Abstract: Novel energy transfer dyes which can be used with shorter wavelength light sources are provided. These dyes include a donor dye with an absorption maxima at a wavelength between about 250 to 450 nm and an acceptor dye which is capable of absorbing energy emitted from the donor dye. One of the energy transfer dyes has a donor dye which is a member of a class of dyes having a coumarin or pyrene ring structure and an acceptor dye which is capable of absorbing energy emitted from the donor dye, wherein the donor dye has an absorption maxima between about 250 and 450 nm and the acceptor dye has an emission maxima at a wavelength greater than about 500 nm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a compound comprising a moiety of formula (I) as a reagent for protecting a thiol group in a thiol compound wherein X, X? and Y are as defined herein. The protecting group methodology of the present invention allows straightforward and selective protection of thiol groups. Cleaving of the thiol group to regenerate the thiol functional group is also facile and controllable. The present invention further provides an analogous protecting group methodology directed to protection of disulfide groups.

Abstract: Fluorophores derived from photoactivatable azide-pi-acceptor fluorogens or from a thermal reaction of an azide-pi-acceptor fluorogen with an alkene or alkyne are disclosed. Fluorophores derived from a thermal reaction of an alkyne-pi-acceptor fluorogen with an azide are also disclosed. The fluorophores can readily be activated by light and can be used to label a biomolecule and imaged on a single-molecule level in living cells.

Abstract: Probes comprising one or more selectively cleavable ?-azidoether moieties are provided; and linkers comprising the one or more selectively cleavable ?-azidoether moieties. The ?-azidoether moiety will undergo a Staudinger reaction with a suitable reducing agent, resulting in cleavage. The probes find use in a variety of detection assays, e.g. specific polynucleotide binding assays, polypeptide binding assays, etc. The cleavable linkers are suitable for synthetic reactions, e.g. to prepare probes of the invention; in the synthesis of cleavable peptide conjugates; and the like.

Abstract: Substituted tricyclic diproline analogues of the formula (I): wherein the variables are as defined herein. Also disclosed are methods for the production thereof, the use thereof for the induction of an alpha-helix conformation in peptides and/or proteins, pharmaceuticals containing said compounds, methods for the production of a peptide library containing said compounds, and peptide libraries containing said compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides conjugates comprising an immune co-stimulatory polypeptide and an antigen or infectious agent. The conjugates are useful for generating or enhancing an immune response against the antigen or infectious agent. The invention also provides immune cells modified with a conjugate that are useful for generating or enhancing an immune response to an antigen or infectious agent. The invention also provides immunostimulatory moieties comprising an immune co-stimulatory polypeptide that are useful for stimulating an immune response. The invention also provides immunotherapy methods and methods of treating or preventing infections.

Abstract: Methods for making in vitro assembled ribosomal subunits and in vitro assembled ribosomes are provided. Methods of transcribing synthetic rRNA and including the synthetic RNA in a synthetic ribosome are provided. Single vessel methods of transcribing synthetic rRNA, forming a synthetic ribosome that includes the synthetic RNA, and allowing the synthetic ribosome to translate a protein are also provided. Methods of screening for novel, synthetic ribosomal subunits and/or ribosomes are provided. Synthetic replicons and methods of making synthetic replicons are also provided.

Abstract: 1,3-Dipole-functional compounds (e.g., azide functional compounds) can be reacted with certain alkynes in a cyclization reaction to form heterocyclic compounds. Useful alkynes (e.g., strained, cyclic alkynes) and methods of making such alkynes are also disclosed. The reaction of 1,3-dipole-functional compounds with alkynes can be used for a wide variety of applications including the immobilization of biomolecules on a substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions, and related compounds and methods, of conjugates of synthetic nanocarriers, or components thereof, and biologically active agents, such as immunomodulatory agents, antigens, anticancer agents or antiviral agents. The biologically active agents are released from the synthetic nanocarriers in the presence of a reducing agent or by reaction with a thiol.

Abstract: An isolated peptide of 12-20 amino acids in length comprising the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:1, wherein the serine residue (S) at position 8 of SEQ ID NO:1 is phosphorylated, is provided. Also provided is a human monophosphorylated alpha-enolase isoform wherein the serine residue (S) at position 419 of the human alpha-enolase amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:2) is phosphorylated and in which other post-translational modifications may be present. Further provided are antibodies capable of specifically binding the peptide and/or the isoform of the invention. The peptide, the isoform and the antibodies of the invention may be used in the diagnosis and/or amelioration and/or treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Abstract: The invention provides TLR agonists and conjugates thereof useful in vaccines and to prevent, inhibit or treat a variety of disorders including pathogen infection and asthma.

Abstract: This invention relates to nucleic acid aptamers that recognize and bind the complement protein C3 or its biologically active proteolytic products and methods of their use. Particularly preferred are bi-functional aptamer construct that binding specifically with C3b or iC3b, and another target protein. Use of these molecular constructs for commandeering the opsonization process is also described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I) that are useful for binding and/or modulating the biological activity of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R). Compounds of this invention can be used to treat diseases and/or conditions in which modulation of MC1R is beneficial. Such diseases and/or conditions include, but are not limited to, hyperpigmentation (including melasma), hypopigmentation (including vitiligo), melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, erythropoietic protoporphyria, polymorphous light eruption, solar urticaria, photosensitivity, sunburn, inflammatory diseases, aberrant fibroblast activity and pain.

Abstract: The present application discloses compositions and methods of synthesis and use of 18F or 19F-labeled molecules of use in PET, SPECT and/or MR imaging. Preferably, the 18F or 19F is conjugated to a targeting molecule by formation of a complex with a group IIIA metal and binding of the complex to a bifunctional chelating agent, which may be directly or indirectly attached to the targeting molecule. In other embodiments, the 18F or 19F labeled moiety may comprise a targetable construct used in combination with a bispecific antibody to target a disease-associated antigen. The disclosed methods and compositions allow the simple and reproducible labeling of molecules at very high efficiency and specific activity in 30 minutes or less. In preferred embodiments, the labeled molecule may be used for imaging in a subject without purification after labeling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of modifying serine protease inhibitors in order to acquire or enhance any one of a variety of desired properties, including extent of inhibition, maintenance of inhibition following cleavage of the serine protease inhibitor by the target serine protease, speed of binding to the serine protease, neutralisation, and binding affinity. The present invention also relates to the products of such modifications and the uses of such products, in particular, their use in therapy.

Abstract: Anti-K63-linked polyubiquitin monoclonal antibodies, and methods for using the antibodies, are provided.

Abstract: Binding of inorganic phosphate to a phosphate binding protein can result in changes to the stacking of appropriately positioned chromophores, thereby resulting in a detectable change. The invention provides a phosphate-binding protein that undergoes a conformational change from an initial conformation to a final conformation upon binding of phosphate, wherein the protein carries a first label and a second label, and wherein the first and second labels are arranged such that they exhibit molecular stacking that is perturbed on changing from one conformation to the other. Preferred labels are rhodamines.

Abstract: Aggregation is a major cause of the misbehavior of proteins. A system for modifying a protein to create a more stable variant is provided. The method involves identifying non-conserved hydrophobic amino acid residues on the surface of a protein, suitable for mutating to more hydrophilic residues (e.g., charged amino acids). Any number of residues on the surface may be changed to create a variant that is more soluble, resistant to aggregation, has a greater ability to re-fold, and/or is more stable under a variety of conditions. The invention also provides GFP, streptavidin, and GST variants with an increased theoretical net charge created by the inventive technology. Kits are also provided for carrying out such modifications on any protein of interest.

Abstract: A method of generating a particle is disclosed, the particle being for delivery of a polynucleotide to a target cell. The method comprises (a) contacting the polynucleotide with a composition comprising cationic molecules, wherein the cationic molecules condense the polynucleotide by electrostatic interactions to generate a complex, wherein the cationic molecules are not comprised in a liposome; and (b) covalently binding the complex to a targeting moiety at a pH equal to or below about 4.5, thereby generating the particle for delivery of the polynucleotide agent to the target cell. Use of the particles and compositions comprising same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel osmium-based electrochemical species for the detection of wide variety of analytes using immunological techniques. The present invention also provides diagnostic kits and test sensors supporting electrode structures that can be used with the osmium-based electrochemical species. The test sensor can be fabricated to support interdigitated arrays of electrodes that have been designed to provide amplification of the electrical signal amplification desired to analyze analytes that may be present at low concentrations.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of matter having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:4, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, including embodiments comprising a toxin peptide analog related to ShK, HmK, and AETX-K and pharmaceutical compositions or medicaments containing them along with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Some embodiments include a half-life extending moiety. Also disclosed are a method of preventing or mitigating a relapse of a symptom of multiple sclerosis and a method of treating an autoimmune disorder using the compositions.

Abstract: The invention, in some aspects relates to compositions and methods for altering cell activity and function and the use of light-activated ion pumps (LAIPs).

Abstract: Methods for detection of the activity of proteolytic enzymes, particularly isopeptidases, are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing a multispecific peptide ligand comprising a polypeptide covalently linked to a molecular scaffold at three or more amino acid residues and capable of binding to two or more separate targets, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first repertoire of polypeptides, each polypeptide comprising two or more reactive groups capable of covalent linkage to a molecular scaffold, and at least one loop which comprises a sequence of two or more amino acids subtended between two of said reactive groups; (b) providing a second repertoire of polypeptides as described in (a); (c) joining at least one loop of one or more members of the first repertoire to at least one loop of one or more members of the second repertoire to form at least one polypeptide comprising two loops, and (d) conjugating the composite polypeptide(s) to a molecular scaffold at at least three amino acid positions.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel cyanine compound, represented by the following Formula 1, for labeling biomolecules, and a method for preparing the same. wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, B, m and n are defined as above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for polypeptide transfer into cells. The present invention further relates to the detection of polypeptide-specific immune cells and the priming, expansion and reactivation of polypeptide-specific T cells. Moreover the present invention relates to polypeptides of the methods of the present invention in combination with urea and their use for research, diagnosis or treatment and prevention of diseases in animals and humans.

Abstract: Methods for creating therapeutic candidate compounds or of identifying therapeutic candidate compounds for use in treating TNF?-mediated diseases or conditions are described that utilize parameters, including amino acid residues, obtained by analysis of a Yatapoxvirus 2L-TNF? crystal structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds of Formula I: or salt thereof, which are modulators of the glucocorticoid receptor. The compounds and salts of the invention are useful in the treatment of conditions mediated by glucocorticoid receptor activity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds of Formula I: or salt thereof, which are modulators of the glucocorticoid receptor. The compounds and salts of the invention are useful in the treatment of conditions mediated by glucocorticoid receptor activity.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the generation of polypeptides having varied material properties are disclosed herein. Methods include means for initiating the polymerization of aminoacid-N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) monomer by combining the monomer with an amido-containing metallacycle, for making self assembling amphiphilic block copolypeptides and related protocols for adding oligo(ethyleneglycol) functionalized aminoacid-N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) to polyaminoacid chains. Additional methods include means of adding an end group to the carboxy terminus of a polyaminoacid chain by reacting an alloc-protected amino acid amide with a transition metal-donor ligand complex to forming an amido-amidate metallacycle for use in further polymerization reactions. Novel compositions for use in peptide synthesis and design including five and six membered amido-containing metallacycles and block copolypeptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for preparing monomeric cytotoxic drug/carrier conjugates with a drug loading significantly higher than in previously reported procedures and with decreased aggregation and low conjugate fraction (LCF) are described. Cytotoxic drug derivative/antibody conjugates, compositions comprising the conjugates and uses of the conjugates are also described. Monomeric calicheamicin derivative/anti-CD22 antibody conjugates, compositions comprising the conjugates and uses of the conjugates are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in part, NPC1L1 from various species. Methods of using the NPC1L1 polypeptides and polynucleotide set forth herein, e.g., in screening assays, are also set forth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a polypeptide comprising an orthogonal functional group, said orthogonal functional group being comprised by an aliphatic amino acid or amino acid derivative, said method comprising providing a host cell; providing a nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide of interest; providing a tRNA-tRNA synthetase pair orthogonal to said host cell; adding an amino acid or amino acid derivative comprising the orthogonal functional group of interest, wherein said amino acid or amino acid derivative is a substrate for said orthogonal tRNA synthetase, wherein said amino acid or amino acid derivative has an aliphatic carbon backbone; and incubating to allow incorporation of said amino acid or amino acid derivative into the polypeptide of interest via the orthogonal tRNA-tRNA synthetase pair. The invention also relates to certain amino acids, and to polypeptides comprising same.

Abstract: A Ianthanide complex, method of forming and method of using the lanthanide complex as a near-infrared luminescent material are described. The complex includes at least one lanthanide ion and at least one polydentate ligand derived from a molecule having the general formula of Structure: Structure 2, where: E represents a heteroatom or heteroatom-containing group and R1R8 are independently selected from H, —OH, —NH2, —SO3H, —CO2H, halides, optionally substituted organic groups; and conjugated linking groups which link two of the polydentate ligands of Structure 2 together.

Abstract: The invention provides reagents and methods for conjugating a polymer specifically to the ?-amine of a polypeptide. The invention provides monofunctional, bifunctional, and multifunctional PEGs and related polymers having a terminal thioester moiety capable of specifically conjugating to the ?-amine of a polypeptide having a cysteine or histidine residue at the N-terminus. The invention provides reactive thioester-terminated PEG polymers that have suitable reactivity with an N-terminal cysteine or histidine residue of a polypeptide to produce an amide bond between the PEG molecule and the polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention provides method of covalently coupling two or more moieties, the method comprising: (a) providing a first moiety having covalently attached thereto (i) at least one first linker comprising a first hybridizable region and (ii) at least one first group capable of forming a covalent bond; (b) providing a second moiety having covalently attached thereto (i) at least one second linker comprising a second hybridizable region capable of hybridizing to the first hybridizable region and (ii) at least a second group capable of forming a covalent bond with the first group; (c) contacting the first and second moieties under conditions that allow the first and second hybridizable regions to hybridize and link the moieties; and (d) exposing the linked moieties to conditions that allow the formation of a covalent bond between the first and second groups.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition comprising a siderophore covalently linked to a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier molecule wherein the antigenicity of the siderophore moiety is sufficient to stimulate an immuno-logic response to the siderophore when the composition is circulating in the bloodstream of a human or non-human animal and vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a target-activated cell/tissue-penetrating peptide for delivery of impermeable compounds (Target Activated Cell/tissue Translocation peptide for Impermeable Compound Strategy (TACTICS)), and the use thereof, and more particularly to a target-activated cell/tissue-penetrating peptide, which comprises (a) a protein transduction domain (PTD), (b) a masking domain and (c) a spacer having a cleavage site specific for a target cell/tissue enzyme and is provided with target selectivity so as to penetrate specifically into a target tissue, and to a conjugate of the peptide with a drug or drug-containing particles for imaging or therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Implantable biocompatible polymeric medical devices include a substrate with an acid or base-modified surface which is subsequently modified to include click reactive members.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are peptides which exhibit hepcidin activity and methods of making and using thereof.

Abstract: A composition and method is described for intracellular delivery of fullerene containing peptides. The composition and method involve fullerene-substituted phenylalanine as part of a peptide based delivery system. The presence of a fullerene-substituted amino acid in a peptide is found to alter the intracellular transport properties of the peptide.

Abstract: There has been a need for coelenterazine analogs that exhibit luminescence properties different from those of known coelenterazine analogs. The present invention provides the compound represented by general formula (1).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various embodiments associated with artificial cells, particularly artificial antigen presenting cells, methods of making the same, methods of administering the same, computer systems relating thereto, computer-implemented methods relating thereto, and associated computer program products.

Abstract: We have discovered that the activated phosphorylated form of focal adhesion kinase (hereafter “FAKp”) strengthens the microvascular endothelial cell (EC) junctions that form a barrier in pulmonary endothelia, and the increased barrier helps to prevent acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Thus certain embodiments of the invention are directed to prevention and treatment of ALI and ARDS by administering a therapeutically effective amount of FAKp to subjects at risk of developing or diagnosed as having either ALI or ARDS.

Abstract: T cell receptors (TCRs) having the property of binding to a murine insulin-derived peptide, LYLVCGERG (SEQ ID NO:62), presented by the murine H-2Kd complex (LYLVCGERG-H-2Kd). The TCRs comprise at least one TCR ? chain variable domain and/or at least one TCR ? chain variable domain and have a KD for the LYLVCGERG-H-2Kd complex of less than or equal to 1 ?M and/or have an off-rate (koff) for the LYLVCGERG-H-2Kd complex of 0.5 S?1 or slower, and use of such TCRs as research tools.

Abstract: Chemically reactive carbocyanine dyes that are intramolecularly crosslinked between the 1-position and 3?-position, their bioconjugates and their uses are described. 1,3?-crosslinked carbocyanines are superior to those of conjugates of spectrally similar 1,1?-crosslinked or non-crosslinked dyes. The invention includes derivative compounds having one or more benzo nitrogens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reagents and methods for [18F]-fluorination of biomolecules, particularly of peptides. The resultant 18F-labelled compounds are useful as radiopharmaceuticals, specifically for use in Positron Emission Tomography (PET).

Abstract: Relative quantification of metabolites by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS) requiring a mechanism for simultaneous analysis of multiple analytes in two or more samples. Labeling reagents that are reactive to particular compound classes and differ only in their isotopic compositions facilitate relative quantification. Heavy and light isotopic forms of methylacetimidate were synthesized and used as labeling reagents for quantification of amine-containing molecules. Heavy and light isotopic forms of formaldehyde and cholamine were also synthesized and used independently as labeling reagents for quantification of amine-containing and carboxylic acid-containing molecules, such as found in biological samples. The labeled end-products are positively charged under normal acidic conditions involving conventional Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) applications.

Abstract: There are provided a Kringle domain structure, comprising: inducing artificial mutations at amino acid residues except for conserved amino acid residues that are important to maintain the structural scaffold of a Kringle domain; and protein scaffold variants, based on the Kringle domain structure, which modulate the biological activities of a variety of target molecules derived from the protein scaffold library by specifically binding to the target molecules. Also, there is provided a method for constructing homo-/hetero-oligomers which allow multi-specificity binding to multiple targets by the tandem assembly monomeric Kringle domain variants using a linker. Additionally, there is provided a method for preparing multispecific monomers and multivalent monomers by grafting target-binding loops of a Kringle domain variant into non-binding loops of another Kringle domain variant with the same or different target binding specificity.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of modifying a phosphomonoester moiety of a target compound. The method can include the steps of (a) providing a target compound having an electrophilic moiety and a phosphomonoester moiety; (b) contacting the target compound with a first carbodiimide compound under conditions for preferential addition of the first carbodiimide compound to the electrophilic moiety over the phosphomonoester moiety, thereby forming an electrophile-protected target compound; and (c) contacting the electrophile-protected target compound with a second carbodiimide compound and a nucleophilic compound under conditions for addition of the nucleophilic compound to the phosphomonoester.