The invention relates to RNAi agents, e.g., double-stranded RNAi agents, targeting the TMPRSS6 gene, and methods of using such RNAi agents to inhibit expression of TMPRSS6 and methods of treating subjects having a TMPRSS6 associated disorder, e.g., an iron overload associated disorder, such as β-thalassemia or hemochromatosis.

Genetically modified rodents such as mice and rats, and methods and compositions for making and using the same, are provided. The rodents comprise a humanization of at least one endogenous rodent Tmprss gene, such as an endogenous rodent Tmprss2, Tmprss4, or Tmprss11d gene.

Recurrent gene fusions of androgen regulated genes and ETS family member genes in prostate cancer are described. Compositions and methods having utility in prostate cancer diagnosis, research, and therapy are also provided.

The present invention relates to the field of antimicrobial agents active against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. In particular, the present invention relates to polypeptides comprising the CHAP domain of LysK endolysin, the M23 endopeptidase domain of lysostaphin, the cell wall binding domain (CBD) of ALE-1, and a further peptide selected from the group consisting of an antimicrobial peptide, an amphipathic peptide, a cationic peptide, a hydrophobic peptide, a sushi peptide and a defensin. In addition, the present invention relates to nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, vectors comprising such nucleic acids, and corresponding host cells, compositions and devices. Finally, the present invention relates to applications of the inventive polypeptides, in particular in the pharmaceutical field.

In one aspect, the invention provides methods of inhibiting the effects of MASP-2-dependent complement activation in a living subject. The methods comprise the step of administering, to a subject in need thereof, an amount of a MASP-2 inhibitory agent effective to inhibit MASP-2-dependent complement activation. In some embodiments, the MASP-2 inhibitory agent inhibits cellular injury associated with MASP-2-mediated alternative complement pathway activation, while leaving the classical (C1q-dependent) pathway component of the immune system intact. In another aspect, the invention provides compositions for inhibiting the effects of lectin-dependent complement activation, comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a MASP-2 inhibitory agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

This disclosure is directed to methods and compositions to inhibit MASP protein activity using small molecule inhibitors. In one aspect, the disclosure is directed to methods for identifying inhibitors of MASP protein activity, including methods of screening capable of inhibiting MASP protein activity.

The present invention provides a novel method for the recombinant production of Factor C protein from horseshoe crab using a parasitic protozoan expressing the Factor C protein. In particular, the present invention provides a parasitic protozoan host cell harboring a polynucleotide encoding horseshoe crab Factor C protein, and a method for producing Factor C protein comprising culturing said parasitic protozoan host cell under conditions such that the cells express the horseshoe crab Factor C protein. Furthermore, the present invention provides recombinant Factor C protein produced by the novel method and its use in the detection and/or removal of endotoxin.

A drug delivery device includes a blunt cannula and a reservoir. The blunt cannula has a cylindrical wall that defines an axial passage between a first end and a second end of the blunt cannula. The wall has at least a first tapered region at the first end to define an opening in fluid communication with the axial passage and adapted at the first end to resist interruption of fluid flow through the axial passage and out of the first end of the blunt cannula. The reservoir is connected to the second end of the blunt cannula.

Cell-targeted cytotoxic agents, including sortase serine protease constructs, are provided. Such compounds can be used in methods for targeted cell killing such as for treatment cell of proliferative diseases (e.g., cancer). In some aspects, recombinant sortase serine proteases, such as Granzyme B polypeptides, are provided that exhibit improved stability and cell toxicity.

The present invention provides a method for producing active hepatocyte growth factor activator (HGFA) and active hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) without using animal serum. The present invention relates to a method for producing active HGFA without using animal serum. The method is characterized in that it comprises a step of obtaining a culture supernatant comprising pro-HGFA by culturing mammalian cells expressing inactive hepatocyte growth factor activator (pro-HGFA) in a medium without serum, and a step of adjusting the culture supernatant comprising pro-HGFA obtained in the above step to weakly acidic to convert pro-HGFA into active HGFA. The present invention also relates to a method for producing active HGF with HGFA produced by said method.