Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for using the same are provided. Aspects of the invention include microfluidic devices that include a separation medium and a pan-capture binding medium. The microfluidic devices are configured to subject a sample to two or more directionally distinct electric fields. Also provided are methods of using the devices as well as systems and kits that include the devices. The devices, systems and methods find use in a variety of different applications, including diagnostic and validation assays.

Abstract: A polysaccharide-protein binding model of SBD, and a fibril-forming 14-residue peptide consisting of X1NNNX2X3NYQX4X5X6X7X8, wherein the X1 and X8 mean a pair of opposite charged amino acid residues, and the X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, or X7 means an amino acid residue is described. A mixture for diminishing a polysaccharide, comprising at least two starch binding domains (SBDs) and a polysaccharide in a helix form is also presented. A method of providing an oligosaccharide, and a method of producing an amyloid-like fibril and use thereof are further described.

Abstract: A method of comparative ligand mapping to identify peptide ligands presented by MHC positive cells that distinguish an infected/transfected cell from an uninfected/non-transfected cell is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the screening of antibacterial substances comprising a step of determining the ability of a candidate substance to inhibit the activity of a purified enzyme selected from the group consisting of: (i) a D-aspartate ligase comprising a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence possessing at least 50% amino acid identity with an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID No 1 to SEQ ID No 10, or a biologically active fragment thereof; and (ii) a L,D-transpeptidase comprising a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence possessing at least 50% amino acid identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No 11, or a biologically active fragment thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments herein report compositions, systems, methods, and uses for diagnosing and/or treating a condition in a subject. In certain embodiments, one or more peptides can be used as biomarker detectors for predicting onset or progression of disease. Some embodiments of the present invention report peptides capable of associating with MVs for predicting onset or progression of cancer in a subject. Other embodiments include methods of generating and or modifying peptides of use herein. Yet other embodiments herein report biomarker detectors capable of detecting agents associated with cancer progression, for example, metastasis.

Abstract: A cartridge for measuring a concentration of a glycated protein in a wide measurement range, a system for measuring a glycated protein, and a method of measuring a glycated protein using same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agents, and methods for identifying compounds, which agents and compounds are effective in the treatment, and more particularly, that inhibit cachexia, and its associated or related disorders and conditions. In addition, the invention relates to compositions and methods for the use thereof in treating conditions that are characterized by cachexia, and its associated or related disorders and conditions and/or cachexia, and its associated or related disorders and conditions, such as for example, cancer cachexia and cachexia associated with AIDS, autoimmune disorders, drug addiction, alcoholism, chronic inflammatory disorders, cirrhosis of the liver, anorexia and neurodegenerative disease. In particular, the diagnostic marker and drug target of the invention is the ATGL Lipase, which can be inhibited by e.g. siRNAs and compounds with any of the following structures (I).

Abstract: A method for detecting or quantifying an analyte, using a test strip for lateral flow type chromatography which contains a membrane and a detection part on which a capturing ligand that is to specifically bind to the analyte has been fixed on the membrane, includes: bringing an analyte contained in a sample into contact with a labeled ligand labeled with a phosphor that is to be excited by light having a wavelength from 600 nm to 800 nm to generate fluorescence, bringing a complex containing the analyte and the labeled ligand into contact with a capturing ligand at the detection part, and irradiating on the test strip light having a wavelength from 600 nm to 800 nm as an excitation light for the phosphor contained in the complex to generate fluorescence from the phosphor, and measuring a fluorescence intensity of the fluorescence.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of identifying a candidate compound which may inhibit estrogen receptor-dependent transcription or ?9-nAChR overexpression and proliferation of nicotine-derived-compound-induced breast cancer cells by using an activating protein 1 (AP1) polypeptide. The invention found that ?9-nAChR has an activating protein 1 (AP1)-binding site, that the ?9-nAChR promoter is located at the AP1-binding site, and that ERs specifically bind to the ?9-nAChR promoter at the AP1-binding site, indicating that ER-induced ?9-nAChR up-regulation plays a central role in the response to endogenous (E2) or exogenous (nicotine) stimulation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treating a patient at risk of developing or having a neurofibromatosis or a sporadic schwannoma. In exemplary embodiments, the method involves administering to a subject in need an effective amount of a modulator of a target related to neurofibromatosis. Also disclosed are screening assays involving the implementation of Merlin-null Schwann cells, and to compounds identified using same.

Abstract: A method for identifying modulators of Interleukin 24 (IL-24) mediated apoptosis is disclosed. For IL-24 apoptosis to be effective, the cells should express Sigma 1 Receptor (S1R). Additionally apoptosis modulators can be identified by exposing biological cells to test compounds and monitoring for signs of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress protein expression; calcium mobilization; or reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to methods and compositions for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD). In some embodiments, the invention provides methods for screening and identifying compounds that selectively inhibit the targeting of the insulin-Akt signaling pathway by A? oligomers.

Abstract: An environmentally sensitive membrane binding polypeptide, pH (low)-sensitive membrane peptide (pHLIP) has improved insertion kinetics balanced with solubility to selectively target acidic tissues.

Abstract: Identification and use of proteins fluorescently labeled and that undergo a change in fluorescence index upon binding bilirubin are described. Probes are disclosed which are labeled at a cysteine or lysine residue and also probes labeled at both cysteine and lysine with two different fluorophores. These probes are useful for determination of unbound bilirubin levels in a fluid sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bifunctional tumor diagnostic reagent and a method for tumor diagnosis. The reagent consists of a protein shell specifically recognizing a cancer tissue and/or a cancer cell and an inorganic nano-core having the catalytic activity of a peroxidase. The bifunctional tumor diagnostic reagent has two functions, i.e., tumor specific identification and color development, and enables the tumor specific identification and the color development to be completed in one step, and the operation of the process is simple and convenient.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for isolating cells, particularly antibody-secreting cells that have a high likelihood of secreting antibodies specific for a desired antigen for the purpose of making monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: Uses and applications derived from the discovery of a novel binding site of IKK-?, such as method of screening a therapeutic agent as drug candidate for treating cancer, inflammation, or other diseases/disorders, are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assay for identifying compounds for the treatment of various diseases including those associated with excitotoxicity. The invention also relates to cell lines and constructs for use in an assay of the invention. The invention also relates to methods for determining whether a compound reduces excitotoxic signalling in a cell and whether a compound that inhibits binding of Tau to Fyn is likely to selectively reduce excitotoxic cell signalling. The invention also relates to a Tau protein adapted to form a detectable signal when the Tau protein is bound to a Fyn protein. The invention also relates to a Fyn protein adapted to form a detectable signal when the Fyn protein is bound to a Tau protein.

Abstract: In some aspects, methods of inhibiting survival or proliferation of a tumor cell are provided, the methods comprising inhibiting the glycine cleavage system (GCS) of the tumor cell. In some aspects, methods of treating a subject in need of treatment for a tumor, the method comprising inhibiting the GCS in the tumor. In some embodiments, the methods comprise contacting a tumor cell or tumor with a GCS inhibitor. In some embodiments, the tumor cell or tumor has elevated expression of serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SH1VIT2). In some aspects, methods of identifying a tumor cell or tumor that is sensitive to inhibiting the GCS are provided, the methods comprising determining whether the tumor cell or tumor overexpresses SHMT2. In some aspects, methods of identifying a candidate anti-cancer agent are provided, the methods comprising identifying or modifying a GCS inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting cell death using a luminescent compound; to the luminescent compounds for particular uses; to a kit comprising compounds and to a protein. The method is applicable for detecting cell death, essentially regardless of the mechanism through which cell death occurred or is occurring and is therefore not limited e.g. to detecting cell death resulting from only one mechanism selected from apoptosis and necrosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptides comprising, as constituent A, at least three monomers of a member of the TNF ligand family and, as constituent B, at least two peptide linkers that link the monomers of the member of the TNF ligand family to one another. The invention also relates to the use of these polypeptides for treating diseases and for producing a medicament or a vaccine. The invention also relates to methods for producing and isolating these polypeptides, to nucleic acids that code for these polypeptides, to vectors containing these nucleic acids, to host cells transfected with these vectors, and to pharmaceutical compositions containing these inventive objects. Finally, the invention relates to methods for the extracorporeal manipulation, depletion and/or removal of components contained in body fluids, e.g. by means of apheresis.

Abstract: Systems, methods and a lab-on-a-chip product are described for the detection of pathogens, infectious diseases and physiological conditions by quantifying change over time of one of capacitance or impedance when a biological sample is loaded onto the chip. The lab-on-a-chip utilizes AC electrokinetic phenomena such that molecules move or are carried in an electric field generated by the application of a signal of predetermined voltage and frequency to an electrode array. In particular, an electrode array of a conductive material is constructed on a substrate that may comprise silicon or quartz/glass or other known substrate, in one embodiment, a molecular probe comprising a bacterial antigen, an antibody against pathogen an antibody against protein or other biomarker is dispersed on the electrode array and blocked.

Abstract: The present invention discloses, inter alia, methods for labeling a target protein with an SHG-active probe for detection by second harmonic or sum-frequency generation in order to identify agents which bind to an allosteric site on the target protein thereby altering its structural conformation

Abstract: The present invention relates to bacteriophage tail proteins and the derivatives and fragments thereof that are capable of binding endotoxins in the absence of bivalent positive ions, especially Ca2+ or Mg2+. Further, the present invention relates to methods for depleting endotoxins from solutions and samples using the bacteriophage tail proteins according to the present invention and to a detection method for endotoxins.

Abstract: In particular, the compound is effective to inhibit Dxr in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The present invention relates to compounds having general formula (I) or (II) where X is an acidic group, such as carboxylate, phosphonate, sulfate, and tetrazole; Ar is a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic or heteroaromatic group; and n is 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4, preferably 2, 3, or 4. The compounds inhibits 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (Dxr), particularly Dxr in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to tissue differentiation factor (TDF) analogs. More specifically, the invention relates to structure-based methods and compositions useful in designing, identifying, and producing molecules, which act as functional modulators of TDF-like receptors. The invention further relates to methods of detecting, preventing, and treating TDF-associated disorders.

Abstract: The present invention related to a saccharide-based cholera toxin detection sensor for detection of Vibrio cholerae and its use. More specifically, the present invention relates to a carbohydrate chip for detection of Vibrio cholerae, a method for detecting Vibrio cholerae using the same, and a method for preparing the same, where the carbohydrate chip comprises GM1 pentasaccharide, GM2 tetrasaccharide, asialo GM1 tetrasaccharide, GM3 trisaccharide, galactose-? 1,3-N-acetylgalactosamine, lactose, and sialic acid that are immobilized on the surface of a solid substrate.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide human kinases and phosphatases (KPP) polypeptides and polynucleotides which identify and encode KPP. Embodiments of the invention also provide expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. Other embodiments provide methods for diagnosing, treating, or preventing disorders associated with aberrant expression of KPP.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring a concentration of a specific protein using a biosensor with a measurement speed improved from a conventional impedance measurement. The sensor is capable of efficiently and accurately measuring impedance generated by a selective binding to the protein by Fourier-transforming an electric current signal obtained by applying a potential signal of a delta function waveform. The device for measuring a protein using a biosensor is capable of measuring concentration of the protein with accuracy, measurement time is shortened and the concentration of protein can be accurately measured by removing the influence of dispersion.

Abstract: Fluidic devices and methods associated with mixing of fluids in fluidic devices are provided. In some embodiments, a method may involve the mixing of two or more fluids in a channel segment of a fluidic device. The fluids may be in the form of, for example, at least first, second and third fluid plugs, composed of first, second, and third fluids, respectively. The second fluid may be immiscible with the first and third fluids. In certain embodiments, the fluid plugs may be flowed in series in the channel segment, e.g., in linear order, causing the first and third fluids to mix without the use of active components such as mixers. The mixing of fluids in a channel segment as described herein may allow for improved performance and simplification in the design and operations of fluidic devices that rely on mixing of fluids.

Abstract: A method for detecting an interaction between a first protein and a second protein comprises the steps of: expressing in a cell a first fusion protein comprising the first protein and an association-inducing protein, and a second fusion protein comprising the second protein and a fluorescent protein having a multimerization ability; detecting a fluorescent focus formed by an association between the first fusion protein and the second fusion protein in the cell; and determining an interaction between the first protein and the second protein according to the detection of the fluorescent focus.

Abstract: Coelenterazine analogs with different luminescence properties from conventional ones and coelenteramide analogs with different fluorescence properties from conventional ones have been desired. The invention provides coelenterazine analogs modified at the 8-position of coelenterazine and coelenteramide analogs modified at the 2- or 3-position of coelenteramide.

Abstract: The invention provides a molecule that inhibits or prevents an interaction between a Src family kinase and an androgen or estradiol receptor, for use in preventing or treating a non-cancerous condition in which an activity of AR and/or ER is a contributory factor in a subject, or for use in preventing or treating a cancerous condition in which an activity of AR and/or ER is a contributory factor in a subject who wishes to preserve fertility, or for use in preventing or treating a gynaecological condition in which an activity of AR and/or ER is a contributory factor in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an assay device (1) for detecting active enzyme in a sample.

Abstract: In some aspects, the invention provides methods of identifying, detecting, and/or measuring protein-protein interactions. In some aspects, the invention provides methods of identifying and/or characterizing modulators of protein-protein interactions. In some aspects, the invention provides methods of identifying and/or characterizing modulators of protein activity, wherein the methods are based at least in part on measuring interaction between a chaperone and client protein. In some aspects, the invention provides methods for identifying and/or characterizing compounds and/or for assessing compound specificity, wherein the methods are based at least in part on measuring interaction between a chaperone and client protein. In some embodiments, a client protein is a kinase. In some embodiments, a compound is a kinase inhibitor. In some aspects, the invention provides methods of profiling kinase inhibitor specificity.

Abstract: Methods and kits for measuring levels of von Willebrand factor function in a sample without using a platelet aggregation agonist, such as ristocetin, comprising recombinant glycoprotein Ib? having at least two of a G233V, D235Y and M239V mutations and an agent to detect a complex between the recombinant glycoprotein Ib? and von Willebrand factor.

Abstract: Methods and genetic constructs are provided for detecting the binding of nuclear hormone receptors to a coactivator/corepressor. The methods employ enzyme fragment complementation using fragments of ?-galactosidase as the detection system. Cells are transformed to express the large fragment of ?-galactosidase fused to a member of the complex with NHR for initiation of transcription and have it localized in the nucleus and to express the small fragment of ?-galactosidase fused to the nuclear hormone receptor for binding to the member upon stimulation with a ligand.

Abstract: Methods and assays for oversulfated glycosaminoglycans are provided. In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for detecting oversulfated glycosaminoglycan (OS-GAG) in a heparin sample. The method comprises placing the heparin sample onto a support comprising immobilized heparin and contacting the heparin sample on the support with a binding compound that attaches to the heparin and forms a heparin-binding compound complex. The binding compound also has a greater affinity for attaching to the OS-GAG than to the heparin in the heparin sample and forms an OS-GAG-binding compound complex. The method can further comprise detecting an amount of the heparin-binding compound complex on the support, and determining an amount of OS-GAG in the heparin sample based on the amount of the heparin-binding compound complex on the support.

Abstract: Sensing compositions, sensing element, sensing systems and sensing devices for the detection and/or quantitation of one or more analytes. Compositions comprising carbon nanotubes in which the carbon nanotubes retain their ability to luminesce and in which that luminescence is rendered selectively sensitive to the presence of an analyte. Compositions comprising individually dispersed carbon nanotubes, which are electronically isolated from other carbon nanotubes, yet which are associated with chemical selective species, such as polymers, particularly biological polymers, for example proteins, which can interact selectively with, or more specifically selectivity bind to, an analyte of interest. Chemically selective species bind, preferably non-covalently, to the carbon nanotube and function to provide for analyte selectivity. Chemically selective species include polymers to which one or more chemically selective groups are covalently attached.

Abstract: Provided are devices and methods featuring a nanoelectronic interface between graphene devices (for example, field effect transistors or FETs) and biomolecules such as proteins, which in turn provides a pathway for production of bioelectronic devices that combine functionalities of the biomolecular and inorganic components. In one exemplary application, one may functionalize graphene FETs with fluorescent proteins to yield hybrids that respond to light at wavelengths defined by the optical absorption spectrum of the protein. The devices may also include graphene in electronic communication with a biomolecule that preferentially binds to a particular analyte.

Abstract: Biomarkers, including isolated fibronectin-aggrecan complexes that correlate with spinal or joint pain and inflammation, and methods for their detection are provided. Also provided are methods for identifying treatment sites in the spine or joint for treatment of pain and inflammation by detecting the presence of, or increased levels of, fibronectin-aggrecan complexes. Methods for treating spinal or joint pain and inflammation are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a detection method of NADP(H) from the change of a fluorescence intensity by a reaction between metagenome-derived blue fluorescent protein (mBFP) and NADPH. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods for detecting NADP(H) using mBFP or his-mBFP, or methods for detecting NADP(H) for measuring an activity of NADP(H) dependent dehydrogenase or oxidoreductase.

Abstract: Fluidic devices and methods associated with mixing of fluids in fluidic devices are provided. In some embodiments, a method may involve the mixing of two or more fluids in a channel segment of a fluidic device. The fluids may be in the form of, for example, at least first, second and third fluid plugs, composed of first, second, and third fluids, respectively. The second fluid may be immiscible with the first and third fluids. In certain embodiments, the fluid plugs may be flowed in series in the channel segment, e.g., in linear order, causing the first and third fluids to mix without the use of active to components such as mixers. The mixing of fluids in a channel segment as described herein may allow for improved performance and simplification in the design and operations of fluidic devices that rely on mixing of fluids.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing and analyzing cells comprising: a fluid delivery module; a reservoir configured to receive a biological sample including a target cell population and at least one fluid from the fluid delivery module; a manifold configured to receive and distribute the biological sample and at least one fluid from the reservoir into a cell capture device; a waste chamber configured to couple to the manifold; and a pump configured to couple to the waste chamber. In embodiments of the system configured to promote further purification of captured cells, the system can further comprise a magnet that enables further separation of captured cells from undesired sample materials. The system can additionally further comprise a heater configured to heat at least one fluid and/or biological sample, and a cell capture device configured to couple to the manifold, in order to facilitate capture of the target cell population.

Abstract: The present invention includes assays and kits for detecting the assembly of an RNA binding protein-RNA complex and for detecting the activity of an RNA binding protein.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that MHC heavy chain monomers immobilized to a solid surface are still capable of forming detectable conformational epitopes and being detected by conformation-dependent antibodies. Methods for detecting peptide binding to HLA monomers, and methods for measuring the relative degree of binding between two MHC-binding peptides as well as a method of measurement for the rate of dissociation of peptides from MHC complexes are provided. The present invention also provides systems and kits useful for conducting the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided herein are fluorescent lipid binding proteins (FLBPs). The FLBPs comprise a lipid binding domain linked to a fluorophore, whereby the fluorophore's fluorescence emission undergoes a spectral change upon lipid binding.

Abstract: The disclosure features a variety of compositions and methods for modulating an interaction between MUC1 and caspase-8 and/or an interaction between MUC1 and a DED-containing protein (e.g., an anti-apoptotic DED-containing protein or a pro-apoptotic DED-containing protein). Such methods and compositions are useful for the treatment or prevention of e.g., a variety of pathological disorders characterized by elevated or decreased levels of apoptosis. Moreover, the compositions and methods are also useful to identify, design, and generate compounds that modulate the interactions. The compounds and/or pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds can be used in the treatment of disease.

Abstract: Methods of determining levels of activity of bacteria in the lungs of patients are described, in which levels of a marker of a bacterial iron scavenging processes (for example, siderophores) and levels of a secreted bacterial protein are measured over time. Changes in the measured levels over time allow levels of bacterial activity to be determined, and exacerbations of bacterial infection to be predicted and/or monitored. Additional markers may also be used. The methods of the invention may also be used for monitoring effectiveness of antibiotic treatment of lung infection. The invention is particularly useful for monitoring P. aeruginosa levels in lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. Kits for use in the methods are also described.

Abstract: The subject invention relates in part to the surprising and unexpected discovery that insects that are resistant to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry toxins have measurably altered alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity as compared to insects that are susceptible to Cry toxins. This and other surprising discoveries reported herein have broad implications in areas such as managing and monitoring the development of insect resistance to B.t. toxins. For example, the subject invention provides a simple and fast assay (enzymatic or otherwise) for detecting ALP activity levels and thereby monitoring the development of resistance by insects to crystal protein insect toxins. There was no prior motivation or suggestion to go about resistance monitoring using this simple and easy approach.