Abstract: Systemic administration of intact, bacterially derived minicells results in rapid accumulation of the minicells in the microenvironment of a brain tumor, in therapeutically significant concentrations, without requiring endothelial endocytosis/transcytosis across the blood brain barrier or any other mechanism by which, pursuant to conventional approaches, nanoparticles have entered into that microenvironment. Accordingly, a wide variety of brain tumors, both primary and metastatic, can be treated by administering systemically a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprised of a plurality of such minicells, each minicell being a vehicle for an active agent against the tumor, such as a radionuclide, a functional nucleic acid or a plasmid encoding one, or a chemotherapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the synthesis of double-stranded nucleic acids from a wide variety of samples and comprises the use of these nucleic acids for deep sequence analysis. Also, the present invention relates to specific reagents used in the method of the present invention. Further, the invention relates to kits comprising reagents for the method of the invention and use of said kits.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a promoter sequence from the lipid transfer protein 1 gene of Coffea arabica. The present disclosure further describes DNA constructs that contain the promoter, as well as methods of producing transgenic plants, plant cells or protoplasts, using such constructs.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme including the capability of reducing 5-((4S)-2-oxo-4-phenyl (1,3-oxazolidin-3-yl))-1-(4-fluorophenyl) pentane-1,5-dione to (4S)-3-[(5S)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-hydroxypentanoyl]-4-phenyl-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize the intermediate (4S)-3-[(5S)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-hydroxypentanoyl]-4-phenyl-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one in a process for making Ezetimibe.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) delivery of a GALGT2 polynucleotide. The disclosure provides rAAV and methods of using the rAAV for GALGT2 gene therapy of neuromuscular disorders. Exemplary neuromuscular disorders include, but are not limited to, muscular dystrophies such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Congenital Muscular Dystrophy 1A and Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2D.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for controlling undesired vegetation at a plant cultivation site, the method comprising the steps of providing, at said site, a plant that comprises at least one nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a wild-type or a mutated protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) which is resistant or tolerant to a PPO-inhibiting herbicide by applying to said site an effective amount of said herbicide. The invention further refers to plants comprising wild-type or mutated PPO enzymes, and methods of obtaining such plants.

Abstract: Disclosed are antibodies that specifically bind Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR-4), and to methods of using the anti-TLR4 antibodies as therapeutics and diagnostic agents.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for improving plant growth are provided herein. Polynucleotides encoding phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) proteins, polypeptides encompassing PAL proteins, and expression constructs for expressing genes of interest whose expression may improve agronomic properties including but not limited to crop yield, biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, and early vigor, plants comprising the polynucleotides, polypeptides, and expression constructs, and methods of producing transgenic plants are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention stimulate three levels of beta cell physiology: (i) glucose metabolism, (ii) membrane receptor function, and (iii) transcriptional factors that result in the in vivo formation of beta cells in the pancreas for the purpose of treating diabetes.

Abstract: A cell patterning material, a method of preparing the cell patterning material, a cell patterning method using the cell patterning material, and a biosensor including patterned cells obtained by using the cell patterning method are provided. According to the present disclosure, cells may be conveniently and efficiently patterned and the time for applying external stimulation for patterning may be controlled. In addition, the patterned cells may have an excellent proliferation rate and excellent differentiation efficiency, and may be re-patterned in a different direction, and High-throughput screening using the patterned cells is possible.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a plant or plant part comprising (i) a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a wildtype or mut-PPO polypeptide, and (ii) a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a CYP450 polypeptide, the expression of said polynucleotides (i) and (ii) confers to the plant or plant part tolerance to PPO-inhibiting herbicides.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medicine containing a long-lasting human growth hormone preparation as an active ingredient, which has low prolactin-like activity and shows long half-life in blood as compared with 22K human growth hormone. The long-lasting human growth hormone includes a fusion protein exhibiting growth-promoting activity and having a human serum albumin part and a 20K human growth hormone part, particularly a fusion protein in which the 20K human growth hormone part is linked to C-terminus of the human serum albumin part via a linker sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new anti-LSP1 (Leukocyte specific protein 1) antibody. This new antibody allows the specific staining of inflammatory dendritic cells and can be used in diagnosis methods or as a medicament when conjugated to a drug.

Abstract: Technologies for assessing, quantifying and isolating sperm cell populations and/or subpopulations having specific genetic signatures are provided, as well as methods and systems to assess the efficacy of chromosomal differentiation processes. Compositions for identification and differentiation of X-chromosomes and Y-chromosomes in DNA are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are modified NK-92® cells comprising one or more nucleic acids encoding i) a homing receptor, ii) Antigen Binding Protein (ABP) or Chimeric Antigen Recpetor (CAR) that specifically binds to a target antigen, iii) an Fc Receptor such as CD16 or CD16-158V, and/or iv) a cytokine, wherein the nucleic acid sequence is operably linked to a promoter. Further provided herein are modified NK-92® cells comprising one or more nucleic acids encoding i) IL-12 and/or TGF-beta trap, ii) an Antigen Binding Protein (ABP) or Chimeric Antigen Recpetor (CAR) that specifically binds to a target antigen, iii) an Fc Receptor such as CD16 or CD16-158V, and/or iv) a cytokine, wherein the nucleic acid sequence is operably linked to a promoter. Also provided are compositions and kits comprising the modified NK-92® cells, as well as methods of treating cancer using the modified cells.

Abstract: A herbicide tolerant protein SUM1, a coding gene thereof and a use thereof, wherein the herbicide tolerant protein comprises: (a) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1; or (b) a protein which is derived from (a) by substituting and/or deleting and/or adding one or more amino acids in the amino acid sequence of (a), and has the activity of thifensulfuron hydrolase. The herbicide tolerant protein SUM1 can show a higher tolerance to a plurality of sulfonylurea herbicides, can tolerate four-fold field concentration, and thus has a broad application prospect in plants.

Abstract: A method for delivering a cargo molecule into a cell is described that comprises linking a cargo molecule to a cell penetrating peptide. Chimeric constructs comprising cell penetrating moieties are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, nucleic acids and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumor-associated cytotoxic T cell (CTL) peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. The present invention relates to peptide sequences and their variants derived from HLA class I and class II molecules of human tumor cells that can be used in vaccine compositions for eliciting anti-tumor immune responses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for analysing the interaction of one or more nucleotide sequence(s) from one or more region(s) of interest with other nucleotides sequences in a three-dimensional DNA structure, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a sample of crosslinked DNA; (b) digesting the cross-linked DNA with a first restriction enzyme; (c) ligating the cross-linked nucleotide sequences; (d) reversing the cross-linking; e) fragmenting the ligation and ligated molecules from (d); (f) hybridising the fragments from (e) to one or more oligonucleotides representing the sequences which are adjacent to the cleavage site of the first restriction enzyme in order to enrich for the ends of the nucleotide sequences that have been ligated to another nucleotide sequence in step (c); and (g) analysing the nucleotide sequence of the enriched fragments in order to identify the nucleotide sequences involved in interaction(s).

Abstract: The present invention features inter alia nucleic acid molecules which encode polypeptides comprising a single chain Fc region and the polypeptides they encode. The Fc moieties of these constructs are linked by a cleavable scFc linker which is adjacent to at least one enzymatic cleavage site, e.g., an intracellular processing site. The resulting processed molecules comprise two polypeptide chains and substantially lack the extraneous amino acid sequence found in single chain Fc linker molecule. Methods of making and using these dimeric molecules are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of a switch for the production of heterologous non-catabolic compounds in microbial host cells. In one aspect, provided herein are genetically modified microorganisms that produce non-catabolic compounds more stably when serially cultured under aerobic conditions followed by microaerobic conditions, and methods of producing non-catabolic compounds by culturing the genetically modified microbes under such culture conditions. In another aspect, provided herein are genetically modified microorganisms that produce non-catabolic compounds more stably when serially cultured in the presence of maltose followed by the reduction or absence of maltose, and methods of producing non-catabolic compounds by culturing the genetically modified microbes under such culture conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a circularized peptide for treating cancer. An cyclic peptide is disclosed that has an amino acid sequence selected from Lys-X5-Glu-X1-X2-Gln-Met-Glu-Asp-Asp-X3-X4 (SEQ ID NO: 3), (SEQ ID NO: 4), Lys-Gly-X6-Val-Leu-Gln-Met-X7-X8-X9-Leu-Val (SEQ ID NO: 5), Lys-X5-Glu-X1-X2-Gln-X12-Glu-Asp-Asp-X3-X4 (SEQ ID NO: 9), and X10-X5-X6-Val-Leu-Gln-Met-Glu-Asp-X9-X3-X4 (SEQ ID NO: 10). The amino acids X1, X2, X3, and X4 can be each independently valine, leucine, isoleucine, or alanine; X5 can be glycine, alanine, leucine, isoleucine, or valine; X6, X7, X8, and X9 can be each independently glutamic acid or asparagine; X10 can be lysine or arginine; X11 can be methionine or cysteine; and X12 can be methionine or norleucine. The cyclic peptide can have the amino acid sequence Lys-Gly-Glu-Val-Leu-Gln-Met-Glu-Asp-Asp-Leu-Val (SEQ ID NO: 1).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to compositions for wound closure. More specifically, the present invention provides human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous polypeptides (e.g., antimicrobial polypeptides and keratinocyte growth factor 2) and compositions and methods for making human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous polypeptides. In addition, the present invention provides methods for treatment of wounds with human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous polypeptides.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and compositions for treating disorders or injuries that affect motor function and control in a subject. In one aspect, the invention a transgene product is delivered to a subject's spinal cord by administering a recombinant viral vector containing the transgene to the spinal cord. The viral vector delivers the transgene which expresses the encoded recombinant viral gene product. The viral gene product comprises HIF1-alpha. Also provided are compositions for delivery of a transgene product to a subject's spinal cord.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to methods and compositions for treating disorders affecting the central nervous system (CNS). These disorders include neurometabolic disorders such as lysosomal storage diseases that affect the central nervous system, e.g., Niemann-Pick A disease. They also include disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. The disclosed methods involve contacting an axonal ending of a neuron with a composition containing high titer AAV carrying a therapeutic transgene so that the AAV vector is axonally transported in a retrograde fashion and transgene product is expressed distally to the administration site.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to vectors, isolated cells, compositions, and methods for the treatment of critical limb ischemia and associated disorders. One aspect of the disclosure relates to a vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding a 165A isoform VEGF protein and a promoter that regulates expression of the nucleic acid encoding the VEGF.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell structure which can be produced within a short period of time and has a predetermined or larger size, and a method for producing the above-described cell structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for transfecting cells. In particular, the present invention relates to methods of transfecting primordial germ cells in avians, and to methods of breeding avians with modified traits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel muteins derived from human tear lipocalin, which bind to IL 4 receptor alpha. The sequences of the muteins comprise particular combinations of amino acids. In particular a mutated amino acid residue is present at any one or more of the sequence positions 27, 28 30, 31, 33, 53, 57, 61, 64, 66, 80, 83, 104-106 and 108 of the linear polypeptide sequence of the mature human tear lipocalin. A mutated amino acid residue is also present at any 2 or more of the sequence positions 26, 32, 34, 55, 56, 58 and 63 of the linear polypeptide sequence of the mature human tear lipocalin. The invention also provides a corresponding nucleic acid molecule encoding such a mutein and a method for producing such a mutein and its encoding nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: A method of preventing the development of GvHD or reducing the severity of GvHD in a mammalian subject receiving an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplant includes administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising an active agent that inhibits the biological activity or expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1a (HIF-1a) or hypoxia-inducible factor-2a (HIF-2a), wherein the active agent is administered in an amount effective for preventing or reducing the severity GvHD in the subject.

Abstract: A serum-free media composition for maintenance or directed differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (HESCs) toward particular cell lineages is disclosed. The media comprises one or more cell nutrient media, a recombinant human albumin or equivalent thereof and optionally at least one agent involved in HESC differentiation. The media composition is substantially free of any human or animal derived products.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for producing recombinant milk proteins, as well as food compositions comprising the same. In aspects, the recombinant milk proteins of the disclosure are recombinant fusion proteins comprising casein and beta-lactoglobulin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transcription and expression using a nucleic acid construct which is characterized by the presence of a promoter followed by an intronic promoter. The invention further relates to the nucleic acid construct, an expression vector and a cell comprising the construct, and its use. The invention also relates to methods for transcription and optionally expression using a nucleotide sequence. The invention further relates to the nucleotide sequence and a construct, expression vector and cell comprising the nucleotide sequence, and its use.

Abstract: This disclosure provides plants having enhanced traits such as increased yield, increased nitrogen use efficiency and increased water use efficiency: propagules, progeny and field crops of such plants; and methods of making and using such plants. This disclosure also provides methods of producing seed from such plants, growing such seed and selecting progeny plants with the composition, or with enhanced traits. Also disclosed are plants with altered phenotypes which are useful for screening and selecting events for the desired enhanced trait.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of use of cupredoxins, and variants, derivatives and structural equivalents of cupredoxins that interfere with the ephrin signaling system in mammalian cells. Specifically, the invention relates to compositions and methods that use cupredoxins, such as azurin, rusticyanin and plastocyanin, and variants, derivatives and structural equivalents thereof, to treat cancer in mammals.

Abstract: Materials and methods for producing genome-edited cells engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) construct on the cell surface, and materials and methods for genome editing to modulate the expression, function, or activity of one or more immuno-oncology related genes in a cell, and materials and methods for treating a patient using the genome-edited engineered cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides homologous recombination vectors to insert transgenic DNA in cells. These vectors shorten the production time and allow for easy generation of genetically modified cells. The invention allows the user to test multiple tags and to generate homozygous modified cell line using the homologous recombination vector. The invention can be used to generate knockout cells, to generate cell lines with knockin genes, to generate cell lines for drug screening against any target, to create transgenic animals, or in gene therapy.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a lentiviral vector. The methods can be used to express doubles stranded RNA complexes. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell, which is capable of down regulating the expression of a target gene through RNA interference. A variety of cells can be treated according to the methods of the invention including embryos, embryogenic stem cells, allowing for the generation of transgenic animals or animals constituted partly by the transduced cells that have a specific gene or a group of genes down regulated.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for pesticidal polypeptides are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated pesticidal nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed. In particular, the present invention provides for nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12, the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4, 5, or 6, as well as variants and fragments thereof.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a retroviral vector (FIG. 1A). Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods for producing siRNA encoding lentivirus where the siRNA activity may interfere with the lentiviral life cycle. In yet a further aspect, the invention provides methods for expression of a small RNA molecule within a cell, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, wherein expression of the small RNA molecule is relatively non-cytotoxic to the cell. The invention also includes small RNA molecules, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, that are relatively non-cytotoxic to cells.

Abstract: Genetically modified cells that are compatible with multiple subjects, e.g., universal donor cells, and methods of generating said genetic modified cells are provided herein. The universal donor cells comprise at least one genetic modification within or near at least one gene that encodes one or more MHC-I or MHC-II human leukocyte antigens or component or transcriptional regulator of the MHC-I or MHC-II complex, at least one genetic modification that increases the expression of at least one polynucleotide that encodes a tolerogenic factor, and optionally at least one genetic modification that increases or decreases the expression of at least one gene that encodes a survival factor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adenovirus E4ORF1 gene and to endothelial cells engineered to express the E4ORF1 gene. The present invention also relates to uses of the E4ORF1 gene, and cells expressing the E4ORF1 gene, and to compositions comprising the E4ORF1 gene, or comprising cells expressing the E4ORF1 gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adeno-associated virus (AAV) producer cell comprising nucleic acid sequences encoding: rep/cap gene; helper virus genes; and the DNA genome of the AAV vector particle, wherein the nucleic acid sequences are all integrated together at a single locus within the AAV producer cell genome. The invention also relates to nucleic acid vectors comprising a non-mammalian origin of replication and the ability to hold at least 25 kilobases (kb) of DNA, characterized in that the nucleic acid vectors comprise nucleic acid sequences encoding: rep/cap gene, and helper virus genes. The invention also relates to uses and methods using the nucleic acid vectors in order to produce stable AAV packaging and producer cell lines.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a transgenic plant or plant tissue or plant cell comprising at least one polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising a variable domain of a heavy-chain antibody (VHH) specifically binding to a sphingolipid of a fungus. This disclosure further relates to a method for protecting at least part of a plant, plant tissue or plant cell from an infection with a plant pathogen, for inhibiting the growth of a plant pathogen on at least part of a plant, plant tissue or plant cell, or for increasing pathogen resistance of at least part of a plant, plant tissue or plant cell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are viral vectors based on modifications of the Citrus Tristeza virus useful for transfecting citrus trees for beneficial purposes. Included in the disclosure are viral vectors including one or more gene cassettes that encode heterologous polypeptide s. The gene cassettes are positioned at desirable locations on the viral genome so as to enable expression while preserving functionality of the virus. Also disclosed are methods of transfecting plants and plants transfected with viral vector embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to promoter sequences and promoter control elements, polynucleotide constructs comprising the promoters and control elements, and methods of identifying the promoters, control elements, or fragments thereof. The invention further relates to the use of the present promoters or promoter control elements to modulate transcript levels.

Abstract: Technology for the isolation and propagation of primary human Sertoli cells from normal testes tissue, including cultures of proliferative primary human Sertoli cells for research and clinical applications, and a pharmaceutical composition for cell therapy, ex vivo gene therapy, and for the reduction of autoimmune, allograft, and xenograft immune reactions.

Abstract: A eukaryotic replicative pUC-free minicircle expression vector is provided. The eukaryotic replicative pUC-free minicircle expression vector includes a pUC-free eukaryotic region sequence encoding a transgene of interest and comprising 5? and 3? ends and ii) a pUC-free spacer region of less than 500 basepairs in length linking the 5? and 3? ends of the eukaryotic region sequences and comprising a bacterial R6K replication origin having at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11 or SEQ ID NO: 12 and a RNA selectable marker, the RNA selectable marker being an RNA-IN regulating RNA-OUT functional variant having at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:20 or SEQ ID NO:22.

Abstract: A nucleic acid constructs including a heterologous nucleotide sequence operably linked to a constitutively active promoter; a 5? recombination sequence at a 5? end of the construct and a 3? recombination sequence at a 3? end of the construct, wherein the recombination sequences are configured for homologous recombination into a genome of a microalgal host cell; and optionally a bacterial 5? untranslated region (5?UTR) between the 5? recombination sequence and the promoter, and a bacterial 3? untranslated region (3?UTR) between the 3? recombination sequence and the heterologous nucleotide sequence.

Abstract: Codon-altered polynucleotides encoding Factor IX variants for expression in mammalian cells are provided, including sequences with high nucleotide sequence identity to the CS02, CS03, CS04, CS05, and CS06 sequences. Mammalian gene therapy vectors, such as adeno-associated viral vectors, and methods for treating hemophilia B using those vectors are also provided.