Abstract: Methods and compositions for identifying antigens of human lymphocytes are provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic targets for aging. In particular, the present invention relates to the inhibition of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism to extend lifespan or provide anti-aging benefits.

Abstract: Provided are assay systems for determining the therapeutic or toxic effect of a putative drug based on assaying its activity in cells which have been differentiated in vitro from stem cells, and induced to display a phenotype that resembles a disease to be treated.

Abstract: Nucleic acid and protein sequences relating to a cation channel which is sperm-specific (CatSper1) are disclosed. The CatSper1 protein is shown to be specifically expressed in sperm and to be necessary for sperm motility. Nucleic acids, vectors, transformed cells, transgenic animals, polypeptides, and antibodies relating to the CatSper1 gene and protein are disclosed. Also provided are methods of in vitro fertilization and contraception, methods of identifying modulators of CatSper1 activity, methods of genotyping subjects with respect to CatSper1, and methods of diagnosing and treating CatSper1-mediated disorders, including infertility.

Abstract: The invention provides assays and apparatuses for assessing the ability of certain orally-ingestible samples, such as saliva or foodstuffs to cause inflammation, and thus the health risk such samples can cause upon ingestion by a subject. The invention also provides an assay to monitor an individual's diet with regards to inflammation risk. The invention also extends to methods of preventing inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Microfabricated platforms can be used to study a heterogeneous panel of biosamples in a realistic in vivo setting. The platform can be formed of a polymer (e.g., a hydrogel) and can be constructed for implantation into an animal host for in vivo testing. The platform can have a plurality of testing regions therein that are constructed to allow exposure of the testing region to the host stroma when implanted in vivo. For example, the microfabricated platform can be used for screening different cancer cell-lines (e.g., to identify which cell line responds to an anti-cancer drug) or for screening different biomaterials (e.g., to identify a composition with ideal host response for a specific implantable device).

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules that confer to a plant resistance to the plant pathogenic Phytophthora species are provided. These nucleic acid molecules can be introduced into plants that are otherwise susceptible to infection by certain strains of Phytophthora infestans or other Phytophthora species in order to enhance the resistance of the plant to this plant pathogen. Also provided are the resistance proteins encoded by these nucleic acid molecules. Methods of making nucleic acid molecules that confer upon a plant resistance to a plant pathogen, the nucleic acid molecules made by these methods, the resistance proteins encoded thereby, and methods of using these nucleic acid molecules to increase the resistance of plants to pathogens are further provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to novel compounds of formulas (1) through (19) and to a method for treating humans infected with a virus including various respiratory viruses such as members of the Paramyxoviridae family (respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (HMPV), human parainfluenza virus (HPIV), measles virus, and mumps virus) with a compound of formulas (1) through (19). The present disclosure also relates to a cytopathic effect (CPE)-based assay that will assess virus-induced CPE for screening of compounds for treating viral diseases or inhibiting a virus.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel chimeric receptors and methods of screening using the chimeric receptors. The chimeric receptors comprise an extracellular domain of a tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) receptor and an intracellular domain with kinase activity stemming from a receptor tyrosine kinase. According to an embodiment, the chimeric receptor comprises a full-length TNFRSF receptor. The present invention provides means for screening and testing of modulators of TNFRSF receptors.

Abstract: Methods for screening a compound, by providing a test mixture comprising a transcription factor, Sir2, and a Sir2 cofactor with the compound, and evaluating an activity of a component of the test mixture in the presence of the compound are described.

Abstract: Nucleic acid and protein sequences relating to a cation channel which is sperm-specific (CatSper3) are disclosed. The CatSper3 protein is shown to be specifically expressed in sperm. Nucleic acids, vectors, transformed cells, transgenic animals, polypeptides, and antibodies relating to the CatSper3 gene and protein are disclosed. Also provided are methods of in vitro fertilization and contraception, methods of identifying modulators of CatSper3 activity, methods of genotyping subjects with respect to CatSper3, and methods of diagnosing and treating CatSper3-mediated disorders, including infertility. Related business methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described are methods of treating a cancer comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a dopamine receptor (DR) antagonist. The DR antagonist may be a phenothiazine derivative, such as thioridazine or chlorpromazine. Optionally, the cancer is acute myeloid leukemia. Also described are methods for identifying subjects with cancer, methods for providing a prognosis for a subjects with cancer and methods for identifying subjects likely to be responsive to therapy with DR receptor antagonists. Methods for identifying cancer stem cells and chemotherapeutic compounds that are DR receptor antagonists as also provided. Also described are methods for the identification and validation of agents that target cancer stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the function of SGLT5 as a sodium dependent co-transporter of mannose and/or fructose. The invention provides nucleic acids and host cells for inducible expression of SGLT5. Based on an inducible expression system the invention provides methods, assays and test kits for the identification of compounds interacting with SGLT5, especially with human SGLT5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solution microarrays. In particular, the present invention relates to an aqueous 2-phase system for solution microarrays and uses thereof. Additional embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for screening and identification of compounds capable of selectively eliminating cancer cells with specific loss-of-function alterations, including but not limited to mutations, deletions, hypermethylations, and other types of gene silencing. This invention is also directed to novel compounds that selectively eliminate cancer cells with specific loss-of-function alterations. Furthermore, this invention is directed to methods for production and therapeutic use of compounds that selectively eliminate cancer cells with specific loss-of-function alterations.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for diagnosis and treatment of ALS are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying a compound involved in pain, the use of Il2rg nucleic acid or Il2rg protein for identifying a compound involved in pain as well as methods of diagnosing algesia involving the same.

Abstract: A method of identifying a subject having cancer who is likely to benefit from treatment with a combination therapy with a RAF inhibitor and a second inhibitor is provided. A method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof is also provided and includes administering to the subject an effective amount of a RAF inhibitor and an effective amount of a second inhibitor, wherein the second inhibitor is a MEK inhibitor, a CRAF inhibitor, a CrkL inhibitor or a TPL2/COT inhibitor. A method of identifying a kinase target that confers resistance to a first inhibitor is also provided.

Abstract: Methods of identifying inhibitors of polypeptide-of-interests are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying a compound involved in pain, the use of Lrrfip1 nucleic acid or Lrrfip1 protein for identifying a compound involved in pain as well as methods of diagnosing algesia involving the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for testing different selected materials and/or surface structures for the culture of cells and/or microorganisms, said method comprising the following steps: i) providing a plurality of different selected materials and/or surface structures to be tested in the form of beaker-shaped inserts, wherein the beaker-shaped inserts are dimensioned in such a way that a beaker-shaped insert can be inserted in a substantially accurately fitting manner into a well of a multiwell plate suitable for cell culture, wherein each beaker-shaped insert has walls, a base, and an opening in the side facing away from the base, wherein the walls and base of the beaker-shaped inserts are liquid-tight, and wherein each beaker-shaped insert has a selected material and/or a selected surface structure, at least on the inner face of the base; ii) inserting the beaker-shaped inserts into wells of multiwell plates of appropriate dimensioning so that the outer face of the beaker base points towards

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for controlling undesired vegetation at a plant cultivation site. The method comprises the steps of providing, at said site, a plant that comprises at least one nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a wild-type hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase or a mutated hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase (mut-HPPD) which is resistant or tolerant to a coumarone-derivative herbicide and/or a nucleotide sequence encoding a wild-type homogentisate solanesyl transferase or a mutated homogentisate solanesyl tranferase (mut-HST) which is resistant or tolerant to a coumarone derivative herbicide, and then applying an effective amount of said herbicide to said plant cultivation site. The invention further refers to plants comprising mut-HPPD and to methods of obtaining such plants.

Abstract: Disclosed are yeast cells expressing a polypeptide comprising a signal sequence and a human amyloid beta protein. Also disclosed are methods of screening yeast cells to identify compounds that prevent or suppress amyloid beta-induced toxicity and genetic suppressors or enhancers of amyloid beta-induced toxicity. Compounds identified by such screens can be used to treat or prevent neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Panels of mammalian cell samples, kits and methods of use thereof. The panels comprise samples or sets of samples of immortalized primary cells, obtained from different tissues and organs of healthy and/or diseased donors. The cell panels are useful in assays for testing effects of drug candidates, e.g. for activity and toxicity.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising at least one isoprene synthase enzyme with improved specific productivity. In particular, the present invention provides variant plant isoprene synthases for increased isoprene production in host cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a context-specific forward genetic screen designed to systematically assign relative weight of biological evidence to a library of high-probability driver genetic elements in a genetically defined cancer-sensitized model system whose constellation of engineered mutations reflects a particular clinically relevant genetic subclass of a given tumor type. The screen may be formed in vivo or ex vivo. The screen allows for the formulation of clinical path hypotheses for targeting driver genetic elements and, in parallel, the rapid functional validation of the role of the driver genetic element(s) in the cancer.

Abstract: The application discloses LTBP2 as a new biomarker for renal dysfunction; methods for predicting, diagnosing, prognosticating and/or monitoring said dysfunction based on measuring said biomarker; and kits and devices for measuring said biomarker and/or performing said methods. LTBP2 is also involved in glomerular filtration rate, dyspnea, acute heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, preeclampsia, pregnancy- associated proteinuria.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a testing device includes a substrate and a plurality of spatially distinct fungal cultures disposed on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention concerns medicaments for slowing ageing. The medicaments can include an inhibitor of microbial folate biosynthesis as well as agents capable of reducing folate uptake by an animal. Examples of such medicaments include inhibitors that reduce the activity of an enzyme in the folate biosynthesis pathway, such as sulfonamides including sulfamethoxazole. The invention also concerns a food supplement, additive, functional food, or nutraceutial comprising the inhibitor or agent or composition as discussed above, as well as methods for screening for an agent for use as a medicament for slowing ageing comprising determining whether a test agent inhibits microbial folate biosynthesis, or whether the test agent reduces folate uptake by a non-human animal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates general to devices, systems, and methods of using such devices in creating and handling hanging drops of fluid. The present disclosure also relates to cell culture devices, methods and/or systems of using such devices as well as the use of cell culture devices, for example, for research and high throughput screening.

Abstract: The present invention discloses gene targets, constructs and methods for the genetic control of plant disease caused by nematodes of the genus Pratylenchus (root lesion nematodes). The present invention relates to achieving a plant protective effect through the identification of target coding sequences and the use of recombinant DNA technologies for post-transcriptionally repressing or inhibiting expression of the target coding sequences in the cells of plant-parasitic nematodes. The disclosed gene targets are conserved and expected to be essential and sensitive to RNAi perturbation in different Pratylenchus species, facilitating genus-wide targeting by RNA interference.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of high-throughput screening (HTS) of active agents of a cell-surface G-Protein coupled receptor (GPCR) or another target receptor of interest. The method uses a non-invasive, sensitive reporting system that is proximal to the target of interest, combined with a dynamic, automated screening procedure so as to detect orthosteric ligands, such as agonists and antagonists, but is also suitable to detect allosteric or low affinity active agents of a GPCR and possibly other disease-related receptors.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to compounds providing antibacterial therapeutic agents and preparations, and related methods of using and making antibacterial compounds. Antibacterial compounds of the present invention include chalcone, alkylpyrimidine, aminopyrimidine and cyanopyridine compounds and derivatives thereof exhibiting minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) similar to or less than conventional antibacterial compounds in wide use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleic acid comprising the following contiguous elements arranged in the 5 prime to 3 prime direction; a promoter; a selectable marker; a cloning site for receipt of a nucleic acid segment, said segment comprising a candidate miRNA target sequence; and a poly adenylation signal, said elements arranged such that a transcript directed by said promoter comprises said selectable marker, said candidate miRNA target sequence, and said poly adenylation signal in that order. Suitably the miRNA test sequence is or is derived from a 3?UTR. The invention also relates to methods for making and screening libraries.

Abstract: Human somatic cells obtained from individuals with a genetic heart condition are reprogrammed to become induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells), and differentiated into cardiomyocytes for use in analysis, screening programs, and the like.

Abstract: Methods and constructs are provided for controlling processes in live animals, plants or microbes via genetically engineered near-infrared light-activated or light-inactivated proteins including chimeras including the photosensory modules of bacteriohytochromes and output modules that possess enzymatic activity and/or ability to bind to DMA, RNA, protein, or small molecules. DNA encoding these proteins are introduced as genes into live animals, plants or microbes, where their activities can be turned on by near-infrared light, controlled by the intensity of light, and turned off by near-infrared light of a different wavelength than the activating light. These proteins can regulate diverse cellular processes with high spatial and temporal precision, in a nontoxic manner, often using external light sources.

Abstract: Substrates and devices for culturing cells are disclosed, along with methods of using the same. The substrates and devices include top surfaces with one or more divots disposed therein. Each divot is defined by an opening in the top surface, a rounded bottom surface spaced from the opening, and an interior side-wall surface extending between the rounded bottom surface and the opening. The top surface of the substrates and devices are optionally walled to form wells containing one or more divots. The substrates and devices may be used for reaggregating cells, for example, to form small islet cell clusters and for high throughput testing methodologies.

Abstract: In the invention provides for a method of stimulating or increasing ?-cell replication or growth, by contacting a ?-cell with an inhibitor of adenosine kinase (ADK), an inhibitor of S-Adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) or an activator of AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK).

Abstract: Compounds and compositions for reducing intracellular lipid accumulation in a cell are described herein. These compounds are useful for the treatment and prevention of lipid/glycogen disorders, as well as for the treatment and prevention of obesity. A high throughput screen for identifying compounds that reduce intracellular lipid accumulation in cells is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is based, at least in part, on the identification of molecules involved in the differentiation and/or activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods of identifying modulators of bone formation, mineralization, and/or osteoclastogenesis and methods for treating disorders that would benefit from modulation of bone formation, mineralization, and/or osteoclastogenesis using agents identified as described herein.

Abstract: Methods and means are provided for producing chimeric nucleic acid constructs capable of producing dsRNA for silencing target nucleic acid sequences of interest using recombinational cloning.

Abstract: A method of enriching stem or progenitor cells that includes growing a heterogeneous cell sample comprising stem and/or progenitor cells on a first substrate that is hydrophobic and has an elastic modulus less than about 100 MPa; recovering the heterogeneous cell sample from the first substrate; growing the recovered heterogeneous cell sample on a second substrate that is hydrophilic and has an elastic modulus higher than the elastic modulus of the first substrate to produce a subpopulation of nonadherent cells and a subpopulation of adherent cells; and recovering the nonadherent cell subpopulation, which is enriched for stem and/or progenitor cells. The invention also relates to a method of determining the clonogenic potential of a cell, such as a cancer stem cell enriched using the enrichment method described herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing filamentous fungal strains having a sexual cycle, wherein an acceptor filamentous fungal strain, having no or one type MAT locus, is subjected to recombination in which one or more mating type locus genes and optionally sex related genes, from other species than the acceptor filamentous fungal strain, is introduced into the acceptor filamentous fungal strain to produce a filamentous fungal strain having a sexual cycle.

Abstract: Screening methods for identifying substances that provide therapeutic value for various diseases associated with protein misfolding are provided. Genetic and chemical screening methods are provided using a yeast system. The methods of the invention provide a rapid and cost-effective method to screen for compounds that prevent protein misfolding and/or protein fibril formation and/or protein aggregation which includes numerous neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease as well as non-neuronal diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: The NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key transcriptional regulator of antioxidant defense and detoxification. To directly monitor stabilization of Nrf2 we fused its Neh2 domain, responsible for the interaction with its nucleocytoplasmic regulator, Keap1, to firefly luciferase (Neh2-luciferase). It is shown herein that Neh2 domain is sufficient for recognition, ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of Neh2-luciferase fusion protein. The novel Neh2-luc reporter system allows direct monitoring of the adaptive response to redox stress and classification of drugs based on the time-course of reporter activation. The novel reporter was used to screen a library of compounds to identify activators of Nrf2. The most robust and yet non toxic Nrf2 activators found—nordihydroguaiaretic acid, fisetin, and gedunin-induced astrocyte-dependent neuroprotection from oxidative stress via an Nrf2-dependent mechanism.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for establishing the non-toxicity of a substance. For example, described herein are methods for the construction of a comprehensive database of toxicity associated pathways and methods of using such a database.

Abstract: The invention encompasses microfluidic microarray assemblies (MMA) and subassemblies and methods for their manufacture and use. In one embodiment, first and second channel plates are provided and are sealingly connected to a test chip in consecutive steps. Each plate includes microfluidic channels configured in a predetermined reagent distribution pattern. The test chip comprises a plurality of discrete test positions, each test position being located at the intersection between a first predetermined reagent pattern and a second predetermined reagent pattern, wherein at least one of said patterns is non-linear. The first channel plate allows the distribution of a first reagent on said test chip, wherein said first reagent is immobilized at said test positions. The second channel plate allows the distribution of a second reagent on said test chip, wherein said second reagent comprises a plurality of different test samples.

Abstract: The invention provides vectors and methods designed for screening large random DNA fragment libraries for the presence of open reading frames that are free of both internal ribosome binding sites (IRBS) and stop codons. The invention overcomes the principal limitation of known ORF-selector systems, namely the potential for ORF-induced folding interference of the downstream fused reporter, by not fusing the reporter to the ORF, but rather by providing a mechanism for coupled translation of an unfused downstream reporter.

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.