Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of connecting disrupted tissue, tissue repair, treating colorectal disorder and tissue welding. The methods comprise using a bioadhesive composition comprising ELP and light absorbing chromophores and irradiating the bioadhesive tissue.

Abstract: Methods for providing novel compositions useful as influenza immunogens are provided. The compositions enable a host response to immunogen sites normally not recognized by a host. The novel immunogens can be used as vaccines or to develop antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising randomized in-frame fusion polynucleotides and methods for introducing them into a host organism to identify desirable phenotypic changes that disrupt or alter existing genetic or biochemical mechanisms or pathways, thus creating novel characteristics of the transformed organism. Methods for using the compositions for increasing diversity within populations of organisms are also presented.

Abstract: Improved DNA vaccine plasmids are disclosed. The improved plasmids eliminate all extraneous sequences, and have superior eukaryotic expression, improved yield and stability during bacterial production, facilitate flexible targeting of antigens to various intracellular destinations, and novel RNA-based functionality. These vectors are utilized in novel immunization methods wherein combinations of immunostimulatory DNA vaccine plasmids that target antigens to various intracellular destinations are used to elicit improved immune response.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising polytheylyene-dialkyloxypropyl conjugates (PEG-DAA), liposomes, SNALP, and SPLP comprising such compositions, and methods of using such compositions, liposomes, SNALP, and SPLP.

Abstract: Described herein is a mitochondrial-targeted RNA expression system (mtTRES) for delivery of RNA molecules to mitochondria. mtTRES vectors generate RNAs in vivo that are un-capped, non-polyadenylated, and actively directed to mitochondria. The disclosed vectors are capable of delivering either non-coding RNA molecules or RNA molecules encoding a protein of interest to the mitochondria. In particular, the disclosed vectors include (1) an RNAPIII initiation (promoter) sequence, (2) a non-coding leader sequence (NCL), (3) a mitochondrial translation initiation sequence and an ORF encoding a protein of interest, or a sequence encoding a non-coding RNA, and (4) an RNAPIII termination sequence.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for introducing a gene into a target cell using a retrovirus vector, which is simple and highly efficient. Specifically disclosed is a method for introducing a gene into a target cell using a retrovirus vector, which comprises the steps of (a) placing a liquor containing a retrovirus vector having a foreign gene carried thereon into a culture vessel on which a retrovirus-binding substance has been immobilized, and incubating the liquor at a temperature lower than 25° C. for 4 hours or longer, thereby producing a culture vessel having the retrovirus vector bound thereto, and (b) adding a target cell to the culture vessel that has been produced in step (a) and incubating the culture vessel. The gene introduction method is simple and highly efficient, and is useful particularly in the fields of medicine, cell technology, gene technology, embryologic technology and the like.

Abstract: Recombinant P. pastoris producing natural sweet proteins and methods for engineering these recombinant yeast are described. Methods for enhancing foreign protein production in yeast fermentation and improved methods for purification of foreign proteins produced in yeast fermentation are presented.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunogenic composition comprising a recombinant vector characterized in that it comprises a polynucleotide comprising the cis-acting central initiation region (cPPT) and the cis-acting termination region (CTS), these regions being of retroviral or retroviral-like origin, said vector comprising in addition a defined nucleotide sequence (transgene or sequence of interest) and regulatory signals of retrotranscription, expression and encapsidation of retroviral or retroviral-like origin, wherein the composition is capable of inducing or of stimulating a cell-mediated response for instance a CTL (Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes) response or a CD4 response, against one or several epitopes encoded by the transgene sequence present in the vector.

Abstract: Disclosed are a protein encoded by any one of nucleic acids (i) to (iv): (i) a nucleic acid having a base sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; (ii) a nucleic acid encoding a protein having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; (iii) a nucleic acid encoding a dragline protein and having a sequence identity of 90% or more with the nucleic acid (i); (iv) a nucleic acid which encodes a dragline protein and hybridizes with a complementary chain of the nucleic acid (i) under stringent conditions, and a silk thread containing the protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a targeting system comprising, preferably as distinct components (a) a transposon which is devoid of polynucleotide encoding a functional transposase comprising (aa) a polynucleotide of interest and; (ab) a DNA sequence specifically recognized by a DNA binding domain; and (ba) a fusion protein comprising (i) said DNA binding domain; or (ii) a (poly)peptide binding domain binding to a (poly)peptide comprising said DNA binding domain; and (iii) a DNA targeting domain; or (iv) a (poly)peptide binding domain that binds to a cellular or engineered (poly)peptide that comprises a DNA targeting domain; or (bb) a polynucleotide encoding the fusion protein of (ba); and (ca) a transposase or a fragment or derivative thereof having transposase function; or (cb) a polynucleotide encoding the transposase or fragment or derivative thereof having transposase function of (ca).

Abstract: A method for the transient transformation of a living biological cell having an intact cell membrane defining an intracellular domain, and an apparatus for the transient transformation of biological cells. The method and apparatus include introducing a compartmentalized extracellular component fixedly attached to a cellular penetrant structure to the intracellular domain of the cell, wherein the cell is fixed in a predetermined location and wherein the component is expressed within in the cell while being retained within the compartment and wherein the compartment restricts the mobility and interactions of the component within the cell and prevents transference of the component to the cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant organism having any one of nucleic acids (i) to (iv) introduced therein: (i) a nucleic acid having a base sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; (ii) a nucleic acid encoding a protein having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; (iii) a nucleic acid encoding a dragline protein and having a sequence identity of 90% or more with the nucleic acid (i); (iv) a nucleic acid which encodes a dragline protein and hybridizes with a complementary chain of the nucleic acid (i) under stringent conditions.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods and compositions for generating recombinant adenoviral vectors. The invention also provides kits comprising for the generation of recombinant adenoviral vectors.

Abstract: Novel packaging cell lines which produce recombinant retrovirus, free of detectable helper-virus are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making the cell lines and methods of producing recombinant retroviruses from the cell lines. Retroviruses produced by the cell lines include lentiviruses, such as HIV, capable of transfering heterologous DNA to a wide range of non-dividing cells. The packaging cells contain at least three vectors which collectively encode retroviral gag, pol, and env proteins, wherein the gag and pol genes are separated, in part, onto two or more different vectors. This is made possible by fusing Vpr or Vpx to pol proteins separated from gag so that the proteins are targeted to assembling virions. Among other advantages, the packaging cells provide the benefit of increased safety when used in human gene therapy by virtually eliminating the possibility of molecular recombination leading to production of replication competent helper virus.

Abstract: The present invention provides lipid-based formulations for delivering, e.g., introducing, nucleic acid-lipid particles comprising an interference RNA molecule to a cell, and assays for optimizing the delivery efficiency of such lipid-based formulations.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for the determination of virulence determinants in bacteria and in particular bacteria of the genus Mycobacterium. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for stimulating an immune response in an animal using bacteria and virulence determinants identified by the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of producing an isoprenoid or an isoprenoid precursor in a genetically modified host cell. The methods generally involve modulating the level of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) in the cell, such that the level of HMG-CoA is not toxic to the cell and/or does not substantially inhibit cell growth, but is maintained at a level that provides for high-level production of mevalonate, IPP, and other downstream products of an isoprenoid or isoprenoid pathway, e.g., polyprenyl diphosphates and isoprenoid compounds. The present invention further provides genetically modified host cells that are suitable for use in a subject method. The present invention further provides recombinant nucleic acid constructs for use in generating a subject genetically modified host cell, including recombinant nucleic acid constructs comprising nucleotide sequences encoding one or more mevalonate pathway enzymes, and recombinant vectors (e.g., recombinant expression vectors) comprising same.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for a robust production of isoprenoids via one or more biosynthetic pathways. The invention also provides nucleic acids, enzymes, expression vectors, and genetically modified host cells for carrying out the subject methods. The invention also provides fermentation methods for high productivity of isoprenoids from genetically modified host cells.

Abstract: Recombinant Mycobacterium strains with improved vaccinal properties for use as vaccinating agents are provided. The parent strains of the recombinant Mycobacterium strains are selected for their potent immunogenicity. The Mycobacterium strains do not display antibiotic resistance, and do not exhibit horizontal transfer to gram-negative bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel gene constructs and methods for the production of transgenic cotton plants that produce oils having a range of desirable attributes, including improved oil quality, and modified fatty acid composition.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method using human soluble ErbB3, for example p85-sErbB3, as a negative regulator of heregulin-stimulated ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4 activation. The present invention also discloses p85-sErbB3 binding to heregulin with an affinity comparable to that of full-length ErbB3, and competitively inhibiting high affinity heregulin binding to ErbB2/ErbB3 heterodimers on the cell surface of breast carcinoma cells. The present invention also uses p85-sErbB3 to inhibit heregulin-induced phosphorylation of ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4 in cells, as a negative regulator of heregulin-stimulated signal transduction, and as a block for cell growth. The present invention is also directed to nucleic acids and expression vectors encoding p85-sErbB3, host cells harboring such expression vectors, and methods of producing the protein. The present invention discloses a method of therapeutically treating human malignancies associated with heregulin-mediated cell growth such as breast and prostate cancer.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to plant genetic engineering. In particular, the invention is directed to nucleic acids and methods for conferring salt tolerance on plants and other organisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of gene therapy, immunology, and vaccine technology. More specifically, the invention relates to a novel system that can rapidly generate high titers of adenovirus vectors that are free of replication-competent adenovirus (RCA). Also provided are methods of generating these RCA-free adenoviral vectors, immunogenic or vaccine compositions comprising these RCA-free adenovirus vectors, methods of expressing a heterologous nucleic acid of interest in these adenovirus vectors and methods of eliciting immunogenic responses using these adenovirus vectors.

Abstract: Artificial chromosomes, including ACes, that have been engineered to contain available sites for site-specific, recombination-directed integration of DNA of interest are provided. These artificial chromosomes permit tractable, efficient, rational engineering of the chromosome for a variety of applications.

Abstract: A novel gene 098P4B6 (also designated STEAP-2) and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 98P4B6 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 98P4B6 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 98P4B6 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 98P4B6 can be used in active or passive immunization.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method using human soluble ErbB3, for example p85-sErbB3, as a negative regulator of heregulin-stimulated ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4 activation. The present invention also discloses p85-sErbB3 binding to heregulin with an affinity comparable to that of full-length ErbB3, and competitively inhibiting high affinity heregulin binding to ErbB2/ErbB3 heterodimers on the cell surface of breast carcinoma cells. The present invention also uses p85-sErbB3 to inhibit heregulin-induced phosphorylation of ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4 in cells, as a negative regulator of heregulin-stimulated signal transduction, and as a block for cell growth. The present invention is also directed to nucleic acids and expression vectors encoding p85-sErbB3, host cells harboring such expression vectors, and methods of producing the protein. The present invention discloses a method of therapeutically treating human malignancies associated with heregulin-mediated cell growth such as breast and prostate cancer.

Abstract: A recombinant vector for delivering A3G genes into human cells comprising (i) a gene expression block including an A3G gene selected from a wild type A3G gene represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 and a mutant A3G gene and (ii) a group of elements from a modified lentiviral vector including lentiviral regions of packaging signal (?, psi), LTRs, RRE, and PBS; wherein said A3G gene is operably linked to the packaging signal (?, psi), LTRs, RRE, and PBS.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of generating a mammalian cell that is homozygous at a locus of interest, as well as cells made by the method. The present invention further provides methods of using the cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides adenoviral vectors comprising cell status-specific transcriptional regulatory elements which confer cell status-specific transcriptional regulation on an adenoviral gene. A “cell status” is generally a reversible physiological and/or environmental state. The invention further provides compositions and host cells comprising the vectors, as well as methods of using the vectors.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a solution having activity to induce differentiation of an embryonic stem cell into an ectodermal cell or ectoderm-derived cell, which comprises culturing a stromal cell in a culture comprising a polyanionic compound and recovering the culture; a solution having activity to induce differentiation of an embryonic stem cell into an ectodermal cell or ectoderm-derived cell, which is obtainable by the method; and an agent for inducing differentiation of an embryonic stem cell into an ectodermal cell or ectoderm-derived cell.

Abstract: Improved DNA vaccine plasmids are disclosed. The improved plasmids eliminate all extraneous sequences, and have superior eukaryotic expression, improved yield and stability during bacterial production, facilitate flexible targeting of antigens to various intracellular destinations, and novel RNA-based functionality. These vectors are utilized in novel immunization methods wherein combinations of immunostimulatory DNA vaccine plasmids that target antigens to various intracellular destinations are used to elicit improved immune response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified brain slice cultures and assay systems based thereon. In particular, the invention relates to a tissue-based assay system for screening agents capable of modulating etiopathology of neuronal cells, in particular in the context of Alzheimer's disease related brain lesions.

Abstract: Method and composition for simultaneously silencing an endogenously transcribed polynucleotide sequence in a cell using RNAi and replacing the function of the endogenous sequence with the function of an exogenous polynucleotide sequence. Also provided are methods of treatment based on the above method, and pharmaceutical composition comprising the vectors of the present invention. Further provided are methods for verifying that silencing or knock-down of a gene in a cell is due to siRNA interference. The method and composition of the present invention takes advantage of the sequence specificity of the RNAi gene silencing or knock down mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a methodology for the generation of nonsegmented negative-strand RNA viruses (Pringle, 1991) from cloned deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA). Such rescued viruses are suitable for use as vaccines, or alternatively, as plasmids in somatic gene therapy applications. The invention also relates to cDNA molecules suitable as tools in this methodology and to helper cell lines allowing the direct rescue of such viruses. Measles virus (MV) is used as a mode for other representatives of the Mononegavirales, in particular the family Paramyxoviridae.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for labeling specific cells within living cells or tissues. The method comprises preparing the vectors with genes of photoactivable fluorescent proteins, followed by injecting the vectors containing genes of photoactivable fluorescent proteins together with genes of other fluorescent proteins into living cells or tissues, resulting in biological tissues with traceable systemic expression and irradiating the predetermined areas in living cells or tissues with an activating light source, thereby enhancing the intensity and duration of the emitted fluorescent after other excitations, thus revealing the targets intended for observation out of the background, so that a target-oriented image tracing is achieved.

Abstract: Novel packaging cell lines which produce recombinant retrovirus, free of detectable helper-virus are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making the cell lines and methods of producing recombinant retroviruses from the cell lines. Retroviruses produced by the cell lines include lentiviruses, such as HIV, capable of transfering heterologous DNA to a wide range of non-dividing cells. The packaging cells contain at least three vectors which collectively encode retroviral gag, pol, and env proteins, wherein the gag and pol genes are separated, in part, onto two or more different vectors. This is made possible by fusing Vpr or Vpx to pol proteins separated from gag so that the proteins are targeted to assembling virions. Among other advantages, the packaging cells provide the benefit of increased safety when used in human gene therapy by virtually eliminating the possibility of molecular recombination leading to production of replication competent helper virus.

Abstract: The invention relates to Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (“IBDV”) and vaccines therefor. Provided are infectious recombinant Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (“rIBDV”) essentially incapable of growing in a cell that is not derived from a bursa cell, or an infectious rIBDV having retained at least part of the very virulent characteristics of a very virulent Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (“vvIBDV”).

Abstract: A method of transferring a foreign gene into cells, characterized by involving: the step of transferring into the cells with the use of an adenovirus vector, a first nucleic acid, which has a sequence provided with adeno-associated virus-origin ITRs in both sides of the target foreign gene to be transferred, and a second nucleic acid, which has an adeno-associated virus-origin rep gene and a promoter for expressing this gene and carries a stuffer sequence inserted thereinto sandwiched in two recombinase recognition sequences and located between the rep gene and the promoter; and the step of expressing the Rep protein under the action of recombinase in the cells obtained in the above step to thereby integrate the target foreign gene into the chromosomal DNA.

Abstract: Novel packaging cell lines which produce recombinant retrovirus, free of detectable helper-virus are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making the cell lines and methods of producing recombinant retroviruses from the cell lines. Retroviruses produced by the cell lines include lentiviruses, such as HIV, capable of transfering heterologous DNA to a wide range of non-dividing cells. The packaging cells contain at least three vectors which collectively encode retroviral gag, pol, and env proteins, wherein the gag and pol genes are separated, in part, onto two or more different vectors. This is made possible by fusing Vpr or Vpx to pol proteins separated from gag so that the proteins are targeted to assembling virions. Among other advantages, the packaging cells provide the benefit of increased safety when used in human gene therapy by virtually eliminating the possibility of molecular recombination leading to production of replication-competant helper virus.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of monitoring production of gene products. In particular, the invention provides methods of monitoring production of a gene product, methods of screening for modulators of production of a gene product, and methods of screening for cellular targets amenable to regulation by a treatment using a plurality of reporter gene systems. The methods described herein find uses in a number of fields such as drug discovery, agricultural or industrial production and environmental monitoring or protection.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel Adenovirus backbone plasmid, which when co-transfected with a shuttle vector, allows for production of recombinant viruses quickly and easily. The present invention also provides host cells and a cloning system for generating recombinant adenoviruses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation, purification, characterization and use of a mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDHK) gene (SEQ ID NO:1) (pYA5; ATCC No 209562) from the Brassicaceae (specifically Arabidopsis thaliana). The invention includes isolated and purified DNA of the stated sequence and relates to methods of regulating fatty acid synthesis, seed oil content, seed size/weight, flowering time, vegetative growth, respiration rate and generation time using the gene and to tissues and plants transformed with the gene. The invention also relates to transgenic plants, plant tissues and plant seeds having a genome containing an introduced DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, or a part of SEQ ID NO:1 characterized in that said sequence has been introduced in an anti-sense or sense orientation, and a method of producing such plants and plant seeds.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of converting a stem cell into a ventral neuron which comprises introducing into the stem cell a nucleic acid which expresses homeodomain transcription factor Nkx6.1 or Nkx6.2 protein in the stem cell so as to thereby convert the stem cell into the ventral neuron. Provided are methods of diagnosing a motor neuron degenerative disease in a subject. Also provides is a method of treating neuronal degeneration in a subjet which comprises implanting in diseased neural tissue of the subject a neural stem cell which is capable of expressing homeodomain Nkx6.1 or Nkx6.2 protein under conditions such that the stem cell is converted into a motor neuron after implantation, thereby treating neuronal degeneration in the subject.

Abstract: The invention provides shuttle vectors, and methods of using shuttle vectors, capable of expression in, at least, a mammalian cell. Furthermore, the shuttle vectors are capable of replication in at least yeast, and optionally, bacterial cells. Also provided is a method wherein yeast are transformed with a shuttle vector as provided herein. Heterologous nucleic acids flanked by 5′ and 3′ ends identical to a homologous recombination site within the shuttle vector are introduced to the transformed yeast and allowed to homologously recombine with the shuttle vector such that they are inserted into the vector by the yeast organism. The shuttle vector is then recovered and transferred to a mammalian cell for expression.

Abstract: A method for producing recombinant adeno-associated virus in the absence of contaminating helper virus or wild-type virus involves culturing a mammalian host cell containing an rAd/AAV hybrid virus, an AAV rep sequence and an AAV cap sequence under the control of regulatory sequences directing expression thereof. The rAd/AAV hybrid virus contains a rAAV construct to be packaged into an AAV virion in an backbone containing the adenoviral sequences necessary to express E1a and E1b gene products and to permit replication of the hybrid virus. The method of the invention permits replication of the hybrid virus and production of rAAV virion in this host cell in the absence of a helper virus and obviates a subsequent purification step to purify rAAV from contaminating virus.

Abstract: A method of efficiently sequencing multiple exons from complex genomic DNAs is disclosed. The methodology includes the use of bacterial and bacteriophage-derived artificial chromosomes (BBPACS) in novel gene trapping protocols. Targeted gene trapping by homologous recombination, and random gene trapping with the use of a transposon system are exemplified. Included in the invention are methods of preparing a gene map from BBPAC contigs, the resulting gene maps, methods of constructing a cDNA library from BBPAC contigs, and the resulting cDNA libraries.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for production of retroviruses which are replication incompetent. In the system, gag and pol retroviral structural proteins are expressed separately by different plasmids in a packaging cell line. Separate gag and pol expressing plasmids are provided, as are packaging cell lines containing such plasmids. Retrovirus products of the retroviral vector production system, including chimeric retroviruses, are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for rendering proteins directly responsive to an external signal utilizing modulators that themselves respond to the external signal and are associated with the proteins. In response to the external signal, the modulator alters physical properties of the specific protein molecule(s) with which it is associated, thereby altering the structural and functional properties thereof. The modulator may, for example, transfer applied energy to a protein, or to a portion of the protein, thereby changing the protein structure and function.

Abstract: The invention provides shuttle vectors, and methods of using shuttle vectors, capable of expression in, at least, a mammalian cell. Furthermore, the shuttle vectors are capable of replication in at least yeast, and optionally, bacterial cells. Also provided is a method wherein yeast are transformed with a shuttle vector as provided herein. Heterologous nucleic acids flanked by 5′ and 3′ ends identical to a homologous recombination site within the shuttle vector are introduced to the transformed yeast and allowed to homologously recombine with the shuttle vector such that they are inserted into the vector by the yeast organism. The shuttle vector is then recovered and transferred to a mammalian cell for expression.