Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of sequence specific recombination of DNA in eukaryotic cells utilizing att sequences from the bacteriophage lambda. A particular embodiment of the invention relates to a method further comprising performing the sequence specific recombination of DNA with an Int and a Xis factor. The present invention further relates to vectors containing each of these sequences and their use as medicaments.

Abstract: The present invention features a non-human animal model that is susceptible to infection by human hepatotrophic pathogens, particularly human hepatitis C virus (HCV). The model is based on a non-human, immunocompromised transgenic animal having a human-mouse chimeric liver, where the transgene provides for expression of a urokinase-type plasminogen activator in the liver. The invention also features methods for identifying candidate therapeutic agents, e.g., agents having antiviral activity against HCV infection. The animals of the invention are also useful in assessing toxicity of various agents, as well as the activity of agents in decreasing blood lipids.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to PD-L1 with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of this disclosure, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of this disclosure are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The disclosure also provides methods for detecting PD-L1, as well as methods for treating various diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases, using anti-PD-L1 antibodies.

Abstract: Fully human antibodies against a specific antigen can be prepared by administering the antigen to a transgenic animal which has been modified to produce such antibodies in response to antigenic challenge, but whose endogenous loci have been disabled. Various subsequent manipulations can be performed to obtain either antibodies per se or analogs thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. Specifically, this invention relates to the field of gene expression. More specifically, this invention relates to novel substitution mutant receptors and their use in a Group H nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating the expression of a gene in a host cell for applications such as gene therapy, large scale production of proteins and antibodies, cell-based high throughput screening assays, functional genomics and regulation of traits in transgenic organisms.

Abstract: Mice that comprise a replacement of endogenous mouse IL-6 and/or IL-6 receptor genes are described, and methods for making and using the mice. Mice comprising a replacement at an endogenous IL-6R? locus of mouse ectodomain-encoding sequence with human ectodomain-encoding sequence is provided. Mice comprising a human IL-6 gene under control of mouse IL-6 regulatory elements is also provided, including mice that have a replacement of mouse IL-6-encoding sequence with human IL-6-encoding sequence at an endogenous mouse IL-6 locus.

Abstract: This invention provides RNA, oligoribonucleotide, and polyribonucleotide molecules comprising pseudouridine or a modified nucleoside, gene therapy vectors comprising same, methods of synthesizing same, and methods for gene replacement, gene therapy, gene transcription silencing, and the delivery of therapeutic proteins to tissue in vivo, comprising the molecules. The present invention also provides methods of reducing the immunogenicity of RNA, oligoribonucleotide, and polyribonucleotide molecules.

Abstract: The invention provides a genetically modified non-human animal that comprises in its genome unrearranged T cell receptor variable gene loci, as well as embryos, cells, and tissues comprising the same. Also provided are constructs for making said genetically modified non-human animal and methods of making the same. Various methods of using the genetically modified non-human animal are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a transgenic (Tg) non-human animal capable of developing an enhanced humoral immune response against an antigen as compared to a non-transgenic control animal of the same species, comprising introducing into said non-human animal a genetic construct providing for enhanced MHC class I-related neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) activity. Also provided a Tg non-human animal comprising a genetic construct providing for enhanced FcRn activity, as well as the use of such animal in a non-therapeutical method. Therapeutic genetic constructs and methods are also provided. The present invention further provides methods for producing immunoglobulins.

Abstract: The invention provides genetically modified non-human animals that express a humanized MHC II protein (humanized MHC II ? and ? polypeptides), as well as embryos, cells, and tissues comprising the same. Also provided are constructs for making said genetically modified animals and methods of making the same. Methods of using the genetically modified animals to study various aspects of human immune system are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides genetically modified non-human animals that express chimeric human/non-human MHC I polypeptide and/or human or humanized ?2 microglobulin polypeptide, as well as embryos, cells, and tissues comprising the same. Also provided are constructs for making said genetically modified animals and methods of making the same. Methods of using the genetically modified animals to study various aspects of human immune system are provided.

Abstract: Transgenic immunodeficient non-human animals according to embodiments of the present invention are described which include in their genome a nucleic acid encoding xenogeneic Stem Cell Factor operably linked to a promoter. Administration of xenogeneic hematopoetic stem cells to the inventive transgenic animals results in engraftment of the xenogeneic hematopoetic stem cells and xenogeneic leukocytes are produced in the animals, without conditioning such as without conditioning by irradiation and without conditioning by a radiomimetic agent.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treating cancer using a Chd5 protein or an agonist thereof. Also provided are diagnostics, screening methods of cancer therapeutics, and cancer models useful for studying cancer biology and drug screening.

Abstract: Mice having a restricted immunoglobulin heavy chain locus are provided, wherein the locus is characterized by a single polymorphic human VH gene segment, a plurality of human DH gene segments and a plurality of JH gene segments. Methods for making antibody sequences that bind an antigen (e.g., a viral antigen) are provided, comprising immunizing a mouse with an antigen of interest, wherein the mouse comprises a single human VH gene segment, a plurality of human DH gene segments and a plurality of JH gene segments, at the endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain locus.

Abstract: The invention relates to an animal model of cardiovascular disease and a method of preparation and use thereof. In particular, it relates to a genetically engineered animal model of aortic aneurysms and methods for screening drugs using the animal model. Provided is a genetically-modified, non-human mammal, wherein the modification results in a disrupted Fibulin-4 gene. Also provided is a genetically-modified animal cell containing a disrupted Fibulin-4 gene. The mammal or animal cell can be used as a model for a cardiovascular condition or disease, preferably aortic aneurysm, more preferably thoracic aortic aneurysm. Furthermore, methods for identify or validating a compound that can be used to treat or to prevent an aberrant cardiovascular condition are provided, as well as method to identify a gene involved in the response to aortic failure.

Abstract: Methods for screening compounds to treat an oncological disorder regulated through a tumor-inducing pathway are provided. The compounds are administered to non-human animal subjects having a disease model, so that the subjects display pathology symptoms that correspond to the oncological disorder in humans. The subjects carry a regulatable transgene expression, of which is associated with tumor formation, and further carry regulatable genes for suppression of tumor formation. The disease-pathology symptoms are induced using a site-specific recombination system to induce expression of the transgene associated with tumor formation and negatively regulate or eliminate the genes for suppression of the tumor formation. The methods further involve analyzing tumor formation in subjects administered the compound and comparing appearance and amount of tumors in the subjects administered the compound with control subjects not administered the compound.

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: A novel group of gastrokines called Gastric Antrum Mucosal Protein is characterized. A member of the group is designated AMP-18. AMP-18 genomic DNA, cDNA and the AMP-18 protein are sequenced for human, mouse and pig. The AMP-18 protein and active peptides derived from it are cellular growth factors. Surprisingly, peptides capable of inhibiting the effects of the complete protein, are also derived from the AMP-18 protein. Cytoprotection and control of mammalian gastro-intestinal tissue growth and repair (restitution) is facilitated by the use of the proteins, making the proteins candidates for therapies in inflammatory bowel disease and gastric ulcers.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods for treating asthma or an associated disorder in a patient in need thereof, by administering to the patient an effective amount of an autophagy inducing agent, thereby treating the asthma or the associated disorder. Disorders that can be treated include, allergic asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung inflammation, respiratory tolerance and a lung infection or disorder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions and methods useful for treating cancer characterized by the expression of mutant FAM190A proteins. In a specific embodiment, a method for treating a patient having a cancer characterized by a FAM190A intragenic rearrangement comprises the step of administering to the patient an agent that inhibits a biological function or reduces the level or expression of the FAM190A protein.

Abstract: Described herein are inbred B6 ES cell lines that exhibit high developmental capacities and have a number of advantages over ES cell lines already available. First, they can be used for gene targeting and have a high percentage of germline transmission when injected into diploid host blastocysts (˜50-80%). Second, these ES cell lines can successfully be used to generate live pups by tetraploid blastocyst complementation, producing a high percentage (15-20%) of mice that are entirely inbred B6 ES cell derived. Third, these ES cells lines can be used to rapidly generate mice that are homozygous for a gene of interest. These advantages indicate that the inbred B6 ES cells provided here facilitate the rapid generation of inbred B6 mouse models in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

Abstract: Markers useful for the identification, characterization and, optionally, the enrichment or isolation of tumorigenic cells or cell subpopulations are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for mutagenizing a mammalian gene, the methods involving introducing into a mammalian cell a retroviral vector which includes a splice acceptor sequence, a transcription termination sequence, and retroviral packaging and integration sequences, the introducing step being carried out under conditions which allow the vector to integrate into the genome of the cell. Also disclosed are retroviral vectors for use in these methods as well as methods for the use of mutagenized cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides in a first aspect a mouse in which the ? (lambda) light chain locus has been functionally silenced. In one embodiment, the mouse ? light chain locus was functional silenced by deletion of acne segments coding for the ? light chain locus. In a further aspect, a mouse containing functionally silenced ? and ? (kappa) L chain loci was produced. The invention is useful for the production of antibodies, for example heterologous antibodies, including heavy chain only antibodies.

Abstract: MHC class II-restricted Chlamydia-specific CD4 T cell clones recognize infected upper reproductive tract epithelial cells as early as 12 hours post infection. The timing and degree of T cell activation are dependent on the interferon milieu. Different interferons have different effects on T-cell activation; interferon IFN-? blunts IFN-? induced up regulation of epithelial cell surface MHC class II and T cell activation. A subset of CD4 T-cells that was especially good at clearing Chlamydia infections from the genital tracts of infected mice was found to express the genes Casd1 and Plac8. The mouse Casd1 genes shares some 95 percent identity with the human gene. The differential expression of either Plac8 or Casd1 in COD cells in response to an infection of epithelial tissue provides a ready methodology for the identification of individuals exposed to epithelial infections and a tool for developing vaccines against pathogens that infect epithelial tissue.

Abstract: Reconstituted human breast tumor models are disclosed. The models, which are incorporated into mice, provide actual tumors that arise spontaneously, thereby mimicking naturally occurring breast cancer. The tumors are genetically human, because they arise from human mammary tissues that develop from human mammary epithelial cells implanted into host mice. Prior to implantation, the mammary epithelial cells are genetically modified to contain either: (a) a recombinant human oncogene and an SV40er; or (b) a recombinant human oncogene, a transgene or shRNA that inhibits the p53 pathway, and a transgene or shRNA that inhibits the Rb pathway.

Abstract: The present invention provides in a first aspect a mouse in which the ? (lambda) light chain locus has been functionally silenced. In one embodiment, the mouse ? light chain locus was functional silenced by deletion of gene segments coding for the ? light chain locus. In a further aspect, a mouse containing functionally silenced ? and ? (kappa) L chain loci was produced. The invention is useful for the production of antibodies, for example heterologous antibodies, including heavy chain only antibodies.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a simple normal-tension glaucoma model capable of spontaneously, age-dependently and surly developing conditions similar to symptoms of normal-tension glaucoma which occurs more frequently in elder people, and a method of evaluating therapeutic effect on normal-tension glaucoma whereby a drug useful in treating and diagnosing can be conveniently screened by using the normal-tension glaucoma model. A normal-tension glaucoma model comprising a nonhuman mammal, which is deficient in a transcriptional regulator NF-?Bp50 and thus spontaneously develops the normal-tension glaucoma symptom age-relatedly, an organ or a tissue thereof or cells collected from any of the same.

Abstract: The present relates to use of follistatin-like related gene (FLRG) to increase muscle mass in a subject. As such, methods of ameliorating the severity of a pathologic condition characterized, at least in part, by a decreased amount, development or metabolic activity of muscle are provided. In addition transgenic non-human mammals expressing FLRG and having increased muscle mass as compared to a corresponding mammal having a myostatin-null mutation or a decreased level of myostatin are provided.

Abstract: An optimized coding sequence of human blood clotting factor eight (VIII) and a promoter may be used in vectors, such as rAAV, for introduction of factor VIII, and/or other blood clotting factors and transgenes. Exemplary of these factors and transgenes are alpha-1-antitrypsin, as well as those involved in the coagulation cascade, hepatocye biology, lysosomal storage, urea cycle disorders, and lipid storage diseases. Cells, vectors, proteins, and glycoproteins produced by cells transformed by the vectors and sequence, may be used in treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a cell comprising a conditionally active transgene in its genome, the method comprising (a) introducing into the cell a targeting vector, wherein the targeting vector comprises (i) a 5? recombinase recognition site specifically recognised by a first recombinase, wherein the first recombinase is endogenously present in the cell or wherein the first recombinase or a nucleic acid molecule encoding said first recombinase in expressible form is introduced into the cell; followed by (ii) a 5? recombinase recognition site specifically recognised by a second recombinase, wherein the second recombinase is not endogenously present or is not active in the cell; followed by (iii) a selection cassette comprising a positively selectable marker gene; followed by (iv) a 3? recombinase recognition site specifically recognised by a third recombinase, wherein the third recombinase is not endogenously present or is not active in the cell; followed by (v) the transgene; follo

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a mouse model for allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, and a dermatitis mouse model with impaired skin-barrier function. The present inventors found out that a mouse that has been caused to completely lose the function of expressing profilaggrin protein and filaggrin protein by entirely or partially disrupting the endogenous gene encoding filaggrin by a genetic mutation such as deletion or replacement, can be used as a mouse model for allergic diseases or atopic dermatitis wherein the skin-barrier function has been impaired.

Abstract: Mice are provided that comprise a reduction or deletion of ADAM6 activity from an endogenous ADAM6 locus, or that lack an endogenous locus encoding a mouse ADAM6 protein, wherein the mice comprise a sequence encoding an ADAM6 or ortholog or homolog or fragment thereof that is functional in a male mouse. In one embodiment, the sequence is an ectopic ADAM6 sequence or a sequence that confers upon a male mouse the ability to generate offspring by mating. Mice and cells with genetically modified immunoglobulin heavy chain loci that comprise an ectopic nucleotide sequence encoding a mouse ADAM6 or functional fragment or homolog or ortholog thereof are also provided.

Abstract: A genetically modified mouse characterized in that it does not comprise a nucleic acid sequence which itself encodes any endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region locus polypeptide.

Abstract: Non-human animal models for frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitin-positive inclusions (FTLD-U) are disclosed. The invention relates to a transgenic mouse whose genome comprises a transgene operably linked to a neuronal specific promoter effective for an increased expression of the transgene in the brain of the mouse, in which the transgene comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43). The transgenic mouse exhibits reduced or impaired learning and memory capacity, and may further exhibits progressively impaired or reduced motor functions. Methods of using such animal models are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an ?1/CaV3.1 double knockout mouse or ?1?/?; Emx1-Cre mouse with enhanced essential tremor and a screening method of therapeutic agents for essential tremor by using the same. The ?1/CaV3.1 double knockout mouse or ?1?/?; Emx1-Cre mouse of the present invention may be usefully used for development of therapeutic agents for essential tremor because the mouse exhibits essential tremor strong and evident enough to be visually confirmed, compared to an ?1 knockout mouse.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for targeted inactivation of viral genomes. In one embodiment, zinc-finger proteins in which DNA binding sites are altered such that they recognize and bind different, desired DNA sequences contained in hepatitis B virus (HBV) and that include nuclease domains are used for inactivation. Other embodiments for targeted inactivation of viral genomes use small nucleic acid molecules, such as short micro-RNA molecules or short hairpin RNA molecules capable of mediating RNA interference (RNAi) against the hepatitis B virus.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a transgenic non-human animal whose cells contain a DNA sequence comprising: (a) a nerve tissue specific promoter; and (b) a DNA sequence which encodes a receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE), wherein the promoter and the DNA sequence which encodes the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) are operatively linked to each other and integrated in the genome of the non-human animal, and wherein said non-human animal exhibits a reduced amount of cerebral tissue infarcted following a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion compared to an identical non-human animal lacking said DNA sequence.

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: It is intended to provide an animal model which shows a naturally occurring eye disease symptom, particularly ocular hypertension and/or retinal degeneration. The invention relates to a non-human animal for eye disease model in which the function of Vav2 gene and/or Vav3 gene have/has been impaired. Because the animal shows a naturally occurring eye disease symptom, such as ocular hypertension and/or retinal degeneration without administering a drug or placing it in a special growth environment, it can be used as a model useful for elucidation of onset mechanism of eye disease or evaluation for therapeutic agent for eye disease. When it is applied for such a purpose, because it is not affected by an exogenous factor, which is conventionally administered for artificially inducing eye disease, it reflects a natural pathology, therefore, the clinical and industrial usefulness thereof is high.

Abstract: The invention relates to gene suppression and replacement. In particular, the invention relates to enhanced expression of suppression agents for suppressing gene expression in a cell and in vivo and replacement nucleic acids that are not inhibited by the suppression agent. Regulatory elements are included in expression vectors to optimize expression of the suppression agent and/or replacement nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vector comprising a promoter and a luciferase gene having a nucleic acid sequence as disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 1; a fertilized egg transformed with the present vector; and a transgenic non-human animal overexpressing a luciferase gene from the vector and a method for preparing it. The vector and the animal of the present disclosure have a high expression rate for the luciferase gene, which confers high sensitivity for detection and thus useful for imaging analysis in a variety of research areas.

Abstract: The invention provides transgene constructs for expressing chimeric antibodies, and transgenic non-human host animals carrying such constructs, wherein the chimeric antibodies comprise human variable regions and constant regions of the non-human transgenic host animal. The presence of immunoglobulin constant regions of the host animal allows for generation of improved antibodies in such transgenic host animals. Subsequently, the chimeric antibodies can be readily converted to fully human antibodies using recombinant DNA techniques. Thus, the invention provides compositions and methods for generating human antibodies in which chimeric antibodies raised in vivo in transgenic mice are used as intermediates and then converted to fully human antibodies in vitro.

Abstract: The invention relates to transgenic non-human animals capable of producing heterologous antibodies and methods for producing human sequence antibodies which bind to human antigens with substantial affinity.

Abstract: The invention is directed to polypeptides having any cellulolytic activity, e.g., a cellulase activity, e.g., endoglucanase, cellobiohydrolase, beta-glucosidase, xylanase, mannanse, ?-xylosidase, arabinofuranosidase, and/or oligomerase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural, food and feed processing and industrial contexts. The invention also provides compositions or products of manufacture comprising mixtures of enzymes comprising at least one enzyme of this invention.

Abstract: Genetically modified non-human animals and methods and compositions for making and using them are provided, wherein the genetic modification comprises a deletion of the endogenous low affinity Fc?R locus, and wherein the mouse is capable of expressing a functional FcR?-chain. Genetically modified mice are described, including mice that express low affinity human Fc?R genes from the endogenous Fc?R locus, and wherein the mice comprise a functional FcR?-chain. Genetically modified mice that express up to five low affinity human Fc?R genes on accessory cells of the host immune system are provided.

Abstract: A transgenic non-human animal, in particular a transgenic mouse encoding A? peptide proteins, which have been implicated in A? peptide-related diseases. Cells and cell lines comprising transgenes encoding for A? peptide. Methods and compositions for evaluating agents that affect A? peptide, for use in compositions for the treatment of A? peptide-related diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies to the tumor-associated antigen CD33 and to the use thereof for immunotargeting CD33-positive cells. The antibodies according to the invention are suitable for use in the field of medicine, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical research. According to the invention, the aim is achieved by means of novel anti-CD33 antibodies comprising the complementary determining regions (CDRs) defined in the claim. The antibodies according to the invention are characterized by a high affinity for human CD33, of the order of magnitude of 1010 mol/l. The CDR sequences according to the invention are suitable in particular for producing recombinant fragments (such as scFv fragments or bispecific antibodies) and for immunotargeting, due to the high affinity thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates in a first aspect to a cell model containing chondrocytes whereby said chondrocytes contain a first heterologous nucleic acid sequence operably linked with a mb1 promoter sequence. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a cell model, in particular, to a transgenic animal model whose genome comprises a first heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding a recombinase and/or restriction enzyme operably linked to a chondrocyte specific promoter, and a second heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding a target peptide of interest wherein the second nucleic acid sequence further comprises recombination sequences or restriction site for the enzyme encoded by the first heterologous nucleic acid sequence. In addition, methods for screening foreign agent or methods for testing the efficacy and/or efficiency of an agent are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonhuman animal showing the symptoms of human nonalcoholic steatohepatitis which is obtained by transplanting human hepatocytes into an immunodeficient hepatopathic nonhuman animal to produce a chimeric nonhuman animal and then transplanting human hepatocytes that are propagated in the body of the chimeric nonhuman animal into an immunodeficient hepatopathic nonhuman animal of the same species as the immunodeficient hepatopathic nonhuman animal described above, as well as a nonhuman animal showing the symptoms of human fatty liver which is obtained by transplanting human hepatocytes into an immunodeficient hepatopathic nonhuman animal to produce a chimeric nonhuman animal.