Abstract: The functional characterization of ILEI to be a novel cytokine involved in epithelial/mesenchymal transition and the identification of biologically active ILEI provides the basis for generating ILEI inhibitors, in particular anti-ILEI antibodies, that are useful in the therapy of cancer, fibrosis and COPD.

Abstract: The functional characterization of ILEI to be a novel cytokine involved in epithelial/mesenchymal transition and the identification of biologically active ILEI provides the basis for generating ILEI inhibitors, in particular anti-ILEI antibodies, that are useful in the therapy of cancer, fibrosis and COPD.

Abstract: The invention relates to a genetic unit, optionally present as a multiple-copy, for inhibiting RNA. The unit contains the transcription units necessary for transcription by polymerase III and a DNA coding for inhibiting RNA, which is arranged within the unit in such a way that the transcribed RNA is part of the polymerase III transcript. Using these units it is possible to achieve increased stability of the inhibiting RNA, which may occur in the form of ribozymes or antisense-RNAs, whilst maintaining an undiminished activity. The invention further relates to a process for introducing the genetic units into the cell, the use of these units and pharmaceutical preparations containing them.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel proapoptotic inducer protein “p12”, that was identified in myeloid/erythroid cytokine dependent cells, and DNA molecules encoding it. The p12 protein and DNA molecules are useful for therapy and diagnosis of conditions which are associated with a deregulated apoptosis pathway and for screening compounds that modulate p12 activity.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions containing as active compound a substance which inhibits the activity of TGF&bgr; on tumour cells of epithelial origin, for the treatment of epithelial, invasive tumour diseases which are characterised by a reversible transition of the cells from an epithelial, non-invasive state into a fibroblastoid, invasive state. The pharmaceutical composition contains a TGF&bgr; inhibitor, preferably combined with an Ras inhibitor. Process for screening substances for the treatment of epithelial, invasive tumour diseases.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions containing as active compound a substance which inhibits the activity of TGF&bgr; on tumour cells of epithelial origin, for the treatment of epithelial, invasive tumour diseases which are characterized by a reversible transition of the cells from an epithelial, non-invasive state into a fibroblastoid, invasive state. The pharmaceutical composition contains a TGF&bgr; inhibitor, preferably combined with an Ras inhibitor. Process for screening substances for the treatment of epithelial, invasive tumour diseases.

Abstract: Process for the in vitro production of non-immortalised haematopoietic progenitor cells of the erythroid lineage, in which a population of erythroid progenitor cells is exposed to a combination of growth factors containing a glucocorticoid and an oestrogen and at least one ligand of a tyrosine kinase receptor at least until the cells begin to renew themselves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for transporting nucleic acids into the cell, which is effected by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Using a transferrin-polycation conjugate, a complex can be formed with the polyanionic nucleic acid. This complex is bound to the transferrin receptor, which is highly regulated in growing cells, and absorbed into the cell. Suitable nucleic acids include those which inhibit specific genes or the RNA function, such as antisense oligonucleotides or ribozymes or the genes coding for them. The invention further relates to a process for introducing nucleic acids into the cells, transferrin-polycation/nucleic acid complexes and pharmaceutical preparations containing them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for transporting nucleic acids into the cell, which is effected by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Using a transferrin-polycation conjugate, a complex can be formed with the polyanionic nucleic acid. This complex is bound to the transfertin receptor, which is highly regulated in growing cells, and absorbed into the cell. Suitable nucleic acids include those which inhibit specific genes or the RNA function, such as antisense oligonucleotides or ribozymes or the genes coding for them. The invention further relates to a process for introducing nucleic acids into the cells, transferrin-polycation/nucleic acid complexes and pharmaceutical preparations containing them.