Abstract: Human, swine and rat growth hormone secretagogue receptors have been isolated, cloned and sequenced. Growth hormone secretagogue receptors are new members of the G-protein family of receptors. The growth hormone secretagogue receptors may be used to screen and identify compounds which bind to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. Such compounds may be used in the treatment of conditions which occur when there is a shortage of growth hormone, such as observed in growth hormone deficient children, elderly patients with musculoskeletal impairment and recovering from hip fracture and osteoporosis.

Abstract: Adenoviral particles are produced by incubating cells containing a helper adenovirus vector and a helper-dependent adenoviral vector including an Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) rep gene, such as rep 78. Cells are provided containing a helper adenovirus vector. A helper-dependent adenoviral vector including an AAV rep gene is introduced into the cells, for instance by infection with infective viral particles. The cells are incubated to produce adenoviral particles containing nucleic acid including the AAV rep gene. Advantageously, cells containing helper adenovirus vector are pre-incubated for 0.5-12 hours, preferably about 4 hours, to allow expression of viral proteins required for adenoviral genome replication before introducing the helper-dependent adenovirus vector including an AAV rep gene.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention are recombinant defective adenoviruses comprising a heterologous DNA sequence coding for a mutein having the activity of human Interleukin 6 (hIL-6) antagonists or superantagonist. Moreover, the invention refers to therapeutical uses thereof, in particular for preparing pharmaceutical compositions for treating and/or preventing pathologies caused by hIL-6 overproduction.

Abstract: A process of purifying target molecules is described that involves the selection of ligands based on identifying, in real time, association and dissociation constants with a given target molecule; using this information to select at least one ligand that exhibit predetermined association and dissociation constants with a given target molecule; anchoring a quantity of ligand to an activated solid support; contacting a quantity of target molecules with the anchored ligand(s); removing low affinity target molecules from anchored ligand and eluting particularly pure target molecules.

Abstract: Anti-peptide antibody raised against a portion of human cytochrome P450 3A4 is disclosed. A particular anti-peptide antibody was raised against a 21-amino acid peptide corresponding to residues 253-273 of human cytochrome P450 3A4. High titer antibodies were produced by rabbits immunized with this peptide as judged by ELISA. This anti-peptide antibody is specific for human CYP3A4 and exhibited greater than 90-95% inhibition of testosterone 6&bgr;-hydroxylation, while other cytochrome P450-mediated reactions in human liver microsomes were not inhibited. An inhibitory epitope has been mapped within amino acids 261-267 of human CYP3A4.

Abstract: The rat ob receptor gene has been isolated and cloned. Two different alleles have been identified: the wild-type, and the fa-allele which differs from the wild type by only one base pair. The base pair change, however introduces an MspI restriction site into the DNA sequence, and also results in an amino acid change. Also part of the invention are the receptors, vectors containing the nucleic acid encoding the receptors, host cells transformed with this gene, and assays which use the gene or protein and identify new ligands.

Abstract: The ob receptor has numerous isoforms resulting from alternative splicaing; three novel isoforms, designated c′, f, and g are disclosed. The nucleic acids encoding these isoforms are taught. Also part of the invention are vectors containing the nucleic acid encoding the receptors, host cells transformed with these genes, and assays which use the genes or protein isoforms.

Abstract: An assay for the detection of growth hormone secretagogue receptors and growth hormone secretagogue related receptors is described. As these receptors are a member of the G protein coupled receptors, a subunit of the G protein must be present in order for expression to be detected. A similar assay is described where the presence of growth hormone secretagogues are detected.

Abstract: A microcarrier based process to produce viral vaccines, of which one example is hepatitis A virus (HAV), is composed of an aggregated microcarrier system of glass coated polystyrene microcarriers and MRC-5 cells which creates a stable environment for the propagation of the virus over even extended infection periods. The microcarrier aggregates formed according to this process eliminate the sloughing of cells from the beads during long cultivations seen in other systems, allowing high virus productivity in microcarrier culture. The methodology is applicable where virus production can be enhanced by creating a stable culture during an extended infection period. Scalable stirred bioreactors are used instead of multiple parallel stationary surface bioreactors.

Abstract: The full-length mouse .beta.3 integrin has been cloned and sequenced. A new form of .beta.3 integrin (.beta.3-trunc also been cloned and sequenced.

Abstract: A trans-activation assay for leptin is described. Leptin response elements are located proximal to a promoter, and the promoter region is operatively linked to a reporter gene. When leptin binds with the receptor, the reporter gene is transcribed.

Abstract: Gene therapy can treat obesity in mammals. An adenoviral vector encoding a leptin gene is delivered intravenously to a mammal with a deficiency in functional leptin to decrease weight, decrease serum insulin levels or decrease serum glucose levels.