Abstract: Provided are 9-base morpholino antisense compounds targeted to polyCUG repeats in the 3?UTR region of dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) mRNA, and related methods for treating myotonic dystrophy DM1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having glucoamylase activity, catalytic domains, carbohydrate binding domains and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains or carbohydrate binding domains. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides, catalytic domains or carbohydrate binding domains.

Abstract: The 30 amino acid peptide GLP-1 has been integrated into the stable host protein human calbindin D9k. The fusion protein binds to GLP-1R. The fusion protein agents can be useful for both diabetes treatment and GLP-1R receptor targeting MR imaging. The fusion protein comprises a first peptide that selectively binds to a site of a target cell and linked to a second peptide, where the fusion protein is more stable than the first peptide alone and may further comprise a detectable label. The first peptide of the fusion protein may be glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)(7-36), or glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) (9-36), or a conservative variant thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a modified bacteriophage capable of infecting a target bacterium, which bacteriophage includes an ?/? small acid-soluble spore protein (SASP) gene encoding a SASP which is toxic to the target bacterium, wherein the SASP gene is under the control of a constitutive promoter which is foreign to the bacteriophage and the SASP gene.

Abstract: There is provided a diagnostic reagent for use in the detection of M. bovis or M. tuberculosis infection in an animal, comprising a peptide which has an epitope from Mycobacterium bovis hypothetic protein Mb3645c (SEQ ID NO: 1) or an epitope from a polypeptide having at least 76% identity with SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to micelles that are elaborated with functionality useful for imaging and/or selectively targeting tissue, e.g., in the delivery of hydrophobic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the RumC1, RumC2 and RumC3 peptides with antimicrobial activity, and also to the genes encoding these peptides and isolated from Ruminococcus gnavus E1.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of sepsis in a subject using the expression levels of the biomarkers Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) and TREM-like receptor transcript-1 (TLT1) as an indication of the condition of the patient, alone or in combination with further sepsis markers are disclosed. If the levels of the biomarkers indicate the presence of sepsis, the patient is treated for sepsis with an antibiotic and/or fluid resuscitation treatment.

Abstract: Synthetic protease substrates and methods which facilitate the identification of substrates of a protease, particularly ubiquitin, ubiquitin-like, or proteasome protein are provided.

Abstract: The present application provides peptides that serve as substrates for proteasome enzymatic activity, e.g., the enzymatic activity of Rpn11, a metalloprotease of the 19S regulatory particle. The present application also provides methods and compositions employing the peptide substrates.

Abstract: Telomerase peptides that bind MHC are disclosed. The instant application also discloses vaccines containing said peptides and methods of using said peptides to enhance a CTL response against mammalian cancer cells.

Abstract: A method of treating a disease characterized by aberrant cell migration and/or invasion includes administering to a subject an effective amount of the peptide of SEQ ID NO:3, an ?6 polypeptide, or an isolated polypeptide consisting essentially of the Link region of human CD44 as indicated in FIG. 17 to modulate a FAK signal transduction pathway for a sufficient period of time to treat the disease. A method of diagnosing a condition characterized by aberrant cell migration and/or invasion includes measuring the effect of these polypeptides on FAK signal transduction activity; wherein a change in FAK signal transduction activity is indicative of said aberrant cell migration or invasion. A method of diagnosing a condition characterized by aberrant cell migration and/or invasion includes imaging FAK signal transduction activity in the presence of these polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention provides nitrile-containing protease inhibitors caged to ruthenium compounds. The nitrile-caged ruthenium compounds provide inactivated inhibitors that can be delivered to surface or site for activation, for example, but exposure to light. The invention also provides methods for delivering protease inhibitors to subjects for the therapeutic treatment of conditions such as cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preventing the unfolding of a (poly)peptide during drying and/or inducing the (re-)folding of a (poly)peptide after drying, comprising the step of embedding the (poly)peptide in an aqueous solution, wherein the solution comprises (i) at least three different amino acids; or (ii) at least one dipeptide or tripeptide; and wherein the solution is free or substantially free of (a) sugar; and (b-i) protein; and/or (b-ii) denaturing compounds; and (c) silanes.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for tissue repair are provided including cell binding peptides and growth factor binding peptides. The cell binding peptides bind to one or more of stem cells, fibroblasts, or endothelial cells. The growth factor binding peptides include platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) binding peptides and growth differentiation factor (GDF) binding peptides. The tissue for repair includes tendon, muscle, connective tissue, ligament, cardiac tissue, vascular tissue, or dermis. Implantable devices for tissue repair are provided to which the cell and growth factor binding peptides are attached, such as acellular extracellular matrix having attached binding peptide.

Abstract: There is provided at least one isolated antimicrobial peptide, wherein the peptide is a linear analog of hBD3 or a fragment thereof. In particular, there is provided a linear analog of hBD3 wherein the peptide has a reduced cytotoxicity to at least one cell compared to the wild type hBD3.

Abstract: A polyelectrolyte having multiple exposed functional groups, each such group being capable of covalently bonding to a molecule, is immobilized on a surface for the purpose of bonding to a biomolecule. The biomolecule can be, for example, a nucleic acid, e.g., an amine functionalized oligonucleotide. The polyelectrolyte can include, e.g., BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin) which is bound to a functionalized surface using a covalent immobilization strategy, e.g., reaction with the surface of a tosyl-activated microparticle. Following such reaction, exposed reactive functional groups on the protein, such as amine, carboxyl, thiol, hydroxyl groups can further be utilized to covalently couple the oligonucleotide of interest using suitable chemistry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluorogenic composition for assaying complement activation that comprises a substrate for C3 convertase that is linked to a first fluorophore and a second fluorophore, wherein the fluorescence of the first and second fluorophores are mutually substantially quenched when the two fluorophores are present at a distance less than the characteristic distance for the two fluorophores. In one embodiment, the fluorescence of the first fluorophore is substantially quenched by the second fluorophore, and the second fluorophore emits heat upon quenching. The present invention also provides a method for assaying complement activation, wherein the method includes the steps of incubating a biological sample with a polymer to provide a polymeric biological sample, followed by incubating the polymeric biological sample with the fluorogenic composition, and measuring the fluorescence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds comprising at least ten contiguous amino acids of the HR2 domain of a Type 1 viral fusogenic protein of an enveloped virus, or a derivative thereof, attached at the C-terminal to cholesterol or a derivative thereof; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof which inhibit viral fusion. Thus compounds of the invention are useful to prevent or treat diseases caused by an enveloped virus.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for determining transmembrane potential, monitoring changes in transmembrane potential, and/or drug screening are provided. In one aspect, compounds of the invention have a structure according to the formula: E-M-A, wherein A is a fluorophore, selected from xanthenes, eoumarins, cyanines, bimanes, and difluoroboradizaindacenes, charged at physiological pH; M is a molecular wire; and E is a hydrophobic moiety, wherein A and E are capable of being involved in a photo-induced, intramolecular electron transfer that quenches the fluorescence of A in response to a voltage condition. When in use, compounds of the invention are membrane-impermeant and oriented within the cell membrane such that the charged moiety localizes at the outer leaflet of the lipid bilayer and the hydrophobic moiety and molecular wire associate with the hydrophobic portion of the lipid bilayer.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions and vaccines against Plasmodial infection comprising an Rh polypeptide or a fragment or variant thereof are disclosed. Also disclosed are Rh5 polypeptides or fragments or variants thereof capable of binding CD147 and conferring protection against infection and/or disease caused by multiple Plasmodial strains or Plasmodial species, inhibitors of the interaction between Rh5 and CD147 and methods for producing polypeptides in a mammalian expression system.

Abstract: An HLA-binding peptide binding to a HLA-A type molecule, the HLA-binding peptide includes at least one type of amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 80, and consists of not less than 8 and not more than 11 amino acid residues. All of these amino acid sequences herein mentioned are the predicted amino acid sequences binding to a human HLA-A type molecule with the prediction program using the certain active learnig method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for homogeneous solution phase peptide synthesis (HSPPS) of a N-terminal peptide fragment PEP-N and a C-terminal peptide fragment C-PEP, with C-PEP carrying a specific diketopiperazine (DKP) comprising C-terminal protecting group, which contains a handle group HG, with HG being connected to the C-terminus of the peptide fragment; thereby this specific DKP comprising C-terminal protecting group can be selectively cleaved from the peptide as a conventionally used C-terminal protecting group. By the use of this DKP and HG comprising C-terminal protecting group, certain process steps in convergent peptide synthesis based on a combination of HSPPS and solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) can be avoided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to therapeutic molecules which are useful for modulating apoptosis in a target cell or cell population. More particularly, the present invention provides therapeutic agents which inhibit pro-survival molecules and which are capable of inducing or facilitating apoptosis of a target cell or cell population such as cancer cells. The present invention further provides methods for generating or selecting the therapeutic molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the therapeutic molecules.

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: This invention relates to molecular imaging agents comprising an S78C mutant synaptotagmin I C2A domain. These agents may be useful in detecting or assessing cell death in vitro and in vivo, for example in tumors following cancer treatment.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity, including against lepidopteran pests, to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a toxin polypeptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated toxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed, and antibodies specifically binding to those amino acid sequences. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:27 and 28, or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3, 8, 13, and 18, as well as variants and fragments thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are a novel class of oligopeptides and prodrugs that include amino acid sequences containing cleavage sites for fibroblast activation protein (FAP). Also provided herein are methods of treating FAP related disorders, including cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides soluble single wall nanotube (SWNT) constructs functionalized with a plurality of a targeting moiety and a plurality of one or more payload molecules attached thereto. The targeting moiety and the payload molecules may be attached to the soluble SWNT via a DNA or other oligomer platform attached to the SWNT. These soluble SWNT constructs may comprise a radionuclide or contrast agent and as such are effective as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Methods provided herein are to diagnosing or locating a cancer, treating a cancer, eliciting an immune response against a cancer or delivering an anticancer drug in situ via an enzymatic nanofactory using the soluble SWNT constructs.

Abstract: This invention describes a protein nanoparticle system for targeting siRNA or other drugs into tumors. The basis of the protein system is elastin-like peptides that self-assemble once exposed to the nucleic acid of the siRNA. Specific targeting peptides are fused to the core ELP structure by standard genetic engineering techniques. These targeting peptides confer specific binding of the nanoparticle to receptors on the surface of tumor cells and allow for uptake of the nanoparticle into the tumor cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions that permit controlled and prolonged drug release in vivo. The compounds are either prodrugs with tunable rates of release, or conjugates of the drug with macromolecules which exhibit tunable controlled rates of release.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a group of biomarkers and to non-invasive in vitro methods for the diagnosis or prognosis of endometriosis, as well as to a kit to perform said methods.

Abstract: Reagents, kits, uses and methods useful for example for decreasing nonspecific adsorption of biomolecules at the surface of a solid support are disclosed. Such reagents and methods, which are based on short heteropeptides, may be used to decrease nonspecific adsorption in for example biosensing applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to targeting peptides capable of specifically binding to microbial organisms (e.g., P. aeruginosa or S. mutans), antimicrobial peptides having antimicrobial activities, and specifically/selectively targeted antimicrobial peptides (STAMPs). In addition, the present invention provides methods of selectively killing or inhibiting microbial organisms by using the peptides or compositions provided by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention features peptides of a PorB polypeptide, which PorB peptides are useful in production of antibodies that bind the full-length PorB polypeptide and as a therapeutic agent. In specific embodiments the invention features a composition comprising one or more PorB peptides (other than a full-length PorB polypeptide), which peptides contain at least one epitope that can elicit Chlamydia-neutralizing antibodies. The invention also features methods for induction of a protective immune response against infection by Chlamydia and Chlamydiophila.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing heteromultimeric polypeptides such as bispecific antibodies, bispecific immunoadhesins, heteromultimers and antibody-immunoadhesin chimeras. Generally, the method involves introducing a protuberance at the interface of a first polypeptide and a corresponding cavity in the interface of a second polypeptide, such that the protuberance can be positioned in the cavity so as to promote heteromultimer formation and hinder homomultimer formation. The protuberance and cavity can be made by synthetic means such as altering the nucleic acid encoding the polypeptides or by peptide synthesis.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with methods of assaying the activity of enzymes based on measurement of fluorescence lifetime (FLT). In particular, the invention relates to assays for enzymes which are capable of modifying the structure of peptide substrates, including for example enzymes catalysing methylation, demethylation, acetylation, deacetylation or deimination of peptide substrates.

Abstract: An acid-cleavable peptide linker comprising aspartic acid and proline residues is disclosed. The acid-cleavable peptide linker provides an altered sensitivity to acid-hydrolytic release of peptides of interest from fusion peptides of the formula PEP1-L-PEP2. The inventive linker, L, is described in various embodiments, each of which provides substantially more rapid acid-release of peptides of interest than does a single aspartic acid-proline pair. In an additional aspect, a method of increasing the stability of an acid cleavable linkage to acid hydrolysis is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunogenic compositions useful in prevention and treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infection. In particular, the present invention provides methods of inducing an immune response against an alpha-hemolysin-expressing S. aureus, methods of preventing or treating S. aureus infections, and composition for preventing or treating S. aureus infections.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for tissue repair are provided including cell binding peptides and BMP binding peptides. The cell binding peptides bind to one or more of stem cells and fibroblasts. The tissue for repair includes bone, tendon, muscle, connective tissue, ligament, cardiac tissue, bladder tissue, or dermis. Implantable devices for tissue repair are provided to which the cell and/or BMP binding peptides are attached, such as acellular extracellular matrix having attached binding peptide and bone graft material comprising a ceramic.

Abstract: The method for transferring a foreign substance provided by the present invention includes the steps of: preparing a construct for transferring a foreign substance that contains a carrier peptide fragment including either the amino acid sequence WRRQARFK (SEQ ID NO. 1) or any amino acid sequence formed by the substitution, deletion, and/or addition (insertion) of 1, 2, or 3 amino acid residues in the amino acid sequence, and a foreign substance of interest that is bonded to the N-terminus and/or C-terminus of the carrier peptide fragment; supplying the construct for transferring a foreign substance to a test sample that contains a target eukaryotic cell; and incubating the test sample that has been supplied with the construct for transferring a foreign substance to thereby transfer the construct into the eukaryotic cell in the test sample.

Abstract: Loss of Wnt-5a protein expression in breast carcinoma patients is associated with a shorter recurrence-free survival as well as increased motility in mammary cell lines. Based on sequence analysis of Wnt-5a, peptide fragments were identified and investigated for their ability to mimic effects of the Wnt-5a protein on mammary cell adhesion and motility. Two of these peptides significantly increased adhesion and impaired the motility of non-tumorigenic breast cancer cell lines, both low in endogenous Wnt-5a protein expression. To identify the shortest possible peptide that still had an anti-motile effect, sequential deletions of two amino acids from the N-terminal side of the shorter of these two peptides were performed. The effect on tumor cell adhesion was gradually lost, and when only 6 amino acids remained the effect was not detectable. However, formulation of the N-terminal methionine of this hexapeptide restored its effect on adhesion and reduced tumor cell motility.

Abstract: Novel gene sequences from microalgae are disclosed, as well as novel gene sequences useful in the manufacture of triglyceride oils. Also disclosed are sequences and vectors that allow microalgae to be cultivated on sugar cane and sugar beets as a feedstock. In some embodiments, the vectors are useful for the purpose of performing targeted modifications to the nuclear genome of heterotrophic microalgae.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel markers of vascular inflammation and combinations thereof as diagnostic and prognostic tools in patients with cardiovascular diseases. The markers also act as tools that facilitate the selection of active ingredients for the treatment of such diseases, and finally act as starting points for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, the invention relates to the creation of an individual risk profile of negative events that are associated with the progression of arteriosclerosis.

Abstract: There is provided a novel process for preparing polyamides (in particular cyclic and hairpin polyamides) comprising the step of coupling an amine with a Boc-protected amino acid monomer in the presence of diphosgene and/or triphosgene. Such a process may be performed on a solid or solution phase.

Abstract: A peptidic hydrolyzate enriched in bioactive peptide, capable of reinforcing the skin barrier function and stimulating epidermal differentiation is described. Additionally, a cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical composition that includes a physiologically acceptable medium and the peptidic hydrolyzate as active principle are described. The cosmetic composition activates the HMG-CoA reductase in the cutaneous cells and treats the cutaneous signs of aging and photo-aging.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods, medical profiles, kits and apparatus for use in determining the risk that a pregnant individual has for developing pre-eclampsia based on amounts of certain biochemical markers in a biological sample from the individual and biophysical markers. The disclosure also relates to methods, medical profiles, kits and apparatus for use in determining the risk that a pregnant individual is carrying a fetus having a chromosomal abnormality based on amounts of certain biochemical markers in a biological sample from the individual and biophysical markers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel coagulation Factor VII polypeptides, polynucleotide constructs encoding such polypeptides, as well as vectors and host cells comprising and expressing the polynucleotide, pharmaceutical compositions, uses and methods of treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides spreading agents based on sequence-specific oligomers comprising a peptoid, a peptide-peptoid chimera, a retropeptoid or a retro(peptoid-peptide) chimera, and methods for using the same, including for the treatment of respiratory distress of the lungs. The spreading agents are sequence-specific oligomers, including retrosequence-specific oligomers, based on a peptide backbone, that are designed as analogs of surfactant protein-B or surfactant protein-C.

Abstract: Objective methods for detecting and diagnosing colon cancer are described herein. In one embodiment, the diagnostic method involves determining the expression level of TOM34 that discriminates between colon cancer cells and normal cells. Finally, the present invention provides methods of screening for therapeutic agents useful in the treatment of colon cancer, methods of treating colon cancer and method for vaccinating a subject against colon cancer.