Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a monoclonal antibody which is useful for treating or diagnosing a disease relating to system ASC amino acid transporter 2 (hereinafter, referred to as “ASCT2”) or a method using the antibody. The present invention provides a monoclonal antibody which specifically recognizes a native three-dimensional structure of an extracellular region of ASCT2 and binds to the extracellular region, or an antibody fragment thereof; a hybridoma which produces the antibody; a DNA which encodes the antibody; a vector which contains the DNA; a transformant obtainable by introducing the vector; a process for producing an antibody or an antibody fragment thereof using the hybridoma or the transformant; and a therapeutic agent using the antibody or the antibody fragment thereof, and a diagnostic agent using the antibody or the antibody fragment thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide and the use of the nucleic acid or polypeptide in preventing and/or treating cancer. In particular, the invention relates to improved vectors for the insertion and expression of foreign genes encoding tumor antigens for use in immunotherapeutic treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include methods, compositions and kits for classifying a subject as having or being predisposed to a hematolymphoid neoplasm or malignancy if they harbor a mutation in the LNK gene. Aspects of the present invention also include screening for candidate agents for treating LNK mutation-based hematolymphoid neoplasms or malignancies in cell-based and cell free assays as well as therapeutic compositions for treating a LNK-mutant based hematolymphoid disorder. Also provided are compositions, systems, kits and computer program products that find use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a peptide comprising an amino acid sequence composed of contiguous nine amino acid residues derived from a WT1 protein, wherein an amino acid residue at position 2 in the amino acid sequence is selected from the group consisting of Ala, Ile, Leu, Val, Phe, Tyr, Ser and Asp and an amino acid residue at position 9 in the amino acid sequence is Arg; a polynucleotide encoding the peptide; a pharmaceutical composition comprising the peptide; and a method of treating cancer using the peptide.

Abstract: The invention provides a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) (a) an antigen binding domain of HN1 or SS, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular T cell signaling domain, or (b) an antigen binding domain of SS1, a transmembrane domain, an intracellular T cell signaling domain, and a granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) receptor 2 leader. Nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, populations of cells, antibodies, or antigen binding portions thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions relating to the CARs are disclosed. Methods of detecting the presence of cancer in a mammal and methods of treating or preventing cancer in a mammal are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of a parent antimicrobial peptide. 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 an in vitro method for diagnosing a complete congenital stationary night blindness (cCSNB) in a subject, which method comprises determining the presence of an alteration in the GPR179 gene in a biological sample of said subject. Screening methods and therapeutic applications are further described.

Abstract: There are provided mutants prepared by changing a DNA base sequence and an amino acid sequence of an epidermal growth factor (EGF), in which a mutant EGF protein has excellent thermal stability and stability even in the state of an aqueous solution, and a gene encoding the protein are provided; a recombinant vector including the gene and a microorganism transformed by the recombinant vector are provided; a method of preparing the mutant EGF protein is provided; a cosmetic composition for accelerating the growth of skin cell and skin regeneration, including the protein, the gene, or the recombinant vector, is provided; and by preparing a product using the EGF mutant according to the present invention, it is possible to produce functional cosmetics, in which the activity thereof is maintained even during a distribution and storage process unlike the conventional wild-type EGF product.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a collection of novel muteins derived from human ?1m (or a1m) polypeptide or a functional homologue thereof. The disclosure further refers to a ?1m mutein capable of specifically binding to one or more targets other than a target to which wild-type ?1m binds. The disclosure also relates to a method for producing such collection of muteins and a method for isolating a mutein capable of binding one or more such non-natural targets of wild-type ?1m polypeptide. These aspects are made possible due to, e.g, the structural elucidation of ?1m disclosed herein by the present inventors, an appreciation of ligand-binding sights thereof and, hence, an understanding of which amino acid positions are most suitable for mutagenesis for re-engineering specificity and affinity for any given target while maintaining the secondary and/or tertiary structure of ?1m.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel high affinity antibodies and fragments thereof that bind to the cancer antigen PSCA. The antibodies of the present invention may be used for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, visualization, and the like. The present invention also provides methods for the detection, visualization, and treatment of various cancers expressing PSCA.

Abstract: The human Occludin protein is identified as an essential Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) cell entry factor. Occludin is shown to render murine and other non-human cells infectable with HCV and to be required for HCV-susceptibility of human cells. Associated methods for inhibiting HCV infection, transgenic animal models for HCV pathogenesis, methods of identifying compounds or agents that prevent or mitigate interaction of HCV with Occludin, and HCV inhibitory agents are also disclosed. Kits and cell culture compositions useful for identifying compounds or agents that prevent or mitigate interaction of HCV with Occludin are also provided.

Abstract: The instant invention provides soluble fusion protein complexes and IL-15 variants that have therapeutic and diagnostic use, and methods for making such proteins. The instant invention additionally provides methods of stimulating or suppressing immune responses in a mammal using the fusion protein complexes and IL-15 variants of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying mutations, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), within breast and ovarian cancer associated genes that modify the binding efficacy of microRNAs (miRNAs). In a preferred embodiment, methods of the invention identify a SNP that decreases expression of the BRCA1 gene by increasing or decreasing the binding efficacy of at least one miRNA. Alteration of miRNA binding to BRCA1 by the introduction of SNPs within miRNA binding sites modulates or decreases BRCA1 expression, ultimately leading to the unregulated cell proliferation of a breast or ovarian cancer cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition of matter comprising an isolated polypeptide, which is a peripherally-restricted Nav1.7 inhibitor. In some disclosed embodiments, the isolated polypeptide is an inhibitor of Nav1.7. Other embodiments are conjugated embodiments of the inventive composition of matter and pharmaceutical compositions containing the inventive composition of matter. Isolated nucleic acids encoding some embodiments of inventive polypeptides and expression vectors, and recombinant host cells containing them are disclosed. A method of treating or preventing pain is also disclosed.

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

Abstract: An isolated DNA molecule comprising a fragment of the gene encoding the feline NIS is disclosed as well as methods of use thereof. Also provided are methods for rational diet design of food composition suitable for administration to feline companion animals afflicted with hyperthyroidism, comprising (a) accessing at least one database that comprises a first data set relating functional gene profile of a biofluid or tissue sample from an animal to physiological condition of the animal, where the functional gene profile is that of the feline NIS gene; (b) accessing at least one database that comprises a second data set relating effects of bioactive dietary components on the functional gene profile; (c) using an algorithm drawing on these data sets, processing input data defining physiological condition to derive a nutritional formula promoting wellness of a feline companion animal afflicted with hyperthyroidism; and (d) preparing a food composition based on the nutritional formula.

Abstract: Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G protein-coupled receptors which function as hetero-oligomeric complexes in the sweet taste transduction pathway, and the genes and cDNA encoding said receptors are described. Specifically, T1R G protein-coupled receptors active in sweet taste signaling as hetero-oligomeric complexes, and the genes and cDNA encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for identifying putative taste modulating compounds using such hetero-oligomeric complexes also described, as is a novel surface expression facilitating peptide useful for targeting integral plasma membrane proteins to the surface of a cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating cancer in a human. The invention includes administering a genetically modified Th17 cell to express a CAR having an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an ICOS intracellular signaling domain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymorphic MRP-1 polynucleotide, genes or vectors comprising the polynucleotides and a host cell genetically engineered with the polynucleotide or gene. Also provided are methods for producing molecular variant polypeptides, cells capable of expressing a molecular variant polypeptide and a polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide or the gene or obtainable by the method or cells produced herein. Also provided is an antibody to the polypeptide, a transgenic animal, and a solid support comprising one or a plurality of the provided polynucleotides, genes, vectors, polypeptides, antibodies or host cells. Furthermore, methods of identifying a polymorphism, identifying and obtaining a pro-drug or drug or an inhibitor are also provided. In addition, the invention relates to methods for producing a pharmaceutical composition, diagnosing a disease and detection of the polynucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for use in the prevention of the rejection of skin tissue, comprising an effective amount of a peptide comprising an epitope of an antigen selected from the group of the polypeptides type XVII collagen, VII collagen, integrin alpha 6, integrin beta 4, chains of laminin, chains of laminin 322, type IV collagen, plectin, plakoglobin, bullous pemphigoid antigen 1, periplakin, envoplakin, desmoglein 1, desmoglein 3, a desmocollin and human bullous pemphigoid antigen 2 (hBPAG2) wherein said epitope induces immunological tolerance against its underlying polypeptide, and/or a nucleic acid for expressing a peptide comprising an epitope of said antigen as well as a gene therapy based on the composition, in the context of autoimmune blistering diseases, such as bullous pemphigoid or genetic skin diseases such as epidermolysisbullosa.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assay for identifying compounds for the treatment of various diseases including those associated with excitotoxicity. The invention also relates to cell lines and constructs for use in an assay of the invention. The invention also relates to methods for determining whether a compound reduces excitotoxic signalling in a cell and whether a compound that inhibits binding of Tau to Fyn is likely to selectively reduce excitotoxic cell signalling. The invention also relates to a Tau protein adapted to form a detectable signal when the Tau protein is bound to a Fyn protein. The invention also relates to a Fyn protein adapted to form a detectable signal when the Fyn protein is bound to a Tau protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a virus like particle comprising a virus structural protein and an antigen derived from PD-1 or a ligand of PD-1, and a composition or kit comprising thereof, its use in immune response etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to cellular localization signals. In particular, the invention relates to endoplasmic reticulum localization signals in monomeric or multimeric form. The localization signals are utilized as research tools or are linked to therapeutics. Disclosed are methods of making and using polypeptides and modified polypeptides as signals to localize therapeutics, experimental compounds, peptides, proteins and/or other macromolecules to the endoplasmic reticulum of eukaryotic cells. The polypeptides of the invention optionally include linkage to reporters, epitopes and/or other experimental or therapeutic molecules. The invention also encompasses polynucleotides encoding the localization signals and vectors comprising these polynucleotides.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a peptide comprising an amino acid sequence composed of contiguous nine amino acid residues derived from a WT1 protein, wherein an amino acid residue at position 2 in the amino acid sequence is selected from the group consisting of Ala, Ile, Leu, Val, Phe, Tyr, Ser and Asp and an amino acid residue at position 9 in the amino acid sequence is Arg; a polynucleotide encoding the peptide; a pharmaceutical composition comprising the peptide; and a method of treating cancer using the peptide.

Abstract: An isolated VEGF polypeptide having anti-angiogenic activity, said polypeptide including the amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID NO. 1, or variants thereof.

Abstract: POTE has recently been identified as a tumor antigen expressed in a variety of human cancers, including colon, ovarian, breast, prostate, lung and pancreatic cancer. Described herein are immunogenic POTE polypeptides, including modified POTE polypeptides, that bind MHC class I molecules. The immunogenic POTE polypeptides are capable of inducing an immune response against POTE-expressing tumor cells. Thus, provided herein is a method of eliciting an immune response in a subject, such as a subject having a type of cancer that expresses POTE.

Abstract: Nutritive proteins are provided. In some embodiments the nutritive proteins comprise a first polypeptide sequence comprising a fragment of a naturally-occurring nutritive protein. In some embodiments the fragment comprises at least one of a) an enhanced ratio of branch chain amino acid residues to total amino acid residues present in the nutritive protein; b) an enhanced ratio of leucine residues to total amino acid residues present in the nutritive protein; and c) an enhanced ratio of essential amino acid residues to total amino acid residues present in the nutritive protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of the Aegyptin gene and Aegyptin protein, a molecule that interacts with collagen and inhibits platelet adhesion, activation and aggregation. Novel biological tools, prophylactics, therapeutics, diagnostics, and methods of use of the foregoing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for targeted delivery of agents (e.g., molecular probes, diagnostic agents, therapeutic agents, imaging agents, research or analytical compounds, enzymes, peptides, proteins, lipids, lipoproteins, sugars, hormones, vitamins, nucleic acids, viruses, bacteria, and/or cells) including use of a composition containing the agent and a targeting moiety, specific for a determinant at the target location. An exemplary composition of the system includes a targeting moiety of one of peptides ?3, 2?3, 3?3, A1, B7, B8, B9, B1O, and D6, specific for targeting ICAM-I. The system enables effective, versatile, and safe targeting and transport of agents. The system is useful in research applications, as well as in the context of translational science and clinical interventions.

Abstract: This application describes the discovery that, in a pregnant woman, certain genes (such as RASSF1A, APC, CASP8, RARB, SCGB3A1, DAB2IP, PTPN6, THY1, TMEFF2, and PYCARD) originated from a fetus are highly methylated, whereas the same genes of maternal origin are unmethylated. This discovery allows the easy detection of one or more of these methylated fetal genes in a biological sample from a pregnant woman, serving as a universal indicator of the presence of fetal DNA in the sample. These fetal methylation markers are particularly useful as positive controls for a non-invasive analytical process during which the quality and quantity of fetal DNA are monitored. These newly identified fetal markers can also be measured directly for diagnosis of certain pregnancy-related conditions.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding various monocyte-derived proteins and related compositions, including purified proteins and specific antibodies are described. Methods of using such composition are also provided.

Abstract: Provided here are new methods to identify specific families of mammalian odorant receptors for odorants or aroma, particularly indole and skatole malodors and their use in assays that may be used to discover compounds that modulate (blocking, enhancing, masking or mimicking compounds) their activity. Orphan mouse odorant receptors are identified from olfactory sensory neurons that respond to target compounds. The resulting receptors as well as their human counterparts can be screened in assays against test compounds to confirm their identity as odorant or aroma receptors, particularly malodor receptors and subsequently discover for example modulators that inhibit the perception of the malodor in humans.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated or purified T cell receptor (TCR) having antigenic specificity for a) melanoma antigen family A (MAGE A)-3 in the context of HLA-A1 or b) MAGE-A12 in the context of HLA-Cw7. The invention further provides related polypeptides and proteins, as well as related nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, and populations of cells. Further provided by the invention are antibodies, or an antigen binding portion thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions relating to the TCRs of the invention. Methods of detecting the presence of cancer in a host and methods of treating or preventing cancer in a host are further provided by the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are polypeptides, compositions and methods for the treatment or prophylaxis of multiple sclerosis. The method involves the steps of administering a polypeptide, or nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide, comprising the GluR2 NTa1-3-2 (Y142-K172) amino acid sequence as shown by SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:5 to a subject in need of the treatment.

Abstract: Provided is a novel hyaluronan synthase (HAS2), isolated nucleic acids encoding it, and expression vectors which express the novel HAS2. Also provided are cell cultures which contain cells which harbor the expression vectors, methods of using the cell cultures to produce high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, and cell culture media that contains the high molecular weight hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of methods for evaluating bucindolol treatment for a patient, particularly one with heart failure. It concerns methods for determining whether to administer or prescribe bucindolol to a patient based on whether the patient is homozygous for the Arg 389 polymorphism in the ?1-adrenergic receptor (AR).

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating cancer in a human. The invention includes relates to administering a genetically modified T cell expressing a CAR having an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, a CD2 signaling domain, and a CD3 zeta signaling domain. The invention also includes incorporating CD2 into the CAR to alter the cytokine production of CAR-T cells in both negative and positive directions.

Abstract: Disclosed is the novel myokine known as myonectin (CTRP15), an isolated nucleic acid encoding the myonectin (CTRP15) gene, and the amino acid sequence encoding the myonectin (CTRP15) protein. Methods of isolation of the nucleic acid, protein, polypeptides and methods of making antibodies to the myonectin (CTRP15) protein are provided. The use of myonectin (CTRP15) in the modulation of lipid and/or glucose metabolism, suppressing the expression of autophagy genes, inhibiting LC3 lipidation and autophagosome-dependent p62 degradation, and activating the Akt/mTOR pathway is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying marker sequences for breast cancer, the marker sequences identified with the aid of this method and diagnostic use thereof, diagnostic devices containing marker sequences for breast cancer, in particular an arrangement and a protein array, and use thereof. The invention also relates to method for the screening of potential active agents for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer by means of these marker sequences.

Abstract: Described herein is the finding that increasing the frequency of Zscan4 activation in mouse ES cells not only enhances, but also maintains their developmental potency in long-term cell culture. Particularly disclosed herein is the finding that the constitutive presence of Zscan4-ERT2, even in the absence of its usual activator tamoxifen, can increase the frequency of endogenous Zscan4 activation in ES cells, resulting in the increase of developmental potency of the ES cells. Accordingly, provided herein are Zscan4-ERT2 fusion proteins and nucleic acid molecules and vectors encoding Zscan4-ERT2 fusion proteins. Further provided are methods of prolonging and/or enhancing stem cell plmipotency using the disclosed Zscan4-ERT2 nucleic acid molecules and fusion proteins.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, this disclosure relates to conjugates comprising GM-CSF and IL-7 and uses related thereto, e.g., enhancing the adaptive immune system. Typically the GM-CSF and IL-7 are connected by a polymer linker, e.g., polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to nucleic acids encoding these polypeptide conjugates, vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding polypeptide conjugates, and protein expression systems comprising these vectors such as infectious viral particles and host cells comprising such a nucleic acids.

Abstract: Provided are a peptide for inhibiting an interaction between an RANKL and an RANK consisting of an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating bone diseases including the peptide. The peptide consisting of an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 is not present in a cyclic shape, and has 10 or less amino acids, thereby having better biostability than a conventional peptide to inhibit an RANKL-RANK interaction, being preferable in price during synthesis, and having a better RANKL-RANK interaction inhibitory effect. For this reason, the peptide may be used as an effective component of the composition effectively inhibiting differentiation of osteoclasts. A pharmaceutical composition including the peptide is bound with the RANKL and the peptide, instead of the RANK, thereby inhibiting the interaction between the RANKL and the RANK, and thus inhibiting osteoclast differentiation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to protein and peptide chemistry. More particularly, it relates to compounds, compositions and uses thereof for promoting and inhibiting angiogenesis. The peptides of the present disclosure include peptides comprising SEQ ID NOs: 1-4 which promote angiogenesis and cell proliferation. Further, the anti-angiogenic compounds of the present disclosure include antisense oligonucleotides that hybridize or are complementary to the polynucleotides of SEQ ID NOs: 5-16, and the like.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to protein and peptide chemistry. More particularly, it relates to compounds, compositions and uses thereof for promoting and inhibiting angiogenesis. The peptides of the present disclosure include peptides comprising SEQ ID NOs: 1-4 which promote angiogenesis and cell proliferation. Further, the anti-angiogenic compounds of the present disclosure include antisense oligonucleotides that hybridize or are complementary to the polynucleotides of SEQ ID NOs: 5-16, and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of diagnosis and prognosis of Alzheimer' disease (AD) in a subject comprising detecting the presence or absence of one or more genetic variations in a sample from the subject, wherein the presence of the genetic variation indicates that the subject is afflicted with, or at risk of developing, AD. Methods of predicting the response of a subject to therapeutic agents for the treatment of AD are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to GDF-5 related proteins having an improved capability of inducing cartilage formation and a reduced capability of inducing bone formation. The novel proteins are particularly useful in the treatment of cartilage defects, wherein the formation of bone tissue is undesirable.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to tissue differentiation factor (TDF) analogs. More specifically, the invention relates to structure-based methods and compositions useful in designing, identifying, and producing molecules, which act as functional modulators of TDF-like receptors. The invention further relates to methods of detecting, preventing, and treating TDF-associated disorders.

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: The invention provides peptides comprising a human cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitope from the human tumor-associated antigen (TAA) mucin 1 (MUC1) and analogs thereof, which can be used in vaccine prevention or therapy of cancer, as well as a nucleic acid encoding the peptide, a vector comprising the nucleic acid, a cell comprising the peptide, nucleic acid, or vector, and compositions thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting and measuring the presence of mono-nucleosomes and oligo-nucleosomes and nucleosomes that contain particular nucleotides and the use of such measurements for the detection and diagnosis of disease. The invention also relates to a method of identifying nucleosome associated nucleotide biomarkers for the detection and diagnosis of disease and to biomarkers identified by said method.