Abstract: Methods for making proteins with anti-angiogenic properties are disclosed. The system used is a yeast expression system which produces biologically active proteins at high titer.

Abstract: Proteins with anti-angiogenic properties are disclosed, and methods of using those proteins to inhibit angiogenesis.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of inhibiting proliferative diseases characterized by TGF-&bgr;-mediated angiogenesis.

Abstract: Purified BMP-17 and BMP-18 proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed. DNA molecules encoding the BMP-17 and BMP-18 proteins are also disclosed. The proteins may be used in the treatment of bone, cartilage, other connective tissue defects and disorders, including tendon, ligament and meniscus, in wound healing and related tissue repair, as well as for treatment of disorders and defects to tissues which include epidermis, nerve, muscle, including cardiac muscle, and other tissues and wounds, and organs such as liver, lung, epithelium, brain, spleen, cardiac, pancreas and kidney tissue. The proteins may also be useful for the induction of growth and/or differentiation of undifferentiated embryonic and stem cells.

Abstract: Novel human megakaryocyte stimulating factors (MSFS) capable of stimulating the growth and development of colonies of megakaryocytes, pharmaceutical compositions containing same, and methods for their preparation and use are provided.

Abstract: Purified BMP-11 proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed. Recombinant DNA molecules encoding the BMP-11 proteins are also disclosed. The proteins may be useful in regulating follicle stimulating hormone, such as for contraception. In addition, the proteins may be useful for the induction and/or maintenance of bone, cartilage and/or other connective tissue, and/or neuronal tissue.

Abstract: Purified BMP-16 proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed. DNA molecules encoding the BMP-16 proteins are also disclosed. The proteins may be used in the treatment of bone, cartilage, other connective tissue defects and disorders, including tendon, ligament and meniscus, in wound healing and related tissue repair, as well as for treatment of disorders and defects to tissues which include epidermis, nerve, muscle, including cardiac muscle, and other tissues and wounds, and organs such as liver, lung, cardiac, pancreas and kidney tissue. The proteins may also be useful for the induction of growth and/or differentiation of undifferentiated embryonic and stem cells.

Abstract: A MORT1 gene initially cloned from HeLa cells and identified as a member of the receptor mediated apoptotic pathway, is expressed in the human neuronal cell line, NTERA2. Isolation of the MORT1 from this cell line revealed a transcript isoform that differed from the known MORT1 sequence by a deletion of 21 base pairs (bp 172-192 of the coding sequence). Cloning of MORT1 from adult human brain revealed two isoforms, one similarly deleted for bp 172-192, the other with a basepair substitution, A for G at position 173. Assessment of MORT1 function in a yeast two hybrid system indicates that the deleted and intact forms of MORT1 differ in their capacity to interact with other members of the apoptotic pathway.

Abstract: Purified BMP-3 proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed. They may be used in the treatment of bone and cartilage defects and in wound healing and related tissue repair.

Abstract: Purified Frazzled proteins, including WG67-16, WG67-19 and WA628, and processes for producing them are disclosed. DNA molecules encoding the Frazzled proteins, including WG67-16, WG67-19 and WA628, are also disclosed. The proteins may be used in modulating the binding of Wnt genes to their receptor. They are useful in the modulation of cellular formation, growth, differentiation, proliferation and/or maintenance of a variety of adult and embryonic tissues and organs.

Abstract: Provided by the present invention are topical formulations of Interleukin-11 and methods for treating a variety of disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, indeterminate colitis, and infectious colitis), mucositis (e.g., oral mucositis, gastrointestinal mucositis, nasal mucositis, and proctitis), necrotizing enterocolitis, inflammatory skin disorders (e.g., psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and contact hypersensitivity), aphthous ulcers, pharyngitis, esophagitis, peptic ulcers, gingivitis, periodontitis, and ocular diseases (e.g., conjunctivitis, retinitis, and uveitis).

Abstract: A novel mammalian cytokine, IL-11, and processes for producing it are disclosed. IL-11 may be used in pharmaceutical preparations for stimulating and/or enhancing cells involved in the immune response and cells involved in the proper functioning of the hematopoietic system.

Abstract: Purified BMP-15-related proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed. DNA molecules encoding the BMP-15-related proteins are also disclosed. The proteins may be used in the treatment of bone and cartilage and/or other connective tissue defects and in wound healing and related tissue repair.

Abstract: Purified BMP-17 and BMP-18 proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed. DNA molecules encoding the BMP-17 and BMP-18 proteins are also disclosed. The proteins may be used in the treatment of bone, cartilage, other connective tissue defects and disorders, including tendon, ligament and meniscus, in wound healing and related tissue repair, as well as for treatment of disorders and defects to tissues which include epidermis, nerve, muscle, including cardiac muscle, and other tissues and wounds, and organs such as liver, lung, epithelium, brain, spleen, cardiac, pancreas and kidney tissue. The proteins may also be useful for the induction of growth and/or differentiation of undifferentiated embryonic and stem cells.

Abstract: Provided by the present invention are methods of treating psoriasis using IL-11.

Abstract: Provided by the present invention are methods of treating a variety of disorders including AIDS, arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondyloarthropathies), antibiotic induced diarrheal diseases (Clostridium difficile), multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, gingivitis, peptic ulcer disease, esophagitis, diabetes, retinitis, uveitis, reperfusion injury after myocardial infarction (MI) or cerebral vascular accident (CVA), aphthous ulcers (oral), atherosclerosis (plaque rupture), prevention of tumor metastases, asthma, preeclampsia, and allergic disorders such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and urticaria.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for lyophilization of protein and/or pharmaceutical products, wherein said apparatus utilizes a dry vacuum pump for the direct removal of water vapor, rather than a cold trap condenser. A freeze dryer has a vacuum pump which is connected directly to a drying chamber without the use of a cold trap condenser. The exhaust of the vacuum pump is vented directly to atmosphere. Water vapor generated in the process is directly removed from the chamber by the vacuum pump. The apparatus permits lyophilization of pharmaceuticals e.g. antibiotics, vitamins products, vaccines, and biological protein solutions. The dryer operates on a batch basis or may be designed to perform continuous production.

Abstract: Compositions of proteins with cartilaginous tissue inducing and maintenance activity are disclosed. The compositions are useful in the treatment of osteoarthritis, cartilage defects and in related tissue repair.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for converting Taxol A, B and C to Taxol primary amine which can then be easily and efficiently converted to Taxol A or docetaxel, thereby significantly increasing the yield of these products from biomass. The method includes the removal of the amide from the side-chain with Schwartz's reagent to form an imine, followed by the hydrolysis of the imine to the primary amine. The primary amine can then be converted to Taxol A or docetaxel. New Taxol imine compounds and primary amine salts have been formed by this process.