Abstract: Diagnostics and therapeutics for osteoporosis, which are based on the identification of the subject's IL-1 haplotype pattern are described.

Abstract: The present provides a mammal in which the expression of one or more interleukin genes has been suppressed. More specifically, the invention concerns the inactivating deletion of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene to produce a knock-out non-human mammal with decreased or completely suppressed expression of the endogenous gene. The invention provides methods for preparing such knock-out mammals and methods of using the knock-out mammals to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic agents and regimens to treat diseases or disorders associated with perturbations in the interleukin pathways.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for engineering and selecting an active protease able to cleave a user-defined target amino acid sequence. The method is useful for designing proteases for medical therapeutics and industrial applications.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids encoding Pitx3 polypeptides, fragments thereof and homologs thereof and Pitx3 polypeptides encoded thereby. Pitx3 polypeptides play an important role in development of eye structures, e.g., the lens, and was shown herein to be associated with the formation of cataracts and Anterior Segment Mesenchymal Dysgenesis (ASMD). Thus, the invention provides methods for predicting whether a subject has or is at risk of developing cataracts or other disease associated with an aberrant Pitx3, by determining, e.g., whether the subject has a genetic lesion in a Pitx3 gene, such as a 17 bp insertion, characteristic of cataract development and ASMD or a base pair substitution at codon 13. Methods for treating cataracts or diseases or conditions associated with an aberrant Pitx3, e.g., by administering to the subject a Pitx3 therapeutic, are also disclosed, as well as assays for identifying Pitx3 therapeutics.

Abstract: Glaucoma compositions comprising the GLC1A gene are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and kits for determining whether a subject has or is predisposed to developing a disease which is associated with IL-1 polymorphisms and assays for identifying therapeutics for treating and/or preventing the development of these diseases are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides bicyclic metabotropic glutamate receptor ligands, as well as compositions comprising such ligands, and and methods for their use.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of evaluating transplant rejection in a host comprising determining a heightened magnitude of gene expression of two out of three immune activation marker genes perforin, granzyme B and Fas ligand, in a tissue biopsy or peripheral blood mononuclear cell sample, particularly using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; methods of assessing antirejection therapy; and kits for use in evaluating transplant rejection.

Abstract: The invention provides a compound of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, and Y have any of the meanings defined in the specification; as well a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula I; intermediates and methods useful for preparing a compound of formula I; and therapeutic methods for treating drug addiction, Parkinson's disease or depression comprising administering a compound of formula I, to a mammal in need of such treatment.

Abstract: An efficient, technically straightforward and inexpensive process for generating conjugates of phospholipids with biologically important molecules is described.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Polemonium plant named Stairway to Heaven, characterized by its distinct white and gray variegated foliage with violet flowers beginning in May and continuing to flower for 14-21 days in mid-spring.