Abstract: Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter provide biomimetic cell culture substrates comprising highly tunable patterned polymer nanofiber matrices capable of modulating expression of critical self-renewal factors and markers of cell-cell interaction to maintain stemness of human mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. Embodiments of the presently-disclosed subject matter also provide scalable, highly repeatable methods of making biomimetic cell culture substrates by hot pressing thermoplastic polymer films into femtosecond laser-ablated nanopore molds to form patterned polymer nanofiber matrices on flat thermoplastic substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to autologous dual-specific lymphocytes, methods of making and uses for the treatment of tumors. In particular, the invention relates to methods producing autologous dual-specific lymphocytes comprising an endogenous receptor for at least one tumor associated antigen and an exogenous receptor for a strong antigen.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a platelet production promoter that contains one or more substances selected from the group consisting of Wnt inhibitors and FMS-like tyrosine kinase (FLT) inhibitors; and a platelet production method that uses this platelet production promoter.

Abstract: An isolated human brown adipose tissue stem cell line. In one embodiment, the isolated human brown adipose tissue stem cell line expresses the markers CD9, SSEA4, CD44, CD90, CD166, CD73, but not CD14, CD34, CD45 or STRO-1. In another embodiment, the isolated human brown adipose tissue stem cell line expresses the genes UCP1, PPARGC1A, NRF1, FOXC2, CREB1, SIRT3, and WNT5A (REFX). In still another embodiment, the isolated human brown adipose tissue stem cell line is capable of differentiating into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for the generation of insulin positive ? cells, for example by exposing Pdx+ pancreatic progenitor cells to one or more compounds, and compositions and kits comprising isolated populations of insulin positive cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant vectors, modified microorganisms, and methods for omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid production.

Abstract: A modified endoinulinase is provided, comprising modified wild-type T. purpuregenus endoinulinase, or a functional fragment thereof, in which an amino acid residue at each one of one or more positions corresponding to 128, 316, 344, 350 or 504 of wild-type T. purpuregenus endoinulinase is substituted, wherein: (i) a tyrosine residue corresponding to Y128 is substituted with H, K or R; a glutamate residue corresponding to E344 is substituted with K, H or R; and a threonine residue corresponding to T504 is substituted with M, S or Y; and optionally an alanine residue corresponding to A316 is substituted with T, S, C or M; (ii) a tyrosine residue corresponding to Y128 is substituted with H, K or R; a glutamate residue corresponding to E344 is substituted with K, H or R; a threonine residue corresponding to T504 is substituted with M, S or Y; and a glutamine residue corresponding to Q350 is substituted with L, G, A, V or I; or (iii) a tyrosine residue corresponding to Y128 is substituted with H, K or R.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of insect pests control, using methods and compositions which comprise of alpha-amylase analogous mutant inhibitors (?AIs). More specifically, the invention provides new ?AIs analogous mutant molecules for controlling insect pests, in particular boll weevils (Anthonomus grandis), partially or totally presenting reduction of the amylolytic activity of the digestive enzymes in the intestinal lumen of the insect. Other aspects of the invention include gene constructs containing the nucleic acid molecules that code for the alpha-amylase inhibitors, heterologous expression methods of the new molecules in the active form, and the use of these molecules for controlling insect pests. The invention also provides analogous synthetic genes optimized for their transformation and expression in plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a purified or isolated cellulase complex comprising two or more glycosidase hydrolase, or enzymatically active fragment thereof, selected from the group consisting of a GH9 polypeptide, a GH48 polypeptide, a GH10 polypeptide, and a GH6 polypeptide, and optionally a GH10_2 polypeptide and/or an AA10 polypeptide.

Abstract: Variants of chymosin with improved ? S1-casein cleavage and C/P properties.

Abstract: A novel protein deamidase having an activity of directly acting on a side chain amide group of an asparagine residue in a protein to form a side chain carboxyl group and release ammonia, a microorganism that produces the same, a gene encoding the same, a method for producing the same, and use of the same are provided. A bacterium classified into the class Actinobacteria is cultured to generate protein deamidase, and the enzyme is collected from culture.

Abstract: The present invention provides engineered phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) polypeptides and compositions thereof, as well as polynucleotides encoding the engineered phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) polypeptides.

Abstract: This invention provides chromatographic methods for the purification of a cystathionine ?-Synthase (CBS) protein, particularly truncated variants thereof and compositions and pharmaceutical compositions prepared therefrom.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for the encapsulation of particles within liquid droplets are disclosed. The new methods and devices form 1-100 picoliter-size monodisperse droplets containing the particles, such as single cells, encapsulated in individual liquid droplets. The particles can be encapsulated in droplets of a fluid by passing a fluid containing the particles through a high aspect-ratio microchannel to order the particles in the fluid, followed by forming the fluid into droplets. The resulting fraction of the liquid droplets with a single particle (e.g., a cell) is higher than the corresponding fraction of single-particle liquid droplets predicted by Poisson statistics.

Abstract: A device for manipulating magnetic particles includes a gelled medium layer and liquid layers alternately stacked in a tubular container along a longitudinal direction of the container. A magnetic particle movement portion for moving magnetic particles exists along an inner wall surface of the container, and the magnetic particle movement portion extends along the longitudinal direction of the container. At a portion where the gelled medium layer is loaded, the cross-sectional shape of the container inner wall in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container is non-circular, and the shape of the magnetic particle movement portion in the cross section is a curved shape or an angular shape.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for modifying a gene sequence, and for systems for delivering such compositions. For example, the disclosure relates to modifying a gene sequence using a CRISPR-Cas9 or other nucleic acid editing system, and methods and delivery systems for achieving such gene modification, such as viral or non-viral delivery systems.

Abstract: Methods, kits and systems are disclosed for analyzing one or more molecules in a sample. Analyzing the one or more molecules may comprise quantitation of the one or more molecules. Individual molecules may quantitated by PCR, arrays, beads, emulsions, droplets, or sequencing. Quantitation of individual molecules may further comprise stochastic labeling of the one or more molecules with a plurality of oligonucleotide tags to produce one or more stochastically labeled molecules. The methods may further comprise amplifying, sequencing, detecting, and/or quantifying the stochastically labeled molecules. The molecules may be DNA, RNA and/or proteins.

Abstract: Provided are methods of adding adapters to nucleic acids. The methods include combining in a reaction mixture a template ribonucleic acid (RNA), a template switch oligonucleotide including a 3? hybridization domain and a sequencing platform adapter construct, a polymerase, and dNTPs. The reaction mixture components are combined under conditions sufficient to produce a product nucleic acid that includes the template RNA and the template switch oligonucleotide each hybridized to adjacent regions of a single product nucleic acid that includes a region polymerized from the dNTPs by the polymerase. Aspects of the invention further include compositions and kits.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for selecting nucleotide sequences that yield dsRNA-mediated gene suppression in a target organism and enable their uptake by the target organism. The invention further provides expression constructs that confer stabilized expression of such sequences in a transgenic host cell, and methods for their use. Also provided are organisms, cells and tissues prepared by a method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chimeric RNA oligonucleotides that are single-stranded oligonucleotides. These compounds are capable of targeting particular genes and reducing DNA methyltransferase activity. Accordingly, these compounds are particularly useful in the treatment of disease associated with aberrant DNA methyltransferase activity, such as cancer or a genetic disorder.

Abstract: Described herein are conjugated modified oligonucleotides that are complementary to a target RNA. The conjugate facilitates cellular uptake of the modified oligonucleotide, resulting improved potency.

Abstract: Provided herein are synthetic nucleic acid molecules and methods of using such synthetic nucleic acid molecules for strong repression of target gene expression. In particular, provided herein are methods for altering expression of a protein in a cell, where the method comprises introducing into a cell a protein coding sequence operably linked to a near-threshold translational repressor having first and second trigger recognition sequences that are fully or partially complementary to a repressing trigger RNA; and introducing into a cell the repressing trigger RNA.

Abstract: The invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that are capable of bringing about specific editing of a target nucleotide (adenosine) in a target RNA sequence in a eukaryotic cell, wherein said oligonucleotide does not, in itself, form an intramolecular hairpin or stem-loop structure, and wherein said oligonucleotide comprises a non-complementary nucleotide in a position opposite to the nucleotide to be edited in the target RNA sequence.

Abstract: MicroRNA inhibitors as anti-cancer therapeutics are described. The microRNA inhibitors can inhibit microRNA-15a and can mimic the effects of higher dose radiation at lower doses. Other benefits are also described.

Abstract: Provided herein are oligonucleotide compositions that inhibit ANGPTL7 and reduce intraocular pressure when administered to an eye. The oligonucleotide compositions contain nucleoside modifications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein include compositions and methods of modulating protein expression that utilizes an activator or a repressor of a non-sense mediated RNA decay switch exon (NSE). In some embodiments, also included herein are compositions and methods of modulating protein expression that uses an agent that targets a transposed element.

Abstract: Provided are modified Gram-negative bacteria having an increased periplasmic volume. Also provided are methods of expressing exogenous genes in the bacteria and targeting protein production to the periplasmic space.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying regenerated transformed plants and differentiated transformed plant parts, obtained without subjecting plant cells to selective conditions prior to regenerating the cells to obtain differentiated tissues. In particular embodiments, the plant cells are corn plant cells. Methods for growing and handling plants, including identifying plants that demonstrate specific traits of interest are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to systems, methods, and devices for inducing andlor repressing the expression of proteins. More particularly, the invention relates to systems, methods, and devices for inducing andlor repressing the expression of proteins in plastids. An exemplary embodiment involves the regulation of the expression of proteins involved in hydrogen production to stimulate the production of hydrogen gas using the methods, systems, and devices described herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to method of modifying a coding sequence encoding a non-plant protein, comprising the steps of optimizing said coding sequence by codon substitution, thereby obtaining an optimized coding sequence which encodes said non-plant protein; and re-introducing at least one wild-type polyadenylation motif sequence at its position within said optimized gene sequence.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a modified PIN4 gene, the wild type of which is as identified in SEQ ID No. 1, encoding the protein of SEQ ID No. 5, or the wild type of which encodes a protein that has a sequence similarity of at least 80% to SEQ ID No. 5, which modified PIN4 gene encodes a protein that comprises an amino acid change as a result of the modification, and which modified protein is capable of inducing parthenocarpic fruit set when present in a plant. The invention also relates to plants and fruits that carry the gene. Such plants are capable of parthenocarpic fruit set and the fruits do not contain seeds. The invention further relates to use of the gene in breeding and producing plants capable of parthenocarpic fruit set.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a plant cell or a plant having one or more mutations in the promoters of both the alleles for CsLOB1 gene, wherein the one or more mutations are in the promoter binding sites for PthA4 protein from Xanthomonas spp., and wherein the one or more mutations reduce or abolish the binding of the Xanthomonas spp. PthA4 protein on to the binding sites in the promoters of the CsLOB1 genes. Also, a plant cell or a plant having one or more mutations in the coding regions of both the alleles for CsLOB1 gene, wherein the one or more mutations reduce or abolish the binding of the function of CsLOB1 protein are provided. The invention further pertains to the methods of making the plant cell or the plant resistant to infection by Xanthomonas spp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of increasing resistance against fungal pathogens of the order Pucciniales, preferably the family Phacopsoraceae, in plants and/or plant cells. This is achieved by increasing the expression of a CASAR protein or fragment thereof in a plant, plant part and/or plant cell in comparison to wild type plants, wild type plant parts and/or wild type plant cells. Furthermore, the invention relates to transgenic plants, plant parts, and/or plant cells having an increased resistance against fungal pathogens, in particular, pathogens of the order Pucciniales, preferably the family Phacopsoraceae, and to recombinant expression vectors comprising a sequence that is identical or homologous to a sequence encoding a CASAR protein.

Abstract: Novel insecticidal proteins that are toxic to lepidopteran pests are disclosed. The DNA encoding the insecticidal proteins can be used to transform prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms to express the insecticidal proteins. The recombinant organisms or compositions containing the recombinant organisms or the insecticidal proteins alone or in combination with an appropriate agricultural carrier can be used to control lepidopteran pests in various environments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the prevention and/or control of infestation by insect pest species. In particular, the invention relates to down-regulation of expression of target genes in insect pests using interfering ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules. Also described are transgenic plants that (i) express or are capable of expressing interfering RNAs of the invention and (ii) are resistant to infestation by insect pest species. Compositions containing the interfering RNAs of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A polynucleotide expression system is provided that is capable of alternative splicing of RNA transcripts of a polynucleotide sequence to be expressed in an organism.

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 400 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 Müller cells of a gene when operatively linked to a nucleic acid sequence coding for said gene.

Abstract: The present application relates to the field of glyco-engineering, more specifically to glycosylation-engineered fungal cells, more specifically glycosylation-engineered yeast cells, optimized to produce highly homogenous forms of complex N-glycans on recombinant proteins. The invention specifically relates to methods to obtain pharmaceutical compositions comprising recombinant glycoproteins which have homogenous forms of complex N-glycans. In addition, the invention relates to novel pharmaceutical compositions which result from the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of aromatic hexanols and compositions containing them. In particular provided herein are methods of producing hexenols comprising: a) contacting a hydroperoxide of a polyunsaturated fatty acid with a modified hydroperoxide lyase to form a hexenal; and b) reducing the hexenal to a hexenol in the presence of a hydride donor, a ketoreductase, and a co-factor wherein the contacting and reducing steps are carried out at essentially the same time in the substantial absence of baker's yeast.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition containing linalool, wherein the composition contains a high amount of either enantiomer R-linalool or S-linalool, and has a high content rate of linalool. The present invention also provides a production method for producing the composition. The present invention further provides a composition containing volatile components including linalool, in which a content of linalool in a total content of the volatile components in the composition is 60% or more, and the linalool is present as R-linalool or S-linalool in an amount of 50% or more of the enantiomer, and a production method therefor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for producing ethanol from lignocellulosic hydrolysates comprising, hexoses, pentoses and acetic acid, whereby genetically modified yeast cells are use that comprise an exogenous gene encoding an acetaldehyde dehydrogenase and a bacterial gene encoding an enzyme with NAD+-linked glycerol dehydrogenase activity. The process is further characterised in that glycerol is present in or fed into the culture medium, whereby the modified yeast cell ferments the hexoses, pentoses, acetic acid and glycerol to ethanol. The invention further relates to yeast cells for use in such processes. The yeast cells advantageously comprise genetic modifications that improve glycerol utilization such as modifications that increase one or more of dihydroxyacetone kinase activity and transport of glycerol into the cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for producing fermentation products from starch-containing material, wherein a thermostable alpha-amylase and optionally a thermostable protease are present and/or added during liquefaction. The invention also relates to a composition suitable for use in a process of the invention.

Abstract: Described is a method for the production isoamyl alcohol (3-methylbutan-1-ol) comprising the enzymatic conversion of 3-methylbutyryl-CoA (isovaleryl-CoA) into isoamyl alcohol comprising: (a) two enzymatic steps comprising (i) first the enzymatic conversion of 3-methylbutyryl-CoA into 3-methylbutyraldehyde (3-methylbutanal or isovaleraldehyde); and (ii) then enzymatically converting the thus obtained 3-methylbutyraldehyde into said isoamyl alcohol; or (b) a single enzymatic reaction in which 3-methylbutyryl-CoA is directly converted into isoamyl alcohol by making use of an alcohol-forming short chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase/fatty acyl-CoA reductase or an alcohol-forming fatty acyl-CoA reductase (long-chain acyl-CoA:NADPH reductase) (EC 1.2.1.84). Further, described is the above method wherein the 3-methylbutyryl-CoA can be provided by the enzymatic conversion of 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA into said 3-methylbutyryl-CoA.

Abstract: The present application relates to recombinant microorganisms useful in the biosynthesis of monoethylene glycol (MEG) and one or more three-carbon compounds such as acetone, isopropanol or propene. The MEG and one or more three-carbon compounds described herein are useful as starting material for production of other compounds or as end products for industrial and household use. The application further relates to recombinant microorganisms co-expressing a C2 branch pathway and a C3 branch pathway for the production of MEG and one or more three-carbon compounds. Also provided are methods of producing MEG and one or more three-carbon compounds using the recombinant microorganisms, as well as compositions comprising the recombinant microorganisms and/or optionally the products MEG and one or more three-carbon compounds.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to the microbial production of polyhydroxyalkanoic acids, or polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), from substrates which cannot be used as a source of carbon and/or energy for microbial growth or PHA synthesis and which have microbial and environmental toxicity. According to one embodiment of the invention, a process for the production of PHA is provided wherein an enzyme such as methane monooxygenase is used to convert volatile organic compounds into PHA through the use of microorganisms that are unable to use volatile organic compounds as a source of carbon for growth or PHA production.

Abstract: A production system for a product selected from a nitrogen-containing product and a fermented and cultured product that does not involve (or can minimize) the transport of liquid ammonia can include: an ammonia synthesis apparatus in which an ammonia-containing gas is synthesized by reaction of a source gas containing hydrogen and nitrogen in the presence of a supported metal catalyst containing as a support one or more selected from the group consisting of: i) a conductive mayenite compound; ii) a two-dimensional electride compound or a precursor thereof; and iii) a complex formed of a support base containing at least one metal oxide selected from ZrO2, TiO2, CeO2, and MgO and a metal amide represented by a formula M(NH2)x (where M represents one or more selected from Li, Na, K, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, and Eu; and x represents a valence number of M) supported by the support base.

Abstract: The invention relates to reagents and methods that allow the expression of an active NifB protein in yeast and plants under aerobic conditions. The active NifB protein allows the in vitro synthesis of the FeMo cofactor (FeMo-co) which leads to the subsequent apo-NifDK activation and generation of active nitrogenase.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions, proteins, nucleic acids, cells, vectors, compounds, reagents, and systems for the preparation of kavalactones, flavokavains, and kavalactone and flavokavain biosynthetic intermediates using enzymes expressed in heterologous host cells, such as microorganisms or plants, or using in vitro enzymatic reactions. This invention also provides for the expression of the enzymes by recombinant cell lines and vectors. Furthermore, the enzymes can be components of constructs such as fusion proteins. The kavalactones produced can be utilized to treat anxiety disorder, insomnia, and other psychological and neurological disorders. The flavokavains produced can be utilized to treat various cancers including colon, bladder, and breast cancers.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to droplets and/or emulsions, such as multiple emulsions. In some cases, the droplets and/or emulsions may be used in assays, and in certain embodiments, the droplet or emulsion may be hardened to form a gel. In some aspects, a heterogeneous assay can be performed using a gel. For example, a droplet may be hardened to form a gel, where the droplet contains a cell, DNA, or other suitable species. The gel may be exposed to a reactant, and the reactant may interact with the gel and/or with the cell, DNA, etc., in some fashion. For example, the reactant may diffuse through the gel, or the hardened particle may liquefy to form a liquid state, allowing the reactant to interact with the cell. As a specific example, DNA contained within a gel particle may be subjected to PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification, e.g., by using PCR primers able to bind to the gel as it forms. As the DNA is amplified using PCR, some of the DNA will be bound to the gel via the PCR primer.