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 invention relates to a method for detecting protein-protein interactions in living cells, and more particularly, to a method for providing cells comprising a first construct and a second construct, wherein the first construct comprises a polynucleotide encoding a first fusion protein which comprises a bait protein, a first fluorescent protein and a CBD (cellulose-binding domain) protein, and wherein the second construct comprises a polynucleotide encoding a second fusion protein which comprises a prey protein and a second fluorescent protein so as to allow formation of inclusion bodies, and detecting interactions between the bait protein and the prey protein that are displayed by inclusion bodies, a method for isolating the prey protein bound to the bait protein using the cells comprising the constructs, the cells, and a kit for detecting protein-protein interactions, comprising the constructs.

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 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 disclosure provides novel molecules related to growth and differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8), in particular mouse and humanized antibodies, and antibody fragments, including those that inhibit GDF-8 activity and signaling in vitro and/or in vivo. The disclosure also provides methods for diagnosing, treating, ameliorating, preventing, prognosing, or monitoring degenerative orders of muscle, bone, and insulin metabolism, etc., in particular amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In addition, the disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of such disorders by using the antibodies, polypeptides, polynucleotides, and vectors of the invention.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of preparing a nucleic acid sequence with a modified splice site usage profile, which employs the use of a nucleic acid sequence comprising a cryptic splice donor site. The invention also provides a method of producing an alternate form of an RNA molecule encoded by a nucleic acid sequence, which nucleic acid sequence comprises a cryptic splice donor site, a heterologous nucleic acid sequence, and a splice acceptor site.

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: An oviduct specific expression promoter and a recombinant expression vector including the same. A promoter of an AGR2 gene is expressed specifically in the chicken oviduct, and a recombinant expression vector includes the promoter and a desired gene for encoding a desired protein. The oviduct specific promoter and the recombinant expression vector including the promoter can induce the expression of a protein specifically in the oviduct, i.e., an organ that secrets proteins so as to accumulate with a large amount in the egg. Accordingly, the oviduct specific promoter and the recombinant expression vector of the present invention can be advantageously used to produce transformed chickens, which can massively yield useful elements of high added value, produce functional eggs, and improve the economic traits of the poultry.

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 provides viral vector compositions of high titre and purity, as well as methods for production of said compositions. The methods of the invention incorporate multiple features, such as production of viral vector particles in serum free media and multiple harvesting steps following transduction of the producer cell which provides for enhanced production of said viral vectors. The viral vector compositions of the invention, by virtue of their high titre and purity, minimize the deleterious phenotypic changes that typically occur following transduction of target cells, such as loss of a sub-populations of transduced cells, and effects on proliferation, differentiation, reprogramming or functionality of transduced cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chimeric protein capable of killing or modifying a cell expressing abnormally high levels of a ligand of a receptor of the TNF/NGF family, comprising the amino acid sequence of at least one polypeptide consisting of an extracellular portion of said receptor connected to an effector molecule. In addition the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising said chimeric protein and use thereof.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel muteins derived from human tear lipocalin. The invention also refers to a corresponding nucleic acid molecule encoding such a mutein and to a method for its generation. The invention further refers to a method for producing such a mutein. Finally, the invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising such a lipocalin mutein as well as to various uses of the mutein.

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 relates to methods for the modulation of autophagy by altering the phosphorylation of Death Associated Protein (DAP1). The present invention further relates to methods of treating autophagy associated diseases comprising the suppression of autophagy by dephosphorylating DAP1. The invention further provides human DAP1 mutated at positions 3 and 51 with phospho-silencing residues and uses thereof in treating autophagy associated diseases.

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: The present invention relates to a modified and optimized Factor VIII or Factor IX nucleic acid for inclusion in a chimeric virus vector. Use of such vector can be used for treatment of hemophilia.

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: Mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr), of phosphatidylinositol 3?-kinase (“PI3K”), and of B-Raf are described. Methods of treating tumors containing mutated EGFr with human monoclonal antibodies against EGFr are described. Methods and kits for ascertaining the presence of one or more mutant EGFr, mutant PI3K, and/or mutant B-Raf in a sample and for treating disorders or conditions related to the presence of mutant EGFr, mutant PI3K, and/or mutant B-Raf are also described. Methods of treating tumors containing mutant EGFr, mutant PI3K, and/or mutant B-Raf are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides DNA polymerases having increased efficiency of amplification of long amplicons. The present invention also provides for methods of amplifying target nucleic acid molecules with the DNA polymerases for increasing the efficiency of amplification of long amplicons.

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 relates to direct protein delivery with engineered micro vesicles.

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: Provided are alternative splicing constructs and methods for their use. In particular, CD44 based alternative splicing constructs are provided that include CD44 exon 5. These alternative splicing constructs are useful in high-throughput assays for testing the effects of compounds on splicing and for achieving targeted cell death.

Abstract: The invention refers to the use of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-?1) inhibitor peptides or polynucleotides encoding said peptides for the prevention and/or treatment of corneal fibrosis and/or corneal haze.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a previously unrecognized clade of HCV genotypes as well as to diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic applications of nucleic acids, proteins, and antibodies to said protein, derived of or based on the newly characterized hepatitis C viruses.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for increasing the expression of foreign genes, in particular, using a promoter, an enhancer, and the like, and an expression cassette containing a promoter, an enhancer, and the like, by which gene expression can be increased. The purpose is achieved with the use of the gene expression cassette comprising a DNA construct containing a gene to be expressed and a poly A addition sequence that are located downstream of a 1st promoter, and further comprising an enhancer or a 2nd promoter ligated downstream of the DNA construct.

Abstract: Cytokine IFN? nucleic acids from the Cynomolgus monkey are useful for expression of IFN? proteins that are functional homologs of human IFN?. The nucleic acids and proteins produced therefrom are useful in screening and safety testing of IFN?, the generation and testing of IFN? modulators and related activities.

Abstract: This invention relates to nucleic acid molecules comprising at least one nucleic acid sequence encoding for a peptide or protein of interest, at least one nucleic acid sequence encoding for a selectable marker, and at least one IRES sequence, wherein the at least one IRES sequence is located between the at least one nucleic acid sequence encoding for the peptide or protein of interest and the at least one nucleic acid sequence encoding for the selectable marker. Furthermore, this invention relates to host cells comprising such nucleic acid molecule and to methods of recombinant protein expression using such host cells.

Abstract: Described in this application is a synthetic P. vivax circumsporozoite protein useful as a diagnostic reagent, for antibody production, and as a vaccine protective against infection with any strain of P. vivax.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies that are immunoreactive to the mammalian, and more particularly, the human B7-H3 receptor and to uses thereof, particularly in the treatment of cancer and inflammation. The invention thus particularly concerns humanized B7-H3-reactive antibodies that are capable of mediating, and more preferably enhancing the activation of the immune system against cancer cells that are associated with a variety of human cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, compositions and kits for preparing FVIII and employing same. Also provided are vWF polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding same.

Abstract: This invention relates to a probe reagent comprising, in order from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, the amino acid sequences of a fluorescent protein I, a peptide capable of terminating protein degradation (i.e., a degradation-terminating peptide), a spacer peptide, a fluorescent protein II, and a protein to be degraded, wherein the protein to be degraded is a protein degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and the probe reagent is degraded from the C-terminus, but that the degradation of the probe reagent is terminated at the degradation-terminating peptide, a nucleic acid encoding the probe reagent, and use of the probe reagent or the nucleic acid.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of coagulation disorders using Factor V/Va variants are provided.

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 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 present invention provides a novel variant androgen receptor (ARaiv) lacking ligand binding domain, a nucleic acid encoding the same and use thereof. That is, the present invention provides a method of screening for a substance for the prophylaxis or treatment of cancer, which includes contacting an ARaiv protein or ARaiv-producing cell with a test compound, measuring the activity of ARaiv (e.g., transcription regulating action of androgen responsive gene) or expression level thereof, and selecting a compound that suppresses the activity or expression level.

Abstract: There is provided a fusion protein or a polynucleotide sequence encoding said fusion protein that comprises first and second domains, wherein the first domain of the fusion protein comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or a fragment thereof comprising at least 20 consecutive amino acids thereof; and wherein the second domain of the fusion protein comprises a mycobacterial antigen or an antigenic fragment thereof. Also provided are corresponding therapeutic uses thereof for the protection of primates against mycobacterial infections.

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 technology relates in part to multimer conjugates comprising a scaffold linked to two or more polypeptides that specifically interact with a nucleic acid containing beta-D-glucosyl-hydroxymethylcytosine or beta-D-glucosyl-hydroxymethyluracil. The scaffold can be chosen from an antibody, an antibody fragment, a multimerized binding partner that interacts with a binding partner counterpart in each of the polypeptides, a polymer, and a polyfunctional molecule. The polypeptides can be from a kinetoplastid flagellate organism and may comprise a full-length native or modified protein or a fragment thereof that specifically interacts with the beta-D-glucosyl-hydroxymethylcytosine and/or the beta-D-glucosyl-hydroxymethyluracil in the nucleic acid. The conjugates provided herein can be used to detect the presence, absence or amount of beta-D-glucosyl-hydroxymethylcytosine and/or beta-D-glucosyl-hydroxymethyluracil-containing nucleic acid in a sample.

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: IL4/IL13-binding proteins comprise binding domains, which inhibit IL4/IL13 binding to IL4Ralpaha and common gamma chain complexes (Type 1) and inhibit IL4 binding to IL4Ralpha and IL13Ralpha1 complexes (Type 2), and IL13 binding to IL13Ralpha1 and/or IL13Ralpha2, are useful in the treatment of cancer, inflammatory, and other pathological conditions, such as allergic or fibrotic conditions, especially pulmonary conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates antidotes to anticoagulants targeting factor Xa. The antidotes are factor Xa protein derivatives that bind to the factor Xa inhibitors thereby substantially neutralizing them but do not assemble into the prothrombinase complex. The derivatives describe herein lack or have reduced intrinsic coagulant activity. Disclosed herein are methods of stopping or preventing bleeding in a patient that is currently undergoing anticoagulant therapy with a factor Xa inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods of use for identifying modulators of NOTUM, e.g., NOTUM inhibitors. In some aspects, identified compounds are useful for modulating Wnt signaling at sites of tissue damage. The invention further provides methods of promoting regeneration by inhibiting NOTUM.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the efficient expression of HIV polypeptides in a variety of cell types, including, but not limited to, mammalian, insect, and plant cells. Synthetic expression cassettes encoding the HIV Gag-containing polypeptides are described, as are uses of the expression cassettes in applications including DNA immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of Env-, tat- or Gag-containing proteins. The invention provides methods of producing Virus-Like Particles (VLPs), as well as, uses of the VLPs including, but not limited to, vehicles for the presentation of antigens and stimulation of immune response in subjects to whom the VLPs are administered.

Abstract: A serum-free, synthetic tissue culture media is described which is completely defined chemically. The media do not require any supplementation with serum to support growth of cells. The media and methods described herein can also be used for growing all types of mammalian cell lines in culture without addition of transferrin protein. The media include a basal medium and an activator of iron uptake. The media also include a defined cell culture media that includes an iron-containing compound, which is capable of supporting the growth of mammalian cells in culture, increasing the level of expression of recombinant protein in cultured cells, and/or increasing virus production in cultured cells.

Abstract: Immunogenic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (0157) proteins expressed during infection of a mammal, are described. In particular, 0157 proteins expressed specifically in vivo during human and cattle infection were identified. These proteins, mapped to the backbone, O-islands (OIs) and pO157. Because these-proteins are expressed during infection, and might help pathogens adapt to and counter hostile in vivo environments, those proteins identified in this study are useful as targets for drug and vaccine development. Also, such proteins are useful as markers of 0157 infection in stool specimens. Also described are methods of identifying immunogenic proteins.

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.