The invention is directed toward mutant, non-wild-type organophosphorus acid anhydrolase enzymes having three site mutations, methods of production, and methods of use to effectively degrade toxic organophosphorus compounds, most preferably GP (2, 2-dimethylcyclopentyl methylphosphonofluoridate).

Disclosed herein are methods for the large-scale production of a highly thermally stable acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Additionally, the expression methods disclosed herein can produce ChE preparations consisting of extract or purified forms that can be produced in high amounts and are highly thermally stable. These ChE products can be used in vitro detection, detoxification and decontamination methods.

The invention is in the field of delivery of transgenes to target cells using viral vectors, particularly in the field of gene therapy. Compositions have been identified which allow for oral administration of viral particles, particularly adenoviral particles.

This document provides butyrylcholinesterases having an enhanced ability to hydrolyze acyl ghrelin as well as nucleic acids encoding such butyrylcholinesterases. This document also provides methods and materials for treating obesity and/or aggression. For example, methods for administering a nucleic acid encoding a wild-type or mutant butyrylcholinesterase having the ability to hydrolyze acyl ghrelin to a mammal under conditions wherein the level of acyl ghrelin within the mammal is reduced, under conditions wherein the rate of body weight gain of the mammal is reduced, under conditions wherein the mammal's level of aggression is reduced, and/or under conditions wherein the mammal's rate of developing stress-induced tissue damage are provided.

A sample analysis device used to detect a level of exposure of organophosphorus within a sample comprising a sample collection pad, at least one conjugate zone comprising an anti-analyte antibody that is conjugated with a reporter label, and a control antibody that is conjugated with a reporter label, a blocking and/or test zone comprising an immobilized nanoparticle or other molecule that captures the Organophosphate-bound analyte, a second blocking and/or test zone comprising an immobilized antibody that binds to the unbound analyte and an optional third blocking and/or control zone comprising an immobilized antibody that binds to the control molecule wherein, when the analyte is bound by the Organophosphate in the sample it will bind to the first test line, and if the analyte is free from the Organophosphate it will bind to the second test line, and the control antibody will bind to the control line.

Disclosed herein are methods for the large-scale production of a highly thermally stable acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Additionally, the expression methods disclosed herein can produce ChE preparations consisting of extract or purified forms that can be produced in high amounts and are highly thermally stable. These ChE products can be used in vitro detection, detoxification and decontamination methods.

Provided are N-alkyl imidazole 2-aldoximes, including cationic imidazolium and uncharged tertiary imidazole aldoximes, and compositions and methods for making and using them, including methods for reactivating human butyrylcholinesterase (hBChE) or acetylcholinesterase (hAChE) inhibited by organophosphate (OP). By administration of a composition of the invention, the inactive or conjugated hBChE-OP or hAChE-OP is reactivated and the catalytic cycle of turnover and inactivation of the OP is completed; and in alternative embodiments, secondary mechanisms of reversible protection of hBChE and hAChE from irreversible inactivation by OPs and reactivation of tissue AChE also contribute to overall efficacy.

A new, reliable, easily scalable and reproducible method for the production of recombinant butyrylcholinesterase (rBuChE) is provided. Through the utilization of a plant transfection procedure, various plant strains have been shown to generate effective and scalable amounts of rBuChE under acceptable manufacturing processes to permit reliable levels of such enzymes for desired nerve agent protection requirements (including tetrameric products). As well, such methods in engineered plant lines have shown suitable production of these enzymes in tetramer form with glycan formation and sialylation (for terminal groups) to allow for optimal potency against organophosphorus agent exposure as well as proper immunogenic response within the plant sources. The overall production method, including the transfection and production within mammalian cells, as well as the process steps involved for such a reliable sourcing platform from plants is thus encompassed within the invention.

This document provides butyrylcholinesterases having an enhanced ability to hydrolyze acyl ghrelin as well as nucleic acids encoding such butyrylcholinesterases. This document also provides methods and materials for treating obesity and/or aggression. For example, methods for administering a nucleic acid encoding a wild-type or mutant butyrylcholinesterase having the ability to hydrolyze acyl ghrelin to a mammal under conditions wherein the level of acyl ghrelin within the mammal is reduced, under conditions wherein the rate of body weight gain of the mammal is reduced, under conditions wherein the mammal's level of aggression is reduced, and/or under conditions wherein the mammal's rate of developing stress-induced tissue damage are provided.

Compositions and methods for converting ghrelin to desacyl-ghrelin include a butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) polypeptide variant. The presently-disclosed subject matter includes compositions and methods for use in directly downregulating ghrelin. In particular, certain embodiments relate to compositions and methods for hydrolyzing/deacylating ghrelin to desacyl-ghrelin and applications thereof in the treatment of disorders involving ghrelin.