inactive Cas9 polypeptide and a DNA-targeting RNA. Kits and compositions for carrying out the methods are also provided. The present disclosure provides genetically modified cells that produce Cas9; and Cas9 transgenic non-human multicellular organisms.