Abstract: A sensor system for detecting the activation of specific nuclear receptors in a tissue of an animal is provided. The nuclear receptor sensor system comprises a sensor component comprising a nuclear receptor or part thereof coupled to a DNA-binding domain, and a reporter component comprising a reporter gene. Transgenic animals, such as a transgenic pig is provided, which comprises the components of the nuclear receptor sensor system in its genome. Also methods of producing the transgenic animal is provided as well as use of the transgenic animal for evaluating the activity of a nuclear receptor in vivo.

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: This invention provides an isolated peptide encoded by a nucleic acid which is at least 30 nucleotides in length and has a sequence which uniquely defines a herpesvirus associated with Kaposis' sarcoma, which herpesvirus is present in and recoverable from the HBL-6 cell line (ATCC Accession No. CRL 11762).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a phytase which has at least 74% identity to a phytase derived from Citrobacter braakii and comprises at least one alteration as compared to this phytase. These phytase variants have amended, preferably improved, properties, such as thermostability, temperature profile, pH profile, specific activity, performance in animal feed, reduced protease sensitiliby, and/or an amended glycosylation pattern. The invention also relates to DNA encoding these phytases, methods of their production, as well as the use thereof, e.g. in animal feed and animal feed additives.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of predicting prolificacy in mammals, by means of analyzing a specific molecular marker for a novel mutation correlated to the increase of the ovulation rate. The correct and simple identification of the presence of the mutation, provided by the use of the method can be highly useful in the genetic improvement of ewes, as well as flock reproduction management. The invention also refers to a novel mutation in the GDF-9 gene which positively alters the ovulation rate and to the use of said genetic sequence for the production of high prolificacy transgenic animals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of identifying candidate genes that are potentially useful in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and/or inducement of hybrid vigour. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for identifying candidate genes capable of producing hybrid vigour or hybrid debility in an animal or plant, comprising the steps of: (i) comparing the nucleotide sequence of alleles of candidate genes; (ii) identifying nucleotide sequence differences in the alleles from said animal or plant; and (iii) identifying that the amino acid sequence variation between alleles of the candidate gene are located within two or more different exons within the candidate gene.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are homozygously modified organisms and methods of making and using these organisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for modulating expression of endogenous cellular genes using recombinant zinc finger proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inducible transcription control sequences for the regulation of gene expression. Specifically, it relates to an transcription control sequence comprising at least two tet operator sequence motifs allowing the binding of tetracycline-dependent transcriptional regulators, wherein each of the said tetracycline-dependent transcriptional regulators binds with respect to its neighbour to an opposite face of the DNA helix, and a minimal promoter comprising a TATA box which is linked at its 5? end to a general transcription factor binding site. Further, the present invention relates to a vector, a host cell, a plant or a non-human transgenic animal comprising the said transcription control sequence. Also contemplated is a method for regulating the expression of a nucleic acid sequence being operatively linked to the transcription control sequence of the present invention in a host cell, a plant or a non-human transgenic animal.

Abstract: Antibody capable of binding specifically to the human c-Met receptor and/or capable of specifically inhibiting the tyrosine kinase activity of said receptor, with an improved antagonistic activity, said antibody comprising a modified hinge region. A composition comprising such an antibody antagonist to c-Met and its use as a medicament for treating cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polynucleotides encoding promyostatin polypeptides or a peptide portion thereof, polynucleotides complementary thereto, and oligonucleotides that can specifically hybridize to such polynucleotides. The present invention also provides an isolated polynucleotide encoding a mature myostatin peptide.

Abstract: The present invention refers to methods for selectively recognizing a base pair in a DNA sequence by a polypeptide, to modified polypeptides which specifically recognize one or more base pairs in a DNA sequence and, to DNA which is modified so that it can be specifically recognized by a polypeptide and to uses of the polypeptide and DNA in specific DNA targeting as well as to methods of modulating expression of target genes in a cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agonists/activators of NR2F6 (nuclear orphan receptor receptor Ear2) for the treatment of a disease related to an augmented immune response. Furthermore, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said agonists/activators of NR2F6 and a pharmaceutical carrier are comprised. In a further aspect, the present invention provides for a method for identifying immunosuppressants comprising contacting a cell, tissue or a non-human animal comprising a reporter construct for NR2F6-activation with a candidate molecule, measuring the reporter signal and selecting a candidate molecule which alters the reporter signal. Furthermore, the present invention relates to non-human transgenic animals or cells or tissue derived therefrom useful in the provided methods for identifying immunosuppressants.

Abstract: Silkworms which have (i) a DNA encoding a transcriptional regulator operably linked downstream of a promoter of a DNA encoding a protein specifically expressed in the silk gland and (ii) a DNA encoding TRACP5 operably linked downstream of a target promoter of the transcriptional regulator were produced. The result showed that active TRACP5b was produced from the silkworms. This means that TRACP5 produced from the silk gland of the silkworms undergoes processing in the silk gland that is similar to the processing taking place at bone resorption sites.

Abstract: This invention relates to Tiki1 and Tiki2 proteins and nucleic acids, cells expressing the same, and methods for identifying compounds that modulate Tiki1/2 activity for use in the treatment of osteoporosis or cellular proliferative disorders.

Abstract: We recently found that Satb1 is expressed highly by mature neurons in specific regions of the postnatal brain. Satb2, a homolog of Satb1, is expressed at low levels in the postnatal brain. Neurons respond to external stimuli and rapidly and dynamically change their expression. Satb1 has been found to directly regulate a set of genes in the postnatal brain, presumably playing a crucial role as a ‘genome organizer’ for brain function and behaviors. Satb2 may also have a similar function, even though it is expressed at low levels in the postnatal brain. The present invention describes compositions, reagents and tools using wild type and variant SATB1 and SATB2 genes and proteins for use in diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutics in neurological dysfunction and psychiatric disorders.

Abstract: A method for producing an eukaryotic organism having at least one of enhanced pathogen resistance and resistance to stress includes expressing in a cytosol of the eukaryotic organism a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase with an increased NADPH tolerance compared to an endogenous cytosolic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and at least one of reducing, eliminating and suppressing an activity of the endogenous cytosolic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.

Abstract: The present invention provides an insect expression system that may be used to provide biological control of pest insects and control transmission of infectious diseases transmitted to the human population by insects.

Abstract: An 1-Cre1 variant, wherein one of the two 1-Cre1 monomers has at least two substitutions, one in each of the two functional subdomains of the LAGLIDADG core domain situated respectively from positions 28 to 40 and 44 to 77 of 1-Cre1, said variant being able to cleave a DNA target sequence from the Glutamine Synthetase gene. Use of said variant and derived products for improving expression system for the production of recombinant protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of the GPR30 gene for diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disorders, especially cardiomyopathy. The present invention also relates to a GPR30 deficient animal model, more specifically to a mouse in which the GPR30 gene is disrupted and which exhibits a cardiomyopathy, a tissue and a cell of the mouse and a process of producing the same. The present invention further relates to use of said knockout mouse as a model of cardiovascular diseases, especially cardiomyopathy, and a method of screening a compound useful for the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular diseases, especially cardiomyopathy, using the knockout mouse.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing and detecting diseases associated with lung. The present invention provides one or more proteins or fragments thereof, peptides or nucleic acid molecules differentially expressed in lung cancer (LCAT) and antibodies binds to LCATs. The present invention provides that LCATs are used as targets for screening agents that modulates the LCAT activities. Further the present invention provides methods for treating diseases associated with lung.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for producing antibodies, wherein the methods comprise the step of administering an immunogen comprising both a target antigen and a background antigen to transgenic animals, into which a gene coding for the background antigen has been introduced. Since immunotolerance to the background antigens have thus been induced in the transgenic animals, the animals efficiently produce antibodies to target antigens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diagnostic technique related to a biomarker for a microdomain disease and a method for detecting a microdomain disease of which manipulation is easy and which is inexpensive.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for screening and identifying compounds which modulate signaling of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway via CD 14 and a ligand. Methods are provided for treatment of various disease states such as inflammation or autoimmune disease in mammalian subjects by modulating toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway signaling via CD 14 and a ligand. Transgenic non-human animals and methods for developing transgenic non-human animals are provided wherein the transgenic non-human animals comprise a loss-of-function mutation in the CD 14 gene.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding a monomeric photoconvertible fluorescent protein, and fragments and derivatives thereof. Also provided is a method for engineering the nucleic acid sequence, a vector comprising the nucleic acid sequence, a host cell comprising the vector, and use of the vector in a method for expressing the nucleic acid sequence. The present disclosure further provides an isolated nucleic acid, or mimetic or complement thereof, that hybridizes under stringent conditions to the nucleic acid sequence. Additionally, the present provides a monomeric photoconvertible fluorescent protein encoded by the nucleic acid sequence, as well as derivatives, fragments, and homologues thereof. Also provided is an antibody that specifically binds to the photoconvertible fluorescent protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porcine beta-casein gene, a porcine beta-casein gene promoter, an expression vector comprising the same promoter, and a method for the production of a target protein using the same expression vector. The promoter of the present invention facilitates mammary gland-specific expression of the target protein and therefore can be useful for high-concentration production of beneficial proteins in milk.

Abstract: This invention pertains to chemometric methods for the analysis of chemical, biochemical, and biological data, for example, spectral data, for example, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra, and their applications, including, e.g., classification, diagnosis, prognosis, etc., especially in the context of bone disorders, e.g., conditions associated with low bone mineral density, e.g., osteoporosis.

Abstract: Insect-derived promoters for foreign proteins expression in insect cells. Regulatory polynucleotide sequences which drive the expression of major insect proteins (hexamerins) at specific evolution stages of larva have been isolated from insects (Trichoplusia ni) in the present invention. Said regulatory polynucleotide sequences promote stronger foreign gene expression in the baculovirus system than the conventional polyhedrin promoter. Additionally, the combination of the new larva-derived promoters of the invention with the pL promoter increased baculovirus expression levels up to 61%-375% (depending on the time of infection) with respect to conventional baculoviruses used in the biotechnology industry. Promoter pB2 also drives gene expression at earlier times than polyhedrin promoter, being this feature a great advantage for correct protein folding and posttranslational modification.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to investigate what kinds of structures a sugar chain has by performing a sugar chain structural analysis of a glycoprotein produced in a transgenic silkworm. For the sugar chain of the glycoprotein produced in the transgenic silkworm, a glycoprotein having a sugar chain structure in which fucose is not linked to N-acetylglucosamine at a reducing terminal of the sugar chain is obtained. In addition, a glycoprotein having an almost completely humanized sugar chain structure is obtained by further integrating GalT gene into this transgenic silkworm.

Abstract: Undesirable genetic traits, such as resistance to toxin, can be inhibited or reversed by introducing sexually compatible individuals substantially homozygous for the sensitive allele, such as the wild type, into the target population.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to RNA silencing and, in particular, to a method of effecting targeted delivery of an RNA silencing moiety using a targeting moiety that binds to a cell surface receptor and mediates internalization of the RNA silencing moiety to be accessible to Dicer. Also provided is a chimeric nucleic acid molecule comprised of a targeting moiety and an RNA silencing moiety, wherein the targeting moiety is an aptamer and the RNA silencing moiety comprises a Dicer substrate.

Abstract: Arterial and venous endothelial cells are molecularly distinct from the earliest stages of angiogenesis. This distinction is revealed by expression on arterial cells of a transmembrane ligand, called EphrinB2 whose receptor EphB4 is expressed on venous cells. Targeted disruption of the EphrinB2 gene prevents the remodeling of veins from a capillary plexus into properly branched structures. Moreover, it also disrupts the remodeling of arteries, suggesting that reciprocal interactions between pre-specified arterial and venous endothelial cells are necessary for angiogenesis. This distinction can be used to advantage in methods to alter angiogenesis, methods to assess the effect of drugs on artery cells and vein cells, and methods to identify and isolate artery cells and vein cells, for example.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule being able to modulate the expression of the transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily M, member 2 (TRPM2) gene and to modulate apoptosis and uses thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for related to monoclonal antibodies specific for single amino acid variation in an antigen.

Abstract: A method for engineering I-CreI homing endonuclease variants able to cleave mutant I-CreI sites having variation in positions ±8 to ±10. A I-CreI homing endonuclease variant obtainable by said method, a vector encoding said variant, a cell, an animal or a plant modified by said vector. Use of said I-CreI endonuclease variant and derived products for genetic engineering, genome therapy and antiviral therapy.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards methods of destabilizing proteins in living cells, and their use for the development of novel assays. In one embodiment, the invention comprises the use of non-cleavable multimerized ubiquitin fusion proteins to destabilize a target protein, such as a reporter moiety. In one aspect of this method the constructs also comprises a linker that operatively couples the reporter moiety to the multimerized ubiquitin fusion protein. In this embodiment, enzymatic modification of the linker results in a modulation of the coupling of the reporter protein to the multimerized ubiquitin domains resulting in a change in the stability of the reporter moiety. The level of the reporter moiety in the cell can then be used as a measure of the enzymatic activity in the cell. In another embodiment the invention provides for a generalized way of coordinately regulating the cellular concentration of a plurality of target proteins.

Abstract: Method for the humanization of the VH and VL variable regions of an animal antibody of known sequence, humanized animal antibody obtainable according to the method, in particular anti-NGF and anti-TrkA humanized animal antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to identify factors associated with muscle growth, angiogenesis, obesity, insulin sensitivity body weight, fat mass, muscle mass and cardiovascular function. In particular, the methods of the present invention relates to assays to identify such factors using a transgenic animal model and/or a cell-based assay.

Abstract: A LAGLIDADG homing endonuclease variant, having mutations in two separate subdomains, each binding a distinct part of a modified DNA target half-site, said LAGLIDADG homing endonuclease variant being able to cleave a chimeric DNA target sequence comprising the nucleotides bound by each subdomain. Use of said herodimeric meganuclease and derived products for genetic engineering, genome therapy and antiviral therapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of afamin for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical preparation for the prevention or treatment of fertility disorders.

Abstract: Recombinant DNA constructs that provide for expression of desired target proteins as protein bodies in various host cells, tissues, and organisms are disclosed. Such recombinant DNA constructs contain a heterologous polynucleotide comprising an ER luminal folding chaperone interacting domain (CID), a sequence that codes for a trans-membrane domain (TMD); and a sequence that codes for a protein-protein interaction domain (PPID) that are operably linked to a sequence encoding the desired target protein. Proteins obtained from the constructs, host cells containing the constructs, and methods for obtaining desired target proteins encoded by the constructs are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for regulating remyelination and promoting oligodendrocyte differentiation by modulating GM98 (also known as MRF) expression and activity. Compositions and methods for treating neuropathies and screening for bioactive agents are also provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to silk proteins which can be used to produce silk with a cross-beta structure, as well as nucleic acids encoding such proteins. The present invention also relates to recombinant cells and/or organisms which synthesize silk proteins. Silk proteins of the invention can be used for a variety of purposes such as in the production of personal care products, plastics, textiles, and biomedical products.

Abstract: A new I-CreI derived single-chain meganuclease comprising two domains, each domain comprising a portion of a parent I-CreI monomer which extends at least from the beginning of the first alpha helix to the end of the C-terminal loop and said two domains being joined by a peptidic linker which allows them to fold as a I-CreI dimer that is able to bind and cleave a chimeric DNA target comprising one different half of each parent homodimeric I-CreI meganuclease target sequence. Use of said I-CreI derived single-chain meganuclease for genetic engineering, genome therapy and antiviral therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bitter-taste receptors and their role in bitter taste transduction. The invention also relates to assays for screening molecules that modulate, e.g. suppress or block, bitter taste transduction, or enhance bitter taste response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new NOS variants or mutants which contain structural alterations in the site of Akt dependent phosphorylation. The altered NOS proteins or peptides, especially the human eNOS proteins or peptides, Akt proteins or polypeptides and their encoding nucleic acid molecules are useful as gene therapy agents for the treatment of diseases including post angioplasty restenosis, hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, diabetes and diseases with defective angiogenesis. NOS proteins and peptides are also useful in methods of screening for agents which modulate NOS activity.

Abstract: The current invention relates to polypeptides encoding mutant I-DmoI derivatives with enhanced cleavage activity and altered sequence specificity and uses of these polypeptides. These polypeptides comprise at least the first I-DmoI domain, and the peptide sequence comprises the substitution of at least one of residues 15, 19 and/or 20 as well as at least one of the residues in positions 27, 29, 33, 35, 37, 75, 76, 77, 81 of the first I-DmoI domain.

Abstract: The invention provides transgenic animals comprising a disruption in the endogenous GPR101 gene and methods of producing such transgenic animals. The invention further provides methods of identifying compounds that modulate GPR101 receptor proteins.

Abstract: In a first aspect, cyclic peptides are provided identified as molecules altering the interferon activity, namely, inhibiting interferon response. Moreover, the present invention relates to a transgenic animal or parts thereof and a method for the determination of molecules and compounds altering the function of interferons, in particular, type I and type II interferon. In particular, said transgenic animal or parts thereof contain large parts of exogenous chromosomal DNA, namely interferon responsive DNA promoter elements operably linked with a nucleic acid sequence encoding a reporter or marker molecule. These a transgenic animal or parts thereof are useful in the methods according to the present invention.