Abstract: Disclosed is a method for converting cellulose in a lignocellulosic biomass. The method provides for a lignin-blocking polypeptide and/or protein treatment of high lignin solids. The treatment enhances cellulase availability in cellulose conversion and allows for the determination of optimized pretreatment conditions. Additionally, ethanol yields from a Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation process are improved 5-25% by treatment with a lignin-blocking polypeptide and/or protein.

Abstract: Disclosed are water soluble polymeric conjugates comprising the structure POLY-[Y—S—S-A]x, where POLY is a water soluble polymer; Y is a hydrocarbon-based spacer group, x is 1 to 2, S—S is a disulfide group attached to an sp3 hybridized carbon of Y; and A is a covalently linked residue of a pharmacologically active molecule. Preferably, the water soluble polymer is a PEG polymer. Also disclosed are polymeric reagents useful to prepare such conjugates, and methods of their formation and use.

Abstract: The invention relates to bacterial lipopolysaccharide and its components, especially native and chemically modified polysaccharides isolated from Hafnia alvei lipopolysaccharides, as well as conjugates of these polysaccharides with carriers and methods for their preparation and methods to use of these substances as ligands for human ficolin-3.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns an electroporation buffer that allows for enhanced transfection efficiency and cell viability of cells during application of an electric current. Buffers of the invention provide for maximum transfer of target particles into cells while maintaining the health and growth potential of the cell population. Compositions of the invention comprise electroporation buffers of approximately physiological ionic strength and pH, and having serum or purified proteins, such as serum albumin, added thereto. The subject invention is suitable for use with any cell type. The subject invention also concerns methods of electroporation using an electroporation buffer of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention presents the isolation, characterization and synthesis of oligosaccharides of Bacillus anthracis. Also presented are antibodies that bind to such saccharide moieties and various methods of use for such saccharide moieties and antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibody compositions and use of the composition to detect disease processes associated with elaboration of proteases. The reagents are directed to assessing an IgG breakdown product that is the result of such proteolytic cleavage. The invention further relates to the use of a therapeutic immunospecific for IgG protease cleavage products to restore effector function to antibody compositions that are subject to protease cleavage.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel analogs of the DNA-alkylating agent CC-1065 and to their conjugates. Furthermore this invention concerns intermediates for the preparation of said agents and conjugates. The conjugates are designed to release their (multiple) payload after one or more activation steps and/or at a rate and time span controlled by the conjugate in order to selectively deliver and/or controllably release one or more of said DNA alkylating agents. The agents, conjugates, and intermediates can be used to treat an illness that is characterized by undesired (cell) proliferation. As an example, the agents and the conjugates of this invention may be used to treat a tumor.

Abstract: The present invention presents new insights in the mechanism of action of the estrogen receptor alpha in breast cancer cells and provides means and tools for modulating said mechanisms of action, thereby influencing the proliferation of estrogen-positive cells such as cancer cells.

Abstract: A microreactor for preparing a radiolabeled complex or a biomolecule conjugate comprises a microchannel for fluid flow, where the microchannel comprises a mixing portion comprising one or more passive mixing elements, and a reservoir for incubating a mixed fluid. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the microchannel and is disposed downstream of the mixing portion. A method of preparing a radiolabeled complex includes flowing a radiometal solution comprising a metallic radionuclide through a downstream mixing portion of a microchannel, where the downstream mixing portion includes one or more passive mixing elements, and flowing a ligand solution comprising a bifunctional chelator through the downstream mixing portion. The ligand solution and the radiometal solution are passively mixed while in the downstream mixing portion to initiate a chelation reaction between the metallic radionuclide and the bifunctional chelator. The chelation reaction is completed to form a radiolabeled complex.

Abstract: The invention relates to variants of albumin. The invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of preparing the variants and to methods of using the variants.

Abstract: The current invention describes novel immunogens which are used in the production of novel antibodies with unique binding properties in that they cross-react with a variety of phenylpiperazine derivatives. These antibodies enable methods and kits to detect and/or determine phenylpiperazine derivatives (for example mCPP, TFMPP and MeOPP) in an in vitro sample which are advantageous over currently available analytical methods in terms of cost, ease of use, speed and sensitivity.

Abstract: Disclosed are immunogenic conjugates which elicit an immune response to Plasmodium proteins. In particular examples, the Plasmodium proteins include sexual stage surface proteins, circumsporozoite protein (CSP), or immunogenic portions of CSP. Also provided herein are immunogenic compositions including one or more of the disclosed immunogenic conjugates and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Further provided is a method of eliciting an immune response to Plasmodium in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an immunogenic composition disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses albumin fusion proteins. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the albumin fusion proteins of the invention are also encompassed by the invention, as are vectors containing these nucleic acids, host cells transformed with these nucleic acids vectors, and methods of making the albumin fusion proteins of the invention and using these nucleic acids, vectors, and/or host cells. Additionally the present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising albumin fusion proteins and methods of treating, preventing, or ameliorating diseases, disorders or conditions using albumin fusion proteins of the invention.

Abstract: Three conjugation methods for use with the capsular saccharide of Streptococcus agalactiae. In the first method, reductive animation of oxidized sialic acid residue side chains is used, but the aldehyde groups are first aminated, and then the amine is coupled to a carrier via a linker. In the second method, sialic acid residues and/or N-acetyl-glucosamine residues are de-N-acetylated to give amine groups, and the amine groups are coupled to a carrier protein via a linker. In the third method, linkage is via galactose residues in the capsular saccharide rather than sialic acid residues, which can conveniently be achieved using galactose oxidase.

Abstract: The present application provides fibronectin based scaffold proteins associated with improved stability. The application also relates to stable formulations of fibronectin based scaffold proteins and the use thereof in diagnostic, research and therapeutic applications. The application further relates to cells comprising such proteins, polynucleotides encoding such proteins or fragments thereof, and to vectors comprising such polynucleotides.

Abstract: An immunogen includes an isolated peptide of 800 amino acid residues or fewer having the amino sequence ILSAFSVYV (SEQ ID NO:1) with four or fewer amino acid substitutions, a superagonist variant of SEQ ID NO:1, or an amino acid sequence having the formula: (I/K/T/V/M)-L-(S/L)-(A/E/N/D/Q)-(F/V)-(S/M/V/I)-(V/D/R/G/H)-Y-(V/I/L) (SEQ ID NO:13). The immunogens can be used in compositions and in the treatment of disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detection of a basic peptide by mixing a sample suspected to contain the basic peptide and a reagent containing denatured albumin and detecting turbidness due to a complex of the basic peptide and denatured albumin.

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of protein production and cell culture technology. CERT is identified as a novel in vivo PKD substrate. Phosphorylation on serine 132 by PKD decreases the affinity of CERT towards its lipid target phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate at Golgi membranes and reduces ceramide transfer activity, identifying PKD as a regulator of lipid homeostasis. The present invention shows that CERT in turn is critical for PKD activation and PKD dependent protein cargo transport to the plasma membrane. The interdependence of PKD and CERT is thus a key to the maintenance of Golgi membrane integrity and secretory transport.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a method of synthesizing a multi-mode cancer targeted nanoparticles. The method comprises the steps of preparing a plurality of nanoparticles and covalently conjugating monoclonal antibodies on surface of the prepared plurality of nanoparticles. The plurality of nanoparticles consists of a protein and a drug. The protein is Human Serum Albumin protein (HSA) and the drug is methotrexate. The monoclonal antibodies are anti-MUC1 nanobodies. According to an embodiment herein, a multi-mode cancer targeted nanoparticles comprising a plurality of cross linked nanoparticles of protein and drug molecules and covalently linked molecules of monoclonal antibodies. The molecules of monoclonal antibodies are linked on a surface of the plurality of cross linked nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing 186/188Re-labeled human serum albumin (HSA) microspheres by 186/188Re(I)-tricarbonyl ion. This radioactive particle can be subjected to radioembolization for liver tumor. In this method, 186/188Re(I)-tricarbonyl ion (186/188Re(OH2)3(CO)3)+) are employed as a precursor for directly labeling HSA microspheres with 186/188Re at appropriate temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a conjugate of a non-analyte-specific binding protein coupled to a nucleic acid as a blocking reagent in a probe-based detection assay, which uses a probe comprising a proteinaceous analyte-binding partner coupled to a nucleic acid domain to detect an analyte in a sample.

Abstract: The ?c-family cytokines, Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Interleukin-4 (IL-4), Interleukin-7 (IL-7), Interleukin-9 (IL-9), Interleukin-15 (IL-15), and Interleukin-21 (IL-21), are associated with important human diseases, such as leukemia, autoimmune diseases, collagen diseases, diabetes mellitus, skin diseases, degenerative neuronal diseases and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Thus, inhibitors of ?c-cytokine activity are valuable therapeutic and cosmetic agents as well as research tools. The present embodiments relate to the design of peptide antagonists based on the consensus ?c-subunit binding site to inhibit ?c-cytokine activity. In several embodiments, peptide antagonists exhibit Simul-Block activity, inhibiting the activity of multiple ?c-cytokine family members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for pretargeting delivery of therapeutic agents. In preferred embodiments, the pretargeting method comprises: a) administering a bispecific antibody with a first binding site for a disease-associated antigen and a hapten on a targetable construct; b) administering a targetable construct comprising at least one therapeutic agent. In preferred embodiments, the bispecific antibody is made by the dock-and-lock (DNL) technique. In a more preferred embodiment, the targetable construct comprises one or more SN-38 moieties.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic Moraxella catarrhalis lipooligosaccharide (LOS)-based oligosaccharides and conjugates containing various M. catarrhalis serotype-specific oligosaccharide antigens or various core M. catarrhalis oligosaccharide structures or motifs corresponding to one or more of the three major serotypes and/or members within a given serotype. The oligosaccharides may be synthesized by a chemical assembly methodology relying on a limited number of monosaccharide and disaccharide building blocks. The invention further provides M. catarrhalis LOS-based immunogenic and immuno-protective compositions and antibodies derived therefrom for diagnosing, treating, and preventing infections caused by M. catarrhalis.

Abstract: Provided herein are zymogen activating molecules such as zymogen activating peptides, and methods of identifying and using these zymogen activating molecules such as zymogen activating peptides.

Abstract: A method for changing conformation of globular proteins is provided. The method controls the concentration of the globular proteins and the adsorption time of the globular proteins from the aqueous solution to the air/liquid interface, so that the main conformation of the globular proteins in a protein monolayer can be changed into ?-sheet or ?-helix. Meanwhile, the protein monolayer having the conformation of ?-sheet or ?-helix can be vertically deposited and transferred onto a substrate for various applications according to needs. The present invention can change three-dimensional structures of biological molecules and remain original functions thereof without additionally using any physical/chemical treatment to change the conformation of the globular proteins.

Abstract: A promoter for transformation of a plant, in particular an aboveground organ specific promoter, a recombinant plant expression vector including the promoter, a method of producing target protein using the recombinant plant expression vector, target protein produced by the method, a method of producing a transformed plant using the recombinant plant expression vector, a transformed plant produced by the same, and a seed of the plant.

Abstract: Provided are a base plate and a method for cortisol immunoassay, which enable immunoassay of cortisol with high sensitivity particularly in a clinically significant cortisol concentration range (that is, 1 ?g/dL to 30 ?g/dL). A base plate for cortisol immunoassay which has a cortisol albumin conjugate having a cortisol/albumin ratio of from 12 to 20 immobilized thereon is disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are human serum albumin (HSA) compositions with improved properties over native HSA.

Abstract: Binding proteins that specifically bind to ?-Klotho or portions thereof, FGFR1c or portions thereof, or both FGFR1c and ?-Klotho, and optionally other proteins as well are provided. Coding sequences, methods of treatment and pharmaceutical compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Functionalized magnetic particles are emerging as a reliable and convenient technique in the purification of biomacromolecules (proteins and nucleic acids). We disclose a novel coupling procedure that can be used to create stable ferromagnetic nickel particles coated with Protein A for the affinity purification of antibody. The protein purification procedure is gentle, scalable, automatable, efficient and economical. By modifying the functional groups of amino acids in the protein coating, nickel particles can be used not only for affinity purification but for other sample preparation and chromatographic applications as well including nucleic acid isolations. The method can be easily modified for small and medium scale antibody purification in lab and pre-clinical research.

Abstract: The application discloses albumin derivatives comprising or consisting of domain III and at least one further domain wherein the derivative or variant is not a naturally occurring albumin derivative or variant. The derivatives may be used in conjugates and fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: A recombinant BSA (rBSA) that (a) substantially lacks deoxyribonuclease activity as determined by incubating rBSA with linear DNA overnight and gel electrophoresis, (b) lacks animal viruses associated with animal-derived cell growth supplements; and (c) is capable of stabilizing DNA proteins is provided. Methods for making the rBSA and using it to stabilize enzymes are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel reagents and their use in color-producing detection systems for performing diagnostic tests and analytical assays.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polymerized products and compositions useful for the treatment and prevention of amyloid disease in a subject. The invention further relates to isolated antibodies that recognize a common conformational epitope of amyloidogenic proteins or peptides that are useful for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of amyloid disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multivalent polypeptides comprising at least two fibronectin scaffold domains connected via a polypeptide linker. The invention also relates to multivalent polypeptides for use in diagnostic, research and therapeutic applications. The invention further relates to cells comprising such proteins, polynucleotide encoding such proteins or fragments thereof, and to vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the innovative proteins.

Abstract: This invention relates to molecules, particularly polypeptides, more particularly fusion proteins that include a serpin polypeptide or an amino acid sequence that is derived from a serpin and second polypeptide comprising of at least one the following: an Fc polypeptide or an amino acid sequence that is derived from an Fc polypeptide; a cytokine targeting polypeptide or a sequence derived from a cytokine targeting polypeptide; a WAP domain containing polypeptide or a sequence derived from a WAP containing polypeptide; and an albumin polypeptide or an amino acid sequence that is derived from a serum albumin polypeptide. This invention also relates to methods of using such molecules in a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic indications, as well as methods of producing such molecules.

Abstract: This invention relates to fusion proteins that include a whey acidic protein (WAP) domain-containing polypeptide and a second polypeptide. Additionally, the invention relates to fusion proteins that include a WAP domain-containing polypeptide, a second polypeptide, and a third polypeptide. The second and/or third polypeptides of the fusion proteins of the invention are an Fc polypeptide; an albumin polypeptide; a cytokine targeting polypeptide; or a serpin polypeptide. This invention also relates to methods of using such molecules in a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic indications, as well as methods of producing such molecules.

Abstract: The ?c-family cytokines, Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Interleukin-4 (IL-4), Interleukin-7 (IL-7), Interleukin-9 (IL-9), Interleukin-15 (IL-15), and Interleukin-21 (IL-21), are associated with important human diseases, such as leukemia, autoimmune diseases, collagen diseases, diabetes mellitus, skin diseases, degenerative neuronal diseases and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Thus, inhibitors of ?c-cytokine activity are valuable therapeutic and cosmetic agents as well as research tools. The present embodiments relate to the design of peptide antagonists based on the consensus ?c-subunit binding site to inhibit ?c-cytokine activity. In several embodiments, peptide antagonists exhibit Simul-Block activity, inhibiting the activity of multiple ?c-cytokine family members.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to materials and methods of conjugating a water soluble polymer to a therapeutic protein.

Abstract: Indirectly labelled assay conjugates prepared by a method that includes the step of submitting the binding member comprised by the conjugate to denaturing conditions prior to labelling the binding member. The indirectly labelled assay conjugates demonstrate an increased sensitivity when employed in diagnostic assays compared to assay conjugates prepared by methods that do not include a step of submitting the binding member to denaturing conditions prior to labelling. Processes for the preparation of the indirectly labelled assay conjugates, methods of detecting an analyte comprising the use of the indirectly labelled assay conjugate and kits comprising the indirectly labelled conjugates are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to variants of a parent albumin having altered plasma half-life compared with the parent albumin. The invention also relates to fusion polypeptides and conjugates comprising said variant albumin.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection and quantification of carbamazepine drugs and their metabolites. The invention is underpinned by novel polyclonal antibodies with unique binding properties which enable immunoassay methods and kits for various applications.

Abstract: A method for obtaining at least one binding agent which binds a pharmaceutically active form of the compound with a higher specificity than a pharmaceutically inactive form of the compound is described by using special derivatives of said parent compound. The invention also pertains to the respectively created binding agents and derivatives. Furthermore, drug monitoring assays using said binding agents for monitoring pharmaceutically active forms of said parent compound are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for producing fusion proteins with reduced immunogenicity. Fusion proteins of the invention include a junction region having an amino acid change that reduces the ability of a junctional epitope to bind to MHC Class II, thereby reducing its interaction with a T-cell receptor. Methods of the invention involve analyzing, changing, or modifying one or more amino acids in the junction region of a fusion protein in order to identify a T-cell epitope and reduce its ability to interact with a T cell receptor. Compositions and methods of the invention are useful in therapy.

Abstract: The invention provides FGFR fusion proteins, methods of making them, and methods of using them to treat proliferative disorders, including cancers and disorders of angiogenesis. The FGFR fusion molecules can be made in CHO cells and may comprise deletion mutations in the extracellular domains of the FGFRs which improve their stability. These fusion proteins inhibit the growth and viability of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The combination of the relatively high affinity of these receptors for their ligand FGFs and the demonstrated ability of these decoy receptors to inhibit tumor growth is an indication of the clinical value of the compositions and methods provided herein.

Abstract: Dextrans produced by lactic acid bacteria Leuconostoc mesenteroides and consisting of linear ?1,6-glucan chains modified with short side-chains composed of consecutive ?1,6-linked glucose residues were linked to a carrier protein. Three dextrans, namely Dextran-5K, Dextran-3.5K and Dextran-1.5K, with molecular masses of 5,000 Da, 3,500 Da and 1,500 Da, respectively, were modified with a diamino group-containing linker, followed by the introduction of maleimido functionality and conjugation to thiolated tetanus toxoid (TT), yielding Dextran-5K-TT, Dextran-3.5K-TT and Dextran-1.5K-TT conjugates. Studies performed with post-immune sera of mice and rabbits immunized with dextran-based glycococonjugates demonstrated cross-reactivity with LPS from typeable and non-typeable H. pylori strains and selected mutants. The post-immune sera from rabbits that received the conjugates exhibited functional activity against ?1,6-glucan-positive strains of H.

Abstract: Novel conjugates and immunogens derived from clozapine and antibodies generated by these immunogens are useful in immunoassays for the quantification and monitoring of clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine in biological fluids.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to detecting neurotransmitters and other biologically active small molecules. For example, methods for detecting and measuring hapten levels in a biological sample using antibodies specific for conjugated haptens are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides bovine serum albumin (BSA)-diazirine, a method of forming BSA-diazirine, and a method of selectively fixing biomaterial using thereof. The bovine serum albumin-diazirine may function as a blocker which prevents the non-specific binding, as well as a linker, which links the solid support and the biomaterial by photoreaction (by UV irradiation). Therefore, by using the bovine serum albumin-diazirine, it is possible to selectively fix the biomaterial.