Abstract: Antibodies and molecules derived therefrom that bind to novel STEAP-1 protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein STEAP-1 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, STEAP-1 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The STEAP-1 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 STEAP-1 can be used in active or passive immunization.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding mammalian, e.g., primate, receptors, purified receptor proteins and fragments thereof. Antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antibody prepared using a peptide as an antigen, the peptide having 8 to 30 amino acid residues selected from an amino acid sequence at positions 1 to 68 of human high-molecular-weight CD14, or an antibody that binds to a peptide having a specific amino acid sequence at a position among the positions 1 to 68. An assay kit for human low-molecular-weight CD14 using the antibody and an assay method of the present invention, preferably a sandwich method, are able to quantitatively or qualitatively determine human low-molecular-weight CD14 with high sensitivity and specificity in a simple manner, so that they are useful for the diagnosis of a patient suffering from sepsis.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a ligand to GPR8, its DNA, etc., and more particularly, a polypeptide capable of binding to GPR8 or its amides or esters, or salts thereof, as well as its DNA, etc. The ligand to GPR8 of the present invention is useful in developing a receptor-binding assay system with the use of a GPR8 expression system, screening candidate compounds for drugs such as preventive/therapeutic agents for obesity, appetite stimulants, prolactin production inhibitors, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying compounds that modulate the activity of sirtuin deacetylase protein family members. Compounds of the invention are identified by designing or screening for a compound which binds to at least one amino acid residue of the newly identified nicotinamide inhibition and base exchange site of Sir2 and testing the compound for its ability to modulate the activity of the Sir2 protein. Compositions and methods for preventing or treating diseases or disorders associated with Sir2 are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded by such polynucleotides and mutants or variants thereof that correspond to a novel human secreted stem cell growth factor-like polypeptides. In particular, the invention relates to novel stem cell growth factor-like polypeptides, including novel proteins named SCGF3248Fk081_aa2, SCGF3248Fk081_aa1, SCGFFk081_aa3, and SCGF323401Fe131_aa1. Other aspects of the invention include vectors containing processes for producing novel human secreted stem cell growth factor-like polypeptides, and antibodies specific for such polypeptides.

Abstract: Novel physiological substrates of mammalian glutaminyl cyclase (QC, EC 2.3.2.5), new effectors of QC, methods for screening for such effectors, and the use of such effectors and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such effectors for the treatment of conditions that can be treated by modulation of QC-activity. Preferred compositions additionally comprise inhibitors of DP IV or DP IV-like enzymes for the treatment or alleviation of conditions that can be treated by modulation of QC- and DP IV-activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides unstructured recombinant polymers (URPs) and proteins containing one or more of the URPs. The present invention also provides microproteins, toxins and other related proteinaceous entities, as well as genetic packages displaying these entities. The present invention also provides recombinant polypeptides including vectors encoding the subject proteinaceous entities, as well as host cells comprising the vectors. The subject compositions have a variety of utilities including a range of pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: A method for identifying a compound expected to be useful in modulating a WNK (With No Lysine Kinase) isoform protein kinase activity, the method comprising the steps of (1) determining whether a test compound modulates the protein kinase activity of a WNK isoform polypeptide on the substrate SPAK (STE20/SPS1-related Proline-Alanine-rich Kinase) or OSR1 (Oxidative Stress Response kinase-1) and (2) selecting a compound which modulates the said WNK isoform polypeptide protein kinase activity. Such a compound may be useful as an antihypertensive agent or for the treatment of, for example, Gordon's syndrome.

Abstract: Provided herein are amyloid-binding assays that simulate in situ brain conditions by combining binders with various A-beta species on mammalian brain tissue. In general the amyloid-binding assays comprise the steps of (a) contacting a mammalian brain tissue sample with at least one A-beta species; (b) applying a putative binder to the brain tissue sample; and (c) determining whether the putative binder binds to the A-beta species.

Abstract: Benzofuran compounds which contain at least one detectable label selected from the group consisting of 131I, 123I, 124I, 125I, 76Br, 75Br, 18F, 19F, 11C, 13C, 14C and 3H are provided as amyloid imaging agents for detecting brain amyloid deposits as well as other amyloidogenic peptides associated with systemic or localized amyloidosis. Additionally, the compounds are useful for determining if patients, presenting with clinically confusing cases of dementia or presenting with mild cognitive impairment, have Alzheimer's disease. The compounds are additionally useful as surrogate markers for monitoring the efficacy of anti-amyloidosis therapies.

Abstract: Drug-naive and drug-free schizophrenic PBL were screened to identify additional markers that are differentially expressed compared to healthy individuals using microarray and quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR) techniques. Genes for dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) and inwardly rectifying potassium channel (Kir2.3) were found to be overexpressed in microarray analysis. Increased mRNA levels were confirmed by QRT-PCR using SybrGreen method and dual labeled TaqMan probes. The invention relates to a method for diagnosing schizophrenia in a subject comprising assessing the level or the expression level of at least one of the following genes or proteins: Kir2.3 or DRD2 or a gene encoding Kir2.3 or DRD2. The invention further relates to agents and uses thereof, said agents specifically binding to said proteins or nucleic acids encoding them, diagnostic kits and screening methods.

Abstract: Isolated proteins and nucleic acid sequence encoding such protein that interacts with a red blood cell to be invaded by a malaria parasite and link with a component of the actin-myosin based machinery of the malaria parasite are provided. In addition methods for identifying agents which inhibit the function of these proteins as chemotherapeutic and/or immunologic agents for treatment and prevention of malaria infections are provided. Compositions for treatment and prevention of malaria infections and methods for preventing and treating malaria infections are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying proteins involved in the phosphorylation of starch and nucleic acids which code for such proteins. The present invention further relates to plant cells and plants which exhibit an altered activity of a protein which can be identified using the method according to the invention. Plant cells and plants of this type synthesise a modified starch. The present invention therefore also relates to the starch synthesised by the plant cells and plants according to the invention as well as to methods for the manufacture of this starch and to the manufacture of starch derivatives of this modified starch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay method for determining a auto-ubiquitination activity of synoviolin, comprising reacting synoviolin and ubiquitin in a reaction system containing them and determining an amount of ubiquitin binding to synoviolin, to a method of screening a substance capable of regulating such an activity, and to a kit for auto-ubiquitination assay of synoviolin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in vitro and in vivo assays for the identification of agents that are useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases that are associated with defects in protein folding. The present further relates to in vitro and in vivo assays for the identification of agents that contribute to the neurodegenerative processes which occur in these diseases. The present invention also relates to in vitro and in vivo models of neurodegenerative diseases. These assays and models will be useful in further understanding the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases in which defects in protein folding have been implicated, in identifying additional endogenous or environmental factors that contribute to the etiologies of these diseases, and in developing effective therapies for the prevention and/or treatment of these diseases.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods and compositions for inducing stem cell or progenitor cell differentiation, and more particularly to methods and compositions for inducing differentiation of stem cells and/or progenitor cells into cells that function within the inner ear.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies that bind cross-linked amyloid ? oligomers, and methods for using such antibodies for diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: A process for determining binding parameters, including dissociation constants and sorption rate constants, of the binding between a biomolecule and a binding partner thereof, both being present in a liquid phase, and comprising a marker-free binding step, characterized by the following steps: (a) attaching either (a1) the binding partner, or (a2) the biomolecule, to a solid surface (b) allowing binding between the binding partner and the biomolecule, both in the liquid phase and on the solid surface (c) attaching a marker to: (c1) the biomolecule, if said binding partner was attached to the solid surface according to step (a1), or to (c2) the binding partner, if said biomolecule was attached to the solid surface according to step (a2) (d) allowing the marker to produce a precipitate; and (e) detecting said precipitate as it is formed on said solid surface by determining a change of surface mass on the solid surface due to the formation of said precipitate.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for modulating, e.g., increasing or decreasing, the expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). In the subject methods, the binding interaction of the TERT Site C repressor site with a Site C repressor protein complex made up of one or more proteins is modulated to achieve the desired change in TERT expression. A feature of the subject invention is that the target Site C repressor protein complex includes a MRG15 protein. The subject methods and compositions find use in a variety of different applications, including the immortalization of cells, the production of reagents for use in life science research, therapeutic applications; therapeutic agent screening applications; and the like.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to the detection or diagnosis of atherosclerosis by measuring the level of the protein eotaxin in an individual's serum. The presence of eotaxin above levels specified herein is indicative that atherosclerosis may be present. Detection of elevated eotaxin levels in serum may provide a means to diagnose atherosclerosis prior to the onset of symptoms.

Abstract: Riboswitches and modified versions of riboswitches can be employed as designer genetic switches that are controlled by specific effector compounds. Such effector compounds that activate a riboswitch are referred to herein as trigger molecules. The natural switches are targets for antibiotics and other small molecule therapies. In addition, the architecture of riboswitches allows actual pieces of the natural switches to be used to construct new non-immunogenic genetic control elements, for example the aptamer (molecular recognition) domain can be swapped with other non-natural aptamers (or otherwise modified) such that the new recognition domain causes genetic modulation with user-defined effector compounds. The changed switches become part of a therapy regimen-turning on, or off, or regulating protein synthesis. Newly constructed genetic regulation networks can be applied in such areas as living biosensors, metabolic engineering of organisms, and in advanced forms of gene therapy treatments.

Abstract: An enhanced firefly luciferase protein fragment complementation assay method is described that produces a robust and broadly applicable bioluminescence signal and demonstrates both modification-independent and phosphorylation-dependent protein interactions in intact living human cells and animals useful as a diagnostic and testing tool in living biologic systems in research and in assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides preventives/remedies for cancer and so on. Specifically, an antibody against a protein comprising the same or substantially the same as the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 38 or SEQ ID NO: 48, a compound that inhibits the expression of the above protein or the expression of a gene for the above protein, and so on, are useful as preventives/remedies for cancer, etc., cancer cell apoptosis promoters, cancer cell growth inhibitors, and so on.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a regulation of inflammation and immune responses. The present invention relates to a method of treating a condition comprising administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of an activator of RP105. The condition is typically associated with TLR-4 activation and cytokine production. Conditions addressed by the invention include sepsis, septic shock, inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. The invention also provides the use of an activator of RP105 in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of a condition associated with cytokine production and methods for identifying an activator of RP105, which is also suitable for use in the treatment of a condition associated with stimulus-induced cytokine production. More specifically the patent relates to the use of RP105 as a specific inhibitor of TLR4 signaling and as a physiological regulator of TLR4 signaling for the treatment of TLR4-mediated inflammation and immune-related diseases.

Abstract: Members of the IpaH superfamily constitute a novel class of E3 ubiquitin ligases which are useful for engineering products which modulate trafficking and destruction of target proteins inside a cell and useful targets for identifying new antimicrobial molecules which modulate, especially inhibit, E3 ligases.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for identifying a subject at increased risk of having prostate cancer by detecting an antibody that specifically binds a Trichomonas ?-actinin protein in a sample of the subject.

Abstract: Cdc25A is herein identified as a substrate for ?-TrCP1- or ?-TrCP2-mediated ubiquitination and subsequent degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. In particular, it has been found that interfering with ?-TrCP expression or function, or increasing ?-TrCP degradation, leads to accumulation of Cdc25A in a cell. Since degradation of Cdc25A is a key feature of the response to DNA damage, leading to a stall in the cell cycle during which the cell can repair the damage, Cdc25A accumulation can abolish this response, thereby sensitizing the cell to DNA damage. Described herein are assays for identifying ?-TrCP inhibitors, and method of using such inhibitors for modulating Cdc25A degradation, sensitization of tumor cells, and as adjuvants in cancer therapy based on DNA damaging agents.

Abstract: Disclosed are prion sensors that may be used as a diagnostic tool to diagnose TSE, or to detect PrPSc molecules, in biological and environmental samples, and methods for using these sensors. The prion sensor may comprise an acoustic sensor, such as a TSM sensor, coated with PrPC molecules, whose resonance characteristics change when contacted with a sample from an animal with TSE, or a sample comprising PrPSc molecules. Alternatively the prion sensor may comprise an optical sensor, such as an SPR sensor, coated with PrPC molecules, whose optical characteristics change when contacted with a sample from an animal with TSE, or a sample comprising PrPSc molecules. These changes provide both rapid detection and a quantitative assay for diagnosing TSE or for detecting PrPSc molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for detecting an analyte in a test sample using acridinium-9-carboxylate aryl esters.

Abstract: The invention provides apoptosis signaling kinase related kinase (ASKRK) nucleic acid and polypeptide sequences and methods of using such sequences to identify modulators of ASKRK. Such modulators can be used for the treatment of diabetes or for delaying the onset of diabetes. The invention also provides methods of diagnosing diabetes or pre-diabetes and methods of making a prognosis based on the detection of ASKRK nucleic acids and proteins.

Abstract: Disclosed are mammalian nucleic acid sequences encoding ?1I subunit isoforms of a voltage-gated calcium channel. Specifically disclosed are novel variants of the ?1I subunit designated herein as ?1I-1 and ?1I-2. In other aspects, the disclosure relates to expression vectors which encode the novel subunits of the invention, as well as cells containing such vectors. Antibodies specific for each of the variant subunits are also provided. The nucleic acid sequences of the invention find application, for example, in screening for compounds which modulate the activity of voltage-gated calcium channels and also in diagnostic methods for diagnosing various T-type channel mediated disorders, e.g., epilepsy, cancer, pain, sleep disorders and the autoimmune disease Lambert-Eaton Syndrome. Diagnosing defects in ?1I subunit genes of a patient with a neuronal disease such as epilepsy are also included.

Abstract: A strategy for immunizing against amyloid plaques using display technology. The strategy includes methods, agents, and pharmaceutical compositions for vaccination against plaque forming diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease) that rely upon presentation of an antigen or epitope on a display vehicle. The strategy further includes methods, agents, and pharmaceutical compositions for vaccination against plaque forming diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease) that rely upon presentation of an antibody, or an active portion thereof, on a display vehicle. Whether antigens or antibodies are employed, desegregation of plaques results from the immunization.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded by such polynucleotides and mutants or variants thereof that correspond to a novel human stem cell growth factor-like protein. These polynucleotides comprise nucleic acid sequences isolated from cDNA libraries from human testis cells (Hyseq clone identification numbers 2880984 and 2881695), from human fetal skin (Hyseq clone identification number 15375176), adult spleen (Hyseq clone identification number 14856094), and human endothelial cells (Hyseq clone identification numbers 13804756, 13687487, 13804756). Other aspects of the invention include vectors containing processes for producing novel human stem cell growth factor-like polypeptides, and antibodies specific for such polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a ?-form of a prion protein which preferably has more ?-sheet than ?-helix structure and is soluble in the absence of a denaturant and/or is non-aggregated and exhibits partial resistance to digestion with proteinase K. The invention also relates to use of the ?-form in medicine, especially for raising antibodies useful in the treatment and/or diagnosis of prion diseases. The invention also relates to methods of screening for compounds which are capable of inhibiting and/or reversing the conversion of the native ?-form of a prion protein to a ?-form, and to uses of identified compounds in medicine.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the use of a peptide molecule consisting in a maturation product of SMR1 (Submandibular rat protein 1) of structural formula QHNPR, as well as the biologically active derivatives of the said peptide, for preventing or treating diseases associated with a mineral ion imbalance in a human or an animal body. More particularly, the present invention relates to the therapeutic use of the above-cited molecules for preventing or treating an hydro-mineral imbalance in organs and tissues such as kidney, bone, dental enamel, dental ivory, gut matrix, pancreas or glandular gastric mucosa. This invention also deals with therapeutic compositions comprising a pharmaceutically active amount of the above-described therapeutic molecules as well as with therapeutic methods using the said therapeutic compositions.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for diagnosing and treating multiple myeloma based on statistical analysis of and subsequent increasing/inhibiting expression of subgroups of plasma cells and B cell genes. Also provided are methods for a developmental stage-based classification for multiple myeloma using hierarchical clustering analysis of plasma cell and B cell nucleic acids and for discriminating among normal, hyperplastic and malignant using gene expression array data and statistical analysis thereof. In addition methods for determining the risk of developing bone disease in a test individual by examining expression levels of a WNT signaling antagonist, such as DKK1, are provided. A kit comprising anti-DKK1 antibodies and detection reagents for measuring DKK1 protein levels also is provided.

Abstract: A method of readily detecting or differentiating rheumatoid arthritis, which has so far been diagnosed in a comprehensive manner based on various tests and clinical symptoms, and a method of readily and objectively estimating the stage of disease and the degree of dysfunction with regard to rheumatoid arthritis are provided. The detection and differentiation of rheumatoid arthritis are performed by measuring the levels of L-PGDS in a sample such as a body fluid such that the measurement value is used as an index. Further, the stage of disease or the degree of dysfunction of a rheumatoid arthritis patient is determined using the measurement value as an index.

Abstract: Provided are methods of modulating cytokine activity, e.g., for the purpose of treating inflammation of the airways and lung. Also provided are reagents for use in screening for agonists or antagonists of IL-19 or IL-24.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of biomarkers for the disease condition COPD. The uses of such biomarkers in diagnosis and therapy and a novel method for their identification is are also described.

Abstract: Methods for the detection of the disease associated conformation of the prion protein as an indication of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), including preclinical detection of infected live animals and humans, and post-mortem detection methods are disclosed. In one aspect, the tissue or body fluid sample of a test subject is contacted with an antibody that binds only the disease related conformation of the prion protein under non-denaturing conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of aqueous solutions comprising a protein. More specifically, the invention relates to the detection and/or removal of conformationally altered proteins and/or peptides comprising a cross-? structure from an aqueous solution comprising a protein. The invention provides methods for detecting and/or removing proteins and/or peptides comprising a cross-? structure from an aqueous solution comprising a protein, said method comprising contacting said aqueous solution comprising a protein with at least one cross-? structure-binding compound resulting in a bound protein or peptide with cross-? structure. The invention further provides a aqueous solution comprising a protein obtainable by a method of the invention, and a kit for carrying out the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a completely novel molting hormone receptor, which is used for efficiently screening a substance that can be applied to a disinfestant or the like. An insect molting hormone receptor comprising the following polypeptide (a) and polypeptide (b) or (c): (a) a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1; (b) a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; and (c) a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of identifying an effective compound that modulates the binding of Humanin to Bax or Bid. The invention also provides a method of identifying an effective compound that modulates an activity of Bax or Bid. In addition, the invention provides a method of identifying a Humanin-like compound that binds to Bax or Bid or modulates an activity of Bax or Bid, or inhibits the apoptotic activity of Bax or Bid. The invention further provides an isolated polypeptide containing a mitochondrial-derived form of Humanin (SEQ ID NO:3) or a functional fragment thereof where the fragment contains the methionine at position 16 of SEQ ID NO:3.

Abstract: The invention refers to a novel C. elegans p21-activated kinase gene, the pak-3 gene, and associated loss-of-function phenotypes. These phenotypes can be used to elucidate PAK signaling pathways in C. elegans and to screen compounds that modulate PAK signaling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of diagnosis of vCJD in a diagnostic sample of a valid body tissue taken from a human subject, which comprises detecting an increased concentration of a protein in the diagnostic sample, compared with a sample of a control human subject, the protein being: beta-actin (SwissProt Ace. No. P60709), apolipoprotein A-IV precursor (SwissProt Acc. No. P06727); haptoglobin beta-chain consisting of residues 162-406 (SwissProt Acc. No. P00738); haemoglobin beta chain (SwissProt Ace. No. P02023); or alpha-1-antitrypsin (SwissProt Ace. No. P01009); or a decreased concentration of a protein in the diagnostic sample, compared with a sample of a control, normal human subject, the protein being plasma protease (C1) inhibitor precursor (SwissProt Acc. No. P05155); complement component 1, s sub-component (SwissProt Acc. No. P09871); butyrylcholinesterase precursor (SwissProt Acc. No. P06276); complement component C4B (SwissProt Acc. No. P01028); lumican (SwissProt Ace. No.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for determining whether an agent causes an increase in the expression of a retromer complex protein. This invention further provides a method for determining whether an agent causes an increase in the activity of a retromer complex. This invention also provides a method for increasing the expression of a retromer complex protein in a cell. This invention provides a method for treating a subject afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. This invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition as well as an article of manufacture.

Abstract: The invention involves the discovery that the mammaglobin B gene is the single most overexpressed gene in primary ovarian serous papillary cancer over normal ovarian epithelium among over 14,000 genes tested. It is expressed over 800-fold higher in primary ovarian tumors than normal ovarian epithelium. Mammaglobin B gene expression was detected in endometrioid, mucinous, undifferentiated, serous papillary, clear cell, and mixed histology ovarian tumors. The protein can be found in blood and ascites fluid, and a simple blood test for the presence of mammaglobin B protein can provide early detection of ovarian and other cancers. The invention provides a method of screening for cancer involving detecting mammaglobin B in a fluid sample.

Abstract: IGFBP-3 fusion proteins are provided that are useful, for example, in cell-based assays, as IGF antagonists, and in mapping IGF-I and IGF-II binding sites on other molecules such as wild-type IGFBP-3 and IGF agonist peptides identified by phage display. Methods for making such fusion proteins are also provided.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of Chlamydial infection are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one antigenic portion of a Chlamydia antigen and DNA sequences encoding such polypeptides. Pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines comprising such polypeptides or DNA sequences are also provided, together with antibodies directed against such polypeptides. Diagnostic kits containing such polypeptides or DNA sequences and a suitable detection reagent may be used for the detection of Chlamydial infection in patients and in biological samples.