Abstract: Synthetic bodies having a thee-dimensional structure, sized and shaped to resemble apoptotic cells and apoptotic bodies, and comprising phospho-amino acid-side group carrying entities such as beads, are provided. They can be administered to a patient, to alleviate a variety of disorders such as T-cell mediated disorders (autoimmune conditions), inflammatory disorders neurodegenerative disorders and endothelial dysfunction disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed are human interleukin-1 &bgr; converting enzyme like apoptosis proteases-3 and 4 and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides. Also provided is a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques and antibodies and antagonists against such polypeptides. Also provided are methods of using the polypeptides, for example, as an antitumor agent, and antiviral agent, and antibodies and antagonists against such polypeptides for example, for treating Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and head injury. Diagnostic assays for identifying mutations in nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide of the present invention and for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide of the present invention for detecting diseases are also disclosed.

Abstract: DNAs encoding monkey cathepsin S have been cloned and characterized. The recombinant protein is capable of forming biologically active protein. The cDNA's have been expressed in recombinant host cells that produce active recombinant protein. The recombinant protein is also purified from the recombinant host cells. In addition, the recombinant host cells are utilized to establish a method for identifying modulators of the receptor activity, and receptor modulators are identified.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for the purification of EPI-HNE proteins, from the culture medium of a host strain for the expression of said proteins, comprising the steps of: (a) passing a derived part of the culture medium over an expanded bed of cationic exchange adsorbent or a mechanically and chemically inert micromembrane, in order to recover an eluate, (b) optionally conducting chromatographic separation of proteins, according to their hydrophobicity, on the resulting eluate, (c) passing the resulting eluate over a cationic exchange column, (d) optionally filtering the resulting medium such as to obtain a sterile filtrate, and optionally further comprising the step of (e) causing precipitation of EPI-HNE in a crystallised form and recovering the protein crystals.

Abstract: DNAs encoding canine Cathepsin S have been cloned and characterized. The recombinant protein is capable of forming biologically active protein. The cDNA's have been expressed in recombinant host cells that produce active recombinant protein. The recombinant protein is also purified from the recombinant host cells. In addition, the recombinant host cells are utilized to establish a method for identifying modulators of the receptor activity, and receptor modulators are identified.

Abstract: The present invention provides a p18A&bgr;rP gene having novel functions of promoting cell death, and its product, a p18A&bgr;rP protein. The present invention also provides screening systems to which these are applied, cell-death promoting or suppressing substances obtainable by the screening system, and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases containing them.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel human caspase-12 polynucleotides and polypeptides; constructs and recombinant host cells incorporating the polynucleotides; the human caspase-12 polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides; antibodies to the polypeptides; and methods of making and using all of the foregoing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel substrates for Hu-Asp. More particularly, the invention provides peptide substrates and fusion polypeptide substrates comprising a &bgr;-secretase cleavage site. Methods and compositions for making and using the peptides are disclosed.

Abstract: p53-dependent Damage-Inducible Nuclear Protein 1 (p53DINP1 protein) is a p53-induced nuclear protein that induces p53-dependent apoptosis by regulating p53 function through Ser 46 phosphorylation. A DNA encoding p53DINP1 can be applied as anticancer agents for destroying neoplasms such as tumors, and as therapeutic or preventive agents for diseases associated with p53-mediated apoptosis abnormalities. It is also possible to apply the above protein and DNA in methods of screening for candidate compounds for regulating p53-mediated apoptosis.

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions encoding a pro-apoptotic protein, Bok (Bcl-2-related ovarian killer) are identified. Bok has conserved Bcl-2 homology domains 1, 2 and 3 and a C-terminal transmembrane region present in other Bcl-2 related proteins, but lacks the BH4 domain found only in anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. Over-expression of Bok induces apoptosis. Cell killing induced by Bok is suppressed by co-expression with selective anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. Bok is highly expressed in the ovary, testis and uterus, particularly in granulosa cells, the cell type that undergoes apoptosis during follicle atresia. Identification of Bok as a new pro-apoptotic protein with wide tissue distribution and hetero-dimerization properties facilitates elucidation of apoptosis mechanisms in reproductive and other tissues, and provides a means for manipulating apoptosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the protease peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the protease peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the protease peptides.

Abstract: A novel cytokine, designated Apo-2 ligand, which induces mammalian cell apoptosis is provided. The Apo-2 ligand is believed to be a member of the TNF cytokine family. Compositions including Apo-2 ligand chimeras, nucleic acid encoding Apo-2 ligand, and antibodies to Apo-2 ligand are also provided. Methods of using Apo-2 ligand to induce apoptosis and to treat pathological conditions such as cancer, are further provided.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to find and produce cathepsin L having high activity under neutral to alkaline conditions and at a low temperature range. The present inventors succeeded in discovering novel cathepsin L having activity even at a low temperature range from hepatopancreas of Japanese northern shrimp. The present inventors further determined the gene sequence encoding said novel cathepsin L, thus enabling production thereof by genetic recombination.

Abstract: Mutants of the DNA sequence coding for the protease (FSAP) which activates blood clotting factor VII and single-chain plasminogen activators, the mutants comprising a G/C base exchange at nucleotide position 1177 and/or a G/A base exchange at nucleotide position 1601, are described. The corresponding protease has a Glu/Gln exchange at amino acid position 393 and/or a Gly/Glu exchange at amino acid position 534. Diagnostic methods which are used for detecting FSAP in body fluids or tissue cells and also for identifying patients with genetic heterozygous or homozygous FSAP expression are also described. In addition, antibodies against FSAP and its mutants are disclosed and diagnostic methods which can be used to detect antibodies against FSAP and its mutants are specified.

Abstract: A family of isolated and purified proteins and nucleic acids are disclosed. Particularly, piwi family proteins and cDNAs encoding the same are disclosed. Recombinant host cells, recombinant nucleic acids, recombinant proteins and transgenic animals are also disclosed, along with methods of producing each. Isolated and purified antibodies to piwi family homologs, and methods of producing the same, are also disclosed. piwi family gene products are characterized as having activity in the growth, proliferation and self-renewing division of stem cells, and proliferation of primordial germ cells. Thus, therapeutic, screening, culturing and transgenic methods involving these activities are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gene that is a modulator of tumor growth and metastasis in certain cancer types is provided. SCC-112 (about 150 kDa) and/or a mutant form of SCC-112 (about 65 kDa) is a tumor suppressor molecule. This gene and corresponding polypeptide have diagnostic and therapeutic application for detecting and treating cancers that involve expression of SCC-112 such as breast and kidney cancers.

Abstract: The inventors discovered for the first time the nucleotide sequence of the human DR5 gene promoter, the nucleotide sequence of the human Siah-1 gene promoter and what appear to be the core promoter regions thereof. The present invention further provides a screening method for substances which regulate promoter activity, comprising a step of bringing a test substance into contact with cells holding a vector which comprises this DNA together with a reporter gene ligated expressibly to this DNA, and a step of detecting changes in the expressed amount of the reporter gene due to contact with the test substance. This screening method is a method of very efficiently selecting anti-cancer drugs and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids that encode human angiomotin-like protein (AMLP1), including two isoforms, and fragments thereof, vectors for propagating and expressing AMLP1 nucleic acids, host cells comprising the nucleic acids and vectors of the present invention, proteins, protein fragments, and protein fusions of the novel AMLP1 isoforms, and antibodies thereto. The invention further provides transgenic cells and non-human organisms comprising AMLP1 nucleic acids, and transgenic cells and non-human organisms with targeted disruption of the endogenous orthologue of the AMLP1 gene. The invention further provides pharmaceutical formulations of the nucleic acids, proteins, and antibodies of the present invention, and diagnostic, investigational, and therapeutic methods based on the AMLP1 nucleic acids, proteins, and antibodies of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a parkin-associated complex. The present invention further provides methods for promoting ubiquitination of cyclin E in neurons, for decreasing cyclin E in neurons, for treating or preventing neurodegeneration in a subject, and for protecting neurons from excitotoxicity. Additionally, the present invention provides a therapeutic composition, and use of the therapeutic composition in an animal model. The present invention further provides a method for identifying an agent which interacts with a parkin-associated complex, agents identified by this method, and use of a parkin-associated agent to protect neurons from excitotoxicity. Additionally, the present invention provides methods for determining whether a subject has neurodegeneration, for assessing the efficacy of therapy to treat neurodegeneration in a subject, and for assessing the prognosis of a subject who has neurodegeneration. Finally, the present invention provides a kit for use in detecting neurodegeneration.

Abstract: Novel human polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences are disclosed that can be used in therapeutic, diagnostic, and pharmacogenomic applications.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded by such polynucleotides and mutants or variants thereof that correspond to novel human C1q domain-containing polypeptides. Other aspects of the invention include vectors containing processes for producing novel human C1q domain-containing polypeptides, and antibodies specific for such polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention identifies the total nucleotide sequence of a novel oncogene from human, which is directly involved in such a cancerization mechanism as for cervical cancer induced by HPV infection of cervical epithelial cell and the amino acid sequence of an oncogenic protein encoded thereby, and to provide a full-length polynucleotide encoding a peptide chain of the oncogenic protein derived from the novel oncogene, which can be used for recombinant production of the oncogenic protein, and the peptide chain of the oncogenic protein produded recombinantly therewith. Specifically, the present invention provides a novel oncogene polynucleotide from human involving development of cervical cancer, comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID. No.1, particularly a polynucleotide of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ. ID. No.2.

Abstract: Composition and methods for use in the therapeutic and preventative treatment, study, diagnosis and prognosis of liver related disease, inflammatory disease and related conditions are disclosed. Also provided are kits and reagents for prognosis and diagnosis of liver related disease, inflammatory disease and related conditions.

Abstract: Reagents that regulate human aminopeptidase N and reagents which bind to human aminopeptidase N gene products can play a role in preventing, ameliorating, or correcting dysfunctions or diseases including, but not limited to, cancer, a CNS disorder or COPD.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the amelioration of symptoms mediated by the collagenolytic activity of cathepsin K complex. The invention provides methods of specifically modulating the collagenolytic activity of cathepsin K without substantial interference in other biologically-relevant activities of cathepsin K.

Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the protease peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the protease peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the protease peptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the enzyme peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the enzyme peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the enzyme peptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides the enzyme and enzymatic procedures for cleaving the &bgr; secretase cleavage site of the APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells and cell isolates and assays. The invention further provides a modified APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells, and cell isolates, and assays that are particularly useful for identifying candidate therapeutics for treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: A novel metalloproteinase, DNA encoding therefor, a plasmid carrying said DNA sequence and a host cell harbouring said plasmid, and monoclonal antibodies peculiarly recognizing said protein. Useful in applications pertaining to diagnosis of the presence of tumour cells, the degree of cancer malignancy, and other medical and physiological fields.

Abstract: This invention relates to a soluble form of PHEX, PHEX being a type II integral membrane glycoprotein. This enzyme is the gene product of a phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome. To produce a soluble form of PHEX, the transmembrane anchor domain has been modified to encode a signal peptidase coding sequence. The soluble PHEX therefore comprises the active ectodomain. An inactive mutant of PHEX is also an object of this invention. Both soluble and inactive mutant forms of PHEX can be used to screen ligands to PHEX. These ligands can also be used as substrates or inhibitors of PHEX. PHEX being phosphaturic, an inhibitor thereof will be used to treat phosphaturia and/or hypophosphatemia. On the opposite, a substrate for PHEX or PHEX itself can be used to treat hyperphosphatemia.

Abstract: A novel alanine transaminase gene (ALT2) is isolated from human tissue. ALT2 specific polynucleotides, polypeptides, and antibodies are described. ALT2 is expressed predominately in liver, kidney, brain, muscle, and adipose tissue. ALT2 can be used to diagnose injury and diseases involving tissues expressing ALT2.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are modified proaerolysin (PA) peptide. In some examples, the proteins include a prostate-specific protease cleavage site and can further include a prostate-tissue-specific binding domain which functionally replaces the native PA binding domain. In other examples, the proteins include a furin cleavage site and a prostate tissue-specific binding domain which functionally replaces the native PA binding domain. Methods of using such peptides to treat prostate cancer are also disclosed.

Abstract: Reagents which regulate human pyroglutamyl peptidase-like enzyme and reagents which bind to human pyroglutamyl peptidase-like enzyme gene products can play a role in preventing, ameliorating, or correcting dysfunctions or diseases, including, but not limited to, brain and spinal cord trauma, stroke, and neurodegenerative disorders, such as amyotropic lateral sclerosis and spinocerebellar degeneration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a newly identified human aminopeptidase. The invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the aminopeptidase. The invention further relates to methods using the aminopeptidase polypeptides and polynucleotides as a target for diagnosis and treatment in aminopeptidase-related disorders. The invention further relates to drug-screening methods using the aminopeptidase polypeptides and polynucleotides to identify agonists and antagonists for diagnosis and treatment. The invention further encompasses agonists and antagonists based on the aminopeptidase polypeptides and polynucleotides. The invention further relates to procedures for producing the aminopeptidase polypeptides and polynucleotides.

Abstract: There are provided polypeptides which bind to caspase-8. Production and use of such polypeptides is also provided, as well as DNA encoding them, and vectors and host cells having such DNA.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for manufacture of purified Nematode-extracted Anticoagulant Proteins (NAPs), wherein the NAP manufactured by the claimed process method is a NAP drug substance that can be formulated as a NAP drug product. The present invention provides NAP drug substances and NAP drug products manufactured by the process disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a process for manufacture of rNAPc2/proline drug substance and rNAPc2/proline drug product, and provides rNAPc2/proline drug substance manufactured by the process disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the protease peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the protease peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the protease peptides.

Abstract: Polypeptides that contain zinc finger-nucleotide binding regions that bind to nucleotide sequences of the formula CNN are provided. Compositions containing a plurality of polypeptides, polynucleotides that encode such polypeptides and methods of regulating gene expression with such polypeptides, compositions and polynucleotides are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to newly identified polypeptides which have zinc metalloprotease activities and are referred to as IGS5, and polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, to their use in therapy and in identifying compounds which may be stimulators and/or inhibitors which are useful in therapy, and to production of such polypeptides and polynucleotides.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polynucleotides encoding plant prenyl protease polypeptides, fragments and homologs thereof. Also provided are vectors, host calls, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing said polypeptides. The invention further provides novel polynucleotide, encoding plant promoters, polypeptides, fragments and homologs thereof. The invention further relates to methods of applying these novel plant polypeptides to the identification, prevention, and/or conferment of resistance to various plant diseases and/or disorders, particularly drought resistence.

Abstract: This invention is intended to isolate and identify a vWF-specific cleaving protease.

Abstract: Novel bioactive peptide compositions and process for producing the same and the use of such compositions for enhancing the growth of warm blooded animals and fish is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 26443, 46873, 61833, 26493, 58224, 46980, 32225, 47508, 56939, 33410, 33521, 23479, 48120, 46689, 80091, and 46508 nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel human hydrolase family members. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 26443, 46873, 61833, 26493, 58224, 46980, 32225, 47508, 56939, 33410, 33521, 23479, 48120, 46689, 80091, or 46508 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 26443, 46873, 61833, 26493, 58224, 46980, 32225, 47508, 56939, 33410, 33521, 23479, 48120, 46689, 80091, or 46508 gene has been introduced or disrupted.

Abstract: The invention relates to molecules or molecular complexes which comprise binding pockets of angiotensin-converting enzyme-related carboxypeptidase or its homologues. The invention relates to a computer comprising a data storage medium encoded with the structure coordinates of such binding pockets. The invention also relates to methods of using the structure coordinates to solve the structure of homologous proteins or protein complexes. The invention relates to methods of using the structure coordinates to screen for and design compounds that bind to angiotensin-converting enzyme-related carboxypeptidase protein or homologues thereof. The invention also relates to crystallizable compositions and crystals comprising angiotensin-converting enzyme-related carboxypeptidase protein or angiotensin-converting enzyme-related carboxypeptidase protein complexes.

Abstract: Reagents that regulate human transmembrane serine protease activity and reagents that bind to human transmembrane serine protease gene products can be used to regulate extracellular matrix degradation. Such regulation is particularly useful for treating COPD, metastasis of malignant cells, tumor angiogenesis, inflammation, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases, and pathogenic infections.

Abstract: The disclosure describes artificial chimeric transcription factors that include at least one zinc finger domains and that can regulate cellular differentiation, for example, a neuronal cell phenotype or an osteoblast phenotype.

Abstract: Here we describe the molecular identification of a cDNA encoding a novel serine protease we have termed protease EOS. The deduced amino acid sequence, and it alignment with other well-characterized serine proteases indicates that it is a member of the S1 serine protease family. We have found that the protease EOS mRNA is expressed in platelets and leukocytes and more specifically eosinophils. Although this protease is abundantly expressed in ovary, retina and stomach, where it may perform important functions, its expression in platelets and certain cells of the immune system suggests that it may play roles in thrombosis and in the immune process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a corin polypeptide which contains one or more frizzled corin and possesses various activities, including, e.g., serin protease activity and a pro-ANF converting activity, LDLR, SRCR repeats, serine protease catalytic domains such as human and mouse corin. The invention further relates to methods of using such nucleic acids and polypeptides in therapeutics, diagnostics, and research. For example, the nucleic acids and polypeptides of corin can be utilized in methods to identify modulators of its activity, in animal models to mimic human disease, and to treat kidney, cardiovascular, and other conditions in which corin is involved.

Abstract: Provided herein are carbohydrate complement-modified bifunctional glycoproteins, and their use in tumor-selective therapy. The bifunctional glycoproteins comprise a first component that specifically binds to a tumor-specific antigen and a second component having enzymatic activity by means of which a non-toxic prodrug is cleaved into a cytotoxic drug. The carbohydrate complement comprises at least one exposed carbohydrate residue selected from the group consisting of mannose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetyllactose, glucose and fucose. The modified carbohydrate complement contributes to increased relative concentration of the glycoproteins at the site of the tumor, and enhanced clearance from the general circulation and non-tumor sites.

Abstract: The present invention features nucleic acids and polypeptides encoding two novel splice variant isoforms of aspartyl protease 1 (BACE2). The polynucleotide sequences of BACEsv1 and BACE2sv2 are provided by SEQ ID NO 1 and SEQ ID NO 3, respectively. The amino acid sequences for BAC2sv1 and BACE2sv2 are provided by SEQ ID NO 2 and SEQ ID NO 4, respectively. The present invention also provides methods for using BACE2sv1 and BACE2sv2 polynucleotides and proteins to screen for compounds that bind to BACE2sv1 and BACE2sv2, respectively.