Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having xylanase 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 present invention proposes a method for generating cyan fluorescent proteins which have reduced pH sensitivity, in particular acid-pH sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibronectin-based scaffold domain proteins that bind to myostatin. The invention also relates to the use of these proteins in therapeutic applications to treat muscular dystrophy, cachexia, sarcopenia, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, COPD, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and fibrosis. The invention further relates to cells comprising such proteins, polynucleotides encoding such proteins or fragments thereof, and to vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to production of proteins in insect cells whereby repeated coding sequences are used in baculoviral vectors. In particular the invention relates to the production of parvoviral vectors that may be used in gene therapy and to improvements in expression of the viral rep proteins that increase the productivity of parvoviral vectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to direct protein delivery with engineered micro vesicles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and tools for producing large quantities of gamma-carboxylated protein comprising: (i) culturing a cell adapted to express a protein which requires gamma-carboxylation and ?-glutamyl carboxylase in a ratio of at least 10:1, under conditions suitable for expression of both proteins, and (ii) isolating gamma-carboxylated protein.

Abstract: Genetically encoded calcium indicator (GECI) polypeptides and the nucleic acid molecules encoding such polypeptides are provided. In addition, methods of using such nucleic acids and polypeptides in methods of screening for agonists or antagonists of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) or ion channels and methods of monitoring neural activity also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having beta-glucosidase activity, beta-xylosidase activity, or beta-glucosidase and beta-xylosidase 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 present invention relates to newly identified asparaginase polypeptide variants of SEQ ID NO: 3 and to polynucleotide sequences that encode such novel asparaginase variants. Furthermore the invention relates to the use of these novel asparaginase variants in industrial processes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to analgesic Clostridial neurotoxin derivatives comprising polypeptides having a long-lasting SNARE protein-selective endopeptidase activity. These derivatives selectively bind to and are internalized by non-neuronal cells secreting cytokines or sensory neurons in preference to motor neurons or autonomic neurons. The invention is also directed to nucleic acid constructs encoding such polypeptides, and methods of making such derivatives and nucleic acid constructs, and methods of treating pain, such as chronic pain, by administering such derivatives to a patient suffering from, or at risk of suffering from such pain.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel active polypeptide fragments of human IL-33 corresponding to natural forms generated by the proteases of human neutrophils (cathepsin G, elastase 2, proteinase 3), as well as the use thereof as a drug, in particular for the treatment of infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, or cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods which exploit the discovery of the SPARC carboxy angiogenic domain.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of removing nucleic acid contamination from reverse transcription reactions and hot-start PCR, wherein said hot-start PCR is a barrier hot-start PCR set up and/or involves a hot-start DNA polymerase, which methods comprise use of a DNase that is substantially irreversibly inactivated by heating at a temperature of about 50° C. for 5 minutes, and that is substantially specific for double stranded DNA. The invention further provides a DNase that is substantially irreversibly inactivated by heating at a temperature of about 50° C. for 5 minutes, and that is substantially specific for double stranded DNA, nucleic acids encoding said DNase and kits or compositions comprising said DNase or said nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of TNF family ligands which have been mutated at the ligand trimerisation interface so that they are not capable of assembling into trimers, and either assemble into dimers or remain as monomers. Such ligands bind to the TNF receptor but are unable to activate it, effectively functioning as competitive inhibitors. The invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding the variants of TNF family ligands, vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid and methods for the treatment of diseases associated with aberrant signalling through a TNF receptor.

Abstract: The invention relates to conjugates comprising a targeting moiety specific for the CXCR4 based on the polyphemusin-derived peptide and a therapeutic or imaging agent. The invention relates as well to the application of said conjugates for the therapy and diagnostics which require the specific targeting to CXCR4+ cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having endoglucanase 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 present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing 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 for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Substantially purified salivary Lu. longipalpis polypeptides, and polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are disclosed. Vectors and host cells including the Lu. longipalpis polynucleotides are also disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed for inducing an immune response to sand fly saliva. In other embodiments, methods for treating, diagnosing, or preventing Leishmaniasis are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are isolated immunogens including variant gp120 polypeptides. In an example, a variant gp120 polypeptide includes a deletion of at least 8 consecutive residues of the fourth conserved loop (C4) between residues 419 and 434 of gp120 according to HXB2 numbering. Also provided are isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the disclosed isolated immunogens. In an example, an isolated nucleic acid molecule further includes a nucleic acid molecule encoding a hepatitis B surface antigen or a variant thereof. Compositions including the isolated immunogens including variant gp120 polypeptides are also disclosed. In some examples, a composition further includes a carrier protein, such as a hepatitis B surface antigen or a variant thereof (natural or recombinant). Viral-like particles are also provided including any of the disclosed isolated immunogens or compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, nucleic acids, and cells for use in the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to survivin-derived 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 specifically relates to three novel peptide sequences and variants thereof 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 relates to methods and compositions for improving the productivity of recombinant vitamin K dependent protein expression in host cells.

Abstract: Proviral plasmids contain a modular gene expression cassette with one or a combination of (i) a wildtype 5? AAV2 ITR sequence flanked by unique restriction sites that permit ready removal or replacement of said ITR; (ii) a promoter flanked by unique restriction sites that permit ready removal or replacement of the entire promoter sequence; (iii) a polylinker sequence that permits insertion of a gene coding sequence without modification thereof, wherein the gene is operatively linked to, and under the regulatory control of, the aforementioned promoter; (iv) a bovine growth hormone polyadenylation sequence flanked by unique restriction sites that permit ready removal or replacement of said polyA sequence; and (v) a wildtype 3? AAV2 ITR sequence flanked by unique restriction sites that permit ready removal or replacement of the 3? ITR. These plasmids enable rapid manipulation of the components of the cassette, e.g.

Abstract: Novel attenuating deletions of Chikungunya virus E2 polypeptides are provided as are attenuated viruses comprising the deletions. Also provided are immunogenic compositions comprising the attenuated viruses and methods of producing such viruses in cells (such as insect cells). Viruses of the embodiments can be used for immunization of animals to provide protection from the pathogenic effects of Chikungunya virus infection.

Abstract: Production of clinical grade gene therapy vectors for human trials remains a major hurdle in advancing cures for a number of otherwise incurable diseases. Disclosed herein are systems based on a stably trans formed insect cell lines harboring helper genes required for vector production. Specifically exemplified are system embodiments that take advantage of DNA regulatory elements from two unrelated viruses—AcMNPV and AA V2. System embodiments utilize rep and/or cap genes either stably transfected in cell lines or which are introduced into cells as an expression cassette in a vector. Rep and cap genes that are designed to remain silent until the cell is infected with a viral vector. Infection with viral initiates rescue/amplification of integrated AAV helper genes resulting in dramatic induction of the expression and assembly of rAAV. The arrangement of this specific embodiment provides high levels of Rep and Cap proteins in every cell thus improving rAAV yields by 10-fold.

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 invention provides immunogenic compositions useful in prevention and treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infection. In particular, the present invention provides methods of inducing an immune response against an alpha-hemolysin-expressing S. aureus, methods of preventing or treating S. aureus infections, and composition for preventing or treating S. aureus infections.

Abstract: Described are soluble gp130 polypeptide monomers and dimers, wherein, in a preferred embodiment, at least one of the three amino acid residues Thr102 GIn113 or ASn114 of the N-terminal Ig-like domain of gp130 is mutated to Tyr102, Phe113 or Leu114, respectively. These mutations, alone or in combination, specifically enhance binding of gp130 to its ligand complex of interleukin-6 and soluble interleukin-6 receptor, thus increasing the biological activity of the gp130 muteins. In a particularly preferred embodiment, all three mutations are combined in the triple mutein Thr102Tyr/Gln113Phe/Asn114Leu (T102Y/Q113F/N114L). Moreover, a pharmaceutical composition containing said monomers or dimers and various medical uses are described.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a fusion protein comprising at least one FGF-21 (fibroblast growth factor-21) compound and at least one GLP-1R (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor) agonist as well as to pharmaceutical compositions, medical uses and methods of treatment involving the fusion protein, particularly in the field of diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity and/or adipositas.

Abstract: Prolyl and lysyl hydroxylases isolated from Mimivirus are described. These are able to hydroxylate collagen. Isolated nucleic acids coding for the mentioned hydroxylases are incorporated into suitable vectors and used to express these hydroxylases in host cells, e.g. E. coli. Furthermore a method of manufacturing hydroxylated collagen in a host cell is described. The hydroxylases and the recombinantly expressed hydroxylated collagen are useful in clinical settings and biotechnology applications.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel reductive dehalogenase genes encoding for reductive dehalogenases, which are capable of dehalogenating halogenated organic compounds and may be useful for environmental assessment and monitoring, and in the bioremediation of pollutants. In particular, the invention provides isolated polynucleotides of novel reductive dehalogenase genes dcpA and dcpB and fragments thereof as well as isolated polypeptides encoding the DcpA and DcpB proteins or fragments thereof. The invention is also directed to methods of identifying and/or quantifying dechlorinating bacterial organisms or polynucleotides encoding a reductive dehalogenase, such as the dcpA or dcpB polynucleotides or fragments thereof, in a sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition of matter comprising an isolated polypeptide, which is a peripherally-restricted Nav1.7 inhibitor. In some disclosed embodiments, the isolated polypeptide is an inhibitor of Nav1.7 and/or Nav1.3. Other embodiments are conjugated embodiments of the inventive composition of matter and pharmaceutical compositions containing the inventive composition of matter. Isolated nucleic acids encoding some embodiments of inventive polypeptides and expression vectors, and recombinant host cells containing them are disclosed. A method of treating or preventing pain is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to alpha-amylases, nucleic acids encoding the alpha-amylases, methods of producing the alpha-amylases, and methods of using the alpha-amylases.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel immunogenic proteins derived from Staphylococcus aureus, as well as methods for their use in conferring protective immunity against S. aureus infections. Also disclosed are nucleic acid encoding the proteins and methods of use of these nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biotransformation of furanic compounds. More particular the present invention relates to novel genetically modified cells with improved characteristics for biocatalytic transformation of furanic compounds and a vector suitable for the genetic modification of a host cell. Further aspects of the invention are aimed at processes for biotransformation of 5-(hydroxymethyl)furan-2-carboxylic acid (HMF-acid) and its precursors with the use of the cell according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing 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 recombinant cells and their use in the production of 3,4-dihydroxybutyrate, 2,3-dihydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxybutyrolactone.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant expression of a variant form of a fungal C1 strain ?-glucosidase. The invention also relates to the generation of fermentable sugars from biomass and the production of biofuels by fermentation of the sugars using genetically modified organisms expressing the ?-glucosidase variant. The invention provides methods for producing a fermentable sugar, such as glucose, from cellobiose by contacting cellobiose with a recombinant ?-glucosidase variant protein, such as a variant protein secreted by a recombinant host cell into culture medium. Methods of the invention may be used for conversion of a biomass substrate to a fermentable sugar, and ultimately to ethanol or other biofuel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity, catalytic domains, and cellulose binding domains and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains, and cellulose binding domains. 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, catalytic domains, or cellulose binding domains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic activity or hemicellulolytic activity and 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: Provided is a new polyomavirus, provisionally named MX polyomavirus, (MXPyV). Further provided are cDNA nucleic acid sequences, recombinant proteins, expression vectors and host cells, recombinant anti-MXPyV antibodies, vaccines, compositions, methods of detecting MXPyV, methods for assaying for anti-MXPyV compounds, and methods for treating or preventing a MXPyV infection.

Abstract: Provided herein are multifunctional heteromultimer proteins. In specific embodiments is a heteromultimer comprising: at least two polypeptide constructs, each polypeptide construct comprising at least one cargo polypeptide attached to a transporter polypeptide, said transporter polypeptides derived from a monomeric native protein such that said monomeric constructs associate to form the heteromultimer and said transporter polypeptides associate to form a quasi-native structure of the monomeric native protein or analog thereof. These therapeutically novel molecules encompass heteromultimers comprising constructs that function as scaffolds for the conjugation or fusion of therapeutic molecular entities (cargo polypeptides) resulting in the creation of bispecific or multivalent molecular species. Provided herein is a method for creation of bispecific or multivalent molecular species.

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 Zinc-Finger (C3HC4-type RING finger) family polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a delivery system that comprises a conjugate that facilitates the delivery of a compound such as a biologically-active macromolecule, a nucleic acid or a peptide in particular, into a cell. The present invention also relates to said conjugate for delivery of a compound, such as a biologically-active macromolecule, a nucleic acid or a peptide, into a cell. The present invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising said conjugate and to its use. The present invention also relates to a method of delivering a compound to a cell or an organism, preferably a patient.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses: [1] a DNA encoding the protein of any one of (i) a protein comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1; (ii) a protein comprising a sequence with one to ten amino acid deletions, substitutions, or additions in the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, and having fructosyl peptide oxidase activity; (iii) a protein comprising a sequence having 99% or higher homology to the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, and having fructosyl peptide oxidase activity; and (iv) a protein having fructosyl peptide oxidase activity, which is encoded by an expression plasmid harbored by the strain deposited under Accession No. FERM BP-11026; [2] a DNA comprising the of SEQ ID NO: 2; and [3] a DNA that hybridizes under stringent conditions with a DNA comprising a sequence complementary to SEQ ID NO: 2, where the DNA encodes a protein having fructosyl peptide oxidase activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to steroidal ligands for use in nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression systems. The invention further relates to methods of modulating the expression of genes of interest with a system containing one or more nuclear receptor complexes and one or more steroidal ligands. Further aspects include ligand compositions including therapeutic compositions.

Abstract: Methods and compositions described herein relate to processes for the production of deuterated peptides, and the deuterated peptides produced accordingly. Deuterated peptides produced according to methods and compositions described herein may be produced more efficiently than such peptides produced according to prior art processes. The production process of according to methods and compositions described herein may lead to advantages in yield, purity, and/or price for deuterated peptides. Methods of marketing deuterated peptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed compositions related to Eilat virus and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chimeric GH61 polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the chimeric GH61 polypeptides; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the chimeric GH61 polypeptides.

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: This invention relates to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides in accordance with the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial contexts.