Abstract: A functional mammalian growth factor receptor/yeast histidine kinase chimera in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In a preferred embodiment, the extracellular domain of the human epidermal growth factor receptor has been fused to the intracellular kinase domain of the SLN1 gene. The SLN1 gene encodes the plasma membrane sensor kinase of the yeast high osmolarity/glycerol response MAP kinase pathway. The chimeric protein is almost completely nonfunctional because the EGFR ECD is not capable of dimerization in the absence of ligand. In the presence of ligand, however, the chimeric kinase is activated and phosphorylation through the pathway is quantitatively repressed. This measure of pathway activity can be utilized to identify agonists and antagonists of the EGFR and other tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors in yeast cells.

Abstract: A substantially pure intestinal trefoil factor receptor which is obtainable from intestinal cells and has a molecular weight of about 50 to 60 kD or about 75 to 80 kD.

Abstract: Calcium independent CD81 inhibition of IgE-mediated degranulation in mast cells, particularly through the Fc&ggr;RIII and FC&egr;RI receptors, is described, as well as methods of inhibiting allergic processes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are non-endogenous, constitutively activated forms of the human 5-HT2A and human 5-HT2C receptors and uses of such receptors to screen candidate compounds. Further disclosed herein are candidate compounds identified by the screening method which act at the 5HT2A receptors. Yet further disclosed is a new class of compounds which act at the 5HT2A receptors.

Abstract: A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), called G2A, whose expression is regulated and functions at the G2/M checkpoint to ensure properly controlled duplication of hematopoietic cells. The receptor is found predominantly in hematopoietic cells and tissues and functions as a tumor suppressor gene and induces cell cycle arrest. This receptor may play an important role in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic cells. Regulation of receptor activity has several therapeutic applications.

Abstract: To date, L-glutamate-gated chloride (GluCl) channels have been observed only in invertebrate organisms. Modulators of this channel (either agonists or antagoinists) will interfere with neurotransmission. For example, agents such as avermectins activate the GluCl, causing paralysis due to blocking of neurotranmitter release, resulting in death of the organism. Because GluCl channels are invertebreate specific, they are excellent targets for the discovery of novel insecticides, anthelminths and parasiticides that will display a marked safety profile because of the lack of mechanism based toxicity in vertebrate organisms. The present specification discloses isolation of a cDNA clone from the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis (CfGluCl-1) that encodes a L-glutamate-gated chloride channel. Heterologous expression of CfGluCl-1 cRNA in Xenopus oocytes results in robust expression of a L-glutamate-gated chloride current and the channel is activated and potentiated by avermectins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated MEKK proteins, nucleic acid molecules having sequences that encode such proteins, and antibodies raised against such proteins. The present invention also includes methods to use such proteins to regulate signal transduction in a cell. The present invention also includes therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins or nucleic acid molecules that encode such proteins and their use to treat animals having medical disorders including cancer, inflammation, neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases, allergic reactions, and hormone-related diseases. When MEKK is expressed, it phosphorylates and activates MKKs 1-4 (also referred to as MEK-1, MEK-2 and JNKK1 and JNKK2).

Abstract: Human PPP1R5 polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such PPP1R5 and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such PPP1R5, or compounds which inhibit or stimulate PPP1R5 for dysfunctions or diseases which involve resistance to the action of insulin on glycogen synthesis are also disclosed. Agonist and antagonists of these PPP1R5 proteins and methods of their use are also disclosed. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting diseases related to mutations in the nucleic acid sequences and altered concentrations of the polypeptides. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting mutations in the polynucleotides encoding the PPP1R5 and for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide in a host.

Abstract: The present invention provides new methods, particularly computational methods, and compositions for the generation of nuclear receptor synthetic ligands based on the three dimensional structure of nuclear receptors, particularly the thyroid receptor (herein referred to as “TR”). Also provided are crystals, nuclear receptor synthetic ligands, and related methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (“G-CSF”) analogs and compositions containing such analogs which retain the three-dimensional structure of the internal core of the four alpha helical bundle of G-CSF. In another aspect, such G-CSF analogs can also be attached with biologically active proteins to form hybrid molecules and still retain G-CSF structural integrity. Also provided are methods for determining and preparing analog or hybrid molecules and modifications.

Abstract: Activation of plasminogen to plasmin is inhibited by preventing the binding of a receptor binding form of urokinase-type plasminogen activator to a urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor in a mammal, thereby preventing the urokinase-type plasminogen activator from converting plasminogen into plasmin. DNA fragments which encode for soluble, active fragments of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides new methods, particularly computational methods, and compositions for the generation of nuclear receptor synthetic ligands based on the three dimensional structure of nuclear receptors, particularly the thyroid receptor (herein referred to as “TR”). Also provided are crystals, nuclear receptor synthetic ligands, and related methods.

Abstract: A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), called G2A, whose expression is regulated and functions at the G2/M checkpoint to ensure properly controlled duplication of hematopoietic cells. The receptor is found predominantly in hematopoietic cells and tissues and functions as a tumor suppressor gene and induces cell cycle arrest. This receptor may play an important role in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic cells. Regulation of receptor activity has several therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) which is activated by oncogenes. The receptor is found predominantly in hematopoietic cells and tissues and functions as a tumor suppressor gene and induces cell cycle arrest. This receptor may play an important role in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic cells. Regulation of receptor activity has several therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The cystic fibrosis gene and its gene product are described for both the normal and mutant forms. The genetic and protein information is used in developing DNA diagnosis, protein diagnosis, carrier and patient screening, drug and gene therapy, cloning of the gene and manufacture of the protein, and development of cystic fibrosis affected animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a DNA sequence essentially encoding a mammalian vascular endothelial receptor for modified low-density lipoprotein. The sequence is set forth in the Sequence No. 1, 2 or 3.

Abstract: A method of quantitatively detecting a polymer in a solution of the polymer in a solvent is provided, which method comprises the steps of (a) adding to the solution a non-solvent for said polymer in a sufficient amount to make the resulting liquid turbid and (b) measuring the turbidity of the resulting liquid. A detecting device for detecting a polymer in a polymer-containing solution is also provided, which device comprises a line for supplying polymer-containing solution, a line for supplying non-solvent, a mixing chamber, a line connected to said mixing chamber for conveying the mixed liquid, and a detector for measuring turbidity in the mixed liquid, as well as an HPLC apparatus comprising a liquid separation system, especially a Gradient Polymer Elution Chromatography (GPEC)® system, connected to said detecting device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to VESPR polypeptides as a purified and isolated protein, the DNA encoding the VESPR polypeptide, host cells transfected with cDNAs encoding VESPR, and methods for preparing VESPR polypeptides.

Abstract: The use of a prolactin receptor intracytoplasmic domain or a growth hormone receptor intracytoplasmic domain, or of a fragment of either one of said domains, for achieving the secretion of a protein of interest produced in a eukaryotic host cell, is disclosed.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody which specifically reacts with D-monomer produced by digesting human fibrinogen with granulocyte elastase and D-domain containing digestion products produced by digesting human stabilized fibrin with granulocyte elastase, but does not react with fibrinogen, or fragment X, Y or E produced by digesting fibrinogen with granulocyte elastase is disclosed. The D-dimer or DD/E complex produced by digestion with granulocyte elastase in a sample from a living body can be analyzed without being interferred with fibrinogen, digestion products of fibrinogen with plasmin, or digestion products of stabilized fibrin with plasmin, using the monoclonal antibody.