Abstract: Erythrocyte ATP-release modulators and composition and methods for their use as biomarkers of glucose processing or vascular disorders, as well as methods for screening to identify to modulators; methods for monitoring efficacy of therapy; and apparatus for use in such methods.

Abstract: Nucleotide and amino acid sequences of luciferase peptides that are encoded by genes within the genome of Arachnocampa (Diptera) are disclosed. Specifically provided are functional ATP-dependent luciferases that catalyze luminescence reactions with emission spectra within the blue portion of the spectrum. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and active subsequences of the enzyme peptides, and methods of identifying modulators and substrates of the luciferase peptides. Methods of assays, including multiple reporter assays utilizing at least two ATP-dependent luciferases are provided.

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 present invention provides genes encoding novel luciferases having at least the properties of: being capable of using coelenterazine as their luminescent substrates; and being capable of being recombinantly expressed in a mammal cell as a host and produced to be secreted to the outside of the host cell. Specifically, the gene encoding novel luciferases according to the present invention is a DNA molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding any of the full-length amino acid sequences of two types of luciferase proteins, luciferase 1 and luciferase 2, from M. pacifica, and is, for example, a gene encoding the following full-length amino acid sequence of the luciferase 1.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, substrates, and kits useful for analyzing the metabolic activity in cells, tissue, and animals and for screening test compounds for their effect on cytochrome P450 activity. In particular, a one-step and two-step methods using luminogenic molecules, e.g. luciferin or coelenterazines, that are cytochrome P450 substrates and that are also bioluminescent enzyme, e.g., luciferase, pro-substrates are provided. Upon addition of the luciferin derivative or other luminogenic molecule into a P450 reaction, the P450 enzyme metabolizes the molecule into a bioluminescent enzyme substrate, e.g., luciferin and/or luciferin derivative metabolite, in a P450 reaction. The resulting metabolite(s) serves as a substrate of the bioluminescent enzyme, e.g., luciferase, in a second light-generating reaction. Luminescent cytochrome P450 assays with low background signals and high sensitivity are disclosed and isoform selectivity is demonstrated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting a viable microorganism in a pharmaceutical composition comprising the steps of providing a filterable pharmaceutical composition; filtering the pharmaceutical composition to provide at least three membranes upon which the pharmaceutical composition is deposited, placing the three membranes onto solid culture media to produce at least three filtrand cultures, culturing under aerobic and anaerobic conditions and detecting a viable microorganism cell, micro-colony or colony, wherein the presence of a viable cell, micro-colony or colony on the membrane indicates the presence of a viable microorganism in the pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the quantitative optical analysis of the intracellular concentration of the cyclic nucleotides cGMP and cAMP, said methods using cell lines which express a combination of certain CNG channels, a calcium-sensitive photoprotein, and different target proteins for which modulators are to be found, in a recombinant manner. The cell lines modified in this way are suitable for high-throughput screening (HTS and uHTS) and can be used to identify medicaments which influence the activity of receptors or enzymes participating in the composition or decomposition of the cyclic nucleotides cGMP and cAMP.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide novel approaches capable of detecting activated protease and also detecting protease activation on real time at a high sensitivity in a noninvasive manner. By the method for detecting activated protease of the invention, an indicator in a circular form comprising the C-half fragment of luciferase (Luc-C) and the N-half fragment of luciferase (Luc-N) linked together through a substrate peptide for a protease is introduced in an in vitro assay system or in cells. Upon digestion of the substrate peptide by the protease, Luc-N and Luc-C together reconstructs active luciferase, so that the activated protease can be detected by assaying the luminescence signal from the luciferase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of therapeutic methods to screen for compounds on the basis of their ability to influence Wnt activity. The screening process is applied to both a physical library of a series of compounds and a virtual library of compounds that affect Wnt activity. In one aspect, the virtual screening process could be carried out where a permutational library of small peptides is substituted for the small organic molecules. The inventive methods may be used to empirically test for effects on Wnt activity and may also be applied to any pair of proteins involved in protein-protein interactions.

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 COX1 inhibitor; mixing the blood with a COX1-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: This invention relates, e.g., to a method for identifying an agent that inhibits a metastatic cell (e.g. that inhibits cancer metastasis), comprising measuring the amount of seeding of a tumor by a detectably labeled, metastatic cell, in a subject, in the presence and absence of a putative agent, wherein the amount of seeding by the metastatic cell is proportional to the metastatic potential of the cell, and wherein a significant amount of inhibition of the seeding by the putative agent indicates that the putative agent is effective to inhibit the metastatic cell (e, g, cancer metastasis). Also described are kits suitable for performing methods of the invention.

Abstract: Methods are provided for sensitive detection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in samples using the luciferin-luciferase reaction. Aspects include using a pH composition that maximizes a signal to noise ratio. The maximum signal to noise ratio can be particularly useful with recombinant luciferase including recombinant Coleoptera luciferase.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining whether an agent is capable of inducing a DNA lesion in a eukaryotic cell, including exposing the eukaryotic cell to the agent and determining whether an HR23 protein-binding molecule accumulates in the cell, where the HR23 protein-binding molecule is preferably xeroderma pigmentosum group C (XPC), 3-methyladenine DNA glycosylase (MAG), CREB, p53, or a functional part, derivative, and/or analogue thereof. Preferably the cell overexpresses HR23A and/or HR23B protein. A rapid and sensitive test is provided with significant advantages over the Ames test. A method is provided for determining whether an agent is capable of inhibiting a cellular process, the process resulting in accumulation of HR23 protein-binding molecule within a cell. A method for determining whether a cell has an impaired DNA repair system is provided. An impaired DNA repair system is indicative for diseases such as xeroderma pigmentosum, cockayne syndrome, and/or trichothiodystrophy.

Abstract: Methods for detecting a microorganism or cell in a subject and methods for detecting, imaging or diagnosing a site, disease, disorder or condition in a subject using microorganisms or cells and methods that microorganisms or cells for treating a disease, disorder or condition are provided. Sites, diseases and disorders include sites of cell proliferation, proliferative conditions, neoplasms, tumors, neoplastic disease, wounds and inflammation. Also provided are microorganisms and cells for use in the methods and compositions, combinations and kits, including diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions, containing a microorganism or cell.

Abstract: Provided are a system and a method of screening for RAGE-amyloid beta peptide interaction inhibiting materials using a Transwell plate and a RAGE-expressing cell line.

Abstract: A vector includes an enhancer region derived from a transcriptional regulatory region of tyrosine hydroxylase gene wherein the enhancer region enhances transcription amount of a downstream gene in response to a test substance, a promoter which is functionally linked to downstream of the enhancer region, and a reporter gene which is functionally linked to downstream of the promoter.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of cancer.

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 a novel inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating gene expression 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 plants and animals.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, compositions and kits for rapid determination of the delivery of exogenous agents both in vitro and in vivo, including without limitation siRNA, microRNA, a ribozyme or an antisence molecule, any of which may target, bind to, or inactivate the mRNA of the gene of interest expressed in the cells. The methods, compositions and kits utilize a promoter-reporter construct whereby successful non-viral nucleic acid delivery leads to an up-regulation of reporter signals thus providing a quantitative, sensitive and rapid means of detection, validation and monitoring.

Abstract: The screening method of the present invention is useful for screening drugs such as insulin secretagogues having an insulin secretagogue activity with minimized side effects (hypoglycemia induction, etc.). The transformant in which a polynucleotide encoding the fusion protein used for the screening method is introduced, the screening kit comprising the transformant, etc. are also useful for screening excellent drugs.

Abstract: A method of quantifying autoinducer-2, including the steps of: preparing a calibration curve using 4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3(2H)-furanone as a standard sample; and quantifying autoinducer-2 in a test sample based on the calibration curve prepared.

Abstract: The present invention aims to enable highly reliable measurement of a glycated amine. A fructosyl amino acid oxidase (FAOD) is added to a sample to remove a non-analyte glycated amine that is present in the sample and different from an analyte glycated amine. Thereafter, a protease is added to the sample to degrade the analyte glycated amine, and the degradation product of the analyte glycated amine reacts with the FAOD that has already been added to the sample. By measuring this redox reaction, the amount of the analyte glycated amine can be measured.

Abstract: This invention relates to assays for detecting and measuring ADP. In particular, this invention provides homogeneous luminescent assays that detect ADP generation and measures ADP accumulation based on enzymatic coupling reactions. The assays of the present invention can be applied to all types of kinases and other ADP-generating enzymes, are antibody free, beads free, radioisotope free, and compatible with commonly used kinase buffers.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for targeted modification of chromatin structure, within a region of interest in cellular chromatin, are provided. Such methods and compositions are useful for facilitating processes such as, for example, transcription and recombination, that require access of exogenous molecules to chromosomal DNA sequences.

Abstract: An in cellulo method for the screening of proteasome activity-modulating agents, includes the following steps of: a) bringing into contact the candidate agent with the yeast cell expressing in their nucleus a fusion protein comprising: (i) a p21 polypeptide selected from the p21WAF1/Cip1 polypeptide and the p21[6KR]WAF1/Cip1 polypeptide; and (ii) at least one detectable protein; b) quantifying the first detectable protein in the yeast cells, at the end of at least one predetermined time interval after bringing into contact the candidate agent with the cells; c) comparing the value obtained at the step (b) with a control value obtained when the step (a) is performed in the absence of the candidate agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a luminescence measuring method which can produce a luminous intensity depending on the amount of a substance to be measured even when the substance occurs in a biological sample in an amount equal to or more than a given amount, and which can achieve quantitative measurement. The method is characterized by includes preparing a biological sample containing a luminescence-associated protein which is can react with a substance occurring in the biological sample in amount equal to or more than a given amount and which has a Km value equal to or higher than a predetermined value so that the luminous intensity can be quantified depending on the amount of the substance, measuring the luminescence intensity emitted from the biological sample, and outputting a result of the measurement on a regions and/or part of the biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the prevention/treatment of ichthyosis vulgaris (IV), atopy and potentially other disorders associated with loss-of-function mutations in the filaggrin gene sequence. The prevention/therapy is based on the use of agents which enable the host's translational machinery to read through a nonsense mutation found in a mutant allele of the filaggrin gene.

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: The present invention provides ectonucleotidase inhibitors represented by the following formula, including ecto-nucleotide triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase) inhibitors and ecto-5?-nucleotidase (ecto-5?-NT) inhibitors, namely nucleotide mimetics as selective NTPDase or ecto-5?-NT inhibitors. It also provides methods for preparations of said compounds. Furthermore provided are pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions comprising said compounds, and the use of said compounds in a medicament for treating diseases associated with ectonucleotidase activity and/or P1 or P2 receptors.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for detecting a microorganism or cell in a subject and methods for detecting, imaging or diagnosing a site, disease, disorder or condition in a subject using microorganisms or cells. Also described are methods which use microorganisms or cells for treating a disease, disorder or condition. Such sites, diseases and disorders include sites of cell proliferation, proliferative conditions, neoplasms, tumors, neoplastic disease, wounds and inflammation. Further described are microorganisms and cells for use in the methods and compositions, combinations and kits, including diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions, containing a microorganism or cell. Microorganisms and cells described herein include those that bind, sequester or accumulate metal, such as those that provide for metal acquisition, transport, storage and/or metabolism. Additional imaging and therapy agents are also described.

Abstract: Nucleotide sequences mediating male fertility in plants are described, with DNA molecule and amino acid sequences set forth. Promoter sequences and their essential regions are also identified. The nucleotide sequences are useful in mediating male fertility in plants. In one such method, the homozygous recessive condition of male sterility causing alleles is maintained after crossing with a second plant, where the second plant contains a restoring transgene construct having a nucleotide sequence which reverses the homozygous condition. The restoring sequence is linked with a hemizygous sequence encoding a product inhibiting formation or function of male gametes. The maintainer plant produces only viable male gametes which do not contain the restoring transgene construct. Increase of the maintainer plant is also provided by self-fertilization, and selection for seed or plants which contain the construct.

Abstract: Nucleotide sequences mediating male fertility in plants are described, with DNA molecule and amino acid sequences set forth. Promoter sequences and their essential regions are also identified. The nucleotide sequences are useful in mediating male fertility in plants. In one such method, the homozygous recessive condition of male sterility causing alleles is maintained after crossing with a second plant, where the second plant contains a restoring transgene construct having a nucleotide sequence which reverses the homozygous condition. The restoring sequence is linked with a hemizygous sequence encoding a product inhibiting formation or function of male gametes. The maintainer plant produces only viable male gametes which do not contain the restoring transgene construct. Increase of the maintainer plant is also provided by self-fertilization, and selection for seed or plants which contain the construct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to screening methods for diagnosis, prognosis, or susceptibility to cancer in a subject by means of detecting the presence of serum autoantibodies to specific annexin protein antigens in sera from subjects. The present invention also provides screening methods for diagnosis and prognosis of cancer in a subject by means of detecting increased expression levels of annexin proteins in biological samples of the subject. The method of the invention can also be used to identify subjects at risk for developing cancer. The method of the invention involves the use of subject derived biological samples to determine the occurrence and level of expression of annexin proteins or expression of annexin derived peptides or antigens, and/or the occurrence and level of circulating autoantibodies to specific annexin protein antigens. The present invention further provides for kits for carrying out the above described screening methods.

Abstract: The device includes means for holding a support (19) adapted to retain microorganisms in a predetermined position in which a first face (10) of said support (19) is in a first predetermined location and a second face (11) of said support (19) is in a second predetermined location, a station (2) for spraying onto said support (19) a reagent for revealing the presence of ATP by luminescence, said station (2) facing said first location, and a station (4) for measuring said luminescence opposite the spraying station and facing said second location. The method includes the step of procuring a device of the above kind, the step of disposing said support (19) at said predetermined location, the step of spraying said reagent onto said support (19) and, simultaneously with the spraying step, the step of measuring the quantity of light emitted in response to said reagent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell-culturing model and a method for screening compounds which can be applied in treating or preventing hepatic cirrhosis. The cell culturing model comprises a population of hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) derived from co-culturing, and at least one population of the cells comprises a nucleotide sequence fragment of a reporter gene and a cell specific regulatory sequence. The cell-culturing model of the present invention can be applied in high throughput screening for effective compounds of medication, and also in understanding the functional mechanism of the effective compounds.

Abstract: Phage peptide display technology was used to identify peptides that bind specifically to the amyloid form of the A?1-40 peptide. Peptides with similar structural features and bind to the amyloid form of A?1-40 but not to monomeric A?1-40, are provided. Such peptides are useful as carrier molecules to deliver therapeutic and diagnostic reagents to amyloid plaques.

Abstract: A method and kit is provided for enhancing the tolerance of an assay reagent to compounds in an assay sample, the assay reagent including a luciferase enzyme. The method includes contacting the luciferase with a tolerance enhancement agent in an amount sufficient to substantially protect luciferase enzyme activity from interference of the compound and minimize interference by at least about 10% relative to an assay not having tolerance enhancement agent.

Abstract: Methods for screening mutations that affect the synthesis of plant small molecules or compounds capable of activating a mammalian nuclear receptor protein and systems for rapidly assigning functionality to genes that regulate plant secondary metabolism are provided.

Abstract: Provided is a gene therapy composition for transferring one of a therapeutical gene, a maker gene, or a mixture thereof to a cell that expresses interleukin-8(IL-8) or GRO-? and induces tropism of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from umbilical cord blood and/or the mesenchymal stem cells expanded from said mesenchymal stem cells (UCB-MSCs), wherein the cell-treating composition includes UCB-MSCs. Provided is a composition for treating disease related to a cell expressing IL-8 or GRO-?, that is, a brain tumor in gene therapy, by using UCB-MSCs. Provided is a composition or kit for diagnosing brain tumors, preventing brain tumors, treating brain tumors, or monitoring brain tumor treatment progression by using UCB-MSCs.

Abstract: Methods and kits for detecting the presence of ATP, for measuring ATP concentrations, and for detecting viable cells using a composition comprising an ATP-dependent enzyme and one or more ATPase inhibitors.

Abstract: This application involves detecting luminescence. Various methods and devices are described that reduce interference of ambient light, including UV radiation, on test results. Such methods and devices include using UV blocking material and covering test components prior to use.

Abstract: The invention relates to Imidazolo-heteroaryl derivatives of formula (I). The compounds inhibit the activity of the Dlta enzyme of Gram-positive bacteria and are useful to treat Gram-positive bacterial infections. Furthermore the application discloses method for assessing the Dlta inhibitory activity of tested molecules and a method for measuring the efficacy of molecules in inhibiting bacteria proliferation in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein and nucleic acid mutants of chondroitinase ABCI. Such chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzymes exhibit altered chondroitin lyase activity or increased resistance to inactivation from stressors including UV light or heat. Methods of using chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzymes are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilization composition of coelenterazine or an analog thereof, a kit, a method for measuring a coelenterazine-based biological luminescence, containing coelenterazine or the analog thereof and an antioxidant.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for suppressing the luminescence intensity decline that occurs as the reaction between Cypridina luciferase and luciferin proceeds.

Abstract: A procedure for detecting microorganisms by bioluminescence in an aqueous formulation containing an ASE or HASE-type polymer, which implements at least one step of dilution of the aqueous formulation. This dilution step, and notably the regulation of the dilution factor, allows the bioluminescence technique, up to now ineffective on this type of products, to be implemented. It can henceforth be used on these ASE or HASE-type polymers, but also on products containing them, such as a paper coating, paint, lacquer, varnish or stain.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to high-throughput assay methods that determine the proliferative status of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The present invention further relates to high-throughput assays for screening compounds that modulate the growth of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and for identifying subpopulations thereof that are suitable for transplantation. The assay of the present invention is particularly useful for quality control and monitoring of the growth potential in the stem cell transplant setting and would provide improved control over the reconstitution phase of transplanted cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to the nucleotide and amino acid sequences and to the activity and use of the secreted MLuc7 luciferase.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to high-throughput assay methods that determine the proliferative status of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The present invention further relates to high-throughput assays for screening compounds that modulate the growth of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and for identifying subpopulations thereof that are suitable for transplantation. The assay of the present invention is particularly useful for quality control and monitoring of the growth potential in the stem cell transplant setting and would provide improved control over the reconstitution phase of transplanted cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for determining the amount or activity of one or more luciferases and methods for measuring the luminescent signal generated by one or more luciferases in a sample, the methods comprising incubating the sample with a reactive substrate(s) of the luciferase(s) to be analysed and a reducing agent to inactivate a first luciferase, wherein the first luciferase, in its native form, is a secreted luciferase.