Abstract: The invention provides a number of strategies for transferring and/or evolving gene(s) associated with cellular DNA uptake so that they confer or enhance DNA-uptake capacity of a recipient cell. Evolution is achieved by recursive cycles of recombination and screening/selection. One such strategy entails evolving genes that confer competence in one species to confer either greater competence in that species, or comparable or greater competence in a second species. Another strategy entails evolving genes for use as components of cloning vector to confer enhanced uptake of the vector. Other strategies entail evolving viral receptors, viruses, and genes that mediate conjugal transfer.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of Damage-specific DNA binding protein 2, p48. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding Damage-specific DNA binding protein 2, p48. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of Damage-specific DNA binding protein 2, p48 expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of Damage-specific DNA binding protein 2, p48 are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the cloning of human pro-protein converting enzyme 5 (PC5) CDNA isolated from human adrenal gland messenger RNA. Additionally, this invention relates to a method for reducing restenosis occurring at an injured vascular site comprising delivering to the injured site an antisense nucleic acid to suppress the expression of human PC5.

Abstract: A method is provided for inducing DNA synthesis in differentiated neurons. According to certain embodiments of the invention, a method for inducing DNA synthesis in a differentiated neuron is provided that includes obtaining a vector comprising nucleic acid encoding an E2F regulator and/or an E1A regulator, wherein the vector can be used to express the nucleic acid in a differentiated neuron, and transfecting a differentiated neuron with the vector.

Abstract: Non-polar polymeric separation media, such as beads or monoliths, are suitable for chromatographic separation of mixtures of polynucleotides when the surface of the media are unsubstituted or substituted with a hydrocarbon group having from one to 1,000,000 carbons and when the surfaces are substantially free from multivalent cation contamination. The polymeric media provide efficient separation of polynucleotides using Matched ion Polynucleotide Chromatography. Methods for maintaining and storing the polymeric media include treatment with multivalent cation binding agents.

Abstract: Peptide nucleic acids conjugated to lipophilic groups and incorporated into liposomes exhibit enhanced cellular uptake and distribution. Cellular uptake and distribution of peptide nucleic acids also increases with the introduction of an amino acid side chain into the backbone of peptide nucleic acids. Methods of modulating cellular uptake and methods for treating animals are provided. The peptide nucleic acids of the invention comprise naturally-occurring nucleobases and non-naturally-occurring nucleobases attached to a polyamide backbone.

Abstract: Transcription promoter and terminator sequences from the Pichia methanolica glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 2 gene (GAP2 gene) are disclosed. The sequences are useful within DNA constructs for the production of proteins of interest in cultured P. methanolica cells. Within the expression vectors, a GAP2 promoter and/or a GAP2 terminator is operably linked to a DNA segment encoding the protein of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel interspecific Nicotiana excelsior×N. benthamiana hybrid seeds and plants and to a method of producing interspecific Nicotiana hybrids having enhanced properties for biomass and the production of recombinant proteins using a viral vector system.

Abstract: Cyanobacteria incorporating a gene from Bacillus sp. encoding for insecticidal proteins (endotoxins) is described. The endotoxins are particularly effective against Diptera (mosquito) larvae. Recombinant vectors for transforming DNA fragments of the endotoxin gene or genes into the Cyanobacterium are described. The Cyanobacteria are easily grown in ponds or the like where the mosquitos or other insects breed.

Abstract: An oligonucleotide containing a sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1: CAGTGAGTGG GTGGGGCTGG AACA, or SEQ ID NO: 2: TTAAGCTTTT ACCATGGTAA CCCC; a pharmaceutical composition comprising the oligonucleotide; and a method for treating or preventing a disease accompanied by an extracellular matrix deposition, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel human genes, for example a novel human gene comprising a nucleotide sequence coding for the amino acid sequence shown under SEQ ID NO:1. The use of the genes makes it possible to detect the expression of the same in various tissues, analyze their structures and functions, and produce the human proteins encoded by the genes by the technology of genetic engineering. Through these, it becomes possible to analyze the corresponding expression products, elucidate the pathology of diseases associated with the genes, for example hereditary diseases and cancer, and diagnose and treat such diseases.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides and other macromolecules are provided that have increased nuclease resistance, substituent groups for increasing binding affinity to complementary strand, and sub-sequences of 2′-deoxy-erythro-pentofuranosyl nucleotides that activate RNase H enzyme. Such oligonucleotides and macromolecules are useful for diagnostics and other research purposes, for modulating protein in organisms, and for the diagnosis, detection and treatment of other conditions susceptible to antisense therapeutics.

Abstract: Genes encoding &bgr;-Ketoacyl-Acyl Carrier Protein Synthase II have been isolated from maize and soybean tissues. These proteins, when expressed in a plant, can alter the saturate levels of the oil.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta are provided.

Abstract: Retroviral vectors for producing coordinately expressed polycistronic mRNA in transfected host cells. A representative retroviral construct capable of forming a proviral genome in a host cell contains a first nucleotide coding sequence, a second nucleotide coding sequence, and a third nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under stringent conditions to a 5′ nontranslated region (NTR) of a picornavirus RNA or its complementary RNA strand. The first, second, and third nucleotide sequences are operably linked such that transcription of the proviral genome gives rise to a messenger RNA molecule containing transcripts of the first, second, and third nucleotide sequences. The transcript of the third nucleotide sequence in the messenger RNA molecule contains a nucleic acid capable of forming a regulatory stem-loop nucleic acid structure followed by at least one operable AUG start codon.

Abstract: Novel amidinium derivatives of formula (I), wherein R1 is a cholesterol derivative or an alkylamino-NR′R″ grouping, and each of R2 and R3 is independently a hydrogen atom or a grouping of formula (II), wherein each of R4 and R5 is independently a hydrogen atom or a grouping of formula (III), are disclosed. The corresponding pharmaceutical compositions, which are particularly useful in gene therapy for transferring therapeutic genes into cells, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is methods for inhibiting the renin-induced production of TGF&bgr; using a renin inhibitory agent to reduce excess accumulation of extracellular matrix in tissue in a subject, and to the use of renin inhibitory agents and additional TGF&bgr; inhibitory agents to reduce TGF&bgr; production to treat and prevent fibrotic diseases.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of glycogen synthase kinase 3 alpha. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding glycogen synthase kinase 3 alpha. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 alpha expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of glycogen synthase kinase 3 alpha are provided.

Abstract: Chemically modified oligonucleotides (ODNS) are complementary, either in the sense of the classic “four letter code” recognition motif, or in the sense required for triple strand formation based on the more limited “two letter code recognition motif”, to a target sequence of double stranded DNA of an invading cell, organism or pathogen, such as a virus, fungus, parasite, bacterium, malignant cell, or any duplex DNA which is desired to be broken into segments for the purpose of “mapping”. The ODNs have cross-linking agents covalently attached at least to two different sites of the ODN. Alternatively, the cross-linking agent which is attached to one site on the ODN has two cross-linking functionalities, and therefore in effect comprises two cross-linking agents.

Abstract: A first preferred peptide containing composition has therapeutically beneficial components, i.e., which heighten the phagocytic activity of neutrophils, consisting of molecules with a molecular weight of at least 8 kDa, and preferably at least 15 kDa. The beneficial components comprise peptides which will absorb light at an absorption band of &Dgr;&lgr;=200-235 nm, &lgr;max=205 nm, in the UV spectrum. The preparation is nontoxic and is formulated using casein, blood albumin, beef peptone, nucleic acid (RNA) and a base such as sodium hydroxide. The preparation stimulates phagocytic activity of neutrophils, if used at sufficient concentrations. A second preferred preparation is obtained using the same components of manufacture, but filtering or centrifuging the preparation to provide a composition containing components exclusively having a molecular weight of <8-15 kDa which inhibits phagocytic activity of neutrophils.