Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying compounds that modulate the activity of sirtuin deacetylase protein family members. Compounds of the invention are identified by designing or screening for a compound which binds to at least one amino acid residue of the newly identified nicotinamide inhibition and base exchange site of Sir2 and testing the compound for its ability to modulate the activity of the Sir2 protein. Compositions and methods for preventing or treating diseases or disorders associated with Sir2 are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Talaromyces strains. The invention further relates to enzyme compositions, which may be produced by the Talaromyces strains. Further the invention relates to methods for producing useful products from lignocellulosic material using the enzyme compositions.

Abstract: Methods and kits for diagnosis and staging of shock, and especially non-septic shock are presented in which protease activities and/or volatile compounds are measured from a biological sample to so identify and/or stage shock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for selecting compounds having a modulating effect on the activation state of a dimer of VFT-domain proteins expressed in cell membranes present in a measuring medium, said dimer consisting of a first protein and of a second protein, said proteins being identical or different, wherein this method comprises the following steps: (a) labeling the first and second proteins in the N-terminal portion of their VFT domains with the members of a pair of FRET partners, the Förster radius (R0) of said pair being between 20 and 55 ?; (b) measuring the FRET signal in the absence and in the presence of the test compound within a predetermined time window; (c) selecting the test compound as a modulating compound if a difference in FRET signal in the absence and in the presence of test compound is measured in step (b). The invention can be used in the search for new medicaments and new taste modulators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of predicting the likelihood of embryo or oocyte survival. This method involves providing a sample of an embryo, an oocyte, or surrounding liquid or cells, and screening the sample for ceramidase expression or activity. The ceramidase expression or activity obtained through said screening is then correlated to a prediction of the likelihood of embryo or oocyte survival. Also disclosed is a kit.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions, methods, kits and diagnostics for biosugar profiling of biological samples from a patient suspected of having a disease associated with changes in the biosugar profile. The biosugar profile from the patient sample is compared to a healthy biosugar profile from the same type of biological sample to evaluate disease potential and progression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel yeast strains, methods and genetic constructs for their preparation, and their use for the synthesis or modification of steroidal compounds. More particularly, the invention describes strains having a reduced 20?HSD type activity, in particular by modifying the GCY1 and/or YPR1 genes. The yeast strains of the invention make it possible to improve the efficiency of the synthesis or to increase the selectivity or the yields of the method, as well as the quality of the final product. The strains, methods and compounds of the invention are useful in the search for, the development and the production of products with therapeutic or prophylactic activity, in humans or animals, in particular of steroidal derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple method for the stabilization of a peptide in a biological sample and a reagent for the stabilization, a simple method for the preservation of a biological sample comprising a peptide and a reagent for the preservation, and a method for the accurate measurement of a peptide in a biological sample and a reagent for the measurement. Addition of a saccharide to a biological sample enables the stabilization of a peptide in the biological sample, the preservation of the biological sample comprising a peptide in a stable condition and the accurate measurement of a peptide in the biological sample. As the present invention can stabilize a peptide in a biological sample collected in the clinical examination, the peptide as a marker in the biological sample can be measured accurately in the clinical examination.

Abstract: This invention comprises the novel compounds of formula (I) wherein n, R1, R2, R3, R4, L, Q, X, Y, Z and have defined meanings, having histone deacetylase inhibiting enzymatic activity; their preparation, compositions containing them and their use as a medicine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and compositions for high throughput screening of genetically modified photosynthetic organisms for plasmic state. The present invention provides methods of producing one or more proteins, including biomass degrading enzymes in a plant. Also provided are the methods of producing biomass degradation pathways in alga cells, particularly in the chloroplast. Single enzymes or multiple enzymes may be produced by the methods disclosed. The methods disclosed herein allow for the production of biofuel, including ethanol.

Abstract: A mutant hydrolase optionally fused to a protein of interest is provided. The mutant hydrolase is capable of forming a bond with a substrate for the corresponding nonmutant (wild-type) hydrolase which is more stable than the bond formed between the wild-type hydrolase and the substrate and has at least two amino acid substitutions relative to the wild-type hydrolase. Substrates for hydrolases comprising one or more functional groups are also provided, as well as methods of using the mutant hydrolase and the substrates of the invention. Also provided is a fusion protein capable of forming a stable bond with a substrate and cells which express the fusion protein.

Abstract: Rationally-designed LAGLIDADG meganucleases and methods of making such meganucleases are provided. In addition, methods are provided for using the meganucleases to generate recombinant cells and organisms having a desired DNA sequence inserted into a limited number of loci within the genome, as well as methods of gene therapy, for treatment of pathogenic infections, and for in vitro applications in diagnostics and research.

Abstract: A fusion protein that is expressed in a recombinant protein body-like assembly (RPBLA) in host eukaryotic cells and organisms is disclosed. More particularly, a biologically active polypeptide fused to a protein sequence that mediates the induction of RPBLA formation is expressed and accumulated in host cells after transformation with an appropriate vector. The eukaryotic host cell does not produce protein bodies in the absence of the fusion protein. Methods for preparing and using the RPBLAs and the fusion protein are also disclosed, as are nucleic acid molecules that encode the fusion proteins.

Abstract: The invention provides histone deacetylase class II nucleic acids and polypeptides, methods and reagents for their use, and related compounds including small molecule libraries containing class II histone deacetylase inhibitors.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds of Formula (I) for selectively inhibiting glycosidases, prodrugs of the compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds or prodrugs of the compounds. The invention also provides methods of treating diseases and disorders related to deficiency or overexpression of O-GlcNAcase, accumulation or deficiency of O-GlcNAc.

Abstract: Methods of assaying for disease-associated crystal species in biological samples are described. Such methods involve contacting a patient sample with an excess of a detectable crystal-tagging compound reactive with a plurality of crystal species under conditions that allow the detectable crystal-tagging compound to react with a plurality of crystal species, if present, to form tagged crystal species complexes. Substantially all unreacted tagging compound is then removed. If desired, chemical, enzymatic, or physical treatment can be used to selectively degrade some, but not, of the tagged crystal species. Assessment of soluble versus crystal-associated label is then performed.

Abstract: Provided are hydrolases, including lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases, and polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. Further provided are polypeptides, e.g., enzymes, having a hydrolase activity, e.g., lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases and methods for preparing low saturate or low trans fat oils, such as low saturate or low trans fat animal or vegetable oils, e.g., soy or canola oils.

Abstract: The invention pertains to nucleic acids encoding a mutT domain-containing polypeptide, including fragments and biologically functional variants thereof. The invention also pertains to therapeutics and diagnostics involving the foregoing polypeptide and nucleic acids and agents that bind the foregoing polypeptide and nucleic acids. The invention also pertains to the identification of a novel mutT domain in human TrpC7, a polypeptide previously described as a putative calcium ion channel. Accordingly, the invention also pertains to methods and compositions for identifying agents useful modulating mutT domain-mediated calcium or other ion transport in cells expressing a polypeptide comprising a mutT domain and a calcium or other ion channel.

Abstract: Provided is a method for diagnosing Pompe disease in a patient by measuring acid ?-glucosidase activity in a sample from the patient. The invention also provides a method for monitoring the treatment of Pompe disease with specific pharmacological chaperones by measuring acid ?-glucosidase activity in a sample from the patient.

Abstract: An in vitro screening method for identifying a compound with iPLA2? modulating activity.

Abstract: Rationally-designed LAGLIDADG meganucleases and methods of making such meganucleases are provided. In addition, methods are provided for using the meganucleases to generate recombinant cells and organisms having a desired DNA sequence inserted into a limited number of loci within the genome, as well as methods of gene therapy, for treatment of pathogenic infections, and for in vitro applications in diagnostics and research.

Abstract: A method for the detection and/or measurement in vitro of a lipase or phospholipase activity, including the addition of a sample likely to contain said lipase or phospholipase into the wells of microtitration plates coated with a layer of a lipid substrate which is able to be hydrolyzed by the lipase or phospholipase by releasing ?-eleostearic acid, and the detection and/or the measurement of the lipase or phospholipase activity by UV spectrophotometry of the ?-eleostearic acid released during the previous stage. The application of this method to the in vitro diagnosis of pathologies linked to an increase in the plasma lipase level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining if a test compound, or a mix of compounds, modulates the interaction between two proteins of interest. The determination is made possible via the use of two recombinant molecules, one of which contains the first protein a cleavage site for a proteolytic molecules, and an activator of a gene. The second recombinant molecule includes the second protein and the proteolytic molecule. If the test compound binds to the first protein, a reaction is initiated whereby the activator is cleaved, and activates a reporter gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinantly produced ?-Glucosidase Variants with enhanced thermoactivity compared to naturally occurring proteins. The invention also provides methods for producing a variant ?-glucosidase polypeptide with improved thermoactivity by identifying performance sensitive positions in a target ?-glucosidase polypeptide and substituting the residue at that position with a thermoactivity enhancing residue.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods and compositions for the detection of specific beta-lactamases, including class A serine carbapenemases, metallo-beta-lactamases, AmpC beta-lactamases, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). The methods presented herein include methods that permit the detection of the presence of specific beta-lactamases in bacterial samples within as few as 2 to 10 minutes.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for saccharification of lignocelluloses to sugars using whole microbial cells, which are enriched from cultures inoculated with paper mill waste water, wood processing waste and soil. A three-member bacterial consortium is selected as a potent microbial inocula and immobilized on inedible plant fibers for biomass saccharification. The present invention further relates the design of a dual bioreactor system, with various biocarriers for enzyme immobilization and repeated use. Sugars are continuously removed eliminating end-product inhibition and consumption by cell.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials relating to obesity. For example, methods and materials related to treating obesity and identifying agents having the ability to treat obesity are provided.

Abstract: Rationally-designed LAGLIDADG meganucleases and methods of making such meganucleases are provided. In addition, methods are provided for using the meganucleases to generate recombinant cells and organisms having a desired DNA sequence inserted into a limited number of loci within the genome, as well as methods of gene therapy, for treatment of pathogenic infections, and for in vitro applications in diagnostics and research.

Abstract: Rationally-designed LAGLIDADG meganucleases and methods of making such meganucleases are provided. In addition, methods are provided for using the meganucleases to generate recombinant cells and organisms having a desired DNA sequence inserted into a limited number of loci within the genome, as well as methods of gene therapy, for treatment of pathogenic infections, and for in vitro applications in diagnostics and research.

Abstract: Compositions which modulate mitochondrial functions treat diseases associated with cells that are hyperactively using their endoplasmic reticulum. Screening assays identify agents which modulate mitochondrial functions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for preventing the occurance or progression of a cancer or pre-cancerous condition associated with expression, or over-expression of human cytidine deaminases of the APOBEC3 family. The invention also relates to drug screening assays designed to identify compounds that regulate the activity, or level of expression, of hA3A, hA3C and hA3H. The invention further relates to transgenic mice, as well as cells derived from said mice, that have been genetically engineered to express, or over-express hA3A, hA3C and/or hA3H. Such mice may be utilized to screen for, or identify, compounds that modulate the activity, or expression, of the human cytidine deaminases. The present invention also provides topical compositions such as cosmetic lotion, crème, or sunscreen for use on the skin, which comprise one or more inhibitors of human cytidine deaminase activity.

Abstract: Reactive surfaces, substrates and methods of producing and using such substrates and surfaces are provided. The substrates and surfaces provide low density reactive groups preferably on an otherwise non-reactive surface for use in different applications including single molecule analyses.

Abstract: An L-amino acid is produced by culturing a bacterium belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae, which is able to produce the L-amino acid, and is modified so that the activity of ribonuclease G is decreased in a medium containing glycerol as the carbon source, and collecting the L-amino acid from the culture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to evaluating the prognosis of patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer on the basis of Rab27B expression. The invention further relates to a kit comprising an assay for measuring Rab27B levels in said patients and to the usage of Rab27B as a target to screen for drugs capable of inhibiting or diminishing metastasis of said cancer. Furthermore, the invention discloses compounds which can be used to treat estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of identifying metallo-?-lactamase-producing bacteria, particularly, a method of conveniently identifying an IMP or VIM type. According to the present invention, there is provided a method of detecting metallo-?-lactamase-producing bacteria, comprising spotting a compound (I) onto a surface of a solid medium coated with the bacteria to be tested, spotting 3 types of ?-lactam agents at 3 respective positions different from the spot of the compound (I), culturing the solid medium, and then detecting the metallo-?-lactamase-producing bacteria based on the shape of an inhibition zone formed around the spot of each of the ?-lactam agents. There is further provided a method of identifying an IMP or VIM type of the metallo-?-lactamase-producing bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides mouse models for Pompe disease and methods of using the same to test agents that may be effective in the treatment of Pompe disease.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and kit for the measurement of LPL. The method comprises the following steps; administering a dosage of an anti-coagulant to the subject, gathering the biological sample, adding the biological sample to a well of a well plate, adding a first buffer to the well plate, adding a second buffer to the well plate, adding a substrate to the well plate, incubating the well plate, measuring the fluorescence of the material within the well plate, and correlating the measured fluorescence to a level of LPL activity. The kit comprises the following elements; an anti-coagulant, a well plate, a first buffer, a second buffer, a substrate, and a correlator.

Abstract: Rationally-designed LAGLIDADG meganucleases and methods of making such meganucleases are provided. In addition, methods are provided for using the meganucleases to generate recombinant cells and organisms having a desired DNA sequence inserted into a limited number of loci within the genome, as well as methods of gene therapy, for treatment of pathogenic infections, and for in vitro applications in diagnostics and research.

Abstract: A reporter construct contains mammalian INGAP 5?-regulatory region or a fragment thereof, a minimal promoter element from mammalian INGAP or a heterologous promoter, and a reporter gene. The reporter construct can be used to screen for agents which alone or in combination up-regulate or down-regulate reporter gene expression. Alternatively, the reporter construct can be used to screen for agents that bind to the hamster INGAP 5?-regulatory region or a fragment thereof.

Abstract: A microfluidics device to provide real time monitoring of platelet aggregation of a biological sample obtained from a subject. The device comprises a channel configured for passage of the biological sample, the channel comprising a protrusion configured to induce an upstream region of shear acceleration coupled to a downstream region of shear deceleration and defining there-between a region of peak rate of shear, the downstream region of shear deceleration defining a zone of platelet aggregation. The device further comprises a platelet detection means for detecting aggregation of platelets in the zone of aggregation as a result of passage of the biological sample through the channel. Methods to assess real time platelet aggregation of a biological sample obtained from a subject are further described.

Abstract: Rationally-designed LAGLIDADG meganucleases and methods of making such meganucleases are provided. In addition, methods are provided for using the meganucleases to generate recombinant cells and organisms having a desired DNA sequence inserted into a limited number of loci within the genome, as well as methods of gene therapy, for treatment of pathogenic infections, and for in vitro applications in diagnostics and research.

Abstract: Peptide-based compounds including heteroatom-containing, three-membered rings efficiently and selectively inhibit specific activities of N-terminal nucleophile (Ntn) hydrolases. The activities of those Ntn having multiple activities can be differentially inhibited by the compounds described. For example, the chymotrypsin-like activity of the 20S proteasome may be selectively inhibited with the inventive compounds. The peptide-based compounds include at least three peptide units, an epoxide or aziridine, and functionalization at the N-terminus. Among other therapeutic utilities, the peptide-based compounds are expected to display anti-inflammatory properties and inhibition of cell proliferation.

Abstract: A device and associated analytical method to use for the sensitive detection and accurate, rapid determination of acrylamide in food substances is presented. Also described is the use of a kit device and associated analytical method in which a user can quickly and easily ascertain the amount of acrylamide in food substances with ease and in any location, including a non-laboratory environment. Such detection device and method may be comprised of a sample collection area on which a sample of food, after being mixed in a solution, is placed for example on the substrate of a biochip that includes an enzyme that along with a co-enzyme or catalyst, facilitates the conversion of either acrylamide to acrylonitrile or the conversion of acrylamide to ammonia.

Abstract: Methods for assaying ?-L-iduronidase enzymatic activity and methods for screening newborns for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type-I.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for destabilizing lysosomes to increase the degradation of oncogenic or aberrant proteins for the prevention or treatment of disease. Methods for identifying agents which destabilize lysosomes are also provided as are agents identified in accordance with the screening method.

Abstract: Rationally-designed LAGLIDADG meganucleases and methods of making such meganucleases are provided. In addition, methods are provided for using the meganucleases to generate recombinant cells and organisms having a desired DNA sequence inserted into a limited number of loci within the genome, as well as methods of gene therapy, for treatment of pathogenic infections, and for in vitro applications in diagnostics and research.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prognostic marker in human cancer, HP1?, a high expression thereof being associated with a poor prognosis. The present invention further provides a method for diagnosing a cancer in a subject, HP1? a being specifically overexpressed in tumoral cells. The present invention also provides a method for selecting a subject affected with a cancer for an adjuvant therapy and a method for monitoring the response of a subject affected with a cancer to a treatment.

Abstract: A static fluid and a second fluid are placed into contact along a microfluidic free interface and allowed to mix by diffusion without convective flow across the interface. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the fluids are static and initially positioned on either side of a closed valve structure in a microfluidic channel having a width that is tightly constrained in at least one dimension. The valve is then opened, and no-slip layers at the sides of the microfluidic channel suppress convective mixing between the two fluids along the resulting interface. Applications for microfluidic free interfaces in accordance with embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, protein crystallization studies, protein solubility studies, determination of properties of fluidics systems, and a variety of biological assays such as diffusive immunoassays, substrate turnover assays, and competitive binding assays.

Abstract: The present invention embraces hybrid Prosthecobacter-eukaryotic tubulin proteins and use thereof for identifying agents that modulate the activity of tubulin.

Abstract: The present technology discloses biotinidase assay, biotinidase substrates (I) and a kit wherein the biotinidase substrate includes a label molecule separated from the biotin carbamoyl group by a linker X longer than about 4 ? but shorter than about 27 ?.