Abstract: Administration of modified transposon-based vectors has been used to achieve stable incorporation of exogenous genes into animals. These transgenic animals produce transgenic progeny. Further, these transgenic animals produce large quantities of desired molecules encoded by the transgene. Transgenic egg-laying animals produce large quantities of desired molecules encoded by the transgene and deposit these molecules in the egg.

Abstract: Modified fission proteins of transferrin and therapeutic proteins or peptides, preferably antibody variable regions, with increased serum half-life or serum stability are disclosed. Preferred fusion proteins include those modified so that the transferrin moiety exhibits no or reduced glycosylation, binding to iron and/or binding to the transferrin receptor.

Abstract: The C. difficile proteins Cwp84, FliC and FliD, known to have conserved peptide sequences, were separately injected into female chickens, and the antibody rich egg yolks harvested. The egg yolks were then tested as the active ingredient in compositions against C. difficile bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porcine uroplakin II gene promoter, an expression vector containing the promoter, and a method for producing useful proteins using the vector. The promoter of the present invention promotes the bladder-specific expression of a target protein at high efficiency. An animal, which was transformed using the inventive promoter so as to express the target protein, secretes the target protein in its urine at high concentration, and the protein thus produced shows a superior physiological activity to that of the same kind of the existing protein. As a result, the inventive promoter, the expression vector and transgenic animal using the promoter, can be advantageously used in the production field of useful proteins that are medicinally valuable.

Abstract: A transgenic animal model for evaluating growth, survival and/or metastasis of xenotransplanted normal or tumor cells or tissue is disclosed, in which a human growth factor, hHGF stimulates growth in vivo of human cells or tissue. A strain of Tg mice on the C3H background that is immunocompromised as a result of a homozygous scid gene has been bred which express a nucleic acid encoding hHGF/SE The ectopically expressed hHGF/SF ligand significantly enhances growth of human tumor cell lines and explanted tumor cells or tissue that express the Met receptor for hHGF. Such animals also have an enlarged normal livers and greater than normal liver regenerative capacity. Any Met-expressing hHGF-dependent human cells, including hepatocytes and various stem cells can survive and grow in such animals.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a means for obtaining cells which produce human, humanized or chimeric antibodies in commercially useful quantities. The invention permits high antibody producer cells to be selected and isolated from animals for use in culture to produce antibodies. The invention also provides methods for the affinity maturation of human, humanized or chimeric immunoglobulins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a human artificial chromosome which is genetically transmissible to the next generation with high efficiency and the method for using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to: a human artificial chromosome in which an about 3.5 Mb to about 1 Mb region containing an antibody ? light chain gene derived from human chromosome 22 is bound to a chromosome fragment which is transmissible to a progeny through a germ line of a non-human animal, said chromosome fragment is derived from another human chromosome; a non-human animal carrying the human artificial chromosome and an offspring thereof; a method for producing the non-human animal; a method for producing a human antibody using the nonhuman animal or an offspring thereof; and a human antibody-producing mouse carrying the human artificial chromosome.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods of producing transgenic avians which may include delivering a heterologous nucleic acid to oviduct tissue of an avian wherein the nucleic acid enters a cell of the oviduct tissue and is expressed.

Abstract: The invention includes hybrid promoters containing an LTR component and a promoter component, transgenic avians containing the hybrid promoters in their genome and methods of making the transgenic avians.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for achieving efficient transcription and translation of modified transgene constructs in vector systems. The vector may be a lentiviral vector. Such a method facilitates the production of viral vector genomes with intact functional transgene sequences allowing stable integration of a transgene-containing viral vector genome into the germline of an animal such as a transgenic avian. The subsequent expression of the transgene results in a recombinant protein product being produced, which, in the case of a transgenic avian can result in the targeted production of the protein into the egg of the transgenic bird.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid molecules encoding a fluorescent and proteins and mutants, homologues and derivatives thereof, as well as proteins and peptides encoded by these nucleic acids. The nucleic acid molecules and proteins of interest are isolated from Copepoda species. Also of interest are proteins that are substantially similar to, or derivatives, or homologues, or mutants of, the above-referenced specific proteins. Also provided are fragments of the nucleic acids and the peptides encoded thereby, as well as antibodies specific to the proteins and peptides of the invention. In addition, host-cells, stable cell lines and transgenic organisms comprising above-referenced nucleic acid molecules are provided. The subject protein and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of different applications and methods, particularly for labeling of biomolecules, cell or cell organelles. Finally, kits for use in such methods and applications are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a modified folded protein, comprising modifying unfolded a-chains comprising a collagenous amino acid sequence and thereafter folding at least part of the modified a-chains into a quaternary protein structure, in particular a helical protein structure. The invention allows for an attractive alternative for making recombinant proteins, such as recombinant collagens and the like, which may be used in a variety of biomedical and other applications.

Abstract: Genetic vaccine which comprises plasmid(s) containing genes coding for antigens of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains is disclosed. Additionally, plasmids may consist of multiple copies of the same antigen (i.e. K88 or K99 fimbrial antigen) or multiple antigens (ie. K88 and K99 fimbrial antigens) and genetic adjuvants such as cytokines (IL-2, IL-4 & GM-CSF), costimulatory molecules (CD80 & CD86) or chemokines or immunostimulatory sequences. A method for isolating antibodies from chicken egg yolk for passive immunization of animals, as well as humans to control diarrhoeal diseases using the genetic vaccines is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention describes compounds comprising new and useful peptides and peptidomimetics that can bind to CD23. They are capable of reducing inflammatory responses associated with auto-immune diseases, chronic inflammatory diseases, allergies and other inflammatory conditions such as those mediated by the mammalian immune system. Compounds of the present invention relate to a CD23-binding peptide wherein said peptide comprises an amino-acid sequence of X1,-X2- X3-X4-X5-X6-X7-X8, wherein: X1 is Phe, or is absent; X2 is His or Ala; X3 is Glu, Ser, Ala, Asn, Lys, or Cys; X4 is Asn, Phe, Gln, Pro, Ser, or Ala; X5 is Trp; X6 is Pro, Arg, Glu, Gly, Cys, or Lys; X7 is Ser, Pro, Leu, Thr Ala, Gly, Asn, or absent; and X8 is Phe, Gly, or is absent.

Abstract: The specification provides methods of preparing high-affinity antibodies to a macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in animals in which the MIF gene has been homozygously knocked-out (MIF?/?). Also provided are methods of preparing hybridomas which produce the anti-MIF antibodies, methods of administering the antibodies to treat inflammatory or cancerous conditions and/or diseases modulated by MIF, as well as compositions comprising said high-affinity anti-MIF antibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for cloning mammals that allow the donor chromosomes or donor cells to be reprogrammed prior to insertion into an enucleated oocyte. The invention also features methods of inserting chromosomes or nuclei into recipient cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a simple method for the treatment of antigen-deficiency diseases, by orally administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of the deficient antigen, wherein the antigen is not present in a liposome. In one embodiment, the method increases hemostasis in a subject having hemophilia A or B, by orally administering to the hemophiliac a therapeutically effective amount of the appropriate clotting factor other than in a liposome, sufficient to induce oral tolerance and supply exogenous clotting factor to the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the recombinant production of biofilaments, such as spider silk or insect fibroins, using transgenic animals which secrete the biofilaments in their milk and/or urine, and transgenic cells which secrete the biofilaments into culture media. Such a method is useful for producing large quantities of biofilament material. Also disclosed is a nucleic acid molecule for generating such transgenic animals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a protein of interest comprising transforming a target insect with a non-viral expression system that expresses the protein in the insect larvae, breeding the insect to produce larvae, culturing the larvae and isolating the protein from the larvae.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods of obtaining autologous monoclonal antibodies (AMABs) to self-antigens or homologs thereof. The method involves obtaining a genetically engineered host animal that does not biosynthesize at least one epitope of the antigen and utilizes the lack of self-tolerance of the host to the epitope to produce antibodies specific to the antigen. The invention also encompasses the AMABs produced by the methods. The invention further encompasses methods of isolating cells comprising the use of such AMABs that have specificity for a cell surface antigen.

Abstract: The invention provides a transgenic animal having within its genome a transgene construct for gastrointestinal tract specific expression of a protein. In a preferred embodiment, the protein is a phytase or a homologue thereof. Such proteins may be heterologous and may be specifically expressed in the salivary gland of the animal by operably linking the nucleic acid sequence encoding the protein with regulatory sequence including a salivary gland protein promoter/enhancer. Also provided are methods of expressing and producing proteins using such nucleic acid constructs. Further, antibodies specific to such proteins and immunological diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for expressing multiple recombinant proteins in transgenic non-human mammalian milk, characterized in which human clotting factor IX gene and porcine lactoferrin gene are transferred into the mammal by gene injection and embryonic implantation to obtain expression in the milk of transgenic mammal and its filial generation. The method of this invention can maintain the stable expression of multiple recombinant proteins in the transgenic mammal during lactation and stable expression amount proximate to that of the first generation in the offsprings of the transgenic non-human mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of a transgenic bovine which comprises a genetic modification that results in inactivation and loss of expression of its endogenous antibodies, and the expression of xenogenous antibodies, preferably human antibodies. This is effected by inactivation of the IgM heavy chain expression and, optionally, by inactivation of the Ig light chain expression, and by the further introduction of an artificial chromosome which results in the expression of non-bovine antibodies, preferably human antibodies.

Abstract: Transgenic ungulates and compositions and methods for making and using same, are provided. Central to the invention are porcine, bovine, ovine and caprine embryonic stem cell lines and methods for establishing them. Cells of such lines are transformed with exogenous genetic material of interest and then used to provide chimeric ungulates confirmed by genetic markers which have germ cells comprising the exogenous genetic material. The chimeric ungulates are bred to provide transgenic ungulates. The transgenic animals of the invention may show improved qualities and can be used to provide human proteins or peptide hormones or can be used as xenograft donors.

Abstract: The mammary gland-specific expression systems developed by the present inventors, named pGbc, pGbc_L and pGbc_S were deposited under the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purpose of Patent Procedure in the Korean Collection for Type Cultures (KCTC), Korean Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology at 52, Oun-dong, Yusong-Ku, Taejon 305–333, Republic of Korea, on Aug. 17, 1998, and the accession deposit Nos. KCTC 0515BP, 0514BP and 0513BP were issued, respectively. All restructions on the availability to the public of the deposited materials will be irrevocably removed upon the granting of a patent.

Abstract: The invention provides prion protein standards for use as reference materials for prion detection. The standard may be species specific, i.e. the standard is comprised of a preparation for detection of a single strain prion or it may be prepared to allow detection of multiple prion strains simultaneously. The invention also provides methods of preparing the prion protein standards using a group of non-human host mammals which have their genome manipulated with respect to genetic material related to a PrP gene such that the mammals are susceptible to infection with a prion which generally only infects an animal which is genetically diverse from the host.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of expressing proteins in higher eukaryotes in vitro. In general, the invention sets forth a method of expressing exogenous proteins as fusion partners with the immunoglobulin molecules of avian species specifically chickens. The technology involves, in one embodiment, retroviral-mediated gene transfer and transplantation of stem cells from the Bursa of Fabricus in chickens.

Abstract: Methods and processes for raising the concentration of a first class of immunoglobulin relative to at least a second class of immunoglobulin in a compartment of the body of a non-human animal or the progeny thereof, as well as the animals produced by such methods and processes. Such methods and processes provide for the collection of antibodies produced by mucosal surfaces of the animal. Preferably, the production is in the mammary gland. Antibodies can be collected from the milk of the animal. Antibodies may be used for medical and/or nutritional purposes.

Abstract: The subject invention relates a method for the production of monoclonal antibodies. The method utilizes an immunized animal having antibody-producing cells with disrupted peripheral tolerance. The invention also provides a method for the use of such monoclonal antibodies, and polyclonal antibodies derived from an immunized animal having antibody-producing cells with disrupted peripheral tolerance, for in vitro and in vivo clinical diagnostics and therapeutics.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant DNA constructs, a method for producing a recombinant biologically active protein in vivo in the urine of a non-human mammal using a kidney-specific promoter, such as the uromodulin promoter, and the transgenic non-human mammals that serve as urine-based bioreactors for protein production.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for establishing an expression system of spider dragline silk gene in Bombyx mori. The rate of transformation is about 0.5-1%. In the silk protein produced by the transgenic Bombyx mori obtained by the method of the present invention, the spider dragline silk gene product account for 30% of the total silk proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for reducing cholesterolemia and its effects. More specifically, the invention is directed, in one embodiment, to methods for screening for compounds that affect cholesterol levels generally, and in particular, that affect the absorption of cholesterol. The invention also is directed to methods of screening for compounds that increase bile acid synthesis. In so doing, the inventors describe useful transgenic cells and animals which lack one or both alleles of the LXR&agr; gene. Also provided are therapeutic methods designed to reduce cholesterol levels in suitable subjects. The reduction may be effected by decreasing cholesterol absorption, increasing bile acid synthesis, or combinations thereof. Particularly useful in decreasing cholesterol absorption are RXR agonists, for example, rexinoid compounds. Therapeutic intervention in cholesterol biosynthesis and diet are additional adjunct therapies.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding trehalose metabolism enzymes, more specifically, alpha, alpha-trehalase, alpha, alpha-trehalose-phosphate synthase or trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase. The invention also relates to the construction of a recombinant DNA construct encoding all or a portion of the alpha, alpha-trehalase, alpha, alpha-trehalose-phosphate synthase or trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the recombinant DNA construct results in production of altered levels of the alpha, alpha-trehalase, alpha, alpha-trehalose-phosphate synthase or trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: Methods of altering substrate specificity of beta-ketoacyl-ACP synthase, and engineered beta-ketoacyl-ACP synthases so produced are provided. DNA sequences and constructs for expression of engineered beta-ketoacyl-ACP synthases, as well as the novel beta-ketoacyl-ACP synthases produced therefrom are also provided. Such DNA sequences may be used for expression of the engineered beta-ketoacyl-ACP synthases in host cells, particularly seed cells of oilseed crop plants, for the modification of fatty acid composition.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of producing a protein by administering a nucleic acid encoding the protein to an animal. Following the administration of the nucleic acid to the animal, the protein is produced in vivo and is isolated by removing a biological sample from the animal. These methods allow for the rapid and efficient production and isolation of a protein encoded by any nucleic acid sequence of interest and can be used to generate antibodies that bind to the protein sequence.

Abstract: The TGF-&bgr; family of growth factors, particularly the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2/4 homolog decapentaplegic (dpp), are specifically required to maintain germline stem cells and promote their division. Overexpression of dpp blocks germline stem cell differentiation. Mutations in dpp or its receptor saxophone accelerate stem cell loss and retard stem cell division. dpp signaling is directly received by germline stem cells, and thus dpp signaling helps define a niche that controls germline stem cell proliferation.

Abstract: A composition for in vitro and in vivo transfection of vertebrate male germ cells comprises a nucleic acid or transgene, and a gene delivery system, and optionally a protective internalizing agent, such as an endosomal lytic agent, a virus or a viral component, which is internalized by cells along with the transgene and which enhances gene transfer through the cytoplasm to the nucleus of the male germ cell. A method of genetically altering a vertebrate male germ cell in vivo employs a lentiviral-derived vector. A method of substantially depopulating a vertebrate testis employs a combination of a dose of an alkylating agent, such as busulfan, chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, melphalan, or ethyl ethanesulfonic acid, and a dose of gamma radiation. A pharmaceutical preparation and a transfer kit utilize the composition. A method for introducing a polynucleotide into vertebrate male germ cells comprises the administration of the composition to a vertebrate.

Abstract: This invention provides vectors and methods for the stable introduction of exogenous nucleic acid sequences into the genome of a bird and for expressing said exogenous sequences to alter the phenotype of the bird or to produce desired proteins. In particular, transgenic chickens are produced which express exogenous sequences in their oviducts. Eggs which contain exogenous proteins are also produced.

Abstract: This invention relates to a double transgenic animal that simultaneously expresses the gene or the cDNA (complementary DNA) of insulin and the gene or the cDNA (complementary DNA) of glucokinase directed by a promoter or fusion of promoters which permit insulin and glucokinase to be expressed in muscle and its use in the development of therapeutic approximations for diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: A method for the production of monoclonal antibodies in mammal's milk, through the creation of transgenic animals that selectively express foreign antibody genes in mammary epithelial cells.

Abstract: Pregnancy in animals such as the pig usually does not continue to term when there are only a few embryos in the uterus. Currently available technology for maintaining pregnancy involves a series of hormone injections, and the failure rate is high. It has now been discovered that pregnancy can be maintained by complementing fertile embryos in the uterus with additional embryos that aren't expected to survive the full term of the pregnancy. Particularly suitable are parthenogenetic embryos, formed by activating and diploidizing unfertilized oocytes. The carrier embryos are engrafted into the uterus of a surrogate female, and the pregnancy continues to term without further intervention—even if the number of fertile embryos are below the minimum litter size. This provides valuable biological material that can be used for transplantation, the production of pharmaceuticals, and for agricultural use.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules that include a tau gene sequence are described. The tau gene sequences have a mutation linked to a Tau pathology. Transgenic non-human mammals that develop a Tau pathology also are described.

Abstract: Antibodies with fully human variable regions 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: A method of enhancing the transcription of a gene in a DNA construct incorporated into the genome of a eucaryotic host cell, wherein the DNA construct comprises a structural gene for a desired protein or polypeptide in a gene promoter upstream of the structural gene, comprises providing at least one enhancer element comprising the nucleotide sequence TTC TGA GAA upstream of the promoter, and exposing the DNA construct to lactogenic stimuli. An expression vector, a host cell and a transgenic mammal containing the vector are of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nonhuman transgenic animals in which the GP V gene has been modified. The invention is also useful for identifying agents that modulate the biological functions of GP V, including the screening and identification of potential therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis of functional human hemoglobin and other proteins in erythroid tissues of transgenic non-human animals and erythroid cell lines. It is based on the discovery that two of the five hypersensitivity sites of the &bgr;-globin locus are sufficient to result in high level expression of human &agr;- or &bgr;-globin transgenes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-human transgenic mouse containing a constitutively active G-protein coupled receptor, which produces Kaposi's sarcoma-like symptoms. The transgenic mouse is useful in identification of reagents for the prevention, treatment and/or cure of diseases related to production of proliferative vascular lesions, including Kaposi's sarcoma.

Abstract: A method is described to transfer a gene encoding a valuable compound, such as a pharmaceutical, into the secretory cells of the mammary gland to produce a new compound into the milk or to alter the composition of the milk. In this method the packaging cell line producing the viral-derived particles is infused into the mammary gland. The packaging cells will attach and survive for a period of time within the mammary gland. While the cells are viable, they will supply a continuous source of viral-derived particles to trans-infect the maximum number of mammary epithelial cells. After a period of time in the mammary gland, both the particles and the packaging cells will be destroyed by natural mechanisms while the trans-infected mammary epithelial cells continue to express gene(s) encoding the valuable compound or gene(s) to alter the composition of the milk.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel isolated nucleic acids comprising an avian nucleic acid sequence encoding an ovomucoid gene expression control region. The ovomucoid promoter region of the present invention allows expression of an operably linked heterologous nucleic acid insert in a transfected cell such as, for example, an avian oviduct cell. The isolated avian ovomucoid promoter of the present invention may be operably linked with a selected nucleic acid insert, wherein the nucleic acid insert encodes a polypeptide desired to be expressed in a transfected cell. The recombinant DNA of the present invention may further comprise a polyadenylation signal sequence. The present invention further includes expression vectors comprising an isolated avian ovomucoid gene expression control region of the present invention, and transfected cells and transgenic avians comprising the expression vectors.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a recombinant insect larvae and a process of manufacturing proteins utilizing insect larvae that allows for the selection of individual larvae for harvest at the point of their optimal expression of a protein of interest. This invention also provides for a process to manufacture proteins in larvae that does not require synchronization of the infection, growth and harvest larvae to optimally manufacture a protein of interest. The invention further provides for a process of producing interleukin-2 in larvae.