Abstract: In one aspect, a homogenous assay method for determination of blood levels of legumain molecules (an asparaginyl endopeptidase) is disclosed. In one aspect, the assay utilizes specific sizes of nanoparticles that are coated with antibody or antibodies specifically towards legumain molecule or its fragment(s). In one aspect, the assay is designed in a homogenous manner with a dynamic range from 0.2 to 160 ng/mL. In another aspect, disclosed herein is a kit for assaying blood levels of legumain comprising two parts of reagents (R1 and R2), which kit is adaptable to be used on clinical chemistry analyzers. In one aspect, the cut-off values for differentiating normal from high risk of cancers such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer and stomach cancer are 18±3 ng/mL.

Abstract: The method of the invention allows confirmation of infections caused by Streptococcus agalactiae bacterial species. The method employs a specific reaction of immunoreactive proteins obtained from clinical isolates of Streptococcus agalactiae with antibodies present in the serum of patients.

Abstract: Methods for reducing recruitment, migration, or both recruitment and migration of polymorphonuclear cells to a site of inflammation in an organ of a human patient comprise administering locally to the organ or systemically to the patient in need thereof an isolated oligonucleotide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 8 (IDX9059); SEQ ID NO: 14 (IDX9052); SEQ ID NO: 7 (IDX9054); SEQ ID NO: 6 (IDX9045); SEQ ID NO: 1 (IDX9005); SEQ ID NO: 9 (IDX9074); SEQ ID NO: 3 (IDX9022); SEQ ID NO: 2 (IDX9010); SEQ ID NO: 4 (IDX9030); and SEQ ID NO: 13 (IDX0150).

Abstract: The present invention relates to RNAi constructs with minimal double-stranded regions, and their use in gene silencing. RNAi constructs associated with the invention include a double stranded region of 8-14 nucleotides and a variety of chemical modifications, and are highly effective in gene silencing. The RNAi constructs may be, for instance, miRNA constructs that are miRNA modulators.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for extraction of fungal (e.g., yeast spp., filamentous fungal spp.) nucleic acid (e.g., DNA, RNA) from a sample (e.g., be human or veterinary clinical or research samples, agricultural samples, agricultural commodity samples, food products, or environmental samples). In some embodiments, the present invention provides enhanced nucleic acid extraction from samples comprising fungal cell(s) wherein enzymatic (e.g., lysostaphin treatment, lyticase treatment) sample treatment is performed in combination with mechanical (e.g., bead beating) sample treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel methods for regulating and detecting the cytosine methylation status of DNA. The invention is based upon identification of a novel and surprising catalytic activity for the family of TET proteins, namely TET1, TET2, TET3, and CXXC4. The novel activity is related to the enzymes being capable of converting the cytosine nucleotide 5-methylcytosine into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine by hydroxylation.

Abstract: The present invention provides oligomeric compounds. Certain such oligomeric compounds are useful for hybridizing to a complementary nucleic acid, including but not limited, to nucleic acids in a cell. In certain embodiments, hybridization results in modulation of the amount activity or expression of the target nucleic acid in a cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for increasing resistance or tolerance to a nematode plant pest in a plant or part thereof. Nucleotide sequences that confer resistance or tolerance to nematode plant pests when expressed in a plant are provided as well as compositions comprising the polypeptides encoded by the nucleotide sequences, and transgenic plants and parts thereof comprising the nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a DNA-targeting RNA that comprises a targeting sequence and, together with a modifying polypeptide, provides for site-specific modification of a target DNA and/or a polypeptide associated with the target DNA. The present disclosure further provides site-specific modifying polypeptides. The present disclosure further provides methods of site-specific modification of a target DNA and/or a polypeptide associated with the target DNA The present disclosure provides methods of modulating transcription of a target nucleic acid in a target cell, generally involving contacting the target nucleic acid with an enzymatically inactive Cas9 polypeptide and a DNA-targeting RNA. Kits and compositions for carrying out the methods are also provided. The present disclosure provides genetically modified cells that produce Cas9; and Cas9 transgenic non-human multicellular organisms.

Abstract: Aptamers having improved stability against nucleases that bind PDGF and aptamers that bind VEGF are provided. In addition, aptamer constructs comprising a PDGF aptamer and a VEGF aptamer are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aptamers and aptamer constructs are provided, as well as methods of treating conditions using the aptamers and aptamer constructs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a complex for detecting a target material comprising upconverting nanoparticles; and at least one target material specific aptamer-quencher, connected through a linker with the upconverting nanoparticles, a method of preparing the same, a kit for detecting a target material comprising the same, and a method of detecting a target material using the same. According to the present disclosure, different target materials in samples can be quantified or detected accurately based on luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) of the upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) excited by a near infrared (NIR) light source.

Abstract: The invention relates to identification and characterization of recombinant DNA and polypeptides for specific Bt toxin receptors. In particular, the Bt toxin receptors of the invention include those derived from the Lepidopteran super family including the species Trichoplusiani ni, Pseudoplusia includens, Helicoverpa zea, and Spodoptera frugiperda. The receptors of the invention further include those derived from the Coleopteran super family and particularly from the species Diabrotica virgifera virgifera. The recombinant DNA and polypeptides so provided are useful in the identification and design of novel Bt toxin receptor ligands including novel or improved insecticidal toxins for use in a variety of agricultural applications. Materials and methods for identifying novel toxins are also disclosed herein. The invention also provides methods for selecting toxins to combine to control insect populations by manipulating Bt toxin receptor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, compositions and software for enriching low abundance alleles in a sample. It is directed in particular to the use of an excess amount of reference blocking sequence in an amplification reaction mixture in order to improve the enrichment efficiency, and reduce cycle time, of full COLD-PCR.

Abstract: Methods, kits and devices for separating phospholipids and proteins from small molecules in biochemical samples can feature an apparatus having a wetting barrier, at least one fit and a separation media. For example, an apparatus can include at least one wall defining a chamber having an exit and an entrance; a wetting barrier disposed between the exit and entrance, so as to define a separation media space located between the wetting barrier and the exit and a sample receiving area located between the wetting barrier and the entrance; and a separation media disposed adjacent to the wetting barrier and having a specific affinity for phospholipids.

Abstract: Provided are formulations, compositions and methods for delivering biological moieties such as modified nucleic acids into cells to modulate protein expression. Such compositions and methods include the delivery of biological moieties, and are useful for production of proteins.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a diagnostic kit for a yeast or fungal species comprising at least one oligonucleotide probe capable of binding to at least a portion of the eIF2y gene or its corresponding mRNA.

Abstract: The present invention provides Salmonella non-coding RNA and the identification and application thereof. In particular, the present invention proves through experiments that a Salmonella bacterium delivers non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) encoded by the bacterium itself into a host cell, generates milRNAs similar to microRNAs by means of a microRNA splicing system in the cell, regulates the immune system with the milRNAs, and further protects the Salmonella bacterium from being cleared by the host. Adsorbing milRNAs using milRNA inhibitors can effectively inhibit the survival ability of the bacterium in the cell, leading to a reduced vitality of the bacterium. The present invention further provides relevant reagents and methods for effective detection of, treatment to and study on Salmonella bacteria or Salmonella infectious diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thiol compound suitable for forming a chain of oligomers that can be grafted to an oligonucleotide. The invention also relates to an oligonucleotide grafted by such a compound, thus having one or more thiol functions, suitable for being immobilized on a gold surface or on a grafted surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses c-MYC-siRNA formulation as a potential therapeutic target for cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer. It is disclosed targeting c-MYC with small interfering RNA (siRNA) in the cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cell line inducing a significant cell growth arrest and inhibition of cell proliferation. Apoptosis and arrest of cell cycle progression were also observed after c-MYC-siRNA-based silencing of c-MYC. Furthermore, delivering nanoliposomal c-MYC-siRNA, decreased tumor weight and number of tumor nodules compared with a liposomal-negative control siRNA.

Abstract: Diabody molecules and uses thereof in the treatment of a variety of diseases and disorders, including immunological disorders, infectious disease, intoxication and cancers are disclosed. The diabody molecules comprise two polypeptide chains that associate to form at least two epitope binding sites, which may recognize the same or different epitopes on the same or differing antigens. Additionally, the antigens may be from the same or different molecules. The individual polypeptide chains of the diabody molecule may be covalently bound through non-peptide bond covalent bonds, such as disulfide bonding of cysteine residues located within each polypeptide chain. The diabody molecules may further comprise an Fc region, which allows antibody-like functionality to be engineered into the molecule.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments concern a probe comprising one or more pairs of monomers capable of targeting a nucleic acid target. The pair of monomers may be arranged in a manner that promotes thermoinstability of the probe complex, thus producing a probe capable of locating and/or detecting a target. The probe also may comprise one or more natural or non-natural nucleotides capable of Watson-Crick base pairing with an isosequential nucleic acid target. Particular disclosed embodiments concern a method of using the disclosed probe to target nucleic acids. In particular disclosed embodiments, the probe may be incubated with a target nucleic acid and then be detected.

Abstract: The present invention provides oligonucleotides that inhibit the binding of miR-27a to VE-cadherin mRNA, particularly in the form of blockmirs. The invention also provides compositions comprising such oligonucleotides and methods of use of such oligonucleotides to modulate the activity of VE-cadherin, inhibit or reduce vascular permeability, treat or prevent a vascular permeability-associated disease or condition, inhibit tumor growth, treat ischaemic injury, enhance recovery from ischaemic injury, treat surgical wounds and/or promotes post-operative recovery, and promote or induce angiogenesis.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) compositions targeting the Serpina1 gene, and methods of using such dsRNA compositions to inhibit expression of Serpina1.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition and a method for prediction of a response to Trastuzumab therapy in a breast cancer patient, and more specifically, a composition, a kit, a DNA chip, and a method for predicting a response to Trastuzumab therapy by using polynucleotides each comprising a nucleotide sequence represented by any of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 9, 11 to 19, and 21 to 23 in the Sequence Listing or a nucleotide sequence derived therefrom by substitution of u with t, mutants thereof, derivatives thereof, or fragments thereof comprising at least 16 continuous nucleotides, or a polynucleotide comprising a complementary sequence thereof, and using an increase or decrease in Her2 protein expression level as an indicator.

Abstract: Provided herein are human Toll-like receptor (TLR)-inhibitors and methods for use in individuals having an autoimmune disease or an inflammatory disorder. The TLR inhibitors of the present disclosure are polynucleotides comprising an inhibitory motif for one or more of TLR7, TLR8 and TLR9.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods relating to variant filamentous fungi having altered growth characteristics. Such variants are well-suited for growth in submerged cultures, e.g., for the large-scale production of enzymes and other proteins for commercial applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting lung cancer using a lung cancer-specific biomarker, and more particularly to a biomarker for lung cancer diagnosis, which can detect methylation of PCDHGA12 gene whose 5?UTR or exon 1 region is specifically methylated in lung cancer cells, and to a method of detecting lung cancer and the stage of its progression using the biomarker. The diagnostic kit according to the present invention makes it possible to diagnose lung cancer at an early stage in an accurate and rapid manner compared to conventional methods and can be used for prognosis and monitoring of lung cancer and the stage of its progression.

Abstract: Provided is a drug that allows highly-efficient skipping of exon. The present invention provides an antisense oligomer wherein two or more unit oligomers targeting sequences that are neither consecutive nor overlap with each other in the same exon are connected.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for targeted integration of sequences of interest such as lineage-specific or cell fate reporter constructs or protein encoding sequences into stem cells.

Abstract: Compositions comprising first and second oligomers are provided wherein at least a portion of the first oligomer is capable of hybridizing with at least a portion of the second oligomer, at least a portion of the first oligomer is complementary to and capable of hybridizing to a selected target nucleic acid, and at least one of the first or second oligomers includes a modified sugar and/or backbone modification. In some embodiments the modification is a 2?-OCH3 substituent group on a sugar moiety. Oligomer/protein compositions are also provided comprising an oligomer complementary to and capable of hybridizing to a selected target nucleic acid and at least one protein comprising at least a portion of an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), wherein at least one nucleotide of the oligomer has a modified sugar and/or backbone modification.

Abstract: Methods of treating individuals with a glucose metabolism disorder and/or a body weight disorder, and compositions associated therewith, are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and kits for detecting a modified cytosine.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acid structures of controlled size and shape, comprised of a plurality of oligonucleotides, and methods for their synthesis. The structures are formed, at least in part, by the self-assembly of single stranded oligonucleotides. The location of each oligonucleotide in the resultant structure is known. Accordingly, the structures may be modified with specificity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for decreasing A1AT mRNA and protein expression and treating, ameliorating, preventing, slowing progression, or stopping progression of fibrosis. Disclosed herein are methods for decreasing A1AT mRNA and protein expression and treating, ameliorating, preventing, slowing progression, or stopping progression of liver disease, such as, A1ATD associated liver disease, and pulmonary disease, such as, A1ATD associated pulmonary disease in an individual in need thereof. Methods for inhibiting A1AT mRNA and protein expression can also be used as a prophylactic treatment to prevent individuals at risk for developing a liver disease, such as, A1ATD associated liver disease and pulmonary disease, such as, A1ATD associated pulmonary disease.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for the inhibition of miR-21 activity. The compositions have certain nucleoside modification patterns that yield potent inhibitors of miR-21 activity. The compositions may be used to inhibit miR-21, and also to treat diseases associated with abnormal expression of miR-21, such as fibrosis and cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a non-human, mammalian oocyte carrying a modified target sequence in its genome, the method comprising the steps of introducing into a non-human, mammalian oocyte: (a) a clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (Cas9 protein) or a nucleic acid molecule encoding said Cas9 protein; and (b-i) a target sequence specific CRISPR RNA (crRNA) and a trans-activating crRNA (tracr RNA) or a nucleic acid molecule encoding said RNAs; or (b-ii) a chimaeric RNA sequence comprising a target sequence specific crRNA and tracrRNA or a nucleic acid molecule encoding said RNA; wherein the Cas9 protein introduced in (a) and the RNA sequence(s) introduced in (b-i) or (b-ii) form a protein/RNA complex that specifically binds to the target sequence and introduces a single or double strand break within the target sequence.

Abstract: A human artificial chromosome vector comprising a gene encoding a human antibody heavy chain, a gene encoding a human antibody light chain, and a gene encoding an IgM heavy chain constant region derived from a nonhuman animal.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide compositions comprising first and second oligonucleotides are provided wherein at least a portion of the first oligonucleotide is capable of hybridizing with at least a portion of the second oligonucleotide, at least a portion of the first oligonucleotide is complementary to and capable of hybridizing to a selected target nucleic acid, and at least one of the first or second oligonucleotides includes at least one nucleotide having a modified phosphorous-containing internucleoside linkage. Oligonucleotide/protein compositions are also provided comprising an oligonucleotide complementary to and capable of hybridizing to a selected target nucleic acid and at least one protein comprising at least a portion of an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), wherein at least one nucleotide of the oligonucleotide has a modified phosphorous-containing internucleoside linkage.

Abstract: The invention provides a bacterium containing a polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid encoding a heterologous antigen, as well as fusion protein partners. Also provided are vectors for mediating site-specific recombination and vectors comprising removable antibiotic resistance genes.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides with a novel sugar-phosphate backbone containing at least one 2?-arabino-fluoronucleoside and an internucleoside 3?-NH—P(—O)(OR)—O-5? linkage, where R is a positively charged counter ion or hydrogen, and methods of synthesizing and using the inventive oligonucleotides are provided. The inventive phosphoramidate 2?-arabino-fluorooligonucleotides have a high RNA binding affinity to complementary nucleic acids and are base and acid stable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to DNA sequences from regions of copy number change on chromosome 20. The sequences can be used in hybridization methods for the identification of chromosomal abnormalities associated with various diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions, polynucleic acid polymers, assays, and kits for inducing processing of a partially processed mRNA transcript to remove a retained intron to produce a fully processed mRNA transcript that encodes a full-length functional form of a protein. Also described herein are methods and compositions for treating a disease or condition characterized by impaired production of a full-length functional form of a protein or for treating a disease or condition characterized by a defective splicing in a subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to the SWI5 gene, the corresponding RNA, specific probes, primers and oligonucleotides related thereto and their use in diagnostic assays to detect and/or discriminate between fungal and yeast species.

Abstract: A immunogenic composition is provided for use in methods for treating or preventing the development of a cancer, comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a cancer antigen and a nucleic acid sequence encoding fibroblast activation protein (FAP). In one embodiment, the composition comprises a vector comprising a first expression cassette comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding an antigen of a, operatively linked to an expression control sequence that directs the expression of the antigen in a mammalian host cell. The composition further contains a vector comprising a second expression cassette comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding fibroblast activation protein (FAP) operatively linked to an expression control sequence directing the expression of FAP in a mammalian host cell. In one embodiment, the cancer is one in which tumor progression depends on the fibroblasts expressing fibroblast activation protein (FAP).

Abstract: The present invention relates to RNAi constructs and their use in gene silencing. RNAi constructs associated with the invention contain a double stranded region connected to a single stranded region of phosphorothioate modified nucleotides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tomato plant, wherein the fruits of which have an improved shelf-life as compared to the fruits of a wild type tomato plant, wherein the genetic determinant causative of the improved shelf life trait is a mutation in the hp2 gene. The increased shelf-life may comprise a fruit that shows normal ripening having a fruit firmness at red ripe harvest that is increased by at least 31%, preferably by at least 42%, more preferably by at least 52%, even more preferably by at least 60%, most preferably by at least 70% as compared to a fruit having similar genetic background that lacks the trait of the invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a vector that can be used for both cyanobacteria and E. coli, which contains, sequentially, a pUC replication origin as a replication origin; a spectinomycin-resistant gene as a selection marker; and a promoter selected from a group consisting of a trc promoter, a tetA promoter or a modified tetA promoter, a BAD promoter and a cbbL promoter. An industrially useful substance may be produced effectively using a host cell transformed with the vector. Also, the vector may be used to insert a variety of target genes through simple combination and, as a result, various vectors can be prepared effectively.

Abstract: The invention provides nanoparticles containing a nucleic acid nanostructure, of defined shape and size, linked to a hydrophobic moiety and coated by lipids, compositions comprising the nanoparticles, and methods of producing and methods of using the nanoparticles.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to allow a cell to produce a protein at a high level using a medium containing an enzymatic degradation product of fish meat or a fish meat extract. A method of culturing a cell comprising starting culturing in an initial medium and feeding at least once a feed medium to the initial medium during culturing, wherein at least one of the initial medium or the feed medium contains an enzymatic degradation product of fish meat or a fish meat extract added thereto. A method of producing a protein of interest using the above culture method.

Abstract: Provided herein are influenza hemagglutinin stem domain polypeptides, compositions comprising the same, vaccines comprising the same and methods of their use.