Abstract: The invention is directed to contraceptive vaccines comprising a carrier protein or fragment thereof in peptide linkage with a reproduction related polypeptide, protein or fragment thereof, and to DNAs encoding the chimeric proteins. The invention also includes the use of the chimeric proteins in immunocontraceptive methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a complex of specifically complex-forming proteins which are not naturally occurring, comprising the following components: a) at least one ligand specific for a target structure, b) at least one protein comprising a mutated dimerization domain, the mutated dimerization domain having been derived by mutation of a naturally occurring dimerization domain, it being possible for this mutated dimerization domain to interact specifically with component c) and the component b) being connected covalently to the component a), c) at least one protein comprising a mutated dimerization domain, the mutated dimerization domain having been derived by mutation of a naturally occurring dimerization domain, it being possible for this mutated dimerization domain to interact specifically with component b) and the component c) is linked covalently to the component d), and d) at least one effector.

Abstract: Described herein are vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) variants having modifications in the C-terminus heparin binding domain. The variants exhibit reduced clearance rates for systemic administration generally at lower doses compared with native VEGF thus providing variants having longer availability for therapeutic effect.

Abstract: The invention features two methods for making eucaryotic trans-dominant suppressor genes encoding polypeptide translation products capable of suppressing the activity of a growth factor that requires an oligomeric state for function, suppressor genes made by the methods, protein products of the suppressor genes, and methods for using these genes and protein products.

Abstract: Growth differentiation factor-12 (GDF-12) is disclosed along with its polynucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence. Also disclosed are diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using the GDF-12 polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gene-containing composition including a gene and a transporter, the transporter being capable of transporting the gene from a pregnant body to fetal cells. When this composition is administered to a pregnant body, birth of offsprings with gene deficiency can be prevented, and gene deficiency can be treated during pregnancy. In animal experiments, when an unknown gene is introduced to animals during their embryogenic stage, the function of the gene in ontogenesis can be elucidated. Moreover, the composition can be used for breeding animals such as pets, industrial animals and cattle.

Abstract: Modified ciliary neurotrophic factor, methods for production and methods of use, especially in the treatment of Huntington's disease, obesity, and gestational or adult onset diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to D. melangaster insulin-like genes and methods for identifying insulin-like genes. The methods provide nucleotide sequences of D. melangaster insulin-like genes, amino acid sequences of their encoded proteins, and derivatives (e.g., fragments) and analogs thereof. The invention further relates to fragments (and derivatives and analogs thereof) of insulin-like proteins which comprise one or more domains of an insulin-like protein. Antibodies to an insulin-like protein, and derivatives and analogs thereof, are provided. Methods of production of an insulin-like protein (e.g., by recombinant means), and derivatives and analogs thereof, are provided. Further, methods to identify the biological function of a D. melangaster insulin-like gene are provided, including various methods for the functional modification (e.g., overexpression, underexpression, mutation, knock-out) of one or more genes simultaneously. Still further, methods to identify a D.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are genetic markers for pig leanness, methods for identifying such markers, and methods of screening pigs to determine those more or less likely to be obese and more or less likely to produce litters with leans or obese offspring and preferably selecting those pigs for future breeding purposes. The markers are based upon the presence or absence of certain polymorphisms in the pig leptin receptor gene.

Abstract: This invention relates to the enhancement of feed efficiency and growth rate, and the reduction of fit accumulation to produce better quality meat by administration of an exogenous gene sequence comprising the complementary DNA sequence of growth hormone releasing factor to stimulate the production of the endogenous hormone peptide growth hormone. This invention further relates to methods for producing such gene sequence.

Abstract: The present invention involves the identification and preparation of vascular endothelial growth factor-E (VEGF-E). VEGF-E is a novel polypeptide related to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and bone morphogenetic protein 1. VEGF-E has homology to VEGF including conservation of the amino acids required for activity of VEGF. VEGF-E can be useful in wound repair, as well as in the generation and regeneration of tissue.

Abstract: A novel heparin-binding growth factor of 18.9 kDa mol. wt. is disclosed which is purified from bovine uterus and human placenta and has a unique 25 N-terminal amino acid sequence as follows: Gly-Lys-Lys-Glu-Lys-Pro-Glu-Lys-Lys-Val-Lys-Lys-Ser-Asp-Cys-Gly-Glu-Trp-Gln-Trp-Ser-Val-Cys-Val-Pro.

Abstract: Modified ciliary neurotrophic factors and methods for their production and therapeutic use. Also described is a method of screening for novel therapeutic proteins by determining altered electrophoretic binding properties.

Abstract: A novel neuronal cell growth factor, neuronal-activity regulated pentraxin, Narp, is provided, as well as polynucleotides encoding Narp. Narp is useful for induction of dendritic neurite outgrowth as well as promotion of neuronal migration. Methods for treatment of subjects having a neuronal cell disorder, utilizing Narp of the invention, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to new fish growth hormones, nucleic acids encoding them, and transgenic fish that express them.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated polypeptide, designated Beta R1, whose production is selectively induced by IFN-&bgr; as compared to IFN-&agr;. The Beta R1 polypeptide is a chemokine whose expression is stimulated in T cells, astrocytes, and fibroblasts that have been—exposed to IFN-&bgr;. The present invention also provides an isolated polynucleotide that encodes the Beta R1 polypeptide and an isolated polynucleotide that encodes the Beta R1 promoter. The present invention also provides a method of identifying putative IFN-&bgr; mimics. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing cultured cells transfected with a polynucleotide construct that comprises a DNA sequence that encodes the Beta R1 promoter operatively linked to a reporter gene that encodes an assayable product; treating the transfected cells with the putative IFN-&bgr; mimic; and detecting the assayable product produced by the treated cells.

Abstract: Isolated receptors, DNAs encoding such receptors, and pharmaceutical compositions made therefrom, are disclosed. The isolated receptors can be used to regulate an immune response. The receptors are also useful in screening for inhibitors thereof.

Abstract: Human chemokine Alpha-3 polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such chemotactic cytokines and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such chemotactic cytokines for the treatment of leukemia, tumors, chronic infections, auto-immune disease, fibrotic disorders, sepsis, wound healing and psoriasis and to stimulate stem cell mobilization. Antagonists against such chemotactic cytokines and their use as a therapeutic to treat rheumatoid arthritis, auto-immune and chronic and acute inflammatory and infective diseases, allergic reactions, prostaglandin-independent fever, ARDS and bone marrow failure 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.

Abstract: DNA fragments which contain a sequence of DNA which encodes a protective peptide-fused &agr;-hANP in which the protective peptide has a C-terminus lysine residue which is directly fused to the N-terminus of the &agr;-hANP, vectors which contain such a DNA sequence, and microorganisms transformed which such a vector are useful for the production of &agr;-hANP.

Abstract: A novel growth factor, persephin, which belongs to the GDNF/neurturin family of growth factors, is disclosed. The mouse and rat amino acid sequences have been identified. Mouse and rat persephin genomic DNA sequences have been cloned and sequenced and the respective cDNA sequences identified. In addition, methods for treating degenerative conditions using persephin, methods for detecting persephin gene alterations and methods for detecting and monitoring patient levels of persephin are provided. Methods for identifying additional members of the persephin-neurturin-GDNF family of growth factors are also provided.

Abstract: The invention includes isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a Rhesus ob gene product that regulates obesity in mammals. A preferred embodiment consisting of a native DNA sequence is disclosed, as are vectors and methods for expressing the Rhesus ob gene product.

Abstract: Purified compounds comprising truncated insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) capable of binding to an antibody specific for the compound or to an insulin-like growth factor wherein the truncated IGFBP has a decreased affinity for insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are described. Recombinant DNA molecules encoding the truncated IGFBPs are also described along with recombinant microorganisms and cell lines containing the DNA molecules and methods for producing the truncated IGFBPs using recombinant hosts containing the relevant DNA molecules. Methods for stimulating mitogenic activity and also for treating a bone disorder in mammals are also described.

Abstract: Wnt-1-Induced Secreted Proteins (WISPs) are provided, whose genes are induced at least by Wnt-1. Also provided are nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides, as well as vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides, and methods for producing the polypeptides.

Abstract: Expression systems are disclosed for the direct expression of peptide products into the culture media where genetically engineered host cells are grown. High yield was achieved with novel vectors, a special selection of hosts, and/or fermentation processes which include careful control of cell growth rate, and use of an inducer during growth phase. Special vectors are provided which include control regions having multiple promoters linked operably with coding regions encoding a signal peptide upstream from a coding region encoding the peptide of interest. Multiple transcription cassettes are also used to increase yield. The production of amidated peptides using the expression systems is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an expression vector of mud loach growth hormone gene and a fast-growing transgenic mud loach transformed with the expression vector. Also disclosed herein is an expression vector containing &bgr;-actin gene regulation site of mud loach which is constructed for expression of useful genes in fishes. The transgenic mud loaches transformed with the expression vector of mud loach growth hormone gene show growth rate of 25 times higher than that of normal mud loaches.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel secreted polypeptide, termed osteoprotegerin, which is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily and is involved in the regulation of bone metabolism. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding osteoprotegerin, polypeptides, recombinant vectors and host cells for expression, antibodies which bind OPG, and pharmaceutical compositions. The polypeptides are used to treat bone diseases characterized by increased resorption such as osteoporosis.

Abstract: The gene expressing the beta subunit of human thyroid stimulating hormone has been isolated. The gene has been incorporated into plasmid pBR322. Vectors can be used to transform cells which in turn produce pure beta subunits. The beta subunits can then be combined with the alpha subunit of human glycoprotein hormones to produce pure thyroid stimulating hormone.

Abstract: Disclosed are (1) a DNA containing a cDNA segment coding for human endothelin-2 (SEQ ID NO:1), (2) a precursor of human endothelin-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), (3) a transformant carrying a DNA containing a cDNA segment coding for human endothelin-2, and (4) a method for preparing mature human endothelin-2 which comprises culturing the transformant described in (3), accumulating a protein in a culture medium, and collecting the same, whereby human endothelin-2 and the precursors thereof can be produced in large amounts.

Abstract: NGF variants which have trkC-binding activity and trkC-signal inducing activity are provided. The variants optionally have trkA or trkB binding and signal induction activity. The NGF variants of the present invention are useful in the treatment of neuronal disorders. Nucleic acids and expression vectors encoding the NGF variant neurotrophins are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are purified and isolated VEGF-C polypeptides capable of binding to at least one of KDR receptor tyrosine kinase (VEGFR-2) and Flt4 receptor tyrosine kinase (VEGFR-3); analogs of such peptides that have VEGF-C-like or VEGF-like biological activities or that are VEGF or VEGF-C inhibitors; polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides; vectors and host cells that embody the polynucleotides; pharmaceutical compositions and diagnostic reagents comprising the polypeptides; and methods of making and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a human glycoprotein hormone having at least one, two, three, four, or five basic amino acids in the &agr;-subunit at positions selected from the group consisting of positions 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, and 20. The invention is also directed to a human glycoprotein where at least one of the amino acids at position 58, 63, and 69 of the &bgr;-subunit of the human thyroid stimulating hormone are basic amino acids. The invention is further directed to a modified human glycoprotein hormone having increased activity over a wild-type human glycoprotein hormone, where the modified human glycoprotein comprises a basic amino acid substituted at a position corresponding to the same amino acid position in a non-human glycoprotein hormone having an increased activity over the wild-type human glycoprotein hormone.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunotherapy of a mammalian subject by exposing the immune response cells of the subject to a nucleic acid construct encoding at least one hCG immunogenic epitope or precursor thereof such that the nucleic acid construct is taken up and processed by the immune response cells. The invention further relates to compositions comprising such hCG-encoding nucleic acid constructs.

Abstract: Human Urotensin II polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing Human Urotensin II polypeptides and polynucleotides in therapy, and diagnostic assays for such.

Abstract: A novel growth factor, artemin, which belongs to the GDNF/neurturin/persephin family of growth factors, is disclosed. The human and mouse amino sequences have been identified. Human and mouse artemin genomic DNA sequences have been cloned and sequenced and the respective cDNA sequences identified. In addition, methods for treating degenerative conditions using artemin, methods for detecting artemin gene alterations and methods for detecting and monitoring patient levels of artemin are provided.

Abstract: Methods for the controllable expression in high yields of heterologous proteins under the control of a modified tryptophan promoter-operator system are disclosed. The system employed involves sequential resort to tryptophan repression and derepression, as well as deletion of an attenuator function native to the tryptophan operon. Means are also disclosed for effecting deletions at any given point within a gene fragment and for the ready identification of transformant bacteria via triple ligation procedures.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to the use of attenuated Coxsackievirus cardiotropic virus vectors as efficient gene transfer vectors to deliver immunomodulatory or other biologically active proteins and/or antigenic epitopes in transient infections to aid in preventing, ameliorating, and/or ablating infectious viral heart disease and reducing, or ablating entirely, heart transplant rejection. Additionally, other organs or tissues may be targeted with specific picornaviruses. In particular, an attenuated CVB3 viral vector able to express a cytokine is provided. This cytokine-expressing viral vector is able to deliver the cytokine to a target tissue and reduce disease symptoms.

Abstract: Polypeptides of HFGAN72 receptor ligands and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides are provided. Methods of using these polypeptides to diagnose diseases relating to the under- or over-expression of HFGAN72 receptor ligands are also provided. In addition, methods of identifying agonists or antagonists of the interaction of HFGAN72 receptor ligands with the HFGAN72 receptor are provided. Methods of treatment by administering the identified agonists or antagonists to patients in need thereof are further disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the control of body weight of animals including mammals and humans, and more particularly to materials identified herein as modulators of body weight, and to diagnostic and therapeutic uses of such modulators. In its broadest aspect, the present invention relates to nucleotide sequences corresponding to the murine and human OB gene, and two isoforms thereof, and proteins expressed by such nucleotides or degenerate variations thereof, that demonstrate the ability to participate in the control of mammalian body weight and that have been postulated to play a critical role in the regulation of body weight and adiposity. The present invention further provides nucleic acid molecules for use as molecular probes or as primers for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. In further aspects, the present invention provides cloning vectors and mammalian expression vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules of the invention.

Abstract: An isolated polynucleotide encoding motoneuronotrophic factor F6.

Abstract: Recombinant materials are provided for the production of the &agr;-glycoprotein hormone subunit. These muteins have utility as antagonists and in altering pharmacokinetic activity of these hormones.

Abstract: Novel somatostatin polypeptides derived from Oncorhynchus mykiss, polynucleotides encoding novel somatostatin polypeptides, and methods for identifying bioactive modified somatostatin polypeptides.

Abstract: Novel serine/threonine receptor proteins and BMP receptor proteins are disclosed, as well as DNA molecules encoding said proteins and methods of using the receptor proteins. Further disclosed are truncated BMP receptor proteins and molecules which act as ligands to said BMP receptor proteins.

Abstract: Purified bone morphogenetic protein-9 (BMP-9) proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed. The proteins may be used in the treatment of bone and cartilage defects and in wound healing and related tissue repair.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing somatotropins in plants and transgenic plant seeds containing somatotropins. The method provides an economical way to produce somatotropins.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel secreted polypeptide, termed Osteoprotegerin, which is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily and is involved in the regulation of bone metabolism. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding Osteoprotegerin, polypeptides, recombinant vectors and host cells for expression, antibodies which bind Osteoprotegerin, and pharmaceutical compositions. The polypeptides are used to treat bone diseases characterized by increased resorption such as osteoporosis.

Abstract: A desired protein having the formula:

Abstract: Novel dorsal growth inducing factors, complexes including the factors, and DNA or RNA coding sequences for the factors are described.

Abstract: The invention provides artificial chromosome constructs containing foreign nucleic acid sequences, such as viral nucleic acid sequences, and methods of using these artificial chromosome constructs for therapy and recombinant virus production.

Abstract: Endothelial cell growth factor is achieved through the application of recombinant DNA technology to prepare cloning vehicles encoding the ECGF protein and procedures are disclosed for recovering ECGF protein essentially free of other proteins of human origin. The product is useful for, among other purposes, diagnostic applications and as potential in the treatment of damaged blood vessels or other endothelial cell-lined structures.

Abstract: A recombinant DNA molecule coding for human parathyroid hormone operably linked to an inducible bacterial promoter, a leader growth hormone sequence, and a selective enzymatic cleavage site, expression of the molecule in bacteria, and methods for producing large quantities of human parathyroid hormone and its variants.