Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for engineering mutant enzymes with reduced star activity where the mutant enzymes have a fidelity index (FI) in a specified buffer that is greater than the FI of the non-mutated enzyme in the same buffer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the expression and optimisation of enzymes involved in the breakdown of lignocellulosic biomass. The present invention relates more specifically to variants of Trichoderma reesei endoglucanase II, and the use of said variants having an improved performance in methods of breaking down cellulose and producing biofuel.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to acquire a highly proliferative cell at a high efficiency from a sample derived from a biological tissue. Provided is a composition for dispersing a biological tissue, wherein a solution formulation of the composition has a collagenase activity of 0.30-10 U/mL, said collagenase activity being determined by a method for measuring FALGPA-decomposing activity, and a trypsin activity of 0-30 U/mL at a formulation concentration of the composition, said trypsin activity being determined by a method for measuring BASE hydrolytic activity.

Abstract: To identify a mutation that can serve as an indicator for predicting the effectiveness of drug treatment in cancers such as leukemia; to provide a means for detecting said mutation; and to provide a means for identifying, based on said mutation, patients with cancer or subjects with a risk of cancer, in whom a drug targeting a gene having said mutation or a protein encoded by said gene shows a therapeutic effect. A method for detecting a gene fusion serving as a responsible mutation (driver mutation) for cancer, the method comprising the step of detecting an ATF7IP-PDGFRB fusion polynucleotide or a polypeptide encoded thereby, in an isolated sample from a subject.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating a tunable or customizable activated product composition are related. In certain embodiments, one or more of electric pulse parameters, flow rate, or sample container size are varied so as to generate the activated product composition. The activated product composition may be customized or optimized based for a particular patient or procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid extraction instrument including a base, an outer housing connected with the base, and an instrumental main body positioned inside the outer housing and mounted to the base; and the instrumental main body includes an electrical power pack, a main control device, a first motor set, a second motor set, and a third motor set.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods and kits for capturing sperm nucleic acids from or in a biological sample. In one embodiment the method the method comprises, contacting the sample with a lysis solution, having a protamine-DNA complex, to lyse the cell and applying a protamine-specific antibody. This results in the protamine-specific antibody binding to the protamine-DNA to form a complex which may be captured, purified, or detected. Also provided are kits for carrying out the disclosed methods.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods for the screening, identification, and/or application of one or more microorganisms of use in imparting one or more beneficial properties to one or more plants.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of producing a peptide containing a charged non-proteinogenic amino acid in a cell-free translation system, and the like. The present invention provides a method of producing a peptide containing a charged non-proteinogenic amino acid. It includes a step of expressing a peptide in a cell-free translation system including (i) at least one tRNA to which a non-proteinogenic amino acid having a protecting-group-introduced charged group has been bound and (ii) a nucleic acid that encodes the peptide and contains at least one codon corresponding to an anticodon of the tRNA; and a step of removing the protecting group of the non-proteinogenic amino acid residue contained in the peptide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and systems comprising a) a substrate comprising at least 100 microwells and a plurality of beads, wherein a plurality of the at least 100 microwells each contain a single bead, and wherein the ratio of the average diameter of the microwells to the diameter of the beads ranges from about 1.2 to about 1.8; b) a flow cell in fluid communication with the substrate; and c) at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port, wherein the at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port are capable of directing a flow of a fluid through the flow cell, thereby contacting the microwells with the fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides barcode libraries and methods of making and using them including obtaining a plurality of nucleic acid constructs in which each construct comprises a unique N-mer and a functional N-mer and segregating the constructs into a fluid compartments such that each compartment contains one or more copies of a unique construct. The invention further provides methods for digital PCR and for use of barcode libraries in digital PCR.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a protein array or peptide array suitable for an efficient screening of a functional protein or functional peptide. The method of manufacturing a protein array or peptide array includes the steps of: (a) preparing a nucleic acid immobilized on a solid support and a cell-free synthesis system in a reactor, in which a reactor array includes the reactor having a specific aperture shape and a protein capture molecule or a peptide capture molecule provided on at least a portion of wall surface and bottom surface in the reactor; and (c) synthesizing a protein or peptide from the nucleic acid using the cell-free synthesis system and immobilizing the protein or peptide in the reactor.

Abstract: Provided herein, among other things, is method comprising: a) placing a planar absorbent support comprising an in vitro transcription and translation (IVTT) mix impregnated therein in contact with an array of in situ-assembled expression cassettes; and b) incubating the planar absorbent support and array under conditions by which the expressed cassettes are transcribed and translated by the impregnated IVTT components, thereby producing an array of proteins. Screening methods that employ the array of proteins are also provided.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and kits are provided herein for CRISPER/Cas-mediated nucleic acid detection or modification.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for the preparation, manufacture and therapeutic use of polynucleotides, primary transcripts and mmRNA molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified guide RNAs and their use in clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions, kits, methods, and uses for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In particular, the invention relates to compositions, kits, methods, and uses for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by inhibiting NF-?B in microglia or macrophages and by inhibiting motor neuron death. The invention further relates to compositions, kits, methods, and uses for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by inhibiting NF-?B in microglia in combination with inhibiting SOD-1 in astrocytes. The invention also relates to a method for inhibiting the expression or the activity of NF-?B in microglia or macrophages to inhibit motor neuron death, alone or in combination with inhibiting SOD-1 expression in astrocytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conjugates of antisense oligonucleotides (oligomers) that target the APOB gene at position 2265 to 2277.

Abstract: The present invention found that host miRNAs might be involved in Picornavirus pathogenesis through suppression of type I IFNs induction and could act as candidates for developing antiviral therapy. Thus, the invention suggests enterovirus-induced miR-146a facilitates viral pathogenesis by suppressing IFN production and provide a clue to develop the preventive and therapeutic strategies for enterovirus infections.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleic acid ligands to LL37, methods for producing said nucleic acid ligands, and methods for utilizing said nucleic acid ligands. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, this invention relates to nucleic acid ligands exhibiting high specific binding affinity to LL37 peptides, precursors and/or portions thereof. Further, the nucleic acid ligands may bind competitively with native ligands of LL37 and may also inhibit and/or interfere with LL37 function, such as by binding to LL37.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to develop and provide a method for efficiently and conveniently producing a nucleic acid aptamer, particularly, a DNA aptamer, having high specificity for and high binding activity against a target substance.

Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, antiviral recombinant nucleic acid compositions and methods of using the same. The recombinant nucleic acid compositions include nucleic acids encoding antiviral polycistronic RNAs, which are capable of inhibiting viral replication. The antiviral recombinant nucleic acid compositions provided herein are therefore particularly useful for therapeutic applications such as combinational HIV-1 gene therapy.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a design and method for developing novel anti-tumor and/or anti-cancer drugs, vaccines and therapies, using microRNA and/or its shRNA homologues/mimics/derivatives. More specifically, the present invention relates to an use of a prokaryote-produced miRNA precursor (pro-miRNA) composition capable of being delivered into human cells and processed by the cells into mature miRNA effectors to elicit specific silencing effects on mir-302-targeted genes, subsequently leading to a beneficial result of tumor suppression and cancer therapy. The prokaryotic cells do not naturally express or process eukaryotic miRNA precursors (pre-miRNA); meanwhile, the present invention also teaches an inducible method for expressing pre-miRNAs, particularly mir-302 precursors by using the prokaryotic transcription system.

Abstract: Methods of reducing spontaneous mutation rate of a cell in a subject in need thereof by reducing endogenous levels of miR-155 are described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods of activating nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and T cell response by inhibiting IKK?.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting macrophage activation via modulating PARP9 and/or PARP14 expression or activity, such as small molecules, RNAi and antibodies. Modulating the expression and/or activity of PARP9 and/or PARP14 allows the inhibition of monocytes or macrophage M1 activation and inflammation. Inhibiting undesirable excessive or sustained inflammation found in humans, for the treatment, prevention and/or management of conditions where undesirable excessive or sustained inflammation is known or likely to contribute to the onset, development and/or progression the conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating cancers having a mutation in one or more tumor suppressor genes, comprising providing to a subject in need thereof an inhibitor of a kinase, as well as related methods and compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides siRNAs for inhibiting the expression of plk1 gene, and the method for inhibiting the expression of plk1 gene in mammalian cells. The siRNAs of the present invention have the double-stranded structure, and said double-stranded structure is composed of the first single strand and the second single strand that are fully complementary, wherein the sequence of said first single strand is the same as the target sequence within the sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, and the sequence of said second single strand is complementary to the target sequence within the sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1. The siRNAs of the present invention can sequence specifically mediate the inhibition of plk1 gene expression, and have a good serum stability. By the introduction of the siRNAs of the present invention into the tumor cells, the expression of plk1 gene can be effectively inhibited, and the growth of tumor cells is inhibited and the apoptosis of tumor cells is promoted.

Abstract: A method for treating an inflammatory disease is provided. The method comprises administering an effective amount of a BLT1 inhibitor to a subject in need thereof. The BLT1 inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of a BLT1 receptor antagonist, a small molecule, a polypeptide, an siRNA, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: To provide a transformation method for producing a stramenopile organism having an improved unsaturated fatty acid production capability by disrupting a gene of the stramenopile organism or inhibiting the expression of the gene in a genetically engineering manner. [Solution] A method for transforming a stramenopile organism, which comprises disrupting a gene of the stramenopile organism or inhibiting the expression of the gene in a genetically engineering manner, and which is characterized in that the stramenopile organism is selected from Thraustochytrium aureum, Parietichytrium sarkarianum, Thraustochytrium roseum and Parietichytrium sp. and the gene to be disrupted or of which the expression is to be inhibited is a gene associated with the biosynthesis of a fatty acid.

Abstract: It relates to a Mortierella alpina recombinant gene expression system, to its construction method and application which is constructed by transformation of M. alpina ATCC 32222 uracil auxotroph strain through A. tumefaciens mediate transformation (ATMT) and is based on the existing uracil auxotrophic strain, through genetic engineering methods to obtain a final phenotype complementary strain to achieve the malic enzyme 1 and malic enzyme 2 overexpression strains.

Abstract: The invention provides to improved methods for the modification of genes in plant cells, and plants and seeds derived therefrom. More specifically, the invention relates to the increased efficiency of targeted gene mutation by combining gene repair oligonucleotides with approaches that enhance the availability of components of the target cell gene repair mechanisms.

Abstract: Expression vectors and methods of their use for enhancing the production of recombinant proteins in plants or plant cells are described. Production can be further enhanced upon co-expression of the P19 suppressor of gene-silencing from tomato bushy stunt virus. Preferably, the recombinant proteins are therapeutic enzymes and/or antibodies and methods are carried out in Nicotiana benthamiana—optionally an RNAi-based glycomodified strain—or in the Nicotiana tabacum cultivar Little Crittenden.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel DNA molecules and constructs, including their nucleotide sequences, useful for modulating gene expression in plants and plant cells. The invention also provides transgenic plants, plant cells, plant parts, seeds, and commodity products comprising the DNA molecules operably linked to heterologous transcribable polynucleotides, along with methods of their use.

Abstract: The impact of plastid size change in both monocot and dicot plants has been examined. In both, when plastid size is increased there is an increase in biomass relative to the parental lines. Thus, provided herein are methods for increasing the biomass of a plant, comprising decreasing the expression of at least one plastid division protein in a plant. Optionally, the level of chlorophyll in the plant is also reduced.

Abstract: Genetically engineered microbial, e.g., Prototheca, cells provide microbial oil useful as a food additive and a source of renewable fuels and industrial chemicals.

Abstract: Genetically altered sorghum plants expressing the multi-seeded #2 phenotype contain one of two genomic alterations in the Sb06g018040 gene which result in reduced activity of the encoded protein, a class II 13-lipoxygenase. This phenotype and genotype are referred to as msd2. These alterations result in increased number of seeds and seed weight, thus increasing the yield of the genetically altered plant. These alterations can be generated in the ortholog genes in maize (TS1), rice, barley, and other monocot plants, generating the MSD2 phenotype. The seeds of one particular MSD2 Sorghum bicolor has been deposited with ATCC and assigned Accession Number PTA-121634.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating plant development are provided. Nucleotide sequences and amino acid sequences encoding Ovule Development Protein 2 (ODP2) proteins are provided. The sequences can be used in a variety of methods including modulating development, developmental pathways, altering oil content in a plant, increasing transformation efficiencies, modulating stress tolerance, and modulating the regenerative capacity of a plant. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes an expression cassette containing a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide; and a host cell, transgenic plant (e.g., a dicot or monocot), transformed seed, and transgenic rootstock containing said expression cassette. Methods for desensitizing a plant to endogenous cytokinin; increasing seed, embryo or cotyledon size or weight; increasing the seed yield of a plant; and/or increasing the size of the root or root meristem or formation of lateral or adventitious roots are provided. In some embodiments, expression of the polypeptide is under control of a seed-preferred, embryo-preferred or root-preferred promoter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for targeted integration of an exogenous sequence into the human PPP1R12C locus, for example, for expression of a polypeptide of interest.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for typing of Lactobacillus buchneri bacterial strains, detecting the presence of a L. buchneri in a sample, identifying a strain of L. buchneri having resistance to an invasive foreign genetic element, modifying the resistance of bacteria and archeae to an invasive foreign genetic element, and introducing nicks into or cleaving double stranded DNA for genome editing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the biosynthesis of 1-undecene and related terminal olefins. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods of using proteins to produce 1-undecene and related terminal olefins.

Abstract: A method for producing a menthol isomer is disclosed, comprising: (i) providing a microorganism modified to have increased expression of an ene reductase and one or more menthone dehydrogenase; (ii) contacting said microorganism, or a protein-containing extract thereof, with a biosynthetic precursor of said menthol isomer; and (iii) maintaining the mixture of step (ii) under conditions suitable for biotransformation of said biosynthetic precursor to said menthol isomer.

Abstract: An efficient biomass fractionating system for an energy pulse crop is provided. Pulses include, e.g., peas, beans, and lentils. A method and ecosystem model applies a premium utilization to each fraction of a pulse crop so that no fraction is treated as waste. The methods may also be applied to other alternative crops, such as chestnut seeds, banana and 408 peel, and taro root. One example method removes a protein fraction first, as a food source, before using the remaining fractions to produce energy products, such as ethanol or methane, increasing the efficiency of the entire fractionating process. The fractionating method enables an ecosystem, in which pulses grow inexpensively on low-grade land or under poor conditions providing a cash crop food, energy, and chemical components. In a farm co-op model, the pulse crop provides sustainability as participants inexpensively produce protein, ethanol, and industrial chemical components.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and a culture medium for biofuel and biochemical production by fermentation of lignocellulose biomass. The process describes the use of a solid-liquid mixed blend formed by solid fiber pulp, hydrolysate, and a polypeptide complex. The solid fiber pulp is partially degraded by the polypeptide complex allowing microbe immobilization and, at the same time, releasing substances that affect Clostridium quorum sensing pathways. The present process and culture medium allow the improvement of biofuels and biochemical production, as butanol and acetone in an industrial scale.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for producing acetaldehyde from renewable biological resources, for example, from a fermentable substrate, with the advantages of energy efficiency and ease of purification. Particular embodiments, feature the production of acetaldehyde from pyruvate, wherein the pyruvate is generated from various carbon sources (e.g., sugars) by pyruvate-producing microorganisms. The methods comprise culturing a pyruvate-producing microorganism in a culture medium under conditions such that pyruvate is excreted and accumulates extracellularly, resulting in a pyruvate-enriched medium.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, microbial, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as food products and amino acids.