Abstract: The present invention relates to the development of fusion proteins based on peptide toxins as pesticides. The invention also relates to transgenic plants encoding said peptides and their utility in pest management.

Abstract: Provided are novel specific binding molecules, particularly human antibodies as well as fragments, derivatives and variants thereof that recognize neoepitopes of disease-associated proteins which derive from native endogenous proteins but are prevalent in the body of a patient in a variant form and/or out of their normal physiological context. In addition, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such binding molecules, antibodies and mimics thereof and methods of screening for novel binding molecules, which may or may not be antibodies as well as targets in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease are described.

Abstract: DNA enhancer sequences are provided for use in constructs to identify early stage embryonic cells. The enhancer sequences can be used in parallel with short-hairpin RNA in a vector construct for endogenously regulated gene knockdowns. The disclosed enhancer sequences can be used to isolate a selected population of early stage embryonic cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides with histone H3 lysine 79 methyltransferase activity as well as nucleic acids encoding the same. Also provided are methods of using the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention in screening assays to identify compounds of interest. Further provided are diagnostic methods for leukemia and prognostic methods to predict the course of the disease in a subject.

Abstract: Agents interfering with translocation of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), methods of making and using the foregoing are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for increasing the longevity of a cell culture and permitting the increased production of proteins, preferably recombinant proteins, such as antibodies, peptides, enzymes, growth factors, interleukins, interferons, hormones, and vaccines. Cells transfected with an apoptosis-inhibiting gene or vector, such as a triple mutant Bcl-2 gene, can survive longer in culture, resulting in extension of the state and yield of protein biosynthesis. Such transfected cells exhibit maximal cell densities that equal or exceed the maximal density achieved by the parent cell lines. Transfected cells can also be pre-adapted for growth in serum-free medium, greatly decreasing the time required to obtain protein production in serum-free medium. In certain methods, the pre-adapted cells can be used for protein production following transformation under serum-free conditions. The method preferably involves eukaryotic cells, more preferably mammalian cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel promoter and terminator sequences for use in gene expression in eukaryotic cells, such as algal cells. The invention further provides expression cassettes comprising a promoter, as described herein, operably linked to a gene. The invention further provides expression vectors and host eukaryotic cells, such as algal cells, for expressing a protein encoded by the gene; and methods for stably transforming eukaryotic algae such as Tetraselmis with transgenes.

Abstract: A use of a signal peptide for producing a recombinant polypeptide of interest in an expression system, the signal peptide includes at least 12 amino acids of formula (I): (X1)iX2X3X4SX5X6X7, wherein: X1 is a peptide containing from 3 to 6 amino acids, i equal to 0 or 1, X2 is a peptide containing from 3 to 9 hydrophobic amino acids, X3 is a peptide containing from 3 to 5 amino acids, the peptide including at least 3 contiguous or non-contiguous leucines X4 is a peptide containing from 2 to 5 amino acids chosen from Ala, Thr, Ser, Gln, Ile, Met, X5 is Ala or Val, X6 is Gln, Asn or His, X7 is Ala or Cys, provided that when the signal peptide originates from a natural precursor of a specific protein, the polypeptide of interest is different from the protein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for preparing an expression vector encoding a tailored recombinase, wherein said tailored recombinase recombines asymmetric target sites within the LTR of proviral DNA of a retrovirus inserted into the genome of a host cell and is useful as means for excising the provirus from the genome of the host cell. The present invention further relates to an in vitro-method of optimising the treatment of a retroviral infection of a subject and to the use of tailored recombinases for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for reducing the viral load in a subjected infected by a retrovirus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for generating a plurality of different IgY antibodies, by immunizing each of a plurality of avian organisms of the same or different species with a composition comprising a plurality of different antigens, thereby generating a plurality of different IgY antibodies.

Abstract: A method of mRNA production for use in transfection is provided, that involves in vitro transcription of PCR generated templates. This RNA can efficiently transfect different kinds of cells. This approach results in increased efficiency (fidelity and productivity) of mRNA synthesis and is less time consuming because it does not require cloning, and also consequently eliminates the unwanted errors and effects related to RNA made on DNA templates obtained with cloning techniques. The results of transfection of RNAs demonstrate that RNA transfection can be very effective in cells that are exceedingly difficult to transfect efficiently with DNA constructs. The method can be used to deliver genes into cells not- or only poorly transfectable for DNA, in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant novirhabdoviruses having at least one sequence encoding a polypeptide of interest added to their genome. Said recombinant novirhabdoviruses are useful as gene vectors, for producing recombinant proteins, or for producing vaccines for fish or for higher vertebrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of glycosylation engineering of proteins. More particularly, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules, including fusion constructs, having catalytic activity and the use of same in glycosylation engineering of host cells to generate polypeptides with improved therapeutic properties, including antibodies with increased Fc receptor binding and increased effector function.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to enhance production of desired products and increase the growth rate of a bacterial strain by inactivating an endogenous arcA and optionally overexpressing a ppc gene.

Abstract: The present invention concerns Vgll3 a new target involved in adipogenesis modulation. Further, the present invention relates to methods to increase Vgll3 activity in adipocytes and preadipocytes. In addition, pharmaceutical composition comprising Vgll3 activity enhancing molecules in order to enhance the Vgll3 activity in a target tissue are also provided. These methods, compositions and molecules can be useful to modulate adipogenesis and thus treat obesity and related disorders.

Abstract: An assembly capable of capturing and purifying expressed biological products during or at the end of a bioreaction cycle is disclosed wherein a binding resin is kept separated from the contents of the bioreactor allowing capturing, harvesting and purification of biological products in a bioreactor; the invention additionally provides means of removing undesirable metabolic products as well as provides for efficient loading of chromatography columns.

Abstract: An antibody binding to TWEAK comprising as heavy chain variable domain a CDR3H selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 8, 16 or 24.

Abstract: Lentiviral vectors modified at the 5? LTR or both the 5? and 3? LTR's are useful in the production of recombinant lentivirus vectors. Such vectors can be produced in the absence of a functional tat gene. Multiple transformation of the host cell with the vector carrying the transgene enhances virus production.

Abstract: A method of producing an antibody comprises immunizing a mammal with an amine-derivative of acetylamantadine, immunizing the mammal with acetylamantadine, and producing the antibody from the mammal. The antibody recognizes acetylamantadine but does not recognize amantadine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for introducing a gene into a target cell using a retrovirus vector, which is simple and highly efficient. Specifically disclosed is a method for introducing a gene into a target cell using a retrovirus vector, which comprises the steps of (a) placing a liquor containing a retrovirus vector having a foreign gene carried thereon into a culture vessel on which a retrovirus-binding substance has been immobilized, and incubating the liquor at a temperature lower than 25° C. for 4 hours or longer, thereby producing a culture vessel having the retrovirus vector bound thereto, and (b) adding a target cell to the culture vessel that has been produced in step (a) and incubating the culture vessel. The gene introduction method is simple and highly efficient, and is useful particularly in the fields of medicine, cell technology, gene technology, embryologic technology and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides comprising a first nucleic acid sequence for a chromatin element, which is capable of enhancing expression, and at least one second nucleic acid sequence comprising a curved origin motif. Furthermore, the invention relates to a host cell, a non-human transgenic organism, a vector and a kit comprising the aforementioned polynucleotide. Moreover, the invention relates to methods for expressing a polynucleotide of interest.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of glucuronic and glucaric acid in cells through recombinant expression of myo-inositol 1-phosphate synthase, myo-inositol oxygenase and uronate dehydrogenase. Cloning and characterization of the gene encoding uronate dehydrogenase is also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions of peptides and surface-active agents are described, as are methods of making and using such compositions. The compositions are capable of affecting metabolic rates in biological systems, and to accelerate nutrient uptake without a concomitant increase in biofilm production.

Abstract: There are provided a DNA construct comprising a suppressor tRNA gene of a non-eukaryote containing no internal promoter functioning in a eukaryotic cell, and a eukaryotic or bacteriophage promoter linked at the 5? end of the tRNA gene, a method for synthesizing a suppressor tRNA by using the DNA construct, and a process for producing protein incorporating a non-natural amino acid by using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell culture medium formulation that supports the in vitro cultivation, particularly in suspension, of mammalian cells, particularly epithelial cells and fibroblast cells, and methods for cultivating mammalian cells in suspension in vitro using these media. The present invention also provides chemically defined, protein-free eukaryotic cell culture media comprising an iron chelate and zinc, which is capable of supporting the growth (and particularly the high-density growth of mammalian cells) in suspension culture, increasing the level of expression of recombinant protein in cultured cells, and/or increasing virus production in cultured cells. The invention also provides kits for use in the cultivation of a mammalian epithelial cell that comprise one or more containers, wherein a first container contains the culture medium of the invention. These kits may further comprise one or more additional containers containing one or more supplements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a baglike container for centrifugation that is mounted in a centrifuge to thereby allow centrifugation of a dispersion liquid accommodated therein. The baglike container for centrifugation is less likely to tear or break as a result of centrifugation by disposing a container wall surface of the baglike container so as to apply centrifugal force perpendicular to the container wall surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an antigen-specific B cell population comprising IgG-positive B cells specific to a specific antigen, the method comprising: culturing IgG-positive B cells together with the specific antigen in the presence of IL-21, while conferring stimulation to the IgG-positive B cells via CD40, a BAFF receptor and Fas; and screening for antigen-specific B cells specific to the specific antigen to obtain an antigen-specific B cell population comprising the IgG-positive B cells specific to the specific antigen.

Abstract: This invention relates to nucleic acid molecules comprising at least one nucleic acid sequence encoding for a peptide or protein of interest, at least one nucleic acid sequence encoding for a selectable marker, and at least one IRES sequence, wherein the at least one IRES sequence is located between the at least one nucleic acid sequence encoding for the peptide or protein of interest and the at least one nucleic acid sequence encoding for the selectable marker. Furthermore, this invention relates to host cells comprising such nucleic acid molecule and to methods of recombinant protein expression using such host cells.

Abstract: A transformed microorganism capable of converting an aldopentose to a ketopentose at a higher rate than the equivalent microorganism prior to transformation.

Abstract: A bioscaffold made from an isolated cardiac fibroblast-derived 3-dimensional extracellular matrix (ECM) is disclosed. The bioscaffold can be used as an epicardial patch for the delivery of therapeutic cells into myocardial tissue. Methods of making the 3-dimensional extracellular matrix using cultured cardiac fibroblasts are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides a method of identifying a cell or cell colony which produces a polypeptide of interest, the method comprising exposing one or more cells to a marker compound which associates with a reference polypeptide, wherein production of the polypeptide of interest by the cells is linked to production of the reference polypeptide, and detecting association of the marker compound with the one or more cells, thereby identifying a cell or cell colony which produces the polypeptide of interest.

Abstract: Methods and materials for producing organic syringomycin, the methods include culturing a culture of Pseudomonas syringae and a growth medium including glucose, mannitol, histidine, a magnesium source, an iron source, and a buffer with a pH of from about 6.5 to 7; extracting syringomycin from the culture to yield an extract; and purifying the extract to yield syringomycin.

Abstract: Provided are mRNA translational enhancer elements (TEEs), e.g., SEQ ID NOs:1-35. Also provided are translational enhancer polynucleotides that comprise one or more of the specific TEEs exemplified herein or their variants, homologs or functional derivatives. Further provided are expression vectors comprising such TEEs or translational enhancer polynucleotides, as well as host cells and expression systems that harbor such vectors.

Abstract: The current invention reports a method for the recombinant production of a secreted heterologous immunoglobulin in a CHO cell comprising the following steps: i) providing a CHO cell, which is adapted to growth in suspension culture, adapted to growth in serum-free medium, mycoplasma free, and virus free, ii) providing a vector comprising a prokaryotic origin of replication, a first nucleic acid conferring resistance to a prokaryotic selection agent, a second nucleic acid encoding the heavy chain of said heterologous immunoglobulin, a third nucleic acid encoding the light chain of said heterologous immunoglobulin, a fourth nucleic acid conferring resistance to a eukaryotic selection agent, iii) transfecting said CHO cell, wherein said transfecting comprises a) transfecting said CHO cell with said vector comprising a fourth nucleic acid conferring resistance to a first eukaryotic selection agent, b) selecting a CHO cell by growth in cultivation medium containing said first eukaryotic selection agent, c) transfe

Abstract: This invention relates to a cell culture process for the production of polypeptides in mammalian CHO cells characterized by one or more temperature and pH shifts which are adjusted in respect to their timing and step size to reduce cell death, increase product yield and improve product quality.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing heteromultimeric polypeptides such as bispecific antibodies, bispecific immunoadhesins and antibody-immunoadhesin chimeras. The invention also relates to the heteromultimers prepared using the method. Generally, the method provides a multispecific antibody having a common light chain associated with each heteromeric polypeptide having an antibody binding domain. Additionally the method further involves introducing into the multispecific antibody a specific and complementary interaction at the interface of a first polypeptide and the interface of a second polypeptide, so as to promote heteromultimer formation and hinder homomultimer formation; and/or a free thiol-containing residue at the interface of a first polypeptide and a corresponding free thiol-containing residue in the interface of a second polypeptide, such that a non-naturally occurring disulfide bond is formed between the first and second polypeptide.

Abstract: Some aspects of this invention relate to methods useful for the conversion of a carbon source to a biofuel or biofuel precursor using engineered microbes. Some aspects of this invention relate to the discovery of a key regulator of lipid metabolism in microbes. Some aspects of this invention relate to engineered microbes for biofuel or biofuel precursor production.

Abstract: The expression vectors and methods using an E. coli expression system for the large scale production of IL-29 are described. The vectors utilize the IL-29 coding sequence with specific changes in nucleotides in order to optimize codons and mRNA secondary structure for translation in E. coli. Also included are methods of producing, purifying and pegylating an IL-29 polypeptide.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for increasing the amount of protein secreted by a cell. In one case, a cell is provided which contains a heterologous nucleic acid encoding a protein having unfolded protein response modulating activity and a heterologous nucleic acid encoding a protein of interest to be secreted. In one case, the protein having unfolded protein response modulating activity is selected from the proteins selected from the group consisting of HAC1, PTC2 and IRE1. The protein of interest can be any secreted protein such as a therapeutic or an industrial enzyme. For example the protein can be selected from the group consisting of lipase, cellulase, endo-glucosidase H, protease, carbohydrase, reductase, oxidase, isomerase, transferase, kinase, phosphatase, alpha-amylase, glucoamylase, lignocellulose hemicellulase, pectinase and ligninase.

Abstract: This application is based, inter alia, on the discovery of a binding interaction between the Hn-33 hemagglutinin polypeptide of the type A Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin complex and synaptosomal proteins, including synaptotagmin II (Syt II). Methods of screening for compounds that modulate, e.g., increase or decrease, this interaction are provided. Also provided are compositions and methods for targeting compounds to neuronal and cancer cells by coupling the compounds to Hn-33 or biologically active Hn-33 variants.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems for identifying genes and gene products associated with nitrogenous bisphosphonate treatment (NBP) treatment of calcium disorders. The invention also provides systems for identify and/or characterizing agents in treating calcium disorders. The invention further provides systems for diagnosing a calcium disorder and monitoring treatment of a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-steroidal ligands for use in nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system, and a method to modulate exogenous gene expression in which an ecdysone receptor complex comprising: a DNA binding domain; a ligand binding domain; a transactivation domain; and a ligand is contacted with a DNA construct comprising: the exogenous gene and a response element; wherein the exogenous gene is under the control of the response element and binding of the DNA binding domain to the response element in the presence of the ligand results in activation or suppression of the gene.

Abstract: Prognostic methods useful in assessing patients who have received a transplant and reagents that can be used to carry out those methods are provided. The inventions are based, in part, on our analysis of gene expression in renal allografts and clinical parameters, i.e., variables associated with the donor, the recipient and/or the graft. The genes that can be assessed include those encoding agents that mediate inflammation, immune activation, and cell death (we may refer to these genes as “inflammatory”, “immune” or “cytoprotective”). Surprisingly, the levels of gene expression could predict the occurrence of DGF, AR, and the quality of later graft function even when analyzed shortly after (e.g., after vascular anastomosis and tissue reperfusion). We also found that clinical parameters available at the time of transplantation correlate with decreased graft health and can be considered in combination with gene expression to evaluate a patient's risk for an adverse outcome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosis and therapy of cancers expressing the HER2 receptor. The invention provides antibodies or fragments thereof that recognise an epitope of the HER2 receptor truncated form CTF-611, said epitope being defined by a sequence included in SEQ ID NO: 2, and that are capable of discriminating between CTF-611 and CTF-616 (represented by SEQ ID NO:7), preferably additionally capable of discriminating between CTF-611 and CTF-613 (represented by SEQ ID NO:6). The invention also provides a method of cancer diagnosis using the disclosed antibodies, which comprises the detection of the presence of the HER2 receptor truncated form consisting of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 in a patient sample.

Abstract: A fully humanized antibody having binding specificity to Toll-like Receptor 2 comprises a light chain and a heavy chain entirely comprised of amino acid sequence of human origin. The variable region of the light chain comprises an amino acid sequence which is substantially homologous with the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, while the variable region of the heavy domain comprises an amino acid sequence which is substantially homologous with the sequence of SEQ ID NO:4. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding such antibodies, as well as the use of the antibodies in medicine, in particular for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases which are mediated by Toll-like Receptor 2 activation and signalling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polynucleotides having promoter activity the juse of the isolated polynucleotides for the procuction of a polypeptide. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing a desired polypeptide using the polypeptide having promoter activity.

Abstract: Complexes that contain RSV F ectodomain polypeptides and methods for making the complexes are disclosed. The RSV F ectodomain polypeptides can be in the prefusion form.

Abstract: A soluble multimeric protein or polypeptide is disclosed that is able to inhibit interaction of leukocyte Fc? receptors (Fc?R) and immunoglobulin G (IgG). The protein or polypeptide comprises two or more linked Fc binding regions, at least one of which is derived from an Fc?R type receptor and, particularly, Fc?RIIa. Also described are polynucleotide molecules encoding the protein or polypeptide and the use thereof in methods of treating a subject for an immune-complex (IC)-mediated inflammatory disease.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. Specifically, this invention relates to the field of gene expression. More specifically, this invention relates to novel substitution mutant receptors and their use in a Group H nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating the expression of a gene in a host cell for applications such as gene therapy, large scale production of proteins and antibodies, cell-based high throughput screening assays, functional genomics and regulation of traits in transgenic organisms.

Abstract: Specific binding members directed to eotaxin-1, in particular human antibodies and antibody fragments against human eotaxin-1 and especially those which neutralize eotaxin-1 activity. The antibodies VH and/or VL domain of the scFv fragment herein termed CAT-212 and of the IgG4 antibody herein termed CAT 213. One or more complementary determining regions (CDRs) of the CAT-212-213 VH and/or VL domains, especially VH CRD3 in other antibody framework regions. Compositions containing specific binding members, and their use in methods of inhibiting or neutralizing eotaxin, including methods of treatment of the human or animal body by therapy.