Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting or reducing the proliferation of prostate cancer cells, such as androgen independent prostate cancer (AIPC) cells, the method comprising administering to the cells a PLA2 inhibitor. In one embodiment the PLA2 inhibitor is a conformationally constrained molecule derived from a peptide consisting essentially of amino acid residues 70-74 of a human sPLA2-IIA protein, or the equivalent residues in other sPLA2 proteins.

Abstract: Methods for determining the efficiency of a therapeutic. In at least one embodiment of a method of determining the efficacy of a therapeutic compound, the method comprises the steps of treating a subject having a disease state with an effective amount of therapeutic compound, harvesting at least one cell from the subject following a treatment with the therapeutic compound, bringing the at least one cell into contact with a stabilizing compound capable of completely or substantially preventing the degradation or inactivation of a diagnostic marker for the disease state, analyzing the at least one stabilized cell for the at least one diagnostic marker, creating a marker profile from at least one result determined from analyzing the at least one stabilized cell, and comparing the marker profile with at least one previous marker profile to determine efficacy of the therapeutic compound on the disease state.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and kits for screening potential inhibitors of MutS? by screening agents for the ability to selectively inhibit interaction between MutS? and MutL?. Also disclosed are kits for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method for screening compounds that bind to and modulate the hair-specific G-protein coupled receptor, P2RY5. The invention further provides for methods for controlling hair growth by administering a P2RY5 modulating compound to a subject.

Abstract: Fluorogenic lysophosphatidic acid derivatives which can be used as substrates in a continuous, fluorogenic assay that can be performed in microtiter plates. The assays permit measuring LysoPLD activity levels in normal events such as pregnancy or disease states such as cancer. In addition, the present invention can be adopted to high throughout screening (HTS) for identification of potential inhibitors of lysoPLD activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a screening method for determining whether a substance of interest is a substance which alters GPR120 mediated cell stimulating activities, comprising using a substance of interest, a biomembrane containing GPR120, or cells containing said biomembrane, and phospholipase or salts thereof. According to a screening method of the present invention, the method can screen substances such as CCK and GLP-1 which are involved in the secretion of hormones in gastrointestinal tracts.

Abstract: An analysis of an object dyed with fluorescent coloring agents carried out with the aid of a fluorescent microscope which is modified for improved resolving power and called a nanoscope. The method is carried out with a microscope having an optical system for visualizing and projecting a sample image to a video camera which records and digitizes images of individual fluorescence molecules and nanoparticles at a low noise, a computer for recording and processing images, a sample holder arranged in front of an object lens, a fluorescent radiation exciting source and a set of replaceable suppression filters for separating the sample fluorescent light.

Abstract: The present invention identities biomarkers that are diagnostic of nerve cell injury and/or neuronal disorders. Detection of different biomarkers of the invention are also diagnostic of the degree of severity of nerve injury, the cell(s) involved in the injury, and the subcellular localization of the injury.

Abstract: A LAGLIDADG homing endonuclease variant, having mutations in two separate subdomains, each binding a distinct part of a modified DNA target half-site, said LAGLIDADG homing endonuclease variant being able to cleave a chimeric DNA target sequence comprising the nucleotides bound by each subdomain. Use of said herodimeric meganuclease and derived products for genetic engineering, genome therapy and antiviral therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds and compositions that inhibit the action of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL), methods of inhibiting FAAH and MGL, methods of modulating cannabinoid receptors, and methods of treating various disorders related to modulation of cannabinoid receptors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for modifying, isolating, detecting, visualizing, and quantifying citrulline and/or homocitrulline-containing peptides, polypeptides, and proteins using mono- and disubstituted glyoxal derivatives. The invention also provides kits for modifying, isolating, detecting, visualizing, and quantifying the relative amounts of citrulline and/or homocitrulline-containing peptides, polypeptides, or proteins in solutions or samples.

Abstract: A reaction medium for detecting and/or identifying Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, comprising a predetermined combination of two antibiotics, a first antibiotic which belongs to the cephalosporin family and a second antibiotic, said first and second antibiotics each being at a sub-inhibitory concentration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a phospholipid-based NIR molecular beacon, having a phospholipid moiety; with an NIR fluorophore moiety covalently linked to a phospholipid glycerol backbone and a quencher moiety covalently linked to the phospholipid glycerol backbone. Additionally, provided herein is methods of analyzing a sample for the presence of a phospholipase and methods of identifying the activity of a phospholipase in vivo utilizing phospholipid-based NIR molecular beacon.

Abstract: The inventors have identified polypeptides having lipase activity in anaerobic thermophilic bacteria. Accordingly, the invention provides a process for hydrolyzing an ester bond in a substrate, which comprises treating the substrate with a particular lipase (a polypeptide having lipase activity). The invention also provides a lipase for use in the process and a polynucleotide encoding the lipase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of measuring the activity of a hydrolytic agent comprising contacting a biomolecule with a hydrolytic agent in the presence of a fluorescent dye under conditions that allow digestion of the biomolecule by the hydrolytic agent. The fluorescence of the dye is monitored over time and a change in fluorescence signifies digestion of the biomolecule by the hydrolytic agent. The biomolecule is preferably a protein, peptide or proteome but can also be a carbohydrate, oligonucleotide or lipid. Further methods relate to determining an end point for digestion of a biomolecule by a hydrolytic agent, and methods of monitoring digestion of a biomolecule by a hydrolytic agent. The monitoring can be performed on the reaction mixture in real time or via sampling. The invention also relates to kits for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising a cocaine esterase (CocE) and a compound that thermostabilizes the CocE. Also provided are methods of thermostabilizing a cocaine esterase. Additionally provided are methods of treating a mammal under-going a cocaine-induced condition. Methods of determining whether a compound is a thermostabilizing agent for a protein are also provided. Uses of the above-described compositions for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition is additionally provided. Additionally provided is an isolated nucleic acid encoding a CocE polypeptide having the substitutions L169K and G173Q, and the CocE polypeptide encoded by that nucleic acid, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Further provided is the use of that composition for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition and for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition.

Abstract: A rapid method for the quantitation of various live cell types is described. This new cell fluorescence method correlates with other methods of enumerating cells such as the standard plate count, the methylene blue method and the slide viability technique. The method is particularly useful in several applications such as: a) quantitating bacteria in milk, yogurt, cheese, meat and other foods, b) quantitating yeast cells in brewing, fermentation and bread making, c) quantitating mammalian cells in research, food and clinical settings. The method is especially useful when both total and viable cell counts are required such as in the brewing industry. The method can also be employed to determine the metabolic activity of cells in a sample. The apparatus, device, and/or system used for cell quantitation is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to biomarkers for determining the EGFR kinase activity in a subject, and the use thereof for predicting and monitoring therapeutic intervention in cancer patients. Areas of application are the life sciences: biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, medicine and medical technology. The biomarkers are selected from a first group consisting of Amy 1, Apo Al, Carbx, Casp, AFP, ApoM, SAP, Fib-a, Fib-b, Fib-g, ApoE, A2MG, A2MG isoform, Serpin, Clusterin, MHC-fB, SAP isoform, or from a second group consisting of Gpx3, properidin, MUP1, HMW-K, Lifr-p, Orm 1, MBL-A, MBP-C, wherein the biomarkers are regulated by EGF overexpression in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing compounds of formula (I) and (VII); said process comprising the steps of: a) subjecting a compound of formula (II) to an enzymatic diastereomeric resolution in the presence of a suitable amount of enzyme chosen from Pig Liver Esterase or Porcine Pancreatic Lipase b) recovering said compounds of formula (I) and (VII). The invention also provides a process for producing compounds of formula (III) and (X); said process comprising the steps of: a) subjecting a compound of formula (IV) to an enzymatic diastereomeric resolution in the presence of a suitable amount of enzyme chosen from Candida Antarctica “A” lipase, Candida Antarctica “B” lipase, Candida Lypolitica Lipase or Rhizomucor Miehei Lipase b) recovering said compound of formula (III) and (X).

Abstract: The invention relates to a population model for the analysis of blood lipoprotein physiology in a test subject comprising: a. a submodel for the production of blood lipoproteins; b. a submodel for the lipolysis of blood lipoproteins; c. a submodel for the reabsorption of blood lipoproteins; and d. a submodel relating blood lipoprotein particle size to biochemical composition, more specifically triglyceride content, there-by providing an analysis of the physiological processes underlying a steady state particle population distribution. Each submodel is given as function, using the size of the lipoprotein particle as the independent variable.

Abstract: The present invention provides diagnostic methods and kits for diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) by determining expression levels of isoforms of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) associated with CLL, particularly, PDE7B and/or PDE3B, and a ratio of mRNA expression of PDE7B to PDE3B. The present invention provides that CLL lymphocytes uniformly expressed high levels of PDE7B and low levels of PDE3B relative to those of normal lymphocytes. A method of treatment and a pharmaceutical composition for CLL comprising one or more therapeutic agents capable of modulating expression or activity levels of isoforms of PDEs associated with CLL, and/or reversing the ratio of PDE7B/PDE3B mRNA expression levels are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the assessment of lung cancer. It discloses the use of protein AP endonuclease (APEX) in the assessment of lung cancer. It also relates to a method for assessing lung cancer in vitro using a liquid sample derived from an individual by measuring APEX in the sample. Measurement of APEX can, e.g., be used in the early detection or in the follow-up of patients with lung cancer.

Abstract: Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is a chronic process related to a progressive mineralization of the aortic root and valve cusps. We found in human AS valves a high level of expression and enzymatic activity of ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase-1 (ENPP-1), which correlated to the degree of mineralization. In vitro, inhibition of ENPP activity with ARL 67156 significantly reduced calcification of isolated valve interstitial cells. In a rat model of cardiovascular calcification, ARL 67156 significantly reduced calcification of the aortic root and valve cusps. This is the first study to demonstrate that increased expression and activity of ENPP-1 promotes the mineralization process in AS valves. Hence, inhibition of ectonucleotidase may represent a novel target of therapy for this frequent and serious cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma biomarker for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in particular to the discovery of a protein in plasma using 2-D fluorescence differential gel electrophoresis (2-D DIGE), immunoprecipitation and Nano-liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (Nano-LC-MS/MS) system that was unknown on the basis of conventional techniques. By demonstrating the presence of liver carboxylesterase 1 (hCE1) in human plasma and confirming that its secretion level is higher in patients with HCC than in healthy volunteers, this invention may be used as a screening method to diagnose HCC at an early stage.

Abstract: A polypeptide having an RNaseH activity from Archaeoglobus profundus and being highly useful in gene engineering; a gene encoding this polypeptide; and a genetic engineering process for producing the polypeptide.

Abstract: A method of measuring a lipid in a specific lipoprotein characterized by using a polycyclic polyoxyalkylene derivative at least in the step of determining the specificity of the measurement of the target lipid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved cell-based assays for the in vivo assessment of phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity using cyclic nucleotide-gated channels as cyclic nucleotide sensors, and for the assessment of the effect of PDE modulating compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having phytase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The polypeptides are related to a phytase derived from Hafnia alvei, the amino acid sequence of which is shown in the appended sequence listing as SEQ ID NO: 10. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides, in particular within animal feed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the method of measuring the YKL-40 level and using this measurement as a prognosis for survival of an individual suffering from heart disease caused by atherosclerosis. The method may be used for classification of individuals in order to optimize treatment or monitoring the individuals during the course of or prior to or after treatment. The individual may suffer from any type of cardiovascular disease or disorder. The method also detects and determines whether diagnostically or prognostically significant levels of YKL-40 molecules are present in a biological sample. Furthermore the level of YKL-40 may be used to predict disease relapse.

Abstract: A method of interfering with quorum sensing regulation of genes to promote cell growth is disclosed. The method of is aimed at accessing microbial biodiversity. The method involves obtaining an environmental sample comprising at least one novel (uncultivated in the laboratory) microorganism, contacting the environmental sample with an effective amount of an agent or combination of agents which interferes with the quorum sensing regulation of genes, growing the treated sample in a culture medium containing the quorum sensing signal disrupting agent or agents, and analyzing the colonies of microorganisms grown to demonstrate genetic novelty.

Abstract: A rapid method for the quantitation of various live cell types is described. This new cell fluorescence method correlates with other methods of enumerating cells such as the standard plate count, the methylene blue method and the slide viability technique. The method is particularly useful in several applications such as: a) quantitating bacteria in milk, yogurt, cheese, meat and other foods, b) quantitating yeast cells in brewing, fermentation and bread making, c) quantitating mammalian cells in research, food and clinical settings. The method is especially useful when both total and viable cell counts are required such as in the brewing industry. The method can also be employed to determine the metabolic activity of cells in a sample. The apparatus, device, and/or system used for cell quantitation is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and/or treatment of prostate associated disorders are disclosed.

Abstract: A reagent is provided for the detection of an exotoxin protein produced by a betahemolytic streptococcus bacteria suspected of being present in a host biological fluid collected from a subject. A kit is provided that is readily usable by an unskilled user and merely requires that an element of the kit be contacted with a biological sample and that element is then subjected to electromagnetic spectral energy. The incident electromagnetic spectral energy then reacts with the exotoxin protein indicator and can be reliably measured by an electromagnetic spectral emission. The emission is measured by a reporting module and is displayed to the user in a form recognized by the user's sensory systems; sight, sound, etc. or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A reaction medium for detecting and/or identifying methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria includes a chromogenic substrate, a first antibiotic that belongs to the cephalosporin family and a second antibiotic that belongs to the aminoglycoside family.

Abstract: A determination method quantifies a specific protein or peptide contained in a trace amount with high accuracy and in a simple manner without the need of using any expensive reagent. A protein or peptide of interest can be quantified by LC/MS/MS by using, as an internal standard, a protein or peptide including an amino acid sequence having the reshuffling the binding order of amino acid residues in the amino acid sequence for the protein or peptide of interest.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions for treating male sub-fertility that include an agent that causes a reduction in an effect of extracellular DNA on sperm cells, are provided. The agent may be, for example, an enzyme that degrades DNA such as DNase, a substance that blocks the interaction between cell free DNA and sperm cell surface receptors, a substance that binds to DNA, a substance that inhibits endogenous sperm cell DNase, a substance that inhibits a member of a signal transduction pathway mediated by DNA binding to sperm cell surface receptors, or an agent that stimulates production of an endogenous substance that causes a reduction in an antifertility effect of cell free DNA on sperm cells. Also provided are methods for treating male sub-fertility by administering the pharmaceutical composition to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying agents that modulate a level or an activity of tubulin deacetylase polypeptide, as well as agents identified by the methods. The invention further provides methods of modulating tubulin deacetylase activity in a cell. The invention further provides methods of modulating cellular proliferation by modulating the activity of tubulin deacetylase.

Abstract: Diglyceride solutions for lipase activity determination, comprising at least one diglyceride, a low concentration buffer, and a nonionic surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymorphic CYP2C8-polynucleotide. Moreover, the invention relates to genes or vectors comprising the polynucleotides of the invention and to a host cell genetically engineered with the polynucleotide or gene of the invention. Further, the invention relates to methods for producing molecular variant polypeptides or fragments thereof, methods for producing cells capable of expressing a molecular variant polypeptide and to a polypeptide or fragment thereof encoded by the polynucleotide or the gene of the invention or which is obtainable by the method or from the cells produced by the method of the invention. Furthermore, the invention relates to an antibody which binds specifically the polypeptide of the invention. Moreover, the invention relates to a transgenic non-human animal. The invention also relates to a solid support comprising one or a plurality of the above mentioned polynucleotides, genes, vectors, polypeptides, antibodies or host cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a phytase derived from Citrobacter braakii and related phytases. The phytases belong to the acid histidine phosphatase family, are acid-stable, of an excellent performance in animal feed, of a high specificity towards the substrate phytate, and expectedly of a high specific activity. The invention also relates to the corresponding DNA, the recombinant and wild-type production of the phytases, as well as the use thereof.

Abstract: A fluorescent probe which is represented by the following formula (I): (wherein, R1 represents a monovalent substituent other than hydrogen atom, carboxy group, or sulfo group; R2 represents hydrogen atom, or a monovalent substituent; R3 and R4 each independently represents hydrogen atom or a halogen atom; and R5 represents a monovalent group which is cleaved by contact with a measuring object, provided that a combination of R1 and R2 is selected so that the oxidation potential of the benzene ring to which they bind makes (1) the compound represented by the formula (I) substantially no fluorescent before the cleavage, and (2) a compound after the cleavage, which is derived from the compound represented by the formula (I), substantially highly fluorescent after the cleavage).

Abstract: The invention provides a purified, isolated, synthetic or recombinant phytase enzyme (e.g., SEQ ID NO:2) initially derived from Escherichia coli B. The enzyme has a molecular weight of about 47.1 kilodaltons and has phytase activity (SEQ ID NO:2). The enzyme can be produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be used to aid in the digestion of phytate where desired. In particular, the phytase of the present invention can be used in foodstuffs to improve the feeding value of phytate rich ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for degrading hydrophobic ester pesticides and toxins. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of insect esterases, and mutants thereof, in the bioremediation of hydrophobic ester pesticides and toxins residues, such as pyrethroid residues, contaminating the environment and horticultural commodities.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided that relate to a modified DNA cleaving enzyme having at least 35% amino acid sequence identity with T7 Endo I. The modified enzyme includes two catalytic centers separated by a ?-bridge where the ?-bridge contains at least one mutation having an effect of altering enzyme cleavage activity compared to the unmodified enzyme. Activities associated with the modified DNA cleaving enzyme that can be modulated in different reaction conditions include at least one of: (a) non-sequence specific nicking activity; (b) cleaving the second strand of a duplex DNA at a preexisting nick site to produce a linear duplex with a single strand overhang; (c) non-sequence specific DNA cleavage; (d) cleaving DNA flanking a mismatch; and (e) cleavage at a cruciform structure in a DNA duplex.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively determining cholesterol in high-density lipoprotein in a sample, which comprises: reacting a sample with i) cholesterol esterase and cholesterol oxidase or ii) cholesterol esterase, an oxidized coenzyme and cholesterol dehydrogenase in an aqueous medium comprising i) nonionic surfactant, polyanion and albumin or ii) a combination of a surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene alkylamine or polyoxyethylene alkenylamine and a surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene polycyclic phenyl ether sulfate and an anionic bile acid derivative, and measuring the formed hydrogen peroxide or a reduced coenzyme; and a reagent used therefor.

Abstract: A mutation is introduced into the substrate-binding site of flap endonuclease to prepare a mutant with modified substrate specificity. Using the mutant as a reagent for the analysis of genetic polymorphism, the analysis of genetic polymorphism can be performed more accurately, easily and sensitively as compared with conventional methods.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided in which the composition is a protein with at least 50% but less than 100% amino acid sequence identity with McrA or is a variant McrA protein with at least one amino acid sequence modification. The variant or protein has the property of cleaving DNA with methylated cytosine and not hydroxymethylated cytosine in a target DNA sequence, or substantially lacks catalytic activity while maintaining binding activity. Methods are provided in which the protein or McrA variant are used to identify methylation sites either by cleavage or by binding to the methylation site in the presence of a marker or by binding to an immobilized protein or McrA variant.

Abstract: The invention relates to Citrobacter phytases derived from Citrobacter amalonaticus, Citrobacter gillenii, and related phytases. The phytases belong to the acid histidine phosphatase family, are acid-stable, and expectedly of a high specific activity. The invention also relates to the corresponding DNA, the recombinant and wild-type production of the phytases, as well as the use thereof, in particular in animal feed.

Abstract: The present invention provides assays for detecting ADP, GDP and inorganic phosphate. These assays can be used directly to detect the presence of ADP, GDP and inorganic phosphate or can be used as part of a number of methods for identifying candidate agents that bind to a target protein or serve as modulators of the biological activity of a target protein.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated and recombinant phytase enzymes. In one aspect, the phytases are produced by modification of the wild type appA of E. coli. The enzyme can be produced from recombinant host cells. The phytases of the invention can be used to aid in the digestion of phytate where desired. In particular, the phytases of the invention can be used in foodstuffs to improve the feeding value of phytate rich ingredients. The phytases of the invention can be thermotolerant and/or thermostable. Also provided are methods for obtaining a variant polynucleotide encoding a phytase and for obtaining a phytase with thermostability or thermotolerant at high or low temperatures.