Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating epithelial cancers and precancerous lesions employ indole carbazole compounds, such as staurosporine. Compositions containing these compounds are administered to a patient in an effective amount and may be administered topically.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating epithelial cancers and precancerous lesions employ indole carbazole compounds, such as staurosporine. Compositions containing these compounds are administered to a patient in an effective amount and may be administered topically.

Abstract: A keratin K1 vector for expression of a nucleic acid sequence in an epidermal cell. The vector includes a 5' flanking region which includes necessary sequences for expression of a nucleic acid cassette, a keratin K1 3' flanking region which regulates expression of a nucleic acid sequence, predominantly in the epidermis, and a linker which connects the 5' flanking region to a nucleic acid. The linker has a position for inserting a nucleic acid cassette. The linker does not contain the coding sequence of a gene that the linker is naturally associated with. That is, the linker is not the normal gene associated with the 5' and 3' regions.

Abstract: A keratin K1 vector for expression of a nucleic acid sequence in an epidermal cell. The vector includes a 5' flanking region which includes necessary sequences for expression of a nucleic acid cassette, a keratin K1 3' flanking region which regulates expression of a nucleic acid sequence, predominantly in the epidermis, and a linker which connects the 5' flanking region to a nucleic acid. The linker has a position for inserting a nucleic acid cassette. The linker does not contain the coding sequence of a gene that the linker is naturally associated with. That is, the linker is not the normal gene associated with the 5' and 3' regions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for detecting the effects of selected growth factors and pharmaceuticals on the growth and development of hair follicles by assaying hair follicle cell proliferation and cellular collagenolytic factor secretion. In particular, isolated hair follicle cells maintained as intact functioning folliculoids are embedded in a three-dimensional culture system, and exposed to the chemical agent of choice. The effect of this agent can then be determined with respect to its ability to modify cellular proliferation or secretion of proteolytic factors. Each determination involves the use of a separate assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating hyperproliferative epithelial lesions by topical administration. The method prevents growth and actively cross-links these aberrant cells, thereby killing the cells. The present invention is useful in control and prevention of hyperproliferative epithelial disorders, such as HPV-infected cell lesions, actinic keratosis, melanomas, and malignant and pre-malignant carcinomas.

Abstract: By cloning the gene for particular keratin proteins, it has been possible to determine amino acid sequences of specific keratins. This has made possible selection of sequences which are unique to a given keratin. The production of antibodies that respond to selected sequences provides means of selectively identifying specific keratins. These diagnostic tools provide means of identifying cell source of malignancies.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the construction of synthetic peptides corresponding to amino acid sequences of 55-, 59-, 60-, 67-kilodalton keratin proteins. These synthetic peptides make possible the development of monospecific antisera for individual keratin proteins. The process involves preparing cDNA libraries and reducing the amino sequences of cDNA clones.