Abstract: The present invention relates to an Immunogenic Complex comprising Ribosomal Complex and Adhesion of a Microbe or Ribosomal Complex and a viral antigen. The Ribosomal Complex is composed of the subunits of ribosomes (50 S and 30 S subunits in bacteria and 60 S and 40 S subunits of eucaryotes), the ribosomal subunits generally retaining sufficient integrity to preserve substantially the double-stranded nature of the large r-RNA's (16 S and 23 S in bacteria; 18 S and 28 S in eukaryotic cytosol) contained in the ribosomal subunits.

Abstract: Methods of screening for novel Aurora kinase inhibitors in higher organisms are provided using hypomorphic ipl1 mutant yeast cells. Putative Aurora kinase inhibitors identified by present screening methods may be useful in treating individuals having a proliferative disease, such as cancer. Chemical compounds identified by present methods as selectively inhibiting growth of hypomorphic ipl1 mutant yeast cells may be used in compositions. Compositions or compounds identified by such screening methods may be administered to an individual in need thereof.

Abstract: Novel chimeric proteins functional to screen for umami taste modulators, the corresponding nucleic acid sequences, expression vectors, transfected host cells, and screening methods for modulators and enhancers of the umami taste response employing the aforementioned are provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for simple and rapid detection and identification of molecular mimicry or mimic antigens or molecules existing in/on humans, animals and plants. The molecular mimicry can be related to infections, autoimmune diseases, cancers, obesity and other disorders. Therefore, novel methods for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of infections, autoimmune diseases, cancers, obesity and other disorders obtainable based on these mimic antigens or molecules can be developed. Furthermore, the present invention also reveals a new functional mechanism of vaccine and passive immunity and novel vaccines obtainable based on the new mechanism.

Abstract: We have discovered a method to enhance sweetness comprising the use of a sweetener at a sub- to near-threshold concentration which is used in combination with a suprathreshold concentration of another sweetener. The sweetener used at the near-threshold concentration is selected based on its likely binding site in the human sweet taste receptor. The invention relates to the identification of agents that can modulate the taste response in humans (such as sweet taste enhancers) through assays based on a novel sweet receptor protein, heterologous expression systems containing nucleic acid constructs forming said novel sweet receptor protein, and the use of the novel sweet receptor protein in screening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the in vitro diagnosis of an Aspergillus infection by determining in the serum or plasma sample of a subject the quantity of antibodies directed against a combination of at least two of the ribonuclease (RNU), catalase (CA) and dipeptidylpeptidase V (DPPV) Aspergillus antigens. The invention also relates to a diagnostic kit comprising said combination.

Abstract: The use of an antibody to a C albicans cell wall antigen or to a solubilized phosphopeptidomannan (PPM) fraction of the cell wall of C albicans, or preferably a combination of an IgG2 antibody to a phosphopeptidomannan (PPM) fraction of the cell wall of C albicans, and an IgG1 or IgG3 antibody to a C albicans cell wall antigen in the diagnosis of candidiasis or invasive candidiasis is disclosed.

Abstract: Method for engineering an immunoglobulin comprising at least one modification in a structural loop region of said immunoglobulin and determining the binding of said immunoglobulin to an epitope of an antigen, wherein the unmodified immunoglobulin does not significantly bind to said epitope, comprising the steps of:—providing a nucleic acid encoding an immunoglobulin comprising at least one structural loop region,—modifying at least one nucleotide residue of at least one of said structural loop regions,—transferring said modified nucleic acid in an expression system,—expressing said modified immunoglobulin,—contacting the expressed modified immunoglobulin with an epitope, and—determining whether said modified immunoglobulin binds to said epitope, as well as modified immunoglobulins.

Abstract: Methods for cell lysis and purification of biological materials, involving subjecting a sample to high pressure. Also featured is an apparatus for practicing the methods.

Abstract: High throughput methods for screening genetic variants that are phenotypically distinguishable are provided. Methods for identifying “long-lived” genetic variants among a set of variants are also provided. Methods for identifying pharmaceutical compounds that can promote longevity in various subjects, including mammals, and that can delay the onset of various diseases associated with aging are also provided. Various vectors and host cells containing identified genes/gene products are useful for screening longevity-promoting compounds that can interact with life-span-regulating genes/gene products. Pharmaceutical compositions that can promote longevity are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of screening candidate agents to identify potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disease, such as Huntington's Disease and Parkinson's Disease and methods for identifying a mutation in, or changes in expression of, a gene associated with neurodegenerative disease, such as Huntington's Disease and Parkinson's Disease, are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to the identification of LPA as a ligand for the G-protein coupled receptors OSGPR 114 and OSGPR78. The invention is directed to new methods for screening candidate drugs for their ability to modulate the activity of OSGPR114 or OSGPR78, and new pharmaceutical agents identified by these methods. It is also directed to the use of such agents in the manufacture of medicaments for the treatment of OSGPR114 or OSGPR78 mediated diseases, and methods of treating diseases such as cancers by administering to an individual a therapeutic amount of a modulator of OSGPR114 or OSGPR78 identified by these methods.

Abstract: Yeast cells are engineered to express both a surrogate of a pheromone system protein (e.g., enzymes involved in maturation of ?-factor, transporters of a-factor, pheromone receptors, etc.) and a potential peptide modulator of the surrogate, in such a manner that the inhibition or activation of the surrogate affects a screenable or selectable trait of the yeast cells. Various additional features improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the screening/selection system.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for diagnosing and prognosing Inflammatory Bowel disease or Crohn's disease (CD) by measuring levels of antibodies to glycans in a biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a esterase gene and its uses, specifically, a brewery yeast producing alcoholic beverages with excellent aroma and flavor, alcoholic beverages produced using the yeast, a process for producing the alcoholic beverages. More particularly, the present invention relates to a yeast whose capability of producing ester, which contribute to aroma and flavor of products, was controlled by regulating expression level of IAH1 gene encoding brewery yeast esterase Iah1p, particularly nonScIAH1 gene specific to lager brewing yeast, and to a method for producing alcoholic beverages with the yeast.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for detecting a Coccidioides in a physiological specimen. Methods, materials and kits relating to the detection of Coccidioides antigen by improved EIA methods are described.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for diagnosing Crohn's disease (CD) or anti-phospholipid syndrome by measuring levels of antibodies to glycans in a biological sample.

Abstract: Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G protein-coupled receptors, and the genes and cDNA encoding said receptors are described. Specifically, T1R G protein-coupled receptors active in taste signaling, and the genes and cDNA encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for representing taste perception of a particular tastant in a mammal are also described, as are methods for generating novel molecules or combinations of molecules that elicit a predetermined taste perception in a mammal, and methods for simulating one or more tastes. Further, methods for stimulating or blocking taste perception in a mammal are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting dermatophyte, which does not require a complicated operation such as an enzyme treatment and a heat treatment. The present invention provides a method of detecting dermatophyte, including a step of extracting a dermatophyte component from a sample with a treatment liquid containing a non-ionic surfactant or a zwitterionic surfactant, and a kit for diagnosing dermatophyte infection, containing a treatment liquid comprising the above surfactant, and an antibody specifically recognizing a dermatophyte component, which are housed in separate containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorescent dyes based on acridine derivatives and use of such dyes, for example, in biochemical and/or cell based assays. A preferred feature of some of the dyes described is their long fluorescence lifetimes and their use to label biological molecules.

Abstract: The invention enables efficient, rapid, and sensitive enumeration of living cells by detecting microscopic colonies derived from in situ cell division using large area imaging. Microbial enumeration tests based on the invention address an important problem in clinical and industrial microbiology—the long time needed for detection in traditional tests—while retaining key advantages of the traditional methods based on microbial culture. Embodiments of the invention include non-destructive aseptic methods for detecting cellular microcolonies without labeling reagents. These methods allow for the generation of pure cultures which can be used for microbial identification and determination of antimicrobial resistance.

Abstract: Chimeric molecules that include a pathogen recognition module derived from a pathogen binding domain of a pathogen recognition protein, e.g., a toll-like receptor (TLR), CD14, BPI, MD-2, scavenger receptors (SRs), surfactant proteins (SP), C-reactive protein (CRP), Mannan-binding lectin (MBL), or complement Clq globular binding domain, an optional linker, and an Fc portion of an antibody are described and are useful for, e.g., drug discovery and treatment of conditions related to TLR signaling.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acids encoding T2R76 polypeptides, recombinantly expressed T2R76 polypeptides, heterologous expression systems for recombinant expression of T2R76 polypeptides, assay methods employing the same, and methods for altering taste perception via administration of a T2R76 modulator. These T22R76 polypeptides can be expressed alone or co-expressed with another T2R polypeptide, preferably a different human T2R polypeptide.

Abstract: Recombinant materials for the production of ? integrin protein characteristic of Manduca sexta are useful for screening pesticides for this moth.

Abstract: Method for early differential diagnosis and detection, for prognosis and for assessing the severity and for therapy-accompanying assessment of the course of sepsis and sepsis-like systemic infections, in which, preferably with determination of at least one further parameter suitable for sepsis diagnosis, the amount of S100B in a biological fluid of a patient in whom a sepsis is present or sepsis is suspected is determined and conclusions with regard to the presence, the expected course, the severity and/or the success of initiated measures for the therapy of sepsis are drawn from the determined amount of S100B.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel nucleic acid fragment of the genome of rice pathogenic fungus Magnaporthe grisea comprising a gene coding for a protein (hereafter referred to as gene 763) whereof the presence and integrity are indispensable for pathogenesis of said fungus with respect to rice and barley. The invention also concerns the promoter of said gene, the gene coding for protein 763, protein 763 and uses thereof for identifying potential biological targets for novel fungicide molecules and for isolating genes coding for proteins controlling biochemical functions essential to the pathogenesis of the fungus Magnaporthe grisea with respect to rice and barley. The invention further concerns compounds inhibiting pathogenesis of fungi related to the expression of gene 763.

Abstract: Selective whole cell QCM biosensors are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making and using such whole cell QCM biosensors, e.g., to screen drugs and diagnose diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for labeling, isolating, detecting, and/or enumerating a statistically significant number of biological cells, or other biological analytes of interest, present in a complex matrix sample. The isolation of a biological target of interest from a sample mixture is done by immunomagnetic separation. Upon introduction of the sample within an imaging chamber, the capture complex (biological target-magnetic capture agent) will be attracted by the magnetic field and will lay on the surface of the chamber in the focal plane of the imaging system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting very small quantities of particles. The inventive method is based on a detection of antigen-antibody reaction products and provides a very high detection sensitivity all the way to the femtomolar or attomolar range.

Abstract: A Method for identifying one or a small number of molecules, especially in a dilution of ?1 ?M, using laser excited FCS with measuring times ?500 ms and short diffusion paths of the molecules to be analyzed, wherein the measurement is performed in small volume units of preferably ?10?14 l, by determining material-specific parameters which are determined by luminescence measurements of molecules to be examined. The device which can be preferably used for performing the method according to the invention is a per se known system of microscope optics for laser focusing for fluorescence excitation in a small measuring compartment of a very diluted solution and for imaging the emitted light in the subsequent measurement through confocal imaging wherein at least one system of optics with high numerical aperture of preferably ?1.2 N.A.

Abstract: A rapid method for the quantitation of various live cell types is described. The method may include a variety of steps including: 1) suspending the cells in a detergent-like compound, 2) isolating the washed cells by centrifugation or filtration, 3) resuspending the cells in a solution that contains a preservative, a fluorescent dye and a compound such as dequalinium which can be taken up by the cells, 4) measuring the fluorescence increase over time of the cell-dye mixture with a simple fluorometer, and 5) measuring the native fluorescence of the cells. This new cell fluorescence method correlates with other methods of enumerating cells such as the standard plate count, the methylene blue method and the slide viability technique. The method is particularly useful in several applications such as: a) quantitating bacteria in milk, yogurt, cheese, meat and other foods, b) quantitating yeast cells in brewing, fermentation and bread making, c) quantitating mammalian cells in research, food and clinical settings.

Abstract: Methods and kits which utilize a conjugate, preferably an adduct, of ergosterol for determining the presence or level of a broad spectrum of ergosterol-containing organisms (e.g., fungi) in various substrates are disclosed. These methods and kits can be used to accurately and efficiently diagnose a subject having a fungal infection, particularly invasive fungal infection, and to accurately and efficiently detect the presence of fungi and other ergosterol-containing organisms in other substrates. Antibodies and other compounds (e.g., molecularly imprinted polymers) that are capable of selectively binding to ergosterol or to an ergosterol-containing conjugate and methods of producing same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of detecting an agent that modulates the activity of CCRL2, the method comprising: (a) contacting a CCRL2 polypeptide with a macrophage inflammatory protein-4 (MIP-4) polypeptide in the presence of a candidate agent under conditions, which in the absence of the test agent, permit the binding of the MIP-4 polypeptide to the CCRL2 polypeptide; and (b) determining whether the candidate agent is capable of modulating the interaction between said CCRL2 polypeptide and said MIP-4 polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the early differential diagnosis and detection, prognosis and determination of the degree of severity of a case of sepsis and systemic infections similar to sepsis and also for the determination of the course of infection during therapy. The above is achieved, whereby the amount of CA 125 in a biological fluid from a patient is determined, preferably with determination of at least one further parameter suitable for diagnosis of sepsis, for a patient who has sepsis or is suspected of having sepsis and, from the determined amounts of CA 125 conclusions are drawn as to the presence, expected course, the degree and/or the success of measures taken for the therapy of sepsis.

Abstract: Protein complexes are provided comprising at least one interacting pair of proteins. The protein complexes are useful in screening assays for identifying compounds effective in modulating the protein complexes, and in treating and/or preventing diseases and disorders associated with the protein complexes and/or their constituent interacting members.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the discovery of a novel control of sorbose utilization (CSU) genes. The invention further relates to the detection of these genes and their use in the diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections.

Abstract: A fission yeast having non-functional dga1 and plh1 genes, which is incapable of synthesizing triacylglycerols, is disclosed. The fission yeast is susceptible to lipotoxicity including lipoapoptosis, and is useful for screening of compounds that inhibit or prevent lipotoxicity or lipoapoptosis. The fission yeast strain may be transformed to express a mammalian enzyme involved in triacylglycerol synthesis, and therefore is also useful for screening of compounds that inhibit or prevent triacylglycerol synthesis, which activity is conferred by the mammalian enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved N-hybrid assays. In particular, the present invention provides an improved reverse N-hybrid assay comprising modulating the amount of a substrate of a reporter gene and/or the amount of a reporter gene thereby enhancing cell death in the absence of a peptide inhibitor of a DNA-protein or protein-protein interaction and/or enhancing cell survival in the presence of a peptide inhibitor of a DNA-protein or protein-protein interaction. Furthermore, the present invention provides an improved forward N-hybrid assay comprising modulating the amount of a reporter gene thereby enhancing cell death in the absence of a heterologous peptide or protein capable of binding to the DNA or protein in a cell and enhancing cell survival in the presence of a heterologous peptide or protein capable of binding to the DNA or protein in a cell.

Abstract: Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G protein-coupled receptors, and the genes and cDNA encoding said receptors are described. Specifically. T1R G protein-coupled receptors active in taste signaling, and the genes and cDNA encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for representing taste perception of a particular tastant in a mammal are also described, as are methods for generating novel molecules or combinations of molecules that elicit a predetermined taste perception in a mammal, and methods for simulating one or more tastes. Further, methods for stimulating or blocking taste perception in a mammal are also disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide compositions and methods for displaying engineered polypeptides on a cell surface. According to aspects of the invention, immobilized polypeptides can be screened to identify one or more variants having one or more functional or structural properties of interest. Aspects of the invention provide composition and methods for producing engineered protein or protein variants having a functional or a structural property of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of diagnostic and therapeutic use of proteins and genes, in particular to the diagnostic and therapeutic use of a secreted human hormone/growth factor, Neublasmin, and use or the gene coding for Neublasmin in the diagnosis and treatment of testicular disorders, in particular diagnosis and treatment of germ cell tumours and infertility. The invention also relates to use of Neublasmin in the treatment of CNS disorders. Neublasmin is expressed at high levels in human adult testicles and in developing mouse testicles from pn 22 and onwards. Expression or Neublasmin is strongly up-regulated in carcinoma in situ. Expression is also seen in foetal and adult brain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of detecting specific cell surface antigens present in a sample of cells being tested and in particular blood group antigens, which methods do not employ the addition of extrinsic labels to detect said cell surface antigens. Typically detection is carried out using an intrinsic fluorescence capability of the cells being tested.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an assay and product for rapid detection of fungi in a variety of samples suspected of containing fungi, particularly swab samples from the human vaginal area, but also in other environments such as in food and feeds. The product of the invention is suitable for use in a variety of different environments, including in clinical settings, at the point of care, and by patients themselves (bedside kit).

Abstract: This invention relates to improved assays for identifying modulators (enhancers or inhibitors) of sweet (T1R2/T1R3) and umami (T1R1/T1R3) taste receptors. These receptors may comprise the endogenous T1Rs e.g., from humans or rodents, or may comprise functional variants such as 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. The subject assays preferably use endogenous taste or gastrointestinal cells which express T1R taste receptors or recombinant cell which express such T1Rs, for example mammalian cells or Xenopus oocytes.

Abstract: The present invention concerns means and methods of detection of Candida and Candida-related fungal cells in clinical material by means of protein biochips.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chromoprotein produced by Actinomadura sp. 21G792, as well as amino acid and nucleic acid sequences of the apoprotein component of the chromoprotein and of components of the biosynthetic pathway for the chromophore. The present invention is useful for developing pharmaceutical and treating diseases such as cancer or bacterial infections.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to novel yeast cells which are useful for the expression of heterologous G protein coupled receptors. The yeast cells of the present invention can be used in screening assays which can be used to screen for modulators of G protein coupled receptors. Specifically, the invention provides novel yeast cells which express a heterologous G protein coupled receptor and mutant and/or chimeric G protein subunit molecules which serve to functionally integrate the heterologous into the pheromone signaling pathway of the yeast cell. The invention also provides for the expression of heterologous G protein coupled receptors which are functionally integrated into the yeast cell membrane using a yeast ? factor leader sequence. Drug discovery assays using the subject yeast cells are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for screening for anti-microbial agents are provided. Diagnostic tools for assessing treatment of fungal infections are provided. Antimicrobial substances including substances useful for the treatment of fungal infections are provided. In some embodiments, the substances have antigen unmasking activity. In some embodiments the substances have fungicidal activity and surface antigen unmasking activity.

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: 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.