The invention describes a method for the identification of compounds which bind to a target component of a biochemical system or modulate the activity of the target, comprising the steps of: a) compartmentalising the compounds into microcapsules together with the target, such that only a subset of the repertoire is represented in multiple copies in any one microcapsule; and b) identifying the compound which binds to or modulates the activity of the target; wherein at least one step is performed under microfluidic control. The invention enables the screening of large repertoires of molecules which can serve as leads for drug development.

The present invention relates to the use of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) as a marker for identifying and/or isolating adult multipotential cells. The present invention also relates to cell populations enriched by methods of the present invention and therapeutic uses of these cells.

The present invention relates to the use of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) as a marker for identifying and/or isolating adult multipotential cells. The present invention also relates to cell populations enriched by methods of the present invention and therapeutic uses of these cells.

Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

A method for the detection of impaired responsiveness of CD4+ T-cells to regulatory T-cells (Treg), referred to as Treg resistance. The method includes measuring the expression levels of phosphatase and tension homolog (PTEN) in activated CD4+ T-cells. Furthermore, a screening method for the detection of an autoimmune disease or a condition, may comprise the steps of generating a functional gene expression profile by measuring the expression levels of phosphatase and tension homolog (PTEN) in Treg-resistant CD4+ T-cells from patients suffering of an autoimmune disease or condition, and comparing the obtained gene expression profile with the expression profile from Treg-sensitive CD4+ T-cells from healthy controls. PTEN can be utilized in a screening system for the detection of impaired responsiveness of CD4+ T-cells to Treg.

A method for the detection of impaired responsiveness of CD4+ T-cells to regulatory T-cells (Treg), referred to as Treg resistance. The method includes measuring the expression levels of phosphatase and tension homolog (PTEN) in activated CD4+ T-cells. Furthermore, a screening method for the detection of an autoimmune disease or a condition, may comprise the steps of generating a functional gene expression profile by measuring the expression levels of phosphatase and tension homolog (PTEN) in Treg-resistant CD4+ T-cells from patients suffering of an autoimmune disease or condition, and comparing the obtained gene expression profile with the expression profile from Treg-sensitive CD4+ T-cells from healthy controls. PTEN can be utilized in a screening system for the detection of impaired responsiveness of CD4+ T-cells to Treg.

Provided are a composition for detecting protein-protein interactions comprising fragments of secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) and a method for detecting protein-protein interactions using the same. According to the composition or the method of the present invention, it is possible to simply detect the protein-protein interactions in the cells without environmental changes (e.g., cell destruction) in the cells. Furthermore, the composition or the method of the present invention can also be used for detection of materials that enhance or inhibit protein-protein interactions.

The present invention relates to inhibitors of PPP1 R15A and PPP1 R15B and their use in therapy, particularly in the treatment of a disease state alleviated by the inhibition of PPP1 R15A and PPP1 R15B, for example a disorder associated with accumulation of misfolded proteins or proteostatsis disorder. Compounds of the invention include compounds having the formula IA or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R.sup.1a, R.sup.3a, R.sup.5a, X.sup.a and Y.sup.a are as defined herein.

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The present invention relates to inhibitors of PPP1 R15A and PPP1 R15B and their use in therapy, particularly in the treatment of a disease state alleviated by the inhibition of PPP1 R15A and PPP1 R15B, for example a disorder associated with accumulation of misfolded proteins or proteostatsis disorder. Compounds of the invention include compounds having the formula IA or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R.sup.1a, R.sup.3a, R.sup.5a, X.sup.a and Y.sup.a are as defined herein.

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