Abstract: A method of producing a microencapsulated pharmaceutical formulation is disclosed comprising causing a dye to be attached to the surface of pharmaceutical particles or particle clusters and applying a source of radiant energy to the dye in the presence of a liquid polymeric or polymerisable material so as to cause the material to cross-link, producing a conformal layer of cross-linked polymer on the particulate surfaces. Preferably, the polymer provides an immuno-protective layer around the particles, while allowing therapeutic components to exit the microcapsules. Microencapsulated pharmaceutical formulations and their medical use are also disclosed, especially for the treatment of diabetes by encapsulating insulin secreting cells.

Abstract: Method for producing a population of mammalian glial cells comprising contacting at least one mammalian neural stem cell with a culture medium containing a neuregulin and detecting the differentiation of stem cell to a population of glial cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to complexes of the 53BP2 protein with proteins identified as interacting with 53BP2 by a yeast two hybrid assay system. The proteins identified to interact with 53BP2 are .beta.-tubulin, p62, hnRNP G, and three gene products, 53BP2-IP1, 53BP2-IP2, and 53BP2-IP3 encoded, in part, by the EST R72810 sequence. Thus, the invention provides complexes of 53BP2 and .beta.-tubulin, p62, hnRNP G, 53BP2-IP1, 53BP2-IP2, and 53BP2-IP3 and derivatives, fragments and analogs thereof. The invention also provides the 53BP2-IP1, 53BP2-IP2 and 53BP2-IP3 genes and proteins and derivatives, fragments and analogs thereof. Methods of screening the complexes for efficacy in treating and/or preventing certain diseases and disorders, particularly cancer, autoimmune disease and neurodegenerative disease are also provided.

Abstract: Isolation, characterization, proliferation, differentiation and transplantation of mammalian neural stem cells is disclosed.