Abstract: Articles are provided for the detection of cells in a sample. The articles include a release element comprising a cell extractant. The release element includes a shell structure that controls the release of the cell extractant into a liquid mixture containing the sample. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: Articles are provided for the detection of cells in a sample. The articles include a release element. The release element comprises an encapsulating agent and a cell extractant. The release element controls the release of the cell extractant into a liquid mixture containing the sample. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to produce a luminescent probe that has less biological effects, efficiently emits visible to near-infrared light, which is excellent for the imaging of individuals, and the use thereof. The present invention provides a sugar chain-containing-luciferase derivative, wherein an organic fluorescent dye is bonded to the luciferase through the sugar chain.

Abstract: Described is the use of a microorganism or cell containing a DNA sequence encoding a detectable protein or a protein capable of inducing a detectable signal, e.g., a luminescent or fluorescent protein for the preparation of a diagnostic composition for diagnosis and/or visualization of wounded or inflamed tissue or a disease associated therewith. Moreover, therapeutic uses are described, wherein the microorganism or cell additionally contain an expressible DNA sequence encoding a protein suitable for therapy, e.g. an enzyme causing cell death or digestion of debris.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit for detection of association of a peripheral cellular membrane binding protein with cellular membranes in living cells and methods thereof. The kit includes a first nucleic acid construct comprising a first nucleic acid molecule encoding a first fusion protein comprising a peripheral cellular membrane binding protein or membrane binding domain thereof operatively coupled to DNA binding and transactivation domains of a naturally occurring or chimeric transcription factor and a first promoter operatively associated with the first nucleic acid molecule. A second nucleic acid construct comprises a second nucleic acid molecule encoding a reporter protein and a second promoter responsive to the DNA binding and transactivation domains of the first fusion protein. The second promoter is operatively associated with the second nucleic acid molecule. Activation of the second promoter results in expression of the reporter protein. Also disclosed is a transgenic non-human animal.

Abstract: Methods of producing populations of predominantly astrocytes, neurons or oligodendrocytes are provided. In addition, methods of treating mammals having astroglial tumors, oligodendrocyte tumors, or neuronal tumors are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds and methods for use in preventing or treating a viral infection mediated by a virus comprising an IRES-containing RNA molecule or cancer related to an increase or decrease in IRES-mediated translation of an RNA molecule. Also provided are methods of inhibiting or promoting IRES-mediated translation. Also provided are methods of screening for an agent that inhibits IRES-mediated translation.

Abstract: Methods for bioluminescent detection of the activity of proteolytic enzymes including ubiquitin (Ub) and ubiquitin-like (Ubl) proteolytic enzymes are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for determining the biological activity of embryonated Trichuris eggs is described, in which at least one of the following determinations is carried out: a) Determination and/or confirmation of the stage of the embryonal development of helminth eggs with the aid of quantitative PCR analysis by using suitable marker sequences for ascertaining the copy number of the genomic DNA, b) Determination of the metabolic activity of embryonated helminth eggs by means of biochemical and/or molecular biological methods, c) Determination of the inducibility of gene expression in embryonated helminth eggs, d) Microscopic determination of the motility of helminth larvae in the egg over long periods of observation after pre-incubation at increased temperatures and/or e) Determination of the hatching rate of Trichuris larvae in a laboratory animal, wherein the intact embryonated eggs recovered from the contents of the intestine are quantified compared to an internal standard.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method of analyzing an optical signal which analyzes a signal substance induced by a photosensitive protein, includes the steps of introducing a gene which expresses a luminescent probe to analyze the signal substance into an organism sample, emitting a stimulus light to activate the photosensitive protein, and detecting an optical signal emitted by the organism sample.

Abstract: The claimed invention comprises a single molecule-format bioluminescent probe for detecting a target-specific ligand in a living cell, which comprises, a ligand-binding molecule of which conformation is changed upon binding to the ligand, wherein the ligand-binding molecule comprises a ligand-binding domain (LBD) of a nuclear receptor and an LBD-interacting domain that is a co-activator peptide of said nuclear receptor, and an N-terminal polypeptide and a C-terminal polypeptide of a click beetle luciferase (N-CBLuc and C-CBLuc), which flank each end of the ligand-binding molecule, respectively, wherein the N-CBLuc and the C-CBLuc self-complement to generate a luminescent signal only upon binding of the ligand to the ligand-binding molecule.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying cognitive enhancers able to enhance CREB pathway function. Cognitive enhancers identified in accordance with the invention can be used in rehabilitating an animal with cognitive dysfunctions and for enhancing memory or normal cognitive performance (ability or function) in a normal animal.

Abstract: Methods of identifying compounds that modulate the interaction between a TLR and a molecule that interacts with the TLR by direct binding or by inclusion in a complex that associates with the TLR are described. Methods of identifying molecules that interact with a TLR are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to uses of antagonists of Rspondin-3 (Rspo3) polypeptides or Rspondin-3 nucleic acids. The invention is based on the demonstration that partial deficiency of Rspo3 leads to a significant increase of bone mass. These results indicate a major role for Rspo3 as a bone anabolic marker or target. Thus, the invention also relates to the use of Rspo3 antagonists in the treatment of osteopenia disorders, particularly in conditions associated with increased bone resorption.

Abstract: Novel reporter bacteriophages are provided. Provided are compositions and methods that allow bacteriophages that are used for specific detection or killing of E. coli 0157:H7 to be propagated in nonpathogenic E. coli, thereby eliminating the safety and security risks of propagation in E. coli 0157:H7. Provided are compositions and methods for attaching active bacteriophages to the surface of a polymer in order to kill target bacteria with which the phage comes into contact. Provided are modified bacteriophages immobilized to a surface, which capture E. coli 0157:H7 and cause the captured cells to emit light or fluorescence, allowing detection of the bacteria in a sample.

Abstract: A method for amplifying adenosine triphosphate is provided, including mixing adenosine triphosphate sulfurylase, adenosine 5? phosphosulfate, adenylate kinase, uridine triphosphate, acetate kinase, acetyl phosphate, luciferin and luciferase in the presence of ATP to form a mixture, and reacting the mixture to amplify ATP. A method and reagent for detecting a concentration of microorganisms are also provided.

Abstract: A codon optimized and stabilized luciferase gene based upon the sequence of the natural luciferase gene isolated from Luciola cruciata (Japanese firefly) and a novel recombinant DNA characterized by incorporating this new gene coding for a novel luciferase into a vector DNA for improved activities in mammalian cells, are disclosed. This new luciferase exhibits long-wavelength light emission, as well as improved thermostability and higher expression levels in mammalian cell systems, compared to native luciferase.

Abstract: There has been a need for coelenterazine analogs that exhibit luminescence properties different from those of known coelenterazine analogs. The present invention provides the compound represented by general formula (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for detecting for the presence of an agent that putatively causes or potentiates DNA damage comprising subjecting a cell (containing a DNA sequence encoding Gaussia luciferase (GLuc) reporter protein operatively linked to a human GADD45? gene promoter and a human GADD45? gene regulatory element arranged to activate expression of the DNA sequence in response to DNA damage) to an agent; and monitoring the expression of the GLuc reporter protein from the cell. The invention also concerns expression cassettes, vectors and cells which may be used according to such a method and also modified media that may be employed in assays and in preferred embodiments of the method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surface plasmon-coupled bioluminescence, wherein bioluminescent emission from a bioluminescent chemical reaction couples to surface plasmons in metallized particles thereby enhancing the signal. Importantly, these plasmonic emissions emitted from metallic particles generated without an external excitation source but instead from induced electronically excited states caused by the bioluminescent chemical reaction.

Abstract: A codon optimized and stabilized luciferase gene based upon the sequence of the natural luciferase gene isolated from Luciola cruciata (Japanese firefly) and a novel recombinant DNA characterized by incorporating this new gene coding for a novel luciferase into a vector DNA for improved activities in mammalian cells, are disclosed. This new luciferase exhibits long-wavelength light emission, as well as improved thermostability and higher expression levels in mammalian cell systems, compared to native luciferase. Assays using this new enzyme for measuring various biological metabolic functions are described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods to assess the biological safety of an agent. The method involves contacting one or more test agents to a culture of C. elegans and analyzing the culture for meiotic disruption, wherein an increase in meiotic disruption of the C. elegans, indicates that the test agent(s) has reduced biological safety to mammals. An increase in meiotic disruption of the C. elegans also indicates a likelihood that the test agent is a reproductive toxicant in higher animals, such as humans. Also disclosed are methods to identifying disruptors of fat homeostasis in a mammal. The method involves contacting one or more test agents to a culture of C. elegans and analyzing the culture for fat content, wherein a change in the fat content, as compared to an appropriate control, indicates that the test agent(s) is a likely disruptor of mammalian fat homeostasis.

Abstract: Provided herein are a method and system to detect an active protease in a sample, and related methods and systems to diagnose a condition in an individual, the condition being associated to abnormal protease activity in the individual.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods and systems for detecting steroids. Examples of such steroids include estrogen, progesterone, androgen, testosterone, and derivatives and analogs thereof. Systems useful for carrying out the method include tripartite constructs including a DNA-binding domain, a ligand binding domain, and an activation domain. The present invention provides numerous improvements over previous diagnostic systems for detection of steroids, such advantages include that the method allows for detection of steroid analogs and derivatives, whose structures may not yet be known, the method is generally applicable to a wide variety of organisms, and numerous ligand binding domains may be used in conjunction with the present system.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to concentrate cells onto microparticles, to concentrate the microparticles, and to detect the cells. The present invention also includes unitary sample preparation and detection devices to be used in accordance with the methods.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for the rapid and specific detection of target microorganisms, cells, and the like. In one embodiment, the methods involve contacting a target microorganism (e.g., in a sample) with a permeabilization reagent that selectively permeabilizes or lyses the microorganism; contacting the selectively permeabilized microorganism with a detection reagent that is taken into the selectively permeabilized organism or that contacts metabolites or enzymes released by the selectively permeabilized microorganism, where the detection reagent produces a signal in the presence of said metabolites or enzymes; and detecting a signal produced by the detection reagent in the presence of the metabolites or enzymes wherein the strength of the signal indicates the presence and/or amount of the target microorganism in the sample.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for, inter alia, identifying new therapeutic agents using human cell-based models.

Abstract: The invention generally features methods for providing engineered pluripotent stem cells that can be used to study biological response and pathways, including differentiation and drug effects. For example, these cells are provided comprising two or more exogenous expression cassettes including a selectable or screenable marker under the control of different condition-responsive regulatory elements, such as differentiation-responsive promoters or regulatory element of a receptor, drug target, drug metabolizing enzyme or signaling pathway gene. Also provided are sets of stem cell lines each comprising a different exogenous expression cassette including a selectable or screenable marker under the control of a different condition-responsive regulatory element.

Abstract: The present technology relates to methods and systems for detection of pyrophosphate. As such, disclosed herein are methods and systems that permit improved pyrophosphate detection. Also disclosed herein are methods and systems which utilize improved pyrophosphate detection for nucleotide sequencing.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include ligand-regulable transactivation systems, methods of producing ligand-regulable transactivation systems, methods of using ligand-regulable transactivation systems, reporter polynucleotides, method of producing reporter polynucleotides, activator fusion proteins, methods of producing activator fusion proteins, methods of regulating gene expression in vitro and in vivo for gene therapy, methods of screening estrogen receptor modulators with therapeutic treatments (e.g., anticancer, antiosteoporosis, and hormone replacement treatments), method of screening compounds (e.g., drugs and environmental pollutants) for the estrogenic effect, methods of evaluating the estrogen receptor pathway under different pathological conditions are provided, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compounds, and compositions for detection, diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, treatment, monitoring treatment, and selecting treatment of cancer and metastasis, and for identifying compounds and compositions for such uses. For example, disclosed are methods, compounds, and compositions for detecting a risk of metastasis of cancer in a subject, treating a subject at risk of metastasis of cancer, identifying an inhibitor of HIF1?:FoxA2 function or complex formation, detecting a risk of neuroendocrine differentiation (NED)-associated cancer, determining a prognosis of a cancer, determining a treatment for a cancer, monitoring or determining the effect of treatment of a NED-associated cancer, treating NED-associated cancer, identifying an inhibitor of HIF1?:FoxA2 complex formation, detecting neuroendocrine differentiation (NED)-associated cancer, monitoring the risk of metastasis of cancer in a subject, and treating NED-associated cancer.

Abstract: A sensitive bioluminescent assay to detect proteases including caspases, trypsin and tryptase is provided.

Abstract: Provided are peptides or mimetics that block corepressor binding to a BCL6 lateral groove. Also provided are methods or blocking corepressor binding to the BCL6 lateral groove. Additionally, methods of inhibiting BCL6 repression in a mammalian cell, and methods of treating a mammal with cancer are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing marine ostracod crustacean luciferin or a derivative thereof represented by a general formula (4), characterized by reacting a compound represented by a general formula (2) with a compound represented by a general formula (3): wherein R1, R2, R3, R5, Y1 and Z1 are the same as defined in the specification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for detecting agents that cause or potentiate DNA damage and to genetically transformed cells that may be usefully employed in such methods.

Abstract: We describe a strategy for designing and implementing protein-fragment complementation assays (PCAs) to detect biomolecular interactions in vivo and in vitro. The design, implementation and broad applications of this strategy are illustrated with a large number of enzymes with particular detail provided for the example of murine dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). Fusion peptides consisting of N- and C-terminal fragments of murine DHFR fused to GCN4 leucine zipper sequences were coexpressed in Escherichia coli grown in minimal medium, where the endogenous DHFR activity was inhibited with trimethoprim. Coexpression of the complementary fusion products restored colony formation. Survival only occurred when both DHFR fragments were present and contained leucine-zipper forming sequences, demonstrating that reconstitution of enzyme activity requires assistance of leucine zipper formation. DHFR fragment-interface point mutants of increasing severity (Ile to Val, Ala and Gly) resulted in a sequential increase in E.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expression vector which is effective in an efficient establishment of transformed cells which express the aimed protein gene in a high level. An expression vector which has a cassette for expressing the drug selective marker gene containing mRNA destabilizing sequence, at least one element for stabilizing the gene expression and a cassette for expressing the gene of the aimed protein. Preferably, the mRNA destabilizing sequence is derived from AT-rich sequence existing in the 3?-untranslated region of cytokine, interleukin or proto-oncogene, and the element for stabilizing the gene expression is derived from Chinese hamster genome.

Abstract: Division arrested cells are used in screening assays to determine the effect of a substance of interest on the cells. The division arrested cells can be used in drug screening assays, signal transduction assays, and are especially useful in large scale, high throughput assays.

Abstract: Provided herein are a method and system to detect an active protease in a sample, and related methods and systems to diagnose a condition in an individual, the condition being associated to abnormal protease activity in the individual.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of monitoring the response of platelets to a COX1 inhibitor such as aspirin. The method involves collecting platelet-containing mammalian blood treated with a COX 1 inhibitor; mixing the blood with a COX 1-dependent platelet agonist, such as arachidonic acid, monitoring extracellular ATP in the agonist-activated blood to generate a measurement, and comparing the measurement to a standard value. Devices, systems, and kits for carrying out the method are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an “in vivo and in vitro real-time bioluminescence imaging means,” which can transmit a detection signal promptly in response to an external signal, while taking advantage of a single-molecule-format luminescent probe as a bioluminescent means. The present invention is characterized by using, as a single-molecule-format luminescent probe utilizing the increase and decrease of a second messenger level as an index, a fusion protein including a single-chain protein containing a second messenger recognition protein and optionally a peptide which is capable of binding with the protein, and linked respectively to the N-terminus and the C-terminus thereto, an N-terminal fragment (N-LE) and a C-terminal fragment (C-LE) generated by dissecting a luminescent enzyme (LE).

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, reagents and kits for detecting enzyme activity using bioluminescence. In particular, it relates to a novel luciferase assay system with reduced background luminescence to allow for increased detection sensitivity. Provided is a method of detecting luciferase activity in a sample using coelenterazine or an analog thereof as a substrate, comprising: (a) initiating luciferase-catalyzed luminescence production by contacting said sample with a luciferase detection reagent to yield a reaction mixture, said reagent comprising coelenterazine and at least one iodide source in an amount sufficient to reduce the autoluminescence of said coelenterazine, (b) incubating said reagent mixture under conditions suitable to produce luminescence, and (c) measuring the luminescence produced. Also provided are detections reagents and kits for use in such a method.

Abstract: Described herein are zymogens, methods of use for zymogens, and devices that incorporate zymogens. The zymogens include a substrate and an enzyme. The substrate can inhibit the enzyme and is a target for a protein produced by a microorganism. When the substrate is modified by a protein produced by a microorganism, the enzyme is activated. The zymogens can be used to amplify detection assays.

Abstract: A bioluminescence imaging-based high-throughput assay for inhibitors of ABCG2 is described. Compositions of inhibitors of ABCG2 and methods of using ABCG2 inhibitors are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assays for measurement activity of enzymes acting to produce products by consuming ATP or dATP substrate. The assays can also be used to identify and screen for substances that modulate the activity of ATP- and dATP-dependent enzymes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provides, among other things, methods for identifying agents that inhibit oncogenic transcription factors, induce apoptosis, inhibit the growth of transformed cells and cancer cells, and potentiate the effects of other agents that induce apoptosis and that inhibit the growth of transformed cells and cancer cells. Embodiments of the invention further provide compositions useful for the same comprising an agent the inhibits one or more oncogenic transcription factors and an agent that induces apoptosis, particular compositions wherein the apoptotic effect of the combination is greater than either agent by itself. Embodiments of the invention further provide for the use of such agents and compositions to treat cancer. In illustrative embodiments the agents that inhibit transcription factor activity are thiazole antibiotics, such as Siomycin and thiostrepton, and the apoptosis inducing agent is a member of the TNF ligand superfamily, such as TNF-alpha.

Abstract: Luciferase enzymes with greatly increased thermostability, e.g., at least half lives of 2 hours at 50° C., cDNAs encoding the novel luciferases, and hosts transformed to express the luciferases, are disclosed. Methods of producing the luciferases include recursive mutagenesis. The luciferases are used in conventional methods, some employing kits.

Abstract: A screening method for identifying compounds that alter the fidelity with which the initiation codon in mRNAs is recognized by the translational apparatus in eukaryotes is disclosed. This screening method was used to identify compounds having such activity. Methods of altering the fidelity of initiation codon selection are also disclosed. Methods of treating disorders characterized by single nucleotide mutations in initiation codons using compounds identified by the screening method, as well as methods of treating fungal and parasitic infections and hyperproliferative disorders using compounds identified by the screening method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Screening assays that allow for the identification of agents that modulate the activity of N-terminal acetylation of a polypeptide and the Doa10 branch of the N-end rule pathway are provided. Also provided are methods of using an agent that modulates the activity of N-terminal acetylation of a polypeptide and the Doa10 branch of the N-end rule pathway to increase or decrease protein degradation in a cell, and to modulate physiologic and pathologic associated with N-terminal acetylation of a polypeptide and the Doa10 branch of the N-end rule pathway.

Abstract: Methods for production of tumor-specific antibodies are provided. The methods employ microorganisms that are designed to accumulate in immunoprivileged tissues and cells, such as in tumors and other proliferating tissue and in inflamed tissues, compared to other tissues, cells and organs, so that they exhibit relatively low toxicity to host organisms. The microorganisms also are designed or modified to result in leaky cell membranes of cells in which they accumulate, resulting in production of antibodies reactive against proteins and other cellular products and also permitting exploitation of proliferating tissues, particularly tumors, to produce selected proteins and other products.