Abstract: The present invention is based on the identification of synaptic vessel glycoprotein SV2 as the BoNT/A receptor and the further identification of various BoNT/A-binding fragments of SV2. The disclosure here provides new tools for diagnosing and treating botulism.

Abstract: Here provided are a pharmaceutical composition containing an X-DING-CD4 peptide, a derivative of the X-DING-CD4 peptide, or a combination thereof a method for preventing or treating a pathological condition in a subject using the above pharmaceutical composition; and a process of making the above pharmaceutical composition. Also provided are isolated X-DING-CD4 cDNAs and isolated X-DING-CD4 peptides. Further provided are the composition and method for cell-based therapy using polynucleotides encoding X-DING-CD4 peptide, its derivative, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to genetic products the expression of which is associated with cancer diseases. The invention 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 relates, in general, to a prostate-specific antigen, PCA3. In particular, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules coding for the PCA3 protein; purified PCA3 proteins and polypeptides; recombinant nucleic acid molecules; cells containing the recombinant nucleic acid molecules; antibodies having binding affinity specifically to PCA3 proteins and polypeptides; hybridomas containing the antibodies; nucleic acid probes for the detection of nucleic acids encoding PCA3 proteins; a method of detecting nucleic acids encoding PCA3 proteins or polypeptides in a sample; kits containing nucleic acid probes or antibodies; bioassays using the nucleic acid sequence, protein or antibodies of this invention to diagnose, assess, or prognose a mammal afflicted with prostate cancer; therapeutic uses; and methods of preventing prostate cancer in an animal.

Abstract: Provided herein are nucleic acid sequences and polypeptides encoding a genetically encoded calcium indicator (GECI). Also provided are vectors and cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences and/or polypeptides. Kits comprising the nucleic acid sequences, polypeptides, vectors, cells and combinations thereof are also provided. Also provided herein are methods of screening for G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) agonists and antagonists and methods of monitoring neural activity using the GECIs.

Abstract: The invention provides for peptides from syndecan 1 and methods of use therefor. These peptides can inhibit ?4?6 interaction with HER2, thereby preventing tumor cell growth and tissue invasion.

Abstract: The invention provides for peptides from syndecan 4 and methods of use therefor. These peptides can inhibit ?6?4 integrin interaction with EGFR, thereby preventing tumor cell growth and tissue invasion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic peptides and their various applications. In particular the invention relates to immunogenic peptides derived from the PASD1 protein and their use in therapeutic, diagnostic and prognostic methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to IL-1 receptor antagonist compounds, compositions and use thereof as well as methods for preparation thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to control of pest infestation by inhibiting one or more biological functions. The invention provides methods and compositions for such control, By feeding one or more recombinant double stranded RNA molecules provided by the invention to the pest, a reduction in pest infestation is obtained through suppression of gene expression. The invention is also directed to methods for making transgenic plants that express the double stranded RNA molecules, and to particular combinations of transgenic pesticidal agents for use in protecting plants from pest infestation.

Abstract: A use of a hepatocyte nuclear factor 1? gene and/or protein and a recombinant expression vector containing a hepatocyte nuclear factor 1? in preparation of drugs for treating malignant solid tumor diseases and in preparation of differentiation inducing reagents or composition for inducing differentiation of malignant solid tumor cells. The hepatocyte nuclear factor 1? gene can improve the biological properties of tumor cells, and retard the growth of tumor cells, and up-regulation of expression thereof has therapeutic effects on animal models with malignant solid tumors.

Abstract: We have identified by molecular cloning a protease which originates from the larvae of Lucilia sericata and which was termed debrilase due to its activities useful for debridement of wounds.

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: The present invention provides for a modified Fc-fusion protein in which at least one amino acid from the heavy chain constant region selected from the group consisting of amino acid residues 250, 314, and 428 is substituted with another amino acid which is different from that present in the unmodified Fc-fusion protein, thereby altering the binding affinity for FcRn and/or the serum half-life in comparison to the unmodified Fc-fusion protein.

Abstract: Compositions that include isolated peptides that inhibit TLR-4 signaling pathways and inflammation are disclosed. Methods of producing and using the compositions to inhibit TLR-4 signaling and/or inflammation are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cross-reactive antibody that specifically inhibits or blocks mammalian Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)-mediated immune cell activation. The invention is further directed to an isolated nucleic acid or vector coding for the variable regions of the heavy and/or light chain of such an antibody. Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising such an antibody, or a nucleic acid or vector encoding it. Further provided are methods of use of such compositions in the prevention and/or treatment of inflammatory processes or any other process induced by bacterial infection, trauma, or chronic inflammation, or for the prevention and/or treatment of bacteriaemia or sepsis.

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising ligands and receptors involved in T-cell activation are disclosed. Nucleic acid molecules that encode such polypeptides, and vectors and host cells for expressing polypeptides are also disclosed. In certain embodiments, the polypeptides, agonists thereof, and antagonists thereof may be used to treat T-cell mediated disorders.

Abstract: Compositions, recombinant vaccines and live attenuated pathogens comprising one or more isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode an immunogen in combination with an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes IL-15Ra or a functional fragment thereof are disclosed. Methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against an immunogen, using such compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and kits are provided for modulating the trans-differentiation of cells for example muscle satellite cells. The compositions, methods and kits include a modulator of trans-differentiation of the muscle satellite cells selected from the group of: a transcription factor, a nucleic acid sequence or vector encoding expression of the transcription factor, and an agent that binds to the transcription factor. The transcription factor is selected for example from a homeodomain class transcription factor such as Nkx3.2 and a TATA binding protein class transcription factor such as Sox9, and includes at least one nucleotide binding-domain, so that the transcription factor modulates the process of trans-differentiation of the cells or tissue to form a phenotype selected from: cartilage, muscle, and bone.

Abstract: The invention describes novel pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of virus infections and cancer. The pharmaceutical compositions include mutant oligoadenylate synthetases (OAS) that have either enhanced cell permeability, reduced oxidative potential, improved antiviral activity, improved enzymatic activity, or absent enzymatic activity. The pharmaceutical compositions have improved drug properties and retain or have enhanced antiviral activity relative to their native forms. The pharmaceutical compositions further include chemically modified oligoadenylate synthetases, such chemical modifications being designed to increase serum stability and reduce immunogenicity in vivo. Such chemical modifications further increase drug stability and manufacturability in vitro. Compositions composed of more than ninety novel modifications are described. Also described are antibodies to polypeptides of the invention.

Abstract: A search of the public human genome database identified a human EST, GenBank accession number AW293249, which has high homology to known pufferfish urocortin sequences. The full length sequence was amplified from human genomic DNA and sequenced. Sequence homology comparisons of the novel sequence with human urocortin I and urocortin II revealed that the sequence encoded a novel human urocortin, which was designated urocortin III (UcnIII). While urocortin III does not have high affinity for either CRF-R1 or CRF-R2, the affinity for CRF-R2 is greater than the affinity for CRF-R1. Urocortin III is capable stimulating cyclic AMP production in cells expressing CRF-R2? or ?. Thus, the affinity is high enough that urocortin III could act as a native agonist of CRF-R2. However, it is also likely that urocortin III is a stronger agonist of a yet to be identified receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marker which can be used to diagnose a diabetic retinopathy patient and determine the progression of diabetic retinopathy, a composition for diagnosing diabetic retinopathy, which comprises an agent for measuring the level of a gene or protein associated with the marker, and the use thereof.

Abstract: New designed ankyrin repeat proteins with binding specificity for PDGF-BB are described, as well as nucleic acids encoding such PDGF binding proteins, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such proteins and the use of such proteins in the treatment of diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed are isolated mutant erythropoietin (EPO) polypeptides, functional fragment thereof, nucleic acid encoding such peptides, vectors including such nucleic acids and compositions including such peptides and nucleic acids. The mutant EPO peptides are unique in that they include a substitution at amino acid position number 76, such as a glutamic acid for arginine substitution at position 76. This substitution inhibits erythropoietic activity while retaining their neuroprotection. Also disclosed are methods of treating or inhibiting neuronal degeneration, reducing or inhibiting one or more symptoms associated with neuronal degeneration and/or glaucoma in a subject. The methods include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a isolated mutant erythropoietin EPO polypeptide, an expression vector encoding such a mutant erythropoietin EPO polypeptide, a viral particle including an expression vector, or a composition, thereby treating or inhibiting neuronal degeneration in the subject.

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

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding erythropoietin receptor isoforms are described, as well as the encoded isoforms, methods of detecting the same, and methods of screening for and treating cancer.

Abstract: This invention provides an inducer of apoptosis in cancer cells comprising a fragment of the REIC/Dkk-3 gene and a cancer therapeutic agent comprising the same. This invention also provides a polynucleotide fragment encoding the REIC/Dkk-3 protein (a) or (b), which encodes a polypeptide having apoptosis activity: (a) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of amino acid 1 to any of amino acids 39 to 78 of the amino acid sequence of the REIC/Dkk-3 protein as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; or (b) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence derived from the amino acid sequence of amino acid 1 to any of amino acids 39 to 78 of the amino acid sequence of the REIC/Dkk-3 protein as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 by substitution, deletion, or addition of 1 or several amino acids and having apoptosis activity.

Abstract: This invention provides monoclonal antibodies that recognize the Toll-like Receptor 4/MD-2 receptor complex, and monoclonal antibodies that recognize the TLR4/MD2 complex as well as TLR4 when not complexed with MD-2. The invention further provides methods of using the monoclonal antibodies as therapeutics. This invention also provides soluble chimeric proteins, methods of expressing and purifying soluble chimeric proteins, and methods of using soluble chimeric proteins as therapeutics, in screening assays and in the production of antibodies.

Abstract: Modified human plasma polypeptides or Fc and uses thereof are provided.

Abstract: Provided is a modified human tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 polypeptide or a fragment thereof that binds to a tumor necrosis factor in vivo or ex vivo. The modified human tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 polypeptide or fragment exhibits improved ability to bind tumor necrosis factor and resistance to proteases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to humanized immunoglobulins, mouse monoclonal antibodies and chimeric antibodies that have binding specificity for human CD52. The present invention further relates to a humanized immunoglobulin light chain and a humanized immunoglobulin heavy chain. The invention also relates to isolated nucleic acids, recombinant vectors and host cells that comprise a sequence which encodes a humanized immunoglobulin or immunoglobulin light chain or heavy chain, and to a method of preparing a humanized immunoglobulin. The humanized immunoglobulins can be used in therapeutic applications to treat, for example, autoimmune disease, cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple sclerosis and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Abstract: A modified P. aeruginosa type III secretion system has been developed that efficiently delivers selected proteins into a host cell. In one example, a functional nuclear Cre Recombinase is injected into embryonic stem (ES) cells and can be used to induce pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. This method of in vitro lineage directed differentiation prevents insertional mutagenesis and provides a route to selected stem cell renewal and cell-based therapies.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a system for evaluating activation of the pathway mediated by ATF6. More specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for screening an endoplasmic reticulum stressor, as well as a method for screening a substance for suppressing an endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by the activation of the pathway mediated by ATF6, and a method for screening an antidiabetic drug candidate. As a result of extensive research, the inventors of the present invention found a method for real-time evaluation of activation of the pathway mediated by ATF6 in viable cells with a high degree of sensitivity. The method uses a nonfluorescent peptide domain derived from a fluorescent protein and a polynucleotide encoding the ATF6 protein domain.

Abstract: The present invention is based, in part, on our discovery of compositions and methods that can be used to treat a patient who has a compromised bone (due, for example, to a disease such as osteoporosis or an injury such as a bone fracture). The compositions can also be administered prophylactically. For example, they can be administered to help maintain bone health as a patient ages. More specifically, the compositions include polypeptides that constitute (or that include) a fragment of a calcitonin receptor (CR) and polypeptides that constitute (or include) biologically active variants of those fragments. Sequence-specific formulas are provided herein, and polypeptides conforming to those formulas, as well as nucleic acids encoding them, expression vectors, host cells, pharmaceutical formulations, and methods of their preparation and use are within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, transgenic non-human animals, such as transgenic mice. The animals contain in their genome a polynucleotide encoding a von Willebrand factor (VWF) polypeptide, which polypeptide forms a thrombus when in the presence of human platelets. Nucleic acid sequences and vectors for generating the transgenic non-human animals, and methods for using the transgenic non-human animals are provided as well. Chimeric VWF proteins are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are methods, compositions, and kits employing a molecule that exhibits a function of the PB1 domain. In particular, such methods, compositions, and kits may be used for inhibiting tumorigenesis. Also provided are molecules that exhibit a function of the PB1 domain and methods for making such molecules. Additionally provided are cell lines that express a polypeptide having a function of the PB1 domain, as well as transgenic animals that express a polypeptide having a function of the PB1 domain.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding erythropoietin isoforms are described herein, as well as the encoded isoforms, methods of detecting the same, and methods of screening for and treating cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibody molecules having specificity for antigenic determinants of human OX40, therapeutic uses of the antibody molecules and methods for producing said antibody molecules.

Abstract: The invention relates to anti-Factor D antibodies, their nucleic acid and amino acid sequences, the cells and vectors that harbor these antibodies and their production and their use in the preparation of compositions and medicaments for treatment of diseases and disorders associated with excessive or uncontrolled complement activation. These antibodies are useful for diagnostics, prophylaxis and treatment of disease.

Abstract: In alternative embodiments, the invention provides nucleic acid sequences that are genetic polymorphic variations of the human TMEM216 gene, and TMEM216 polypeptide encoded by these variant alleles. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides methods of determining or predicting a predisposition to, or the presence of, a ciliopathy (or any genetic disorder of a cellular cilia or cilia anchoring structure, basal body or ciliary function) in an individual, such as a Joubert Syndrome (JS), a Joubert Syndrome Related Disorder (JSRD) or a Meckel Syndrome (MKS). In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for the identification of genetic polymorphic variations in the human TMEM216 gene, and methods of using the identified genetic polymorphisms and the proteins they encode, e.g., to screen for compounds that can modulate the human TMEM216 gene product, and possibly treat JS, JSRD or MKS.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: A chimeric nucleotide sequence is provided encoding peptides with antimicrobial activity to be expressed in plants, plant cells or transformed plant material that will produce the peptide sequences derived from SEQ ID No. 1 and SEQ ID No. 6. A method is also provided for conferring resistance or tolerance to plant pathogenic fungi or bacteria on a plant using suitable transfer vectors, which contain the coding sequence for the peptides with antimicrobial activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides fusion proteins comprising a mucin-domain polypeptide covalently linked to an active protein that has improved properties (e.g. pharmacokinetic and/or physicochemical properties) compared to the same active protein not linked to mucin-domain polypeptide, as well as methods for making and using the fusion proteins of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods relating to IL-1Rrp2 requiring proteins.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to recombinant fibronectin peptide mimetics and wound healing compositions containing the same. Other aspects of the present invention include wound healing dressings that comprise the wound healing composition of the present invention and a wound dressing material and methods of treating wounds using these compositions.

Abstract: Methods of identifying RNA-protein interaction sites are provided. Systems for identifying RNA-protein interaction sites are provided. Systems for identifying secondary structures are provided. Methods of identifying secondary structures are provided. Methods of identifying RNA-binding proteins are provided.

Abstract: A glycosyl transferase from Chinese hamster and related methods are described.

Abstract: Endogenous Sp35 is a negative regulator for neuronal survival, axon regeneration, oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination. Molecules that block endogenous Sp35 function, such anti-Sp35 antibodies can be used as therapeutics for the treatment of neuron and oligodendrocyte dysfunction. The present invention provides antibodies specific for Sp35, and methods of using such antibodies as antagonists of endogenous Sp35 function. The invention further provides specific hybridoma and phage library-derived monoclonal antibodies, nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, and vectors and host cells comprising these antibodies. The invention further provides methods of promoting oligodendrocyte survival and myelination in a vertebrate, comprising administering to a vertebrate in need of such treatment an effective amount of an anti-Sp35 antibody.

Abstract: A variety of methods, devices and compositions are implemented for light-activated molecules. One such method is implemented for generating secondary messengers in a cell. A nucleotide sequence for expressing a chimeric light responsive membrane protein (e.g., rhodopsin) is modified with one or more heterologous receptor subunits {e.g., an adrenergic receptor (alpha1, Beta2)}. The light responsive membrane protein is expressed in a cell for producing a secondary messenger in response to light.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel proteins that have reduced binding to the interleukin-7 receptor, compositions containing such proteins, and methods of using the same.