Abstract: The present invention relates to novel ficolin-associated polypeptides, and polypeptides derived from these ficolin-associated polypeptides for the use in the treatment of conditions associated with inflammation, apoptosis, autoimmunity, coagulation, thrombotic or coagulopathic related diseases, as well as the use as biomarkers. The present invention further relates to anti-bodies recognising such novel ficolin-associated polypeptides, and polypeptides derived thereof, nucleic acid molecules encoding such polypeptides, vectors and host cells used in the production of the polypeptides.

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 present invention provides methods and compositions for treatment, screening, diagnosis and prognosis of cancer including bladder cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, head and neck cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, skin cancer and thyroid cancer.

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 present invention embraces compositions and methods for establishing and maintaining stem cells and inhibiting stem cell differentiation using a selective Protein Kinase C (PKC) inhibitor.

Abstract: Genetically modified non-human animals and methods and compositions for making and using them are provided, wherein the genetic modification comprises a deletion of the endogenous low affinity Fc?R locus, and wherein the mouse is capable of expressing a functional FcR?-chain. Genetically modified mice are described, including mice that express low affinity human Fc?R genes from the endogenous Fc?R locus, and wherein the mice comprise a functional FcR?-chain. Genetically modified mice that express up to five low affinity human Fc?R genes on accessory cells of the host immune system are provided.

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 invention concerns the field of cell culture technology. It specifically concerns a rat hepatoma cell, preferably a H4-II-E rat hepatoma cell, carrying a DNA encoding an antibody or Fc-fusion protein and having low fucosylation activity for adding fucose to glycosidic structures such as biantennary glycans, e.g. N-acetylglucosamine. The invention furthermore concerns a method for producing low fucose glycoproteins especially antibodies or Fc-fusion proteins in rat hepatoma cells, preferably in H4-II-E rat hepatoma cells. It further concerns the identification and generation of new host cell lines which are capable of synthetizing glycoproteins with beneficial properties, improving the therapeutic efficacy and/or serum half-life of the product compared to products from commonly used host cell lines.

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

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: Methods for screening for inhibitors of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are provided. These methods involve the addition of thapsigargin, which induces ER stress, and a test agent to mammalian cells in multi-well plates. Cell survival can be readily monitored by measuring intracellular ATP content using a bioluminescent reagent. Screening a commercially available library of 50,000 compounds led to the identification of 93 hit compounds that were subjected to secondary assays to confirm their ability to rescue cells from thapsigargin-induced cell death.

Abstract: The invention relates to the isolation and propagation of pluripotent cells isolated from the mammalian late epiblast layer, termed Epiblast Stem Cells (EpiSCs). These cells are useful in a range of applications, including the generation of transgenic animal species.

Abstract: This invention relates to the transient expression of heterologous polypeptides in mammalian cell lines. Specifically it relates to an expression-enhanced cell line derived from a parent cell line, the expression-enhanced cell line comprising nucleic acid encoding Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen 1 or a functional derivative, analogue, or variant thereof; and further comprising: (a) a nucleic acid encoding an exogenous glutamine synthetase; (b) a nucleic acid encoding an endogenous glutamine synthetase, wherein the endogenous glutamine is arranged to have enhanced enzymatic activity and/or enhanced expression relative to the parent cell line under comparable conditions; or (c) both (a) and (b).

Abstract: The present specification discloses clonal cell lines susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, methods of producing such clonal cell lines, and methods of detecting Botulinum toxin serotype A activity using such clonal cell lines.

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: The present specification discloses clonal cell lines susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, methods of producing such clonal cell lines, and methods of detecting Botulinum toxin serotype A activity using such clonal cell lines.

Abstract: The present specification discloses clonal cell lines susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, methods of producing such clonal cell lines, and methods of detecting Botulinum toxin serotype A activity using such clonal cell lines.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for the generation of chimaeric human—non-human antibodies and chimaeric antibody chains, antibodies and antibody chains so produced, and derivatives thereof including fully humanised antibodies; compositions comprising said antibodies, antibody chains and derivatives, as well as cells, non-human mammals and vectors, suitable for use in said methods.

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

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

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: The present invention provides a synthetic regulator of protein function, which regulator is a light-sensitive regulator. The present invention further provides a light-regulated polypeptide that includes a subject synthetic regulator. Also provided are cells and membranes comprising a subject light-regulated polypeptide. The present invention further provides methods of modulating protein function, involving use of light. The present invention further provides methods of identifying agents that modulate protein function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel protein having neuraminidase activity and/or ?-galactoside-?2,6-sialyltransferase activity and a nucleic acid encoding the protein. The present invention further provides a vector containing a nucleic acid encoding the protein, a host cell transformed with the vector, together with a method for producing a recombinant ?-galactoside-?2,6-sialyltransferase. The present invention also provides an antibody specifically recognizing the protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising factor VIII coagulation factors linked to extended recombinant polypeptide (XTEN), isolated nucleic acids encoding the compositions and vectors and host cells containing the same, and methods of making and using such compositions in treatment of factor VIII-related diseases, disorders, and conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to fusion proteins that bind the enzyme thrombin and enhance the activation of the substrate Factor VII to the product Factor VIIa. The invention is also directed to polynucleotides, vectors, host cells, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment.

Abstract: The present specification discloses clonal cell lines susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, methods of producing such clonal cell lines, and methods of detecting Botulinum toxin serotype A activity using such clonal cell lines.

Abstract: The invention relates to modified Factor IX polypeptides such as Factor IX polypeptides with one or more amino acid substitutions. The invention also relates to methods of making modified Factor IX polypeptides, and methods of using modified Factor IX polypeptides, for example, to treat patients afflicted with hemophilia B.

Abstract: The present specification discloses clonal cell lines susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, methods of producing such clonal cell lines, and methods of detecting Botulinum toxin serotype A activity using such clonal cell lines.

Abstract: The present specification discloses clonal cell lines susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, methods of producing such clonal cell lines, and methods of detecting Botulinum toxin serotype A activity using such clonal cell lines.

Abstract: The present specification discloses clonal cell lines susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, methods of producing such clonal cell lines, and methods of detecting Botulinum toxin serotype A activity using such clonal cell lines.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences involved in ADME and toxicology. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. The invention also provides zinc finger nucleases that target chromosomal sequence involved in ADME and toxicology and the nucleic acids encoding said zinc finger nucleases. Also provided are methods of assessing the effects of agents in genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences involved in ADME and toxicology.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding proteins associated with MD. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. Also provided are methods of using the genetically modified animals or cells disclosed herein to study MD development and methods of assessing the effects of agents in genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding proteins associated with MD.

Abstract: The present specification discloses clonal cell lines susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, methods of producing such clonal cell lines, and methods of detecting Botulinum toxin serotype A activity using such clonal cell lines.

Abstract: The present specification discloses clonal cell lines susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, methods of producing such clonal cell lines, and methods of detecting Botulinum toxin serotype A activity using such clonal cell lines.

Abstract: The invention provides deimmunized mutant proteins having reduced immunogenicity while exhibiting substantially the same or greater biological activity as the proteins of interst from which they are derived, as exemplified by mutant L-asparaginase that comprises amino acid substitutions compared to wild type L-asparaginase. The invention further provides methods for screening mutant deimmunized proteins that have substantially the same or greater biological activity as a protein of interest, and methods for reducing immunogenicity, without substantially reducing biological activity, of a protein of interest. The invention's compositions and methods are useful in, for example, therapeutic applications by minimizing adverse immune responses by the host mammalian subjects to the protein of interest.

Abstract: The present specification discloses clonal cell lines susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, methods of producing such clonal cell lines, and methods of detecting Botulinum toxin serotype A activity using such clonal cell lines.

Abstract: The present specification discloses clonal cell lines susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, methods of producing such clonal cell lines, and methods of detecting Botulinum toxin serotype A activity using such clonal cell lines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rat embryonic stem cell characterized by having the following properties of (a) expressing Oct3/4 gene and Nanog gene, (b) positive for alkaline phosphatase activity, (c) having an embryoid body forming ability, (d) expressing SSEA (Stage-Specific Embryonic Antigen)-1 and SSEA-4, (e) having the same number of chromosomes as does a normal rat cell, (f) capable of being subcultured and holding the undifferentiated state, (g) having in vitro pluripotency, (h) having a potential to differentiate for cells of three embryonic germ lineages, (i) having teratoma formation ability, and (j) having an ability to produce a chimeric rat, a method of establishing the aforementioned rat embryonic stem cell and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polypeptides comprising a fragment of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, or a variant, derivative or fusion thereof, which is capable of binding specifically to and lysing cells of Clostridium difficile, wherein the polypeptide exhibits greater lytic activity on cells of Clostridium difficile than the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1. The invention further provides means for producing the same, methods for killing bacterial cells such as cells of Clostridium difficile, as well as methods for diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases and conditions associated with infection of the same.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a molecule comprising an albumin binding domain (ABD) and an FcRn binding moiety, wherein said molecule has enhanced pharmacologic properties in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention is based, in part, on flagellin adjuvant used to enhance immune responses directed against Streptococcus pneumoniae, in particular, to enhance immune responses to polypeptide antigens (e.g., PspA) and capsular polysaccharide from S. pneumoniae. In representative embodiments, the invention provides a fusion protein comprising a flagellin adjuvant and one more polypeptide antigens from S. pneumoniae. In other embodiments, the invention provides a conjugate comprising a flagellin adjuvant covalently linked to a capsular polysaccharide from one or more serotypes of S. pneumoniae. Also provided are compositions comprising the fusion proteins and/or conjugates of the invention as well as immunogenic formulations comprising the inventive fusion proteins, conjugates and/or compositions. The invention also provides methods of producing an immune response against S. pneumoniae and methods of protecting a subject from S.

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 provides methods for stabilizing a biological sample for analysis. The invention more particularly provides methods combining heat treatment and chemical fixation of biological samples in order to maintain protein primary structure and post-translational modifications, such as protein phosphorylations.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication are provided. Also provided are compositions and methods of treating an HCV infection; methods of reducing the incidence of complications associated with HCV and cirrhosis of the liver; and methods of reducing viral load, or reducing the time to viral clearance, or reducing morbidity or mortality in the clinical outcomes, in patients suffering from HCV infection.

Abstract: In a culture method of the present invention, by culturing bone marrow stromal cells or mesenchymal stem cells under a pseudo micro-gravity environment generated by multi-axis rotation, bone marrow stromal cells or mesenchymal stem cells having an average cell size smaller than that before the culture are obtained. The bone marrow stromal cells or mesenchymal stem cells thus cultured are suitable as graft cells for a central nerve diseases therapy.

Abstract: This invention comprises a polypeptide, a recombinant vector, a recombinant organism as well as RNA- and DNA-sequences. Furthermore, the use of polypeptides and recombinant vectors is described. Additionally the invention comprises methods for medical treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying a substance altering glucose uptake and/or GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane of a cell comprising contacting a test system comprising AKT substrate 160 kDa-protein (AS160-protein) with a test substance, and identifying a test substance as a substance altering glucose uptake of a cell by detecting a signal indicative for altered glucose uptake of a cell; a test system comprising a gene coding for the AKT substrate 160 kDa-protein (AS160-protein) and an inducible promoter providing for controllable expression of the gene; the use of the test system for the identification of a substance improving glucose uptake and/or GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane of a cell; and the use of AS 160-protein in a model for type 2 diabetes.