Abstract: Methods for regulating body weight and/or regulating weight gain are provided herein. The methods are useful, for instance, for treating or preventing obesity. Specifically, methods of administering varying levels of various alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (?-MSH) analog compounds to an animal are provided for reducing body weight and/or reducing the rate of body weight gain.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to identify compounds useful for reducing insulin resistance in a patient, and particularly a patient that has insulin resistance associated with obesity and/or type II diabetes. Also disclosed is a method of reducing insulin resistance in a patient by administering a compound identified using the method of the invention, and particularly, by administering an antagonist of melanocortin stimulating hormone (MSH) biological activity.

Abstract: Described are methods and compositions for regulating body weight and/or regulating the rate of weight gain or loss, and particularly, for treating or preventing obesity. Specifically, methods of administering varying levels of circulating proopiomelanocortin peptides or analogs thereof to an animal, alone or in combination with leptin or other body weight regulating agents are disclosed. Methods and compositions for treating a variety of disorders associated with or caused by undesirable body weight are also described.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for the treatment of cancer and viral diseases include the administration of viral proteins having substantial homology to BNRF1, FGARAT and/or PRAT. The proteins of the present invention and the nucleic acids encoding such proteins are useful to treat various cancers and uncontrolled cell growth, as well as viral infections, including AIDS. Assays of the present invention are useful in identifying inhibitors of interactions between telomerase, telomeres and viral proteins, especially those that are similar to proteins participating in purine synthesis.

Abstract: A method of electing the presence or absence of exposed nuclear DNA is described. Cells are reacted with a reaction composition comprising DNA polymerase I, DNase I, and the nucleotides dATP, dCTP, dGTP, and dTTP or dUTP, at least one of said nucleotides being biotin labeled. Biotin labeled nucleotides incorporated in exposed DNA are detected. Also described is a kit useful for detecting the presence or absence of exposed DNA in cells.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods and compositions using TCGF from HSB-2-ERICR cells and its mutants are disclosed.

Abstract: A mutant T-cell line of HSB-2-ERICR which produces a T cell Growth Factor is disclosed. The Mutant cells are sensitive to HAT Medium.