Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for modulating Phase II conjugating enzymes such as, for example, UGTs. Phase II conjugating enzymes such as UGTs function in concert with Phase I monooxygenase enzymes such as cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) to eliminate steroids and xenobiotics. Nuclear receptors SXR/PXR and CAR are xenosensors regulating expression of CYP genes such as CYP3A and 2B. The ability of this group of receptors to regulate expression of UGT in response to steroids and/or xenobiotics provides novel approaches for direct regulation/activation of a glucuronidation pathway, thereby providing methods to achieve physiologic homeostasis with respect to steroids and/or xenobiotics. SXR/PXR and CAR regulation/activation of UGT represents the first evidence of receptors that can transduce/transactivate both Phase I and Phase II adaptive hepatic response. In another aspect, the present invention also provides transgenic rodents expressing one or more of SXR, CAR or PXR.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated CARK nucleic acid molecules. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing CARK nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a CARK gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated CARK proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-CARK antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A method of increasing the relative number of cells expressing one or more stem cell markers in a cell population including committed cells is described. The method comprises: i. contacting the cell population with an agent that operably engages said committed cells; and ii. incubating committed cells that are engaged by said agent such that the relative number of cells expressing one or more stem cell markers increases as a result of said engaging.

Abstract: Proteins capable of modulating or mediating the function of MORT-1 are disclosed. Also disclosed are DNA sequences encoding these proteins, the recombinant production of these proteins as well as their use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods and compositions useful for the treatment of senile dementia. More particularly the disclosure relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of senile dementia related to diabetes.

Abstract: A method of conducting a biochemical assay that allows for a reduction of assay interferences. The method comprises treating a mixture of cell sample and cell constituents solubilizing agent, with an insoluble agent prior to conducting the assay. There is also provided a device as well as a kit for carrying out such assays.

Abstract: A method of testing for sanitization of textiles comprises the steps of cleaning textiles in a water solution and testing the water solution for the presence of contaminants such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), typically with a luminometer. Typically, the water solution will be drained from a cleaning vessel and tested. Another option is the testing of the water solution extracted after draining such as by a spin cycle. The method provides improved accuracy of test results as to the level of cleanliness. In addition, testing at this early step of the laundering process allows for additional cleaning if needed without having undertaken costly and time-consuming steps such as drying. Moreover, absent re-contamination of the textiles after the cleaning process, drying and finishing procedures may be accomplished without further sanitizing the textiles.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining the activation status of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathways in either cell samples or patient samples by measuring receptor dimerization and relative amounts of protein-protein complexes or activated effector proteins that are characteristic of an RTK pathway. The invention also provides a method of using such status information to select patients responsive to pathway-specific drugs, and more particularly, to methods for measuring ErbB receptors and receptor complexes and using such information to select patients responsive to ErbB pathway-specific drugs. Preferably, methods of the invention are implemented by using sets of binding compounds having releasable molecular tags that are specific for multiple components of one or more complexes formed in RTK activation. After binding, molecular tags are released and separated from the assay mixture for analysis.

Abstract: A method of determining the immune response of a mammal to circulating tumour marker proteins is described in which a sample of bodily fluid, for example plasma or serum, is contacted with a panel of two or more distinct tumour marker antigens. The presence of complexes between the tumour marker antigens and any autoantibodies to the antigens present in the sample are detected and provide an indication of an immune response to a circulating tumour marker protein. The method is useful for the diagnosis of cancer, particularly for identifying new or recurrent cancer in an otherwise assymptomatic patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modified cell migration assay allowing for improved identification and discrimination of chemokine receptor antagonists from non-specific blockers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell for the production of an antibody molecule such as an antibody useful for various diseases having high antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxic activity, a fragment of the antibody and a fusion protein having the Fc region of the antibody or the like, a method for producing an antibody composition using the cell, the antibody composition and use thereof.

Abstract: Prion protein binding materials and methods for using the binding materials to detect or remove a prion protein from a sample, such as a biological fluid or an environmental sample. The binding materials are capable of binding to one or more forms of prion protein including cellular prion protein (PrPc), infectious prion protein (PrPsc), recombinant prion protein (PrPr), and proteinase resistant prion protein (PrPres). Prions from various species, including humans and hamsters, are bound by the binding materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel 1,4-benzothiazepine intermediates and derivatives, methods for synthesizing same, and methods for assaying same. The present invention also provides methods for using these novel compounds to limit or prevent a decrease in the level of RyR2-bound FKBP12.6 in a subject; to prevent exercise-induced sudden cardiac death in a subject; and to treat or prevent heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or exercise-induced cardiac arrhythmia in a subject. The present invention further provides methods for identifying an agent that enhances binding of RyR2 and FKBP12.6, and agents identified by these methods. Additionally, the present invention provides methods for identifying agents for use in treating or preventing heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or exercise-induced cardiac arrhythmia, and in preventing exercise-induced sudden cardiac death. Also provided are agents identified by such methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for detecting protein-protein and/or protein-nucleic acid interactions in cells.

Abstract: ELISA, Western Blot, and a peptide-based ELISA were applied to clinical specimens from patients with clinical symptoms of tick borne diseases, including Lyme disease. Peptides from different components of Borrelia during different cycles, including peptides from outer surface protein, leukocyte function associated antigens, immunodominant antigens, variable major proteins, and peptides from decorin-binding proteins of Borrelial subspecies (B. sensu stricto. B. afzelii, B. garinii) were used. Antibodies against specific peptides from Babesia and Ehrlichia were also measured.

Abstract: Provided herein are sets of mass labels. Each mass label in a set includes: 1) a mass marker moiety; 2) a mass normalisation moiety; and 3) a cleavable linker connecting the mass marker moiety to the mass normalisation moiety. Each mass marker moiety is characterized as having a mass different from that of all other mass marker moieties in the set as determined by mass spectrometry. Further, each mass normalisation moiety ensures that each mass label in the set has substantially the same mass as determined by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods for inhibiting the growth of preneoplastic/neoplastic vertebrate cells that abnormally express MN protein are disclosed. Screening assays are provided for identifying compounds, preferably organic compounds, preferably aromatic and heterocylic sulfonamides, which inhibit the enzymatic activity of MN/CA IX and that are useful for treating patients with preneoplastic/neoplastic disease. Further, the CA IX-specific inhibitors when labeled or linked to an appropriate visualizing means can also be used diagnostically/prognostically for preneoplastic/neoplastic disease, and for imaging use, for example, to detect hypoxic precancerous cells, tumors and/or metastases, by selectively binding to activated CA IX, preferably CA IX activated under hypoxic conditions, and not to inactive CA IX. Such detection of hypoxic conditions can be helpful in determining effective treatment options, and in predicting treatment outcome and the prognosis of disease development.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the use of neuronal pannexins for the manufacture of drugs for preventing and/or treating neurological disorders, particularly neurological disorders involving hippocampal pyramidal cells in mammals. Moreover, the invention concerns the use of pannexins for in vitro diagnosing such neurological disorders. The present invention is also directed to methods for selecting, in vitro or in vivo using an animal model, compounds useful for preventing and/or treating, in mammals, neurological disorders by modifying the channel-forming ability of pannexins.

Abstract: Canine 5-hydroxytryptamine 2 receptor materials are described, including polypeptides corresponding to SEQ ID NOs:8 and 10 and polynucleotides expressing them corresponding to SEQ ID NOs:7 and 9. Such materials are useful as reagents in drug screening assays to identify compounds having 5-HT2 receptor-modulating activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to determine the sex of an embryo by detecting the presence of a protein associated with the Y chromosome in a sample of culture medium obtained by sampling a culture medium containing the embryo. The present invention further provides methods to identify a protein associated with the Y chromosome as a protein present in a sample of culture medium obtained by sampling a culture medium containing a male embryo, but absent in a sample of culture medium obtained by sampling a culture medium containing a female embryo.

Abstract: The crystal structure of ligand-bound EGLN1 catalytic domain of prolyl hydroxylase is disclosed. These coordinates are useful in computer aided drug design for identifying compounds that regulate EGLN1 prolyl hydroxylase and thereby regulate HIF-regulated disorders.

Abstract: A series of mutants of Anthrax lethal factor (LF) are disclosed which define a conformational epitope or region of the molecule that interacts with the LF target, the MEK enzyme. Such mutants or variants, and nucleic acids encoding them are disclosed. The knowledge of such binding, separate from recognition of MEK by the protease active site of LF, serves as the basis for novel screening assays for discovery of inhibitors of this additional form of LF-MEK binding which is necessary for ultimate proteolysis and toxicity. The nontoxic LF mutants are useful as immunogenic compositions for generating antibodies and a state of immunity specific for the LF component of a B. arithracis infection or exposure otherwise to the anthrax lethal toxin.

Abstract: The present invention provides signal peptide-semiconductor nanocrystal-peptide conjugates and methods for using the conjugates in methods for imaging live cells and subcellular trafficking processes.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules from nematodes encoding ATP synthase subunit E polypeptides are described. ATP synthase subunit E-like polypeptide sequences are also provided, as are vectors, host cells, and recombinant methods for production of ATP synthase subunit E-like nucleotides and polypeptides. Also described are screening methods for identifying inhibitors and/or activators, as well as methods for antibody production.

Abstract: A gene expressed specifically in mesangial cells. A DNA expressed specifically in mesangial cells; a protein encoded by this DNA; an antibody binding to this protein, etc. These substances are indigenous to mesangial cells and, therefore, useful in, for example, identifying mesangial cells and detecting abnormalities in mesangial cells. Moreover, the above protein would be helpful for clarification of the functions of masangial cells and, in its turn, for clarification of the causes of diseases relating to masangial cells. This protein is expectedly applicable to the treatment and diagnosis of diseases relating to masangial cells.

Abstract: Markers for TSE that are present prior to formation of detectable pathological prion protein are useful to detect this infection prior to clinical signs. Additional markers are useful to detect the stage of TSE infection and distinguish it from other conditions which have similar clinical symptoms. Determinations on isolated cell preparations are particularly useful, especially those derived from peripheral (non-brain) sources.

Abstract: Colorimetric sensors comprising a receptor incorporated within polydiacetylene assemblies to form a transducer capable of indicating a color change when contacted with an analyte are disclosed. Methods of using the colorimetric sensor and a kit for the colorimetric detection of an analyte are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides truncated GSK3 polypeptides capable of crystallization, including GSK3? and GSK3? polypeptides, and use of these polypeptides to identify and optimize GSK3 inhibitors. Also provided are GSK3 polypeptides having at least one substituted amino acid that differs from wild-type GSK3, wherein the substituted amino acid is incapable of being phosphorylated. The invention finds use in providing methods of identifying and optimizing compounds useful for treating diseases mediated by GSK3 activity, including Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation.

Abstract: The invention provides a protein having an amino acid sequence as in SEQ ID 7, 8, 11 or 12, similar proteins, naturally occurring variants and homologous functional equivalents thereof, as well as the use of a polynucleotide encoding such protein, for use in an assay and for use in a method of modulation of transcriptional activity promoted by a responsive nuclear receptor and a coactivator, which coactivator is the mentioned protein and is named COASTER, and which nuclear receptor is preferrably a steroid receptor.

Abstract: A diagnostic device 1 for performing an immunochromatographic analysis of a sample is disclosed. The diagnostic device 1 comprises a porous substrate 10 for performing the analysis and a pre-filter 30 to remove solid components, such as solublised faeces or samples containing suspended organic material to prevent blocking of the porous substrate or coloured particles so that the test result is more clearly visible. The diagnostic device may include a container into which a sample may be provided, with the interior of the container being sealably connectable to the diagnostic section of the device. The porous section may be encapsulated within a housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for treating, preventing and diagnosing macular degeneration-related disorders.

Abstract: Elevated Hedgehog (Hh) pathway activity, including ligand stimulated Hh pathway activity, was detected in small-cell lung cancer (SCLQ cells, and determined to be associated with growth and proliferation of the cancer cells. Accordingly, methods are provided for treating SCLC associated with elevated Hh pathway activity by reducing or inhibiting the Hh pathway activity. Also provided are methods of determining the responsiveness of SCLC to treatment with a Hh pathway antagonist.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel materials and screening methods for diagnosing and monitoring cognitive disorders, as well as for identifying compounds for treating such disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polypeptides, antibodies, antagonists, agonists, potentiators, nucleic acid molecules, compositions and methods relating to the STOP-1 polypeptide that are useful for treating and preventing diseases and for medical diagnosis and research. The present invention also provides consensus sequences and specific sequences for antibodies that specifically bind to STOP-1 that are useful in the methods described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of proteolytically converting a precursor protein (e.g. tau) to a product fragment (e.g., a 12 kd fragment) in a stable cell line, wherein the precursor protein is associated with a disease state in which the precursor protein aggregates pathologically (e.g. a tauopathy), and the methods comprise: (a) providing a stable cell line transfected with nucleic acid encoding: (i) a template fragment of the precursor protein such that the template fragment is constitutively expressed in the cell at a level which is not toxic to the cell; and (ii) the precursor protein, which protein is inducibly expressed in the cell in response to a stimulus, whereby interaction of the template fragment with the precursor protein causes a conformational change in the precursor protein such as to cause aggregation and proteolytic processing of the precursor protein to the product fragment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a DNA sequence encoding a member of the hyperpolarized activated ion channel family (HCN) and variants thereof, and the use of said sequences in assays for the measurement of gene expression. It also relates to assays for screening of Ih activators and blockers for clinical and therapeutic use in the management of human psychiatric and neurological dysfunction in the CNS, cardiovascular dysfunction of the heart, and reproductive dysfunction and/or contraception related to Ih function in testes and spermatozoa. Further, antibodies against the expressed DNA sequences and other compounds reactive with the expressed DNA sequence are also part of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention features NS5B polypeptides from different clinically important HCV genotypes. The polypeptides can be used individually, or as part of a panel of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases, to evaluate the effectiveness of a compound to inhibit NS5B activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides new methods for detecting, diagnosing, monitoring, staging, prognosticating, imaging and treating cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and products for inhibiting caspase activation-induced A? accumulation. The invention is useful for diagnosing, preventing, and treating A?-accumulation-associated disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: For certain mixed mode resins having anionic character, a ligand is joined to a solid support via a linkage that includes a mercapto-, ether- or amino-containing moiety. A suitable ligand comprises an aromatic group, a heteroaromatic group, or a heterocyclic group, optionally fused, that is sulfate-, sulfonate-, phosphonate- or phosphate-substituted and that is linked to such a moiety. These resins possess an anionic character under conditions prescribed for their use. Separation of a biological substance, such as a peptide or protein, can be accomplished with a resin of this type via a change in the pH of eluants, thereby effecting adsorption and desorption.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides that specifically bind to BACE at a newly discovered exosite. The invention also provides methods for identifying peptides that bind to a BACE exosite. The invention further provides methods for identifying compounds that bind to a BACE exosite and modulate BACE activity. In another aspect, the invention provides methods for treating or preventing neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease by administering compounds that bind to a BACE exosite and modulate BACE activity.

Abstract: Diagnostic, screening and therapeutic methods utilizing NBS-1 and PYRIN-1 are disclosed. The methods take advantage of the interactions between NBS-1 or PYRIN-1 and various proteins involved in apoptotic and inflammatory signaling pathways. Also disclosed are methods for identifying modulators of ASC and NF-?B.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for identifying agents that modulate the effect of cytokine class I receptor binding compounds, by inhibiting the interaction between the cytokine class I receptor and nuclear factors. The agents are useful for decreasing IGF-1 levels in a cell, and for the treatment of medical disorders caused by hormone dysregulation, such as growth hormone or prolactin dysregulation.

Abstract: A method is described to assay for protein interactions in living cells, e.g. by the introduction of two heterologous conjugates into the cell. The method uses the measurement of cellular distribution of a detectable component (e.g. a GFP-labeled˜fluorescent probe) to indicate the presence or absence of an interaction between that component and a second component of interest. The method uses the knowledge that certain components can be stimulated to redistribute within the cell to defined locations. Inducible redistribution systems make it possible to determine if specific interactions occur between components. Inducible systems are described where it is demonstrated that the redistribution stimuli are essentially “null”, in that they affect no other system in the cell during the assay period, other than the component whose redistribution can be induced.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptides from phytopathogenic fungi with the biological activity of an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, to nucleic acids encoding them, to the use of the polypeptides and nucleic acids for identifying modulators of the polypeptides, to methods for identifying such modulators, and to the use of these modulators as fungicides.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel methods and compositions for the detection of analytes using the nuclear reorganization energy, ?, of an electron transfer process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for identifying a member of a mass-coded combinatorial library which is a ligand for biomolecule and assessing the effect of the binding of the ligand to the biomolecule. The mass-coded molecular library comprises compounds of the general formula XYn, wherein n is an integer from 2 to about 6, X is a scaffold and each Y is, independently, a peripheral moiety. The mass-coded combinatorial library is produced by reacting a scaffold precursor with a sufficient number of distant peripheral moiety precursors such that there exist at least about 250 distinct combinations of n peripheral moieties derived from the peripheral moiety precursors.

Abstract: The invention provides monoclonal antibodies and other binding agents to human cytochrome P450 2C19 having advantageous properties, including capacity substantially to inhibit enzyme activity of human cytochrome P450 2C19 and lack of specific binding to other human cytochrome P450s. The binding agents of the invention are useful inter alia in methods for screening drugs for metabolism by cytochrome P450 2C19, and in methods of measuring P450 2C19 levels in individuals relative to P450 2C19 levels in a control population.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for regulating cytokine signaling and agents useful for same. The method of the present invention is predicated in part on the identification of the molecular target of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) interaction in controlling cytokine signaling. The identification of the molecular target permits the development of assays to screen for a range of agonists and antagonists useful in modulating cytokine function. The present invention further provides, therefore, screening assays and more particularly high through-put screening assays for agonists and antagonists of SOCS-receptor interaction. Such agonists and antagonists are useful in the manufacture of medicaments for controlling cytokine signaling. Control of cytokine signaling is important for the treatment of a range of conditions including cancer, inflammatory conditions, immunological disorders and any other conditions involving aberrations of signal transduction.