Abstract: Described herein are bacterial microcompartments shell proteins modified to stably incorporate iron-sulfur clusters. Such bacterial microcompartments shell proteins exhibit redox cycling and confer electron transfer functionality to bacterial microcompartment shells.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated and purified nucleic acid sequence encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) directed against B-cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA). The invention also provides host cells, such as T-cells or natural killer (NK) cells, expressing the CAR and methods for destroying multiple myeloma cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to growth hormone compounds with a protracted profile. The effect is obtained by linking an albumin binding residue via a hydrophilic spacer to growth hormone variants. Further described are methods of preparing and using such compounds. These growth hormone compounds are based on there althered profile considered particular useful in therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a promoter that is induced by fungal rust. More specifically, the promoter of the invention is induced by the pathogen Phakopsora pachyrhizi, i.e. the Asian Soybean Rust.

Abstract: A banana plant comprising a genome comprising a loss of function mutation in a nucleic acid sequence encoding a component in an ethylene biosynthesis pathway of the banana is provided. Also provides is a method of increasing shelf-life of banana.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of producing plants with preferred levels of cell wall biosynthesis; and uses of such plants. The inventors have identified that the GFR9, CCoAOMT and MYB41 genes are major regulators of the cell wall biosynthesis pathway. Plants with modulated cell wall biosynthesis, based on modulation of the expression or activity of the GFR9, CCoAOMT and MYB41 genes, have divergent uses including pulp and paper production, and bioproduct production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of plant breeding and disease resistance. More specifically, the invention includes a method for breeding soybean plants containing quantitative trail loci (QTL) for resistance the Phytophthora root rot (PRR) caused by Phytophthora sojae. The invention further includes the use of molecular markers in the introgression of PRR resistance QTL into soybean plants.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a toxin polypeptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated toxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed, and antibodies specifically binding to those amino acid sequences. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:50-96, or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1-47, as well as variants and fragments thereof.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the technical field of biological medicine, and specifically discloses a functional nucleic acid protective vector based on DNA hydrogels, which is self-assembled by a biodegradable high-molecular polymer with DNA-grafted side chain, a functional nucleic acid and a cross-linking agent. In aqueous solution, the DNA hydrogels of the present invention may be applied to self-assemble into particles with controllable and uniform sizes in situ at room temperature; the particles have very good stability under physiological conditions, and by wrapping functional nucleic acids in the interior DNA hydrogel, it may effectively abate the degradation by nuclease, and moreover, the prepared DNA hydrogel may effectively deliver functional nucleic acids to cytoplasm without any kation, virus or other transfection reagents, thus achieving therapeutic effects, as well as avoiding toxic and side effects caused by the introduced kation, virus or other transfection reagents.

Abstract: A gene therapy treatment for alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is provided comprising a plasmid or viral, e.g., an AAV, vector coding for an elastase- or cathepsin G-inhibiting, oxidation-resistant human AAT with a substitution at, for example, Met358 and/or Met351.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a new synthetic, codon-optimized Sin Nombre virus (SNV) full-length M gene open reading frame (ORF) that encodes a unique consensus amino acid sequence. The SNV ORF was cloned into a plasmid to form the first stable recombinant SNV full-length M gene that elicits neutralizing antibodies. The gene can be engineered into a vaccine system, and is useful to protect mammals against infection with Sin Nombre virus.

Abstract: The present disclosure is in the field of genome engineering, particularly targeted modification of the genome of a cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid sequence comprising a binding site operably linked to a nucleotide of interest, wherein the binding site is capable of interacting with an RNA-binding protein such that translation of the nucleotide of interest is repressed in a viral vector production cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a mutant strain having high producibility of phytoene and a mutant strain prepared thereby. More particularly, a Deinococcus radiodurans mutant strain, prepared by the method of the present invention, having high producibility of phytoene, does not retain an artificial antibiotic-resistant gene, although constructed by introducing a metabolism engineering method, and has high producibility of phytoene. Thus, the mutant strain prepared according to the method can find useful applications in the mass production of phytoene.

Abstract: A CRISPR-Cas3 system was successfully established in a eukaryotic cell.

Abstract: A method for producing high purity iron oxide nanoparticles using nanoparticle-producing cells, including: a) a pre-growth step that includes amplifying the nanoparticle-producing cell(s) in a pre-growth and/or fed-batch medium/media, and b) a growth step that includes amplifying the nanoparticle-producing cell(s) originating from the pre-growth step in a growth and/or fed-batch medium/media, wherein the pre-growth and/or growth and/or fed-batch medium/media comprise(s), per kilogram or liter of pre-growth and/or growth and/or fed-batch medium/media: i) no more than 0.005 gram of yeast extract, and ii) no more than 0.001 gram of CMR agent selected from boric acid and nitrilotriacetic acid, wherein the fed-batch medium when it is present is a medium that supplements the pre-growth and/or growth medium/media, and wherein more nanoparticles are produced in the growth step than in the pre-growth step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of compounds comprised in pheromones, in particular moth pheromones, such as desaturated fatty alcohols and desaturated fatty acyl acetates and derivatives thereof, from a yeast cell.

Abstract: Carbon-containing materials, such as biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) or coal are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol.

Abstract: The invention relates to fungal cells for the production of FDCA. The fungal cell has genetic modification that reduces specific 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) decarboxylating monooxygenase activity in the cell, as compared to a corresponding parent cell lacking the genetic modification. The fungal cell can further be genetically modified to increase the cell's ability to oxidize furanic aldehydes to the corresponding furanic carboxylic acids. The invention also relates to a process for the production of 2,5-furan-dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) wherein the cells of the invention are used for oxidation of a furanic precursors of FDCA to FDCA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of producing a monoterpene and/or derivatives thereof. The process comprises the steps of: a) providing a host microorganism genetically engineered to express a bacterial monoterpene synthase (mTS); and b) contacting geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP) with said bacterial mTS to produce said monoterpene and/or derivatives thereof. The present invention also relates to a microorganism for use in producing a monoterpene and/or derivatives thereof and a recombinant microorganism adapted to conduct the step of converting geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP) into a monoterpene and/or derivatives thereof by expression of a bacterial mTS. It was shown to produce 1,8 cineole using 1,8 cineole synthase and to produce linalool using linalool synthase, both from Streptomyces clavuligerus.

Abstract: This disclosure provides, among other things, a method for making a cDNA library. In some embodiments the method may comprise adding a polyA tail to the longer RNA fragments but not the shorter RNA fragments in a sample by incubating the population of RNA fragments with a polyA polymerase, wherein the reaction conditions used preferentially tail only the longer fragments but not the shorter fragments.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for forming clusters of amplified nucleic acid fragments without amplification bias, in a regular arrangement on a substrate. In the method according to the present invention, droplets enclosing the template nucleic acid are formed on a substrate that has a plurality of first surfaces having hydrophilicity and a second surface surrounding each of the plurality of first surfaces and being less hydrophilic than the first surfaces. Then, after a nucleic acid amplification reaction is performed in the droplets on the substrate, the droplets are removed and a nucleic acid amplification reaction is further performed on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in some aspects, to the production of steviol glycoside rebaudioside D4 through the use of rebaudioside E. In some aspects, the invention relates to mutant CP1 enzymes, mutant HV1 enzymes as well as host cells and methods utilizing such enzymes, such as to produce rebaudioside D4.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for producing rebaudioside D and/or rebaudioside M, and compositions comprising the same. The invention provides a method for producing RD and/or RM compositions. The method comprises using rebaudioside A and/or stevioside as substrate and a recombinant microorganism or an enzyme produced by the recombinant microorganism or a metabolite of the recombinant microorganism to catalyze the reaction of the substrate in the presence of sucrose and trisodium citrate and produce a mixture of rebaudioside D and rebaudioside M, and then separates and purifies the mixture to obtain rebaudioside D or rebaudioside M.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for predicting the invasive potential of a tumor cell and predicting the efficiency of a treatment. The method is based on the combination of at least three parameters, namely the internuclear distance, the polarization and the cell-cell connectivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of providing sequence specificity to in situ genome imaging at the level of the electron microscope (EM).

Abstract: Methods of detecting at least one analyte and at least one nucleic acid in a sample are provided. Reagents for carrying out the methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for detecting methylated DNA comprising (a) coating a container with a polypeptide capable of binding methylated DNA; (b) contacting said polypeptide with a sample comprising methylated and/or unmethylated DNA; and (c) detecting the binding of said polypeptide to methylated DNA. In a preferred embodiment, said method further comprises step (d) analyzing the detected methylated DNA by sequencing. Another aspect of the present invention is a kit for detecting methylated DNA according to the methods of the invention comprising (a) a polypeptide capable of binding methylated DNA; (b) a container which can be coated with said polypeptide; (c) means for coating said container; and (d) means for detecting methylated DNA.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention provides amplification methods in which nucleotide tag(s) and, optionally, a barcode nucleotide sequence are added to target nucleotide sequences. In other embodiments, the present invention provides a microfluidic device that includes a plurality of first input lines and a plurality of second input lines. The microfluidic device also includes a plurality of sets of first chambers and a plurality of sets of second chambers. Each set of first chambers is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of first input lines. Each set of second chambers is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of second input lines. The microfluidic device further includes a plurality of first pump elements in fluid communication with a first portion of the plurality of second input lines and a plurality of second pump elements in fluid communication with a second portion of the plurality of second input lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the DNA quality of a biological sample and, more specifically, to a method for determining the DNA quality of a biological sample by performing a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers capable of amplifying a target gene, a method for preparing the primers used in the method, and a method for standardizing the amount of detected target gene mutation by using the determined DNA quality. The method of the present invention enables objective evaluation of the NDA quality of a biological sample used in gene analysis and the presentation of objective results on the expression ratio of a gene mutation, thereby providing reliable information in the fields of clinical research and companion diagnosis.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for electrically lysing cells and releasing macromolecules from the cells. A microfluidic device is provided that includes a planar channel having a thickness on a submillimeter scale, and including electrodes on its upper and lower inner surfaces. After filling the channel with a liquid, such that the channel contains cells within the liquid, a series of voltage pulses of alternating polarity are applied between the channel electrodes, where the amplitude of the voltage pulses and a pulse width of the voltage pulses are effective for causing irreversible electroporation of the cells. The channel is configured to possess thermal properties such that the application of the voltage produces a rapid temperature rise as a result of Joule heating for releasing the macromolecules from the electroplated cells. The channel may also include an internal filter for capturing and concentrating the cells prior to electrical processing.

Abstract: A process for preparing a biological sample including biological species, implemented in a preparation system, the preparation system including a device that includes: a housing, a first channel provided in the housing, a second channel provided in the housing, a chamber into which the first channel and the second channel open, a filter separating the chamber into two distinct spaces, the process including the following steps: injection of the biological sample in the form of a fluid via the first channel to concentrate biological species in the first space of the chamber of the device, injection of an immunological buffer fluid via the second channel of the device so as to at least partially elute the biological species with the immunological buffer fluid.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for assembly of genomic DNA using multiplex end-tagging amplification of genomic fragments.

Abstract: A method is describe for predicting the viability and growth rate of at least one prokaryotic species of a non-cultured working sample (e.g., environmental, medical, food). The method utilizes a reference database containing time-dependent sequence data obtained from control samples of prokaryotic species at various stages of growth. The sequence coverages of the control samples are used to identify at least two regions of each genome active in replication. Importance scores and weight scores are assigned to these active regions. The sequence coverages over the active regions obtained for the working sample are used with the importance and weight scores to predict growth and viability of one or more prokaryotic species of the working sample.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a combination of experimental and computational workflows that allow characterization of skin and subcutaneous tissue microbial flora and its associated metabolome, aiming to first evaluate an individual's skin and subcutaneous tissue to determine if any skin condition is as a result of an imbalance or absence of commensal or mutualistic microorganisms or their associated metabolites. In particular, embodiments of the methods and the associated computational platform provided herein relate to conducting a customized or personalized test and obtaining customized or personalized information regarding the skin and subcutaneous tissue flora and its associated metabolome there from. This may be accomplished by simultaneously identifying hundreds of microorganisms or metabolites on an individual's skin and subcutaneous tissue and comparing the resulting profile to a previously compiled healthy profile from our database of skin profiles.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an active Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection by detecting certain RNA biomarkers present in secreted extracellular vesicles isolated from a bodily fluid. The RNA biomarkers in the secreted extracellular vesicles may include a certain Mycobacterium RNAs as well as certain host cell RNAs. Also provided is an RNA signature of certain Mycobacterium and host cell RNA present in secreted extracellular vesicles indicative of an active tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods and assays for multiplexed detection of analytes using nanocrystals that are uniform in morphology, size, and composition based on their unique optical characteristics. The described methods and assays are particularly useful for detection of microbes and/or microbe-based agents in a complex environmental sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for enzymatic, genotyping of polymorphisms on solid supports. In some aspects the methods include ligation of allele or base specific 5 interrogation probes to an array probe. The array probe is labeled by ligation of the interrogation probe. Ligation is dependent on the identity of the base immediately adjacent to the end of the array probe. In other aspects array bound probes are labeled by template dependent extension.

Abstract: Methods and kits for preparing re-usable single cells are described. Cell components are anchored using a nano-scale scaffold to create a re-usable single cell. The nano-scale scaffold may be a polyacrylamide nano-scale scaffold. Methods to determine modifications of the genome, transcriptome, or epigenome are described.

Abstract: An assay method for a gene fragment of interest comprising: amplify at least one gene fragment of interest comprising or potentially comprising at least one SNP region of interest to form an initial amplification product; forming at least one single strand amplification product from the initial amplification product, wherein the single strand amplification product either comprises or potentially comprises the at least one SNP region of interest; hybridize in solution the single strand amplification product with at least one reporter molecule which comprises at least two, different domains of oligonucleotide, wherein a first domain of oligonucleotide is for hybridization with the single strand amplification product, and wherein the second domain of oligonucleotide is for hybridization to at least one microarray probe surface, wherein the microarray probe surface comprises at least one capture probe to allow for hybridization; contact the solution of the hybridized single strand amplification product with the a

Abstract: Specific, accurate, and cost effective primers for performing digital PCR, compositions and kits containing the primer and methods for using and making the same are useful for detecting nucleic acid mutations. A primer useful as a first forward primer in performing digital PCR to detect a target nucleic acid in a sample, includes: a detection portion located upstream to a target sequence binding portion, and including a second forward primer binding portion having a sequence substantially complementary to a second forward primer, and a probe binding portion downstream to the second forward primer binding portion having a sequence substantially complementary to a probe; the target sequence binding portion includes a mismatch portion having a sequence not complementary to the target nucleic acid, and an amplification determinant portion downstream to the mismatch portion having a sequence complementary to a gene allele or a variant thereof encoded by the target nucleic acid.

Abstract: This disclosure provides, among other things, a 5? adapter of the formula 3?*-X-(5?5?)-Y-3?, where: 3?* is a blocked 3? end, X is a synthetic sequence, (5?5?) is an internal 5?-5? linkage, Y is an adapter sequence, and 3? is a hydroxylated 3? end. In use, sequence X hybridizes to sequence X? in a population of RNA molecules of formula R-X?, which increases the efficiency of ligation of the 5? adapter to the nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: Method for characterising a double stranded nucleic acid using a nano-pore and anchor molecules at both ends of said nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved nucleic acid sequencing-by-synthesis (SBS) methods, related kits and reagents, and systems for performing such methods using such kits and reagents.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes significant differences in methylation of cytosine bases in many loci throughout the genome in cases of cerebral palsy (CP) compared to unaffected cases (without CP). The present disclosure also describes novel methods for the prediction of CP that can be applied to embryos, fetuses, newborns, and different stages of postnatal life including childhood and any time in later postnatal life. The method is applicable to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) found in body fluids of CP subjects. Statistical techniques for estimating a subject's risk of having CP include comparing the degree of methylation of specific cytosine loci throughout the DNA in a subject being tested and comparing this to the percentage of cytosine at said sites in populations of individuals: with CP and/or a reference population of normal cases without CP. Risk for having specific types of CP or CP overall can also be determined based.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, methods and systems relating to libraries of polynucleotides such that the libraries allow for accurate and efficient hybridization after binding to target sequences. Further provided herein are probes, blockers, additives, buffers, and methods that result in improved hybridization. Such compositions and methods are useful for improvement of Next Generation Sequencing applications, such as reducing off-target binding or reducing workflow times.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying the source of an amplicon, comprising: providing a plurality of pools of amplicons from different sources, wherein the amplicons from different sources are present in more than one pool, and wherein the amplicons in each pool are tagged with a unique pool-specific identifier; sequencing at least part of the amplicons that comprise the pool-specific identifiers; and assigning one or more of the amplicons to corresponding pools and/or sources using the pool-specific identifiers.

Abstract: Sequencing methods, devices, and systems are described. Arrays of nanoscale electronic elements comprising two electrodes separated by an insulating layer are used to provide sequence information about a template nucleic acid in a polymerase-template complex bound proximate to the insulating region. A sequencing reaction mixture comprising nucleotide analogs having impedance labels is introduced to the array of nanoscale electronic elements under conditions of polymerase mediated nucleic acid synthesis. The time sequence of incorporation of nucleotide analogs is determined by identifying the types of labels of the nucleotide analogs that are incorporated into the growing strand using measured impedance.

Abstract: The present application relates to a detection kit for genotypes capable of confirming cross contamination that may occur in a banking process of a patient-derived xenograft model or cell-derived xenograft model and a method for determining cross contamination using the same. According to the present disclosure, it is possible to determine all of cross contamination of mouse related genes, have high detection sensitivity and specificity to be close to 100%, rapidly examine the contamination, and be very useful in predicting mouse contamination. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, cross contamination of genes related with the human and the mouse is predicted in advance to be applied to evaluation of anticancer drug efficacy using a patient-derived xenograft model or cell-derived xenograft model and contribute to cell banks using the patient-derived xenograft model or cell-derived xenograft model, and as a result, the present disclosure is very useful in a medical industry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of screening a mammal for the onset or predisposition to the onset of a neuropsychiatric disorder. More particularly, the present invention provides a method of screening a mammal for the onset or predisposition to the onset of schizophrenia by screening for a decrease in the functional level of protein 14-3-3?. In a related aspect, the present invention also provides a means of monitoring a patient diagnosed with a neuropsychiatric disorder, such as schizophrenia, by screening for changes to functional levels of protein 14-3-3?. This may be useful, for example, in the context of evaluating the effectiveness of a prophylactic or therapeutic treatment regime or otherwise monitoring the impact of physiological or metabolic changes which may occur in a patient.