Abstract: Comparative gene analysis (CGA) was combined with pathway visualization software to identify a positive correlation between AAV6 transduction and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression. It was found that EGFR is necessary for vector internalization and functions as a co-receptor for AAV6. The identification and characterization of AAV6's requirement of EGFR expression for high transduction activity has allowed construction of recombinant AAV6 vectors which are capable of targeting and killing specific types of head and neck tumors that because of this high EGFR activity, were until now, refractory to current therapies.

Abstract: The present invention concerns new modular base-per-base specific nucleic acid binding domains (MBBBD) derived from newly identified proteins from the bacterial endosymbiont Burkholderia Rhizoxinica and their use for engineering nucleic acid processing enzymes, such as specific endonucleases or transcription activators.

Abstract: The specification discloses Clostridial toxins or Clostridial toxin chimeras comprising an inactivation cleavage site, polynucleotide molecules encoding such toxins or chimeras, compositions comprising such toxins or chimeras, and method of producing such toxins or chimeras.

Abstract: An isolated protein which is at least partially encoded by a polynucleotide sequence encoding a novel elongase is provided together with a composition which includes the isolated protein. A transgenic plant or a transgenic seed transformed by a polynucleotide encoding a protein which is at least partially encoded by a novel elongase is also provided. The invention also includes a process for making a very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid in a transformed cell or plant expressing the isolated protein which is at least partially encoded by a polynucleotide sequence encoding a novel elongase.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rapid method for detection and characterization of STEC bacteria 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 STEC bacteria in a food or water sample, such as a beef enrichment. The present invention further relates to isolated polynucleotides, replication compositions, kits, and reagent tablets for carrying out the method of the present invention.

Abstract: Mutant photosynthetic microorganisms having reduced chlorophyll and increased photosynthetic efficiency are provided. The mutants have a locked in high light-acclimated phenotype, in which many of the photosynthetic parameters characteristic of high light acclimated wild type cells are found in the LIHLA mutants when acclimated to low light, such as reduced chlorophyll, reduced NPQ, higher qP, higher Ek, higher Pmax per unit chlorophyll with little to no reduction in Pmax per cell, and higher rates of electron transport through photosystem II over a wide range of light intensities. Provided herein are constructs for attenuating or disrupting genes are provided for generating mutants having the LIHLA phenotype. Also provided are methods of culturing LIHLA mutants for the production of biomass or other products.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is: to provide an excellent protein which is further reduced in the binding property to an Fc region of an immunoglobulin and/or the binding property to an Fab region of the immunoglobulin in a weakly acidic region compared with that of a protein containing an extracellular domain of wild-type protein G, and which still keeps a high antibody-binding activity in a neutral region; and to capture and collect an antibody readily using the protein without denaturating the antibody.

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:2, 3, or 4, the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, as well as variants and fragments thereof.

Abstract: The specification discloses Clostridial toxins or Clostridial toxin chimeras comprising an inactivation cleavage site, polynucleotide molecules encoding such toxins or chimeras, compositions comprising such toxins or chimeras, and method of producing such toxins or chimeras.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of malaria transmission blocking vaccines in single-celled green algae, particularly algae of the genus Chlamydomonas, e.g., Chlamydomonas reinhardtii; the immunogenic Plasmodium polypeptides produced and compositions comprising them; and methods for preventing, ameliorating, reducing, delaying, treating and blocking the transmission of malaria by administration of immunogenic Plasmodium polypeptides produced in an algal host cell.

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 provides a Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) comprising an amino acid sequence having a substitution of one or more of amino acid residues E420, D463, Y481, L516, R563, D581, D589, and K606, wherein the amino acid residues are defined by reference to SEQ ID NO: 1. The invention further provides related chimeric molecules, as well as related nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, populations of cells, and pharmaceutical compositions. Methods of treating or preventing cancer in a mammal, methods of inhibiting the growth of a target cell, methods of producing the PE, and methods of producing the chimeric molecule are further provided by the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to Salmonella typhi Ty21a comprising core-linked Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 O-specific polysaccharide (O-Ps) and DNA encoding O antigen biosynthesis, said DNA selected from the group consisting of: a) the DNA sequence set out in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2 and species homologs thereof; b) DNA encoding Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 polypeptides encoded by any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2, and species homologs thereof; and c) DNA encoding a O antigen biosynthesis gene product that hybridizes under moderately stringent conditions to the DNA of (a) or (b); and related sequences, compositions of matter, vaccines, methods of using, and methods of making.

Abstract: The invention provides for identification and use of certain chloroplast transit peptides for efficient processing and localization of dicamba monooxygenase (DMO) enzyme in transgenic plants. Methods for producing dicamba tolerant plants, methods for controlling weed growth, and methods for producing food, feed, and other products are also provided, as well as seed that confers tolerance to dicamba when it is applied pre- or post-emergence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treatment of mucus hypersecretion, to compositions therefore and manufacture of those compositions. The present invention relates particularly, though not exclusively, to the treatment of chronic bronchitis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and other clinical conditions involving COPD.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having endoglucanase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide efficient allelic exchange methods to generate directed mutations within genes of slow-growing stains of mycobacteria (e.g., Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map), Map 10 or GFP-expressing Map K-10) using a phage-delivery system, and demonstrate high efficiency allelic exchange. Additional exemplary aspects provide non-naturally occurring slow-growing strains of mycobacteria (e.g., Map, M. bovis, M. tuberculosis) having at least one gene deletion (e.g., pknG, relA, lsr2, panC, panD, proC, trpD, sapM (MAP3432), lysA_1, leuD, and leuC, and deletion mutants at the orthologous loci of two known virulence genes in pathogenic mycobacteria (relA and pknG) and one gene related to colony morphology and biofilm formation in fast growing mycobacteria (lsr2) were made. Further aspects provide novel vaccines comprising such deletion mutants, or portions thereof, and methods for making said vaccines. Yet further aspects provide methods for protecting a mammal from virulent Map, M.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polynucleotide from Emiliana huxleyi which codes for a desaturase and which can be employed for the recombinant production of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The invention furthermore relates to vectors, host cells and transgenic nonhuman organisms which comprise the polynucleotide according to the invention, and to the polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotide. The invention furthermore relates to antibodies against the polypeptide according to the invention. Finally, the invention also relates to production methods for the polyunsaturated fatty acids and for oil, lipid and fatty acid compositions and to their use as drugs, cosmetics, foodstuffs, feedstuffs, preferably fish food, or food supplements.

Abstract: The novel omp-1 gene cluster encoding twenty one Ehrlichia ewingii (EE) proteins was isolated and sequenced completely. This invention relates to isolated E. ewingii (EE) polypeptides, isolated polynucleotides encoding EE polypeptides, probes, primers, isolated antibodies and methods of their production, immunogenic compositions and vaccines, as well as methods of using the EE polypeptides, antibodies, probes, and primers for the purpose of diagnosis, therapy and production of vaccines against E. ewingii.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of a new adhesin islands within the genomes of several Group A and Group B Streptococcus serotypes and isolates. The adhesin islands are thought to encode surface proteins which are important in the bacteria's virulence. Thus, the adhesin island proteins of the invention may be used in immunogenic compositions for prophylactic or therapeutic immunization against GAS or GBS infection. For example, the invention may include an immunogenic composition comprising one or more of the discovered adhesin island proteins.

Abstract: There is provided a method for detecting M. genitalium nucleic acid in a sample, comprising: (i) amplifying a nucleic acid sequence comprising a fragment of SEQ ID NO: 1 (Mg219 gene); and (ii) detecting said amplified nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to genes and proteins involved in the sporulation of Mycobacteria and the use thereof in the technical fields of immunology and medicine. A vaccine comprising spore forming peptides, such as CotA or CotD, or antibodies thereto is used for the treatment of diseases caused by Mycobacterium such as leprosy and tuberculosis.

Abstract: The invention provides for systems, methods, and compositions for altering expression of target gene sequences and related gene products. 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 utilizing the CRISPR-Cas system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the culture and manipulation of microorganisms for biotech applications, and is based on the discovery and characterization of spliced leader sequences identified in transcripts from Nannochloropsis species. In particular, the invention provides nucleic acid compositions comprising a SL sequence operably linked to a protein-encoding gene. Further provided are compositions and methods for enhanced gene expression in recombinant microorganisms as well as methods for identification and/or isolation of nucleic acid molecules tagged with a spliced leader sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to mutant forms of Msp. The invention also relates to nucleic acid characterisation using Msp.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel isolates of Neorickettsia risticii, compositions comprising such isolates, vaccines and methods for using such vaccines against Potomac Horse Fever.

Abstract: The present application provides methods of producing soluble Treponema pallidum protein Tp0453 (such as the fragment shown in SEQ ID NO: 3). For example, the protein can be expressed from the pET28a vector in a cell and the resulting soluble Tp0453 protein isolated from the cell. Also provided are the isolated soluble Tp0453 protein, as well as Tp0453-Tp0326 chimeric proteins (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 11), and methods of using the proteins to detect antibodies specific for T. pallidum subsp. pallidum, for example to diagnose syphilis. Devices and kits that incorporate Tp0453 protein and Tp0453-Tp0326 chimeric proteins, such as lateral flow devices, are also disclosed. Kits that include the soluble Tp0453 protein and kits that include solid substrates containing the soluble Tp0453 protein are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polypeptide comprising: (a) a HC-domain or fragment thereof of the neurotoxic component of a clostridial toxin; and (b) a first LC domain or fragment thereof of the neurotoxic component of a clostridial toxin; and (c) at least one further LC domain or fragment thereof of the neurotoxic component of a clostridial toxin wherein the first and the at least one further LC domain may be the same or different from each other, and wherein each of said fragments of said first and of said at least one further LC domain still exhibits proteolytic activity.

Abstract: A modified protein of an extracellular domain of protein A, which has the reduced ability to bind to immunoglobulin in an acidic region, compared with the wild-type extracellular domain of protein A, without impairing a selective antibody-binding activity in a neutral region. On the basis of three-dimensional structure coordinate data on a complex of the extracellular domain of protein A bound with the Fc region of immunoglobulin G, the modified protein is obtained by the substitution of amino acid residues that are located within the range of 10 angstroms from the Fc region and have a 20% or more ratio of exposed surface area, by histidine residues. Preferably, the modified protein is obtained by the substitution of amino acid residues at sites identified from the analysis of sequences selected from a library constituted by the protein group, by histidine residues. These substitutions may be combined.

Abstract: An effective Staphylococcus aureus vaccine may require several antigenic components, and so various combinations of S. aureus antigens are identified for use in immunisation. These polypeptides may optionally be used in combination with S. aureus saccharides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins comprising fragments from toxin A and/or toxin B of Clostridium difficile, wherein the polypeptide elicits antibodies that neutralize toxin A or toxin B or both.

Abstract: The field of this invention relates to methods for combining genetic elements such that the activity of one of the elements provides a means for identifying, enriching, selecting for, or enhancing the activity of a second element. The invention also includes specific elements and combinations of elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to primers for the universal amplification and detection of Archaea, which primers are designed based on a multiple sequence alignment of Archaea Type II chaperonin (thermo-some) genes. For detection of Archaea having templates with a GC content of below 60%, primers are designed so that inosine residues are found at degenerate positions. For amplification of higher GC content templates, degenerate positions are replaced with specific nucleotide bases found in the high GC organism. The primers are useful for detecting, identifying and quantifying Archaea in a sample and for determining a phylogenetic relationship of a test Archaea organism.

Abstract: A composition and method for immunizing a mammal infected with Mycobacterium are disclosed. The genes gcpE, pstA, kdpC, papA2, impA, umaA1, fabG2_2, aceAB, mbtH2, lpqP, map0834c, cspB, lipN, and map1634 of M. paratuberculosis and the products that they encode are vaccine targets for Johne's and Crohn's disease. Eighteen M. paratuberculosis-specific genomic islands (MAPs) were identified. Three inverted large genomic fragments in M. paratuberculosis (INV) were also identified. These genomic identifiers represent novel virulence determinants that can be used as targets for vaccines and for developments of drugs against Johne's disease. The methods can be used to deliver an immunizing compound to a mammal, to provide an immune response against Johne's or Crohn's disease in the mammal.

Abstract: We describe a method for mining microbial genomes to discover antimicrobial genes and proteins having broad spectrum of activity. Also described are antimicrobial genes and their expression products from various microbial genomes that were found using this method. The products of such genes can be used as antimicrobial agents or as tools for molecular biology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a strain of M. bovis BCG or M. microti, wherein said strain has integrated part or all of the RD1 region responsible for enhanced immunogenicity of the tubercle bacilli, especially the ESAT-6 and CFP-10 genes. These strains will be referred as the M. bovis BCG::RD1 or M. microti::RD1 strains and are useful as a new improved vaccine for preventing tuberculosis and as a therapeutical product enhancing the stimulation of the immune system for the treatment of bladder cancer.

Abstract: A method for detecting a target nucleic acid of a pathogen in a test sample, the method comprising preparing a target nucleic acid detecting reagent and contacting the target nucleic acid detecting reagent with an oligonucleotide microarray. A kit for detecting a target nucleic acid of a pathogen in a test sample is also described. The kit comprises at least one primer pair and an oligonucleotide microarray comprising at least one probe.

Abstract: Process for the production of cadaverine by constructing a recombinant microorganism which has a deregulated lysine decarboxylase gene and at least one deregulated gene selected from the group (i) which consists of aspartokinase, aspartatesemialdehyde dehydrogenase, dihydrodipicolinate synthase, dihydrodipicolinate reductase, tetrahydrodipicolinate succinylase, succinyl-amino-ketopimelate transaminase, succinyl-diamino-pimelate desuccinylase, diaminopimelate epimerase, diaminopimelate dehydrogenase, arginyl-tRNA synthetase, diaminopimelate decarboxylase, pyruvate carboxylase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, transketolase, transaldolase, 6-phosphogluconolactonase, fructose 1,6-biphosphatase, homoserine dehydrogenase, phophoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, succinyl-CoA synthetase, methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, provided that if aspartokinase is deregulated as gene (i) at least a second gene (i) other than aspartokinase has to be deregulated, and cultivating said microorganism.

Abstract: Methods and constructs for the introduction of multiple genes encoding enzymes in a multi-enzyme biosynthetic pathway are provided. In one embodiment, the constructs contain two or more enzyme-encoding genes, each under the control of an inducible promoter and each with a polyadenylation signal. The constructs are used to produce transgenic plants, in which the expression of the enzymes are increased when a chemical inducing agent is applied, and a biosynthetic product of the series of enzymes encoded by the transgenes is produced. Constructs may be used which contain two or more enzyme-encoding genes under the control of one or more promoters activated by activator molecules or complexes expressed from a transgene or transgenes, which are themselves under the control of one or more inducible promoters and switched on following the external application of a chemical.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the presence of metronidazole-resistant Trichomonas vaginalis. The presence of G76C, C213G, or C318A (SNP) in tvntr 4 or the presence of A238T, G427C, or T476C (SNP) in tvntr6 provides a reliable biomarker for the presence of metronidazole-resistant Trichomonas vaginalis. The present invention further provides reagents used for detecting the SNPs to screen subjects for metronidazole resistance in Trichomonas vaginalis.

Abstract: The present invention regards polypeptides capable of eliciting an immunological response that is protective against Chlamydia trachomatis. The polypeptide comprises a first amino acid sequence which has at least 90% homology with the amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 1 and a second amino acid sequence which has at least 90% homology with the amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2. Furthermore, production of these polypeptides and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of nucleic acid sequences for regulating the transcription and expression of genes, the novel promoters and expression units themselves, methods for altering or causing the transcription rate and/or expression rate of genes, expression cassettes comprising the expression units, genetically modified microorganisms with altered or caused transcription rate and/or expression rate, and methods for preparing biosynthetic products by cultivating the genetically modified microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to the development of chimeric OspA molecules for use in a new Lyme vaccine. More specifically, the chimeric OspA molecules comprise the proximal portion from one OspA serotype, together with the distal portion from another OspA serotype, while retaining antigenic properties of both of the parent polypeptides. The chimeric OspA molecules are delivered alone or in combination to provide protection against a variety of Borrelia genospecies. The invention also provides methods for administering the chimeric OspA molecules to a subject in the prevention and treatment of Lyme disease or borreliosis.

Abstract: Provided is a gene that is useful for imparting hydrogen peroxide resistance to a microorganism. Also provided is a method for using the same. The hydrogen peroxide resistance-imparting gene encoding a protein selected from the following proteins (a) to (c): (a) a protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; (b) a protein which has an amino acid sequence equivalent to the amino acid sequence of (a), except that one to several amino acid residues are deleted, substituted, or added, and which exhibits hydrogen peroxide resistance-imparting activity; and (c) a protein which has an amino acid sequence having an identity of 85% or higher to the amino acid sequence of (a), and which exhibits hydrogen peroxide resistance-imparting activity.

Abstract: Malaria vaccines based on polyepitope constructs that elicit cell-mediated immunity against a broad spectrum of malaria parasites and which cover the majority of HLA alleles are provided. Epitopes in the polyepitope constructs are from regions of the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP) known to contain CD4 and CD8 T cell epitopes, and include both epitopes from highly variable and highly conserved regions of CSP.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to stabilized expression plasmid systems. The stabilized expression plasmid systems comprise an expression vector that includes a plasmid maintenance system (PMS) and, optionally, one or both of a polynucleotide encoding a selected antigen under control of a promoter, and a polynucleotide encoding a selectable marker under control of a promoter. The use of the mchI protein as a selectable marker is found in preferred embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chromatography ligand, which comprises Domain C from Staphylococcus protein A (SpA), or a functional fragment or variant thereof. The chromatography ligand presents an advantageous capability of withstanding harsh cleaning in place (CIP) conditions, and is capable of binding Fab fragments of antibodies. The ligand may be provided with a terminal coupling group, such as arginine or cysteine, to facilitate its coupling to an insoluble carrier such as beads or a membrane. The invention also relates to a process of using the ligand in isolation of antibodies, and to a purification protocol which may include washing steps and/or regeneration with alkali.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, nucleic acids and methods for transforming a bacterium belonging to the Streptococcus genus by natural competence and their use in the food and feed industry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a DNA fragment containing a determined gene, the expression of which inhibits the antibiotic and herbicidal effects of Bialaphos and related products. It also relates to recombinant vectors, containing such DNA fragment, which enable this protective gene to be introduced and expressed into cells and plant cells.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the selection of transgenic cells. The invention relates to the unexpected finding that cells expressing a gene conferring tolerance to auxin-like herbicides such as dicamba may be directly selected from non-transgenic cells using auxin-like herbicides as a selective agent. In this manner, plants exhibiting tolerance to auxin-like herbicides can be directly produced without the need for separate selectable markers.