Abstract: Disclosed herein are polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding, cells and organisms comprising novel DNA-binding domains, including TALE DNA-binding domains. Also disclosed are methods of using these novel DNA-binding domains for modulation of gene expression and/or genomic editing of endogenous cellular sequences.

Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a method for a specific, versatile and sensitive detection of IFN-/virus-induced genes, a method for quantifying IFN potency and activity in a pharmaceutical preparation or biological sample, a method for distinguishing between IFN- and viral induction, and/or for distinguishing between different viruses, and a method for the quantification of virus activity. Also, the invention provides the necessary molecular tools like expression active response constructs, suitable cell lines, an array to perform the method and a kit.

Abstract: The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo the genes encoding VP2 and VP5 of African Horse Sickness Virus or an epitope thereof that elicits an immune response in a horse against African horse sickness virus, compositions comprising said vectors, methods of vaccination against African horse sickness virus, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel therapies for treatment of new and existing type 1 and type 2 diabetes, PreDiabetes, Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood, and diseases of insulin deficiency, beta cell deficiency, insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism. In particular, the present invention identifies common peptides within the human Reg1a, Reg1b, Reg3a and Reg4, as signaling peptides for beta cell generation acting through the human Reg Receptor on the surface of human pancreatic extra-islet tissue.

Abstract: Provided are a method of producing canine iPS cells, comprising (a) the step of bringing into contact with each other a canine somatic cell and a nuclear reprogramming factor, and (b) the step of culturing the cell in a medium containing at least one substance selected from the group consisting of a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor, an activin receptor-like kinase inhibitor, a glycogen synthase kinase inhibitor, a L-type calcium channel agonist and a DNA methylation inhibitor, and a leukemia inhibitory factor, and canine iPS cells that can be obtained by the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) targeting an APOC3 gene, and methods of using the dsRNA to inhibit expression of APOC3.

Abstract: Implants for resurfacing or repairing one or more articular cartilage bearing surfaces of a biological organism include an engineered tissue and a biocompatible porous substrate secured to the engineered tissue for attaching the implant to a native bone of the biological organism. The engineered tissue includes a scaffold containing a biocompatible material, and a plurality of living chondrocytes supported by the scaffold. Methods for culturing chondrocytes for incorporation into a biocompatible implant are provided. A bioreactor for producing functional cartilaginous tissue from a cell-seeded scaffold and a system for producing functional cartilaginous tissue are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of collecting semen from the epididymis or the testis of a lab animal and an artificial insemination method thereof. The present invention relates to a new applicable method in the animal production field using artificial insemination. Since the present invention solves the problems of the conventional method of artificial insemination of lab animals, it is excellent in terms of the pregnancy rate and productivity; is time-efficient; and is superior in economic and industrial respects by preventing a huge economic loss due to the costs for maintaining the mass breeding of animals.

Abstract: The invention provides a CR2-FH molecule comprising a CR2 portion comprising CR2 protein or a fragment thereof and a FH portion comprising a factor H protein or a fragment thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a CR2-FH molecule. Also provided are methods of using the compositions for treatment diseases in which the alternative complement pathway is implicated, such as age-related macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, and ischemia reperfusion.

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: The invention relates to double-stranded ribonucleic acids (dsRNAs) targeting gene expression of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PI4K), in particular human phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase, catalytic, beta polypeptide (PIK4CB) or human phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase, catalytic, alpha polypeptide (PIK4CA), and their use for treating infection by positive stranded RNA viruses such as hepatitis C virus (HCV). Each dsRNA comprises an antisense strand having a nucleotide sequence which is less that 30 nucleotides in length, generally 19-25 nucleotides in length, and which is substantially complementary to at least a part of the PIK4CB or PIK4CA target mRNA. A plurality of such dsRNA may be employed to provide therapeutic benefit. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the dsRNA together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and including a delivery modality such as fully encapsulated liposomes or lipid complexes.

Abstract: The present invention relates a combination for use in the treatment and/or prevention of mastitis containing i) an agonistic anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody or a CD40 ligand or a vector coding for the anti-CD40 antibody or a vector coding for the CD40L; and ii) inactivated or attenuated bacteria selected from the group consisting of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Listeria or Escherichia.

Abstract: A method for regenerating pancreatic tissue using recombinant periostin protein, a nucleic acid encoding said periostin and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said periostin are disclosed. Isolation of a nucleic acid encoding a periostin isoform, panc, is also taught.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptides and polynucleotides associated with trophoblast cell death, differentiation, invasion, and/or cell fusion and turnover, and uses of same in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of conditions requiring regulation of trophoblast cell death, differentiation, invasion, and/or cell fusion and turnover. In particular aspects, diagnostic methods are disclosed for evaluating conditions such as preeclampsia utilizing matador polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding same.

Abstract: Methods for producing compositions of decellularized extracellular matrix (DM) tissue culture are described. The compositions can be used for coating supports such as tissue culture substrates, osteogenic gels, and medical devices.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for inhibiting cell growth, modulating function of PCNA, treating prostate cancer, and enhancing PCNA trimer formation are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expression cassette useful for the expression of a polynucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an attenuated vaccinal strain of Myxoma virus, in particular the SG33 strain, as an oncolytic agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mutant 27 kDa NIa proteinase having reduced self-cleavage activity relative to the self-cleavage activity of its wild-type proteinase. The mutant has the same substrate cleavage activity as the wild-type proteinase but is more stable than the wild-type proteinase. The present invention also provides a method of obtaining large quantities of active 27 kDa NIa proteinase for use as a tool for purification of other proteins.

Abstract: Generally, compositions and methods for handling processed sperm populations including samples that are freshly collected, transported as fresh samples, as well as samples that are frozen and thawed, those sorted into one or more subpopulations, and those that are otherwise processed or handled that impose trauma on the sperm cell. Such trauma can reduce the motility, fertility, viability and overall integrity of the sperm and reduce the sperm's ability to fertilize an egg, grow into a healthy embryo and produce a healthy offspring. The novel compounds described can be added to the sperm cell sample to reduce the traumatic effects of physical stress during mild as well as extensive sperm cell processing, methods of using the compounds in standard sperm processing procedures, the end products made from these methods including sperm and embryos, as well as methods of using those end products in assisted reproductive biology techniques in animals.

Abstract: Two vIRF4 (Kaposi's-sarcoma-associated-herpesvirus vIRF4) peptides, vif1, corresponding to aa202-216 of vIRF4, and vif2, corresponding to aa220-236 of vIRF4, are potent and selective HAUSP antagonists. The vif1 and vif2 peptides robustly suppress HAUSP DUB enzymatic activity, ultimately leading to p53-mediated anti-cancer activity. The vif1 and vif2 peptides, along with their homologues, are useful in treating cancer through regulation of p53 activity in a cancer cell. Also disclosed is the crystalline structure of vIRF4-HAUSP TRAF domain complex. The structure is useful in computer aided drug design for identifying an agent that interacts with and inhibits HAUSP, resulting in p53 medicated cell cycle arrest of cancer cells.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing proteins having biological activity for blood coagulation mediated by Factor VIIa or Factor IX. The proteins are produced by mammalian host cells which have been stably transfected with a DNA construct containing a nucleotide sequence which codes at least partially for either Factor VII or Factor IX. The nucleotide sequence comprises a first nucleotide sequence encoding a calcium binding domain, joined to a second nucleotide sequence positioned downstream of the first sequence. The second sequence encodes a catalytic domain for the serine protease activity of either Factor VIIa or Factor IX. The joined sequences code for proteins having substantially the same biological activity for blood coagulation as either Factor VIIa or Factor IX.

Abstract: The present invention describes material and methods related to synthetic peptides which block the secretion of neurotransmitters and induce muscle relaxation, and use of said peptides as inhibitors of neurotransmitter secretion and muscle contraction, and as inducers of muscle relaxation.

Abstract: The present application relates to a system for designing promoters for selective expression of genes. Thereby identified transcription regulatory elements are selected according to a specific methodology and used to create a library of transcription regulatory elements, which are then used to construct specific promoters, especially tissue-specific promoters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel enhancer of protein production in host cells. It discloses a vector for expressing recombinant proteins in these cells, comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a) a secretion peptidic signal, b) a 6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase enzyme (MGMT, EC 2.1.1.63), a mutant or a catalytic domain thereof, and c) a recombinant protein. Said MGMT enzyme is preferably the so-called SNAP protein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cell comprising a reporter gene under control of an ARIA gene promoter, the cell being used for searching for an agent for prevention or treatment of diseases attributed to reduced insulin sensitivity, for searching for an obesity-controlling substance, or for searching for an obesity-inducing substance.

Abstract: Tissues produced by culture of cells produced by nuclear transfer on a matrix derived from nuclear transfer embryos or embryos and pluripotent cells provided by other methods are provided. These tissues are useful for cell therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene encoding Synechocystis putative DNA binding stress protein (SyDBSP protein) derived from cyanobacteria Synechocystis PCC6906; a method for enhancing the salt tolerance of a plant comprising transforming a plant cell with a recombinant vector comprising the SyDBSP gene and overexpressing the SyDBSP gene; a plant having enhanced salt tolerance produced by the aforementioned method, and seed of the plant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are flowable tissue matrix compositions comprising small pieces of partially or completely decellularized tissue suspended in a gelatinized tissue or gelatin gel comprising partially or completely decellularized tissue or synthetic gelatin. The flowable tissue matrix compositions can contain factors that promote or enhance native cell migration, proliferation, and/or revascularization after implantation into a subject. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the flowable tissue matrix compositions. The compositions can be implanted into a tissue in need of repair, regeneration, healing, treatment, and/or alteration, and can promote or enhance native cell migration, proliferation, and/or revascularization.

Abstract: The invention relates to mutant channelrhodopsins having improved properties, nucleic acid constructs encoding same, expression vectors carrying the nucleic acid construct, cells comprising said nucleic acid construct or expression vector, and their respective uses.

Abstract: The application discloses peptides capable of preventing or treating fungal disease, including fungal allergy disease.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for increasing the stability and/or activity of a polypeptide at low pH and/or elevated temperatures. The invention further provides a method for increasing the melting temperature of a polypeptide. Also provided are paleoenzymologically reconstructed thioredoxin polypeptides having activity at higher temperatures and/or lower pH than extant thioredoxin polypepetides, as well as paleoenzymologically reconstructed thioredoxin polypeptides having higher melting temperatures than extant thioredoxin polypepetides.

Abstract: An in vitro system for generating sequence, and thus structural, diversity in proteins is described. The system can be constructed using appropriately selected nucleic acid molecules that encode regions of a selected protein or proteins and recombination signal sequences (RSS). The selected protein(s) can be, for example, immunoglobulin (Ig) V, D, J and/or C regions, regions of a non-immunoglobulin (non-Ig) protein, or a combination of Ig regions and non-Ig regions. Assembly of such appropriately selected components and their introduction into suitable recombination-competent host cells allows for recombination between the RSS sequences and introduction of sequence and structural diversity into the protein(s).

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant biologically contained influenza virus that is a PB2 knockout virus, e.g., one that is useful to generate a multivalent vaccine, and methods of making and using that virus.

Abstract: Described herein are isolated paramyxovirus, a morbillivirus (FmoPV), isolated nucleic acids encoding the genome of FmoPV, isolated amino acid sequences of FmoPV proteins, antibodies to FmoPV and its proteins, and uses thereof. In certain embodiments, the modified FmoPV is a feline morbillivirus. Also described herein is a recombinant FmoPV comprising a modified FmoPV gene or gene segments and the use of such a virus. The recombinant FmoPV may be used in the prevention and/or treatment of diseases related to FmoPV or as a delivery vector. Also described herein is a diagnostic assay for the FmoPV. In certain embodiments, the FmoPV causes kidney disease. In certain embodiments, the kidney disease is in felines. In certain embodiments, the kidney disease is tubulointerstitial nephritis (“TIN”). Also described herein is a quantitative assay for the detection of the FmoPV, natural or artificial variants, analogs, or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A linker for a unimolecular FRET biosensor based on a principle of fluorescence resonance energy transfer, the linker including: a polypeptide containing 52 to 400 amino acids residues, wherein at least 45% of a total number of the amino acid residues are glycine, alanine, or both thereof, and at least 10% of the total number of the amino acid residues are alanine.

Abstract: Provided herein are polypeptides comprising portions of the influenza virus hemagglutinin, compositions comprising such polypeptides that can be used as immunogens in vaccines and methods of their use to generate an immune response against multiple influenza subtypes in a subject.

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of protein production and cell culture technology. CERT is identified as a novel in vivo PKD substrate. Phosphorylation on serine 132 by PKD decreases the affinity of CERT towards its lipid target phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate at Golgi membranes and reduces ceramide transfer activity, identifying PKD as a regulator of lipid homeostasis. The present invention shows that CERT in turn is critical for PKD activation and PKD dependent protein cargo transport to the plasma membrane. The interdependence of PKD and CERT is thus a key to the maintenance of Golgi membrane integrity and secretory transport.

Abstract: Recombinant, chimeric porcine influenza viruses are disclosed that include hemagglutinin segments from more than one influenza virus subtype. Also described are methods of producing the recombinant influenza viruses, immunogenic compositions comprising the recombinant influenza viruses, methods of stimulating an immune response against influenza virus, and methods of treating and preventing influenza virus infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the handling of processed sperm including samples that are freshly collected, those transported as fresh samples, samples that are frozen and thawed, those sorted into one or more subpopulations, and those that are otherwise processed or handled that impose trauma on the cell. Trauma can reduce the motility, fertility, viability and overall integrity of the sperm and reduce the ability to fertilize, produce an embryo and a healthy offspring. The present invention relates to novel compounds that can be added to the sperm cell sample to reduce the traumatic effects of physical stress during mild as well as extensive sperm cell processing, methods of using the compounds in standard sperm processing procedures, the end products made from these methods including sperm and embryos, as well as methods of using those end products in assisted reproductive biology techniques in animals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK)-derived cell line. The MDCK-derived cell line is derived from MDCK cells deposited under accession number ATCC CCL-34. The MDCK-derived cell line can be prepared by serum-free culture and suspension culture. Preferably, the MDCK-derived cell line has low or no tumorigenicity. The MDCK-derived cell line is preferably selected from MDCK Sky1023, MDCK Sky10234 and MDCK Sky3851. Further disclosed are a culture method for growing the MDCK-derived cells and a method for producing a vaccine virus using the MDCK-derived cells.

Abstract: A method for determining a capability of a compound for inhibiting a receptor through a change of intracellular calcium ion when the receptor is activated is provided. Contacting a host cell genetically engineered to express an apo-clytin-II protein generated from a codon-optimized nucleic acid with a test compound, and then determining an amount of light generated. The intracellular calcium ion can be detected much more easily.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for inactivating a glutamine synthetase (GS) gene, using fusion proteins comprising a zinc finger protein and a cleavage domain or cleavage half-domain. Polynucleotides encoding said fusion proteins are also provided, as are cells comprising said polynucleotides and fusion proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to purified and isolated DNA sequences having protein production increasing activity and more specifically to the use of matrix attachment regions (MARs) for increasing protein production activity in a eukaryotic cell. Also disclosed is a method for the identification of said active regions, in particular MAR nucleotide sequences, and the use of these characterized active MAR sequences in a new multiple transfection method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method for detecting interactions of biomolecules. More particularly, the disclosed method includes (a) preparing a cell comprising (i) a first construct comprising a bait, a first labeling material and a translocation module; and (ii) a second construct comprising a prey and a second labeling material; (b) detecting the distribution of the first construct and the second construct in the cell. the present invention provides a method capable of detecting bindings and interactions occurring in a living cell in real time, and a method for screening a material that alters the binding and the interaction. The method of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages including inaccuracy and complexity of existing biomaterial interaction detection techniques. By labeling both constructs to promote accuracy, the present invention provides a novel real-time, antibody-free analysis.

Abstract: Provided herein are influenza hemagglutinin stem domain polypeptides, compositions comprising the same, vaccines comprising the same and methods of their use.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a variety of cell (e.g., hepatocyte) preparations and preparations so prepared are described. Uses of such preparations are described. In one embodiment, centrifugal elutriation is used to separate hepatocytes with preferred characteristics. Such hepatocyte preparations may be used for cryopreservation, multiple cryopreservations, in vitro assays, plating and other methods for which preparations of hepatocytes are useful.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. Specifically, this invention relates to the field of gene expression. More specifically, this invention relates to novel substitution mutant receptors and their use in a Group H nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating the expression of a gene in a host cell for applications such as gene therapy, large scale production of proteins and antibodies, cell-based high throughput screening assays, functional genomics and regulation of traits in transgenic organisms.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods and materials to decellularize a solid organ and to recellularize such a decellularized organ to thereby generate a solid organ.

Abstract: Soluble PH20 polypeptides are provided, including extended soluble PH20 polypeptides, and uses thereof. Also provided are other C-terminally truncated PH20 polypeptides and partially deglycosylated PH20 polypeptides and uses thereof.