Abstract: A heterobifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) is provided having a hydrolytically degradable linkage, a first terminus comprising an acrylate group, and a second terminus comprising a target such as a protein or pharmaceutical agent or a reactive moiety capable of coupling to a target. Hydrogels can be prepared. The hydrogels can be used as a carrier for a protein or a pharmaceutical agent that can be readily released in a controlled fashion.

Abstract: The instant invention provides soluble fusion protein complexes and IL-15 variants that have therapeutic and diagnostic use, and methods for making the such proteins. The instant invention additionally provides methods of stimulating or suppressing immune responses in a mammal using the fusion protein complexes and IL-15 variants of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the rapid and sensitive detection of post-translationally modified proteins, and particularly of those with posttranslational glycosylations. The methods can be used to detect O-GlcNAc posttranslational modifications on proteins on which such modifications were undetectable using other techniques. In one embodiment, the method exploits the ability of an engine˜red mutant of ?-1,4-galactosyltransferase to selectively transfer an unnatural ketone functionality onto O-GlcNAc glycosylated proteins. Once transferred, the ketone moiety serves as a versatile handle for the attachment of biotin, thereby enabling detection of the modified protein. The approach permits the rapid visualization of proteins that are at the limits of detection using traditional methods. Further, the preferred embodiments can be used for detection of certain disease states, such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Abstract: [Problems] To provide a polypeptide having a novel structure and showing an activity of inhibiting angiogenesis or an activity of inhibiting osteoclastogenesis, and to provide a recombinant protein by constructing a method of purifying the above protein. To provide an ingredient useful in designing remedies for tendinitis, rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis deformans, malignant tumor, etc. [Means for Solving Problems] A novel soluble polypeptide protein.

Abstract: A scytovirin domain 1 (SD1) polypeptide, a nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide, and related fusion proteins, conjugates, isolated cells, vectors, and antibodies, as well as a method of inhibiting a viral infection using the same.

Abstract: The invention features a method of attaching a ligand that has a free carboxyl group to a solid support by adding an amino group to the ligand to form a ligand-amino derivative, converting the ligand amino derivative to a ligand sulfhydryl derivative, attaching the ligand sulfhydryl derivative to a protein to form a ligand-linker-protein conjugate, and applying the ligand-linker-protein conjugate to the solid support. The method is particularly useful for immobilizing small molecule ligands having a free carboxyl group, such as cloxicillin, to a lateral-flow test strip, in order to make a detection zone on the test strip that exhibits a clear signal and enhanced sensitivity.

Abstract: Provided are certain quinazoline compounds, compositions thereof and methods of use thereof. These quinazoline compounds can effectively inhibit the overexpression and/or overactivity of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

Abstract: The present invention provides innovative proteins that bind to insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR), as well as other important proteins. The invention also provides innovative proteins in pharmaceutical preparations and derivatives of such proteins and the uses of same in diagnostic, research and therapeutic applications. The invention further provides cells comprising such proteins, polynucleotide encoding such proteins or fragments thereof, and vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the innovative proteins.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for controlling assembly of modified viral core proteins, for example, into a viral capsid or a nanocage. In some embodiments, the disclosed modified viral core proteins comprise at least one mutation or modification that can substantially prevent assembly of the viral core proteins until assembly is desired. In some embodiments, assembly of the viral core proteins may be triggered, for example, by contacting the viral core proteins with a reducing agent and/or by reducing the concentration of a denaturant. The viral core proteins may self-assemble to form a viral capsid or nanocage.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided using fusion peptides comprising at least one multi-functional solubility tag having an effective number of cross-linkable cysteines residues. The multi-functional peptidic solubility tags facilitate efficient fusion peptide production, easier downstream processing of the fusion peptide, and provide functional surface properties when coupled to a target material while the cross-linkable cysteines provide enhanced durability when binding the fusion peptide to a target material.

Abstract: The present application relates to methods of producing exosomes. The application also provides a method for preparing a protein composition comprising culturing an exosome-producing cell expressing a Nef-fusion protein comprising a Nef-derived peptide fused to a protein of interest; isolating exosomes from the exosome-producing cell culture; and purifying the protein of interest from the isolated exosomes. The application further discloses compositions that comprise exosomes containing the Nef-fusion protein, as well as methods of using the Nef-fusion protein and exosomes containing the Nef-fusion protein.

Abstract: The invention in suitable embodiments is directed to an isolated protein comprising one or more amino acid sequences, each amino acid sequence capable of being functionalized and/or attached in whole and/or in part to one or more or a plurality of elements of one or more types including to cargo elements, forming a composition of elements suitable for use as an in vivo and/or in vitro medicament to treat one or more biological species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to highly conjugated proteins and methods for making such proteins. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for linking additional sites to a protein for conjugation with activated polyethylene glycol (PEG) linkers, without denaturing the protein. The invention also relates to highly conjugated proteins with decreased immunogenicity and increased circulating half-life.

Abstract: A method of altering the conformation of a polypeptide having a known three-dimensional structure is described. The method comprises attaching a first end of a polymer to a first portion of the polypeptide, attaching a second end of the polymer to a second portion of the polypeptide, and altering the mechanical tension of the polymer, thereby altering the conformation of the polypeptide. The alteration of the conformation of the polypeptide may increase or decrease the binding affinity of the polypeptide for a substrate bound by the polypeptide, or alter the catalytic rate of an enzyme. Typically, the polymer is a polynucleotide or polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaccine for increasing the immunogenicity of a tumor antigen thus allowing treatment of cancer, as well as a vaccine that increases the immunogenicity of a viral antigen, thus allowing treatment of viral infection, including immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In particular, the present invention provides a fusion protein comprising a viral chemokine fused to either a tumor antigen or viral antigen which is administered as either a protein or nucleic acid vaccine to elicit an immune response effective in treating cancer or effective in treating or preventing viral infection.

Abstract: Novel agents are described that bind to Eph receptors. Methods of using these agents to modulate the activity of Eph receptors, stimulate apoptosis, and deliver therapeutic agents are also described. Methods of screening for agents capable of selectively binding to Eph receptors are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) trimers (TR3) and nucleic acids encoding covalently linked TRAIL trimers. A TRAIL trimer can have greater stability compared to native TRAIL, and can retain the native killing ability of TRAIL. Target specificity of a TR3 can be shown by blocking its activity with soluble death receptor 5 (DR5-Fc). Also disclosed are modified TRAIL trimers and nucleic. acids encoding them. These modifications include additional functional domains, such as antibody fragments (scFvs). A TR3 comprising an additional functional domain can allow for cell-specific delivery of the TR3. The inventors disclose TR3-decorated RBCs that target cell killing in a model of pancreatic cancer.

Abstract: A recombinant fluorescent protein nanoparticle having high fluorescence intensity and a method of detecting a target material using the same are provided. The protein nanoparticle has higher fluorescence intensity than a fluorescent protein, and is resistant to denaturation of the fluorescent protein at room temperature, thereby having higher structural stability than the fluorescent protein itself. In addition, since a self-assembled protein is used as a fusion partner of the fluorescent protein, the protein nanoparticle is biocompatible and safe. Moreover, when a linker peptide is additionally inserted into the protein nanoparticle, a suitable distance between the self-assembled protein and the fluorescent protein is maintained, thereby considerably increasing fluorescence intensity of the protein nanoparticle. The probe-binding protein nanoparticle can control distances between the fluorescent proteins on the surface thereof, thereby maximizing fluorescence intensity.

Abstract: An objective of the invention is to provide an adsorbent allowing purification of a blood coagulation factor or a cell adhesion factor under mild conditions, according to simple procedures, and at a low cost and safely while having a high affinity and a high resistance to deterioration, and a method for purifying the blood coagulation factor or the cell adhesion factor; a solution is to apply a polypeptide having peptide fragments represented by formula (1) as the adsorbent for the blood coagulation factor or the cell adhesion factor, and to purify the blood coagulation factor or the cell adhesion factor using the adsorbent: -(Pro-Hyp-Gly)n- Wherein, in formula (1), n is an integer from 2 to 9,000.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds, compositions, and methods for detecting, diagnosing and treating cancers such as glioblastoma multiforme.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of covalently attaching proteins to a substrate, particularly to methods of immobilizing proteins by posttranslationally modifying a cysteine residue of said protein through the addition of functional groups. The invention also relates to biological molecules used in such techniques, including proteins, and detection methods and kits that utilize such immobilized proteins, such as a microdevice or “protein chip”, a high-throughput screening device, and for the microscopy of proteins on a surface.

Abstract: A process for making a gel comprising combining a silanol species comprising at least two silanol groups per molecule and a hydrophilic hydroxyl species comprising at least two hydroxyl groups per molecule. The gel is capable of being converted to a liquid by application of a mechanical shear force and the liquid is capable of being converted to the gel in the absence of the mechanical shear force.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition and method for sample preparation of proteins for their size separation by electrophoresis, suitable for molecular-weight determination of proteins in the range between about 14,000 and 500,000. In an embodiment, proteins, particularly those exhibiting biased migration, are modified to change their intrinsic charge, or carbohydrate component to improve accuracy of their molecular weights as determined by electrophoretic size separation via their interaction with ionic surfactants. In a preferred embodiment, the proteins are carbamylated with potassium cyanate and their carbohydrate components are oxidized with sodium periodate.

Abstract: The present invention concerns devices and methods for controlling actin filaments growth and organization with micro patterned nucleation sites, their uses for studying actin network formation, for screening of drugs or for preparing complex structures.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules, designated TANGO 228 nucleic acid molecules, which encode secreted proteins with homology to the rat MCA-32 protein, isolated nucleic acid molecules, designated TANGO 240 nucleic acid molecules, which encode secreted proteins with homology to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis hypothetical protein Rv0712, and isolated nucleic acid molecules, designated TANGO 243 nucleic acid molecules, which encode proteins with homology to human PLAP (phospholipase A2-activating protein). The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, expression vectors containing the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and non-human transgenic animals in which a nucleic acid molecule of the invention has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated polypeptides, fusion polypeptides, antigenic peptides and antibodies.

Abstract: Processes are provided for recovering and purifying refolded recombinant proteins produced in heterologous host cells, which includes the step of refolding the protein in a high pH buffer.

Abstract: Purified genes encoding a T cell surface antigen from a mammal, reagents related thereto including purified proteins, specific antibodies, and nucleic acids encoding this antigen are provided. Methods of using said reagents and diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to variants and peptides of the mitochondrial protein, voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) and to polynucleotides encoding same. In particular, the present invention is directed to N-terminal truncated and mutated VDAC and specific amino acid and polynucleotide sequences thereof useful in inhibiting apoptosis, and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising same useful in the treatment of diseases associated with excess apoptosis.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and in particular to GPCR agonists and antagonists, use of these compounds and their pharmaceutical compositions, e.g., in the treatment, modulation and/or prevention of physiological conditions associated with GPCRs, such as in treating conditions in which chemokine receptors play a role, e.g., sepsis, arthritis, inflammation and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for facilitating the enrichment of single-stranded DNA containing methylated CpG in a mixture containing methylated and unmethylated DNA. The compositions relate to methylation-binding protein domains that selectively bind to methylated single strand DNA. In embodiments of the invention, the methylated DNA is eluted in 0.4M-0.6M NaCl while the unmethylated single strand DNA is eluted in less than 0.4M salt. The ability to readily enrich for methylated DNA permits high throughput sequencing of the methylated DNA and identification of abnormal methylation patterns associated with disease.

Abstract: Expression system of peptides on the bacterial surface characterized in that membrane-binding region the conserved sequence of the MSP1a protein of Anaplasma marginale.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of detecting a TSSE Disease or prion disease. The invention further concerns a method for amplifying oligomerization of isoforms of the cellular prion PrPSc.

Abstract: Methods of treatment using Fzd8 extracellular domains (ECDs), Fzd8 ECD fusion molecules, and/or antibodies that bind Fzd8 are provided. Such methods include, but are not limited to, methods of treating obesity and obesity-related conditions. Fzd8 ECDs and Fzd8 ECD fusion molecules are also provided. Polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences, vectors, host cells, and compositions comprising or encoding such molecules are provided. Methods of making and using Fzd8 ECDs, Fzd8 ECD fusion molecules, and antibodies that bind Fzd8 are also provided.

Abstract: Thermostabilization of a protein where the protein contains access routes and wherein at least one amino acid in the bottleneck of the access route is mutated, includes identifying the amino acids of the bottleneck and the amino acids control exchange of the solvent between a buried protein core and surrounding environment and/or in the packing of the amino acids inside the access route. Modification of the amino acids are determined so that the packing of the amino acids inside the tunnel is improved and the access route prevents access of undesired solvent molecules to the protein core, while allowing passage of the compounds necessary at the protein core to enable the protein to perform its biological function.

Abstract: The application relates to a substrate for measuring the activity of a deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB), comprising a diubiquitin molecule, wherein an ubiquitin monomer is labeled with a fluorescent label, as well as an assay for DUB enzymes using such substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins of monoamine oxidase B (MAO B)-green fluorescent protein (GFP) and utilizes “shield effect” to detect the dopamine under physiological condition, providing the reagent and method for dopamine detection.

Abstract: This application relates to recombinant human interferon-like proteins. In one embodiment a recombinant protein created by gene shuffling technology is described having enhanced anti-viral and anti-proliferative activities in comparison to naturally occurring human interferon alpha 2b (HuIFN-?2b). The invention encompasses a polynucleotide encoding the protein and recombinant vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotide. Preferably the polynucleotide is selected from the group of polynucleotides each having a sequence at least 93% identical to SEQ ID: No. 1 and the protein is selected from the group of proteins each having an amino acid sequence at least 85% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2. The proteins and compositions comprising the proteins can be used for treatment of conditions responsive to interferon therapy, such as viral diseases and cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition of matter involving a recombinant fusion protein comprising a a pharmacologically active protein partner, and a small pharmacologically inactive protein domain partner of human origin, such as but not limited to, a 10th fibronectin III domain, a SH3 domain, a SH2 domain, a CH2 domain of IgG1, a PDZ domain, a thrombospondin repeat domain, an ubiquitin domain, a leucine-rich repeat domain, a villin headpiece HP35 domain, a villin headpiece HP76 domain, or a fragment or modification of any of these. Also disclosed are nucleic acids (e.g., DNA constructs) encoding the fusion protein, expression vectors and recombinant host cells for expression of the fusion protein, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the recombinant fusion protein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and method of producing a pharmacologically active recombinant fusion protein.

Abstract: The invention provides multivalent ligand binding agents (traps) for members of the TGF-? superfamily and polypeptide linkers and methods for making and using such constructs. The traps may be used as therapeutic or diagnostic (imaging or non-imaging) agents for diseases/disorders caused by over-production/activity of the target ligand. In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a multivalent binding agent with affinity for a member of the TGF-? superfamily, the agent having the general structure I: (<bd1>linker1)k-[{<bd1>-linker2-<bd2>linker3f-}n-(<bd3>)m-(linker4-<bd4>)d]h, where: n and h are independently greater than or equal to 1; d, f, m and k are independently equal to or greater than zero; bd's are polypeptide binding domains having an affinity for the same member of the TGF-? superfamily; and, linkers are unstructured polypeptide sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a carrier complex for administration of therapeutic agents. In one aspect, an isolated C. botulinum carrier complex is provided, where the carrier complex lacks a native neurotoxin subunit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biosensors. In some embodiments, the biosensors are modified ligand binding molecules. In some embodiments, the modified ligand binding molecule is a phosphate binding protein (PBP). In some embodiments, the modified ligand binding molecules are labeled to be capable of RET, e.g., comprising a donor and acceptor moiety. In some embodiments of the invention, there is a detectable change in RET (e.g., FRET) when the modified ligand binding molecule binds and/or releases the ligand (e.g., phosphate). The invention also provides related methods, reactions and assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator, compositions thereof, and methods therewith. The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using such modulators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel library for the generation of muteins and to novel muteins derived from human lipocalin 2 (Lcn2, hNGAL) and related proteins that bind a given target with detectable affinity. The invention also relates to corresponding nucleic acid molecules encoding such a mutein and to a method for their generation. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a mutein. For example, such muteins may serve to bind and deplete pathological forms of natural biomolecules such as the amyloid beta peptide in Alzheimer's disease or may target the fibronectin extra-domain B, which is associated with tumor neovasculature.

Abstract: A method for processing animal-derived tissue and cross-linking animal-derived tissue is disclosed. Each method includes exposing or contacting the animal-derived tissue with a supercritical fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing antibody mediated graft rejection and blood typing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biosynthetic random coil polypeptide or a biosynthetic random coil polypeptide segment or biosynthetic conjugate, wherein said biosynthetic random coil polypeptide, said biosynthetic random coil polypeptide segment or said biosynthetic conjugate comprises an amino acid sequence consisting solely of proline and alanine amino acid residues, wherein said amino acid sequence consists of at least about 50 proline (Pro) and alanine (Ala) amino acid residues. Said at least about 50 proline (Pro) and alanine (Ala) amino acid residues may be (a) constituent(s) of a heterologous polypeptide or an heterologous polypeptide construct. Also uses and methods of use of these biosynthetic random coil polypeptides or polypeptide segments or said conjugates are described.

Abstract: A method of selectively introducing a substituent into a protein proximal to a binding site on the protein for a homing peptide, comprising: (a) contacting the protein with a compound comprising a homing peptide having the ability to bind to the binding site of the protein; and (b) allowing a moiety on the protein proximal to the binding site to react with the compound comprising the homing peptide, thereby to transfer the substituent G onto the protein.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for making a composition comprising a polymer and one or more chelators covalently coupled to polymer, wherein the one or more chelators has a benzene ring with more than one hydroxyl group at any position that is free, or a derivative of the chelator, or a salt of the chelator and methods of use.

Abstract: Molecules and compositions including same for the isolation of MCP-1 and treatment of CCR2/MCP-1 associated diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to G protein coupled receptors and in particular to agonists and antagonists of G protein receptors and methods of using the same.