Abstract: A substantially pure protein that is a member of the apoptotic Ced-3/Ice cysteine protease gene family, Mch2.alpha., and an inactive isoform of it, Mch2.beta., are disclosed. Isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode Mch2.alpha. and Mch2.beta., respectively, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in combination with the protein or the nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. Fragments of nucleic acid molecules that encode Mch2.alpha. and Mch2.beta. having at least 10 nucleotides and oligonucleotide molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence complimentary to a nucleotide sequence of at least 10 nucleotides are disclosed. Recombinant expression vectors that comprise the nucleic acid molecule that encode Mch2.alpha. or Mch2.beta., and host cells that comprise such recombinant vectors are disclosed. Antibodies that bind to an epitope on Mch2.alpha. and/or Mch2.beta. are disclosed. Methods of identifying inhibitors, activators and substrates of Mch2.alpha.

Abstract: Packaging defective and packaging proficient HIV vectors are disclosed. These vectors can be used to establish HIV packaging defective cell lines, and to package desired genes. These cell lines can be used in developing a vaccine, HIV antibodies and as part of a system for gene transfer. The packaging proficient vector can be used to target HIV target cells.

Abstract: A novel expression system using the heat-inducible bovine hsp70A promoter and associated cis-acting elements is disclosed. The system provides for the continuous production of a highly pure, authentic protein, substantially free of infectious viral and cellular protein contaminants.

Abstract: Methods of inducing genetic material into cells of an individual and compositions and kits for practicing the same are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of contacting cells of an individual with a polynucleotide function enhancer and administering to the cells, a nucleic acid molecule that is free of retroviral particles. The nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein that comprises at least one epitope that is identical or substantially similar to an epitope of a pathogen antigen or an antigen associated with a hyperproliferative or autoimmune disease, a protein otherwise missing from the individual due to a missing, non-functional or partially functioning gene, or a protein that produces a therapeutic effect on an individual. Methods of prophylactically and therapeutically immunizing an individual against HIV are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits for practicing methods of the present invention are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method to produce knockout mutations at targeted sites in the genome of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Abstract: A quantitative and functional DNA ligase assay is disclosed. The assay involves the disruption, using restriction enzymes, of a plasmid containing a reporter gene, followed by a ligation step performed in the presence of the biological sample being assayed for DNA ligase activity. The ligation reaction products are then subjected to a coupled transcription-translation reaction, and the extent of DNA ligation is then quantified.

Abstract: Microorganisms and processes for the fermentative preparation of L-cysteine, L-cystine, N-acetylserine or thiazolidine derivatives. The microorganism strain which is suitable for the fermentative preparation of L-cysteine, L-cystine, N-acetylserine and/or thiazolidine derivatives, overexpresses at least one gene which encodes a protein which is directly suitable for secreting antibiotics, or other substances which are toxic for the microorganism, out of the cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting buried explosives which exude vapors of the explosive chemical to the surface. A biological sensor that is applied on the surface produces a detectable signal when it is contacted by the explosive chemical, producing an identifiable pattern for pin-pointing the explosive. The biological sensor is a genetically altered organism.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the isolation and purification of an L1-like molecule (i.e. L1CAM) from human brain. It has been found that the isolated L1CAM molecule supports neurite growth in vitro. Applicants have also cloned and sequenced the entire coding region of human L1CAM, and found that it shows a very high degree of homology to mouse L1cam with 92% identity at the amino acid level. This similarity suggest that L1CAM is an important molecule in normal human nervous system development and nerve regeneration. Overall, there is substantially less homology to chick Ng-CAM; they are 40% identical at the amino acid level but many regions are highly conserved. Comparison of the sequences from human, mouse, chick and Drosophila, indicates that the L1 immunoglobulin domain 2 and fibronectin type III domain 2 are strongly conserved and thus are likely functionally important.

Abstract: Isolation, characterization, proliferation, differentiation and transplantation of mammalian neural stem cells is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant Yersinia and the use thereof for delivery of proteins into eukaryotic cells, including related compositions and methods of treatment and related assays.

Abstract: Autologous, heterologous or xenogeneic primary cells or cell lines are genetically modified ex vivo to render the cells capable of processing and presenting selected antigens to cells of the immune system of a subject, and to express different HLA molecules for matching to the HLA specificity of the subject. The cells are also modified to express immunoregulatory molecules for directing the immune response of the subject. The cells and cell lines are used in methods to treat infectious diseases or cancer, or to prevent infectious disease by inoculation into a host to activate T cells and induce an antigen-specific immune response, and in assays of the cytolytic activity of a subject's T cells. The cells can also be used to suppress an unwanted immune response of a subject to a selected antigen where the cells lack expression of a costimulation molecule needed for T cell activation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing a polypeptide, comprising: (a) cultivating a mutant of a Bacillus cell, wherein the mutant (i) comprises a first nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide and a second nucleic acid sequence comprising a modification of at least one of the genes responsible for the biosynthesis or secretion of a surfactin or isoform thereof under conditions conducive for the production of the polypeptide and (ii) the mutant produces less of the surfactin or isoform thereof than the Bacillus cell when cultured under the same conditions; and (b) isolating the polypeptide from the cultivation medium. The present invention also relates to mutants of Bacillus cells and methods for producing the mutants.

Abstract: A substantially pure protein that is a member of the apoptotic Ced-3/Ice cysteine protease gene family, Mch2.alpha., and an inactive isoform of it, Mch2.beta., are disclosed. Isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode Mch2.alpha. and Mch2.beta., respectively, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in combination with the protein or the nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. Fragments of nucleic acid molecules that encode Mch2.alpha. and Mch2.beta. having at least 10 nucleotides and oligonucleotide molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence complimentary to a nucleotide sequence of at least 10 nucleotides are disclosed. Recombinant expression vectors that comprise the nucleic acid molecule that encode Mch2.alpha. or Mch2.beta., and host cells that comprise such recombinant vectors are disclosed. Antibodies that bind to an epitope on Mch2.alpha. and/or Mch2.beta. are disclosed. Methods of identifying inhibitors, activators and substrates of Mch2.alpha.

Abstract: A vector containing a selected nucleic acid sequence interposed between the terminal ends of a Tn7 transposon and a method for site specific integration of genetic material into a chromosome using those vectors are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an integrant(s) of Bacillus thuringiensis. The invention further relates to such integrants, compositions comprising such integrants, as well as methods for controlling a pest(s) using these compositions.

Abstract: A system is used to express clostridial gene constructions in a clostridial host. A mobilizable transfer plasmid is described which permits the direct transfer of the plasmid, and genes carried on it, from E. coli into Clostridium species. A promoter is described for use in clostridial species. Also, a useful host strain is used which is nontoxigenic and which permits high levels of expression of clostridial genes using the clostridial promoter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of novel genes encoding Tub interactor (TI) polypeptides. Therapeutics, diagnostics and screening assays based on these molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for improving doxorubicin production by means of a recombinant Streptomyces peucetius strain bearing a mutation in the gene dnrU coding for a protein involved in the metabolism of daunorubicin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a human CTGF-2 polypeptide and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptide. Also provided is a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques and antibodies and antagonist/inhibitors against such polypeptide. Also provided are methods of using the polypeptide therapeutically for enhancing the repair of connective and support tissue, promoting the attachment, fixation and stabilization of tissue implants and enhancing wound healing. Diagnostic assays for identifying mutations in nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide of the present invention and for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide of the present invention are also disclosed.