Abstract: The present invention provides TREM2 constructs. TREM2 constructs of the invention are polynucleotide sequences encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises at least one TREM2 or fragment thereof and a targeting moiety and optionally comprising a signal peptide and/or a purification moiety. The present invention also provides isolated polypeptides encoded by TREM2 constructs, vectors comprising TREM2 constructs, isolated cells comprising said vectors, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Bioactive priming polypeptides are provided that are useful when applied to plants in agricultural formulations. Methods of using the formulations containing the bioactive priming polypeptides are also provided which are applied exogenously to the surface of a plant or a plant cell membrane or endogenously to the interior of a plant or to a plant cell. The bioactive priming polypeptides when applied to a plant, a plant part, or a plant growth medium or a rhizosphere in an area surrounding the plant or the plant part increase growth, yield, health, longevity, productivity, and/or vigor of a plant or a plant part and/or decrease abiotic stress in the plant or the plant part and/or protect the plant or the plant part from disease, insects and/or nematodes, and/or increase the innate immune response of the plant or the plant part and/or change plant architecture.

Abstract: The present application provides engineered polypeptides having imine or oxime reductase activity, polynucleotides encoding the engineered polypeptides, host cells capable of expressing the engineered polypeptides, and methods of using these engineered polypeptides with a range of ketone amine substrate compounds to prepare secondary and tertiary amine product compounds.

Abstract: The present invention discloses crystal structure of Staphylococcus aureus Clumping factor A (ClfA) in complex with fibrinogen (Fg) derived peptide. Also, the present invention also discloses the use of this structure in the design of ClfA targeted vaccines and therapeutic agents (including monoclonal antibodies). In addition, the present invention discloses isolated and purified engineered Staphylococcus clumping factor A protein (ClfA) with a stabilized, closed conformation and immunogenic compositions thereof including methods of treating a Staphylococcus infection in an individual.

Abstract: An active peptide for enhancing the phagocytic functions of retinal pigment epithelium and a use thereof, which belongs to the technical field of preparing drugs for treating retinal neurodegenerative diseases, are described. The amino acid sequence of the active peptide for enhancing the phagocytic functions of retinal pigment epithelium described in the disclosure was as shown in SEQ ID NO.1. The active peptide of the present invention has biological characteristics similar to those of Gas6 full-length proteins, with an effect of enhancing the phagocytic functions of retinal pigment epithelium.

Abstract: A method for identifying a risk factor for diseases, disorders or conditions, such as those caused by human immunodeficiency virus, using the polymerase chain reaction and specific primers. Methods for treating patients having these diseases, disorders or conditions by antimicrobial treatment of the risk factor by combined antiviral and antibacterial treatment or by sustaining or stimulating the subject's immune system. Methods for screening biological products including red blood cell preparations. Primers and methods for detecting nucleic acids or microbial agents associated with red blood cells, such as those associated with red blood cells in subjects infected with HIV and undergoing antiretroviral therapy.

Abstract: This invention relates to outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from Gram-negative bacteria. The vesicles comprise heterologous proteins or immunogenic fragments thereof expressed as lipoproteins in their membrane. The OMVs of the invention are capable of eliciting an immune response to the heterologous protein or to a fragment thereof when administered to a mammal. Other aspects of the invention relate to methods of preparing the OMVs and immunogenic compositions containing the same.

Abstract: A soluble polypeptide comprising a modified glycoprotein V (GPV) lacking a functional transmembrane domain for use in the treatment or prevention of a thrombotic disease in a subject, said treatment or prevention comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of said soluble polypeptide.

Abstract: A bacteria referred to here as Bacillus subtilis 6A-1 is provided, compositions thereof and processes for use of the bacteria, spores, cells, extracts and enzymes. The compositions which comprise the bacteria, spores, cells, extracts and/or enzymes are capable of degrading polysaccharides. Such compositions are capable of degrading cellulose, including plant-produced cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose. The bacteria produces at least two cellulose-degrading protein fractions. Cellulose degrading activity continues across pH2 to pH13.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blood analyzer that includes: a sample preparation unit configured to mix a blood specimen and a fluorescent dye for staining nucleic acid to prepare a measurement sample; a light receiver configured to receive fluorescence and scattered light that are generated by light being applied to the measurement sample prepared by the sample preparation unit; and a controller programmed to determine whether or not infection with Plasmodium has occurred, on the basis of a value representing variation of a distribution of first particles in a range where single-ring form of red blood cells appear, the range where single-ring form of red blood cells appear being identified according to fluorescence intensities and scattered light intensities obtained by processing of signals from the light receiver.

Abstract: Genetically modified isopropylmalate synthases, processes for preparing a C7-C11 2-ketoacids utilizing genetically modified isopropylmalate synthases, and microbial organisms including genetically modified isopropylmalate synthases are described. The genetically modified isopropylmalate synthases, processes for preparing a C7-C11 2-ketoacids, and microbial organisms including genetically modified isopropylmalate synthases can be particularly useful for producing corresponding Cn_1 aldehydes, alcohols, carboxylic acids, and Cn_2 alkanes both in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of producing bioplastics. Specifically, it relates to a method of producing all key ingredients of bioplastic making from pumpkins and making of bioplastic with these ingredients. More specifically, glycerin and other chemicals are extracted from pumpkin seed oil and mixed with starches that in the pumpkin flesh and then reinforced with pumpkin fibers to make bioplastic. The bioplastic produced with the method as disclosed in this invention possess superior properties in tensile strength and biodegradability compared to bioplastic made with petroleum derived glycerin.

Abstract: The invention provides for hybrid nuclease-albumin molecules with increased pharmacokinetic properties. The hybrid nuclease-albumin molecules of the invention have one or more nuclease domains (e.g., an RNase and/or DNase domain) operably coupled to an albumin, or a variant or fragment thereof. The invention also provides methods of treating or preventing a condition associated with an abnormal immune response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel peptides derived from Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 1 (TRPM1), complexes comprising such peptides bound to recombinant MHC molecules, and cells presenting said peptide in complex with MHC molecules. Also provided by the present invention are binding moieties that bind to the peptides and/or complexes of the invention. Such moieties are useful for the development of immunotherapeutic reagents for the treatment of diseases such as cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide comprising an epitope within the macrophage scavenger receptor B-I, a method of using the same, a nucleic acid encoding the same and an antibody that binds to the epitope.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for treating diseases or disorders associated with pathological calcification or pathological ossification. In certain embodiments, the diseases or disorders are selected from the group consisting of Generalized Arterial Calcification of Infancy (GACI), Idiopathic Infantile Arterial Calcification (IIAC), Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL), hypophosphatemic rickets, osteoarthritis, calcification of atherosclerotic plaques, PXE, hereditary and non-hereditary forms of osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, hardening of the arteries occurring with aging, calciphylaxis resulting from end stage renal disease and progeria.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the seminal discovery that BTLA agonist fusion proteins modulate an immune response. Specifically, the present invention provides fusion proteins that bind BTLA enhancing BTLA signaling. The present invention further provides methods of treating cancer and immune and inflammatory diseases and disorders with a BTLA agonist fusion protein as described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for regulating biosynthesis of at least one of pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, 7-hydroxyheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine, 7-aminoheptanoland 1,7-heptanediol (C7 building blocks) using a pathway having a pimeloyl-ACP intermediate, the method including the step of downregulating the activity of BioF. Also disclosed are recombinant hosts by fermentation in which the above methods are performed. Further disclosed are recombinant hosts for producing pimeloyl-ACP, the recombinant host including a deletion of a bioF gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel peptides derived from Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 1 (TRPM1), complexes comprising such peptides bound to recombinant MHC molecules, and cells presenting said peptide in complex with MHC molecules. Also provided by the present invention are binding moieties that bind to the peptides and/or complexes of the invention. Such moieties are useful for the development of immunotherapeutic reagents for the treatment of diseases such as cancer.

Abstract: A mutant cytochrome protein originated from a cytochrome protein having three heme-binding domains, which mutant cytochrome protein lacks the first heme-binding domain and the second heme-binding domain as counted from the N-terminus, is provided. The mutant cytochrome protein may lack a region(s) containing the first and second heme-binding domains.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for microbial bioburden reduction of various chromatography matrices, including bioburden reduction in the context of large-scale Protein A-based affinity chromatography columns.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for treating aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. This invention includes a method of treating AADC deficiency in a pediatric subject, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a pharmaceutical formulation comprising an rAAV2-hAADC vector, (b) stereotactically delivering the pharmaceutical formulation to at least one target site in the brain of the subject in a dose of an amount at least about 1.8×1011 vg; wherein delivering the pharmaceutical formulation to the brain is optionally by frameless stereotaxy, and optionally wherein the dose is an amount of at least about 2.4×1011 vg and in some embodiments wherein the pharmaceutical formulation comprises a rAAV2-hAADC vector concentration of about 5.7×1011 vg/mL.

Abstract: A novel technique for improving secretory production of a heterologous protein by coryneform bacteria is described, and thereby a method for secretory production of a heterologous protein is provided. A coryneform bacterium able to secrete a heterologous protein modified so that the activity of RegX3 protein is reduced is cultured to produce the heterologous protein by secretory production.

Abstract: The invention relates to various compositions for improving exercise performance and/or recovery. The invention also relates to methods of using these compositions and kits including these compositions to improve exercise performance and/or recovery.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to recombinant microorganisms engineered for enhance production of a desired amino acid, as well as related biomass, and compositions which are useful, inter alia, as animal feed ingredients. The present invention also provides related methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of administering Factor VIII (processed FVIII, single chain FVIII, or a combination thereof); methods of administering chimeric and hybrid polypeptides comprising Factor VIII; chimeric and hybrid polypeptides comprising Factor VIII; polynucleotides encoding such chimeric and hybrid polypeptides; cells comprising such polynucleotides; and methods of producing such chimeric and hybrid polypeptides using such cells.

Abstract: A scorpion venom heat-resistant synthetic peptide (SVHRSP) contains an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 1. One or more amino acids the amino acid sequence can be substituted or deleted. A pharmaceutical composition that contains the SVHRSP has numerous applications. The pharmaceutical composition can be used to protect neuronal cell against amyloid beta-induced toxic effects, or to inhibit the sodium channel current of a hippocampal neuronal cell, or to protect a neuronal cell against NMDA-induced injury. It may also promote the formation of a pluripotent neural stem cell from a type II astrocyte, or treats a subject, such as a human, having epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, or Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a microorganism of the genus Corynebacterium producing 5?-xanthosine monophosphate and a method for producing 5?-xanthosine monophosphate using the same.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel streptavidin muteins. In one embodiment such a mutein (a) contains two or more mutations in the region of the amino acid positions 117 to 121 with reference to the amino acid sequence of wild type streptavidin of which amino acid residues 14 to 139 are as set forth at SEQ ID NO:212 and (b) has a higher binding affinity than each of (i) a streptavidin mutein “1” (SEQ ID NO: 16) that comprises the amino acid sequence Val44-Thr45-Ala46-Arg47 (SEQ ID NO: 98), or (ii) wild type-streptavidin of which amino acid residues 14 to 139 are shown as SEQ ID NO: 212 for peptide ligands comprising the amino acid sequence Trp-Ser-His-Pro-Gln-Phe-Glu-Lys (SEQ ID NO: 100).

Abstract: Described is a method for the generation of a live vaccine containing stable bacteria carrying at least three attenuating mutations and a vaccine containing bacteria obtained by said method.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the field of cancer immunotherapy, and in particular drugs with low toxicity which can overcome drug-resistance. The present invention concerns novel bispecific antibodies which have the capability of binding both the TRAIL tumor associated antigen and the T lymphocyte CD3. The invention further relates to compositions comprising the bispecific antibodies and a labelling agent, and to pharmaceutical compositions. The present invention also relates to the use of the bispecific antibodies in the treatment of a tumor.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for fabricating field-effect devices and sensor arrays. The field of the invention also pertains to methods of using the sensors individually, in combination, and in array fashion to detect molecules. The present invention also provides for products produced by the methods of the present invention and for apparatuses used to perform the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for producing an L-amino acid such as L-glutamic acid is provided. An L-amino acid is produced by culturing in a medium a bacterium having an L-amino acid-producing ability, which has been modified so that the activity of a c1795 protein is reduced or the activity of a protein of which the expression is repressed by a c1795 protein is increased, and collecting the L-amino acid from the medium or cells of the bacterium.

Abstract: The diffraction lens has an incident side and an exit side that are both convexly shaped, includes an exit diffraction plane that has an absolute value for the order of diffraction of 5 or greater and is disposed on the exit side, and is shaped such that the absolute value of a curvature at the surface apex of an envelope surface of the exit diffraction plane is smaller than the absolute value of a curvature at the surface apex of an incident surface, or the absolute value of the amount of sag in the direction of the optical axis at an outer periphery of the envelope surface of the exit diffraction plane is smaller than the maximum absolute value of the amount of sag in the direction of the optical axis at an outer periphery of the incident surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing improved cell-permeable (iCP)-SOCS3 recombinant protein and uses thereof. Preferably, the iCP-SOCS3 recombinant protein may be used as protein-based anti-pancreatic cancer agent by utilizing the platform technology for macromolecule intracellular transduction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant bacterium based on a non-pathogenic bacterium that has a modified genome containing a nucleic acid of interest from a pathogen that is detected by a molecular diagnostic assay and that mimics the diagnostic profile of the pathogen. The invention further relates to a diagnostic control composition comprising the recombinant bacterium and to methods for producing the recombinant bacterium. The recombinant bacterium is a safe, reliable quality control for the detection of pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Staphylococcus aureus. The invention also relates to a kit comprising either the recombinant bacterium, compositions containing the recombinant bacterium or bacteria produced according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detection of an inflammatory reaction, which comprises using a transformant or transgenic non-human animal transfected with a vector comprising a promoter for a gene encoding an inflammatory cytokine, a gene encoding a reporter protein, a gene encoding the inflammatory cytokine, and a gene encoding a proteolytic signal sequence to thereby detect an inflammatory reaction induced upon inflammatory stimulation in the transformant or in the transgenic non-human animal.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an organism having an ergothioneine productivity that is capable of easily producing ergothioneine within a short period of time at a high yield, as compared with a conventional technology, and, therefore, enables ergothioneine production on an industrial scale. This purpose can be achieved by a transformed fungus into which a gene encoding enzyme (1) or genes encoding enzymes (1) and (2) have been inserted and in which the inserted gene(s) are overexpressed. (1) an enzyme catalyzing a reaction of synthesizing hercynyl cysteine sulfoxide from histidine and cysteine in the presence of S-adenosyl methionine, iron (II) and oxygen. (2) An enzyme catalyzing a reaction of synthesizing ergothioneine from hercynyl cysteine sulfoxide using pyridoxal 5?-phosphate as a coenzyme.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for covalently binding a cell surface protein and a ligand, the ligand being capable of specifically binding to the cell surface protein, the method consisting essentially of contacting the living cells expressing the cell surface protein with the ligand comprising at least one furan moiety, thereby covalently binding the cell surface protein and the ligand.

Abstract: The invention further relates to a process for the enzymatic synthesis of an (oligo)peptide. The invention relates to a method for designing an enzymatic synthesis process of an (oligo)peptide, comprising identifying two or more (oligo)peptide fragments of an (oligo)peptide, which fragments are (oligo)peptides suitable for preparing the (oligo)peptide by enzymatic condensation of the two or more peptide fragments using a ligase. The invention relates to a method for designing an enzymatic synthesis process of a cyclic (oligo)peptide, comprising identifying a non-cyclic (oligo)peptide from which the cyclic (oligo)peptide can be prepared by cyclisation, catalysed by a cyclase. The invention further relates to a process for the enzymatic synthesis of an (oligo)peptide.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for deploying refuge seeds together with transgenic crop seeds are provided. The refuge seeds can be non-transgenic seeds of a similar variety to that of the transgenic crop seeds, or the refuge seeds can be a transgenic variety, but in either case lacking a transgenic trait conferring pest protection found in the transgenic crop seeds.

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: 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: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an organism having an ergothioneine productivity that is capable of easily producing ergothioneine within a short period of time at a high yield, as compared with a conventional technology, and, therefore, enables ergothioneine production on an industrial scale. This purpose can be achieved by a transformed fungus into which a gene encoding enzyme (1) or genes encoding enzymes (1) and (2) have been inserted and in which the inserted gene(s) are overexpressed. (1) an enzyme catalyzing a reaction of synthesizing hercynyl cysteine sulfoxide from histidine and cysteine in the presence of S-adenosyl methionine, iron (II) and oxygen. (2) An enzyme catalyzing a reaction of synthesizing ergothioneine from hercynyl cysteine sulfoxide using pyridoxal 5?-phosphate as a coenzyme.

Abstract: Disclosed are synthetic peptides and peptide compositions, including peptide conjugates, that can ameliorate and/or block the cytotoxicity of Clostridium difficile toxin B(TcdB), and methods of their use for inhibiting the activity of Clostridium difficile toxin B(TcdB) and protecting against damage during Clostridium difficile toxin B(TcdB) disease, and/or for use as cell penetrating peptides for enhancing the delivery of particular heterogenous molecules into cells.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods relating to engineered bacteria which have a modified Type 3 Secretion System (T3SS) which permits them to deliver proteins to the extracellular space (e.g., as opposed to the intracellular space of a target cell as done with a wild-type T3SS). In some embodiments, the engineered bacteria comprise a transgenic T3SS. In some embodiments, the delivered protein is non-native or transgenic with respect to the engineered bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing disulfide oxidoreductase A (DsbA) and disulfide oxidoreductase C (DsbC) polypeptides at very high levels of purity. Also provided are ultrapure DsbA and DsbC and methods of using same, e.g., for use in immunoassays to show removal of DsbA and DsbC from biologics produced in bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a genus of insect inhibitory proteins that exhibit properties directed to controlling Lepidopteran and/or Hemipteran crop pests, methods of using such proteins, nucleotide sequences encoding such proteins, methods of detecting and isolating such proteins, and their use in agricultural systems.

Abstract: A bacteria referred to here as Bacillus subtilis 6A-1 is provided, compositions thereof and processes for use of the bacteria, spores, cells, extracts and enzymes. The compositions which comprise the bacteria, spores, cells, extracts and/or enzymes are capable of degrading polysaccharides. Such compositions are capable of degrading cellulose, including plant-produced cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose. The bacteria produces at least two cellulose-degrading protein fractions. Cellulose degrading activity continues across pH2 to pH13.

Abstract: Provided herein are GPCR-based chemical biosensors that can have a sensing unit, a processing unit, and a response unit that can be used to detect a chemical of interest. Also provided herein are methods of making and using the GPCR-based chemical biosensors.