Abstract: The present invention relates generally to compositions for wound closure. More specifically, the present invention provides human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous polypeptides (e.g., antimicrobial polypeptides and keratinocyte growth factor 2) and compositions and methods for making human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous polypeptides. In addition, the present invention provides methods for treatment of wounds with human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to the biotechnological production of isomaltulose and isomaltulose-containing compositions and improved means, therefore particularly microbial cells.

Abstract: Described are synthetic promoters capable of mediating gene expression in plants upon pathogen infection. Furthermore, recombinant genes and vectors comprising said chimeric promoters as well as host cells transformed with such chimeric promoters, recombinant genes, or vectors are provided. Additionally, diagnostic compositions and kits comprising such chimeric promoters, recombinant genes, vectors or cells are described. Provided are further methods for the identification of compounds being capable of activating or inhibiting genes that are specifically expressed in plants upon pathogen infection employing the above described means. Furthermore, transgenic plant cells, plant tissue, and plants containing the above-described chimeric promoters, recombinant genes, and vectors as well as the use of the aforementioned chimeric promoters, recombinant genes, vectors and/or compounds identified by the method of the invention in plant cell and tissue culture, plant breeding, and/or agriculture are described.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides directed against the hypoxia-inducible factor-1? (HIF-1?) gene are provided for modulating the expression of HIF-1?. The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding the HIF-1?. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of HIF-1? expression and for the treatment of diseases associated with the hypoxia-inducible factor-1? are provided. Examples of diseases are cancer and pre-eclampsia. The oligonucleotides may be composed of deoxyribonucleosides, a nucleic acid analog, or Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Novel promoters which are derived from P. pastoris pastoris which are inducible or repressible under specific growth conditions are provided. These promoters are useful for regulating the expression of a desired structural gene, e.g., a mammalian polypeptide. Particularly preferred is the use of these novel promoters to regulate gene expression in polyploidal yeast such as diploidal P. pastoris produced by mating or spheroplast fusion.

Abstract: Identification of new enhancer sequence has significant utility in the plant functional genomics. The sugarcane bacilliform badnavirus (SCBV) transcriptional enhancer has been identified. This enhancer can be used to increase the rate of transcription from gene promoters and in activation tagging experiments. A ten-fold increase in transcription was observed when a 4× array of the SCBV enhancer was placed upstream of a truncated form of the maize alcohol dehydrogenase minimal promoter. Methods of using the SCBV transcriptional enhancer are described, as are chimeric transcription regulatory regions, constructs, cells, tissues, and organisms that comprise one or more copies of the enhancer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a DNA vaccine for immunization against HIV. The invention comprises a DNA molecule that has a sequence encoding a plurality of viral proteins capable of stimulating an immune response against HIV. The DNA molecule is rendered safe for use as a vaccine by the disruption of genes encoding reverse transcriptase, integrase, and Vif. The DNA molecule is further rendered safe by at least a partial deletion of the 3? LTR.

Abstract: Provided are mRNA translational enhancer elements (TEEs), e.g., SEQ ID NOs:1-35. Also provided are translational enhancer polynucleotides that comprise one or more of the specific TEEs exemplified herein or their variants, homologs or functional derivatives. Further provided are expression vectors comprising such TEEs or translational enhancer polynucleotides, as well as host cells and expression systems that harbor such vectors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to small interfering RNA molecules (siRNA) targeted against an allele of interest, and methods of using these siRNA molecules.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of eIF4E-BP1. The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acid encoding eIF4E-BP1. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of eIF4E-BP1 expression and for diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions associated with expression of eIF4E-BP1 are provided.

Abstract: The present invention embraces microRNA-antagonists and activators of homeobox D10 protein; Zinc finger, MYND domain containing 11 protein; or RB1-inducible coiled-coil 1 protein for use in decreasing glial tumor cell proliferation and treating glioma.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for regulating expression of heterologous nucleotide sequences in a plant are provided. Compositions include nucleotide sequences for an Arabidopsis thaliana nucellar 1/inner integument (AT NUC1) promoter. Also provided is a method for expressing a heterologous nucleotide sequence in a plant using a promoter sequence disclosed herein.

Abstract: A regulated deployment of a toxin gene for developmental programmed cell death in bacteria is described. M. xanthus is demonstrated to have a solitary mazF gene that lacks a cotranscribed antitoxin gene. Deletion of mazF results in elimination of the obligatory cell death during development causing dramatic reduction in spore formation. Surprisingly, MrpC functions as a MazF antitoxin and a mazF transcription activator. Transcription of mrpC and mazF is negatively regulated via MrpC phosphorylation by a Ser/Thr kinase cascade. Various methods of exploiting this novel pathway are described herein.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for regulation of exonic splicing enhancers and exonic splicing silencers. Compounds include polynucleotides targeted to aberrant exonic splicing enhancers and exonic splicing silencers. Compounds and methods for the diagnosis of diseases and conditions associated with aberrant exonic splicing enhancers and exonic splicing silencers. Methods for identifying splicing-sensitive disease mutations, and functional RNA elements as targets for amelioration of aberrant pre-mRNA splicing.

Abstract: A nucleotide promoter sequence permits regulation of gene expression in plants including at least 80% of identity with sequence or a portion of promoter sequence of genes Atlg05340 or Atlg80160 of Arabidopsis. A method obtains a plant genetically modified with such a promoter nucleotide sequence and a method obtains promoter regions of genes Atlg05340 or Atlg80160 of Arabidopsis.

Abstract: The invention relates to aptamer-regulated, ligand-responsive nucleic acids, or “ampliSwitches,” and uses thereof. Particular embodiments include a ligand-responsive nucleic acid that comprises a primer sequence domain and an aptamer domain that is responsive to a ligand.

Abstract: The invention provides a DNA molecule comprising a multicistronic transcription unit coding for i) a selectable marker polypeptide functional in a eukaryotic host cell, and for ii) a polypeptide of interest, the polypeptide of interest having a translation initiation sequence separate from that of the selectable marker polypeptide, characterized in that the coding sequence for the polypeptide of interest is downstream from the coding sequence for the selectable marker in the multicistronic transcription unit, and the nucleic acid sequence coding for the selectable marker polypeptide comprises a mutation that decreases the translation efficiency of the selectable marker in a eukaryotic host cell. The invention also provides methods for obtaining host cells expressing a polypeptide of interest, the host cells comprising the DNA molecules of the invention.

Abstract: Novel gene sequences from microalgae are disclosed, as well as novel gene sequences useful in the manufacture of triglyceride oils. Also disclosed are sequences and vectors that allow microalgae to be cultivated on sugar cane and sugar beets as a feedstock. In some embodiments, the vectors are useful for the purpose of performing targeted modifications to the nuclear genome of heterotrophic microalgae.

Abstract: This invention provides compounds which comprise modified oligonucleotides capable of inhibitory expression of connective tissue factor and composition containing same as well as methods of treating hyperprolific disorders and fibrotic diseases, and of reducing scarring resulting from wound healing using such compounds.

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: It is intended to provide for a polycistronic expression pattern in a plant used as a host. The present invention provides a polynucleotide which comprises the following DNA (a) or (b) and functions as an IRES (internal ribosome entry site) in a plant: (a) DNA of the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3, or 4; or (b) DNA of a nucleotide sequence derived from the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3, or 4 by the substitution, deletion, addition, and insertion of one or more bases and having a function of positively regulating the translation of a nucleic acid located downstream thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-coding regulatory element polynucleotide molecules isolated from the transcription factor Nuclear Factor B (NFB2) gene of Zea mays and useful for expressing transgenes in plants. The invention further discloses compositions, polynucleotide constructs, transformed host cells, transgenic plants and seeds containing the Zea mays NFB2 regulatory polynucleotide sequences, and methods for preparing and using the same.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for isolating one or more genetic elements encoding a gene product having a desired activity, comprising the steps of: (a) compartmentalising genetic elements into microcapsules; (b) expressing the genetic elements to produce their respective gene products within the microcapsules; (c) sorting the genetic elements which produce the gene product having the desired activity using a change in the optical properties of the genetic elements. The invention enables the in vitro evolution of nucleic acids and proteins by repeated mutagenesis and iterative applications of the method of the invention.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a transformation method that is applicable to a wide variety of species of algae with high efficiency. The promoter of the present invention is characterized in containing a polynucleotide constituting a non-coding region located upstream from a gene encoding a replication-associated protein of a CdebDNA virus or the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the drought-specific expression of a nucleotide sequence of interest in one or more cells of a plant. In some particular embodiments, the present invention relates to the drought-specific expression of a nucleotide sequence of interest in wheat under the control of a Rab17 transcriptional control sequence.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a DNA vaccine for immunization against HIV. The invention comprises a DNA molecule that has a sequence encoding a plurality of viral proteins capable of stimulating an immune response against HIV. The DNA molecule is rendered safe for use as a vaccine by the disruption of genes encoding reverse transcriptase, integrase, and Vif. The DNA molecule is further rendered safe by at least a partial deletion of the 3? LTR.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a DNA amplification method based on the origins of replication of bacteriophage ?29, and to the genic constructs, vectors and oligonucleotides that can be used in the method for amplifying an exogenous sequence of interest.

Abstract: The invention relates to gene expression regulatory sequences from soybean, specifically to the promoters of a soybean lipid transfer protein LTP2 and fragments thereof and their use in promoting the expression of one or more heterologous nucleic acid fragments in plants. The described LTP2 promoters preferentially initiate transcription in flower cells. The invention further discloses compositions, polynucleotide constructs, transformed host cells, transgenic plants and seeds containing the recombinant construct with the promoter, and methods for preparing and using the same.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for generating an oligonucleotide with which an exon may be skipped in a pre-mRNA and thus excluded from a produced mRNA thereof. Further provided are methods for altering the secondary structure of an mRNA to interfere with splicing processes and uses of the oligonucleotides and methods in the treatment of disease. Further provided are pharmaceutical compositions and methods and means for inducing skipping of several exons in a pre-mRNA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of detecting the presence of a genetic polymorphism within two or more closely linked, homologous genes, for example ?-thalassemia, in a sample using RT-PCR by subjecting the sample to separate amplification reactions using (a) a pair of forward and reverse primers specific for the head region of each of said two or more closely linked, homologous genes and (b) a pair of forward and reverse primers specific for the tail region of each of said two or more closely linked, homologous genes; and detecting and quantitating the amplification products relative to a control product.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of molecular biology, and relates to recombinant engineering and protein expression. More in particular, the invention relates to nucleic acids for recombinant expression of proteins comprising sequences derived from Lactococcus and useful as promoters. The invention further relates to vectors comprising the nucleic acids and host cells transformed therewith. The invention also covers the use of host cells comprising the nucleic acids or vectors for expressing heterologous or homologous proteins; and also for delivery, especially therapeutic delivery, of the said proteins to subjects.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the identification and use of introns with gene expression enhancing properties. The teaching of this invention enables the identification of introns causing intron-mediated enhancement (IME) of gene expression. The invention furthermore relates to recombinant expression construct and vectors comprising said IME-introns operably linked with a promoter sequence and a nucleic acid sequence. The present invention also relates to transgenic plants and plant cells transformed with these recombinant expression constructs or vectors, to cultures, parts or propagation material derived there from, and to the use of same for the preparation of foodstuffs, animal feeds, seed, pharmaceuticals or fine chemicals, to improve plant biomass, yield, or provide desirable phenotypes.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleotide sequences that can be used in operable association with a promoter to express a polynucleotide sequence of interest in a plant, plant part or plant cell at particular stages of development and/or in specific tissues. and methods for directing developmental stage specific and/or tissue specific expression of a polynucleotide of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microorganisms that express, or have attached to their surface, a TNF? binding polypeptide. Peptides expressed or attached on the surface of microorganism are more resistant to chemical and enzymatic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. Such microorganisms are capable of binding TNF? and therefore reducing the content of free TNF? and alleviating its pro-inflammatory effects in the gut. The invention also relates to the use of such microorganisms as medicament in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for selection and enrichment of a target gene from a library of polynucleotide sequences such as might be formed from a genome or by random mutagenesis of a genetic sequence. The selection and enrichment occurs in aqueous droplets formed in an emulsion that compartmentalize individual polynucleotides from the library or a plurality of polynucleotides that may include polynucleotides not derived from the library, transcription and translation reagents and optionally additional chemical and enzyme reagents. The selection and enrichment method utilizes a polynucleotide adaptor which when ligated to the polynucleotide fragment enables amplification to occur in the presence of an adaptor specific primer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to promoters that enable gene expression which is both specific to the endosperm and early during the development of the endosperm, as well as nucleic acid molecules encoding basal endosperm transfer cell layer (BETL) proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel promoter and terminator sequences for use in gene expression in eukaryotic cells, such as algal cells. The invention further provides expression cassettes comprising a promoter, as described herein, operably linked to a gene. The invention further provides expression vectors and host eukaryotic cells, such as algal cells, for expressing a protein encoded by the gene; and methods for stably transforming eukaryotic algae such as Tetraselmis with transgenes.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for stably integrating a desired polynucleotide into a plant genome, comprising transforming plant material with a first vector comprising nucleotide sequences encoding TAL proteins designed to recognize a target sequence; transforming the plant material with a second vector comprising (i) a marker gene that is not operably linked to a promoter (“promoter-free marker cassette”) and which comprises a sequence homologous to the target sequence; and (ii) a desired polynucleotide; and identifying transformed plant material in which the desired polynucleotide is stably integrated.

Abstract: Non-naturally occurring tRNASec and methods of using them for recombinant expression of proteins engineered to include one or more selenocysteine residues are disclosed. The non-naturally occurring tRNASec can be used for recombinant manufacture of selenocysteine containing polypeptides encoded by mRNA without the requirement of an SECIS element. In some embodiments, selenocysteine containing polypeptides are manufactured by co-expressing a non-naturally occurring tRNASec a recombinant expression system, such as E. coli, with SerRS, EF-Tu, SelA, or PSTK and SepSecS, and an mRNA with at least one codon that recognizes the anticodon of the non-naturally occurring tRNASec.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the introduction and the regulated expression of genes in plants. Compositions include promoter constructs that provide a level of activity useful for the regulated expression of site-specific recombinases, while avoiding premature excision. Further provided are isolated polynucleotides encoding novel babyboom polypeptides, expression cassettes, and plants comprising the same. Methods for the introduction of genes into plants are provided, including methods for plastid transformation and methods for the transformation of tissues from mature seeds and leaves.

Abstract: Five novel plant transcription terminators MYB2, KTI1, PIP1, EF1A2, and MTH1 are isolated from soybean and their functions in the regulation of RNA transcription and processing in plants are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel canine pol I regulatory nucleic acid sequences useful for the expression of nucleic acid sequences in canine cells such as MDCK cells. The invention further provides expression vectors and cells comprising such nucleic acids as well as methods of using such nucleic acids to make influenza viruses, including infectious influenza viruses.

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 relates to a novel method for high throughput detection of wide range of genotoxins in eukaryotic cells wherein the eukaryotic cell based tool combines the ability to detect a broad spectrum of genotoxic signaling events and a simple and reproducible assay technique. The present invention further comprises expression cassettes, vectors, and eukaryotic cell lines for the same.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid comprising a promoter region having a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, which can maintain high expression under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and related compositions and methods.

Abstract: A novel Beta vulgaris serine proteinase inhibitor gene (BvSTI) and its protein are identified in response to insect feeding on B. vulgaris seedlings. BvSTI is cloned into an expression vector with constitutive promoter and transformed into Nicotiana benthamiana plants to assess BvSTI's ability to impart resistance to lepidopteran insect pests. A reporter gene GUS is also cloned into an expression vector under control of the BvSTI gene promoter and transformed into N. benthamiana plants to determine if the promoter induces expression of the gene upon wounding and insect feeding. BvSTI DNA and amino acid sequences and the promoter sequences from various strains of B. vulgaris are obtained. Transformation of BvSTI cDNA under control of constitutive promoter or an inducible promoter into economically valuable plants is useful for effective control of insect pests that feed on the economically valuable plants and utilize serine proteases for digestion.

Abstract: The invention provides novel cyclotide polypeptides, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from Butterfly pea and having pesticidal activity against nematodes. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, biopesticide compositions, expression cassettes, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the invention. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant-parasitic pests such as nematodes and insects.

Abstract: This invention relates to the detection and quantitation of target nucleic acids in a heterogeneous mixture in a sample and the methods of use thereof. The detection system includes a chemiluminescent molecule, a chemiluminescent substrate, a dye that is light responsive when intercalated into nucleic acids and nucleic acids. This invention is useful in any application where detection of a specific nucleic acid sequence is desirable, or where the detection of enzymes that modify nucleic acids is desirable such as diagnostics, research uses and industrial applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polynucleotides having promoter activity the juse of the isolated polynucleotides for the procuction of a polypeptide. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing a desired polypeptide using the polypeptide having promoter activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to DNA polynucleotides for regulating gene expression in plants. In particular, the invention relates to 5? regulatory sequences isolated from Zea mays that are useful for regulating gene expression of heterologous DNA molecules in plant roots. The invention also relates to transgenic plants containing the heterologous DNA molecules.