Abstract: Polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences that encode novel variant FAM3C proteins are disclosed that can be used in therapeutic, diagnostic, and pharmacogenomic applications.

Abstract: The growth hormone supergene family comprises greater than 20 structurally related cytokines and growth factors. A general method is provided for creating site-specific, biologically active conjugates of these proteins. The method involves adding cysteine residues to non-essential regions of the proteins or substituting cysteine residues for non-essential amino acids in the proteins using site-directed mutagenesis and then covalently coupling a cysteine-reactive polymer or other type of cysteine-reactive moiety to the proteins via the added cysteine residue. Disclosed herein are preferred sites for adding cysteine residues or introducing cysteine substitutions into the proteins, and the proteins and protein derivatives produced thereby.

Abstract: A full-length cDNA corresponding to an EST (AA418955), which does not show any homology to other proteins in the database but has a weak homology to G-CSF, has been successfully isolated by synthesizing printers based on the EST sequence, and effecting PCR-cloning from a human fetal spleen library. Sequencing of the thus-isolated cDNA and analysis of its structure revealed that the cDNA has typical characteristics of a factor belonging to the IL-6/G-CSF/MGF family. It is also found out that the culture supernatant of said sequence-transfected CHO cells shows a proliferation supporting activity towards bone marrow cells in the coexistence of kit ligand.

Abstract: Recombinant materials have been obtained which permit the production of bovine growth hormone in E. coli.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a human glycoprotein hormone having at least one, two, three, four, or five basic amino acids in the ?-subunit at positions selected from the group consisting of positions 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, and 20. The inventions is also directed to a human glycoprotein where at least one of the amino acids at position 58, 63, and 69 of the ?-subunit of the human thyroid stimulating hormone are basic amino acids. The invention is further directed to a modified human glycoprotein hormone having increased activity over a wild-type human glycoprotein hormone, where the modified human glycoprotein comprises a basic amino acid substituted at a position corresponding to the same amino acid position in a non-human glycoprotein hormone having an increased activity over the wild-type human glycoprotein hormone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules for z219c, a novel member of the human 2-19 protein family. The polypeptides, and polynucleotides encoding them, may be used for detecting various human disease states and chromosomal abnormalities. The present invention also includes antibodies to the z219c polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of ligands for the FLK-1 receptor for the modulation of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. The invention is based, in part, on the demonstration that Flk-1 tyrosine kinase receptor expression is associated with endothelial cells and the identification of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as the high affinity ligand of Flk-1. These results indicate a major role for Flk-1 in the signaling system during vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Engineering of host cells that express Flk-1 and truncated Flk-1 and the uses of expressed Flk-1 to evaluate and screen for drugs and analogs of VEGF involved in Flk-1 modulation by either agonist or antagonist activities is described. The invention also relates to the use of FLK-1 ligands, including VEGF agonists and antagonists, in the treatment of disorders, including cancer, by modulating vasculogenesis and angiogenesis.

Abstract: The invention identifies the CTLA4 receptor as a ligand for the B7 antigen. The complete amino acid sequence encoding human CTLA4 receptor gene is provided. Methods are provided for expressing CTLA4 as an immunoglobulin fusion protein, for preparing hybrid CTLA4 fusion proteins including CTLA4/CD28 chimeric proteins, and for using the soluble fusion proteins, fragments and derivatives thereof, including monoclonal antibodies reactive with B7 and CTLA4, to regulate T cell interactions and immune responses mediated by such interactions.

Abstract: This invention relates to the glycoprotein v gene. Specifically, this invention discloses the sequence and structure of the glycoprotein v gene and the amino acid sequence of the glycoprotein v polypeptide. In addition, the evolutionary relationship of the glycoprotein v gene with other glycoproteins is described and several uses of the isolated glycoprotein v gene are shown.

Abstract: Biologically active heterodimeric human fertility hormones composed of two different subunits, each subunit being synthesized in the same cell transformed by at least one cell expression vector having heterologous DNA encoding each subunit with each subunit being controlled by a separate promoter. Preferred human fertility hormones include hCG, hLH and hFSH.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding TIE ligand-3. In addition, the invention provides for a receptorbody which specifically binds TIE ligand-3. The invention also provides an antibody which specifically binds TIE ligand-3. The invention further provides for an antagonist of TIE. The invention also provides for therapeutic compositions as well as a method of blocking blood vessel growth, a method of promoting neovascularization, a method of promoting the growth or differentiation of a cell expressing the TIE receptor, a method of blocking the growth or differentiation of a cell expressing the TIE receptor and a method of attenuating or preventing tumor growth in a human.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide sequences are provided coding for T-cell-specific antigen receptors or fragments thereof. The oligonucleotide sequences can be used as probes for detecting helper and cytotoxic T-cells, preparing and isolating DNA sequences encoding for the receptor polypeptide, and in constructions for expression of receptor polypeptides or fragments thereof. In addition, processing signals from the receptor subunits can be employed in conjunction with modified wild type oligonucleotide sequences or non-wild type oligonucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and compositions related to the administration of connective tissue growth factor, alone or in combination with other growth factors, compositions or compounds, to induce the formation of connective tissue, including bone, cartilage, and the skin.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the treatment of symptoms of sepsis and other conditions that are mediated by the action of CD14 myelomonocytic antigen ("CD14"). The embodiments herein include treatments for symptoms of sepsis that are triggered by lipopolysaccharide ("LPS"). A genetically engineered recombinant soluble CD14 ("rsCD14") and fragments thereof are also provided. Both rsCD14 and a fragment thereof have been isolated and purified. The rsCD14 or fragments thereof can be administered to mammals to prevent or treat symptoms that are associated with sepsis.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel proteins, referred to as megakaryocyte growth and development factors (MGDFs; also generally referred to as Mpl ligands or thrombopoietin, that have a biological activity of stimulating the growth of megakaryocytes and augmenting the differentiation or maturation of megakaryocytes, ultimately to result in the production of platelets. MGDF derivatives comprising MGDF molecules attached to water soluble polymers, such as polyethylene glycol, are also disclosed, along with methods for their preparation. Also disclosed are processes for obtaining the MGDFs in homogeneous form from natural sources and producing them by recombinant genetic engineering techniques from mammals, including humans.

Abstract: There is disclosed a polypeptide (OX40-L) and DNA sequences, vectors and transformed host cells useful in providing OX40-L polypeptides. More particularly, this invention provides isolated murine OX40-L polypeptides that bind to the extracellular binding region of OX40.

Abstract: Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) is a polypeptide growth factor for connective tissue cells. CTGF is related immunologically and biologically to PDGF, but is the product of a distinct gene. CTGF, nucleic acids encoding CTGF, means for producing CTGF, anti-CTGF antibodies, diagnostic and therapeutic methods for using CTGF, and methods for inhibition or stimulation of CTGF activity are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides CTLA4 mutant molecules as ligands for the B7 antigen. Methods are provided for expressing CTLA4 mutant molecules as soluble, functional molecules, for preparing CTLA4 mutant fusion proteins, and for using these soluble molecules to regulate T cell interactions and immune responses mediated by such interactions.

Abstract: The invention identifies the CTLA4 receptor as a ligand for the B7 antigen. The complete amino acid sequence encoding human CTLA4 receptor gene is provided. Methods are provided for expressing CTLA4 as an immunoglobulin fusion protein, for preparing hybrid CTLA4 fusion proteins, and for using the soluble fusion proteins, fragments and derivatives thereof, including monoclonal antibodies reactive with B7 and CTLA4, to regulate T cell interactions and immune responses mediated by such interactions.

Abstract: 47 kD and 31 kD proteins, and their 67 kD expression precursor, believed to be the source of peptide flavour precursors in cocoa (Theobroma cacao) have been identified. Genes coding for them have been probed, identified and sequenced, and recombinant proteins have been synthesised.