Abstract: The present application provides fibronectin based scaffold proteins associated with improved stability. The application also relates to stable formulations of fibronectin based scaffold proteins and the use thereof in diagnostic, research and therapeutic applications. The application further relates to cells comprising such proteins, polynucleotides encoding such proteins or fragments thereof, and to vectors comprising such polynucleotides.

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: The present invention relates to the identification and functional characterization of human cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) and their use; in particular as transfection vehicles.

Abstract: The invention disclosed in this patent document relates to transmembrane receptors, more particularly to a human G protein-coupled receptor for which the endogenous ligand is unknown (“orphan GPCR receptors”), and most particularly to mutated (non-endogenous) versions of the human GPCRs for evidence of constitutive activity.

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 disclosure provides transaminase polypeptides capable of converting the substrate, 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethoxy)cyclohexanone to the trans diastereomer product (1R,2R)-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethoxy)cyclohexanamine in at least a 2:1 diastereomeric ratio relative to the cis diastereomer (1R,2S)-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethoxy)cyclohexanamine. The disclosure also provides polynucleotides, vectors, host cells, and methods of making and using the transaminase polypeptides in processes for preparing (1R,2R)-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethoxy)cyclohexanamine and its analogs, which can product compounds can be further used to prepare the aminocyclohexylether compound, (3R)-1-[(1R,2R)-2-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethoxy]cyclohexyl]pyrrolidin-3-ol, which is an ion channel blocker.

Abstract: The invention relates to intracellular lipid binding proteins that bind retinoids and/or dye ligands and that are modified to transmit or emit light at a variety of different wavelengths.

Abstract: Novel polypeptide combinations, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for zcytor17-containing multimeric or heterodimer cytokine receptors that may be used as novel cytokine antagonists, and within methods for detecting ligands that stimulate the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic, lymphoid and myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. The present invention also includes methods for producing the multimeric or heterodimeric cytokine receptor, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding the polypeptides that are capable of killing tumor cells. The molecules comprise a targeting agent covalently attached to a channel-forming moiety. In a preferred embodiment, the channel-forming moiety comprises a colicin and the targeting agent is a reconstructed antibody mimetic derived from monoclone antibody against Epstein-Barr virus gp350/220.

Abstract: Identified herein are different forms of bitter receptor genes that occur in different humans. These alleles are generated by numerous coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (cSNP's) that occur within the members of the T2R gene family. Some SNP's cause amino acid substitutions, while others introduce chain termination codons, rendering the allele non-functional. Differences in these genes are believed to have a large effect on those individuals' sense of bitter taste, such that these individuals perceive the taste of bitter substances differently than the rest of the population. The ability to assay this allelic information is useful in the development of flavorings and flavor enhancers, as it can be used to define large groups and populations who perceive bitter tastes differently. This in turn allows the taste preferences of these groups to be addressed at the molecular level for the first time.

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 are fusion proteins comprising a RAGE polypeptide, wherein the RAGE polypeptide comprises a fragment of a mammalian wild type RAGE peptide and at least one point mutation in the RAGE polypeptide portion of the fusion protein relative to the wild type RAGE peptide. The point mutation may remove and/or alter a glycosylation site or an enzyme cleavage site. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding such proteins as well as methods of using such proteins for treating RAGE-mediated pathologies.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions for evaluating a genetic element and methods of use.

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

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated polypeptide comprising a variant amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or a fusion or derivative of said polypeptide, or a fusion of a said derivative thereof, wherein the polypeptide, fusion or derivative retains a biological activity of wild type IL-IRa. In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide, fusion or derivative is or comprises a polypeptide variant of amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 comprising or consisting of substitutions at one or more of the following amino acid mutations of SEQ ID NO: 1: Q29K, P38Y, P38R, L42W, D47N, E52R, H54R, E90Y, Q129L, Q129N, M136N, M136D and Q149K. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions of the above polypeptide, fusion or derivative, as well as uses of the same for treating a disease or condition capable of being treated by an agent which inhibits the function of IL-1 receptors.

Abstract: There are provided a DNA construct comprising a suppressor tRNA gene of a non-eukaryote containing no internal promoter functioning in a eukaryotic cell, and a eukaryotic or bacteriophage promoter linked at the 5? end of the tRNA gene, a method for synthesizing a suppressor tRNA by using the DNA construct, and a process for producing protein incorporating a non-natural amino acid by using the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides variant Csy4 endoribonucleases, nucleic acids encoding the variant Csy4 endoribonucleases, and host cells genetically modified with the nucleic acids. The variant Csy4 endoribonucleases find use in a variety of applications, which are also provided. The present disclosure also provides methods of detecting a specific sequence in a target polyribonucleotide; and methods of regulating production of a target RNA in a eukaryotic cell.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in general to a kit comprising a serum replacement and one or more labile factors, such as growth factors, packaged separately in the kit. It is contemplated that the kit provides advantages to improve cell growth in culture compared to cells cultured not using the kit described herein.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide comprising amino acid sequences of a streptococcal matrix adhesion E (EmaE) polypeptide. Antibodies to the EmaE polypeptide and immunogenic fragments thereof are also provided. This invention provides pharmaceutical compositions, immunogenic compositions, vaccines, and diagnostic and therapeutic methods of use of the isolated polypeptide, antibodies thereto, and nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic gag and gagpol genes optimized for high level expression via codon optimization and the uses thereof for the efficient generation of vector particles. The invention further relates to the generation of packaging cells and vaccines based on the synthetic gag and gagpol genes.

Abstract: The present invention provides the field of enhancing proteins and in particular to that of proteins enhanced by molecular change. It provides a variant of a phytase that is termed enhanced in that is has better thermostability and/or activity than the original phytase. The invention also provides a nucleic acid coding for said variant, a cassette or an expression vector containing said variant, a host cell expressing said variant, a composition comprising said variant and uses thereof, principally in the preparation of food additives and animal feed.

Abstract: The inventors succeeded in isolating a novel hemopoietin receptor gene (NR10) using a sequence predicted from the extracted motif conserved in the amino acid sequences of known hemopoietin receptors. It was expected that two forms of NR10 exists, a transmembrane type and soluble form. Expression of the former type was detected in tissues containing hematopoietic cells. Thus, NR10 is a novel hemopoietin receptor molecule implicated in the regulation of the immune system and hematopoiesis in vivo. These novel receptors are useful in screening for novel hematopoietic factors capable of functionally binding to the receptor, or developing medicines to treat diseases related with the immune system or hematopoietic system.

Abstract: Described is an epitope tag useful in affinity-based applications. The invention further includes fusion proteins, methods for preparing fusion proteins, nucleic acid molecules encoding these fusion proteins and recombinant host cells that contain these nucleic acid molecules. The invention also relates to nanobodies and other affinity ligands specifically recognizing the epitope tag, and uses thereof in affinity-based applications.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to engineered enone reductase polypeptides having improved properties, polynucleotides encoding the engineered polypeptides, related vectors, host cells, and methods for making the engineered enone reductase polypeptides. The disclosure also provides methods of using the engineered enone reductase polypeptides for chemical transformations.

Abstract: Isolated peptides derived from SEQ ID NO: 21 and fragments thereof that bind to an HLA antigen and induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and thus are suitable for use in the context of cancer immunotherapy, more particularly cancer vaccines, are described herein. The inventive peptides encompass both the above mentioned amino acid sequences and modified versions thereof, in which one, two, or several amino acids are substituted, deleted, inserted or added, provided such modified versions retain the requisite HLA binding and/or CTL inducibility of the original sequences. Further provided are nucleic acids encoding any of the aforementioned peptides as well as pharmaceutical agents, substances and/or compositions that include or incorporate any of the aforementioned peptides or nucleic acids.

Abstract: The invention provided Mucorales CotH polypeptides and encoding nucleic acid molecules. The Mucorales CotH polypeptides and encoding nucleic acids can be advantageously used to diagnose, treat or prevent fungal conditions, in particular mucormycosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a telomerase activity inhibiting polypeptide. The expression of the polypeptide in tumor cells can inhibit significantly tumor cell telomerase activity, tumor cell growth, and lead to the death of such cells. The present invention further provides a preparation method for the polypeptide and an application thereof in targeted treatments of tumors.

Abstract: The invention provides novel BTNL9 proteins, including multimers, fragments, and variants of a human BTNL9 protein. In addition, antibodies that can bind to BTNL9 proteins and nucleic acids encoding BTNL9 proteins are provided. Uses for BTNL9 proteins, and agonists or antagonists thereof, are described.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for early diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of an ocular disorder. In particular, the invention relates to a novel protein, that is differentially transcribed and expressed in subjects suffering from retinal dystrophies and the like, such as retinal dystrophy and age-related macular degeneration compared with healthy subjects, antibodies which recognize this protein, and methods for diagnosing such conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides Tenascin-3 FnIII domain-based multimeric scaffolds that specifically bind to TRAIL Receptor 2 (TRAIL R2), a cell membrane receptor involved in apoptosis. The invention further provides engineered variants with increased affinity for the target, increased stability, and reduced immunogenicity. Furthermore, the present invention is related to engineered multivalent scaffolds as prophylactic, diagnostic, or therapeutic agents, and their uses against diseases caused by cells expressing TRAIL R2, in particular to a therapeutic use against cancer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered transaminase polypeptides having improved properties as compared to naturally occurring transaminases including the ability of converting the substrate, 3?-hydroxyacetophenone to (S)-3-(1-aminoethyl)-phenol in enantiomeric excess and high percentage conversion. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered transaminases, host cells capable of expressing the engineered transaminases, and methods of using the engineered transaminases to synthesize (S)-3-(1-aminoethyl)-phenol and related compounds useful in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention provides cell culture compositions capable of producing fusion polypeptides that bind vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The cell culture compositions of the invention comprise cells which contain an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a fusion polypeptide that binds VEGF. The fusion polypeptides may comprise a VEGF receptor component having an immunoglobulin-like (Ig) domain 2 of a first VEGF receptor, an Ig domain 3 of a second VEGF receptor, and a multimerizing component.

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 tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) receptor and an intracellular domain with kinase activity stemming from a receptor tyrosine kinase. According to an embodiment, the chimeric receptor comprises a full-length TNFRSF receptor. The present invention provides means for screening and testing of modulators of TNFRSF receptors.

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 relates to the field of cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions and methods useful for treating cancer characterized by the expression of mutant FAM190A proteins. In a specific embodiment, a method for treating a patient having a cancer characterized by a FAM190A intragenic rearrangement comprises the step of administering to the patient an agent that inhibits a biological function or reduces the level or expression of the FAM190A protein.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for brown fat induction and activity through modulation of Fndc5 activity and/or expression. Also provided are methods for preventing or treating metabolic disorders in a subject through modulation of Fndc5 activity and/or expression. Further provided are methods for identifying compounds that are capable of modulating Fndc5 activity and/or expression.

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: The present invention relates generally to nutritive medium, medium supplement, media subgroup and buffer formulations. Specifically, powdered nutritive medium, supplement, subgroup formulations, cell culture media comprising all of the necessary nutritive factors for in vitro cell cultivation, buffer formulations that produce particular ionic and pH conditions upon reconstitution with a solvent are provided. Particularly, methods of production of these media, supplement, subgroup, buffer formulations and kits, and methods for the cultivation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells using these dry powdered nutritive media, supplement, subgroup and buffer formulations are provided. Methods of producing sterile, powdered media or supplement (e.g., powdered FBS, powdered transferrin, powdered insulin, powdered organ extracts, powdered growth factors), media subgroup and buffer formulations by gamma irradiation are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates a host cell comprising an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a protein requiring gamma-carboxylation and associated expression control sequences and a nucleic acid molecule encoding a vitamin K epoxido reductase and associated expression control sequences and a nucleic acid molecule encoding a ?-glutamyl carboxylase and associated control sequences. The invention further relates to a method of producing a protein requiring gamma-carboxylation in high yields.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences encoding VG5Q, a novel angiogenic growth factor protein with pro-angiogenic activity, a forkhead-associated domain, a G-patch domain; characteristic subcellular localization in an in vitro Matrigel model of angiogenesis: towards the cell periphery in early stages of tubulogenesis, between cells in newly formed endothelial tubes, and no nuclear staining after 24 hours; is expressed in endothelial cells; is secreted during angiogenesis; and interacts with TWEAK. The invention also provides for expression vectors containing nucleic acid sequences encoding VG5Q protein, and host cells containing one or more expression vectors for the recombinant expression of VG5Q. The invention also provides for methods of using VG5Q for the diagnosis and treatment of angiogenesis-mediated diseases or disorders.

Abstract: A method for analyzing L-threonine contained in an specimen, which includes the steps of mixing a sample containing the specimen with an L-threonine dehydrogenase derived from Cupriavidus necator and a coenzyme NAD+ and analyzing the amount of NADH or 2-amino-3-oxobutyric acid after a predetermined period; an L-threonine dehydrogenase derived from Cupriavidus necator, which is a novel L-threonine dehydrogenase (TDH; EC 1.1.1.103) and can be utilized in the above-mentioned analysis method; a method for preparing a gene or the like to be used in the preparation of the enzyme, or a method for preparing the enzyme; an L-threonine analysis kit which includes (A) the L-threonine dehydrogenase and (B) a coenzyme NAD+; an enzyme preparation for use in the analysis of L-threonine, which includes the L-threonine dehydrogenase contained in a buffer solution; and an enzyme sensor utilizing the L-threonine dehydrogenase.

Abstract: The invention provides a codon-optimized parvovirus polynucleotide composition and methods of expressing this polynucleotide in a variety of mammalian cells, including non-erythroid progenitor cells, to produce immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to non-naturally occurring polypeptides useful for preparing Ezetimibe, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods of using the polypeptides.

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

Abstract: 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: A highly active allene oxide synthase that can be used in the production of a plant growth regulating agent (KODA) is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-genetic, detergent-free, bacteria-free method for reprogramming a eukaryotic cell, in particular for obtaining induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), by using engineered microvesicles carrying at least one reprogramming transcription factor, wherein said engineered microvesicles are virus-free.

Abstract: Provided are a novel Epidermal growth factor receptor variant-EGFRvA protein, a polynucleotide encoding the EGFRvA protein and a method of preparing the EGFRvA protein via recombination technology. Also provided is a uses of the polynucleotide encoding the EGFRvA protein. The EGFRvA protein has a function of promoting tumor cell invasion or promoting tumor cell migration.

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 present invention relates to polypeptide fragments comprising an amino-terminal fragment of the PA subunit of a viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase possessing endonuclease activity, wherein said PA subunit is from Influenza A 2009 pan-demic H1N1 virus or is a variant thereof. This invention also relates to (i) crystals of the polypeptide fragments which are suitable for structure determination of said polypeptide fragments using X-ray crystallography and (ii) computational methods using the structural coordinates of said polypeptide to screen for and design compounds that modulate, preferably inhibit the endonucleolytically active site within the polypeptide fragment. In addition, this invention relates to methods identifying compounds that bind to the PA polypeptide fragments possessing endonuclease activity and preferably inhibit said endonucleolytic activity, preferably in a high throughput setting.