Abstract:
Cellular receptors are identified that induce plasma leakage and other negative effects when infected with flaviviruses, such as dengue virus or Japanese encephamyelitis virus. Using fusion proteins disclosed herein, the receptors to which a pathogen, such as flavivirus, binds via glycan binding are determined. Once the receptors are determined, the effect of binding to a particular receptor may be determined, wherein targeting of the receptors causing a particular symptom may be targeted by agents that interrupt binding of the pathogen to the receptor. Accordingly, in the case of dengue virus and Japanese encephamyelitis virus, TNF-α is released when the pathogen binds to the DLVR1/CLEC5A receptor. Interrupting the DLVR1/CLEC5A receptor with monoclonal antibodies reduced TNF-α secretion without affecting secretion of cytokines responsible for viral clearance thereby increasing survival rates in infected mice from nil to around 50%.
Abstract:
A nucleic acid containing a glutelin gene promoter. Disclosed are transformed plant cells and transgenic plants containing a nucleic acid that includes the promoter operably linked to a sequence encoding heterologous protein. Also disclosed are methods of making the transformed plant cells and transgenic plants and methods for expressing a polypeptide.
Abstract:
A novel thermophilic endo-glucanase, nucleic acid encoding the endo-glucase, and uses thereof in converting lignocellulosic material to fermentable sugars.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the isolation and functional identification of a novel acid and heat resistant trehalose synthase enzyme cloned from Picrophilus torridus. More particularly, the present invention discloses the DNA sequence for the Picrophilus torridus trehalose synthase gene, PTTS, which when expressed in a heterologous host such as Escherichia coli, provides enzymatic activity that catalyzes the direct interconversion of maltose and trehalose through intramolecular transglycosylation. Additionally, the present invention teaches methods of use of PTTS for production of trehalose as well as for production of various useful compounds comprising trehalose.
Abstract:
Novel 5-membered iminocyclitol derivatives were found to be a potent and selective inhibitors of the glycoprotein processing α- and β-glucosidase which were further found to be active antiviral agents against Japanese encephalitis virus, dengue virus serotype 2 (DEN-2), human SARS coronavirus and human β-hexosaminidase, a new target for development of osteoarthritis therapeutics.
Abstract:
An isolated polypeptide containing an amino acid sequence at least 70% identical to a Tubby-like protein (SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11), and an isolated nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide. Disclosed is an isolated nucleic acid that, under stringent conditions, hybridizes to a probe containing one of SEQ ID NOs:1-11; or its complementary sequence. Also disclosed are (1) a transformed cell or a transgenic plant containing such a nucleic acid and (2) a transformed cell or a transgenic plant having a reduced level(s) of one or more of the Tubby-like proteins. Also within the scope of the invention are methods for making the transformed cells or transgenic plants.
Abstract translation:一种分离的多肽,其含有与Tubby样蛋白质(SEQ ID NO:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10或11)至少70%相同的氨基酸序列,以及 分离的编码多肽的核酸。 公开了一种分离的核酸,其在严格条件下与含有SEQ ID NO:1-11之一的探针杂交; 或其互补序列。 还公开了(1)含有这种核酸的转化细胞或转基因植物和(2)具有降低的一种或多种类似蛋白质的水平的转化细胞或转基因植物。 在本发明的范围内也是用于制备转化细胞或转基因植物的方法。
Abstract:
A novel N-acetyl-5-N,4-O-carbonyl-protected dibutyl sialyl phosphate donor for sialylation of both primary and sterically hindered secondary acceptors to prepare sialosides with high yield and α-selectivity is disclosed. Methods for making disaccharide building blocks comprising α(2→3), α(2→6), α(2→8), α(2→8)/α(2→9) alternate, and α(2→9) sialosides are provided. methods for one-pot synthesis of complex sialosides are disclosed. Libraries of sialosides and methods for using the libraries for detection and receptor binding analysis of surface glycoproteins or pathogens and cancer cells are disclosed. Methods for distinguishing between hemagglutinin (HA) from various strains of influenza are provided.
Abstract:
A method for producing picornaviral capsid protein complexes (e.g., picornavirus like particles) in E. coli using a small-ubiquitin-related fusion protein expression system and an E. coli strain used in practicing this method. Also disclosed is use of the picornaviral capsid protein complexes like thus prepared for eliciting immune responses.
Abstract:
A method for preparing an iridium tip with atomic sharpness. The method includes tapering an iridium wire to a needle shape and heating the iridium needle in an oxygen atmosphere. Also disclosed is an iridium needle having a pyramidal structure which terminates with a small number of atoms prepared by the methods.