The present invention provides methods of producing thrombin using coordinated coexpression systems, and particularly inducible coexpression systems, capable of controlled induction of expression of each gene product required for the production of thrombin.

An isolated peptide of up to 6 amino acids comprising an amino acid sequence which inhibits binding of an endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) ligand to the EPCR is disclosed. Also disclosed is an isolated peptide comprising an amino acid sequence which inhibits binding of an endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) ligand to the EPCR, wherein the peptide comprises a modification in at least one amino acid. Also disclosed is a molecule comprising an amino acid sequence which inhibits binding of an endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) ligand to the EPCR attached to a heterologous moiety. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment are also disclosed.

The present invention provides host cells for use in an inducible coexpression system that is capable of controlled induction of expression of each gene product.

The present disclosure describes improved SELEX methods for producing aptamers that are capable of binding to target molecules and improved photoSELEX methods for producing photoreactive aptamers that are capable of both binding and covalently crosslinking to target molecules. Specifically, the present disclosure describes methods for producing aptamers and photoaptamers having slower dissociation rate constants than are obtained using prior SELEX and photoSELEX methods. The disclosure further describes aptamers and photoaptamers having slower dissociation rate constants than those obtained using prior methods. In addition, the disclosure describes aptamer constructs that include a variety of functionalities, including a cleavable element, a detection element, and a capture or immobilization element.

Provided are methods for lyophilization of an aqueous thrombin solution, thrombin solutions for use in such lyophilization methods, and solid thrombin compositions produced by such methods.

The present invention is an inducible coexpression system, capable of controlled induction of expression of each gene product.

The present invention is directed to compounds, methods for stabilizing thrombin activity with a thrombin binding oligonucleotide and to stabilized thrombin. The thrombin binding oligonucleotide is capable of inhibiting thrombin activity whereby the inhibition can be reversed with an antisense oligonucleotide.

Provided is a method for purifying α-thrombin and for quantifying α-thrombin and its degradation polypeptides in a liquid proteinatious solution. The method employs a one-step anion exchange chromatography method. The method allows purification and/or quantification of a homogenous post-translationally modified α-thrombin. The method can also be used for purification and/or quantification of β-thrombin.

The present disclosure describes improved SELEX methods for producing aptamers that are capable of binding to target molecules and improved photoSELEX methods for producing photoreactive aptamers that are capable of both binding and covalently crosslinking to target molecules. Specifically, the present disclosure describes methods for producing aptamers and photoaptamers having slower dissociation rate constants than are obtained using prior SELEX and photoSELEX methods. The disclosure further describes aptamers and photoaptamers having slower dissociation rate constants than those obtained using prior methods. In addition, the disclosure describes aptamer constructs that include a variety of functionalities, including a cleavable element, a detection element, and a capture or immobilization element.

A system for preparing a thrombin serum that can include a containment device, a cage received within the containment device, a cap attachable to the containment device, an inlet port configured to introduce a non-anti-coagulated autologous blood fluid into the containment device, and an outlet port. An activator, such as glass beads, can be present within the containment device.