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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of producing multipotent cells, comprising, activating ALK2 of isolated endothelial cells in a serum starved environment, to thereby produce isolated multipotent cells. Activation can be following a threshold period of serum starvation. Activating ALK2 is by contacting the isolated endothelial cells with TGF?-2 and/or BMP4. The isolated endothelial cells may be human, such as primary vascular, primary microvascular endothelial cells, primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) or primary human cutaneous microvascular endothelial cells (HCMEC). The activation of ALK2 significantly decreases expression of VE-cadherein of the cells and/or significantly increases expression of one or more of STRO-1, FSP-1, ?-SMA, N-cadherin, fibronectin (FN1), Snail (SNAI1), Slug (SNAI2), ZEB-1, SIP-1, LEF-1, Twist, CD10, CD13, CD44, CD73, CD90, CD120A, and CD124.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue-engineered intervertebral disc (IVD) suitable for total disc replacement in a mammal and methods of fabrication. The IVD comprises a nucleus pulposus structure comprising a first population of living cells that secrete a hydrophilic protein and an annulus fibrosis structure surrounding and in contact with the nucleus pulposus structure, the annulus fibrosis structure comprising a second population of living cells and type I collagen. The collagen fibrils in the annulus fibrosis structure are circumferentially aligned around the nucleus pulposus region due to cell-mediated contraction in the annulus fibrosis structure. Also disclosed are methods of fabricating tissue-engineered intervertebral discs.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for modulating the quality of a selected phenotype that is displayed by an organism or part thereof and that results from the expression of a polypeptide-encoding polynucleotide by replacing at least one codon of that polynucleotide with a synonymous codon that has a higher or lower preference of usage by the organism or part thereof to produce the selected phenotype than the codon it replaces. The present invention is also directed to the use of a codon-modified polynucleotide so constructed for modulating the quality of a selected phenotype displayed by an organism or part thereof.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the function of SGLT5 as a sodium dependent co-transporter of mannose and/or fructose. The invention provides nucleic acids and host cells for inducible expression of SGLT5. Based on an inducible expression system the invention provides methods, assays and test kits for the identification of compounds interacting with SGLT5, especially with human SGLT5.

Abstract: Compositions comprising gp350 variant DNA and amino acid sequences are provided, as are vectors and host cells containing such sequences. Also provided is a process for producing homogeneous gp350 protein recombinantly and in the absence of production of gp220 protein, pharmaceutical compositions containing such protein and prophylactic treatments making use of such proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel chimeric receptors and methods of screening using the chimeric receptors. The chimeric receptors comprise an extracellular domain of a type 1 single pass transmembrane receptor (T1SPTR) and an intracellular domain with kinase activity stemming from a receptor tyrosine kinase. According to an embodiment, the chimeric receptor comprises a full-length T1SPTR. According to another embodiment the chimeric receptor comprises a full-length or truncated tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) or interleukin receptors, or cytokine receptors, or transforming growth factor receptors. The present invention provides means for screening of modulators of TNFRs or interleukin receptors, or cytokine receptors, or transforming growth factor receptors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel MDCK cells which can be to grow viruses, e.g., influenza viruses, in cell culture to higher titer than previously possible. The MDCK cells can be adapted to serum-free culture medium. The present invention further relates to cell culture compositions comprising the MDCK cells and cultivation methods for growing the MDCK cells. The present invention further relates to methods for producing influenza viruses in cell culture using the MDCK cells of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions for making erythroid progenitor cells that comprise in vitro-activated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and embryoid bodies (EBs) or pluripotent stem cells, and methods for making and using them, including ameliorating (e.g., preventing or treating) anemia and/or stimulating erythropoiesis. In one embodiment, the invention provides methods of increasing propensity of committed stem cell differentiation towards the erythroid lineage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides transiently activating Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) GTPase, polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said polypeptides or said polynucleotides. The present invention further relates to the use of said polypeptides, said polynucleotides or said pharmaceutical compositions for long-term treatment of damage of the peripheral or central nervous system.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to attenuated swine influenza viruses having an impaired ability to antagonize the cellular interferon (IFN) response, and the use of such attenuated viruses in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. In particular, the invention relates to attenuated swine influenza viruses having modifications to a swine NS1 gene that diminish or eliminate the ability of the NS1 gene product to antagonize the cellular IFN response. These viruses replicate in vivo, but demonstrate decreased replication, virulence and increased attenuation, and therefore are well suited for use in live virus vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new methods to promote sialylation of glycoconjugates, including recombinant glycoproteins, in glycoconjugate production systems. The invention relates to methods to promote efficient glycoconjugate sialylation in recombinant expression systems, by providing simpler and more economical ways to produce large intracellular pools of sialic acid precursors. The invention is directed to nucleic acids, vectors, and cells harboring vectors comprising nucleic acids encoding enzymes involved in the synthesis of sialic acid precursors, and cells harboring these nucleic acids in combination with nucleic acids encoding glycosyltransferases, including sialyltransferases, to facilitate the production of humanized recombinant glycoproteins in bacterial, fungal, plant, and animal cell expression systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to orthogonal pairs of tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases that can incorporate the unnatural amino acid sulfotyrosine into proteins produced in eubacterial host cells such as E. coli. The invention provides, for example but not limited to, novel orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, polynucleotides encoding the novel synthetase molecules, methods for identifying and making the novel synthetases, methods for producing proteins containing the unnatural amino acid sulfotyrosine and translation systems.

Abstract: Use of a biological photoreceptor as light-controlled ion channel for the alteration of the ion conductivity of a membrane by means of light. The photoreceptor used comprises an apoprotein and a light-sensitive polyene covalently bound to the apoprotein, said polyene interacting with the apoprotein and functioning as a light-sensitive gate.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of immunology. More particularly, aspects of the invention concern the discovery of several T cell receptors (TCRs) that are specific for an immunodominant CTL epitope of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Embodiments include TCRs, DNAs encoding TCRs, methods of making TCRs, and methods of using TCRs to treat, prevent or inhibit hepatitis C virus (HCV) proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising retroviral vectors, transduced cells, and methods of using the same for gene therapy. In particular, the present invention relates to lentiviral vectors and cells transduced with those vectors to provide gene therapy to subjects having an adrenoleukodystrophy and/or adrenomyeloneuropathy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to maintain pH within a range conducive for cell growth in a bicarbonate-containing cell culture system without the addition of base. The method relies on the gas transfer characteristics of the bioreactor system to modulate the CO2 transfer to and from the cell culture such that the pH of the cell culture can be maintained within a desired range.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and materials by which glycosylation of glycoproteins can be regulated. Methods include the monitoring and regulation of parameters such that a glycoprotein having a desired product quality is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel canine pol I regulatory nucleic acid sequences useful for the expression of nucleic acid sequences in canine cells such as MDCK cells. The invention further provides expression vectors and cells comprising such nucleic acids as well as methods of using such nucleic acids to make influenza viruses, including infectious influenza viruses.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to multi-specific Fab fusion proteins (MSFP) which comprise an antibody Fab fragment with both N-termini fused to a fusion moiety (fusion moiety A or B). MSFP containing the Fab fragment exhibit significantly reduced binding ability of the Fab fragment to the Fab target. Binding of the Fab to its target is restored when the MSFP is clustered on a cell surface by binding of the fusion moieties to their target. The reduced binding of the Fab to its target, especially when presented on a cell surface in its native state, absent fusion moiety binding provides advantages such as: reduced side effects and allows desirable pharmacological effects of selectivity and specificity in a controlled manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polypeptides having an amino acid sequence having at least 70% identity to SEQ ID NO:20, wherein the polypeptide has ER-?36 activity. The invention further provides methods for identifying agents that bind to such polypeptides, methods for detecting such polypeptides, and methods for altering the activity of such polypeptides. Also provided are antibodies that specifically bind to an amino acid sequence depicted at SEQ ID NO:1, or an immunogenic fragment thereof, and methods for making and using such antibodies.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for improving anti-tumor response and survivability in patients with cancer, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In certain aspects, methods are provided for infusing lymphoma patients with T cells that are propagated ex vivo. Also provided are methods and compositions for propagating canine T cells ex vivo for infusion into cancer patients.

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 a novel inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating gene expression 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 plants and animals.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides variants of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), pharmaceutical compositions comprising CNP variants, and methods of making CNP variants. The CNP variants are useful as therapeutic agents for the treatment of diseases responsive to CNP, including but not limited to bone-related disorders, such as skeletal dysplasias (e.g., achondroplasia), and vascular smooth muscle disorders (e.g., restenosis and arteriosclerosis).

Abstract: A fusion protein that includes a polypeptide binding specifically to a constant region of an antibody and a stabilization protein linked to a terminus of the polypeptide, a polynucleotide encoding the fusion protein, a cell including the polynucleotide, a method of preparing the fusion protein, and a method of isolating an antibody by using the fusion protein.

Abstract: This invention provides new combinatorial approaches for the biosynthesis and screening of cyclic peptides inside living cells. These novel approaches are useful for finding biologically relevant molecules, e.g., those able to inhibit the cytotoxicity of Anthrax Edema Factor. Key to this ‘living combinatorial’ approach is the use of a living cell as a micro-chemical factory for both synthesis and screening of potential inhibitors for a given molecular recognition event.

Abstract: Biological surfactants connected to surfaces of silicone-based materials are provided. Compositions of electrolytes and a biological surfactant are also provided. Methods for increasing the surface wettability of a silicone-based material by contacting the silicone-based material with a biological surfactant, methods for increasing evaporation from a silicone-based material by contacting a surface of the silicone-based material with a biological surfactant, methods for increasing levels of interleukin-8 during inflammation by contacting a cell with a biological surfactant, and methods for decreasing expression of a biological surfactant by contacting a cell with an siRNA are further provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for modulating hepsin activity and the MSP/Ron pathway, in particular by regulating pro-MSP activation by hepsin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a splice variant of a human sodium channel alpha subunit and methods and compositions for making and using the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an active collagen matrix for culturing mammalian cells and the use of the active collagen matrix and cells for the treatment of disease.

Abstract: Fusion polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding fusion polypeptides, expression vectors, kits, and related compositions and methods for recombinant protein production are provided, wherein the fusion polypeptides comprise a sequence derived from a plant dehydrin protein covalently linked to a heterologous protein sequence in order to enhance the solubility and folding of the heterologous protein sequence and to reduce its aggregation.

Abstract: The invention provides for compositions and methods for identifying and validating modulators of cell fate, such as such as maintenance, cell specification, cell determination, induction of stem cell fate, cell differentiation, cell dedifferentiation, and cell trans-differentiation. The invention relates to reporter nucleic acid constructs, host cells comprising such constructs, and methods using such cells and constructs. The invention relates to methods for making cells comprising one or more reporter nucleic acid constructs using fluorogenic oligonucleotides. The methods relate to high throughput screens.

Abstract: The invention provides various reverse genetics systems for producing segmented RNA viruses, wherein the systems do not require bacteria for propagation of all of their expression constructs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of host cell transduction utilising ecotropic retroviral vector particles. The retroviral vector particle may comprise an envelope of Friend murine leukaemia virus, in particular the envelope encoded by molecular clone PVC-211 and the host cell may be engineered to recombinantly express the Reel receptor. The retroviral vector particles and methods of the invention can be used to introduce expressible polynucleotide sequences of interest into host cells with high efficiency. This results in protein production methods with higher yield (mg/L) and a reduction in manufacturing costs that could be used in a range of applications including for example, the production of therapeutic proteins, vaccines and antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to targeted killing of a cell utilizing a chimeric polypeptide comprising a cell-specific targeting moiety and a signal transduction pathway factor. In a preferred embodiment, the signal transduction pathway factor is an apoptosis-inducing factor, such as granzyme B, granzyme A, or Bax.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for producing olefins are described herein. The olefins can be used to produced biofuels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a synthetic nucleic acid sequence which encodes a protein wherein at least one non-common codon or less-common codon is replaced by a common codon. The synthetic nucleic acid sequence can include a continuous stretch of at least 90 codons all of which are common codons.

Abstract: Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

Abstract: A method for modulating double-strand break-induced mutagenesis at a genomic locus of interest in a cell, thereby giving new tools for genome engineering, including therapeutic applications and cell line engineering. A method for modulating double-strand break-induced mutagenesis, concerns the identification of effectors that modulate double-strand break-induced mutagenesis by use of interfering agents; these agents are capable of modulating double-strand break-induced mutagenesis through their respective direct or indirect actions on said effectors. Methods of using these effectors, interfering agents and derivatives, respectively, by introducing them into a cell in order to modulate and more particularly to increase double-strand break-induced mutagenesis. Specific derivatives of identified effectors and interfering agents, vectors encoding them, compositions and kits comprising such derivatives for modulating or increasing double-strand break-induced mutagenesis.

Abstract: A method for preparing a transgenic animal of simultaneous multiple-gene expression is provided. Additionally, a method for preparing a transgenic embryo, which introduces both phytase gene and human myxovirus resistant gene A into a target embryo, to obtain a transgenic embryo is provided. The transgenic animal of simultaneous multiple-gene expression can be achieved by transplanting the transgenic embryo into the body of a female target animal. A significant advantage of the foregoing methods, among many others, exists in that the simultaneous expression of multiple genes can be achieved in one transgenosis, which provides a convenient mean for the preparation of combined-gene transferred animals etc.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cells for producing a molecule lacking fucose, having a reduced amount of fucose, or having other atypical sugars on its glycomoieties. It also relates to methods for producing a molecule lacking fucose, having a reduced amount of fucose, or having other atypical sugars on its glycomoieties using said cells and to molecules obtainable by said methods. The present invention further relates to molecules having an artificial glycosylation pattern.

Abstract: To provide an immunosuppressing agent having high therapeutic effect and uses thereof. The immunosuppressing agent includes adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells obtained by low-serum culture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to SorCS1-like agents, including SorCS1, nucleic acid molecule encoding expression of SorCS1 and fragments thereof, as well as vectors containing said nucleic acid and to cells expressing SorCS1 and said fragments, for the treatment of obesity.

Abstract: Transgenic mammals, cells derived from the animals, and methods of using these to monitor the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response are provided. In some embodiments, the methods allow for monitoring the ER stress response in real time. Some of the methods allow non-invasive in vivo visualization of ER stress response. Also provided are methods of screening molecules and/or treatment conditions for the ability to modulate the ER stress response, methods of treating diseases characterized by ER stress response activity, and methods of detecting the toxicity or therapeutic ratio of molecules that modulate the ER stress response.

Abstract: The invention provides anti-PCSK9 antibodies and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for making and using anti-LPA agents, for example, monoclonal antibodies, are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to newly identified selectable marker systems, cells for use in a selectable marker system, and methods for using the selectable marker systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for rejuvenating normal somatic cells and for making normal somatic cells of a different type having the same genotype as a normal somatic cell of interest. These cells have particular application in cell and tissue transplantation. Also encompassed are methods of re-cloning cloned animals, particularly methods where the offspring of cloned mammals are designed to be genetically altered in comparison to their cloned parent, e.g., that are “hyper-young.” These animals should be healthier and possess desirable properties relative to their cloned parent. Also included are methods for activating endogenous telomerase, EPC-1 activity, and or the ALT pathway and/or extending the life-span of a normal somatic cell, and other genes associated with cell aging and proliferation capacity.

Abstract: Expression of a transgene is driven in a host cell using a pol I promoter which is not endogenous to an organism from the same taxonomic order from which the host cell is derived.