Abstract: Disclosed are nicotine-related compounds that selectively inhibit cytochrome P-450 2A6 (CYP2A6), selectively inhibit cytochrome P-450 2A13 (CYP2A13), and/or selectively modulate a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of the invention, as well as methods of using the pharmaceutical compositions for treating or preventing a disease or disorder associated with nicotine-ingestion, or a disease or disorder amenable to treatment by selective modulation of nAChRs.

Abstract: Disclosed are analgesic-related compositions and methods of using the compositions for modulation of analgesic receptor activity. The compositions and methods are useful for reducing pain, as well as for therapeutic intervention of addictions or other diseases or disorders amenable to treatment or prophylaxis by modulation of analgesic receptor signaling.

Abstract: Methods and small molecule compounds for stem cell differentiation are provided.

Abstract: A method to identify selective inhibitors of antigen receptor-mediated NF-?B activation is provided, as well as compositions having one or more of those inhibitors and methods of using those inhibitors.

Abstract: An antiviral compound comprises a linear non-carbohydrate polymer having a plurality of side chain groups, wherein at least one of the side chain groups has an anionic- or cationic-containing moiety bonded or linked thereto.

Abstract: A modified cereal (1→3,1→4)-&bgr;-glucanase is produced by the method of single point substitution in a native cereal (1→3,1→4)-&bgr;-glucanase enzyme, whereby the substitution:

Abstract: For proposes of prophylactic or treatment of diseases related to inappropriate angiogenesis, a compound can be administered that is (i) a linear, non-carbohydrate polymer having a plurality of side chain groups or (ii) a dendrimer having a plurality of terminal groups. At least one of the side chain groups of the linear, non-carbohydrate polymer has an anionic- or cationic-containing moiety bonded or linked thereto. The plurality of terminal groups of the dendrimer has at least one anionic- or cationic-containing moiety bonded or linked thereto.

Abstract: This invention relates to a (1→3, 1→4)-&bgr;-glucanase (glucanase EII endohydrolase) enzyme, whose amino acid sequence has been modified in order to provide an enzyme whose three-dimensional structure confers improved thermostability and/or pH stability. Specific modifications are based upon a comparison between the three-dimensional structure (1→3, 1→4)-&bgr;-glucanase and that of (1→3)-&bgr;-glucanase. The (1→3, 1→4)-&bgr;-glucanase gene has been modified by site-directed mutagenesis, and modified enzymes have been expressed in E. coli. Modified sequences, DNA molecules encoding them, plasmids, expression vectors and transgenic plants are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biologically-active peptide fragment of the Nef protein of human immunodeficiency virus, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these peptides or biologically-active analogues thereof, to antagonists of the peptides and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these antagonists, and to therapeutic and screening methods utilizing compounds and compositions of the invention.

Abstract: An antiviral compound comprises a dendrimer such as a polyamidoamine or polyly sine dendrimer having a plurality of terminal groups, wherein at least one of the terminal groups has an anionic- or cationic-containing moiety bonded thereto, particularly a sulfonic acid-containing, carboxylic acid-containing or trimethylammonium-containing moiety or the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions comprising DNA segments, and proteins derived from sea anemone species. More particularly, it concerns the novel ShK toxin, ShK toxin analogs, chemically-modified toxin analogs, and nucleic acid segments encoding the ShK toxin from Stichodactyla helianthus. Various methods for making and using these DNA segments, DNA segments encoding synthetically-modified ShK toxins, and native and synthetic ShK peptides are disclosed, such as, for example, the use of DNA segments as diagnostic probes and templates for protein production, and the use of proteins, fusion protein carriers and peptides in various immunological and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: A biologically-active peptide fragment of the Nef protein of human immunodeficiency virus is provided, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the peptide, analogs or derivatives of the peptide and therepeutic and screening methods which utilize the peptide and compositions which comprise them. The invention is particularly useful in the suppression of the immnune respons or in the suppression of symptoms of autoimmune disease.