Abstract: The invention provides a method for selecting, from a repertoire of polypeptides, a population of functional polypeptides which bind a target ligand in a first binding site and a generic ligand in a second binding site, which generic ligand is capable of binding functional members of the repertoire regardless of target ligand specificity, comprising the steps of: a) contacting the repertoire with the generic ligand and selecting functional polypeptides bound thereto; and b) contacting the selected functional polypeptides with the target ligand and selecting a population of polypeptides which bind to the target ligand. The invention accordingly provides a method by which a polypeptide repertoire is preselected, according to functionality as determined by the ability to bind the generic ligand, and the subset of polypeptides obtained as a result of such preselection is then employed for further selection according to the ability to bind the target ligand.

Abstract: A peptide has an amino acid sequence having more than 80% homology with the amino acid sequence listed as SEQ ID NO:4. A nucleic acid molecule has more than 80% homology with one of the nucleic acid sequences listed as SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:3. Ligands, anti-ligands, cells vectors relating to the peptide and/or nucleic acid molecule are also used.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of inhibiting proliferative diseases characterized by TGF-&bgr;-mediated angiogenesis.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for monitoring the interaction of binding partners as a function of the addition or subtraction of a phosphate group to or from one of the binding partners by a protein kinase or phosphatase.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for monitoring the interaction of binding partners as a function of the addition or subtraction of a phosphate group to or from one of the binding partners by a protein kinase or phosphatase.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally cycling samples of a biological material including a thermal block assembly including a plurality of sample holders for receiving samples of biological material; a heat sink thermally coupled to the thermal block assembly, the heat sink transferring heat away from the thermal block assembly to ambient air in contact with the heat sink; a first heat source thermally coupled to the thermal block assembly to provide heat to the thermal block assembly; and a second heat source thermally coupled to the first heat source and configured to provide heat to a portion of the first heat source. The arrangement of the heat sink, first heat source and second heat source can provide substantial temperature uniformity among the plurality of sample holders. The invention also includes a method for thermally cycling samples of biological material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polynucleotide encoding a green fluorescent protein from Renilla mulleri comprising a humanized sequence which permits enhanced expression of the encoded polypeptide in mammalian cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to antiviral compositions comprising a mixture comprising zinc oxide, aspartic acid, and high fructose corn syrup, and to methods of making and using such compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for modulating immune responses in subjects. The invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery that an in-frame translation fusion of an antigen with an APC binding domain of an opsonin forms a molecule, that is, a fusion polypeptide, which when administered to a subject modulates an immune response to the antigen.

Abstract: The invention concerns an expression vector that permits expression of genes and fragments thereof in both prokaryotic and mammalian systems. The invention also pertains to derivatives of such vector that contain one or more prokaryotic or eukaryotic (especially mammalian) genes or gene fragments. The invention further pertains to prokaryotic or mammalian cells containing such an expression vector or derivative.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting autoimmune disease in a mammal, comprising providing a biological sample from a mammal and detecting proteasome activity, wherein a reduction in proteasome activity from a basal state is indicative of autoimmune disease. In addition, the invention encompasses a method of treating an autoimmune disease in a mammal, comprising administering to a mammal suspected of suffering from an autoimmune disease an agent which restores NF&kgr;B activity in an amount and for a time sufficient to result in normal NF&kgr;B activity in the mammal.

Abstract: Bioadhesive compositions which comprise a hydrophobic polymer wherein the concentration of the polymer at the surface of the adhesive is greater than its concentration in the bulk of the adhesive are described; and biomedical electrodes, fixation products and wound dressings containing them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of generating a signal indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, where the method includes forming a cleavage structure by incubating a sample comprising a target nucleic acid sequence with a probe having a secondary structure that changes upon binding of the probe to the target nucleic acid sequence, and cleaving the cleavage structure with a nuclease to release a nucleic acid fragment to generate a signal, wherein generation of the signal is indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solution-based assay for identifying RNA binding compounds, based on competition. The assay comprises a reporter molecule carrying a fluorescent or chromogenic group that can form a one-to-one complex with an RNA target molecule carrying a second fluorescent or chromogenic group in such a way that the two groups are in sufficient proximity for fluorescence resonance energy transfer and/or quenching to take place. Addition of a compound-to-be-tested prevents formation of the complex and thereby increases the fluorescence of the RNA target and/or reporter molecules relative to the signal obtained in the absence of the test compound. The invention also provides for quantitative screening methods and kits are also included.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of recombinant nucleotides sequences containing cDNA coding for a preduodenal lipase, or any sequence derived from this cDNA, for transforming plant cells in order to obtain recombinant preduodenal lipase or polypeptide derivatives. The invention also concerns the use of genetically modified plants or parts thereof, or extracts of these plants or the use of recombinant preduodenal lipase or résultant polypeptide derivatives in the field of foodstuffs, or for producing medicaments, or in industry.

Abstract: Large quantities of soluble multimers of human papillomavirus L1 proteins can be produced in bacterial expression systems and used as therapeutic and diagnostic tools. L1 multimers can be used in immunogenic vaccine compositions, as diagnostic reagents, and as tools for mapping cell surface receptor interactions.

Abstract: Plant expression vectors comprising at least two expression cassettes are provided which function to reduce transcriptional silencing of polynucleotide expression. Further, novel plant expression vectors for expression of immunogenic polypeptides, including HBsAg, are provided. The plant expression vectors can be used to produce immunogenic polypeptides, including HBsAg, in edible plant tissues. The edible plant tissues can be used to elicit an immune response in humans and animals when the plant tissues are consumed.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed whereby inhibition of proteolytic activity causes an increase in delivery of a transferable label from a viral display package to a target cell. Assaying for the transferable label in the target cell in the presence of a test substance can identify the test substance as a protease inhibitor. Protease inhibitors so identified are used therapeutically, to treat conditions such as cancer, inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, and infections, including AIDS, herpes, and hepatitis.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed whereby protease activity is directly linked to replication of viral display packages containing protease-encoding polynucleotides in target cells. The methods can be used, inter alia, to identify proteases, including previously undiscovered proteases or variants of known proteases which may have altered substrate specificity.

Abstract: The invention relates to zinc-containing antiviral compositions and methods of treating viral infections. More specifically, the invention provides compositions and methods useful for ameliorating the symptoms of individuals suffering from infection with a broad range of viruses. Examples of viruses against which the compounds of the invention are active include rhinoviruses, varicella zoster, immunodeficiency viruses, including HIV.