Abstract: The present invention provides novel C24-sulfone analogs of 1?,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3, compositions comprising these compounds and methods of using these compounds as selective inhibitors of CYP24. In particular, the compounds of the invention are useful for treating diseases which benefit from a modulation of the levels of 1?,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3, for example, cell-proliferative disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel C24-sulfone analogs of 1&agr;,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3, compositions comprising these compounds and methods of using these compounds as selective inhibitors of CYP24. In particular, the compounds of the invention are useful for treating diseases which benefit from a modulation of the levels of 1&agr;,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3, for example, cell-proliferative disorders.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the expression of nucleotide sequences are provided. Compositions comprise the nucleic acid sequences of the transcriptional regulatory region of the PpSEC10 gene of Pichia pastoris. Methods are provided to chemically regulate the PpSEC10 transcriptional control region by modulating the iron concentration in the culturing medium. The methods find use in regulating expression of nucleotide sequences. Furthermore, the methods of the invention can be used to regulate polypeptide expression, more particularly in regulating heterologous polypeptide expression, particularly using a yeast host cell as the expression system.

Abstract: Compositions comprising keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) polypeptides and methods of using the same are described. The KGF polypeptides of the present invention display enhanced bioactivity relative to full-length KGF163. Accordingly, the KGF polypeptides of the present invention may be used in compositions in lesser amounts than would be necessary using KGF163.

Abstract: Polynucleotides, vectors and host cells comprising a polynucleotide having a fragment of a leader sequence and a second nucleotide sequence that encodes a polypeptide heterologous to the leader sequence, wherein the leader sequence fragment is sufficient for secretion and comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises at least about 70% sequence identity to the leader sequence of Pichia acaciae killer toxin, wherein the heterologous polypeptide is not naturally contiguous to the leader sequence, and wherein upon expression of the polynucleotide molecule in a host cell suitable for expression thereof, the heterologous polypeptide is produced that is free of additional N-terminal amino acids.

Abstract: Regulatory nucleotide sequences for a novel Pichia pastoris gene, designated PpSEC10 gene, and the nucleotide sequences and respective amino acid sequences for the secretion leader and the mature Sec10p protein components of the precursor polypeptide encoded by this novel gene are provided. These compositions are useful in methods for expression and secretion of proteins when assembled in proper reading frame, individually or in combination, within a DNA construct that further comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein of interest. Vectors comprising the DNA constructs of the invention can be used to transform a yeast host cell, which can then be cultured to obtain the secreted protein of interest. Kits useful in this method and in methods of detection of the Sec10p protein using antibodies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A new display carrier container for displaying a message, such as an advertisement. The inventive device includes a generally transparent tubular body having inner and outer surfaces and a pair of opposite ends. The inner surface of the body defines a lumen. Each end of the body has a opening into the lumen of the body. A pair of end caps are coupled to the ends of the body such that they close the openings of the ends of the body. One of the ends of the body has a slot therein. The slot is located between the inner and outer surfaces of the body and extends from the one end towards the other of the ends of the body. The slot is adapted for receiving a sheet therein.

Abstract: Polynucleotides, vectors, and host cells comprising a polynucleotide having a fragment of a leader sequence and a second nucleotide sequence that encodes a polypeptide heterologous to the leader sequence, wherein the leader sequence fragment is sufficient for secretion and comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises at least about 70% sequence identity to the leader sequence of Pichia acaciae killer toxin, wherein the heterologous polypeptide is not naturally contiguous to the leader sequence, and wherein upon expression of the polynucleotide molecule in a host cell suitable for expression thereof, the heterologous polypeptide is produced that is free of additional N-terminal amino acids.