Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel epitope to convert T cell to type 2 helper T (TH2) cell. Specifically, the present invention relates to an epitope constituting the 20th to 30th amino acids (SEQ ID No.2) of extracellular domain (ECD) of activation-inducible tumor necrosis factor receptor (AITR), an antibody recognizing the epitope, a polynucleotide encoding the epitope, a polynucleotide encoding the antibody, an expression vector comprising the polynucleotide encoding the epitope or antibody, a transformant introduced with the vector, a composition comprising the antibody for converting T cell to TH2 cell and a method of conversion, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody for preventing or treating autoimmune disease, and a method for treating autoimmune disease using the antibody.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated TANGO 509 nucleic acid molecules and polypeptide molecules. 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. Diagnostic, screening and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Described are soluble gp130 polypeptide monomers and dimers, wherein, in a preferred embodiment, at least one of the three amino acid residues Thr102 GIn113 or ASn114 of the N-terminal Ig-like domain of gp130 is mutated to Tyr102, Phe113 or Leu114, respectively. These mutations, alone or in combination, specifically enhance binding of gp130 to its ligand complex of interleukin-6 and soluble interleukin-6 receptor, thus increasing the biological activity of the gp130 muteins. In a particularly preferred embodiment, all three mutations are combined in the triple mutein Thr102Tyr/Gln113Phe/Asn114Leu (T102Y/Q113F/N114L). Moreover, a pharmaceutical composition containing said monomers or dimers and various medical uses are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. Specifically, this invention relates to the field of gene expression. More specifically, this invention relates to novel substitution mutant receptors and their use in a Group H nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating the expression of a gene in a host cell for applications such as gene therapy, large scale production of proteins and antibodies, cell-based high throughput screening assays, functional genomics and regulation of traits in transgenic organisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for increasing the affinity of a T cell receptor (TCR) to its ligand by subjecting the TCR gene to somatic hypermutation. The present invention further relates to use of affinity maturated TCRs to create T cells reactive against a selected antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel epitope that converts T cell to type 1 helper T (TH1) cell. Specifically, the present invention relates to an epitope constituting the 56th to 65th amino acids (SEQ ID No. 2) of extracellular domain (ECD) of activation-inducible tumor necrosis factor receptor (AITR), an antibody recognizing the epitope, a polynucleotide encoding the epitope, a polynucleotide encoding the antibody, an expression vector comprising the polynucleotide encoding the epitope or antibody, a transformant introduced with the vector, a composition comprising the antibody for converting T cell to TH1 cell and a method for converting T cell to TH1 cell, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody for preventing or treating cancer, a method for treating cancer using the antibody, a composition comprising the antibody for enhancing immunity, and a method for enhancing immunity using the antibody.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing the presence of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) or predicting the risk of developing HSP in a human subject, comprising detecting the presence or absence of a defect in a gene encoding a polypeptide comprising the sequence of FIG. 9 (SEQ ID NO: 19), in a nucleic acid sample of the subject, whereby the detection of the defect is indicative that the subject has or is at risk of developing HSP.

Abstract: The present application discloses a recombinantly made protein construct that preferentially forms multimers.

Abstract: A nucleic acid construct comprising a chimeric promoter sequence and a cloning site for insertion of a coding sequence in operable linkage with the chimeric promoter, wherein the chimeric promoter sequence comprises: (a) a hCMV immediate early promoter sequence; (b) exon 1 and at least a part of exon 2 of the hCMV major immediate early gene; and (c) a heterologous intron provided in place of the intron A region of the hCMV major immediate early gene.

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions encoding rapidly maturing fluorescent proteins, as well as non-aggregating versions thereof (and mutants thereof) as well as the proteins encoding the same, are provided. The proteins of interest are proteins that are fluorescent, where this feature arises from the interaction of two or more residues of the protein. The subject proteins are further characterized in that, in certain embodiments, they are mutants of wild type proteins that are obtained either from non-bioluminescent Cnidarian, e.g., Anthozoan, species or are obtained from Anthozoan non-Pennatulacean (sea pen) species. In certain embodiments, the subject proteins are mutants of wild type Discosoma sp. “red” fluorescent protein. Also of interest are proteins that are substantially similar to, or mutants of, the above specific proteins. Also provided are fragments of the nucleic acids and the peptides encoded thereby, as well as antibodies to the subject proteins and transgenic cells and organisms.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a splice variant of a human sodium channel alpha subunit and methods and compositions for making and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant factor VIII that includes one or more mutations that result in enhanced stability of both factor VIII and factor VIIIa. Methods of making and using the recombinant factor VIII, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same are also disclosed. The present invention further relates to an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes the recombinant factor VIII, as well as DNA expression systems and host cells containing the isolated nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to antibodies and binding fragments thereof that specifically binds all or part of EHAEVVFTA. Also provided are isolated peptides, isolated nucleic acids, immunogens, compositions, immunoassays and kits and method of using said reagents to detect misfolded TTR.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a cell for measuring a level of Ah receptor transcriptional activation is provided. The cell is derived from a neural cell. The cell contains a chromosome into which a reporter construct and an Ah receptor gene are introduced. The reporter construct has a sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 and a reporter gene operably linked to the downstream of the nucleotide sequence. The sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 has a recognizing sequence of an Ah receptor and a nucleotide sequence which is operably linked to the downstream of the recognizing sequence and required to initiate transcription.

Abstract: A method for potentiating the antitumor immunity in an animal by administering REIC/Dkk-3, or a therapeutic agent for malignant mesothelioma containing REIC/Dkk-3, or a vector containing the DNA as an active ingredient; wherein the DNA consists of the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1; or (b) a DNA hybridizing under stringent conditions to the DNA consisting of a nucleotide sequence complementary to the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and encoding a protein having apoptosis-inducing activity and interleukin (IL-7) production-accelerating activity in cells.

Abstract: Promoters that include a tissue-selective promoter sequence and a second promoter sequence operatively coupled to the tissue-selective promoter sequence, wherein the second promoter sequence includes a minimal viral promoter sequence, are disclosed. Nucleic acids and compositions that include these promoter sequences are also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of improving the function of a tissue-selective promoter, involving operatively coupling a tissue-selective promoter sequence with a second promoter sequence that includes a minimal viral promoter sequence. Also disclosed are methods of delivering a gene into a cell, methods of treating a subject with a hyperproliferative disease, and methods of imaging a cell that involve use of the novel promoter sequences set forth herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates a combination for use in the treatment and/or prevention of mastitis containing i) an agonistic anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody or a CD40 ligand or a vector coding for the anti-CD40 antibody or a vector coding for the CD40L; and ii) inactivated or attenuated bacteria selected from the group consisting of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Listeria or Escherichia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel, specific-binding therapeutic and/or diagnostic proteins directed against Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA-4) also known as CD152, which proteins preferably are muteins of a lipocalin protein, more preferably of lipocalin 2 (Lcn2 or NGAL). The invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding such proteins and to methods for generation and use of such proteins and nucleic acid molecules. Accordingly, the invention also is directed to pharmaceutical and/or diagnostic compositions comprising such lipocalin proteins, including uses of these proteins.

Abstract: A method for regenerating pancreatic tissue using recombinant periostin protein, a nucleic acid encoding said periostin and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said periostin are disclosed. Isolation of a nucleic acid encoding a periostin isoform, panc, is also taught.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting methylation of the bowel-cancer-specific methylation marker GPM6A (NM_201591, glycoprotein M6A) gene in order to diagnose bowel cancer, and more specifically relates to a method for providing information for diagnosing bowel cancer by detecting the methylation of a bowel-cancer-specific marker gene that is specifically methylated in bowel cancer cells. The method for detecting methylation and a diagnostic composition, kit and nucleic-acid chip according to the present invention can be used to advantage in diagnosing bowel cancer more accurately and quickly than by normal methods as they permit bowel cancer to be diagnosed at the initial genetic transformation step and so allow early diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treatment of clinical disorders associated with protein aggregation comprising administering, to a subject, an effective amount of an anti-protein aggregate (“APA”) compound selected from the group consisting of pimozide, fluphenazine (e.g., fluphenazine hydrochloride), tamoxifen (e.g., tamoxifen citrate), taxol, cantharidin, cantharidic acid, salts thereof and their structurally related compounds. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that each of the aforelisted compounds were able to promote degradation of aggregated ATZ protein in a Caenorhabditis elegans model system. According to the invention, treatment with one or more of these APA compounds may be used to ameliorate the symptoms and signs of AT deficiency as well as other disorders marked by protein aggregation, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Huntington's Disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of extracting an organ- or tissue-specific highly expressed gene, including: (1) a step for measuring expression level of a specified gene group for each organ or tissue in 2 or more individuals, (2) a step for acquiring (a) a minimum value of expression levels in a particular organ or tissue in all individuals, and (b) a maximum value of expression levels in other organs and tissues in all individuals, for each gene, and (3) a step for extracting the gene as a gene highly expressed specifically in the particular organ or tissue if the above-described (a)/(b) ratio is larger than 1. By the present invention, truly organ- or tissue-specific genes are extracted.

Abstract: A molecular marker for detecting a cancer stem cell in a cell mass which is a subject of interest, wherein the molecular marker can be detected in a cancer stem cell contained in the subject of interest but cannot be detected in a normal cell and a cancer cell that is different from a cancer stem cell; a method for determining the presence or absence of a cancer stem cell in a subject of interest by using the molecular marker as an measure; a kit for determining the presence or absence of a cancer stem cell, which comprises at least a reagent for detecting the molecular marker; a polypeptide encoded by the molecular marker; an antibody capable of recognizing an epitope of an expression product of a gene derived from the molecular marker; a nucleic acid capable of inhibiting the expression of the molecular marker; and a nucleic acid vaccine comprising a gene derived from the molecular marker.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the field of cancer therapy. In particular, it relates to an antagonist of a B-type plexin which prevents the interaction of the B-type plexin with ErbB-2 for use as a medicament, in particular, for treating metastasizing cancer. The present invention also contemplates a method for identifying an antagonist which prevents the interaction of a B-type plexin with ErbB-2. Finally, the invention provides for a polynucleotide encoding a B-type plexin polypeptide which lacks a functional intracellular domain and the said polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the mitochondrial protein, voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), polynucleotides encoding same and variants thereof, as well as peptide fragments, peptide derivatives and analogs. In particular, the present invention is directed to VDAC1 and specific amino acid and polynucleotide sequences thereof useful in inducing or regulating apoptosis and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising same useful in the treatment of diseases associated with aberrant apoptosis.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for zcytor17, a novel cytokine receptor. The polypeptides may be used within methods for detecting ligands that stimulate the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic, lymphoid and myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. Ligand-binding receptor polypeptides can also be used to block ligand activity in vitro and in vivo. The polynucleotides encoding zcytor17, are located on chromosome 5, and can be used to identify a region of the genome associated with human disease states. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: Provided herein are four polypeptides, named PRT5, PRT6, PRT7 and PRT8, the nucleic acids encoding the same, compositions comprising the proteins, as well as their uses in therapeutic and diagnostic methods. Antibodies which specifically recognize the polypeptides are also provided, as well as their uses. Characterization of each protein showed that PRT5 and PRT8 are involved in glucose metabolism, PRT6 is involved in androgen regulation, while PRT7 correlates with cancer.

Abstract: Novel polypeptide combinations, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for zcytor17-containing multimeric or heterodimer cytokine receptors that may be used as novel cytokine antagonists, and within methods for detecting ligands that stimulate the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic, lymphoid and myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. The present invention also includes methods for producing the multimeric or heterodimeric cytokine receptor, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: The invention provides vitamin K-dependent polypeptides with enhanced membrane binding affinity. These polypeptides can be used to modulate clot formation in mammals. Methods of modulating clot formation in mammals are also described.

Abstract: A purified DOC1 polypeptide comprising a fragment of SEQ ID NO: 1 is provided, wherein the DOC1 polypeptide is not the full-length DOC1 polypeptide sequence. A method of inhibiting angiogenesis in a subject is provided comprising administering to a subject a nucleic acid encoding a DOC1 polypeptide, whereby a cell in the subject produces the DOC1 polypeptide, thus inhibiting angiogenesis. A method of inhibiting tumor growth in a subject is provided comprising administering to a subject a nucleic acid encoding a DOC1 polypeptide, whereby a cell in the subject produces the DOC1 polypeptide, thus inhibiting tumor growth.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials for using nucleic acid and amino acid sequence variants of ribonucleic acid binding motif protein 20 (RBM20). For example, methods and materials for using nucleic acid sequence variants and/or their corresponding amino acid variants of RBM20 that are associated with dilated cardiomyopathy to identify mammals (e.g., humans) at risk of having dilated cardiomyopathy that is likely to progress to heart failure are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a comprehensive, rapid, unbiased, and accurate method for identifying and/or discovering disease-associated genetic variations, e.g., disease-associated variations. The present invention further provides novel disease-associated genetic variations for use as genetic markers of disease, e.g., cancer. The invention further provides methods for assessing an individual's risk for developing a disease, e.g., cancer, by detecting the presence the novel disease-associated genetic variations of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inducing a T-cell response against a EGFRvIII in a subject. These method comprise administering to a subject a composition which expresses at least one immunogenic polypeptide, the amino acid sequence of which comprise a plurality of EGFRvIII polypeptide sequences, the sequence of which each comprise EEKKGNYV (SEQ ID NO: 3), and/or administering the polypeptide itself.

Abstract: A genetically modified livestock animal comprising a genomic modification to an eIF4G gene. Cells, genes, and proteins encompassing a protease-resistant eIF4G protein or gene.

Abstract: A method of treating metastatic cancer, comprising the steps of (a) treating a metastatic cancer patient with an isolated therapeutic Cystatin C peptide, and (b) observing a reduction in tumor burden is disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a polynucleotide which is codon optimized for the efficient expression in a eukaryotic cell, a plasmid and a eukaryotic cell comprising the same. The modification resulted in the efficient expression of NIS in eukaryotic cells and the enhancement of the function of NIS by glycosylation. Thus modified polynucleotide encoding NIS of the present disclosure is useful as imaging reporter for gene, viral and/or cell based therapies.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptides and polynucleotides associated with trophoblast cell death, differentiation, invasion, and/or cell fusion and turnover, and uses of same in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of conditions requiring regulation of trophoblast cell death, differentiation, invasion, and/or cell fusion and turnover. In particular aspects, diagnostic methods are disclosed for evaluating conditions such as preeclampsia utilizing matador polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding same.

Abstract: The invention refers to TFEB related molecules, as variants, mutants, truncated proteins, chimeras etc. that are constitutively localized in the nucleus of a eukaryote cell. Such molecules have a therapeutic applicability in all of disorders that need of an induction of the cell authophagic/lysosomal system, as lysosomal storage disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, hepatic diseases, muscle diseases and metabolic diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to single domain proteins that bind to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The invention also relates to single domain proteins for use in diagnostic, research and therapeutic applications. The invention further relates to cells comprising such proteins, polynucleotide encoding such proteins or fragments thereof, and to vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the innovative proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to selected proline-rich peptides of salivary derivation with a strong antiviral activity and also an anti-reservoir activity with respect to the HIV virus, said peptides as medicaments for the treatment, prevention and eradication of HIV on human beings, pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one of said peptides, pharmaceutical kits comprising at least one of said peptides and therapeutic methods for the treatment, prevention and eradication of HIV on human beings.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptide variants of neuregulin-1? (NRG-1?) that have enhanced or decreased binding affinity to ErbB3 and/or ErbB4. The invention also provides methods of screening and producing polypeptide variants of NRG-1? and methods of using polypeptide variants of NRG-1? for treating diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a genetic method of tethering polypeptides to the yeast cell wall in a form accessible for binding to macromolecules. Combining this method with fluorescence-activated cell sorting provides a means of selecting proteins with increased or decreased affinity for another molecule, altered specificity, or conditional binding. As one embodiment, attaching an scFv antibody fragment to the Aga2p agglutinin effectively mimics the cell surface display of antibodies by B cells in the immune system for affinity maturation in vivo. As another embodiment, T cell receptor mutants can be isolated by this method that are efficiently displayed on the yeast cell surface, providing a means of altering T cell receptor binding affinity and specificity by library screening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant protein comprising the sequence of a transferrin mutant, wherein Ser415 is mutated to an amino acid which does not allow glycosylation at Asn413 and/or wherein Thr613 is mutated to an amino acid which does not allow glycosylation as Asn611. It also provides polynucleotides encoding the same and methods of making and using said recombinant protein.

Abstract: The present invention refers to the detection of EGFR mutations in a blood (serum/plasma) sample from a subject. The method comprises: (i) obtaining the DNA from said sample; (ii) amplifying the nucleic acid sequence corresponding to a specific region of the EGFR gene by means of PCR using a Protein-Nucleic Acid probe; 10 and (iii) detecting said mutation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a heterologous protein secreted out of a plant cell comprising introducing into a plant cell genome a DNA encoding an amino acid sequence that comprises a glycinin signal sequence for endoplasmic reticulum transport and an amino acid sequence of a heterologous protein, wherein the signal sequence is directly fused to the amino acid sequence of the heterologous protein or one or two amino acids are inserted between the signal sequence and the amino acid sequence of the heterologous protein; and expressing the DNA.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated peptides or the fragments derived from SEQ ID NO: 42, which bind to an HLA antigen and induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). The peptides may include one of the above mentioned amino acid sequences with substitution, deletion, or addition of one, two, or several amino acids sequences. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions including these peptides. The peptides of this invention can be used for treating cancer.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide a means for enabling cancer immunotherapy that targets approximately 30% of various cancer patients that highly express forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) among the Japanese, by identifying FOXM1-derived peptides that can activate cancer cell-damaging human killer T cells by binding to HLA-A2. The present invention provides a peptide of (A) or (B) below: (A) a peptide including the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 3; (B) a peptide which includes the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 3, wherein one, two, or several amino acid(s) are substituted, deleted, inserted, and/or added, and wherein the peptide shows cytotoxic (killer) T cell-inducing activity.

Abstract: Embodiments of surgical grafts, and methods, for the delivery of therapeutic agents to a target tissue via acellular matrices, are described. In some embodiments, nonviable matrices are successful in preventing or lessening adhesion formation by guiding tissue repair and remodeling, while also providing the target tissue with therapeutic agents that can act as repair and remodeling factors. An exemplary method to modulate flexor tendon healing and provide elimination or reduction of fibrotic adhesions involves loading a freeze-dried flexor digitorum longus allograft with recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors for the targeted and transient expression of growth/differentiation factor 5 (GDF5).

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of cancer in mammals, more particularly in human subjects. More specifically, the invention concerns anti-tumor vaccines based upon plasmid DNA and/or genetic vectors carrying a codon-usage optimized sequence and coding for a mutant form of the ErbB-3 receptor. Furthermore, the invention refers to monoclonal antibodies directed against the ErbB-3 receptor, obtained using these methods and capable to block its activity in cancer cells.

Abstract: Provided are a method for diagnosing cancer, a diagnosis kit and compositions useful for measurement of NK cell activity. The incidence of cancer may be diagnosed by monitoring changes in the in vivo immune system through measurement of NK cell activity in blood. Thus, the incidence of cancer may be readily predicted as described herein using a blood sample from a subject.