Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides with modified microtubule binding domains of a tau protein, which polypeptides lead to an increase of neurofibrillary tangles when introduced into a cell. The invention further provides nucleic acid molecules encoding these polypeptides, cells comprising the polypeptides and transgenic animals with cells expressing these polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention form the basis for animal and cellular models of tau pathology, which form the basis for molecular screens for biomolecules involved in tauopathies, but also for medicaments useful for the treatment of tauopathies.

Abstract: The invention discloses multiple genes related to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and/or phagocytosis by RPE cells of the eye, and methods and compositions for detecting and treating AMD and other retinal degenerative conditions based on these phagocytosis-related and/or AMD-related genes. Also provided are animal models useful for testing therapeutic compounds and treatment protocols for AMD, and gene arrays including polymorphic variants of phagocytosis-related and/or AMD-related genes, useful for genetic screening of nucleic acid samples from subjects to obtain profiles of polymorphic variant sequences in a plurality of genes associated with AMD.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding inflammation-related proteins. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. Also provided are methods of assessing the effects of agents in genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding inflammation-related proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel endogenous variants of erythropoietin (EPO) and their use for treatment or prevention of a condition associated with tissue damage due to cell death (apoptosis, necrosis) and inflammation, in particular for neuroprotection, e.g. treatment of acute (for example stroke) and chronic disease (for example ALS) of the nervous system.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules encoding an insulin-like factor of the androgenic gland of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii (M. rosenbergii) are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of silencing the expression of the insulin-like factor gene in decapod crustaceans order, particularly in M. rosenbergii, useful for producing male monosex populations.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for inducing in vitro the differentiation of stem cells or somatic cells towards germinal cells, comprising the following steps: cultivating said stem cells or somatic cells in a medium allowing their differentiation, and collecting the germinal cells from the culture medium, wherein said cells are cells transformed with an exogenous genetic construction comprising at least a Vasa gene. Germinal cells such as obtained and chimeric animals are also an object of this invention.

Abstract: The patent refers to a screening method carried out on biological material isolated from human and/or animal organisms for determining the risk of human and/or animal pathologies expressing an anomalous deposition of ?-amyloid and/or amyloid-like substance in human and/or animal organs and tissues, based on the investigation of the punctiform mutation Ala>Val in position 2 of the ?-protein (corresponding to the Ala673Val mutation precursor of the ?-protein containing 770 amino acids) in homozygosis or in heterozygosis. The patent provides for the possibility of: (1) creating unicellular or multicellular transgenic organisms expressing the Ala673Val mutation; (2) synthesising or producing peptides with such mutation and/or their derivatives and/or nucleic acids containing the same mutation; (3) using such products for studying the pathogenesis of the pathologies characterised by anomalous deposition of ?-amyloid and/or amyloid substance and for the prevention, diagnosis and care of such diseases.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing an artificial infection in a Culicidae (mosquito) species. The mosquitoes include species within the subfamilies Culicinae and Anophelinae, and the species include Aedes albopictus, Aedes aegypti and Aedes polynesiensis infected with a Wolbachia infection. The infection may be a strain of Wolbachia which does not normally or naturally infect the selected mosquito species. The artificially infected Aedes mosquito can be introduced into a mosquito population to control the reproduction capability of the population by introducing an incompatible Wolbachia infection. The present method can be used as a novel means to limit mosquito-borne pathogens and thus control or prevent mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, lymphatic filariasis, etc.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying compounds that inhibit HIV-1 subunit-specific reverse transcriptase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell containing a gene encoding a conditional transgenic surface marker that is detectable upon expression on the surface of the cell, wherein the gene encoding a conditional transgenic surface marker comprises: (i) a promoter, operably linked to (ii) a first transcription sequence, and (iii) a second transcription sequence encoding the surface marker, whereby the first transcription sequence prevents the transcription of the second transcription sequence, whereby the first transcription sequence is conditionally removable such that the second transcription sequence is transcribable, and whereby the surface marker renders the cell sortable through the detection of the conditional transgenic surface marker. Furthermore, the invention relates to a construct for generating such a cell, and to a method for separating such a cell from a population of cells.

Abstract: A subject of the present invention is mutated hyperthermophilic phosphotriesterases (PTEs) possessing a lactonase activity, and their uses as bioscavengers within the context of the decontamination of the surfaces of materials, of the skin or mucous membranes, contaminated with organophosphorus compounds, or within the context of the preparation of medicaments which can be used within the context of the prevention or treatment of an external contamination or of an internal poisoning by ingestion or inhalation by organophosphorus compounds, or within the context of the pollution control of water polluted with organophosphorus compounds.

Abstract: The present invention refers to antibodies, particularly to monoclonal antibodies, which bind to the extracellular domain of the AXL receptor tyrosine kinase and which at least partially inhibit AXL activity.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-human gene-disrupted animal with a disrupted ADAM11 gene. According to the present invention, a non-human gene-disrupted animal, wherein either one of or both alleles of an ADAM11 gene are disrupted, is provided.

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions encoding non-aggregating chromo/fluoroproteins and mutants thereof, as well as the proteins encoded by the same, are provided. The proteins of interest are polypeptides that are non-aggregating colored and/or fluorescent proteins, where the non-aggregating feature arises from the modulation of residues in the N-terminus of the protein and the chromo and/or fluorescent feature arises from the interaction of two or more residues of the protein. Also provided are fragments of the subject nucleic acids and the peptides encoded thereby, as well as antibodies to the subject proteins and transgenic cells and organisms. The subject protein and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of different applications. Finally, kits for use in such applications, e.g., that include the subject nucleic acid compositions, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing hereditary angioedema type III (HAE III) or a predisposition thereto in a subject being suspected of having developed or of having a predisposition to develop a hereditary angioedema type III or in a subject being suspected of being a carrier for hereditary angioedema type III, the method comprising determining in vitro from a biological sample of said subject the presence or absence of a disease-associated mutation in a nucleic acid molecule regulating the expression of or encoding coagulation factor XII; wherein the presence of such a mutation is indicative of a hereditary angioedema type III or a predisposition thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-glycosylated monovalent antibodies with a long half-life when administered in vivo, methods of making such monovalent antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such antibodies, and uses of the monovalent antibodies.

Abstract: Described is the use of a non-human transgenic animal, preferably a mouse, characterized in that it contains a modified version of the gene encoding TIF-IA (a) as an animal model for a disease, (b) for analyzing the function of selected stem cells or (c) for ablating malignant cells or microglia cells. Furthermore, methods for screening a therapeutic compound are described which comprise administering a candidate compound to said non-human transgenic animal (or a cell line derived from said non-human transgenic animal) and monitoring a therapeutic effect of said compound.

Abstract: An I-CreI variant, wherein one of the two I-CreI monomers has at least two substitutions, one in each of the two functional subdomains of the LAGLIDADG (SEQ ID NO: 150) core domain situated respectively from positions 26 to 40 and 44 to 77 of I-CreI, said variant being able to cleave a DNA target sequence from the mouse ROSA26 locus. Use of said variant and derived products for the engineering of transgenic mice and recombinant mouse cell lines expressing an heterologous protein of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions to treat glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase (GDE) related disorders. The invention also relates to methods treating GDE related disorders. The invention further relates to kits for treating GDE related disorders in a subject. The invention further relates to methods of identifying novel treatments for treating GDE related disorders in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polynucleotide vector comprising the Simian taste-bud specific gene (STG) promoter operatively linked to a reporter gene. In preferred embodiments, the STG promoter is the murine ortholog of the STG promoter. In other preferred embodiments, the STG promoter is the human ortholog of the STG promoter. In some preferred embodiments, the reporter gene is green fluorescent protein (GFP). Additionally provided are vectors comprising the STG promoter operatively linked to a cre-recombinase gene.

Abstract: The invention provides means and methods for immunizing an animal against an antigen of interest, using stem cells, progenitor cells and/or dedifferentiated cells.

Abstract: GDNFR?, GDNFR? extracellular domain (ECD), GDNFR? variants, chimeric GDNFR? (e.g., GDNFR? immunoadhesin), and antibodies which bind thereto (including agonist and neutralizing antibodies) are disclosed. Various uses for these molecules are described, including methods to modulate cell activity and survival by response to GDNFR?-ligands, for example GDNF, by providing GDNFR? to the cell. Also provided are methods for using GDNFR?, GDNF, or agonists thereof, separately or in complex, to treat kidney diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for identifying individuals predisposed to essential hypertension and related conditions such as salt sensitivity by detecting the presence of polymorphic or mutant forms of the GRK4 gene, or its expression product. Also disclosed are methods for identifying polymorphic or mutant GRK4s in individuals known to be suffering from such conditions, as well as methods and compositions for conducting drug discovery and therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for detecting and treating coronary artery disease and atherosclerotic conditions based on modulating the levels of total plasma lipoprotein and HDL-C by inhibiting expression or activity of GALNT. Also described herein are methods for identifying an agent(s) useful in treating coronary artery disease or atherosclerotic conditions.

Abstract: The Present invention relates to molecules isolated from the nucleic acid that encodes spider web proteins or fragments of these or other derivatives of these. The invention also refers to a chimerical gene and an expression vector containing molecules isolated from the nucleic acid that codes for proteins related to the webs of Nephilengys, Cruentata, Avicularia Juruensis and Parawixia Bistriata spiders. Another embodiment of the present invention are transformed cells containing a chimerical gene or an expression vector of the present invention. Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for obtaining genetically modified organisms containing inventive chimerical genes or expression vectors and a method for obtaining recombinant proteins from the silks of Nephilengys, Cruentata, Aviculana Juruensis and Parawixia Bistriata spiders. Finally, the invention describes products, such as biofilaments and compositions, using the recombinant proteins of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a double transgenic fly that expresses both Tau protein and the human A?42 peptide of human amyloid-? precursor protein (APP). The double transgenic flies of the present invention display a synergistic altered phenotype as compared to the altered phenotype displayed by transgenic flies expressing either Tau or human A?42 alone, and thus provide for an improved model for neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. The invention further discloses methods for identifying for therapeutic compounds to treat neurodegenerative disorders using the double transgenic flies.

Abstract: Provided herein is a microRNA, specifically, ?-myosin microRNA, compositions comprising ?-myosin microRNA and methods of inhibiting or reducing expression of ?-myosin microRNA. Also provided are genetically modified cells and animals comprising exogenous ?-myosin microRNA. Provided herein are methods of screening for agents that modulate ?-myosin microRNA expression. In addition, methods of identifying target genes that are regulated by ?-myosin microRNA and methods of modulating such genes are described. Methods of diagnosing or determining whether a subject is at risk for a cardiovascular disorder are also described.

Abstract: A TREM-1 ligand is identified. This allows various derivatives to be provided/identified that are capable of binding to the TREM-1 receptor. The TREM-1 ligand or the derivatives can be used in screening for drugs/drug candidates. Substances that block or reduce binding of the TREM-1 ligand/derivative to a TREM-1 receptor may be useful for treating sepsis, particularly sepsis of bacterial or fungal origin. Antibodies to the ligand may be useful in diagnosing sepsis, particularly sepsis of bacterial or fungal origin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new penaeidin gene promoters found in tiger shrimps and applications thereof. The promoters of the invention are useful for the development of transgenic shrimps and valuable for the shrimp culture industry.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel non-human transgenic animals, which upon antigenic stimulation are capable of producing monovalent antibodies binding to a selected antigen, modified heavy chain transgenes, methods for producing the non-human transgenic animals, methods for immunizing the non-human transgenic animals for as well as monovalent antibodies obtainable by such immunization methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transgenic non-human animal whose genome comprises a) a first transgenic DNA sequence encoding a human APP Swedish or a human APP London protein, wherein said first transgenic DNA sequence is operably linked to a first promoter; b) a second transgenic DNA sequence encoding a human Presenilin 2 protein comprising a N141I substitution, wherein said second transgenic DNA sequence is operably linked to a second promoter; c) a third transgenic DNA sequence encoding a light chain of a antibody directed against the amyloid peptide, wherein said third transgenic DNA sequence is operably linked to a third promoter and; d) a forth transgenic DNA sequence encoding a heavy chain of said antibody, wherein said forth transgenic is operably linked to the third promoter or to a forth promoter, and methods for producing said animal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polypeptide having an enhanced effector function. Specifically disclosed are: a polypeptide having a modified Fc region; a nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide; a vector carrying the nucleic acid; a host cell or a host organism harboring the vector; a pharmaceutical composition comprising the polypeptide; a method for producing the polypeptide; a method for enhancing the effector function of an antibody; and a method for producing a cell capable of producing an antibody having a high effector function.

Abstract: The expression of a mRNA encoding a putative 76 amino acid, secreted protein (“Enho1”) was found to negatively correlate with fasting triglyceride and cholesterol levels. A recombinant adenovirus was used to increase the expression of Enho1 mRNA in two mouse models of obesity, KK-Ay and Lepob/Lepob mice. Over-expression of Enho1 by adenovirus injection significantly, and reproducibly, reduced fasting triglyceride and cholesterol levels in both models. In addition, transgenic mice strains were made that over express Enho1 protein. Additionally, the expression of a key gene involved in lipogenesis (fatty acid synthase) and FAS protein levels were reduced by ENHO1 adenoviral treatment in Lepob/Lepob mice.

Abstract: A knock-out non-human animal, in particular a mouse, carrying a QPCTL knock-out mutation. Additionally, respective cells and cell lines and methods and compositions for evaluating agents that affect QPCTL, for use in compositions for the treatment of QPCTL-related diseases are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for studying neuropathy. The compositions and methods provided herein are particularly useful for screening agents of therapeutic and/or diagnostic potential.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination of DNA segments comprising: (a) a first segment comprising in 5? to 3? or 3? to 5? order: (aa) a promoter; (ab) a first DNA sequence comprising: (i) a DNA sequence giving rise upon transcription to the sense strand of an shRNA molecule; (ii) a transcriptional stop element which is flanked by a first type of recombinase recognition sequences; and (iii) a DNA sequence giving rise upon transcription to the antisense strand of an shRNA molecule; (b) a second segment comprising in 5? to 3? or 3? to 5? order: (ba) a promoter; (bb) a second DNA sequence comprising: (i) a DNA sequence giving rise upon transcription to the sense strand of an shRNA molecule; (ii) a transcriptional stop element which is flanked by a second type of recombinase recognition sequences; and (iii) a DNA sequence giving rise upon transcription to the antisense strand of an shRNA molecule; wherein (i) said first type of recombinase recognition sequences are recognized and recombined by a recombinas

Abstract: Fusion proteins and DNA conjugates are disclosed which contain a TLR/CD40/agonist and optional antigen combination. The use of these protein and DNA conjugates as immune adjuvants and as vaccines for treatment of various chronic diseases such as HIV infection is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide based toxin that originates from Clostridium perfringens. The invention further relates to immunogenic compositions comprising the toxin and methods to vaccinate animals, for example chickens, such that they are less susceptible to clostridial diseases. Methods to determine whether an animal has been exposed to the toxin, polynucleotides encoding the toxin and attenuated bacteria that express a reduced or less active form of the toxin are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel neurotrophic factor protein, MANF2 and a genetic sequence encoding the same. The molecule will be useful in the development of a range of therapeutics and diagnostics useful in the treatment, prophylaxis and/or diagnosis of MANF2 dependent conditions. The molecule of the present invention is also a useful effector of primary and central neurons, especially dopaminergic neurons at the central nervous system and growth factor genes.

Abstract: This invention relates to the engineering of animal cells, preferably mammalian, more preferably rat, that are deficient due to the disruption of tumor suppressor gene(s) or gene product(s). In another aspect, the invention relates to genetically modified rats, as well as the descendants and ancestors of such animals, which are animal models of human cancer and methods of their use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically altered hybridomas, myelomas and B cells. The invention also relates to utilizing genetically altered hybridomas, myelomas and B cells in methods of making monoclonal antibodies. The present invention also provides populations of hybridomas and B cells that can be utilized to make a monoclonal antibody of interest.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) polypeptide, which polypeptide lacks an amino acid sequence encoded by exon 5 of the VEGF gene. This variant of VEGF is capable of eliciting activities associated with VEGF whilst showing resistance to proteolytic degradation. The invention provides uses of this protein and nucleic acid sequences from the encoding genes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to Citrobacter phytases derived from Citrobacter amalonaticus, Citrobacter gillenii, and related phytases. The phytases belong to the acid histidine phosphatase family, are acid-stable, and expectedly of a high specific activity. The invention also relates to the corresponding DNA, the recombinant and wild-type production of the phytases, as well as the use thereof, in particular in animal feed.

Abstract: The present invention provides PiggyBac transposase proteins, nucleic acids encoding the same, compositions comprising the same, kits comprising the same, non-human transgenic animals comprising the same, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A polynucleotide encoding a modified luciferase polypeptide. The modified luciferase polypeptide has at least 60% amino acid sequence identity to a wild-type Oplophorus luciferase and includes at least one amino acid substitution at a position corresponding to an amino acid in a wild-type Oplophorus luciferase of SEQ ID NO:1. The modified luciferase polypeptide has at least one of enhanced luminescence, enhanced signal stability, and enhanced protein stability relative to the wild-type Oplophorus luciferase.

Abstract: A modified transposon vector and a method for introducing a foreign gene into a cell are provided.

Abstract: A method and system is presented for screening bacteria, products purified or made by bacteria and/or other bacterial substance for anti-inflammatory ability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multiple inducible gene regulation system that functions within cells to simultaneously control the quantitative expression of multiple genes.

Abstract: The invention relates to the fields of biochemistry, pharmacy and oncology. The invention particularly relates to the use of novel stem cell markers for the isolation of stem cells. The invention further relates to the obtained stem cells and their use in for example research or treatment, for example, for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of damaged or diseased tissue. In one of the embodiments, the invention provides a method for obtaining (or isolating) stem cells comprising optionally preparing a cell suspension from a tissue or organ sample, contacting said cell suspension with an Lgr 6 or 5 binding compound, identify the cells bound to said binding compound, and optionally isolating the stem cells from said binding compound. The invention further relates to means suitable for cancer treatment and even more specific for the treatment of cancer by eradicating cancer stem cells.

Abstract: Described are methods for selecting a domestic animal having desired genotypic properties, the methods comprising testing the animal for the presence of a parentally imprinted quantitative trait locus (QTL). The invention further relates to the use of an isolated and/or recombinant nucleic acid comprising a QTL or functional fragment derived therefrom to select a breeding animal or animal destined for slaughter having desired genotypic or potential phenotypic properties. In particular, the properties are related to muscle mass, fat deposition, sow prolificacy, and/or sow longevity.