Abstract: Methods and composition for nucleic acid isolation are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided for nucleic acid purification from biological samples, such as whole blood samples, extracted with phenol-based denaturing solvents, which does not require phase separation or nucleic acid precipitation. Methods according to the invention may also be used for of small RNAs (e.g., siRNAs or miRNAs) purification and are amenable to automation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for multiplexed protein-protein interaction profiling (e.g., immunoprofiling), based on nucleic acid tagging of polypeptides (e.g., by RNA display) are described. In some embodiments the described compositions and methods utilize a library of prey polypeptide targets linked to prey RNAs encoding them, and a population of bait polypeptides, e.g., a mixture of antibodies, that bind to one or more of the prey polypeptide targets and are used to isolate and identify the bound prey polypeptide targets by amplification of their associated prey RNAs and sequencing of the corresponding cDNAs. In other embodiments the prey polypeptide targets are linked to DNA Bar Codes, which serve as unique identifiers of the tagged polypeptide.

Abstract: This invention pertains to mutant Cas9 nucleic acids and proteins for use in CRISPR/Cas endonuclease systems, and their methods of use. In particular, the invention pertains to an isolated mutant Cas9 protein, wherein the isolated mutant Cas9 protein is active in a CRISPR/Cas endonuclease system, wherein the CRISPR/Cas endonuclease system displays reduced off-target editing activity and maintained on-target editing activity relative to a wild-type CRISPR/Cas endonuclease system. The invention also includes isolated nucleic acids encoding mutant Cas9 proteins, ribonucleoprotein complexes and CRSPR/Cas endonuclease systems having mutant Cas9 proteins that display reduced off-target editing activity and maintained on-target editing activity relative to a wild-type CRISPR/Cas endonuclease system.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention provides the use of microRNA (miR)-200a to inhibit ossification and bone formation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polynucleotide agents (including interfering RNA agents (RNAi)), small molecule agents, and synthetic cells, methods of making the same, and their use as therapeutics against age-related dysfunction and/or cellular dysfunction that results in various disease states. In some embodiments, one or more agents as disclosed herein can be used to target and/or decrease the expression of the paired-box protein 5 (PAX5) gene, protein phosphatase, Mg2+/Mn2+ dependent 1F (PPM1F) gene, or both. Also disclosed herein are methods for the preparation and use of synthetic cells prepared by in vitro and/or in vivo manipulation using one or more cellular factors, polynucleotide agents, and/or small molecule agents. Disclosed herein is the use of these cells as therapeutic cells that treat age-related dysfunction and/or cellular dysfunction resulting in various disease states.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules containing poly (dA:dT) regions which are stabilized in E. coli, methods of propagating such nucleic acid molecules in E. coli, methods of obtaining RNA, peptides or proteins using such nucleic acid molecules and to RNA which is obtained from such nucleic acid molecules and its use. In particular, the poly (dA:dT) regions contain at least one disruption by a sequence not encoding a sequence solely composed of A residues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to excision of explant material comprising meristematic tissue from cotton seeds. Methods for tissue preparation, storage, transformation, and selection or identification of transformed plants are disclosed, as are transformable meristem tissues and plants produced by such methods, and apparati for tissue preparation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling the flowering time of a plant by regulating the formation of the SVP-FLM-? protein complex, based on the finding that the SVP-FLM-? protein complex is a regulating factor for plant flowering that senses small changes in ambient temperature. The FLM-? RNAi and SVP RNAi for controlling flowering time according to the present invention can be used to control flowering time by inhibiting the expression of FLM-? and SVP or regulating the interaction therebetween, and thus, they can prevent a decrease in crop production or a change in the ecosystem from being caused by a sudden change in temperature.

Abstract: Provided are methods for conferring and/or enhancing herbicide resistance on plants or algae including agricultural crops by introducing prokaryote-derived protoporphynnogen oxidase variants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying, selecting and/or producing a soybean plant or germplasm having brown stem rot (BSR) and/or frogeye leaf spot (FLS) resistance. A soybean plant, part thereof and/or germplasm, including any progeny and/or seeds derived from a soybean plant or germplasm identified, selected and/or produced by any of the methods of the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Cucurbita plant, in particular a squash plant, having wide spectrum resistance to potyvirus such as Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus (ZYMV), Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV), Papaya Ringspot Virus (PRSV) and Moroccan watermelon mosaic virus (MWMV). Methods of selecting a squash plant having wide spectrum potyvirus resistance by marker assisted breeding are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Brassica plant in particular a Brassica oleracea plant comprising a genetic determinant, which when homozygously present confers high resistance against Thrips tabaci, and which is as found in plants grown from seeds of which a representative sample is deposited with the NCIMB under NCIMB accession number 41760. Preferably, the plant is homozygous for the genetic determinant and resistant against Thrips tabaci. The genetic determinant in the seeds of NCIMB deposit 41760 is located on chromosome 2 and linked to marker BO00200 (SEQ ID NO: 1) and/or marker BO00277 (SEQ ID NO: 2) and/or BO00602 (SEQ ID NO: 5).

Abstract: Pesticidal proteins exhibiting toxic activity against Coleopteran, Lepidopteran, Hemipteran, and Thysanopteran pest species are disclosed, and include, but are not limited to, TIC6280, TIC6281, TIC6282, TIC6283, TIC8808, TIC9480, TIC9257, TIC7106, TIC7017, TIC7107, TIC7108, TIC7109, TIC7110, TIC7111, TIC7589, TIC9258, and TIC9259. DNA constructs are provided which contain a recombinant nucleic acid sequence encoding the pesticidal proteins provided. Transgenic plants, plant cells, seed, and plant parts resistant to Lepidopteran, Coleopteran, Hemipteran and Thysanopteran infestation are provided which contain recombinant nucleic acid sequences encoding the disclosed pesticidal proteins. Methods for detecting the presence of the recombinant nucleic acid sequences or the protein of the present invention in a biological sample, and methods of controlling Coleopteran, Lepidopteran, Hemipteran, and Thysanopteran species pests using the disclosed pesticidal proteins are also provided.

Abstract: A method of altering a eukaryotic cell is provided including transfecting the eukaryotic cell with a nucleic acid encoding RNA complementary to genomic DNA of the eukaryotic cell, transfecting the eukaryotic cell with a nucleic acid encoding an enzyme that interacts with the RNA and cleaves the genomic DNA in a site specific manner, wherein the cell expresses the RNA and the enzyme, the RNA binds to complementary genomic DNA and the enzyme cleaves the genomic DNA in a site specific manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transgenic pig in which an immune rejection response is suppressed during xenotransplantation, wherein a gene coding for heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and a gene coding for tumor necrosis factor receptor 1-Fc (TNFR1-Fc) are simultaneously expressed and a gene coding for ?-1,3-galactosyltransferase (GGTA1) is knocked out; and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for regulating thermogenesis and muscle inflammation through modulation of Metrnl and/or Metrn activity and/or expression. Also provided are methods for preventing or treating metabolic disorders and muscle inflammation disorders in a subject through modulation of Metrnl and/or Metrn activity and/or expression. Further provided are methods for identifying compounds that are capable of treating metabolic disorders and muscle inflammation disorders by modulating Metrnl and/or Metrn activity and/or expression.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of expressing nucleic acids in T cells pre-exposed to a co-stimulatory signal and then transduced with adenoviral vectors. In some embodiments, the co-stimulation is provided by anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies and the adenoviral vector is pseudotyped for T-cell entry. The invention also relates to compositions for carrying out these methods, provided as kits or pharmaceutical compositions that can be used to treat diseases including immunological conditions and hematological malignancies.

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant polypeptide X—Y for enhancing cell transduction efficiency of a target agent, wherein X is a cell penetrating peptide DPV3, and Y is an Hsp40-J domain. Also provided is a method for enhancing cell transduction efficiency of a target agent, comprising conjugating/attaching said target agent with a recombinant polypeptide X—Y, wherein X is a cell penetrating peptide DPV3, and Y is an Hsp40-J domain. Further provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutic agent, wherein said therapeutic agent is modified by conjugating/attaching with a recombinant polypeptide X—Y, wherein X is a cell penetrating peptide DPV3, and Y is an Hsp40-J domain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a fermentation product from ligno-cellulosic material, comprising the following steps: a) optionally pre-treatment of the ligno-cellulosic material; b) optionally washing of the optionally pre-treated ligno-cellulosic material; c) enzymatic hydrolysis of the optionally washed and/or optionally pre-treated ligno-cellulosic material using an enzyme composition comprising at least two cellulase and whereby the enzyme composition at least comprises GH61; d) whereby less than 7.5 mg enzyme composition/g glucan (on dry matter and enzyme as protein) or less than 3.0 mg enzyme composition/g feedstock (on dry matter and enzyme as protein) is used; and e) fermentation of the hydrolysed ligno-cellulosic material to produce a fermentation product; and f) optionally recovery of a fermentation product; wherein before and/or during the enzymatic hydrolysis oxygen is added to the ligno-cellulosic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant yeast cell comprising a gene encoding a protein exhibiting lactyl-CoA synthase activity and a gene encoding a protein exhibiting lactyl-CoA polymerase activity, said recombinant cell having the ability of producing polylactic acid (PLA), and the uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for storing gaseous hydrogen, comprising the steps of producing methanoate (formate) through contacting gaseous hydrogen with carbon dioxide in the presence of a hydrogen dependent carbon dioxide reductase (HDCR), and thereby storing of said gaseous hydrogen. The HDCR and/or its complex is preferably derived from Acetobacterium woodii.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant microorganism, to a method for producing alanine and to the use of the recombinant microorganism for the fermentative production of alanine.

Abstract: A method is useful for the fermentative production of L-lysine using a C. glutamicum strain having a mutated Kup transporter.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules encoding polypeptides having polyketide synthase activity have been identified and characterized. Expression or over-expression of the nucleic acids alters levels of cannabinoid compounds in organisms. The polypeptides may be used in vivo or in vitro to produce cannabinoid compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a host cell for producing a recombinant peptide, polypeptide or protein of interest, wherein the host cell includes at least 2 copies of a nucleic acid sequence encoding a poison protein; and to the use thereof for producing peptides, polypeptides or proteins of interest.

Abstract: A quick screening method for microbial strains includes the steps of: feeding a carrier worm with Styrofoam for a plurality of days; and sampling a digestive system of the carrier worm and placing the sampled digestive system of the carrier worm into a culture medium. The digestive system of the carrier worm includes at least one Styrofoam degrading microbial strain. The culture medium includes an emulsion formed by dissolving the Styrofoam with chloroform and adding a surfactant to the dissolved Styrofoam. A culture medium for fast culturing of the at least one microbial strain is also provided.

Abstract: Accurate measurements of the presence or absence of an analyte (e.g., MRSA) in a sample are provided. For example, the sample can be subjected to an activation reagent (potentially after an initial reagent has already been added), which can cause a flash signal that increases and then decreases over time. Signal data points can be measured from the flash signal using a detector. A quadratic regression function that fits the signal data points can be determined. An accuracy of the quadratic fit can be determined, as well as a signal-to-background ratio. A difference between a signal-to-background term and an accuracy term can be used as a score that is compared to a threshold to determine whether the analyte is present in the sample.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, and devices are described for implementing a droplet array for single-cell analysis. A method of conducting single-cell analysis comprises generating a plurality of droplets, wherein each of the plurality of droplets contains a core material surrounded by a protective shell; loading the plurality of droplets, via a carrying fluid, onto an array including a plurality of trap structures, wherein the plurality of droplets are held by the plurality of trap structures; selecting a target droplet, held by a trap structure, from the plurality of droplets; and releasing the target droplet from the trap structure.

Abstract: Provided is a compound having the structure: (SIG)-(SI-MOD)m where SIG is a signaling molecule, SI is a self-immolative structure bound to SIG such that SIG has a reduced signal relative to the signal of SIG without SI, MOD is a moiety bound to SI that is subject to modification by an activator, and m is an integer from 1 to about 10. When MOD is modified by an activator, SI is destabilized and self-cleaved from SIG such that SIG generates an increased signal. Also provided are methods of determining whether a sample, such as a cell, comprises an activator, such as a nitroreducase, using the compound. Further provided are methods of determining whether a mammalian cell is hypoxic using the compound where nitroreductase is the activator. A method of detecting a microorganism that comprises a nitroreductase using the compound where nitroreductase is the activator is also provided.

Abstract: An electrochemical method is provided for in-vitro determination of the presence of bacteria producing lactamases, in a sample that may contain such bacteria.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing and analyzing a set of cells, comprising: an array including a set of parallel pores, each pore including a chamber including a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, and configured to hold a single cell, and a pore channel fluidly connected to the chamber outlet; an inlet channel fluidly connected to each chamber inlet of the set of parallel pores; an outlet channel fluidly connected to each pore channel of the set of parallel pores; a set of electrophoresis channels fluidly coupled to the outlet channel, configured to receive a sieving matrix for electrophoretic separation; and a set of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the set of electrodes is configured to provide an electric field that facilitates electrophoretic analysis of the set of cells.

Abstract: Methods of detecting or quantifying short RNA or DNA molecules using split cycle amplification are provided.

Abstract: The technology described herein is directed to methods of determining oligonucleotide sequences, e.g. by enriching target sequences prior to sequencing the sequences.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of sequencing hydroxymethyated cell-free DNA. In some embodiments, the method comprises adding an affinity tag to only hydroxymethyated DNA molecules in a sample of cfDNA, enriching for the DNA molecules that are tagged with the affinity tag; and sequencing the enriched DNA molecules.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of using labeled primers or probes for nucleic acid target detection and to detect the identity or presence of a nucleotide at certain positions in nucleic acid sequences with single molecule sensitivity using nanopore detection, and sets of oligonucleotide primers for use in such methods, as well as methods of quantitative PCR coupled with nanopore detection.

Abstract: A multiplexed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) DNA detection system and a method for DNA detection within the PCR system are provided. The PCR DNA detection system includes a color charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, fluorophore-quencher probes and an imaging chamber. The fluorophore-quencher probes are selected in response to fluorophores quenched by the fluorophore-quencher probes corresponding to three selected primary colors and peak channel responses of the CCD camera such that emission profiles of the fluorophores substantially match the three selected primary colors and peak emission profiles of the fluorophores correspond to the peak RGB channel responses of the CCD camera. A DNA sample and the fluorophore-quencher probes are located within the imaging chamber. The color CCD camera is focused on the imaging chamber for simultaneous detection of up to three targets from fluorescence of the DNA sample and the fluorophore-quencher probes.

Abstract: Method and sample vessels are provided for amplification and sequencing of nucleic acids in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides miniaturized instruments for conducting chemical reactions where control of the reaction temperature is desired or required. Specifically, this invention provides chips and optical systems for performing and monitoring temperature-dependent chemical reactions. The apparatus and methods embodied in the present invention are particularly useful for high-throughput and low-cost amplification of nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sequencing library, and the sequencing library has an inserted fragment which is an equidirectional alternating concatemer of a sequence to be tested and a tag sequence. The present invention further provides a method for preparing the sequencing library. The present invention also provides a sequencing method. The sequencing library and sequencing method as provided in the present invention are capable of removing DNA amplification errors and sequencing errors under any sequencing depths, so that mutations of DNA molecules could be ultra-accurately determined. The sequencing library of the present invention is suitable for construction of a sequencing library of trace short DNA fragments and even of single-strand DNAs.

Abstract: Short Tandem Repeats are currently used by law enforcement and others, for example, for the identification of individuals by DNA matching. A method is described herein that uses WPD to classify and identify repeating sequences in nucleotide sequences from the position and frequency information contained within nucleotide sequences. This decomposition allows for the quick classification of nucleotide sequences (i.e., reads) into two different classes, including, for example, one class that contains sequencer reads that contain a repeat motif with non-repeat sequence on either flank, and another class that contains sequencer reads that do not contain any repeat sequence.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to nucleic acid probes and kits for determining the length of a region of tandem repeats in a subject's genome and methods of using the DNA probes for determining the length of a region of tandem repeats in a subject's genome. In some embodiments, the region of tandem repeats in telomeres.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-invasive methods, kits and means for diagnosing and/or prognosing of dilated cardiomyopathy in a body fluid sample from a subject. Further, the present invention relates to set of polynucleotides or sets of primer pairs for detecting sets of miRNAs for diagnosing and/or prognosing of dilated cardiomyopathy in a body fluid sample from a subject. In addition, the present invention relates to sets of miRNAs for diagnosing and/or prognosing of dilated cardiomyopathy in a body fluid sample from a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for determining accurate risk probabilities for fetal aneuploidies. Specifically, the invention provides non-invasive evaluation of genomic variations through chromosome-selective sequencing and non-host fraction data analysis of maternal samples.

Abstract: Methods and kits for selectively enriching non-random polynucleotide sequences are provided. Methods and kits for generating libraries of sequences are provided. Methods of using selectively enriched non-random polynucleotide sequences for detection of fetal aneuploidy are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of determining if a subject has an increased risk of suffering from memory impairment. The methods comprise analyzing the gene expression profile from peripheral blood leukocytes taken from the subject and comparing the value of the subject's gene expression profile with the value of a normal gene expression profile. A change in the value of the subject's gene expression profile, above or below normal values is indicative that the subject has an increased risk of suffering from memory impairment compared to a normal individual.

Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure relates to the reactivation of inactive X chromosomes (Xi). In some embodiments, the disclosure provides compositions and methods for the reactivation of inactive X chromosomes. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods described by the disclosure may be useful for the treatment of dominant X-linked diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of genetic polymorphisms that are associated with liver fibrosis and related pathologies. In particular, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules containing the polymorphisms, variant proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, reagents for detecting the polymorphic nucleic acid molecules and proteins, and methods of using the nucleic acid and proteins as well as methods of using reagents for their detection.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for determining accurate risk probabilities for fetal aneuploidies. Specifically, the invention provides non-invasive evaluation of genomic variations through chromosome-selective sequencing and non-host fraction data analysis of maternal samples.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods for predicting age of a subject based on the epigenome of the subject.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of generating subsets of methylation specific markers from a set, having diagnostic power for various diseases, e.g. cancer of thyroid, breast, colon, or leukemia, in diverse samples; identified subsets of that set, as well as methods for the prognosis and diagnosis of diseases.