Abstract: Disclosed herein are various open reading frames from a strain of E. coli responsible for neonatal meningitis (MNEC), and a subset of these that is of particular interest for preparing compositions for immunising against MNEC infections.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode novel fatty acid dehydratase family members. The invention also provides recombinant expression vectors containing dehydratase nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and methods for large-scale production of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), e.g., SDA, EPA and DHA.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various combinations of pneumococcal polypeptides for use in immunisation. Also disclosed herein are pneumococcal polypeptides that may be useful as single antigens. These polypeptides may optionally be used in combination with pneumococcal saccharides. The antigens may be used in pneumococcal vaccines, but may also be used as components in vaccines for immunising against multiple pathogens.

Abstract: The factor H binding activity of meningococcal fHBP can be uncoupled from its bactericidal sensitivity. NMR studies have identified various amino acid residues involved in the fHBP/fH interaction and one or more of these residues is modified in a fHBP to reduce or eliminate its ability to bind to fH.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides and related polypeptides related to urea uptake. The invention provides genomic sequences for urea transporter, urease and glutamine synthetase genes. Urea transporters, urease and glutamine synthetase are responsible for controlling nitrogen utilization efficiency in plants. Urea transporter, urease or glutamine synthetase sequences are provided for improving grain yield and plant growth. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells and transgenic plants.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for preventing or reducing the severity of malaria.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules which encode an MRSA PBP2a protein or a fragment thereof which comprises at least 245 amino acid are disclosed. Compositions comprising the nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. Novel proteins which comprise a MRSA PBP2a protein or a fragment thereof which comprises at least 245 amino acid are disclosed are disclosed. Methods of inducing an immune response against MRSA PBP2a are disclosed, as are methods of treating an individual who has been diagnosed with MRSA and methods of preventing MRSA infection in an individual.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for treating C. difficile associated disease (CDAD) through the administration to a subject in need thereof at least one nucleic acid encoding at least a portion of at least one of toxin A and toxin B.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to modified Streptococcus pneumonia pneumolysm (PLY) proteins which lack hemolytic activity and can be used as immunogens in an immunogenic composition or vaccine against invasive pneumococcol diseases caused by S.

Abstract: The invention provides for systems, methods, and compositions for manipulation of sequences and/or activities of target sequences. Provided are vectors and vector systems, some of which encode one or more components of a CRISPR complex, as well as methods for the design and use of such vectors. Also provided are methods of directing CRISPR complex formation in eukaryotic cells and methods for selecting specific cells by introducing precise mutations utilizing the CRISPR/Cas system.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptides, defined through a consensus sequence, having a length from 10 to 80 amino-acid residues, and whose polypeptidic sequence comprises or consists of the consensus sequence P1(Xa)P3(Xb)P5(Xc)P6(Xd)P7 (SEQ ID NO: 1), presenting specific patterns. The polypeptides of the invention target glycosylated Muc2 proteins. The invention also relates to methods of synthesis of such polypeptides, to their nucleic acids and uses thereof. The polypeptidic sequence of the polypeptides of the invention can be part of the N-terminal sequence of a mucus-binding (MUB) domain, especially a mucus-binding (MUB) domain of several species. The invention also relates to chimeric molecule(s) comprising such polypeptides, which are labelled, and vectors, especially plasmids and population of cells or composition comprising polypeptides of the invention. Synthesis methods encompass biotechnological or chemical production.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccine compositions comprising OmpA, or antigenic fragments thereof, and related methods of active immunization against A. baumannii infection. The invention also provides antibodies and antigen-binding parts thereof that specifically bind to OmpA, and related methods of passive immunization against A. baumannii infection. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful for preventing or treating A. baumannii infections, including those caused by strains resistant to carbapenems and all other antibiotics except colistin or tigecycline, also referred to as extreme drug resistant (XDR) A. baumannii infections, and those resistant to every FDA approved antibiotic, also referred to as pan-drug resistant (PDR) A. baumannii infections.

Abstract: The invention relates to agents and to pharmaceutical compositions for reducing the formation of amyloid and/or for promoting the disaggregation of amyloid proteins. The compositions may also be used to detect amyloid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a genetically encoded fluorescent sensor for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, as well as methods of preparation and uses thereof. In one aspect, this invention relates to a sensor for detecting nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, particularly, a recombinant fluorescent fusion protein sensor for detecting nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. In one specific aspect, this invention relates to a recombinant fluorescent fusion protein sensor for detecting reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH); in another specific aspect, this invention relates to a recombinant fluorescent fusion protein sensor for detecting oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+); in yet another aspect, the invention relates to a recombinant fluorescent fusion protein sensor for detecting the ratio of reduced to oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for the selection of recombinant clones having integrated a gene of interest and a nucleotide sequence encoding a functional antidote protein to a toxic molecule, wherein said recombinant clones are the ones which survive following their integration into a host cell comprising in its genome a nucleotide sequence encoding said toxic molecule. The present invention is also related to a nucleic acid construct, a vector comprising said nucleic acid construct, a host cell and a cloning and/or sequencing kit for performing said method.

Abstract: The present invention describes compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates a method of identifying an active M. tuberculosis infection. In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a method of monitoring a M. tuberculosis infection. In yet another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a method of monitoring a patient's response to treatment for an active M. tuberculosis infection. In a further embodiment, the present invention contemplates a method of monitoring a patient's response to treatment for an active M. tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo Leishmania KMP11 or an epitope thereof that elicits an immune response in a dog against Leishmania, compositions comprising said vectors, methods of vaccination against Leishmania, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.

Abstract: Detoxified variants of the pathogenic E. coli ‘AcfD precursor’ (orf3526) have been identified that raise a substantially similar immune response in a subject as the native AcfD (orB526) protein. The detoxified variants may be further modified to have increased solubility as compared to the native AcfD (orf3526) protein.

Abstract: The invention provides for systems, methods, and compositions for manipulation of sequences and/or activities of target sequences. Provided are vectors and vector systems, some of which encode one or more components of a CRISPR complex, as well as methods for the design and use of such vectors. Also provided are methods of directing CRISPR complex formation in eukaryotic cells and methods for selecting specific cells by introducing precise mutations utilizing the CRISPR/Cas system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new isolated polypeptide nominated microcin S, isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the microcin S polypeptide and primers and probes hybridizing to the nucleic acid molecules. The invention also relates to plasmids and cells comprising the nucleic acid molecules, an antibody binding to the polypeptide, compositions as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides. The present invention further relates to medical uses for treating or preventing microbial infections, functional gastrointestinal disorders or treating a tumor. The invention further relates to a method for preserving food and a method for coating dressing material.

Abstract: The invention provides for engineering and optimization of systems, methods, and compositions for manipulation of sequences and/or activities of target sequences. Provided are compositions and methods related to components of a CRISPR complex particularly comprising a Cas ortholog enzyme.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to transgenic algae having increased growth characteristics, and methods of increasing growth characteristics of algae. In particular, the disclosure relates to transgenic algae comprising a glutamine phenylpyruvate transaminase transgene and to transgenic algae comprising a glutamine phenylpyruvate transaminase transgene and a glutamine synthetase.

Abstract: The invention relates to three isolated DNA molecules that encode for proteins, BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3, in the Leptospira sp bacterium which have repetitive Bacterial-Ig-like (Big) domains and their use in diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine applications. According to the present invention, the isolated molecules encoding for BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3 proteins are used for the diagnosis and prevention of infection with Leptospira species that are capable of producing disease in humans and other mammals, including those of veterinary importance.

Abstract: There is provided a NetB epitope polypeptide comprising at least 10 contiguous amino acids from SEQ ID NO:1 and comprising a mutation in at least one position between amino acids 130 and 297 as compared with the equivalent position in SEQ ID the mutation preferably being located within a rim domain, the polypeptide being capable of binding an antibody which binds to SEQ ID NO:1 and having reduced toxicity compared with the toxicity of SEQ ID NO:1. The polypeptide is useful to vaccinate a subject against infection by Clostridium perfringens.

Abstract: Provided are pesticidal, particularly insecticidal, proteins which resemble S-layer proteins, as well as variants or mutants thereof, and DNAs encoding them. Further provided are methods and means for using said DNA or protein for controlling pests, particularly plant insect pests.

Abstract: Provided herein are isolated polypeptides comprising the amino-terminal domain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis porin A (MtpA), wherein the polypeptide is a porin monomer. Also provided are isolated polypeptides comprising the carboxy-terminal domain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis porin A, wherein the polypeptide is a toxin. Also provided are methods of treating or preventing a Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection in a subject with or at risk of developing a Mtb infection. Further provided are chimeric porin polypeptides comprising a first polypeptide comprising an amino-terminal domain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis porin and a second polypeptide comprising an antigen and the use the chimeric porin polypeptides in methods of eliciting an immune response in a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel variant bacterial cold shock proteins and recombinant DNA for expressing such proteins to produce transgenic plants with enhanced stress tolerance and/or enhanced yield.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a DNA molecule. The DNA molecule includes a nucleotide sequence that encodes the receptor-binding domain of Clostridium difficile toxin A or toxin B in which at least about 10% of the in-frame codons for each amino acid residue has a higher percentage use in the human genome than the corresponding in-frame codons of C. difficile toxin A or toxin B having a known sequence. Methods for generating antibodies to Clostridium difficile toxin A or toxin B, methods for reducing the risk of a C. difficile infection, and methods for treating a C. difficile are also provided.

Abstract: An isolated polypeptide comprising a botulinum neurotoxin C1 light chain having a modified amino acid sequence relative to the sequence of a wild-type botulinum neurotoxin C1 light chain is disclosed. The modified botulinum neurotoxin C1 light chain is capable of selectively cleaving syntaxin protein, but has substantially reduced or no activity against SNAP-25 as compared to wild type botulinum neurotoxin C1 light chain, and is thus useful as a research tool and in medical treatment.

Abstract: NadA, App and ORF40 function as adhesins in N. meningitidis. Adhesion nad be modulated by targeting these three proteins. NadA allelic variants are also disclosed. Autoproteolytic cleavage of App is disclosed, as is removal of the activity by mutagenesis. App is processed and secreted into culture medium when expressed in E. coli. Mature App proteins are disclosed. Knockout mutants are disclosed. Vesicles from non-Neisserial hosts with heterologous adhesion expression are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes nucleic acids, and viruses comprising such nucleic acids, for growing a toxic gene in an insect cell. These nucleic acids comprise a sequence encoding a toxic polypeptide, and an intron that interrupts the sequence, whereby the intron is spliced in mammalian cells but not in insect cells. Infection of mammalian cells but not insect cells with the nucleic acids or viruses can lead to expression of toxic levels of the toxic polypeptide in mammalian cells but not in insect cells. Viruses, such as an AAV or a baculovirus comprising a nucleic acid can be grown in insect cell lines in vitro and can be administered to a subject in need of therapy, such as a subject in need of cancer therapy.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for pesticidal polypeptides are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated pesticidal nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed. In particular, the present invention provides for nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12, the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4, 5, or 6, as well as variants and fragments thereof.

Abstract: The application describes electrically conductive nanowires, as well as genetically and/or chemically modified nanowires with modified conductive, adhesive and/or coupling properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rapid method for detection and characterization of Escherichia coli bacteria serotype O157:H7 based on the presence of nucleic acid sequences, in particular, to a PCR-based method for detection, and to oligonucleotide molecules and reagents and kits useful therefore. This method is preferably employed to detect E. coli O157:H7 in a food or water sample, such as a beef enrichment. The present invention further relates to replication compositions and kits for carrying out the method of the present invention.

Abstract: An L-arabinose utilizing yeast strain is provided for the production of ethanol by introducing and expressing bacterial araA, araB and araD genes. L-arabinose transporters are also introduced into the yeast to enhance the uptake of arabinose. The yeast carries additional genomic mutations enabling it to consume L-arabinose, even as the only carbon source, and to produce ethanol. A yeast strain engineered to metabolize arabinose through a novel pathway is also disclosed. Methods of producing ethanol include utilizing these modified yeast strains.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a DNA molecule capable of replication in Mycobacteria having a nucleic acid sequence as disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 1, a shuttle vector constructed using it and a transformed cells containing the present vector. The vector of about 18 kb of the present disclosure contains 16 ORFs, a replication origin and a rep-like protein essential for replication. Therefore, the plasmid of the present disclosure can be utilized as a gene delivery system/research, and also in a therapeutic system such as immune therapeutics by effectively delivering proteins or heterologous DNA and expressing the encoded DNA in cells.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for controlling pests are provided. The methods involve transforming organisms with a nucleic acid sequence encoding an insecticidal protein. In particular, the nucleic acid sequences are useful for preparing plants and microorganisms that possess insecticidal activity. Thus, transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, plant tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions are isolated insecticidal proteins and nucleic acids. The sequences find use in the construction of expression vectors for subsequent transformation into organisms of interest, as probes for the isolation of other homologous (or partially homologous) genes. The insecticidal proteins find use in controlling or killing lepidopteran, coleopteran, dipteran, fungal, hemipteran, and nematode pest populations and for producing compositions with insecticidal activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial nucleotide sequences, including specific mutations therein.

Abstract: Described herein are isolated polypeptides each containing one or more receptor-binding sites of toxin A (tcdA) of Clostridium difficile (Cd), nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides, and methods of using the polypeptides and nucleic acids.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for controlling pests are provided. The methods involve transforming organisms with a nucleic acid sequence encoding an insecticidal protein. In particular, the nucleic acid sequences are useful for preparing plants and microorganisms that possess insecticidal activity. Thus, transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, plant tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions are insecticidal nucleic acids and proteins of bacterial species. The sequences find use in the construction of expression vectors for subsequent transformation into organisms of interest, as probes for the isolation of other homologous (or partially homologous) genes. The insecticidal proteins find use in controlling, inhibiting growth or killing lepidopteran, coleopteran, dipteran, fungal, hemipteran, and nematode pest populations and for producing compositions with insecticidal activity.

Abstract: The present invention concerns antibodies recognizing Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis epitopes able to cross-reacting with the beta-cell antigen ZnT8 to be used as early biomarkers of type 1 diabetes, epitopes for in vitro prognostic and diagnostic methods suitable to reveal a risk to develop type 1 diabetes, therapies for the prevention of T1D by avoiding, controlling or monitoring Mycobacterium paratuberculosis infection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to heat shock proteins from Mycobacterium leprae as well as their encoding polynucleotides and vectors and host cells containing these polynucleotides. These heat shock proteins and their encoding polynucleotides are useful in detection of Mycobacterium leprae. In addition, the heat shock protein can be used as an adjuvant in a pharmaceutical composition containing an antigen to induce or enhance the immune response against the antigen. Further, the heat shock protein may be used to treat atopic conditions or as a vaccine against Mycobacterium leprae. Alternatively, the heat shock protein can be used to form a fusion protein with an antigen to induce or enhance the immune response against the antigen.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to immunogenic compositions and methods of enhancing an immune response to an antigen. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to virus-like carries comprising a TLR5 agonist on the exterior without an antigen.

Abstract: Provided herein are Mycobacterium smegmatis porin nanopores, systems that comprise these nanopores, and methods of using and making these nanopores. Such nanopores may be wild-type MspA porins, mutant MspA porins, wild-type MspA paralog porins, wild-type MspA homolog porins, mutant MspA paralog porins, mutant MspA homolog porins, or single-chain Msp porins. Also provided are bacterial strains capable of inducible Msp porin expression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to proteins and/or fragments and derivatives thereof and their use as vaccines and in biotechnological methods. The vaccines particularly include immunogenic proteins in Treponema spp. isolated from digital dermatitis in cattle. The present invention further relates to antibodies raised against said proteins or fragments thereof, and the use of said proteins in diagnostic methods in which antibodies are detected as a sign of digital dermatitis in cattle.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing and treating pneumococcal infections are provided. Compositions include novel polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence corresponding to the R21 or R22 domain of CbpA or a consensus sequence of one of these domains, and variants and fragments thereof, wherein the polypeptide is stabilized in a desired conformation, particularly a loop conformation. The polypeptides of the invention may be engineered to comprise a first and a second cysteine residue, thereby resulting in the formation of a disulfide bond that stabilizes the polypeptide in the desired conformation. Alternatively, a polypeptide of the invention may be modified to create a synthetic linkage between a first and second amino acid residue present within the polypeptide, wherein the synthetic linkage stabilizes the polypeptide in the desired conformation. The polypeptides of the invention may further comprise an amino acid sequence for a T cell epitope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new streptavidin muteins. This mutein is The muteins are capable of oligomerization to form tetramers, with relatively strong subunit interactions, dissociation constant (KD) for biotin in this mutein in the range of 10?7 to 10?8M, off-rate (koff) for the bound biotin in the streptavidin-biotin complex in the range of 10?4 sec?1, stable enough to allow reuse, and producible producable with reasonable production yield via secretion in a soluble functional state without the requirement of refolding streptavidin via the tedious and expensive denaturation and renaturation processes.

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) amino acid sequences. Over 2500 specific NTHi proteins are disclosed. The invention also provides related polypeptides, nucleic acids, antibodies and methods. These can all be usedin medicine for treating or preventing disease and/or infection caused by H. influenzae, such as otitis media.

Abstract: Stimulation of target cells using light, e.g., in vivo or in vitro, is implemented using a variety of methods and devices. One example involves a vector for delivering a light-activated molecule comprising a nucleic acid sequence that codes for light-activated molecule. The light-activated molecule includes a modification to a location near the all-trans retinal Schiff base, e.g., to extends the duration time of the open state. Other aspects and embodiments are directed to systems, methods, kits, compositions of matter and molecules for ion channels or pumps or for controlling currents in a cell (e.g., in in vivo and in vitro environments).

Abstract: The present invention provides metabolic regulators, which are proteins (such as fusion proteins, truncated proteins or full-length proteins) that bind to specific metabolites and which can be used to control the availability of the metabolites in cells, particularly plant cells. Proteins of the invention include one or more metabolic regulator proteins, can be truncated or full length, can further comprise a transmembrane domain or lipoylation site or can further comprise a transit peptide. Metabolic regulators of the invention can be soluble, e.g., cytosolic soluble, can be anchored to a biological membrane or can be organelle targeted or apoplastic targeted. The present invention also provides nucleic acid molecules encoding the metabolic regulators, methods of making the nucleic acid molecules, methods for making transformed organisms, including plants, photosynthetic organisms, microbes, invertebrates, and vertebrates, and methods for controlling availability of metabolites to a host cell.