Abstract: Disclosed are: a method for detecting (diagnosing) visceral obesity in a subject; a test agent useful for the method; a method for searching for a substance that can be used as an active ingredient for ameliorating visceral obesity; and an ameliorating agent for visceral obesity or a medicinal agent for preventing a metabolic disease developed as a result of the progression of visceral obesity. As the test agent, a polynucleotide which comprises at least 15 nucleotides and can hybridize with a nucleotide sequence for coiled-coil domain containing protein 3 (CCDC3) gene or a nucleotide sequence complementary to the nucleotide sequence under stringent conditions or an antibody capable of recognizing CCDC3 protein is used.

Abstract: The invention provides novel nucleic acids and polypeptides, referred to herein as stresscopin 1 and stresscopin 2, which preferentially activate the CRH-R2 receptor over the R1 receptor. Stresscopins, analogs and mimetics, and related CRH-R2 agonists suppress food intake and heat-induced edema; but do not induce substantial release of ACTH. Stresscopin also finds use in the recovery phase of stress responses, as an anti-inflammatory agent, as a hypotensive agent, as a cardioprotective agent, and in the treatment of psychiatric and anxiolytic disorders. Stresscopin nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related proteins and the DNA sequences encoding such proteins; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of the protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways.

Abstract: A transgenic animal such as a transgenic snake or other reptile that expresses a heterologous expression product is described, along with methods of making the same. In general, the animal comprises cells containing a sequence encoding the heterologous expression product. The sequence encoding the heterologous expression product is integrated into the genome of the animal (e.g., in some or all cells thereof, and in some embodiments into germ cells thereof). The sequence encoding the heterologous expression product is, in general, operatively associated with an expression sequence or promoter. The animals are useful for, among other things, testing of repellents, testing of toxicological compounds, as teaching aids, for venom production, etc.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method of analyzing an optical signal which analyzes a signal substance induced by a photosensitive protein, includes the steps of introducing a gene which expresses a luminescent probe to analyze the signal substance into an organism sample, emitting a stimulus light to activate the photosensitive protein, and detecting an optical signal emitted by the organism sample.

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: Recombinant or transgenic non-human mammals are described having a mutant tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (Tph2) gene resulting in altered synthesis of 5-hydroxytryptophan and serotonin in the brain. In some embodiments the mutant tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene contains mouse R439H and/or P447R functional mutations, or their corresponding mutations in other species. Congenic non-human mammals having mutant tryptophan hydroxylase 2 genes are also provided. Methods of screening a compound for serotonergic activity or activity in treating a serotonergic neurotransmission dysregulation disorder are provided, which include administering a test compound to a recombinant non-human mammal and then detecting the presence or absence of serotonergic activity, or activity in treating a serotonergic neurotransmission dysregulation disorder, in the mammal. A cell such as a nerve cell (e.g.

Abstract: A method for making dendritic cells reactive to an antigen comprises obtaining a sample of dendritic cells and contacting the cells with the antigen and at least one Toll-like receptor stimulant. Dendritic cells activated by this method provide a means for treating tumors and for creating animal models of autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for detecting and measuring the amount of autophagosomes in cells or tissues, including biopsy samples, in vitro, in situ and/or in vivo. By detecting and measuring the amount of autophagosomes in cells or tissues, the methods and compositions of the invention also measure the amount of autophagic activity in a cell or a tissue. In one aspect, the invention can be adapted to a plate-reader format for high-throughput screening of drugs that modulate autophagy, i.e., high-throughput detection of autophagic (autophagosome) activity in cells or tissues. In alternative embodiments, the compositions of the invention can localize into autophagosomes (AV), and these compositions can comprise any detectable moiety or group, e.g., a cadaverine, a radioactive, fluorescent-, bioluminescent and/or paramagnetic-conjugated reagent.

Abstract: A method for observing glutamate decarboxylase 67-positive cells in a transgenic mouse includes providing the transgenic mouse in which a nucleic acid sequence encoding green fluorescent protein is inserted in a frame within exon 1 of an endogenous glutamate decarboxylase 67 gene, whereby the transgenic mouse is capable of a functional expression of the green fluorescent protein in place of the endogenous glutamate decarboxylase 67 gene. Then, the glutamate decarboxylase 67-positive cells which are specifically visualized by the expression of the green fluorescent protein can be observed. The method may further include analyzing a function or morphology of the GABAergic neurons based on the observation of the glutamate decarboxylase 67-positive cells where the glutamate decarboxylase 67-positive cells are specifically visualized corresponding to a cell distribution of GABAergic neurons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prostate cancer cell line CNCM deposit number I-4126, the use thereof for preparing resistant prostate cancer cell lines, the resistant prostate cancer cell lines, and the use of these prostate cancer cell lines for screening compounds of interest.

Abstract: Genetically engineered conditional knock-out mice having conditional disruption of the Abi1/Hssh3bp1 gene are disclosed along with methods of making and using same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in PRO69122, PRO204, PRO214, PRO222, PRO234, PRO265, PRO309, PRO332, PRO342, PRO356, PRO540, PRO618, PRO944, PRO994, PRO1079, PRO1110, PRO1122, PRO1138, PRO1190, PRO1272, PRO1286, PRO1295, PRO1309, PRO1316, PRO1383, PRO1384, PRO1431, PRO1434, PRO1475, PRO1481, PRO1568, PRO1573, PRO1599, PRO1604, PRO1605, PRO1693, PRO1753, PRO1755, PRO1777, PRO1788, PRO1864, PRO1925, PRO1926, PRO3566, PRO4330, PRO4423, PRO36935, PRO4977, PRO4979, PRO4980, PRO4981, PRO5801, PRO5995, PRO6001, PRO6095, PRO6182, PRO7170, PRO7171, PRO7436, PRO9912, PRO9917, PRO37337, PRO37496, PRO19646, PRO21718, PRO19820, PRO21201, PRO20026, PRO20110, PRO23203 or PRO35250 genes.

Abstract: Methods for treating neurological diseases and for testing Caloric Restriction (CR) mimetics or CR mimetic candidates. In one exemplary method, a CR mimetic candidate is administered to a transgenic animal and the effects of the administering are determined; the transgenic animal includes an added gene from another type of animal or a modified gene which is designed to produce a disease or ailment of another type of animal, and the method seeks to determine whether the CR mimetic candidate improves the disease or ailment. Methods relating to neurological disease and other methods relating to CR mimetic testing are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding proteins associated with Parkinson's disease. 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 proteins associated with Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding cytochrome P450 (CYP) proteins. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. The invention also provides zinc finger nucleases that target chromosomal sequence encoding CYP proteins, as well as methods of using the genetically modified animals or cells disclosed herein to screen agents for toxicity and other effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to modified single domain antigen binding molecules, e.g., SDAB molecules, in particular TNF?-binding SDAB molecules. Method of preparing, and using the modified single domain antigen binding molecules described herein, to treat, e.g., TNF?-associated disorders, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in PRO188, PRO235, PRO266, PRO337, PRO361, PRO539, PRO698, PRO717, PRO846, PRO874, PRO98346, PRO1082, PRO1097, PRO1192, PRO1268, PRO1278, PRO1303, PRO1308, PRO1338, PRO1378, PRO1415, PRO1867, PRO1890, PRO3438, PRO19835, PRO36915, PRO36029, PRO4999, PRO5778, PRO5997, PRO6079, PRO6090, PRO7178, PRO21184, PRO7434, PRO9822, PRO9833, PRO9836, PRO9854, PRO9862, PRO10284, PRO37510, PRO35444, PRO20473, PRO21054 or PRO35246 genes.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for an animal model of Parkinson's disease. In particular, disclosed is the use of antisense compounds to inhibit the expression of ALDH1A1 in the substantia nigra of an animal brain for the purpose of creating an animal that will displays the symptoms of a human with Parkinson's Disease, including various biochemical, histological, and behavioral characteristics. Also disclosed are methods for using the animal model for Parkinson's disease to test potential therapeutic agents for Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to the generation of non-human transgenic animals comprising a reporter construct for producing a detectable amount of a reporter molecule operably linked to a transcriptional regulatory nucleic acid molecule from the human CYP3A4 gene located between the initiation of transcription site of the gene and a position located 13,000 nucleotides upstream from the site. The invention also relates to the use of these animals for determining the effect of a compound, particularly, but not exclusively, a xenobiotic or steroid, on the regulation of expression of the CYP3A4 gene in a human.

Abstract: A non-human animal model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is disclosed. The animal model comprises a rodent whose spinal cord motor neurons have a loss of TAR-DNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43) function and phenotypes exhibit ALS-like symptoms. A method for identifying a candidate agent for treating, preventing and/or inhibiting ALS associated with a loss-of-function of TDP-43 is also disclosed.

Abstract: Mechanisms regulating cell proliferation stop and differentiation initiation during the development stage of mammalian embryo, and the proteins involved therein, are presented. Differentiation regulators, methods of regulating differentiation, transgenic organisms with loss of expression of the differentiation regulator, and methods of preparing the transgenic organisms, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transgenic animal, which comprises in its genome a recombinant polynucleotide encoding one or more reporter proteins and a monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) promoter, wherein the one or more reporter proteins are expressed under the control of the MCP-1 promoter. A method for monitoring endogenous expression of MCP-1 in vivo is also provided, which is useful for identifying a regulator of the expression of MCP-1 or an anti-inflammatory agent.

Abstract: A system including: (i) a methodology for targeted cellular ablation in zebrafish; (ii) a methodology for regional cellular ablation in zebrafish. These methodologies are used to identify genetic components that regulate cellular regeneration and to identify drug compounds that influence cellular regeneration for the purpose of developing therapies for degenerative conditions. Transgenic zebrafish disclosed herein contain transgenic constructs composed of: (i) cell and/or tissue-type specific regulatory elements (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic non-human mammals comprising a polynucleotide encoding a human or humanized C5aR. The invention also relates to use of the transgenic non-human mammals in methods of screening for agonists, inverse agonists and antagonists of human C5aR and for testing efficacy of C5aR agonists, inverse agonists and antagonists in various animal models of disease.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for evaluating the efficacy of a cancer treatment for (i) inhibiting metastasis in a subject, (ii) inhibiting local cancer cell movement, and (iii) inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. The present invention is further directed to methods for monitoring cell motility in a subject. The present invention is also directed to kits for performing any of the above methods.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for identifying a small molecule as an antidepressant, a method for identifying a small molecule as an anxiolytic, and a method for identifying a small molecule as able to increase dendritic arborization, decrease expression of an immaturity marker, increase expression of a maturity marker, or enhance artificial cerebrospinal fluid-type long-term potentiation in central nervous system. This invention also provides a transgenic mouse model for SSRI-non-responders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mutant human alpha-synuclein with increased toxicity compared to wild-type alpha-synuclein, or a homologue thereof, wherein the mutant alpha-synuclein or homologue thereof comprises at least one amino acid substitution selected from the group consisting of a substitution at the alanine at position 56 (A56), at the alanine at position 76 (A76), at the methionine at position 127 (M127) and/or at the valine at position 118 (V118), as defined in the claims. Further, the invention relates to a polynucleotide encoding the mutant alpha-synuclein or homologue thereof, or an expression vector comprising said polynucleotide, a cell comprising the polynucleotide or expression vector, as defined in the claims. Also, a non-human animal comprising the cell of the invention is provided, as defined in the claims. Finally, the invention provides methods for identifying a substance that prevents or reduces toxicity of alpha-synuclein, as defined in the claims.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in PRO224, PRO9783, PRO1108, PRO34000, PRO240, PRO943, hu A33, PRO230, PRO178, PRO1199, PRO4333, PRO1336, PRO19598, PRO1083, hu TRPM2 or PRO1801 genes. Such in vivo studies and characterizations may provide valuable identification and discovery of therapeutics and/or treatments useful in the prevention, amelioration or correction of diseases or dysfunctions associated with gene disruptions such as neurological disorders; cardiovascular, endothelial or angiogenic disorders; eye abnormalities; immunological disorders; oncological disorders; bone metabolic abnormalities or disorders; lipid metabolic disorders; or developmental abnormalities.

Abstract: Provided herein is a transgenic animal whose genome comprises a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a fusion polypeptide, wherein the fusion polypeptide comprises a Cre recombinase and a mutated ligand binding domain of human estrogen receptor (CreER), wherein the first nucleic acid is operably linked to a chondrocyte-specific promoter and a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a ?-catenin polypeptide, wherein the second nucleic acid sequence comprises one or more loxP sequences. Also provided is a method of modifying a transgenic animal comprising administering tamoxifen to the transgenic animal. Also provided are methods of screening for an agent that reduces or prevents Cre-Negative Control one or more symptoms of osteoarthritis or intervertebral disc disease in a subject. Methods for identifying a subject with or at risk of developing osteoarthritis or intervertebral disc disease are also provided, as well as methods of treating or preventing osteoarthritis or intervertebral disc disease in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides targets, methods, and reagents for the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia and related conditions. The invention provides methods for the diagnosis of schizophrenia and susceptibility to schizophrenia by detection of polymorphisms, mutations, variations, alterations in expression, etc., in calcineurin genes or calcineurin interacting genes, or polymorphisms linked to such genes. The invention provides oligonucleotides, arrays, and antibodies for detection of polymorphisms and variants. The invention provides transgenic mice having alterations in such genes. The invention also provides methods of treating schizophrenia by administering compounds that target these genes. The invention further provides screening methods for identifying such compounds and compounds obtained by performing the screens.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of diagnosing and treating a fibrotic condition in a mammalian subject. These methods involve measuring the levels of trimethylation at lysine residue 27 of histone-3 and/or measuring the expression levels of EZH2 or YY-1. Agents useful for treating fibrosis or a fibrotic condition are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing whether a compound is capable of inhibiting the development of lymphatic channels or lymphangiogenesis and/or the migration of lymphangioblasts in an non-human animal, a non-human embryo or a cell culture, comprising steps of contacting a compound capable of interacting with a Ccbe1 gene, a transcript thereof or a ccbe1 protein with a non-human animal, a non-human embryo or a cell culture; determining whether said compound inhibits the development of lymphatic channels, lymphangiogenesis and/or migration of lymphangioblasts in said non-human animal, a non-human embryo or a cell culture. The invention further related to a method of determining whether an individual is a carrier of, or is suffering from, or at risk of suffering from, a lymph vessel disorder, and to a medicament comprising Ccbe1, or comprising a nucleic acid encoding Ccbe1, for the treatment of a lymph vessel disorder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) animal model and use thereof.

Abstract: Ubiquitin ligase wwp-1 and ubiquitin conjugating enzyme ubc-18 are identified in nematodes as mediators of dietary restriction induced longevity and therefore as targets for modulation of lifespan in animals. Methods of screening for compounds that modulate longevity by assaying wwp-1 ubiquitination pathway parameters are provided, as are related systems. In addition, methods of using wwp-1 and/or ubc-18 to modulate longevity or delay onset of age-related diseases are described.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of neurology. Specifically, the invention relates to the discovery and characterization of molecular components that play a role in neuronal demyelination or remyelination. In addition, the invention relates to the generation of an animal model that exhibits hypomyelination. The compositions and methods embodied in the present invention are particularly useful for drug screening and/or treatment of demyelination disorders.

Abstract: A non-human transgenic animal having a polynucleotide encoding an STXBP1 polypeptide, which polynucleotide is operably linked to a promoter, wherein said transgenic animal has greater than wild-type expression of the STXBP1 polypeptide in at least one brain region, as well as related vectors, methods of producing transgenic animals, in vitro and in vivo screening methods for potential therapeutic agents, and methods for treating and diagnosing neuropsychiatric illness are disclosed.

Abstract: Non-human animals which overexpress PPARd or which express transgenic PPARd are useful as models for inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis. Test substances can be screened to assess their suitability for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis. Methyl 3-({[2-(methoxy)-4-phenyl]amino}sulfonyl)-2-thiophenecarboxylate can be administered topically for the prevention or treatment of psoriasis.

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: A small percentage of cells within an established solid tumor have the properties of stem cells. These solid tumor stem cells give rise both to more tumor stem cells and to the majority of cells in the tumor that have lost the capacity for extensive proliferation and the ability to give rise to new tumors. Thus, solid tumor heterogeneity reflects the presence of tumor cell progeny arising from a solid tumor stem cell. We have developed a xenograft model in which we have been able to establish tumors from primary tumors via injection of tumor cells in the mammary gland of severely immunodeficient mice. These xenograft assay have allowed us to do biological and molecular assays to characterize clonogenic solid tumor stem cells. We have also developed evidence that strongly implicates the Notch pathway, especially Notch 4, as playing a central pathway in carcinogenesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in PRO844, PRO1131 or PRO5992 genes. Such in vivo studies and characterizations may provide valuable identification and discovery of therapeutics and/or treatments useful in the prevention, amelioration or correction of diseases or dysfunctions associated with gene disruptions such as neurological disorders; cardiovascular, endothelial or angiogenic disorders; eye abnormalities; immunological disorders; oncological disorders; bone metabolic abnormalities or disorders; lipid metabolic disorders; or developmental abnormalities.

Abstract: Methods of treating disorders such as neurofibromatosis-1 are provided, including methods in which catalytic antioxidants such as metalloporphyrins are administered. Methods of regulating longevity, and methods and systems for screening for modulators of aging or longevity, are also provided. In addition, related transgenic animals are described.

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

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: The present invention relates to a transgenic fish having at least one genomically integrated expression cassette containing a 5?-regulatory nucleotide sequence responsive to hormones, particularly estrogenic hormones, connected in a functional manner upstream of a nucleotide sequence encoding a reporter protein. The present invention further relates to methods of using the transgenic fish for various purposes, including, for example: (1) identifying estrogenic endocrine disruptors; (2) monitoring estrogen-like activity of test samples; (3) identifying anti-estrogenic endocrine disruptors; and (4) investigating the effects of endocrine disruptors on liver regeneration. Expression cassettes, host cells, and transgenic cells of aquatic animals are also disclosed.

Abstract: Use of an agent which upregulates an activity or amount of miRNA-9 or miRNA-9* is disclosed for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a motor neuron disease (MND).

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

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of screening an agent for activity using teleosts. Methods of screening an agent for angiogenesis activity, toxic activity and an effect cell death activity in teleosts are provided. Methods of screening an agent for an activity in the brain or central nervous system in zebrafish are provided. The invention further provides high throughput methods of screening agents in multi-well plates.

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: A method for the identification of genes involved in neurodegenerative processes, detectable by the late onset of a phenotype associated with neurodegeneration, by means of a genetic screen of deregulated genes, which comprises the measurement of sleep-wake cycle activity schemes in different stages of life, young and adult, of individuals of an animal model, such as Drosophila. A mutant fly whose genome comprises a disruption in its enabled gene, with decrease of the enabled gene expression, and exhibiting a late onset neurodegenerative phenotype in adulthood.

Abstract: A transgenic mammal, including a transgenic mouse, whose genome comprises a transgene, said transgene comprises a neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) promoter gene operably linked to at least one sequence encoding at least one of a fluorescent or bioluminescent protein, wherein the NGAL promoter gene expression in the mouse can be assayed by bioluminescence or fluorescence imaging.