Abstract: The invention relates to the isolation of a nucleic acid molecule which encodes an esophageal cancer associated antigen. Also a part of the invention is the antigen itself, and the uses of the nucleic acid molecule and the antigen.

Abstract: A new down-regulated gene called DRA, for down regulated in adenoma, maps to chromosome 7 and is believed to encode a tumor suppressor. The DRA gene encodes a highly hydrophobic protein with charged clusters located primarily in the carboxyl terminus. Additionally, the expression of the mRNA product appears to be strictly limited to the mucosa of normal colon and it is down-regulated early in colon tumorigenesis. Absence of the DRA polypeptide in tissue that usually expresses it can be used as an indicator of tissue abnormality. The DRA gene and cDNA may also have therapeutic capabilities as well.

Abstract: Antagonists to basic fibroblast growth factor, a 146 amino acid residue polypeptide, are produced. These antagonists are generally between 10 and 45 residues in length and are characterized by their ability to interact with the FGF receptor and/or inhibit and therefore modulate endothelial and other cell growth in vitro and also in vivo. These antagonists includes the sequence of bovine basic FGF(106-115), namely Tyr-Arg-Ser-Arg-Lys-Tyr-Ser-Ser-Trp-Tyr or a sequence having equivalent residues substituted therein. These peptides are also antagonistic to acidic FGF and other members of the family of FGF peptides. They are effective to combat FGF-promoted mitosis in melanomas and the like.

Abstract: Novel recombinant HTLV-III fusion proteins denoted R10, PB1, 590, KH1, and the HIV portion of each of these proteins are useful in the diagnosis, prophylaxis or therapy of AIDS. Protein R10 is a 95 kD fusion protein; protein PB1 is a 26 kD fusion protein; protein 590 is an 86 kD fusion protein; and protein KH1 is a 70 kD fusion protein. These proteins are considered to be especially useful to prepare vaccines for the HTLV-III virus.