Abstract: The present invention provides means useful for establishing an excellent isoprene monomer production system. Specifically, the present invention provides a polynucleotide of the following (a), (b), or (c): (a) a polynucleotide comprising (i) the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1, or (ii) the nucleotide sequence consisting of the nucleotide residues at positions 133 to 1785 in the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1; (b) a polynucleotide that comprises a nucleotide sequence having 90% or more identity to the nucleotide sequence of (i) or (ii) above, and encodes a protein having an isoprene synthase activity; or (c) a polynucleotide that hybridizes under a stringent condition with a polynucleotide consisting of a nucleotide sequence complementary to the nucleotide sequence of (i) or (ii) above, and encodes a protein having an isoprene synthase activity; and the like.

Abstract: Epsi-gam provides a novel fusion protein with the ability to cross-link either of the Fc?RI or Fc?RII cell surface receptors with an Fc?RIIb cell surface receptor in order to block IgE-mediated biological responses.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided that are useful for the delivery, including transdermal delivery, of biologically active agents, including nucleic acids and therapeutic proteins including insulin, larger therapeutic proteins such as botulinum toxin and other biologically active agents such as a therapeutic protein which does not therapeutically alter blood glucose levels, a therapeutic nucleic acid-based agent, a non-protein non-nucleic acid therapeutic agent such as an antifungal agent or alternately an agent for immunization. The compositions can be prepared with components useful for targeting the delivery of the compositions as well as imaging components.

Abstract: Described herein are variant, recombinant ?-glucocerebrosidase proteins characterized as having increased stability relative to recombinant wild-type ?-glucocerebrosidase. Also provided herein are variant, recombinant ?-glucocerebrosidase proteins characterized as retaining more catalytic activity relative to recombinant wild-type ?-glucocerebrosidase. Further described herein are variant, recombinant ?-glucocerebrosidase proteins that can have amino acid variations at one or more of the following positions: 316, 317, 321 and 145. Methods of making the variant, recombinant ?-glucocerebrosidase proteins are also described as well as methods of treating patients having lysosomal storage diseases.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of producing a polypeptide or a variant thereof, wherein the polypeptide or variant thereof is dependent on LIMP-2 for trafficking, localization, stabilization and/or sorting of the polypeptide in the cell. In general, the methods comprise culturing a lysosomal integral membrane protein II (LIMP-2) deficient cell which expresses the polypeptide or the variant thereof under conditions in which the polypeptide or the variant thereof is produced.

Abstract: Neisseria meningitidis PorA constructs are provided which have one or more disrupted variable regions created by insertion of entire conserved regions or conserved region amino acids. The highly immunogenic variable regions of PorA are responsible for eliciting strain-specific immune responses that are not broadly protective, so disruption of the variable regions directs the immune response against conserved region epitopes to effectively immunize against a broader spectrum of N. meningitidis strains. Also provided are encoding nucleic acids, genetic constructs, host cells expressing the PorA constructs and compositions, kits and methods for detection and treatment of Neisseria meningitidis infections.

Abstract: Methods of increasing the yield in plant expression of recombinant proteins comprising engineering glycosylation sites into cloned genes or cDNAs for proteins using codons that drive post-translational modifications in plants; and engineering the cloned genes or cDNAs to contain a plant secretory signal sequence that targets the gene products (protein) for secretion. The methods result in increased recombinant glycosylated protein yields. Proteins produced according to these methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that bind or neutralize anthrax lethal factor (LF), edema factor (EF), and/or protective antigen (PA). The invention provides such antibodies, fragments of such antibodies retaining anthrax toxin-binding ability, fully human or humanized antibodies retaining anthrax toxin-binding ability, and pharmaceutical compositions including such antibodies. The invention further provides for isolated nucleic acids encoding the antibodies of the invention and host cells transformed therewith. Additionally, the invention provides for prophylactic, therapeutic, and diagnostic methods employing the antibodies and nucleic acids of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are engineered cleavage half-domains; fusion polypeptides comprising these engineered cleavage half-domains; polynucleotides encoding the engineered cleavage half-domains and fusion proteins; and cells comprising said polynucleotides and/or fusion proteins. Also described are methods of using these polypeptides and polynucleotides, for example for targeted cleavage of a genomic sequence.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides, including enzymes, structural proteins and binding proteins, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. Polypeptides, including enzymes and antibodies, and nucleic acids of the invention can be used in industrial, experimental, food and feed processing, nutritional and pharmaceutical applications, e.g., for food and feed supplements, colorants, neutraceuticals, cosmetic and pharmaceutical needs.

Abstract: Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having improved extension rates relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases.

Abstract: A polypeptide including: (1) a first region containing at least one selected from the group consisting of an amino acid sequence represented by CSYYQSC (SEQ ID NO:1) and an amino acid sequence represented by RGD; and (2) a second region containing (2-i) an amino acid sequence represented by PRPSLAKKQRFRHRNRKGYRSQRGHSRGRNQN (SEQ ID NO:2), (2-ii) an amino acid sequence having an identity of not less than 50% to the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:2 and having an adsorption ability to a cultivation container, or (2-iii) an amino acid sequence that is the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:2 in which from 1 to 30 amino acid residues are added, substituted, or deleted, and has an adsorption ability to a cultivation container, in which the polypeptide includes from 40 to 450 amino acid residues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing three-dimensional actin structures having a well-defined shape and displaying improved mechanical rigidity. This method comprises the steps of (a) providing a polymerization solution comprising actin monomers, a branching agent and a capping agent, (b) providing at least one surface having thereon a pattern which is coated with a nucleating agent, and (c) contacting the at least one surface of step (b) with the polymerization solution of step (a) so as to induce the polymerization of actin and obtain the said desired three-dimensional actin structure. Applications of the present invention in various technological fields such as microelectronics are also provided.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a biomarker that can be used as a precise diagnostic marker for MetS or arteriosclerosis risk. The present invention provides a C1q-adiponectin complex comprising naturally occurring adiponectin and C1q.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel immunogens based on overlapping peptides (OLPs) and peptides derived therefrom useful for the prevention and treatment of AIDS and its related opportunistic diseases. The invention also relates to isolated nucleic acids, vectors and host cells expressing these immunogens as well as vaccines including the immunogens.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides and compositions thereof for treating or limiting respiratory syncytial virus infection, and computational methods for designing such polypeptides.

Abstract: Microspheres are produced by contacting a solution of a macromolecule or small molecule in a solvent with an antisolvent and a counterion, and chilling the solution. The microspheres are useful for preparing pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetic products and the like of defined dimensions.

Abstract: The invention is related to identification of an interferon-analog (IFNL4) protein and genetic association with spontaneous clearance of HCV infection and response to treatment for HCV infection.

Abstract: A new coronavirus is disclosed herein with a tropism that includes humans. Means and methods are provided for diagnosing subjects (previously) infected with the virus. Also provided are among others vaccines, medicaments, nucleic acids and specific binding members.

Abstract: The main object of the present invention is to provide a novel technique using a BAF. The invention that achieves the object provides the following: a chimeric protein comprising a luminescent domain and a cellulose- and/or chitin-binding domain, the luminescent domain comprising at least one luminescent protein selected from the group consisting of luciferases and fluorescent proteins.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for treating Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Specifically, the invention is directed to treating and reducing inflammation associated Hidradenitis Suppurativa by administering to a subject suffering from this condition novel cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “CFS” compositions), including novel sustained-release cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “SR-CFS” compositions).

Abstract: The current invention provides methods to identify ?9?2T-cell receptors (?9?2TCR) that mediate anti-tumour responses. Surprisingly, it was now found that the CDR3 regions of the ?9-T-cell receptor chain and the ?2-T-Cell receptor chain (?2TCR chain) are of importance. Based on these findings, combinatorial-??TCR-chain-exchange (CTE) is proposed as an efficient method for identifying ?9?2TCRs that mediate anti-tumour responses. Using the method of the invention, specific sequences of the respective ?9TCR and ?2TCR chains were identified that mediate anti-tumour responses. Hence, the invention further provides for specific ?9?2TCRs, or fragments thereof, that may be used e.g. in diagnostics or treatment of cancer. The invention further provides for nucleic acid sequences, genetic constructs and retroviral vectors that can be used to express the ?9?2TCRs according to the invention.

Abstract: A ligand recombinant protein inhibiting HB-EGF (Heparin-Binding Epidermal Growth Factor like), from the R domain of diphtheria toxin, which can be used for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases involving the activation of the HB-EGF/EGFR pathway.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to methods of producing recombinant peptides that contain between 10 and 200 amino acid residues using novel carrier proteins derived from superfolder green fluorescent protein and its mutants.

Abstract: The invention provides unique therapeutic and diagnostic antibodies, as well as their fragments, portions, derivatives, and variants thereof, that bind regions of the tau protein that contribute to the initiation and propagation of pathological tau-tau interactions, as well as methods of making them. The invention also relates to methods of using those antibodies for diagnostics, prevention, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies. The present invention also provides a method for a prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative tauopathies. This method entails the injection of antibodies and/or peptide vaccines that elicits an immune response directed to pathological tau proteins and tau deposits in the brains of patients. Suitable vaccines represent a tau peptide carrying one or more of the tau therapeutic epitopes provided herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to CTLA4 proteins and uses of such proteins, for example to treat diseases associated with the dysregulation of immune responses.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating, protecting against, and inducing an immune response against cervical dysplasia and cancer, comprising the step of administering to a subject a recombinant Listeria strain, comprising a fusion peptide that comprises an LLO fragment and an E7 and/or E6 antigen. The present invention also provides methods for inducing an anti-E7 CTL response in a human subject and treating HPV-mediated diseases, disorders, and symptoms, comprising administration of the recombinant Listeria strain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the novel Paenibacillus sp. strain, and the novel protein isolated from the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to the novel Paenibacillus sp. strain producing xylanase, and the novel xylanase having high activity at high temperature and in a wide range of pH, and a production method of the same. The Paenibacillus sp. HPL-3 strain (KCTC11987BP) and the xylanase of the present invention demonstrates high activity at high temperature or in a wide range of pH to decompose xylan, the major component of various lignocellulosic biomass, so that they can be effectively used for the production or development of bio-fuel, alternative material, performance chemical, bio-polymer, food and feeds, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for early diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of retinal dystrophy, age-related macular degeneration, Bardet-Biedel syndrome, Bassen-kornzweig syndrome, best disease, choroidema, gyrate atrophy, congenital amourosis, refsun syndrome, stargardt disease and Usher syndrome. In particular, the invention relates to a protein, termed “Rdcvf1,” that is differentially transcribed and expressed in subjects suffering from retinal dystrophies and the like, such as retinal dystrophy and age-related macular degeneration compared with nonsufferers, antibodies which recognize this protein, and methods for diagnosing such conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising glucose regulating peptides linked to extended recombinant polypeptide (XTEN), isolated nucleic acids encoding the compositions and vectors and host cells containing the same, and methods of making and using such compositions in treatment of glucose regulating peptide-related diseases, disorders, and conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant protein for siRNA delivery, which allows the efficient intracellular and in vivo delivery of siRNA. More particularly, the present invention relates to a recombinant protein that allows a siRNA binding protein to be located in the interior cavity of a capsid protein of HBV (Hepatitis B virus), in which siRNAs of interest bind to the siRNA binding protein to be encapsulated within the capsid shell, thereby providing stability against the external attack such as nucleases and achieving the efficient intracellular and in vivo delivery of siRNA by its release into the cytosolic space after cell uptake.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for inactivating TCR genes, using zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) comprising a zinc finger protein and a cleavage domain or cleavage half-domain in conditions able to preserve cell viability. Polynucleotides encoding ZFNs, vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding ZFNs and cells comprising polynucleotides encoding ZFNs and/or cells comprising ZFNs are also provided. Disclosed herein are also methods and compositions for expressing a functional exogenous TCR in the absence of endogenous TCR expression in T lymphocytes, including lymphocytes with a central memory phenotype. Polynucleotides encoding exogenous TCR, vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding exogenous TCR and cells comprising polynucleotides encoding exogenous TCR and/or cells comprising exogenous TCR are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for identifying allosteric modulators of a SHIP polypeptide, wherein said SHIP polypeptide is contacted with a test compound, and wherein said SHIP polypeptide comprises an allosteric site selected from the group consisting of a SHIP C2 domain and a SHIP PH domain.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato line PSQ-9Z09042. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato line PSQ-9Z09042, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: Peptides from the MUC1 cytoplasmic domain and methods of use therefor are described. These peptides can inhibit MUC1 oligomerization, thereby preventing tumor cell growth, inducing tumor cell apoptosis and necrosis of tumor tissue in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stabilized cross-linked hydrogel matrix comprising a first high molecular weight component and a second high molecular weight component that are covalently linked, and at least one stabilizing or enhancing agent, wherein the first high molecular weight component and the second high molecular weight component are each selected from the group consisting of polyglycans and polypeptides. This stabilized hydrogel matrix may be prepared as bioactive gels, pastes, slurries, cell attachment scaffolds for implantable medical devices, and casting or binding materials suitable for the construction of medical devices. The intrinsic bioactivity of the hydrogel matrix makes it useful as a gel or paste in multiple applications, including as a cell attachment scaffold that promotes wound healing around an implanted device, as gels and pastes for induction of localized vasculogenesis, wound healing, tissue repair, and regeneration, as a wound adhesive, and for tissue bulking.

Abstract: The invention, in some aspects, relates to compositions and methods for altering cell activity and function. The invention also relates, in part, to the use of light-activated ion pumps (LAIPs) such as a light-activated ion pump polypeptide that when expressed in an excitable cell and contacted with a red light silences the excitable cell, wherein the polypeptide sequence of the light-activated ion pump comprises a wild-type or modified halomicrobium or haloarcula halorhodopsin polypeptide sequence.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato line FDS 177-APER. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato line 177-APER, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel insecticidal proteins active against a Coleopteran and/or Hemipteran species pest, which include, but are not limited to, TIC3131, TIC3400 and TIC3407 proteins. The present invention also provides a DNA construct comprising operably linked to a heterologous promoter a polynucleotide that encodes the novel insecticidal protein or an insecticidal fragment thereof. The present invention further provides transgenic plants/plant cells/plant parts expressing the insecticidal proteins, methods for detecting the presence of the polynucleotide or the protein in a biological sample, and methods of controlling a Coleopteran and/or Hemipteran species pest using the insecticidal proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for harvesting macromolecules such as lipids and proteins by culturing in growth medium a photo synthetic cyanobacteria that secretes vesicles into the growth medium, and separating the secreted vesicles from the cyanobacteria and/or from the growth medium.

Abstract: Vaccines against prion disease eliciting a humoral immune response when administered mucosally are described. The vaccines comprise a prion protein, a prion protein fragment, or a non-amyloidogenic prion protein homolog and an adjuvant suitable for inducing a humoral immune response after mucosal administration. Suitable adjuvants include cholera toxin subunit B, heat-labile enterotoxin and aluminum hydroxide. Alternatively, the vaccine comprises a vector encoding a prion protein, fragment, or homolog in an attenuated Salmonella host. The vaccines can be used to prevent or treat prion disease in humans and other mammals.

Abstract: The present invention provides agonist compounds that active ABA receptors, and agricultural formulations comprising the agonist compounds. The agricultural formulations are useful for inducing ABA responses in plant vegetative tissues, reducing abiotic stress in plants, and inhibiting germination of plant seeds. The compounds are also useful for inducing expression of ABA-responsive genes in cells that express endogenous or heterologous ABA receptors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are isolated major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II ?1 domain polypeptides and methods of use. In some embodiments, the isolated polypeptide comprises or consists of an MHC class II ?1 domain polypeptide (or portion thereof) and does not include an MHC class II ?2, ?1, or ?2 domain. The disclosed MHC class II ?1 domain polypeptides are of use in treating or inhibiting disorders in a subject, such as inflammatory and/or autoimmune disorders. Also disclosed are methods of evaluating efficacy of treatment or optimizing treatment of a subject with a polypeptide including an MHC class II ?1 domain polypeptide (or portion thereof) or a polypeptide including an MHC class II ?1 domain and ?1 domain (such as a ?1?1 RTL).

Abstract: This invention provides a peptide that comprises an amino acid sequence consisting of 14 to 18 amino acid residues represented by Formula (I) and is capable of binding to human IgA: (SEQ?ID?NO:?1) H-(X1)-V-C-L-S-Y-R-(X2)-(X3)-G-(X4)-P-(X5)-C- (X6)-(X7)-(X8)(I) wherein each X is independently selected from among the following: X1 represents a Gln residue or a Met residue; X2 and X3 each independently represent an arbitrary amino acid residue other than Cys or either or both thereof are deleted; X4 represents an Arg residue or a Gln residue; X5 represents a Val residue or a Thr residue; X6 represents a Phe residue or a Tyr residue; X7 represents a Ser residue or is null; and X8 represents a Leu residue, a Thr residue, or is null, provided that, when X1 represents a Met residue, X7 represents a Ser residue or is null, and X8 is null. The invention also provides a method for purifying or analyzing human IgA using such peptide.

Abstract: A chimeric polyvalent recombinant protein for use as a vaccine and diagnostic for Lyme disease is provided. The chimeric protein comprises epitopes of the loop 5 region and/or the alpha helix 5 region of outer surface protein C (OspC) types. The OspC types may be associated with mammalian Borrelia infections.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated or recombinant protein from the shark Heterodontus francisci, which has bovine-erythrocyte-recognition activity and which can bind to sequences of antigens and/or proteins that are characteristic of infectious diseases. Once the aforementioned protein is bound to specific antigens of infectious diseases, it can haemagglutinate upon recognizing the bovine erythrocytes and antibodies characteristic of said diseases, which are present in the active state in biological samples such as whole blood, plasma or serum of bovine origin. The invention also relates to methods for protecting the detection of antibodies characteristic of infectious diseases, using the purified periplasmic extract or fusion protein, optionally purifying the recombinant protein.

Abstract: Polypeptides and compositions thereof are provided for treating or limiting metapneumovirus (MPV) infection, as well as methods for designing such polypeptides. In further aspects, methods of using said isolated polypeptides, VLPs or pharmaceutical compositions are provided, which include methods for treating a metapneumovirus (MPV) infection, methods for limiting development of an MPV infection, methods for generating an immune response in a subject, methods for monitoring an MPV-induced disease in a subject and/or monitoring response of the subject to immunization by an MPV vaccine, methods for detecting MPV binding antibodies, methods for producing MPV antibodies, and methods of preventing an MPV infection.

Abstract: Novel methods for treating patients with autoimmune diseases are disclosed. The methods of the invention include first depleting circulating lymphocytes in the mammal, e.g., by administering anti-thymocyte antibody, and then, during the course of repopulation, administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of latent TGF-? and/or another agent that promotes expansion of regulatory T cells. In certain aspects, the disclosed process results in improved kidney function and survival rates.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and kits including at least one nucleic acid or polypeptide molecule encoding for a mutant ChR2 protein. Methods of the invention include administering a composition comprising a mutant ChR2 to a subject to preserve, improve, or restore phototransduction. Preferably, the compositions and methods of the invention are provided to a subject having impaired vision, thereby restoring vision to normal levels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for diagnosing, preventing and treating intracranial aneurysm.