Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for targeted cleavage of a genomic sequence, targeted alteration of a genomic sequence, and targeted recombination between a genomic region and an exogenous polynucleotide homologous to the genomic region. The compositions include fusion proteins comprising a cleavage domain (or cleavage half-domain) and an engineered zinc finger domain and polynucleotides encoding same. Methods for targeted cleavage include introduction of such fusion proteins, or polynucleotides encoding same, into a cell. Methods for targeted recombination additionally include introduction of an exogenous polynucleotide homologous to a genomic region into cells comprising the disclosed fusion proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new NOS variants or mutants which contain structural alterations in the site of Akt dependent phosphorylation. The altered NOS proteins or peptides, especially the human eNOS proteins or peptides, Akt proteins or polypeptides and their encoding nucleic acid molecules are useful as gene therapy agents for the treatment of diseases including post angioplasty restenosis, hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, diabetes and diseases with defective angiogenesis. NOS proteins and peptides are also useful in methods of screening for agents which modulate NOS activity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for targeted cleavage of a genomic sequence, targeted alteration of a genomic sequence, and targeted recombination between a genomic region and an exogenous polynucleotide homologous to the genomic region. The compositions include fusion proteins comprising a cleavage domain (or cleavage half-domain) and an engineered zinc finger domain and polynucleotides encoding same. Methods for targeted cleavage include introduction of such fusion proteins, or polynucleotides encoding same, into a cell. Methods for targeted recombination additionally include introduction of an exogenous polynucleotide homologous to a genomic region into cells comprising the disclosed fusion proteins.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods related to human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTRT), the catalytic protein subunit of human telomerase. The polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention are useful for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of human diseases, for changing the proliferative capacity of cells and organisms, and for identification and screening of compounds and treatments useful for treatment of diseases such as cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel yeast strains, methods and genetic constructs for their preparation, and their use for the synthesis or modification of steroidal compounds. More particularly, the invention describes strains having a reduced 20?HSD type activity, in particular by modifying the GCY1 and/or YPR1 genes. The yeast strains of the invention make it possible to improve the efficiency of the synthesis or to increase the selectivity or the yields of the method, as well as the quality of the final product. The strains, methods and compounds of the invention are useful in the search for, the development and the production of products with therapeutic or prophylactic activity, in humans or animals, in particular of steroidal derivatives.

Abstract: The invention provides for modified reovirus nucleic acid sequences and modified reovirus polypeptide sequences as well as reoviruses containing such modified nucleic acid or polypeptide sequences. The invention also provides for pharmaceutical compositions that include reoviruses having a modified sequence as well as methods of making and using such reoviruses.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a newly identified SDF-1 splice variant molecule, its polypeptide sequence, and the polynucleotides encoding the polypeptide sequence, and active fragments thereof. Also provided is a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques employing, for example, vectors and host cells. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptides and modulators thereof for the treatment of diseases, including cancer, immune diseases, infectious diseases, and ischemic diseases.

Abstract: A method of delivering an active agent to a target tissue, particularly neoplastic tissue, vascular anomaly or tumor tissue, in a vertebrate subject. The method includes the steps of exposing the target tissue to ionizing radiation; and administering a delivery vehicle to the vertebrate subject before, after, during, or combinations thereof, exposing the target tissue to the ionizing radiation. The delivery vehicle includes the active agent and delivers the agent to the target tissue. Representative delivery vehicles include platelets; leukocytes; proteins or peptides which bind activated platelets; antibodies which bind activated platelets; microspheres coated with proteins or peptides which bind activated platelets; liposomes conjugated to proteins or peptides, platelets, or leukocytes which bind activated platelets, or antibodies which bind activated platelets; and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having endoglucanase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: We describe a class of polymaleic anhydride polymers capable of disrupting cell membranes. Co-delivery of these polymers with biologically active compounds increases cellular cytoplasmic delivery of the compounds.

Abstract: To make is possible to perform communication adapted to changes in a communication environment, a wireless communication device comprises a wireless communication unit for performing communication with another communication device through a wireless communication network, a communication quality evaluation unit for generating an evaluation value with regards to a communication quality of the communication, a communication mode switch unit for switching communication modes for use in the communication according to the evaluation value.

Abstract: The gene encoding a 4-hydroxybutyryl-Co A transferase has been isolated from bacteria and integrated into the genome of bacteria also expressing a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase, to yield an improved production process for 4HB-containing polyhydroxyalkanoates using transgenic organisms, including both bacteria and plants. The new pathways provide means for producing 4HB containing PHAs from cheap carbon sources such as sugars and fatty acids, in high yields, which are stable. Useful strains are obtaining by screening strains having integrated into their genomes a gene encoding a 4HB-CoA transferase and/or PHA synthase, for polymer production. Processes for polymer production use recombinant systems that can utilize cheap substrates. Systems are provided which can utilize amino acid degradation pathways, ?-ketoglutarate, or succinate as substrate.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides methods and compositions for immortalizing cells, and in another embodiment for reversing immortalization of cells. Methods for screening for anti-cancer agents by identifying compounds that bind to and inhibit activity of an Ndy protein are also provided. Novel cancer diagnostic and prognostic methods using Ndy1, Ezh2 and miR-101 are shown with samples of tissue or cell lines from cancers of lung, colon, ovary, bladder and transitional cell carcinoma.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of directing the evolution of an organism by modifying the mutation rate of an organism. The increase in genetic diversity may be used to facilitate the selection of a desired hereditary trait in an organism.

Abstract: Cytochrome P450 BM-3 from Bacillus megaterium was engineered using a combination of directed evolution and site-directed mutagenesis to hydroxylate linear alkanes regio- and enantioselectively using atmospheric dioxygen as an oxidant. Mutant 9-10A-A328V hydroxylates octane primarily at the 2-positio to form S-2-octanol (40% ee). Another mutant, 1-12G, hydroxylates alkanes larger than hexane primarily at the 2-position, but forms R-2-alcohols (40-55% ee). These biocatalysts are highly active for alkane substrates and support thousands of product turnovers. These regio- and enantio-selectivities are retained in whole-cell biotransformations with E. coli, where the engineered P450s can be expressed at high levels and the expensive cofactor is supplied endogenously.

Abstract: Expression of reprogramming factors such as Sox2, klf4, c-myc, Nanog, LIN28 and Oct4 followed by culture in a MEK inhibitor and a GSK3 inhibitor reprograms tissue cells. The invention provides new uses of these inhibitors, for example in inducing completion of the transcriptional resetting of so-called pre-pluripotent (pre-iPS) stem cells, for example as obtained from mammalian neural stem cells or epiblast stem cells treated with single or combinations of the reprogramming factors, expressed transiently or by integrative vectors. Also provided are systems for reprogramming an epiplast stem cells independently of the use of there inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a viral vector encoding for a library of antibodies or antibody fragments that are displayed on the cell membrane when expressed in a cell. The present invention provides cells comprising the viral vector nucleic acids and methods of screening the libraries for antibodies or antibody fragments with desired characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel selection system for use in a eukaryotic cell culture process and for expression of a recombinant product of interest. The selection system is based on the introduction of an exogenous functional membrane-bound folate receptor gene together with the polynucleotide or gene encoding the product of interest into a eukaryotic cell and can be widely utilized with eukaryotic cells for which cellular viability is dependent upon folic acid uptake.

Abstract: Provided is a method for mapping traits in organisms, in particular in plants. The method comprises a) providing a population of SDR-0 organisms, in particular plants, that each arise from one member of a population of unreduced cells resulting from second division restitution, in particular a population of unreduced spores; b) producing SDR-1 progeny populations of each of these SDR-0 organisms; c) phenotyping the SDR-1 progeny populations to identify segregating traits within each SDR-1 progeny population; d) if segregating progeny are present in a SDR-1 progeny population, genotyping the corresponding SDR-0 organism and comparing the genotype thereof with the genotype of the other SDR-0 organisms to identify heterozygous chromosomal regions associated with the occurrence of the segregating trait identified in the SDR-1 progeny population.

Abstract: This invention relates to attenuated pestiviruses characterised in that their enzymatic activity residing in glycoprotein ERNS is inactivated, methods of preparing, using and detecting these.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for restoring budding capability to GP64null baculoviruses including gp64null AcMNPV by expressing therein a portion of the VSV G protein gene or a truncated “stem” portion of the GP64 gene. Other embodiments provide methods to use portions of the G-stem or GP64 protein to target foreign proteins for display on virions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an L-amino acid using a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family, particularly a bacterium belonging the genus Escherichia or Pantoea, wherein said bacterium has attenuated expression of a gene encoding a toxin of a bacterial toxin-antitoxin pair.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated cells comprising nanopatch sensors integrated into the cell membrane thereof, wherein said sensors are provided in the form of perturbation-sensitive constructs, and wherein said perturbation-sensitive constructs respond to perturbations of the cell membrane by means of a detectable change in one or more physical or chemical properties associated with said construct.

Abstract: A novel protein which has an activity to transport hydantoin compounds is described, as well as a recombinant expressing this transporter protein. From Microbacterium liquefaciens strain AJ3912, a novel gene was discovered to encode a protein which is able to transport hydantoin compounds. A recombinant with an excellent ability to uptake hydantoin compounds is obtained by introducing and expressing the novel gene, called mhp, using gene recombination techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to use non-steroidal ligands in nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system to modulate exogenous gene expression in which an ecdysone receptor complex comprising: a DNA binding domain; a ligand binding domain; a transactivation domain; and a ligand is contacted with a DNA construct comprising: the exogenous gene and a response element; wherein the exogenous gene is under the control of the response element and binding of the DNA binding domain to the response element in the presence of the ligand results in activation or suppression of the gene.

Abstract: Petunia explants are irradiated with heavy-ion beams, and the chimeric individuals differentiated from the explants are selected (FSRP method). Then, explants are obtained from the chimeric individuals and subjected to tissue culture, followed by selection of re-differentiated chimeric individuals with stable characters (SSRP method). By these procedures, it becomes possible to create chimeric plants such as variegated petunia efficiently.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the targeted delivery of molecules to cells expressing toll-like receptors (TLRs). Aspects of the invention provide compounds comprising a positively charged group linked to a TLR ligand. These compounds are useful for in vitro and in vivo methods of transfection of TLR-expressing cells. Other aspects of the invention relate to the use of such compounds for repression of gene expression and DNA vaccination approaches.

Abstract: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Intron A fragments for expressing gene products are disclosed. Also described are expression vectors including the fragments, as well as methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having protease activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant nucleic acid molecules, expression cassettes, and vectors useful for expression of polypeptides, including heterologous polypeptides, such as antigens, in bacteria. Some of the recombinant nucleic acid molecules, expression cassettes and vectors comprise codon-optimized sequences encoding the polypeptides and/or signal peptides. Some of the recombinant nucleic acid molecules, expression cassettes, and expression vectors comprise sequences encoding non-Listerial and/or non-secA1 signal peptides for secretion of the polypeptides. The invention also provides bacteria comprising the nucleic acid molecules, expression cassettes, and expression vectors, as well as compositions such as vaccines comprising the bacteria. Methods of making and using the bacteria, recombinant nucleic acid molecules, and expression cassettes are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to site-specifically manipulate genomes by using hybrid recombinases. Hybrid recombinases comprise a modified catalytic domain from a unidirectional serine phage integrase, fused to a foreign DNA recognition domain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Provided are recombinant mycobacteria having a mutation in an nlaA gene or in a nuoG gene. Also provided are isolated and purified nlaA proteins and nuoG proteins from a mycobacterium. Additionally provided are isolated and purified nucleic acids comprising a recombinant nlaA gene or a recombinant nuoG gene. Further provided are methods of inducing an immune response in a mammal and methods of making a recombinant mycobacterium using the nlaA gene or the nuoG gene.

Abstract: The invention provides Streptococcus vaccine strains (e.g. S. equi which is causative of ‘strangles’) comprising the following modifications in their genomes: (i) attenuation of one or more essential biosynthetic genes, (ii) attenuation of one or more genes which encode a haemolytic toxin, or protein involved in the production thereof, plus preferably any one, two, or most preferably three of the following modifications: (iii) attenuation of one or more genes which encode a protein responsible for immune evasion (iv) modification of one or more genes such as to permit serological discrimination of the vaccine strain based on analysis of a protein encoded by said genes, and (v) attenuation of one or more genes which encode an enzyme responsible for recombination repair of the genome. The invention provides inter alia live attenuated vaccine strains which generate an immune response to multiple protective epitopes presented in a context resembling the live pathogen.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a novel gene translocation, (4p15, 6q22), in human non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) that results in a fusion proteins combining part of Sodium-dependent Phosphate Transporter Isoform NaPi-3h protein (SLC34A2) with Proto-oncogene Tyrosine Protein Kinase ROS Precursor (ROS) kinase has now been identified. The SLC34A2-ROS fusion protein is anticipated to drive the proliferation and survival of a subgroup of NSCLC tumors. The invention therefore provides, in part, isolated polynucleotides and vectors encoding the disclosed mutant ROS kinase polypeptides, probes for detecting it, isolated mutant polypeptides, recombinant polypeptides, and reagents for detecting the fusion and truncated polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention is the production of magnetosome-like structures in cells. The invention provides in vitro and in vivo diagnostic and therapeutic methods using eukaryotic cells expressing magnetosome-like structures that act as contrast agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to intracellular delivery of alcoholic lipid compositions for medical, cosmetic, research, diagnostic, veterinary, agriculture or pharmaceutical use containing phospholipid(s), ethanol (or other C2-C4 such volatile alcohols), water, at least one active molecule, optional addition of glycols and/or other additions for delivery to cells of an entrapped, attached, adsorbed, and/or complexed molecule(s).

Abstract: The invention relates to a newly identified polynucleotide sequence comprising a gene that encodes a novel phospholipase isolated from Aspergillus niger. The invention features the full length nucleotide sequence of the novel gene, the cDNA sequence comprising the full length coding sequence of the novel phospholipase as well as the amino acid sequence of the full-length functional protein and functional equivalents thereof. The invention also relates to methods of using these enzymes in industrial processes and methods of diagnosing fungal infections. Also included in the invention are cells transformed with a polynucleotide according to the invention and cells wherein a phospholipase according to the invention is genetically modified to enhance or reduce its activity and/or level of expression.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for modulating gene expression by using EGS to target miRNA. Another aspect of the present disclosure is the use of EGS to target mitochondrial RNA. MiRNA targets may include immature or mature forms of miRNA, such as miRNA overexpressed in diseases such as cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated or genetically modified strains of microorganisms that display enhanced resistance to acetate as a result of increased expression of a sodium proton antiporter. The present invention also provides methods for producing such microbial strains, as well as related promoter sequences and expression vectors. Further, the present invention provides methods of producing alcohol from biomass materials by using microorganisms with enhanced resistance to acetate.

Abstract: The invention relates to global transcription machinery engineering to produce altered cells having improved phenotypes.

Abstract: Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method of producing a plant or a plant cell having an altered level of at least one glucosinolate, said method comprising obtaining a plant or plant cell comprising at least one active Adenosine-5?-Phosphosulphate Kinase (APS kinase, Apk) gene and preventing or inhibiting the production and/or function of the gene product encoded by at least one Adenosine-5?-Phosphosulphate Kinase (APS kinase, Apk) gene, preferably disrupting expression of at least one Adenosine-5?-Phosphosulphate Kinase (APS kinase, Apk) gene.

Abstract: Nanoparticles containing nucleic acid and suitable for use as in vivo delivery agents for nucleic acids are provided. The nanoparticles use a covalent conjugate of a polycation such as polyethylenimine and phospholipids. The final DNA-containing nanoparticle has a vesicular structure with a polyplex core surrounded by a mixed lipid/PEG-lipid monolayer envelope and offers simple preparation, high loading capacity, and in vivo stability. The nanoparticles have good in vivo stability and a prolonged blood circulation time and can effectively deliver a gene to a biological target such as a tumor.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a new method combining evolution and rational design for the preparation of a strain of micro-organism for the production of 1,2-propanediol from a carbon source. The said method comprises: growing an initial strain under selection pressure in an appropriate growth medium, said initial bacterial strain comprising an attenuation of the expression of the tpiA gene and an attenuation the expression of at least one gene involved in the conversion of methylglyoxal to lactate, in order to promote evolution in said initial strain, then selecting and isolating the evolved strain having an increased 1,2 propanediol production rate, then reconstructing a functional tpiA gene in the evolved strain; The present invention also concerns the evolved strain such as obtained, that may be furthermore genetically modified in order to optimize the conversion of a carbon source into 1,2-propanediol without by-products and with the best possible yield.

Abstract: Dominant negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic animals, new cell lines and animal varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reverse genetics system for viruses belonging to the Reoviridae (i.e. Reoviruses), various uses thereof, genetically modified Reoviruses, Reovirus selection/production and propagation systems, medicaments and vaccines.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize a variety of chiral compounds.