Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel chimeric fibroblast growth factor (FGF) polypeptides, novel DNA encoding chimeric FGF polypeptides, and to the recombinant production of chimeric FGF polypeptides, and to methods, compositions and assays utilizing chimeric FGF polypeptides for the therapeutic treatment of metabolic-related disorders and other conditions, and for producing pharmaceutically active compositions including chimeric FGF polypeptides, the compositions having therapeutic and pharmacologic properties including those associated with the treatment of metabolic-related disorders and other conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pesticide preparations and methods based on RNAi technology. The invention discloses target genes (fragments) useful in the control of Lepidoptera insects. Nucleic acid inhibitors or hosts expressing the nucleic acid inhibitors, based on the nucleic acid sequences of these target genes, can effectively kill Lepidoptera insects. The invention also discloses applications using the nucleic acid inhibitors or hosts expressing the nucleic acid inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention provides substantially purified peptide portions of adipokine polypeptides, including, for example, Clq/TNF-related protein-12 (CTRP12), a functional homologue or function fragment of CTRP12, and a fusion polypeptide comprising any of the above.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid molecules that encode antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof, which specifically bind human interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4R). Also provided are expression vectors comprising nucleic acid molecule that encode anti-IL-4R antibodies, host cells comprising the expression vectors, and methods of producing anti-IL-4R antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof comprising growing the host cells under conditions permitting production of the antibody or fragment, and recovering the antibody or fragment so produced.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modifying stem cells using one or more ZFPs are disclosed. Such methods and compositions are useful for facilitating processes such as, for example, dedifferentiating cells, differentiating stems cells into the desired phenotype, propagating stem cells and/or facilitating cloning.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating cancer in a subject by inhibiting expression of PAX2. An example of a cancer treated by the present method is prostate cancer. In the cancer treatment methods disclosed, the method of inhibiting expression of PAX2 can be by administration of a nucleic acid encoding an siRNA for PAX2. A method of treating cancer in a subject by administering DEFB1 is also provided. Similarly, provided is a method of treating cancer in a subject by increasing expression of DEFB1 in the subject.

Abstract: Methods of screening candidate agents to identify lead compounds for the development of therapeutic agents for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disease, such as Huntington's Disease and Parkinson's Disease and methods for identifying a mutation in, or changes in expression of, a gene associated with neurodegenerative disease, such as Huntington's Disease and Parkinson's Disease, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of generating antigen specific T cells. Furthermore, the invention is directed to antigen specific T cells, isolated transgenic TCR's, pharmaceutical compositions containing same and their use in adoptive cell therapy. This invention in particular pertains to the use of cells co-expressing allogeneic MHC molecules and antigens to induce peptide-specific T cells from non-selected allogeneic T cell repertoires.

Abstract: DNA clones encoding a receptor in the Ig superfamily and a related soluble variant have been isolated from a human monocyte library. The invention provides receptor polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding them, expression vectors, and transformed cells for recombinant production of the polypeptides.

Abstract: According to the present invention, peptides having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 14, 21, 23, 27, 36, 46, 57, 60 and 62 were demonstrated to have cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) inducibility. Therefore, the present invention provides a peptide having the amino acid sequence selected from among SEQ ID NOs: 14, 21, 23, 27, 36, 46, 57, 60 and 62. The peptide can include one, two, or several amino acid substitutions, deletions, insertions, or additions so long as its CTL inducibility is retained. Furthermore, the present invention provides pharmaceutical agents for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of cancers, and/or prevention of postoperative recurrence thereof, which contain any of these peptides. Pharmaceutical agents of this invention include vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of a peptide comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3, or the encoding nucleic acid thereof, for manufacturing medicament for treatment of diseases associated with increased NF-?B activity. The peptide can interact with IKB and influence phosphorylation of IKB in the tyrosine at position 42, thereby inhibiting the signal pathway of NF-?B.

Abstract: The invention provides novel Wnt polypeptides that have enhanced solubility and improved biologic drug-like properties, and polynucleotides encoding the Wnt polypeptides of the invention. The Wnt polypeptides of the invention can be used therapeutically, such as, for example, in methods of preventing or treating muscle loss and/or promoting muscle hypertrophy and growth.

Abstract: A method for improving plant insect resistance includes providing target genes derived from insects. Constructs based on the nucleotide sequences of these target genes are designed to form interfering molecules. After being eating by insects, the plant can significantly inhibit expression of corresponding genes in insects. This inhibition is not affected by barrier of the insect digestive systems. The method can improve the insect resistance of plants, reduce pesticide applications, lower the costs of agricultural production, and protect the environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated nucleic acids and rAAV-based compositions, methods and kits useful for treating genetic diseases (e.g., alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency).

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting activated protein C (APC) comprising contacting the APC with a Kunitz polypeptide in an amount effective in inhibiting the activity of APC, wherein the Kunitz polypeptide comprises six cysteine residues at positions corresponding to positions 7, 16, 32, 40, 53, and 57 in SEQ ID NO:1, a motif X1GX2CBX? at positions corresponding to positions 13-18 in SEQ ID NO:1, wherein each of X1 and X2, independently, is any amino acid residue, B is a basic amino acid residue, and X? is G, A, or V; and at least one heparin-binding motif, which can present at the C-terminus of the Kunitz polypeptide.

Abstract: DNA clones encoding a receptor in the Ig superfamily and a related soluble variant have been isolated from a human monocyte library. The invention provides receptor polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding them, expression vectors, and transformed cells for recombinant production of the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for the preparation, manufacture and therapeutic use of oncology-related polynucleotides, oncology-related primary transcripts and oncology-related mmRNA molecules.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for the preparation, manufacture and therapeutic use of oncology-related polynucleotides, oncology-related primary transcripts and oncology-related mmRNA molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multiple inducible gene regulation system that functions within cells to simultaneously control the quantitative expression of multiple genes.

Abstract: Nucleic acid and protein sequences relating to a cation channel which is sperm-specific (CatSper2) are disclosed. The CatSper2 protein is shown to be specifically expressed in sperm. Nucleic acids, vectors, transformed cells, transgenic animals, polypeptides, and antibodies relating to the CatSper2 gene and protein are disclosed. Also provided are methods of in vitro fertilization and contraception, methods of identifying modulators of CatSper2 activity, methods of genotyping subjects with respect to CatSper2, methods of diagnosing and treating CatSper2-mediated disorders, including infertility, as well as methods of doing business related to CatSper2-mediated disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining a genotoxicity of a test substance, comprising the steps of: (a) transforming a fish with a nucleotide sequence encoding a non-fluorescent fluorescence protein with a mutation; (b) treating a test substance to the transformed fish; and (c) measuring a fluorescence in the test substance-treated fish, wherein the fluorescence is generated by reversion of the non-fluorescent fluorescence protein to the fluorescence protein due to a back mutation of the nucleotide sequence in the test substance-treated fish. According to the present invention, MutaFish system, Zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio) line, in which the fluorescence protein variant, preferably wild type EGFP variant (EGFPmut) is transformed, provides a much excellent animal system for measuring a genotoxicity of a test substance via production of a fluorescent fry larvae generated through reversion of the fluorescent protein variant caused by treatment of the test substance.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to agonist peptides of type I interferons and methods of using the peptides. These peptides are based on the amino acid sequence of the C-terminus region of the type I IFN molecules and are capable of binding to the cytoplasmic domain of type I IFN receptors. Surprisingly, these peptides were found to possess the same or similar biological activity as that associated with the full-length, mature type I IFN proteins, even though these peptides do not bind to the extracellular domain of the type I IFN receptors. In one embodiment, the peptide is a peptide of IFN?. In another embodiment, the peptide is a peptide of IFN?. Exemplified peptides of the invention include those having SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:39, and SEQ ID NO:40. The subject peptides have been shown to effect increased resistance to viral infection.

Abstract: There is provided at least one isolated cell comprising at least one HBV epitope-reactive exogenous T cell receptor and/or fragment thereof, and methods for producing them. In particular, there is provided polynucleotides, constructs and vectors encoding at least one HBV epitope-reactive exogenous T cell receptor for use in the treatment of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). The invention further provides kits and methods of detection of HBV and HCC.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions for inducing expression in hair cells, and provides methods of using these compositions for modulating cochlear expression. Such compositions are further useful in treatment of sensorineural hearing loss, e.g., increasing proliferation or survival of mechanosensory hair cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a peptide or peptidomimetic that is derived from or based upon the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal ?-helix or hypervariable region (HVR) or a Ras protein, a nucleic acid encoding the peptide or peptidomimetic, and methods employing the same.

Abstract: The present technology relates to genetic products the expression of which is associated with cancer diseases. The present technology also relates to the therapy and diagnosis of diseases in which the genetic products are expressed or aberrantly expressed, in particular cancer diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides and includes monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) preferentially selective for HER2 antigens, hybridoma lines that secrete these HER2 antibodies or antibody fragments, and the use of such antibodies and antibody fragments to detect HER2 antigens, particularly those expressed by cancer cells. The present invention also includes antibodies that are specific for or show preferential binding to a soluble or secreted form of HER2. The present invention also includes an antibody or antibody fragment that is capable of reducing the activity of HER2 in at least one form, including a soluble form or a secreted form. The present invention further includes chimeric antibodies, processes for producing monoclonal and chimeric antibodies or monoclonal or chimeric antibodies, and their therapeutic uses, particularly in the detection of cancer most preferentially in human breast, stomach, and colon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of a parent albumin, the variants having altered plasma half-life compared with the parent albumin. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that mutations in KCNJ5 are associated with adrenal diseases and disorders. The invention includes compositions and methods for the assessment, characterization and treatment of adrenal diseases and disorders, based upon the presence or absence of a KCNJ5 mutation that is associated with an adrenal disease or disorder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases. The present invention also relates to methods and compositions for improving immune function. More particularly, the present invention relates to multifunctional molecules that are capable of being delivered to cells of interest for the treatment of diseases and for the improvement in immune function.

Abstract: It is disclosed herein that SPANX-B is uniquely expressed in a number of human tumors and that SPANX-B is an immunogenic antigen that is recognized by human T cells inducing helper CD4+ and cytolytic CD8+ T cell responses. Specific SPANX-B polypeptides and polynucleotides are disclosed that can be used to generate an immune response. In several embodiments, these polypeptides can be used for the treatment of a variety of cancers, including melanoma, colon carcinoma, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, myeloma, lung carcinoma and renal cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for inactivating CCR-5 genes, using zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) comprising a zinc finger protein and a cleavage domain or cleavage half-domain. Polynucleotides encoding ZFNs, vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding ZFNs, such as adenovirus (Ad) vectors, and cells comprising polynucleotides encoding ZFNs and/or cells comprising ZFNs are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein is a chimeric photoactivatable polypeptide comprising an opsin membrane receptor, wherein an intracellular domain of the opsin membrane receptor is replaced with a corresponding intracellular domain of a chemokine receptor, a sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor or an ATP receptor and uses thereof. Further provided are methods of treating cancer, injury of the nervous system, autoimmune disease, and graft rejection comprising administering to the subject a cell that expresses the chimeric photoactivatable polypeptide and exposing the cell to a visible light source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel peptide showing more excellent activities on a glucagon like peptide-1 receptor and a glucagon receptor than native oxyntomodulin, and a composition for the prevention or treatment of obesity comprising the peptide as an active ingredient. Unlike native oxyntomodulin, the novel peptide of the present invention reduces food intake, suppresses gastric emptying, and facilitates lipolysis with reduced side-effects, and also shows excellent receptor-activating effects. Thus, it can be widely used in the treatment of obesity with safety and efficacy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, nucleic acids, and cells for use in the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to survivin-derived tumor-associated cytotoxic T cell (CTL) peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. The present invention specifically relates to three novel peptide sequences and variants thereof derived from HLA class I and class II molecules of human tumor cells that can be used in vaccine compositions for eliciting anti-tumor immune responses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies that specifically bind to IL12R?1, the non-signal transducing chain of the heterodimeric IL12 receptor (together with IL12R?2 chain) as well as IL23 receptor (together with IL23R? chain). The invention more specifically relates to specific antibodies that are IL12 and IL23 receptor antagonists capable of inhibiting IL12/IL18 induced IFN? production of T cells and compositions and methods of use for said antibodies to treat pathological disorders that can be treated by inhibiting IFN? production, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis or inflammatory bowel diseases or other autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: C-terminal endostatin polypeptides are disclosed herein. Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptide, host cells transformed with the polynucleotides, and methods of using these polypeptides and polynucleotides are disclosed. Uses of these polypeptide, polynucleotides and expression vectors include the treatment of fibrosis in a subject. Thus, methods are provided for treating fibrosis, including fibrosis of the skin and/or the lung.

Abstract: Newly discovered alternative transcripts of the KLK8 gene encoding kallikrein 8, NT5 and NT6. The sequence of NT5 is set forth in SEQ ID NO:7, and the sequence of NT6 is set forth in SEQ ID NO:8.

Abstract: The present invention provides variant activin IIB soluble receptor polypeptides and proteins capable of binding and inhibiting the activities of activin A, myostatin, or GDF-11. The present invention also provides polynucleotides, vectors and host cells capable of producing the variant polypeptides and proteins. Compositions and methods for treating muscle-wasting and other diseases and disorders are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant factor VIII that includes one or more mutations at an interface of A1 and C2 domains of recombinant factor VIII. The one or more mutations include substitution of one or more amino acid residues with either a cysteine or an amino acid residue having a higher hydrophobicity. This results in enhanced stability of factor VIII. Methods for making the recombinant factor VIII, pharmaceutical compositions containing the recombinant factor VIII, and use of the recombinant factor VIII for treating hemophilia A are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a novel immunity-inducing agent useful as a therapeutic and/or prophylactic agent for cancer. The immunity-inducing agent comprises as an effective ingredient(s) at least one polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity selected from the polypeptides (a), (b) and (c) below, and/or a recombinant vector(s) that comprise(s) a polynucleotide(s) encoding the at least one polypeptide, which recombinant vector(s) is/are capable of expressing the polypeptide(s) in vivo: (a) a polypeptide composed of not less than 7 consecutive amino acids in any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs:4, 2, 8, 10 and 12 in SEQUENCE LISTING; (b) a polypeptide having a sequence identity of not less than 85% to the polypeptide (a) and composed of not less than 7 amino acids; and (c) a polypeptide comprising the polypeptide (a) or (b) as a partial sequence thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for a novel family of taste transduction G-protein coupled receptors, antibodies to such receptors, methods of detecting such nucleic acids and receptors, and methods of screening for modulators of taste transduction G-protein coupled receptors.

Abstract: An isolated truncated desmoglein 4 (DSG4) polypeptide splice variant of the invention is characterized by an amino acid sequence that lacks a region encoded before exon 9 or beyond exon 10 of the DSG4 gene having the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 75. Also disclosed is a method of diagnosing a cancer, or monitoring the course thereof, in a patient. The method comprises detecting in a tissue sample of a patient the expression of a tumor-associated antigen comprising the extracellular domain of a DSG4 polypeptide encoded by a DSG4 gene having the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 75, or a truncated DSG4 polypeptide splice variant characterized by an amino acid sequence that lacks a region encoded before exon 9 or beyond exon 10 of the DSG4 gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel therapies for treatment of new and existing type 1 and type 2 diabetes, PreDiabetes, Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood, and diseases of insulin deficiency, beta cell deficiency, insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism. In particular, the present invention identifies common peptides within the human Reg1a, Reg1b, Reg3a and Reg4, as signaling peptides for beta cell generation acting through the human Reg Receptor on the surface of human pancreatic extra-islet tissue.

Abstract: Factor Xa variants and methods of use thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved fusion proteins for therapy of autoimmune and cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and biomarker for evaluating cancer metastasis, pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting cancer metastasis, and method for analyzing secretome. By combining a hollow fiber cartridge (HFC) culture system with quantitative proteomics technology, cancer metastasis-related secrectomes can be found. Furthermore, this is the first time to use PARK7 as a biomarker for judging the process of non-small cell lung cancer.

Abstract: Modified and stabilized propeptides of Growth Differentiation Factor proteins, such as GDF-8 and Bone Morphogenetic Protein-11, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the modified propeptides to prevent or treat human or animal disorders in which an increase in muscle tissue would be therapeutically beneficial. Such disorders include muscle or neuromuscular disorders (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, muscle atrophy, congestive obstructive pulmonary disease, muscle wasting syndrome, sarcopenia, or cachexia), metabolic diseases or disorders (such as such as type 2 diabetes, noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, or obesity), adipose tissue disorders (such as obesity), and bone degenerative diseases (such as osteoporosis).

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 present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to compositions, organisms, systems, and methods for expressing a gene product in a plant using a expression control sequence (ECS) operable in monocots and/or dicots. For example, (i) an isolated nucleic acid may comprise an ECS (e.g., a sugarcane bacilliform virus promoter) and, optionally, an exogenous nucleic acid (ExNA) operably linked to the ECS; (ii) an expression vector may comprise an ECS; an ExNA; and, optionally, a 3? termination sequence, wherein the ECS has promoter activity sufficient to express the ExNA in at least one monocot and at least one dicot; (iii) a microorganism, plant cell, or plant may comprise an isolated nucleic acid; (iv) a method for constitutively expressing an ExNA in a plant (e.g.