Abstract: A gene construct comprising a programmed-cell-death executioner gene having a nuclear localization signal, a deleted signal peptide, an inhibitor-resistant binding site, a promoter, and an activator. A method of making a gene construct, by modifying a programmed-cell-death executioner gene by adding a nuclear localization signal, deleting a signal peptide, mutating a binding site for an inhibitor to make it inhibitor-resistant, adding a promoter for exclusive expression in selected cells, and adding an activator. A method of eliminating undesired cells from a patient. A method of treating cancer. An array comprising at least two gene constructs wherein all of the gene constructs differ with respect to the programmed-cell-death executioner gene and the nuclear localization signal. A method of personalizing anti-cancer treatment. A method of increasing DNase 1 resistance to actin binding. A method of increasing catalytic activity of DNase 1 binding.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method for susceptibility testing one or more biofilms, for selecting one or more anti-microbial combinations with efficacy against the biofilm, and/or in treating a disease or condition mediated by the biofilm The invention includes methods for the selection of antibiotic combinations with efficacy against a specific microbial type and for the formulation of microbe-specific test plates. The invention also includes an assay system to test patient specific isolates for sensitivity to the anti-microbial combinations.

Abstract: Provided herein are zinc linger nucleases having altered, arid in particular, improved catalytic activity and methods of generating such nucleases. Accordingly, there are provided methods for identifying improved catalytic activity of a ZFN by expressing a mutated zinc finger nuclease in a cell containing a reporter construct with a toxic gene, and a zinc finger nuclease cleavage site that is recognized by the ZFN. Survival of the cell is positively correlated with catalytic activity of the ZFN; thus, libraries of mutated ZFKs may be selected for altered catalytic activity based on relative survival rates, Methods of using identified ZFNs are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides for rapid and large scale evaluation of expression of, or function of, nucleotide sequences in plants. The invention comprises three specific components which provide for fast and large scale evaluation of nucleotide sequences. The first component includes delivery in either a single event a library of different engineered vectors or a single engineered vector for a single target nucleotide sequence comprising sequences the function of which is desired to be known in plant cells. Surprisingly, applicants have discovered that, the introduction of multiple vectors to plant cells predominantly results in individual transgenic plants which contain only a single transformation event. The second feature of the invention involves a highly transformable, fast cycling and/or miniature size plant and the final step involves mass scale analysis of T0 plants for various phenotypes and plasmid rescue to identify the nucleotide sequence present in a particular phenotype.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the discovery that an amplification of the CYP24 gene or an increase in CYP24 activity is a marker for the presence of, progression of, or predisposition to, a cancer (e.g., breast cancer). Using this information, this invention provides methods of detecting a predisposition to cancer in an animal. The methods involve (i) providing a biological sample from an animal (e.g. a human patient); (ii) detecting the level of CYP24 within the biological sample; and (iii) comparing the level of CYP24 with a level of CYP24 in a control sample taken from a normal, cancer-free tissue where an increased level of CYP24 in the biological sample compared to the level of CYP24 in the control sample indicates the presence of said cancer in said animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel methods of detecting alterations in cell cycle regulation in a cell or a cell population and screening for agents capable of modulating cell cycle regulation through the use of multiparameter assays and a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) machine.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for tissue-specific targeted delivery of therapeutic agents through the use of tissue-specific peptidomimetic ligands are disclosed herein. The ligand comprises a composition of formula A-scaffold-A? and one or more hydrophobic anchors covalently linked to the scaffold. The A and A? compounds linked to the scaffold comprise monovalent peptidomimetic compounds wherein each monovalent peptidomimetic compound is selected from the group consisting of fragments IKs, GKs, IDs, GSs, GTs, VSs, TKs, KTs, ARs, KIs, KEs, AEs, GRs, YSs, IRs, and morpholino.

Abstract: A method is described to identify secreted proteins identified with stages of malignancy of cancer. The proteins are initially identified by trapping them with a fluorescent protein containing vector that can insert in any gene. The secreted proteins are initially identified by their fluorescence. Secreted proteins identifying tumors with specific degrees of malignancy are isolated to determine if they can serve as markers of cancer progression.

Abstract: Multi-well plates having contoured well designs allow multi-stage high throughput parallel assaying of ion channels or ion transporters. A well of a multi-well plate has a bottom region that is sized and shaped to simultaneous accommodate a sensing electrode and a pipette for delivering, e.g., test compounds, wash fluid, and optionally ligands. Such multi-well plates may be coupled with an instrument having a pipette head and an electrode plate. Such arrangement facilitates fluidic contact between cells and fluids provided via a pipette. It also facilitates washing of wells with buffers or other wash solutions to allow serial exposure of test cells to various reagents or other stimuli. Generally, the design allows control and test experiments to be performed on the same cell (or cells) in a single well.

Abstract: Cell co-culturing methods and arrays providing versatility and high resolution. A method comprising: providing at least one substrate; providing at least one first tip with at least one first cell-adhesion material disposed thereon, and at least one second tip with at least one second cell-adhesion material disposed thereon, wherein the first cell-adhesion material is different from the second cell-adhesion material; depositing the first cell-adhesion material from the first tip to the substrate to form at least one first deposit, and depositing the second cell-adhesion material from the second tip to the substrate to form at least one second deposit; and wherein the first and second deposits are capable of providing selective binding to at least one first cell so that the first cell selectively binds to the first deposit, and wherein the second deposit is capable of binding to at least one second cell.

Abstract: Covalently modified alginate polymers, possessing enhanced biocompatibility and tailored physiochemical properties, as well as methods of making and use thereof, are disclosed herein. The covalently modified alginates are useful as a matrix for the encapsulation and transplantation of cells. Also disclosed are high throughput methods for the characterizing the biocompatibility and physiochemical properties of modified alginate polymers.

Abstract: A system and a methodology are provided with a broad range of application in immune diagnostic screening and therapy and specifically for predicting the risk of graft versus host disease (GVHD) and/or graft versus leukemia (GVL) effects prior to transplantation. The method includes the steps of incubating single T or NK cells with a few, usually three to five target cells for extended period of times and evaluating the cell contact-dependent lytic activity or activation of the single effector cells within larger populations. The results obtained are analyzed by proprietary software for automated image analysis and compared with patient data comprised in a comprehensive database containing accumulated empirical and clinical information on donor-recipient screening results and patient information.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for the modulation of autophagy and the treatment of autophagy-related diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and pancreatitis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining bacterial metastructure by integrating multiple genome-scale information yielded by high-throughput technologies. The metastructure constructs a universal metabolic engineering platform enabling a rational design of bacterial strains through optimization of gene and protein expression.

Abstract: A reversion mutation assay that is unique in providing a quantitative readout for mutagenesis. This assay is based on the creation of a functional GFP-?-lactamase fusion protein as a reporter providing both antibiotic resistance and fluorescence. This dual reporter is placed in a multicopy plasmid to increase the number of targets, with a reversion site at the N-terminus. Rare mutations at the reversion site allow read-through of the fusion protein, producing both beta-lactamase (providing antibiotic resistance) and GFP (emitting fluorescence). In the presence of carbenicillin, beta-lactamase production confers a selective advantage that allows amplification of mutant plasmids, raising the level of fluorescence emitted by GFP to levels that are detectable by fluorimetry. A window of time can be found where fluorescence is proportional to the number of mutation events at the reversion site, making fluorescence a quantitative measure of mutagenesis.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and compositions for treating and diagnosing cancer, in particular ?-catenin related cancers. In general, the methods include administering RNAi constructs. The invention further relates to methods of identifying CTNNB1 related cancer therapeutics.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods to characterize PI3K inhibitors and Rho kinase inhibitors using label-free cellular assays. Disclosed are also methods to characterize a cell whether it has a deregulated PI3K pathway or not.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a splice variant of a human sodium channel alpha subunit and methods and compositions for making and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for prognosing the progression of fibrosis in a subject having fibrosis, as well as methods for identifying a compound that can slow down the progression of fibrosis in a subject having fibrosis, methods of monitoring the effectiveness of a therapy in reducing the progression of fibrosis in a subject having fibrosis, methods of selecting a subject for participation in a clinical trial for the treatment of fibrosis, and methods for inhibiting progression of fibrosis in a cell or a subject having fibrosis. The methods are based on determining the level of Toll-like recepter 9 (TLR9).

Abstract: This invention provides new combinatorial approaches for the biosynthesis and screening of cyclic peptides inside living cells. These novel approaches are useful for finding biologically relevant molecules, e.g., those able to inhibit the cytotoxicity of Anthrax Edema Factor. Key to this ‘living combinatorial’ approach is the use of a living cell as a micro-chemical factory for both synthesis and screening of potential inhibitors for a given molecular recognition event.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for assessing DNA damage and repair in cells by measuring DNA migration under electrophoresis. In one exemplary embodiment, a microarray configured to hold cells in a predetermined spatial relationship is employed to improve accuracy, speed, and reliability of such measurements. In another embodiment, a self-contained cassette having a matrix material disposed therein can be used to create a substantially uniform environment for analyzing DNA damage and repair. Fluid can be circulated through the cell to assist in creating spatial patterns on the matrix material, or alternatively, the matrix material can already include a microarray pattern disposed thereon. Various methods and systems that take advantage of such microarrays and cassettes are also provided.

Abstract: Hydroponic apparatus and methods for the high-throughput screening plants are disclosed. In one aspect, a method for the high-throughput screening of plants is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of inhibitors of scavenger receptor class proteins, in particular ScarB1 for the production of a medicament for treatment of and/or prophylaxis against infections, involving liver cells and/or hematopoietic cells, in particular malaria.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis or prognosis of cellular proliferative disorders by detecting expression of PKC in cancer cells or tumor cells are provided herein. Also provided are methods for treating a melanocyte proliferative disorder with agents that modulate the translocational activity of ATF2 and/or PKC? activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of disorders of the peripheral or central nervous system, in particular, Alzheimer's disease, and the prevention and/or treatment thereof. In particular, the invention relates to ARF6 and/or ARF6 effector proteins as new targets in Alzheimer's disease, and based thereon, screening methods for compounds that reduce amyloid beta peptide formation in mammalian cells by affecting ARF6-mediated endosomal sorting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying a compound involved in pain, the use of C1qb nucleic acid or C1qb protein for identifying a compound involved in pain as well as methods of diagnosing algesia involving the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apolipoprotein A-1 mimic peptides, and therapeutic agent for treating hyperlipidemia and diseases related to hyperlipidemia comprising the same. More specifically, the apolipoprotein A-1 mimic peptides of the present invention were manufactured by modifying hydrophilic or hydrophobic face of existing 4F amphipathic peptides to produce Apo A-I mimic peptides which specifically bind with cholesterol ester to allow high density lipoprotein content to increase, and the peptide of which phenylalanine in hydrophobic face of 4F is substituted with 2-naphthylalanine has superior cholesterol efflux capability and cognitive function for lipids to the existing 4F peptides, among the mimic peptides. Thus, the Apo A-I mimic peptides of the present invention can be used as Apo A-I mimic peptides and as a therapeutic agent for treating hyperlipidemia and diseases related to hyperlipidemia.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating or preventing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in a patient subject to, or symptomatic of the disease, wherein the method comprises restoring normal lysosomal pH (pHL), or acidifying an abnormally elevated pHL, thus decreasing or preventing a damaging accumulation of lipofuscin or waste products in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells of the eye of the patient. Further, this method is achieved by modulating the action of the P2X7 and/or P2Y12 receptors of the RPE cells, specifically decreasing the acidity (pHL) of the RPE lysosomes by administering selected receptor antagonists affecting the action of the P2X7 and/or P2Y12 receptors of the RPE. Methods for selecting and quantifying the effectiveness of drugs to restore pHL and determine outer segment clearance rates is also provided using a high through-put screening protocol.

Abstract: There is provided a method of selecting an anti-macrophage micro-organism comprising an anti-macrophage factor, the method comprising the steps of: a) obtaining an assay micro-organism and preparing a sample thereof; b) lysing the assay micro-organism cells contained in the sample from (a) to form a lysate fluid; c) contacting a sample of macrophage cells with the lysate fluid from step (b); d) determining the macrophage cell viability and comparing the viability to the viability of macrophage cells in a control macrophage sample; and e) selecting the micro-organism as an anti-macrophage micro-organism if the viability is reduced by at least 10%. The anti-macrophage factors identifiable by methods according to the invention can be used in the formulation of vaccines and other therapies against disorders caused by the anti-macrophage micro-organism.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for preventing and treating diseases and risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome by targeting the RGD-binding site of selected intra- and extracellular proteins. Exemplary compositions include RGD-polyphenol conjugates via an ester linkage; polyphenol polymer conjugated to RGD analogs or mimetics; and RGD polymer conjugates linked to polyphenol.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for identification of genes related to cancer cell growth. In particular, the present invention provides functional genomic profiling of primary patient cells for identification of targeted and efficacious patient and cell-specific treatment modalities by employing a cancer biochip system (CBCS) which demonstrates improved plating efficiency, improved transfection efficiency and improved silencing efficiency. The present invention also provides a method of classifying a cancer patient based on response of cancer cells of the patient to a plurality of active agents for prediction of efficacious treatment of the cancer patient.

Abstract: Carriers or holders for holding microfluidic devices are provided. Some of the carriers that are provided include a hydration control device and/or a source of controlled fluid pressure to facilitate use of the carrier in conducting various types of analyses.

Abstract: The invention provides human lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells, methods of producing human lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells, and methods of using human lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells. Such methods include treatment of a subject that would benefit from human lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells, for example, an immunocompromised or immunosuppressed subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides transformed human pluripotent stem cell (t-hPSC). t-hPSCs are not dependent on Oct4 for renewal and survival, however exhibit a sensitivity to reduced levels of the transcription factor Nanog. Also provided are methods of culturing cells for use in a cell-based screening assay comprising placing one or more transformed human pluripotent stem cells into a receptacle and culturing said stem cells in the receptacle to form a monolayer of stem cells without cell overlap. Methods of screening compounds using t-hPSCs are also described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions and methods involving incubating biological materials under hypoxic or anoxic conditions to induce stasis or suspended animation. Methods of screening for compounds that induce stasis or compounds that increase the ability to undergo stasis are included. Such methods have ramifications for preserving biological materials as well as reducing or preventing trauma to biological materials. Also contemplated are methods for screening compounds that are active or more active under hypoxic conditions than normoxic conditions. Such methods can be used to identify antitumor compounds that would operate under hypoxic conditions in which tumor cells survive.

Abstract: A method for modulating double-strand break-induced mutagenesis at a genomic locus of interest in a cell, thereby giving new tools for genome engineering, including therapeutic applications and cell line engineering. A method for modulating double-strand break-induced mutagenesis, concerns the identification of effectors that modulate double-strand break-induced mutagenesis by use of interfering agents; these agents are capable of modulating double-strand break-induced mutagenesis through their respective direct or indirect actions on said effectors. Methods of using these effectors, interfering agents and derivatives, respectively, by introducing them into a cell in order to modulate and more particularly to increase double-strand break-induced mutagenesis. Specific derivatives of identified effectors and interfering agents, vectors encoding them, compositions and kits comprising such derivatives for modulating or increasing double-strand break-induced mutagenesis.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing memory and/or learning and prevent neurodegeneration by administration of certain heterocyclic and aromatic compounds are described. The methods are particularly useful for treating patients suffering from a neurodegenerative disease such as (without limitation) Alzheimer's, Parkinsons's, Lou Gehrig's (ALS) disease or memory or learning impairment. A neuronal human cell-based assay that assess NF-kB gene up-regulation using a luciferase reporter is also provided that screens for compounds useful in methods for enhancing memory or learning.

Abstract: The invention provides a rapid, quantitative assay to directly assess the impact of a diverse range of sugars upon the sugar-mediated uptake of corresponding sugar-conjugates into various cell types.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for identifying agents useful for the treatment of proteinopathies.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the display of a complex homodimer protein on the surface of a bacteriophage particle and combinatorial synthetic libraries of such proteins displayed as a fusion polypeptide with filamentous phage pIX coat protein. Heterodimeric or more complex interchain bonded structure, such as disulfide-linked, multimeric proteins, may be displayed using the method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the seminal concept of combining genomics and chemical biology to identify new agents useful for induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) generation. The invention provides a method of generating an iPSC utilizing agents that antagonize a cell specific gene or upregulate expression or activity of a nuclear reprogramming gene, as well as a method of screening for such agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying IGF-IR modulators and hybrid-R modulators comprising contacting IGF-IR with a humanized anti-IGF-IR antibody and contacting hybrid-R with a humanized anti-hybrid-R antibody, respectively.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for screening a modulator of apoptosis by contacting a cell comprising a FAS mediated apoptosis system, major vault protein and cytochrome b, with a candidate modulator, and measuring the level of apoptosis of the cell. The modulator of apoptosis is identified by a change in apoptosis in comparison to a control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treatment or prevention of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and conditions by inhibiting or modifying histone demethylation. In a further aspect the invention relates to a method for identifying agents useful in said methods of treatment. The invention particularly describes the role of certain histone demethylase enzymes in these diseases and conditions and their use as therapeutic and screening targets.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of 6-O sulfating glucosaminyl N-acetylglucosamine residues (GlcNAc) in a polysaccharide preparation and methods of converting anticoagulant-inactive heparan sulfate to anticoagulant-active heparan sulfate and substantially pure polysaccharide preparations made by such methods. Also disclosed is a mutant CHO cell which hyper-produces anticoagulant-active heparan sulfate. Methods for elucidating the sequence of activity of enzymes in a biosynthetic pathway are provided.

Abstract: Methods for screening for modulators of autophagy are disclosed. Methods for identifying genes whose expression inhibits autophagy, as well as genes whose expression promotes autophagy, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for identifying compounds that stimulate autophagy, as well as compounds that inhibit autophagy. Cell lines that may be used in the methods of identification are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for rejuvenating normal somatic cells and for making normal somatic cells of a different type having the same genotype as a normal somatic cell of interest. These cells have particular application in cell and tissue transplantation. Also encompassed are methods of re-cloning cloned animals, particularly methods where the offspring of cloned mammals are designed to be genetically altered in comparison to their cloned parent, e.g., that are “hyper-young.” These animals should be healthier and possess desirable properties relative to their cloned parent. Also included are methods for activating endogenous telomerase, EPC-1 activity, and or the ALT pathway and/or extending the life-span of a normal somatic cell, and other genes associated with cell aging and proliferation capacity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods to identify targets, pathways and molecules regulating purinosomes and their uses for treating pathophysiological disorders associated with purinosomes. Disclosed are methods related to both label-free cellular assays and fluorescence imaging to confirm the regulatory roles of various targets and molecules in purinosome dynamics. Disclosed are methods to classify molecules and the uses of these molecules for different indications. Specifically, the purinosome-disrupting molecules can be used for improved prevention and treatment of cancer development.

Abstract: Methods for stimulating exocytosis from a cell are provided where the same electrochemical microelectrode is used to electroporate an adjacent cell and then measure quantal exocytosis from the adjacent cell. Also provided are methods for stimulating and measuring exocytosis from a select cell population arrayed on a chip comprising addressable electrodes. Calcium independent stimulation of exocytosis with inorganic anions such as chloride ions is also provided. These methods can provide for specific stimulation of a desired subset of cells without exposing other nearby cells to the stimulus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of therapeutic methods, compositions and uses thereof, that affect, directly or indirectly, the behavior of LRP receptors. These compositions and methods result in the treatment of inflammatory, immunological and metabolic conditions. More particularly, the methods and compositions of the invention are directed to the identification of small molecules, drugs and/or pharmacological agents that affect the Wnt pathway by affecting normal complex formation among various signaling receptors, the LRP5 and LRP6 receptor, and related ligands.