The present invention includes a genetically-modified non-human animal model of longevity and increased health span, which is associated with reduced tumorigenesis and tumor metastasis, as well as related methods for increasing longevity and health span, reducing tumorigenesis and tumor metastasis, and identifying active agents that confer increased longevity or health span, or reduced tumorigenesis or tumor metastasis.

Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G Protein-Coupled Receptors and the genes encoding said receptors are described. Specifically, T2R taste G Protein-Coupled Receptors that are believed to be involved in bitter taste sensation, and the genes encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for representing taste perception of a particular tastant in a mammal are also described, as are methods for generating a novel molecules or combinations of molecules that elicit a predetermined taste perception in a mammal, and methods for simulating one or more tastes.

The present invention encompasses albumin fusion proteins. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the albumin fusion proteins of the invention are also encompassed by the invention, as are vectors containing these nucleic acids, host cells transformed with these nucleic acids vectors, and methods of making the albumin fusion proteins of the invention and using these nucleic acids, vectors, and/or host cells. Additionally the present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising albumin fusion proteins and methods of treating, preventing, or ameliorating diseases, disorders or conditions using albumin fusion proteins of the invention.

Novel polypeptide combinations, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for zcytor17-containing multimeric or heterodimer cytokine receptors that may be used as novel cytokine antagonists, and within methods for detecting ligands that stimulate the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic, lymphoid and myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. The present invention also includes methods for producing the multimeric or heterodimeric cytokine receptor, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Provided herein are new compositions and methods for use in introducing transgenes into cells. The compositions are non-viral but achieve levels of transgene integration comparable to those obtained with viral-mediated methods, and can be used for targeted integration of a transgene at a specific genomic locus.

Provided herein are improved, cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods of production of recombinant AAV (rAAV) in embryonated avian eggs. Further provided herein is a provides embryonated avian eggs as novel host vehicles for high-yield production of rAAV, including both packaging and propagation. In particular, embryonated chicken eggs provide a novel expression vehicle for AAV of mammalian origin, irrespective of AAV serotype. The disclosed methods may comprise packaging of rAAV in embryonated avian eggs (e.g., chicken eggs) by inoculating an embryonated avian egg with a first nucleic acid vector comprising a transgene and a second nucleic acid vector comprising AAV rep and cap genes, incubating the egg, and isolating rAAV from the egg, wherein the AAV is of non-avian origin. Also provided are methods of purifying and propagating packaged rAAV in embryonated avian eggs or in avian embryonic fibroblasts.

The present disclosure relates to an isolated anti-AAV (adeno-associated virus) antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof capable of specifically binding an epitope of AAVrh74 capsid protein and uses thereof.

The invention provides inducible promoter systems and their components incorporating components of a tetracycline operon. By coordinating expression of different transcriptional units in these systems as a result of selection of promoters and/or linking the units into the same DNA molecule, these systems can achieve higher levels of expression of coding segments of interest, increased differential levels of expression between on- and off-states, and/or greater responsiveness to inducing agents than conventional systems.

The receptor for Interleukin 35 (IL-35) is provided. The Interleukin 35 Receptor (IL-35R) comprises a heterodimeric complex of the Interluekin12Rβ2 receptor and the gp130 receptor. Various compositions comprising the IL-35R complex, along with polynucleotides encoding the same and kits and methods for the detection of the same the same are provided. Methods of modulating the activity of IL-35R or modulating effector T cell functions are also provided. Such methods employ various IL-35R antagonists and agonists that modulate the activity of the IL-35R complex and, in some embodiments, modulate effector T cell function. Further provided are methods for screening for IL-35R binding agents and for IL-35R modulating agents. Various methods of treatment are further provided.

A pharmaceutical composition can be provide for treating or preventing heart failure. Additionally, siRNA and a vector expressing said siRNA can be provided that can be used in the pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing heart failure. For example, a pharmaceutical composition can be provided for treating or preventing heart failure that contains a DNA sequence encoding RNA containing a sense strand sequence of consecutive 18 to 29 nucleotides from angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) mRNA or the alternative splicing type RNA thereof and an antisense strand sequence complementary to the sense strand sequence under control of a promoter, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.