Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to gene expression and, in particular, to a method of inhibiting the expression of a target gene and to constructs suitable for use in such a method.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for making immune compatible tissues and cells for the purpose of transplantation and tissue engineering, using the techniques of nuclear transfer and cloning. Also encompassed are methods for determining the effect on immune compatibility of expressed transgenes and other genetic manipulations of the engineered cells and tissues.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for optical detection of the dynamics of Ca2+ in a biological system, said method comprising monitoring the photons emitted by a recombinant Ca2+-sensitive polypeptide, which comprises or consists of a chemiluminescent protein linked to a fluorescent protein, present in said biological system. In a particular embodiment, said recombinant polypeptide comprises or consists of the Aequorin and GFP linked by a linker allowing chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET), and optionally comprises a peptidic fragment capable of targeting said recombinant polypeptide into a specific cellular domain or compartment. The present invention also concerns a transgenic non-human animal expressing said recombinant polypeptide sensitive to calcium concentration, in conditions enabling the in vivo monitoring of Ca2+ dynamics.

Abstract: The teachings are directed to an immunocompetent xenograft model. The model comprises an immunodeficient animal modified to have a reconstituted immune system, wherein a xenograft is transplanted in the animal and allowed to establish for an establishment period of at least about 10 days. The xenograft simulates a tissue in a subject in need of a treatment. In these embodiments, the reconstituted immune system is created after the establishment period, and is created by administering a total number of T-cells to the animal. The total number of T-cells consists of a preselected number of responsive T-cells, a preselected number of non-responsive T-cells, and a preselected ratio of responsive T-cells to total T-cells. The preselected number of responsive T-cells simulates a number of responsive T-cells in the subject, and the ratio of the number of responsive T-cells to total T-cells ranges from about 1:100,000 to about 30:100,000.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids and methods for modulating the sex of avians. In particular, the invention relates to the in ovo delivery of a dsRNA molecule, especially siRNAs, to increase the production of female birds.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for manufacturing an animal model for researching a pulmonary tumor and a use thereof. A transgenic non-human animal of the present invention is prepared by embryonic gene microinjection and possesses a tissue-specific expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A165 (VEGF-A165) in lung. Through the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A165, the lung cells in the transgenic non-human animal of the present invention have inflammatory, vascularogenesis and angiogenesis responses or induce lung tumors. Thus, the non-human animal of the present invention can serve as an animal model for analyzing the regulation and the anti-tumor drugs screening of pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Abstract: A polymer that changes hydration at a temperature between 0 to 80° C. is coated on the surface of a cell culture support, and islet cells are cultured on the support at a temperature range that causes polymer to have weak hydration, then the temperature of a culture solution is changed to a temperature that causes the polymer to have strong hydration to obtain islet cells in a sheet form. Such islet cells in a sheet form have an insulin producing function even if there is no blood flow.

Abstract: Embodiments include adjuvant formulations containing an alkoxylated alkanol adjuvant having the following alkanol structure: where the total number of carbon atoms of R1 and R2 are from about 3 to about 36, R2 can be hydrogen or C1 to C18, and R2 may or may not be branched, and wherein the alkoxylate is one of ethylene oxide, propylene, or mixture thereof. Further embodiments included methods for making and using the alkoxylated alkanol adjuvant formulations.

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 PRO227, PRO233, PRO238, PRO1328, PRO4342, PRO7423, PRO10096, PRO21384, PRO353 or PRO1885 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 are novel nucleic acid sequences, vectors comprising such nucleic acid sequences, host cells comprising such vectors, and transgenic animals comprising such nucleic acid sequences, and related molecules and methods relating thereto. Such novel nucleic acid sequences, vectors comprising such nucleic acid sequences, host cells comprising such vectors, and transgenic animals comprising such nucleic acid sequences, and related molecules and methods provide conditional overexpression of genes, such as myostatin, and transgenic animals conditionally overexpression genes, such as myostatin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modulator, in particular an inhibitor, of microRNA-24 (miR-24) and to direct and indirect miR-24 targets for use in a method of treatment and/or prevention of ischemia, in a method of prevention of endothelial apoptosis or in a method of induction of angiogenesis. The present invention further relates to a precursor of miR-24 and to siRNAs or shRNAs against direct or indirect miR-24 targets for use in a method of treatment of angiogenesis associated with cancer. The present invention also relates to an in vitro method for diagnosing ischemia or prevalence or disposition for ischemia, and to a method for identifying a modulator of miR-24 and/or direct or indirect miR-24 targets. In addition, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions or kits comprising any of the above agents, to endothelial cells devoid of expressing functional miR-24, and to a non-human, transgenic animal comprising these endothelial cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of maintaining genetic stability of non-human animal inbred strains. In the methods, pedigree-tracked cryopreserved embryos derived from a foundation colony are produced and used to re-establish the foundation colony at appropriate intervals.

Abstract: Methods for producing peripheral nerve injury in sheep are provided. The sheep model provides a model of persistent neuropathic pain in humans. Methods for drug delivery are provided. Also provided is a method for screening potentially therapeutic agent for the treatment of persistent neuropathic pain. Also provided are the methods for measuring the changes produced by neuropathic pain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting the expression of a RRM2 gene. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the dsRNA or nucleic acid molecules or vectors encoding the same together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; methods for treating diseases caused by the expression of a RRM2 gene using said pharmaceutical composition; and methods for inhibiting the expression of RRM2 in a cell.

Abstract: Methods are provided for using field-derived colonies of insects that comprise field-evolved resistance to insecticidal toxins that are produced in transgenic plants. The methods find use in resistance management strategies for transgenic crop plants expressing insecticidal toxins.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for estimating the breeding value of individuals in populations such as those having small effective population size (Ne) e.g., to identify selection candidates having high breeding values, wherein the methods comprise inferring one or more genotypes for one or more markers at a locus or QTL to be the same as for an ancestor or founder or a subset of ancestors and/or founders from which a corresponding chromosome segment is derived and estimating the breeding value of the individual based on the inferred genotype(s).

Abstract: The invention relates to nematodes as model organisms for the investigation of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular, Parkinsons disease, uses and methods for the discovery of substances and genes which can be used in the treatment of the above disease states and identification of a nematode gene, From C elegans, which is homologous to the human parkin gene associated with Parkinsons disease. The invention further relates to those nematodes which contain an aberrant or missing expression of at least one gene, preferably a parkin gene and/or a ?-synucleine gene, which is connected with Parkinsons disease. According to the invention, the above organisms can be used for the identification and characterization of medicaments for the treatment of said disease states.

Abstract: The invention in some aspects relates to recombinant adeno-associated viruses having distinct tissue targeting capabilities. In some aspects, the invention relates to gene transfer methods using the recombinant adeno-associate viruses. In some aspects, the invention relates to isolated AAV capsid proteins and isolated nucleic acids encoding the same.

Abstract: A method for efficiently producing homozygous organisms from a heterozygous non-human starting organism, comprising providing of a heterozygous starting organism; allowing the starting organism to produce haploid cells; creating homozygous organisms from the haploid cells thus obtained; and selecting the organisms having the desired set of chromosomes, wherein during production of the haploid cells no recombination occurs in order to obtain a limited number of genetically different haploid cells. Recombination can also be prevented or suppressed.

Abstract: There is provided an ex-vivo insect screening model to accurately determine blood-brain barrier penetration of different chemical compounds in order to improve the compound screening procedures/processes in the early drug discovery process. This object offers many advantages relative to prior technologies since insect models are more reliable tools for the decision-making process than the existing in vitro models, and will speed up the drug screening process and reduce the late phase attrition rate. Moreover, it will reduce the number of mammals sacrificed during the drug discovery phase.

Abstract: An epilepsy model animal (CHRNA4:S284L) developing spontaneous epileptic seizure during sleep, which is a nonhuman animal established by ontogenesis of a totipotent cell into which a polynucleotide encoding nonhuman mutant CHRNA4 is introduced and having said polynucleotide in its somatic chromosome, or a progeny of the nonhuman animal, wherein said nonhuman mutant CHRNA4 has the corresponding mutation of human mutant CHRNA4 in which the 284th Ser of SEQ ID NO: 1 is substituted by Leu. The epilepsy model animal has gene abnormality homologous to human chromosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy and a symptom (epileptic seizure during sleep) the same as that of human autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-human animal model of myocardial infarction, which can be created by a less invasive method, shows an extremely low mortality during and after surgical induction of myocardial infarction, ensures the blood reflow after necrosis of cardiac muscles caused by blocking blood flow, and therefore, is usable in topical therapy for myocardial infarction and studies on regenerative medicine. The present invention also provides a method for creating the non-human animal model comprising administering a temporary embolic agent to a branch blood vessel of a heart coronary artery to block blood flow in the branch blood vessel; and after a definite period of time after said vascular branch blockage, administering a temporary embolic agent to the target coronary artery which is intended to induce myocardial infarction to block blood flow in the target coronary artery.

Abstract: An aquatic animal such as coral is propagated on a base. The base has a top portion with a groove located therein. The groove has converging side walls. The groove intersects a depression that extends from the top portion to a bottom portion of the base. The depression has converging sides. An animal fragment is secured to the base by locating it in the groove, or alternatively in the groove and the depression. Water flow across the base may cause the fragment to move inside of the groove, wherein the fragment will sink down and become wedged in place, further securing or coupling the fragment to the base. The coral then grows and adheres itself to the base.

Abstract: The invention concerns an isolated complex comprising an HIV or HTLV protein and a human protein. Corresponding nucleic acids, vectors, host cells, host organisms, compositions, kits, medical uses, diagnostic uses, and methods of screening agents are also contemplated. Disclosed are 212 interactions between 19 retroviral proteins and 131 human proteins.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods to discover and use single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) for identifying breed, or line and breed, or line composition of a bovine subject. The present invention further provides specific nucleic acid sequences, SNPs, and SNP patterns that can be used for identifying breed or breed combinations for Angus, Holstein, Limousin, Brahman, Hereford, Simmental, Gelbvieh, Charolais and Beefmaster breeds. These patterns can be utilized to manage animals in a feedlot to obtain optimum performance based on known characteristics of specific breeds and identify animals for breeding in selection programs. In another aspect, these patterns can be used to ensure labeling on breed specific branded products.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of sex determination of animals. Provided are methods and agents to manipulate sex determination, particularly in avian animals such as chickens, through a male chromosome-linked testis (sex) regulatory gene. Expression or activity of the DMRT1 gene or protein is modulated to produce animals with displaying a phenotype sex that differs from their genotype.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the production, breeding and use of transgenic non-human animals such as mice in which specific genes or portions of genes have been replaced by homologues from another animal to make the physiology of the animals so modified more like that of the other animal with respect to drug pharmacokinetics and metabolism. The invention also extends to the use of the genetically modified non-human animals of the invention for pharmacological and/or toxicological studies.

Abstract: The invention relates to vectors and mammalian cells in a system useful for switching on or switching off gene expression in response to uric acid. In a particular embodiment the invention relates to a mammalian cell useful in detecting and/or degrading a harmful excess of uric acid comprising (a) a vector comprising a genetic code for the uricase sensor-regulator HucR from Deinococcus radiodurans R1 fused to a transactivation domain or a transrepressor domain; and (b) a vector comprising the corresponding operator sequence hucO from Deinococcus radiodurans R1 specifically binding the bacterial uric acid sensor-regulator HucR, a promoter and a polynucleotide coding for an endogenous or exogenous protein, e.g. a protein interacting with uric acid.

Abstract: To provide a new natural fiber material with excellent physical properties. Any one of the following nucleic acids (a) to (d): (a) a nucleic acid having a base sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 19; (b) a nucleic acid encoding a protein having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 20; (c) a nucleic acid encoding a dragline protein and having a sequence identity of 90% or more with the nucleic acid (a); (d) a nucleic acid which encodes a dragline protein and hybridizes with a complementary chain of the nucleic acid (a) under stringent conditions.

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: A method for determining the biological activity of embryonated Trichuris eggs is described, in which at least one of the following determinations is carried out: a) Determination and/or confirmation of the stage of the embryonal development of helminth eggs with the aid of quantitative PCR analysis by using suitable marker sequences for ascertaining the copy number of the genomic DNA, b) Determination of the metabolic activity of embryonated helminth eggs by means of biochemical and/or molecular biological methods, c) Determination of the inducibility of gene expression in embryonated helminth eggs, d) Microscopic determination of the motility of helminth larvae in the egg over long periods of observation after pre-incubation at increased temperatures and/or e) Determination of the hatching rate of Trichuris larvae in a laboratory animal, wherein the intact embryonated eggs recovered from the contents of the intestine are quantified compared to an internal standard.

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: A method of determining the phase of an estrous cycle that a mammal is in at a given time that a biological sample is obtained from the mammal is provided. The biological sample obtained from the mammal is combined with at least one flavonoid pigment that reacts with the biological sample on a hydrophobic surface to provide a color response. The estrus phase of the estrous cycle has a corresponding color response that is distinguishable from the color response of each other phase of the estrous cycle to an unaided human eye. The corresponding color response is correlated to the estrus phase of the estrous cycle.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the development of a vaccine against Aeromonas hydrophila for use especially in fish. The invention provides an immunogenic S-layer protein of approximately 50 kDa of A. hydrophila for use in the development of a vaccine, as well as the nucleic acid encoding said protein and vaccines comprising said protein or nucleic acid encoding said protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of maintaining genetic stability of non-human animal inbred strains. In the methods, pedigree-tracked cryopreserved embryos derived from a foundation colony are produced and used to re-establish the foundation colony at appropriate intervals.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to humanized VEGF and non-human transgenic animals expressing it. The transgenic animals are also useful to study VEGF-related therapies.

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 provides a new reproducible transgenic mouse model for the study of iron accumulation in the body. In particular, the invention concerns the study of iron overload in an RGMc knockout mouse model and its use in drug discovery and research.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel mite composition comprising a population of the phytoseiid predatory mite species Amblyseius swirskii. and a factitious host population, which may be employed for rearing said phytoseiid predatory mite species or for releasing the phytoseiid predatory mite species in a crop. According to further aspects the invention relates to a method for rearing the phytoseiid predatory mite species Amblyseius swirskii, to the use of the mite composition and to a method for biological pest control in a crop, which employ the mite composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of selecting and maintaining a population of pigs having a low copy number of porcine endogenous retrovirus, and the use of such pigs as a source of cells, tissue and/or organs suitable for xenotransplantation. The invention further relates to methods for selecting cells, tissue and/or organs from such pigs for suitability for use in xenotransplantation.

Abstract: In certain embodiments this invention this invention pertains to the discovery that inhibition of myosin light chain interacting protein (Mylip) can mitigate one or more symptoms of hypercholesterolemia. Methods of treating hypercholesterolemia and methods of screening for agents to treat hypercholesterolemia are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing antibodies and to antibodies produced by this method. In one embodiment the invention relates to a method for producing an antibody that binds to a polypeptide of a first species, the method comprising immunizing a mammal of a second species with cells derived from a transgenic mammal of the second species, wherein the polypeptide of the first species is expressed on the surface of the cells derived from the transgenic mammal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of selectively expanding human leukemic cells in a non-adult NOD/SCID/IL2rgnull mouse by transplanting a substance containing a leukemic stem cell derived from a human acute myelogenous leukemia patient to the mouse. In addition, the invention relates to screening for a medicament capable of eradicating leukemic stem cell (LSC), consideration of treatment methods suitable for individual patients, identification of a differentially expressed gene and the like, using a mouse with expanded human leukemic cells.

Abstract: This invention provides the identification of a 16 base pair deletion in a splice site region between exons 10 and 11 of the dog PDK4 gene that is linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Also provided are methods for detecting DCM and methods of breeding dogs to reduce the prevalence of DCM.

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 provides non-human mammals, e.g., mice, generated from a T cell or B cell with a predefined specificity or isolated from an organism suffering from a condition of interest. In some embodiments the non-human mammals are not genetically modified. Also provided are methods of using the non-human animals.

Abstract: A process of tissue regeneration is provided that includes the administration of a stem cell topically to a surface of a tissue. The tissue being in vivo in a subject or in vitro. The tissue has a biocompatible matrix applied around the stem cell and in contact with the surface. After sufficient time, the stem cell infiltrates and regenerates the tissue. A composition is also provided that includes an injured or diseased tissue with a plurality of stem cells proximal to the tissue surface in a biocompatible. A process of increasing a level of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, anti-apoptotic or anti-necrotic factors in a tissue is provided that includes the administration of a stem cell topically to a surface of a tissue in a biocompatible matrix. After sufficient time, the stem cell releases soluble pro-regenerative factors to increase the levels in the tissue.

Abstract: Methods for preparing recombinant proteins, such as antibodies, in eggs are described. The method offers advantages over existing systems for preparing recombinant proteins including high yield, low cost and compatibility with animal protection regulations. In addition, since eggs are edible food sources the recombinant protein does not have to be isolated from the egg.

Abstract: A model rodent animal with a phenotype in which hair growing after birth is black, with the animal spontaneously developing white hair after aging. By way of example, the model rodent animal may have a genotype in which an activated RET gene is genetically inserted in a heterozygous form and the endothelin receptor B gene is deficient in a heterozygous form.

Abstract: Disclosed is an in vivo equine disease model and a method of preparing the disease model for equine herpesvirus-1 neurological disease comprising a horse having a low pre-exposure level of herpesvirus-specific CTL precursors wherein the horse is experimentally infected with a neuropathogenic strain of equine herpesvirus or a mutant thereof. Also disclosed is a method of quantifying the risk factors and predicting the development of clinical neurologic signs of equine herpesvirus-1 neurological disease in a horse. Also described in the invention is the determination of the risk of developing the clinical neurologic signs by a mathematical equation. A new live, attenuated vaccine formulation is disclosed that is effective against neurologic disease due to equine herpesvirus-1.