Abstract: The invention relates to DNA sequences that code for the amino acid sequence of the thrombin inhibitor hirudin, hybrid vectors containing such DNA sequences, host cells transformed with such hybrid vectors, novel polypeptides with thrombin-inhibiting activity produced from such transformed host cells, processes for the manufacture of these DNA sequences, hybrid vectors and transformed host cells, and processes for the manufacture of these thrombin-inhibitors using the transformed host cells. The hirudin compounds that can be produced according to the invention have valuable pharmacological properties.

Abstract: The invention concerns polypeptides related to human macrophage migration inhibition factor, in particular the polypeptides called MRP-8 and MRP-14, processes for their preparation, mRNAs, DNAs and hybrid vectors coding for those polypeptides, hosts transformed with such a hybrid vector, monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to those polypeptides, and diagnostic methods for inflammatory conditions and cystic fibrosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides cell cultures derived from graminaceous plants which cultures are capable of being regenerated into plants, including fertile plants. Methods of accomplishing this regeneration are also provided. In addition, a novel procedure for the cryopreservation of embryogenic cell cultures is described.