Abstract:
A novel class of transporter protein, referred to as SWEET, GLUE or Glü, is disclosed. These transporters provide a novel system for the transportation of sugars across membranes within a cell and between the inside and outside of a cell. Such transporters are useful for understanding and altering the sugar concentration within certain organs of an organism, and within certain organelles within the cell. These transporters are also useful in protecting plants from a pathogen attack.
Abstract:
A novel class of transporter protein, referred to as SWEET, GLUE or Glü, is disclosed. These transporters provide a novel system for the transportation of sugars across membranes within a cell and between the inside and outside of a cell. Such transporters are useful for understanding and altering the sugar concentration within certain organs of an organism, and within certain organelles within the cell. These transporters are also useful in protecting plants from a pathogen attack.
Abstract:
There are provided methods and compositions useful in cell-cell fusion using Fusion Family (FF) proteins of nematode origin. There are further provided antinematodal methods and compositions, utilizing fusogenic proteins of the nematode Fusion Family.
Abstract:
H-NOX proteins are mutated to exhibit improved or optimal kinetic and thermodynamic properties for blood gas O2 delivery. The engineered H-NOX proteins comprise mutations that impart altered O2 or NO ligand-binding relative to the corresponding wild-type H-NOX domain, and are operative as physiologically compatible mammalian blood O2 gas carriers. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions, kits, and methods that use wild-type or mutant H-NOX proteins for the treatment of any condition for which delivery of O2 is beneficial.
Abstract:
The invention relates to the field of longevity enhancement. More particularly, the invention provides compositions and methods relating to CRTC modulation. In certain embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for enhancing longevity in an organism by inhibiting CRTC activity, such as, for example, inhibiting CRTC expression or cellular localization in the organism.
Abstract:
The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 25869, 25934, 26335, 50365, 21117, 38692, 46508, 16816, 16839, 49937, 49931 and 49933 nucleic acid molecules. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 25869, 25934, 26335, 50365, 21117, 38692, 46508, 16816, 16839, 49937, 49931 or 49933 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 25869, 25934, 26335, 50365, 21117, 38692, 46508, 16816, 16839, 49937, 49931 or 49933 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 25869, 25934, 26335, 50365, 21117, 38692, 46508, 16816, 16839, 49937, 49931 or 49933 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-25869, 25934, 26335, 50365, 21117, 38692, 46508, 16816, 16839, 49937, 49931 or 49933 antibodies. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an inhibitor/negative regulator/antagonist of the mammalian ortholog of Caenorhabditis elegans CHN-1 and/or of the human CHIP (carboxyl-terminus of Hsc70 interacting protein). Furthermore, the use of said inhibitor/negative regulator/antagonist in medical and pharmaceutical settings is described. In addition, screening methods and tools for the identification of CHIP/CHN-1 inhibitors/antagonists are provided.
Abstract:
The present invention relates, in part, to the C. elegans SKN-1 gene and protein (a transcription factor), and target genes thereof. The invention includes various therapeutic methods and screening methods for identifying antioxidants.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the significant functional role of several C. elegans genes and of their corresponding gene products in cell division and proliferation processes that could be identified by means of RNA-medicated interference (RNAi) and to the identification and isolation of functional orthologues of said genes including all biologically-active derivatives thereof. The invention further relates to the use of said gene products (including said orthologues) in the development or isolation of anti-proliferative agents, particularly their use in appropriate screening assays, and their use for diagnosis and treatment of proliferative diseases.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to regulation of adult lifespan in eukaryotes. More particularly, the present invention is directed to methods of assaying for genes, gene products, and genes in pathways controlled by such genes and gene products, using RNAi and microarray analysis, that regulate lifespan (e.g., extend or truncate adult lifespan) in eukaryotes such as invertebrates (e.g., C. elegans), plants, and mammals, e.g., humans. For example, the present invention is directed to genes encoding components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and genes encoding glycolysis enzymes, which are involved in lifespan regulation, and genes and gene products in pathways controlled by such genes. Other genes and gene products identified as regulating aging and aging pathways include a gene encoding a GTPase; a transcriptional activator; novel genes: llw-1, llw-2, llw-3, and llw-4; genes encoding cytochrome P450 proteins (involved in steroid biosynthesis); a melatonin synthesis gene; genes encoding insulin and insulin-like peptides; genes encoding heat shock factors; genes encoding catalases; stress-response genes; and metabolic genes. The invention further relates to methods for identifying and using agents, including small molecule chemical compositions, antibodies, antisense nucleic acids, and ribozymes, that regulate, e.g., enhance, adult lifespan via modulation of aging associated proteins; as well as to the use of expression profiles, markers, and compositions in diagnosis and therapy related to lifespan extension, life expectancy, and aging. The present invention also relates to gene therapy involving lifespan associated genes.