Abstract: A construct is described that allows for detection and quantitation of membrane-bound polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for detecting the presence or absence of a target molecule or substance, compounds which may be employed in such devices and methods of using such compounds. In some embodiments, the compounds are conjugated polyenes.

Abstract: A method for preparing standardized serum mixture for determining allergen potency which comprises: 1) providing multiple serum samples from patients moderately hypersensitive to said allergen; 2) determining the relative content of sIgE against said allergen in each serum sample, obtaining the mean value of the relative content of sIgE of said multiple serum samples, and obtaining deviation value of the relative content of sIgE of each serum with respect to said mean value; 3) removing at least 5% of serum samples that have the largest and smallest deviation values respectively, and mixing the residual sera in the same volume. A serum mixture prepared by the method as well as the use of such serum mixture are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting autoprocessed, secreted PCSK9, a protein involved in cholesterol homeostasis, and for effectively identifying compounds that inhibit autocleavage and secretion from cells. The disclosed method involves the insertion of an epitope tag into a PCSK9 expression construct immediately C-terminal to the pro domain ending at an amino acid residue corresponding to Q152 of human PCSK9. Upon autoprocessing, the epitope tag is exposed and capable of recognition by anti-epitope antibodies or other suitable identification system, allowing for the selective and exclusive identification and/or quantification of processed PCSK9. The present disclosure thus advances the goal of providing enabling technology to the art for the effective identification of therapeutics effective in combating coronary heart disease.

Abstract: Methods for accurately comparing the levels of ionizable lipids in two cell populations that differ in some respect from each other using mass spectroscopy and isotopic labeling are provided. The methods can be used to identify a change in a lipid of interest in response to a cellular, chemical, genetic, or environmental change to the cell population (i.e., a lipid response to a cell perturbation). The change in the lipid of interest can be a change in composition, rate of synthesis, and/or location of the lipid.

Abstract: A method for producing a plant with increased yield as compared to a corresponding wild type plant whereby the method comprises at least the following step: increasing or generating in a plant or a part thereof one or more activities of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase, 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase, 3?-phosphoadenosine 5?-phosphate phosphatase, 4-diphosphocytidyl-2-C-methyl-D-erythritol kinase, 5OS chloroplast ribosomal protein L21, 57972199. R01.1-protein, 60952769. R01.1-protein, 60S ribosomal protein, ABC transporter family protein, AP2 domain-containing transcription factor, argonaute protein, AT1 G29250.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides methods for the detection of target particles, such as pathogens, soluble antigens, nucleic acids, toxins, chemicals, plant pathogens, blood borne pathogens, bacteria, viruses and the like. Also described is an emittor cell comprising a receptor, wherein the receptor can be an antibody or an Fc receptor, and an emittor molecule for the detection of a target particle in a sample wherein the target particle to be detected is bound by one or more receptors on the emittor cell. Also provided are optoelectronic sensor devices for detecting a target particle in a sample, including in a plurality of samples.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the problems and disadvantages associated with prior art arrays by providing an array comprising a plurality of biological membrane microspots associated with a surface of a substrate that can be produced, used and stored, not in an aqueous environment, but in an environment exposed to air under ambient or controlled humidities. Preferably, the biological membrane microspots comprise a membrane bound protein. Most preferably, the membrane bound protein is a G-protein coupled receptor, an ion channel, a receptor serine/threonine kinase or a receptor tyrosine kinase.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting a change in cell growth patterns.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acids encoding a novel ABC family cholesterol transporter, SSG. The herein-disclosed sequences can be used for any of a number of purposes, including for the diagnosis and treatment of cholesterol-associated disorders, including sitosterolemia, and for the identification of molecules that associate with and/or modulate the activity of SSG.

Abstract: Chemically reactive carbocyanine dyes that are intramolecularly crosslinked between the 1-position and 3?-position, their bioconjugates and their uses are described. 1,3?-crosslinked carbocyanines are superior to those of conjugates of spectrally similar 1,1?-crosslinked or non-crosslinked dyes. The invention includes derivative compounds having one or more benzo nitrogens.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the first time the identification of salivary protein and RNA factors that can be used in the detection of primary Sjögren's Syndrome. The present invention therefore provides methods of diagnosing and providing a prognosis for Sjögren's Syndrome, by examining relevant proteins (including certain autoantigens and autoantibodies) and RNA in a patient's saliva.

Abstract: A diagnostic agent for infectious diseases which is capable of distinguishing among different kinds of bacterial species and which allows simple and non-invasive measurement and/or imaging in a short period of time is provided; and a screening method for a therapeutic agent for infectious diseases caused by microorganisms are provided. A diagnostic agent for infectious diseases caused by nitroimidazole susceptible microorganisms, containing an imidazole derivative or a fused imidazole derivative having at least one nitro group on an imidazole ring, or a labeled form thereof as an active ingredient is provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for eliciting an immune response against Streptococcus pneumoniae are described. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to immunogenic PcpA polypeptides, including fragments of PcpA and variants thereof, and nucleic acids that encode the polypeptides. The present disclosure further relates to methods of making and using the immunogenic polypeptides. Further provided is a method of diagnosing pneumococcal infection (e.g., pneumonia) in a subject by obtaining a biological sample from the subject and detecting one or more pneumococcal antigens that are selectively expressed during invasion (e.g., PcpA or fragments thereof).

Abstract: After prepared biological samples have been submitted to liquid-chromatography/mass spectrometry equipment, digital images are produced that show variations. Some of these variations may be of interest while others are not of interest. Variations in regions of interest can be correlated and correlation scores produced to classify biological features aid in scientific discovery. Shape properties of variations can also be calculated by geometric scores. A microalignment method aids the correlation calculation without resorting to macroalignment.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a simple and effective way of synthesizing robust organic-inorganic hybrid gels and ultra-thin films using vaporization of a gel precursor. The gels are synthesized at relatively low temperature allowing the activity of the immobilized species to be maintained. The disclosure provides robust, synthetic, selective, active and/or passive transport systems in the form of functional biologically active species and mechanisms for forming them. These systems allow selective and passive or active transport of ionic, molecular and biological species through the incorporation of functional biological molecules and biomolecular assemblies in a rigid matrix.

Abstract: Provided is a microorganism that can display, on the cell surface, any molecules other than a molecule comprising amino acids, more specifically, a microorganism that displays biotin on a cell surface. The microorganism is capable of co-expressing a biotinylating enzyme and an acceptor peptide having a sequence recognized by the biotinylating enzyme, wherein the acceptor peptide is expressed on the cell surface, so that lysine of the acceptor peptide is biotinylated to display biotin on the cell surface. Also provided is a method for displaying an intended molecule, including not only a molecule comprising amino acids but also any molecules, on a cell surface of a microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for detecting and identifying microorganisms and, more particularly, to methods for detecting microorganisms in a sample by incubating the sample at two temperatures to facilitate increased detection of the organism.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of detecting Borrelia proteins, nucleic acid sequences encoding these proteins, and subject antibodies to these proteins in a sample are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to chimeric taste receptors comprising the extracellular portion of one T1R or a variant or fragment thereof, either T1R1 or T1R2, and the transmembrane portion of another T1R or a variant or fragment thereof, either T1R1 or T1R2, preferably associated with a T1R3 polypeptide and a suitable G protein. These chimeric taste receptors and cells which express such chimeric taste receptors are useful in assays for identifying sweet and umami ligands as well in assays for identifying sweet and umami enhancers. Additionally, these chimeric taste receptors and cells which express same can be used to map and determine where specific sweet and umami ligands interact with their respective receptors and to elucidate the mechanism of receptor activation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ?17 desaturases, which have the ability to convert ?-6 fatty acids into their ?-3 counterparts (i.e., conversion of arachidonic acid [20:4, ARA] to eicosapentaenoic acid [20:5, EPA]). Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding ?17 desaturases along with a method of making long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) using these ?17 desaturases in oleaginous yeast are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to newly identified open reading frames comprised within the genomic nucleotide sequence of Streptococcus pneumoniae, wherein the open reading frames encode polypeptides that are surface localized on Streptococcus pneumoniae. Thus, the invention relates to Streptococcus pneumoniae open reading frames that encode polypeptide antigens, polypeptides, preferably antigenic polypeptides, encoded by the Streptococcus pneumoniae open reading frames, vectors comprising open reading frame sequences and cells or animals transformed with these vectors. The invention relates also to methods of detecting these nucleic acids or polypeptides and kits for diagnosing Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. The invention finally relates to pharmaceutical compositions, in particular immunogenic compositions, for the prevention and/or treatment of bacterial infection, in particular infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for identifying agents that modulates 138-kDa C2 domain-containing phosphoprotein (CDP138) activity or phosphorylation levels both in vivo and in vitro. Also provided are methods and compositions to prolong the survival of neuronal cells, to ameliorate or prevent a condition associated with release of insulin from insulin producing cells and insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism, to inhibiting proliferation of a cancer cell and to inducing cell cycle arrest of a cancer cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing an protein monolayer using a peptide hybrid for protein immobilization, more precisely a peptide hybrid for protein immobilization which has improved solubility by introducing a PEG linker and a proper reaction group to the oligopeptide having specific affinity to selected types of proteins and is designed to provide enough space between solid substrates and proteins immobilized, whereby various solid substrates treated by the hybrid catch specific proteins effectively on. The peptide hybrid for protein immobilization of the present invention facilitates the control of orientation of an antibody on various solid surfaces and immobilization of various antibodies of different origins or having different isotypes with different affinity. Therefore, the surface treatment technique using the peptide hybrid of the invention can be effectively used for the production of various immunosensors and immune chips.

Abstract: Acute myeloid leukemia stem cells (AMLSC) are identified. The cells can be prospectively isolated or identified from patient samples, and are shown to possess the unique properties of cancer stem cells in functional assays for cancer stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, and in cancer diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutations in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and methods of detecting such mutations as well as prognostic methods method for identifying a tumors that are susceptible to anticancer therapy such as chemotherapy and/or kinase inhibitor treatment. The methods involve determining the presence of a mutated EGFR gene or mutated EGFR protein in a tumor sample whereby the presence of a mutated EGFR gene or protein indicates the tumor is susceptible to treatment.

Abstract: A method for examining an attachment or detachment of living cells, dead cells or cell-like particles on a surface using plasmon resonance includes irradiating a measurement region with beams over the entire angle of incidence spectrum and capturing, combining and evaluating beams with identical angles of incidence reflected from different points of the measurement region with a determination of the angle of light incidence with a lowest reflected light intensity and measuring an angle of incidence shift of an intensity minimum that occurs. The evaluating includes registering different angles of incidence of two or more intensity minima occurring simultaneously to reflect a respective level of the surface accumulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutations in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and methods of detecting such mutations as well as prognostic methods method for identifying a tumors that are susceptible to anticancer therapy such as chemotherapy and/or kinase inhibitor treatment. The methods involve determining the presence of a mutated EGFR gene or mutated EGFR protein in a tumor sample whereby the presence of a mutated EGFR gene or protein indicates the tumor is susceptible to treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated or recombinant Na+/H+ exchanger comprising an isolated or recombinant Na+/H+ exchanger, particularly to the PBO-4 Na+/H+ exchanger. Also disclosed is an isolated or recombinant protein component of an H+-gated channel which can be affected by extracellular Ca2+ concentration. In particular, the invention relates to PBO-5 and/or PBO-8 and/or a H+-gated channel composed of PBO-5 and PBO-8. The invention relates to compounds isolated from a vertebrate organism, wherein said compounds comprise at least a part of a H+-gated channel or Na+/H+ exchanger. The invention also relates to a method for identifying a component of a H+-gated channel in a vertebrate organism.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying immunobinders, such as scFv antibodies, capable of specifically binding to cell surface antigens, and compositions identified according to said methods.

Abstract: Methods for detecting invasive trophoblast antigen (ITA) in biological samples comprise screening the samples for ITA using antibodies that bind to the ITA. The methods are useful to detect pregnancy, trophoblastic diseases, and Down's syndrome in fetuses of pregnant women. Some methods include screening the samples with a plurality of capture antibodies that specifically bind ITA. Chemiluminescent immunoassays are disclosed. The methods may be practiced with the diagnostic kits of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition useful for the diagnosis and therapy of diseases associated with aberrant expression of the gene encoding the receptor Kremen 1 and/or Kremen 2 e.g. tumors or diseases of the kidneys, bones and eyes, lipid and glucose metabolism and obesity. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing a compound which is capable of modifying (a) the expression of the gene encoding Kremen 1 and/or Kremen 2 or (b) the activity of the Kremen 1 and/or Kremen 2 receptor.

Abstract: The current invention comprises a method for determining of an antibody against a drug antibody in a sample using an immunoassay comprising a capture drug antibody and a tracer drug antibody, wherein the method comprises providing i) a capture drug antibody, which is the drug antibody conjugated to a solid phase, ii) a tracer drug antibody, which is the drug antibody conjugated to a detectable label, contacting the capture drug antibody separately with i) the sample, ii) the sample, to which the drug antibody in monomeric form has been added, iii) the sample, to which the drug antibody in oligomeric form has been added, and determining an antibody against the drug antibody in the sample by a positive immunoassay in i) and a negative immunoassay in ii) and iii).

Abstract: The present invention relates to uses of cystatins derived from nematodes and to a method of screening using such cystatin. The present invention also relates to methods of treatment and/or prevention of an allergic and/or autoimmune disease in a patient, using a cystatin derived from a nematode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of tissue analysis, disease modelling or drug development comprising the steps of providing a tissue sample comprising cells of at least two different cell types; exposing cells in the tissue sample to an agent ex vivo; exposing the cells to three or more detection means arranged to distinguish between three or more different cell types and/or different cell states; detecting the detection means in order to determine the different cell types and/or different cell states in the sample. The invention further provides a kit for performing the method of the invention and uses of the method of the invention.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to identify a Nesfatin-1 receptor, and to provide a method for screening or designing a Nesfatin-1-action regulating substance or a Nesfatin-1-like action substance using the Nesfatin-1 receptor. A method for screening a Nesfatin-1-like action substance comprising steps of making a test substance act on a receptor protein selected from the group consisting of GPR3, GPR6 and GPR12, and of identifying the Nesfatin-1-like action substance based on a change of Nesfatin-1 action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that the T1R receptors assemble to form functional taste receptors. Particularly, it has been discovered that co-expression of T1R1 and T1R3 results in a taste receptor that responds to umami taste stimuli, including monosodium glutamate. Also, it has been discovered that co-expression of the T1R2 and T1R3 receptors results in a taste receptor that responds to sweet taste stimuli including naturally occurring and artificial sweeteners. Also the present invention relates to the use of hetero-oligomeric taste receptors comprising T1R1/T1R3 and T1R2/T1R3 in assays to identify compounds that respectively respond to umami taste stimuli and sweet taste stimuli. Further, the invention relates to the constitutive of cell lines that stably or transiently co-express a combination of T1R1 and T1R3; or T1R2 and T1R3; under constitutive or inducible conditions.

Abstract: Provided are methods of determining whether a cell in a tissue site is viable or nonviable. Also provided are methods of debriding tissue from a tissue site. Further provided are kits comprising a compound that distinguishes between viable and nonviable cells and instructions for using the compound on a tissue site. Additionally, the use of a compound that distinguishes between viable and nonviable cells is provided, where the use is to determine whether a cell in a tissue site is viable or nonviable. Also provided is a use of a compound that distinguishes between viable and nonviable cells, where the use is for the manufacture of the above-described kit.

Abstract: Disclosed are assays for the determination and quantification of the phosphorylation of TRAM (Trif-related adaptor molecule). TRAM is rapidly phosphorylated upon LPS stimulation by protein kinase C epsilon (PKC?) and that this phosphorylation is vital for TRAM to function normally. Assays suitable for detecting the state of phosphorylation of TRAM have utility in identifying compounds which have activity in modulating TRAM. Further disclosed are compounds which have utility in modulating the phosphorylation of TRAM to modulate signalling mediating by the Toll Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a novel haplotype of the human taste receptor hT2R50 in the T2R taste receptor family that responds to particular bitter ligands, i.e., 2-acetylpyrazine and ethylpyrazine. The present invention also relates to the use of this novel haplotype in assays for identifying ligands that modulate the activation of the hT250 taste receptor. These compounds potentially may be used as additives in foods, beverages and medicinals for modifying (blocking) hT2R50-associated bitter taste.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel human orphan nuclear receptor that binds to a cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase (CYP) promoter and that is activated by compounds that induce CYP gene expression. The invention further relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding such a receptor, to methods of making the receptor and to methods of using the receptor and nucleic acid sequences encoding same. The invention also relates to non-human animals transformed to express the human receptor and to methods of using such animals to screen compounds for drug interactions and toxicities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods of synthesis of therapeutic and diagnostic dendrimers. In particular, the present invention is directed to novel dendrimer conjugates, novel methods of synthesizing the same, compositions comprising the conjugates, as well as systems and methods utilizing the conjugates (e.g., in diagnostic and/or therapeutic settings (e.g., for the delivery of therapeutics, imaging, and/or targeting agents (e.g., in disease (e.g., cancer, inflammatory disease) diagnosis and/or therapy, pain therapy, etc.)). Accordingly, dendrimer conjugates of the present invention may further comprise at least two different components for targeting, imaging, sensing, and/or providing a therapeutic or diagnostic material and/or monitoring response to therapy. Furthermore, the novel synthesis methods of certain embodiments of the present invention provide significant advantages with regard to total reaction time and simplicity.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides methods for the detection of target particles, such as pathogens, soluble antigens, nucleic acids, toxins, chemicals, plant pathogens, blood borne pathogens, bacteria, viruses and the like. Also described is an emittor cell comprising a receptor, wherein the receptor can be an antibody or an Fc receptor, and an emittor molecule for the detection of a target particle in a sample wherein the target particle to be detected is bound by one or more receptors on the emittor cell. Also provided are optoelectronic sensor devices for detecting a target particle in a sample, including in a plurality of samples.

Abstract: Use of IL-6 for treating non-hematopoietic cancers, e.g., gp130-negative cancers. Also disclosed is a method for identifying a cancer patient suitable for the IL-6 treatment.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing in a host infection by or exposure to a mycobacterium which expresses ESAT-6 comprising (i) contacting a population of T cells from the host with one or more peptides or analogues selected from the peptides represented by SEQ ID NO:1 to 11 and analogues thereof which can bind a T cell receptor which recognizes any of the said peptides, and (ii) determining whether the T cells of said T cell population recognize the peptide(s) and/or analogue(s). The method may performed in vivo. Peptides and a kit which enable the method to be carried out are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating fibrotic lung disease. In one embodiment the diagnostic method comprises determining the amount of circulating CXCL-12 in a patient relative to a control.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for the detection of infectious proteins or prions in samples, including the diagnosis of prion related diseases. One embodiment is an ultrasensitive method for detecting PrP-res (PrPSc) that allows the use of recombinant PrP-sen (rPrP-sen) as a substrate for seeded polymerization. A sample is mixed with purified rPrP-sen to make a reaction mix which is incubated to permit aggregation of the rPrP-sen with the PrP-res that may be present in the sample. Any aggregates are intermittently disaggregated by agitation (for example by sonication) and the reaction allowed to proceed to amplify target substrate. Any rPrP-res(Sc) in the reaction mix is detected to indicate the presence of PrP-res in the original sample. This assay, which is called rPrP-PMCA, is surprisingly much faster than existing PMCA methods, yet it still retains sufficient sensitivity to detect extremely low levels of PrP-res.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, reagents, and kits for assessing organ damage, such as damage due to ischemia reperfusion injury, in the course of a transplantation therapy and/or for assessing organ regeneration following transplantation therapy. The invention provides a method for determining an index of organ health in the course of transplantation therapy comprising measuring the expression level of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) in the organ. Measuring the expression level of PBR is also useful for assessing the progress of organ regeneration in the course of transplantation therapy by comparing the index of organ health. The expression level of PBR may be used as a predictor of the outcome of transplantation therapy.

Abstract: The invention provides a rapid, quantitative assay to directly assess the impact of a diverse range of sugars upon the sugar-mediated uptake of corresponding sugar-conjugates into various cell types.

Abstract: A method for determining ligand activation of receptors using cells expressing genetic constructs of a fusion protein of at least a binding domain of an auxiliary protein and a fragment of ?-galactosidase, a fusion protein of an endosome-associated protein and a complementary fragment of ?-galactosidase, and a wild-type receptor. The receptors are characterized by binding to the auxiliary protein-binding domain upon activation by an agonist and then endocytosing associated with an endosome to which the endosome-associated protein binds. Cells are incubated with a candidate ligand followed by lysis with a lysing medium comprising a substrate for the ?-galactosidase. The enzyme product is then detected as a measure of the activation of the receptor.