Abstract: The present disclosure provides, inter alia, genetically encoded recombinant peptide biosensors comprising analyte-binding framework portions and signaling portions, wherein the signaling portions are present within the framework portions at sites or amino acid positions that undergo a conformational change upon interaction of the framework portion with an analyte.

Abstract: The present invention refers to single-chain fusion proteins comprising three soluble TNF superfamily (TNFSF) cytokine domains and nucleic acid molecules encoding these fusion proteins. The fusion proteins are substantially non-aggregating and suitable for therapeutic, diagnostic and/or research applications.

Abstract: The invention provides materials and methods for the treatment of obesity and excess weight, diabetes, and other associated metabolic disorders. In particular, the invention provides novel glucagon analogue peptides effective in such methods. The peptides may mediate their effect by having increased selectivity for the GLP-1 receptor as compared to human glucagon.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for the generation of an antibody or immunogenic composition, such as a vaccine, through epitope focusing by variable effective antigen surface concentration. Generally, the composition and methods of the disclosure comprise three steps: a “design process” comprising one or more in silico bioinformatics steps to select and generate a library of potential antigens for use in the immunogenic composition; a “formulation process”, comprising in vitro testing of potential antigens, using various biochemical assays, and further combining two or more antigens to generate one or more immunogenic compositions; and an “administering” step, whereby the immunogenic composition is administered to a host animal, immune cell, subject or patient. Further steps may also be included, such as the isolation and production of antibodies raised by host immune response to the immunogenic composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids encoding peptides capable of binding to actin. The nucleic acids encoding the peptides are useful in methods for detecting actin in vitro or in living cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptide fragments comprising an amino-terminal fragment of the PA subunit of a viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase or variants thereof possessing endonuclease activity, wherein said PA subunit is from a virus belonging to the Orthomyxoviridae family. This invention also relates to (i) crystals of the polypeptide fragments which are suitable for structure determination of said polypeptide fragments using X-ray crystallography and (ii) computational methods using the structural coordinates of said polypeptide to screen for and design compounds that modulate, preferably inhibit the endonucleolytically active site within the polypeptide fragment. In addition, this invention relates to methods identifying compounds that bind to the PA polypeptide fragments possessing endonuclease activity and preferably inhibit said endonucleolytic activity, preferably in a high throughput setting.

Abstract: A polypeptide containing an amino acid sequence having at least 60% identity to the amino acid sequence SEQ ID No. 1 or containing at least one amino acid fragment of at least 6 consecutive amino acid residues of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID No. 1 or having immunological cross-reactivity to the amino acid sequence SEQ ID No. 1 or fragments thereof, wherein the amino acid sequence SEQ ID No. 1 codes for an allergen and the polypeptide comprises at least one T cell epitope recognized by a T cell receptor specific for a molecule having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID No. 1.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions relating to Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV), and vaccines for treatment and prevention thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated, recombinant or synthetic polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide with protoilludene synthase activity and comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of a) SEQ ID Nos. 1 or 14 of the attached sequence listing; b) a nucleic acid sequence complementary to SEQ ID Nos. 1 or 14; c) nucleic acid sequences which hybridize under stringent conditions to the nucleic acid sequences defined in a) and b) or their complementary strands, as well as to the polypeptide encoded by the isolated polynucleotide, as well as a method for the production of melleolides employing the polynucleotide or polypeptide of the invention.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides and recombinant DNA constructs useful for conferring drought tolerance, compositions (such as plants or seeds) comprising these recombinant DNA constructs, and methods utilizing these recombinant DNA constructs. The recombinant DNA construct comprises a polynucleotide operably linked to a promoter that is functional in a plant, wherein said polynucleotide encodes a DTP21 polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Protoxin-II variants, polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using the foregoing.

Abstract: Recombinant polypeptides comprising a DR?1 domain, an antigenic peptide, and a linker sequence are disclosed. The linker sequence comprises a first glycine-serine spacer, a thrombin cleavage site and a second glycine-serine spacer. Further disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the recombinant polypeptides, methods of treating inflammatory disease using said pharmaceutical compositions, and expression constructs comprising nucleic acids that encode the recombinant polypeptides.

Abstract: A leucine zipper variant, a polynucleotide encoding the leucine zipper variant, a method of preparing a leucine zipper variant, a method of inhibiting HDM2- and/or HDMX using the leucine zipper variant, and a method of the prevention and/or treatment of cancer using the leucine zipper variant.

Abstract: The present invention relates tocutinasevariants. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated, genetically modified, living non-mammal organism, having increased HMG-CoA-reductase activity compared to the wild type, and having reduced C24-methyltransferase and/or delta22-desaturase activity compared to the wild type. The invention is characterized in that the organism has increased dehydrocholesterol-delta70-reductase activity compared to the wild type. The invention further relates to different uses of such an organism, to a test kit comprising such an organism, and to a membrane extract of such an organism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having glucoamylase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of glucuronic and glucaric acid in cells through recombinant expression of myo-inositol 1-phosphate synthase, myo-inositol oxygenase and uronate dehydrogenase. Cloning and characterization of the gene encoding uronate dehydrogenase is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an repebody capable of binding specifically to interleukin-6 (IL-6) to inhibit the biological activity of IL-6, a polynucleotide encoding the repebody, a vector comprising the polynucleotide, a recombinant microorganism having introduced therein the polynucleotide or the vector, a method of producing the repebody using the recombinant microorganism, a composition for preventing or treating cancer, which comprises the repebody, and a method for preventing or treating cancer, which comprises administering the composition for preventing or treating cancer, which comprises the repebody. The repebody of the present invention significantly reduces the activity of STAT3 and the concentration of interleukin-6, and thus can be widely used as an agent for preventing or treating IL-6-related diseases.

Abstract: The disclosure provides thermostable enzymes isolated from Caldicellulosiruptor bescii and fragments thereof useful for the degradation of cellulose and/or hemicellulose, including thermostable cellulases and hemicellulases. The disclosure further provides nucleic acids encoding the thermostable enzymes of the disclosure. The disclosure also provides methods for the conversion of cellulose and hemicellulose into fermentable sugars using thermostable enzymes of the disclosure. The disclosure also provides enzyme cocktails containing multiple enzymes disclosed herein. The enzymes can be used to release sugars present in cellulose or hemicellulose for subsequent fermentation to produce value-added products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic polypeptide and methods for its creation and use for modulating an immune response in a host organism in need thereof. In particular, the invention relates to the administration to an organism in need thereof, of an effective amount of a pre-coupled polypeptide complex comprising a lymphokine polypeptide portion, for example IL-15 (SEQ ID NO: 5, 6), IL-2 (SEQ ID NO: 10, 12) or combinations of both, and an interleukin receptor polypeptide portion, for example IL-15Ra (SEQ ID NO: 7, 8), IL-2Ra (SEQ ID NO: 9, 11) or combinations of both, for augmenting the immune system in, for example, cancer, SCID, AIDS, or vaccination; or inhibiting the immune system in, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, or Lupus. The therapeutic complex of the invention surprisingly demonstrates increased half-life, and efficacy in vivo.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method and enzyme for forming various compounds, such as monoterpenes and monoterpenoid compounds. In a specific example, the present disclosure provides a method for producing one or more of (?)-ipsdienol, (?)-ipsenol, ipsenone, and ipsdienone. The present disclosure also provides methods of using compounds formed from the disclosed method and enzyme.

Abstract: Vaccination methods to control PCV2 infection with different PCV2 subtypes are disclosed. Specifically, a PCV2 subtype b (PCV2b) ORF2 proteins or immunogenic compositions comprising a PCV2b ORF2 protein are used in a method for the treatment or prevention of an infection with PCV2 of the same PCV2b and/or different subtype; the reduction, prevention or treatment of clinical signs caused by an infection with PCV2 of the same PCV2b or a different subtype; and/or the prevention or treatment of a disease caused by an infection with PCV2 of the same PCV2b and/or a different subtype. The present invention in particular relates to PCV2 subtype b (PCV2b) ORF2 proteins characterized in that they contain at least one mutation in the BC loop that such that the expressed protein is preferably expressed in a higher amount compared to a PCV2 ORF2 protein that does not contain such mutation.

Abstract: Compositions for reducing fucosylation of glycoproteins in insect cells are provided. Also disclosed are methods of use of such compositions for the production of recombinant humanized proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule encoding a chimeric protein having the biochemical activity of a surface active protein, wherein said chimeric protein comprises: (a) an N-terminal portion of a first surface active protein, wherein the N-terminal portion is devoid of between 0 and 10 of the most N-terminal amino acids of the mature first surface active protein; and, C-terminally thereof, (b) a C-terminal portion of a second surface active protein, wherein the C-terminal portion is devoid of between 0 and 10 of the most C-terminal amino acids of the mature second surface active protein. The present invention further relates to a vector, a non-human host and a method for the production of a chimeric protein having the biochemical activity of a surface active protein. In addition, the present invention relates to a chimeric protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention and a composition comprising the chimeric protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Huwentoxin-IV variants, polynucleotides encoding them, methods of making and using the foregoing, and methods of alleviating pain with peptide inhibitors of Nav1.7.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for protecting a plant from a pathogen, particularly a fungal pathogen, are provided. Compositions include amino acid sequences, and variants and fragments thereof, for novel variants of antipathogenic polypeptides generated through DNA shuffling that exhibit improved antipathogenic activity. Polynucleotides that encode the antipathogenic polypeptides are also provided. A method for inducing pathogen resistance in a plant using the polynucleotides disclosed herein is further provided. Compositions comprising an antipathogenic polypeptide or a microorganism comprising an antipathogenic polynucleotide of the invention in combination with a carrier and methods of using these compositions to protect a plant from a pathogen are further provided. Plants, plant cells, seeds, and microorganisms comprising an antipathogenic polynucleotide or polypeptide of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of veterinary parasitology, especially of canine Babesiosis. In particular the invention relates to a polypeptide being a novel canine Babesia antigen (CBA), or fragments thereof, and to compositions comprising this antigen, to nucleic acids encoding the antigen, antibodies against the antigen, and medical uses of this antigen, fragments, antibodies, or encoding nucleic acids. In particular the invention relates to the use of such components in vaccines against canine Babesiosis.

Abstract: Disclosed are variants of Humicola grisea CeI7A (CBH1.1), H. jecorina CBH1 variant or S. thermophilium CBH1, nucleic acids encoding the same and methods for producing the same. The variant cellulases have the amino acid sequence of a glycosyl hydrolase of family 7A wherein one or more amino acid residues are substituted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to GH61 polypeptide variants. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.

Abstract: The invention provides materials and methods for promoting weight loss or preventing weight gain, and in the treatment of diabetes, metabolic syndrome and associated disorders. In particular, the invention provides novel glucagon analogue peptides effective in such methods. The peptides may mediate their effect by having increased selectivity for the GLP-1 receptor as compared to human glucagon.

Abstract: This invention relates to nucleic acids, reagents and methods for detecting Rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a sample from a subject. In one aspect, the invention provides methods of detecting Rifampicin resistant M. tuberculosis in a sample comprising (a) amplifying a nucleic acid containing the rifampicin resistance determining region (RRDR) of the rpoB gene in a sample to provide an amplified nucleic acid; (b) probing the amplified nucleic acid with at least three molecular beacon probes for an RRDR mutant target; (c) conducting melting temperature (Tm) analysis to determine a Tm value for each probe; and (d) comparing the Tm value for each probe with a Tm value for a wild-type RRDR region, wherein a Tm value for at least one of the molecular beacon probes that is greater than the Tm value for the wildtype RRDR indicates the presence of rifampicin resistant M. tuberculosis in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical compounds, methods for their discovery, and their therapeutic and research use. In particular, the present invention provides antiviral and antimicrobial lectin compounds and methods of their use.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered transaminase polypeptides for the production of amines, polynucleotides encoding the engineered transaminases, host cells capable of expressing the engineered transaminases, and methods of using the engineered transaminases to prepare compounds useful in the production of active pharmaceutical agents. The present disclosure provides engineered polypeptides having transaminase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, methods of the making the polypeptides, and methods of using the polypeptides for the biocatalytic conversion of ketone substrates to amine products. The present enzymes have been engineered to have one or more residue differences as compared to the amino acid sequence of the naturally occurring transaminase of Vibrio fluvialis. In particular, the transaminases of the present disclosure have been engineered for efficient formation of chiral tryptamine derivatives from its corresponding prochiral ketone substrates.

Abstract: The invention provides improved adeno-associated virus (AAV) Factor VIII (FVIII) vectors, including AAV FVIII vectors that produce a functional Factor VIII polypeptide and AAV FVIII vectors with high expression activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides and their uses as apelin inhibitors. More particularly, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 wherein at least one arginine residue at position 18, 19, 22 or 23 has been substituted or deleted.

Abstract: Analyte sensors, methods for producing and using analyte sensors, methods of detecting and/or measuring analyte activity, detecting pH change, and/or, controlling the concentration of an analyte in a system, are disclosed. Embodiments of the analyte sensors according to the disclosure can provide an accurate and convenient method for characterizing analyte activity, detecting pH change, controlling the concentration of an analyte in a system, and the like, in both in vivo and in vitro environments, in particular in living cell imaging.

Abstract: Methods and compositions related to the engineering of a protein with L-cyst(e)ine degrading enzyme activity are described. For example, in certain aspects there may be disclosed a modified cystathionine-?-lyase comprising one or more amino acid substitutions and capable of degrading L-cyst(e)ine. Furthermore, certain aspects of the invention provide compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer with L-cyst(e)ine using the disclosed proteins or nucleic acids.

Abstract: Purified genes encoding a T cell surface antigen from a mammal, reagents related thereto including purified proteins, specific antibodies, and nucleic acids encoding this antigen are provided. Methods of using said reagents and diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions relating to the engineering of an improved protein with methionine-?-lyase enzyme activity are described. For example, in certain aspects there may be disclosed a modified cystathionine-?-lyase (CGL) comprising one or more amino acid substitutions and capable of degrading methionine. Furthermore, certain aspects of the invention provide compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer with methionine depletion using the disclosed proteins or nucleic acids.

Abstract: Drug compositions, fusions and conjugates are provided. The drug fusions and conjugates contain a therapeutic or diagnostic agent that is fused or conjugated to an antigen-binding fragment of an antibody that binds serum albumin. The drug compositions, fusions and conjugates have a longer in vivo half-life in comparison with the unconjugated or unfused therapeutic or diagnostic agent.

Abstract: Methods and compositions related to the use of a protein with kynureninase activity are described. For example, in certain aspects there may be disclosed a modified kynureninase capable of degrading kynurenine. Furthermore, certain aspects of the invention provide compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer with kynurenine depletion using the disclosed proteins or nucleic acids.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods, including polynucleotide sequences, amino acid sequences, recombinant host cells and recombinant host cell cultures engineered to produce fatty acid derivative compositions comprising fatty acids, fatty alcohols, fatty aldehydes, fatty esters, alkanes, terminal olefins, internal olefins or ketones. The fatty acid derivative composition is produced extracellularly with a higher titer, yield or productivity than the corresponding wild type or non-engineered host cell.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for diagnosis and treatment of ALS are provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for treating or preventing a bacterial infection, particularly infection by a Staphylococcus bacterium. The invention provides methods and compositions for stimulating an immune response against the bacteria. In certain embodiments, the methods and compositions involve a non-toxigenic Protein A (SpA) variant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-idiotypic polypeptide scaffold that includes two or more peptide sequences that mimic a discontinuous epitope of a pathogen that is recognized by or induces formation of a broadly neutralizing antibody. Using a fibronectin FNfn10 scaffold bearing two or more modified discontinuous loops, scaffolds that recognize broadly neutralizing antibodies in vitro and from patient serum have been identified. These scaffolds should induce an immune response or mobilize germline specificities to initiate their affinity maturation.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the detection and treatment of neurological disorders, including ASD, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the biosynthetic pathway for a nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) derived drug and analogs thereof. The invention also discloses polynucleotide sequences useful for heterologous expression in a convenient microbial host for the synthesis of the NRPS derived drug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for carrying out recombination at a target locus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutated tissue plasminogen activators, and their use for treating thrombotic diseases.

Abstract: A ligand recombinant protein inhibiting HB-EGF (Heparin-Binding Epidermal Growth Factor like), from the R domain of diphtheria toxin, which can be used for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases involving the activation of the HB-EGF/EGFR pathway.