The present invention provides kits and assay methods for the early detection of pathogens, precise identification of the etiologic agent, and improved disease surveillance. More specifically, the present invention discloses an immunoassay leading to the rapid and simultaneous detection of antibodies to a wide range of infectious pathogens in biological fluids of infected patients. This immunoassay involves the covalent and oriented coupling of fusion proteins comprising an AGT enzyme and a viral antigen on an identifiable solid support (e.g. fluorescent microspheres), said support being previously coated with an AGT substrate. This coupling is mediated by the irreversible reaction of the AGT enzyme on its substrate. The thus obtained antigen-coupled microspheres show enhanced capture of specific antibodies as compared to antigen-coupled microspheres produced by standard amine coupling procedures. The methods of the invention possess the ability to multiplex, minimize the amount of biological sample, and have enhanced sensitivity and specificity toward target antibodies as compared with classical ELISA or Radio-Immunoprecipitation assays.

The invention relates to methods for conducting solid-phase binding assays. One example is an assay method having improved analyte specificity where specificity is limited by the presence of non-specific binding interactions.

Provided herein is a library of antibodies, wherein the library of antibodies can comprise a plurality of monoclonal, monospecific, or immunoprecipitating antibodies. Also provided herein is a method for producing and using the library of antibodies.

Methods are disclosed for identifying one or more proteins or polypeptides comprised by a sample. The methods comprise determining binding of each polypeptide with respect to each binding pool of a plurality of binding pools, wherein each binding pool comprises one or more probes which bind a structure comprised by a protein or polypeptide. In some aspects, polypeptides can be denatured and separated into individual polypeptide strands and immobilized on a solid support prior to determining binding of the binding pools. A protein, polypeptide or polypeptide strand can be identified by searching, in at least one database, for a protein or polypeptide sequence comprising binding pool targets either identical to or most similar to the binding pool targets comprised by the protein, polypeptide or polypeptide strand to be identified. Kits for identifying proteins, polypeptides and polypeptide strands are also disclosed.

The present invention provides a novel sensor for detecting a target. The nucleic acid sensor of the present invention includes a nucleic acid element that includes a catalyst nucleic acid molecule (D) that exerts a catalytic function and a binding nucleic acid molecule (A) that binds to a target. The nucleic acid element is a double-stranded nucleic acid element including a first strand and a second strand. The first strand (ss1) includes the binding nucleic acid molecule (A), a loop-forming sequence (L1), and the catalyst nucleic acid molecule (D) linked in this order. The second strand (ss2) includes a stem-forming sequence (S.sub.A), a loop-forming sequence (L2), and a stem-forming sequence (S.sub.D) linked in this order. In this nucleic acid element, in the absence of a target, the catalytic function of the catalyst nucleic acid molecule (D) is inhibited by stem formation in each of the stem-forming sequences (S.sub.A) and (S.sub.D), and in the presence of ATP/target, the stem formation is released by a binding of the binding nucleic acid molecule (A) with the target, and the catalytic function is exerted.

Provided herein are compositions and methods for the identification of an expression profile in a single cell or population of cells. Kits for use with the disclosed methods are also provided, including antibodies, with a unique molecular identifier and antibody identifier, and primers for amplification of the antibody identifier sequence.

The invention relates to novel polypeptides and cells comprising the polypeptides. The polypeptides and cells are used in methods to identify and/or isolate cells producing a protein with specific biological functions. In particular, the methods may be used for identifying, selecting, and isolating cells producing antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies.

The present invention relates to the use of a compound, suitable for modulating the interaction between first and second partner proteins, or between homologues, mutants, or fragments of said proteins, said first and second proteins being SASPase and filaggrin-2, or FLG2, as an active agent for treating and/or preventing aesthetic defects in the skin, and/or in the appendages thereof, linked to an imbalance in the differentiation and/or proliferation of the cells of the epidermis.

A method for screening an AMPK activator, wherein inhibition of an interaction between prohibitin and AMPK is used as an index is provided. Besides, an AMPK activator comprising, as an active ingredient, a compound inhibiting an interaction between prohibitin and AMPK, and a prohibitin-AMPK complex are also provided.

The present disclosure relates method of identifying a compound targeting a first protein and a second protein, wherein the first protein and/or the second protein are associated with a disease or disorder.