Abstract: The present invention provides an engineered clostridial toxin comprising at least one amino acid modification, wherein said at least one amino acid modification increases the isoelectric point (pI) of the engineered clostridial toxin to a value that is at least 0.2 pI units higher than the pI of an otherwise identical clostridial toxin lacking said at least one amino acid modification. Also provided are corresponding uses of the engineered clostridial toxin in therapy.

Abstract: The invention provides a polypeptide, for use in suppressing or treating itch, wherein the polypeptide comprises: a non-cytotoxic protease, which protease is capable of cleaving a SNARE protein in an itch-specific DRG neuron or a pruriceptor; a Targeting Moiety (TM) that is capable of binding to a Binding Site on the itch-specific DRG neuron or a pruriceptor, which Binding Site is capable of undergoing endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the itch-specific DRG neuron or a pruriceptor, and wherein said itch-specific DRG neuron or a pruriceptor expresses said SNARE protein; and a translocation domain that is capable of translocating the protease from within an endosome, across the endosomal membrane and into the cytosol of the itch-specific DRG neuron or a pruriceptor; with the proviso that the polypeptide is not a clostridial neurotoxin (holotoxin) molecule.

Abstract: Methods for producing a trans-splicing intein-modified protease with enhanced solubility and regulating its activity are described. Intein-modified proteases having enhanced solubility and polynucleotides encoding the same are provided. Methods of storing trans-splicing proteases are also described.

Abstract: A eukaryotic cell having xylose utilization ability. Provided is a protein that has xylose isomerase activity and has an amino acid sequence including, when aligned with an amino acid sequence expressed by SEQ ID NO:1, the 1st to 6th motifs expressed respectively by SEQ ID NOs:2 to 7 from the N-terminus side in the order described, and having, in place of asparagine (N) in an amino acid sequence of the 6th motif, another amino acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bacterial nanocellulose composite which comprises nanocellulose, sensor or signal processing molecule(s), actuator/effector molecule(s) and/or cells and optionally further component(s). The present invention further relates to the use of the bacterial nanocellulose composite in chip technology and material engineering. The present invention relates to a printing, storage and/or processing medium as well as a smart card or chip card comprising the bacterial nanocellulose composite. The present invention further relates to the medical use of the bacterial nanocellulose composite, preferably in wound healing, tissue engineering and as transplant. The present invention further relates to a skin, tissue or neuro transplant. The present invention also relates to methods of stimulus conduction, muscle stimulation and/or monitoring heartbeat. The present invention further relates to a method for producing a nanocellulose composite chip using 3D printer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for separating material from a host fluid use an acoustophoresis device. These methods and systems can deflect material (e.g., a second fluid, cells, beads or other particles, exosomes, viruses, oil droplets) in host fluid streams at high flow rates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method for producing and purifying RNA comprising the steps of providing DNA encoding the RNA; transcription of the DNA into RNA; and conditioning and/or purifying of the solution comprising transcribed RNA by one or more steps of tangential flow filtration (TFF).

Abstract: The invention provides methods for isolating RNA from whole urine and urine fractions for the diagnosis of prostate cancer and/or benign prostate hyperplasia. An exemplary method for diagnosing prostate cancer in an individual, said method comprises: (a) determining the amount of RNA encoding one or more diagnostic genes in the soluble urine fraction of a urine sample obtained from said individual; (b) comparing the amount of said RNA to a reference value for said one or more diagnostic genes, wherein said reference value is derived from the amount of RNA encoding said one or more diagnostic genes in one or more individuals that do not have prostate cancer; and (c) diagnosing said individual as having prostate cancer when the amount of said RNA is greater than said reference value.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the non-covalent surface display of proteins of interest (POI), in particular for Fc-domain containing proteins such as antibodies. The inventive method may be used to screen and select proteins of interest of a desired phenotype. The present invention further discloses polynucleotides and proteins and methods of producing the same, which may be used in carrying out the inventive method.

Abstract: The invention provides human secreted proteins (SECP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode SECP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, arid antagonists. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing, treating, or preventing disorders associated with aberrant expression of SECP.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for isolating traffic-enhancing mutants of drug delivery proteins. In one embodiment, the invention provides a carrier for delivering a therapeutic agent to an organelle, comprising a polypeptide encoded by a mutant penton base gene. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of enhancing trafficking to a cell by administering a composition comprising a penton base (PB) protein with one or more mutations that enhance cellular entry.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions that enable the rapid insertion of two or more combinations of genetic elements into a target cell genome, as a single copy and at a defined location. Each specific combination of genetic elements can be characterized within a single cell or in a pooled population via short-read sequencing. This technology allows extremely large combinatorial libraries of small or large DNA sequences to be rapidly constructed and screened as pools repeatedly across perturbations.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising, or consisting of, the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or a nucleic acid sequence of at least 600 bp having at least 80% identity to said sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, wherein said isolated nucleic acid molecule specifically leads to the expression in retinal endothelial cells of a gene when operatively linked to a nucleic acid sequence coding for said gene.

Abstract: Provided is a novel chemical modification method for small interfering RNA (siRNA). The method is combined with at least two of the three methods of isonucleoside modification, terminal peptide conjugation and cationic liposomes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of rAAV delivery of transgenes. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to RNAi. Provided herein are recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors comprising modified ITRs. In some embodiments, the modified ITRs comprise a sequence encoding a shRNA, miRNA, or AmiRNA.

Abstract: Disclosed is a double-stranded oligonucleotide decoy including two transcription factor-binding sites, while keeping its size small. The double-stranded oligonucleotide decoy showing binding affinities for two transcription factors includes a first binding site for a first transcription factor and a second binding site for a second transcription factor. A first strand including the sense strand of the first binding site and a second strand including the sense strand of the second binding site are hybridized to form a double strand in which the sense strand of the first binding site and the sense strand of the second binding site are at least partly hybridized.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include RNAs that confer a mortal phenotype and nucleic acids encoding same. Liposomes, recombinant cells, and pharmaceutical compositions that include the RNAs or nucleic acids encoding same are also provided. Further provided are methods involving quantifying MORT RNAs and/or determining the methylation status of the MORT promoter, as well as methods that employ the RNAs or nucleic acids encoding same.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide analogues conjugated to carrier peptides are provided. The disclosed compounds are useful for the treatment of various diseases, for example diseases where inhibition of protein expression or correction of aberrant mRNA splice products produces beneficial therapeutic effects.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide single stranded oligonucleotides for activating or enhancing expression of SMN1 or SMN2. Further aspects provide compositions and kits comprising single stranded oligonucleotides for activating or enhancing expression of SMN1 or SMN2 that comprises exon 7. Methods for modulating expression of SMN1 or SMN2 using the single stranded oligonucleotides are also provided. Further aspects of the invention provide methods for selecting a candidate oligonucleotide for activating or enhancing expression of SMN1 or SMN2.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the treatment of Alport Syndrome, using modified oligonucleotides targeted to miR-21. In certain embodiments, a modified oligonucleotide targeted to miR-21 improves kidney function and/or reduces fibrosis in subjects having Alport Syndrome. In certain embodiments, administration of a modified oligonucleotide targeted to miR-21 delays the onset of end-stage renal disease in a subject having Alport Syndrome. In certain embodiments, a modified oligonucleotide targeted to miR-21 delays the need for dialysis or kidney transplant in a subject having Alport Syndrome.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide methods and compositions related to clinical management of cancer patients based on the expression level of TMCO3. Further embodiments involve methods and compositions related to treatment of cancer patients or patients determined to have an increased TMCO3 level relative to a control or a reference level that is normal or indicating favorable prognosis.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided to determine if a cancer is resistant to treatment with anti-mitotic agents, including treatment with T-DM1. The methods relate to determining if the ABCC3 gene is amplified and/or overexpressed in the cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound selectively binding to a sensory receptor or selectively altering the expression of a sensory receptor for use in a method for treating or preventing a disease associated with a pathologic cellular cytotoxic T cell (CTL) response. Further, the invention relates to means for detecting a sensory receptor for use in a method for diagnosing cellular resistance against CTL response in a patient. The invention further embraces a method for determining the resistance of a cell against a CTL response in vitro and to a method for identifying agents that influence the response of cells to CTLs.

Abstract: Disclosed are a recombinant Corynebacterium glutamicum (C. glutamicum) for producing fucosyllactose which is transformed to express ?-1,2-fucosyltransferase, GDP-D-mannose-4,6-dehydratase (Gmd), GDP-L-fucose synthase (WcaG) and lactose permease (LacY), wherein the Corynebacterium glutamicum has phosphomannomutase and GTP-mannose-1-phosphate guanylyltransferase, and a method for producing fucosyllactose using the same. According to the recombinant Corynebacterium glutamicum and the method for producing fucosyllactose according to the present invention, with use of a GRAS Corynebacterium glutamicum strain, which is safer than conventional Escherichia coli, 2?-fucosyllactose can be produced at a high concentration while overcoming drawbacks of conventional methods associated with industrial inapplicability resulting from low production concentrations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a translation system for expressing a polypeptide having a predetermined amino acid sequence according to a code different from the universal genetic code, comprising a template nucleic acid having a sequence modified from a nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide by interchanging codons encoding at least 2 amino acids selected from serine, leucine, and alanine; and at least either (i) or (ii): (i) an aminoacyl-tRNA having an anticodon to a codon after interchange and to which an amino acid encoded by a codon before the interchange is bound; (ii) a tRNA having an anticodon to a codon after interchange and recognized by an aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase corresponding to an amino acid encoded by a codon before the interchange, or a nucleic acid encoding the tRNA, the amino acids, and the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase or a nucleic acid encoding the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase.

Abstract: A self-reconfiguring genome uses a cassette having operons or DNA sequences that code for guide RNA, reverse transcriptase, donor RNA, and a CRISPR cleavage enzyme. A self-reconfiguring genome may be based on lambda recombineering of in situ generated oligonucleotides. A method for programmable self-modification of a cellular genome includes transcribing guide RNA from a self-reconfiguring cassette, associating the transcribed guideRNA with the CRISPR enzyme, intercalcating a region of complimentary sequence within an integration site of the genome, cutting upstream of a PAM site within the integration site; transcribing the donorRNA, translating donorRNA to double-stranded DNA, and recombining the double-stranded DNA via homologous recombination at the cut site of the integration site.

Abstract: This application provides improved methods of editing the genome of a target cell. Cas9 molecules can be used to create a break in a genomic region of interest. To increase the likelihood that the break is repaired by homology-directed repair (HDR), the cell can be contacted with an HDR-enhancer. The cell may be, e.g., a human cell, a non-human animal cell, a bacterial cell, or a plant cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production and use of covalently closed circular (ccc) recombinant DNA molecules such as plasmids, cosmids, bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs), bacteriophages, viral vectors and hybrids thereof, and more particularly to vector modifications that improve expression of said DNA molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for constructing a recombinant fungal host cell comprising one or more copies of a polynucleotide construct integrated in its genome, said method comprising transforming a fungal host cell with an integrative polynucleotide construct comprising a first polynucleotide encoding a selectable marker, wherein the first polynucleotide, a 5? untranslated region thereof and/or a riboswitch operably linked therewith comprises a spliceosomal intron which has 5 nucleotides or less between its branch site and its acceptor site; and a second polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide of interest; as well as suitable polynucleotide constructs, resulting fungal host cells and methods of manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tomato plant which carries at least one QTL in its genome that leads to its fruits comprising higher levels of anthocyanins when compared to fruits produced by a tomato plant not carrying said QTL in its genome, wherein said fruits are not purple at the red-ripe harvest stage. A tomato plant of the invention may also comprise all QTLs, each either in homozygous or heterozygous form. The invention further relates to progeny of the plant, propagation material for the plant and to markers for identifying the QTLs and their use.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the targeted integration of a polynucleotide sequence of interest into the genome of a plant or plant cell. The methods and compositions employ recognition sites for endonucleases and endonucleases in combination with site-specific recombination sites/recombinases to provide an effective system for establishing target sites within the genome of a plant, plant cell or seed. Once such target sites are established, a variety of methods can be employed to further modify the target sites such that they contain a variety of polynucleotides of interest.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the targeted integration of a polynucleotide sequence of interest into the genome of a plant or plant cell. The methods and compositions employ recognition sites for endonucleases and endonucleases in combination with site-specific recombination sites/recombinases to provide an effective system for establishing target sites within the genome of a plant, plant cell or seed. Once such target sites are established, a variety of methods can be employed to further modify the target sites such that they contain a variety of polynucleotides of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the control of plant fungal pathogens, particularly rusts, by inhibiting one or more biological functions of such plant fungal pathogens, particularly by inhibiting a fungal HXT1 gene using RNA interference (RNAi).

Abstract: The present invention provides the identification and use of EGTom1 and/or EGTom2, homologs of EGTom1 and/or EGTom2, orthologs of EGTom1 and/or EGTom2, paralogs of EGTom1 and/or EGTom2, and fragments and variations thereof for altering salt tolerance, drought tolerance and/or sugar content of fruit (sweetness) in plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides transgenic Brassica events LBFLFK and LBFDAU and progeny thereof, and cells, seeds, plants comprising DNA diagnostic for these events. The invention also provides artificial oligonucleotide primers and probes that are diagnostic for the LBFLFK and LBFDAU events and their progeny in a sample, and methods for detecting the presence of the LBFLFK and LBFDAU events and their progeny in a sample. The invention further provides oil and commodity products derived from the LBFLFK and LBFDAU events.

Abstract: Disclosed are plants including a cyanobacterial ribulose-1,5,-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) which can assemble and fix carbon without an interacting protein.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded thereby are described, together with the use of those products for making transgenic plants with increased tolerance to abiotic stress (e.g., high or low temperature, drought, flood).

Abstract: Provided herein are Podosphaera leucotricha resistance conferring genes, plants, plant parts and seeds comprising the present resistance providing genes and the use thereof for selecting Podosphaera leucotricha resistant plants. Specifically, the present invention relates to Podosphaera leucotricha resistance conferring genes, wherein the amino acid sequence encoded by said resistance conferring genes is the primary amino acid sequence represented SEQ ID No. 1, or a primary amino acid sequence with more than 70% identity, preferably more than 80% identity, more preferably more than 90% identity, and most preferably more than 95% identity with SEQ ID No. 1; and wherein said resistance conferring gene is impaired.

Abstract: Methods of inducing a CD8+ T cell response to a heterologous antigen in which at least 10% of the CD8+ T cells are MHC-E restricted are disclosed. The method involves immunizing with a CMV vector that does not express UL128 and UL130 proteins. Also disclosed are recombinant CMV vectors comprising nucleic acids encoding a heterologous protein antigen, a UL40 protein, and a US28 protein but that do not express an active UL128 and UL130 protein. Also disclosed are recombinant CMV vectors comprising nucleic acids encoding a heterologous protein antigen, but that do not express an active UL40 protein, UL128 protein, UL130 protein, and optionally a US28 protein. Also disclosed are recombinant CMV vectors comprising nucleic acids encoding a heterologous protein antigen, but that do not express an active US28 protein, UL128 protein, UL130 protein, and optionally a UL40 protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions to improve the efficiency of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) of human cells and the consequent production of human nuclear transfer ESC (hNT-ESCs). More specifically, the present invention relates to the discovery that trimethylation of Histone H3-Lysine 9 (H3K9me3) in reprogramming resistant regions (RRRs) in the nuclear genetic material of human donor somatic cells prevents efficient human somatic cell nuclear reprogramming or SCNT. The present invention provide methods and compositions to decrease H3K9me3 in methods to improve efficacy of hSCNT by exogenous or overexpression of the demethylase KDM4 family and/or inhibiting methylation of H3K9me3 by inhibiting the histone methyltransferases SUV39h1 and/or SUV39h2.

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.

Abstract: A method of enzyme conversion comprises the steps of: immobilising an enzyme composition on a support material; drying the support material and enzyme composition to form a solid phase immobilised enzyme system; contacting the system with one or more reagents in the gas phase; allowing the enzyme system to convert the reagent(s) to product(s); wherein the enzyme composition may comprise a single enzyme or a first enzyme plus a second enzyme or multiple enzymes; and a co-factor which may be converted between first and second states; wherein the co-factor in the first state promotes reaction of the first enzyme; and wherein the co-factor in the second state promotes reaction of the second enzyme; or wherein the co-factor oscillates between first and second states with multiple enzymes.

Abstract: The invention described herein presents compositions and methods for a multistep biological and chemical process for the capture and conversion of carbon dioxide and/or other forms of inorganic carbon into organic chemicals including biofuels or other useful industrial, chemical, pharmaceutical, or biomass products. One or more process steps utilizes chemoautotrophic microorganisms to fix inorganic carbon into organic compounds through chemosynthesis. An additional feature described are process steps whereby electron donors used for the chemosynthetic fixation of carbon are generated by chemical or electrochemical means, or are produced from inorganic or waste sources. An additional feature described are process steps for the recovery of useful chemicals produced by the carbon dioxide capture and conversion process, both from chemosynthetic reaction steps, as well as from non-biological reaction steps.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enzymatic method for producing 2-hydroxy-4-methylmercaptobutanoic acid from 3-methylthio-propanal (3-methylmercaptopropanal (MMP) or “methional”) and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a heparan sulfate having an anticoagulant activity. Specifically, the present invention provides the method of producing a heparan sulfate having a desired molecular weight, by partially N-deacetylating a heparosan followed by depolymerizing the heparosan by heparinase III, and converting the produced low molecular weight product into heparan sulfate having an anticoagulant activity.

Abstract: A saccharification reaction mixture wherein the reaction mixture can saccharify at least one of cellulose and hemicellulose and contains at least one of cellulose and hemicellulose, a saccharification enzyme, silica or a silica-containing substance, and at least one compound (A) selected from the group including a polyhydric alcohol compound represented by the following formula (1) or a derivative thereof and an acetylene glycol represented by formula (2) or an alkylene oxide adduct thereof. The symbols in the chemical formulas are defined in the specification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for production of 2?Fucosyllactose by a microbial system comprising a ?-1,2 fucosyltransferase (FucT2) polynucleotide and a Guanosine 5?-diphospho-?-L-fucose (GDP-L-fucose) synthesis pathway using lactose as a substrate. Furthermore, the present invention relates to compositions comprising the microbial system.

Abstract: A method for the production of nucleic acid encoding a target protein. The method comprises (a) providing an array of RNA or DNA molecules including one or more encoding the target protein; (b) generating a target protein from the array to form RNA-protein or DNA-protein complexes in which the RNA or DNA molecule is non-covalently or covalently bound to the complex; (c) separating the complexes into compartments wherein most or all of the compartments contain no more than one complex; (d) subjecting the complexes to reaction conditions which allow target protein activity; and (e) selecting nucleic acid encoding the target protein on the basis of the activity associated therewith, wherein when the complex is a DNA-protein complex in which the DNA is non-covalently bound, step b) is performed in the absence of separate compartments for each complex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cofactor regeneration systems, components and uses thereof and methods for generating and regenerating cofactors. The cofactor regeneration system comprises a first electron transfer component selected from a polypeptide comprising a NADH:acceptor oxido-reductase or NADPH:acceptor oxido-reductase, a second electron transfer component selected from a hydrogenase moiety and/or non-biological nanoparticles and an electronically conducting surface. The first and second electron transfer components are immobilised on the electrically conducting surface, and the first and second electron transfer components do not occur together in nature as an enzyme complex.