Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a cDNA clone encoding a new human .beta. subunit which was designated .beta..sub.5 was found. Probes for this nucleotide sequence are described. In addition, the .beta..sub.5 protein, its associated subunit and its cell distribution were characterized. In another embodiment, this invention relates to assays for detecting this protein. .beta..sub.5 subunit was found present on carcinomas, but absent from lymphoid cells. Consequently, this protein can be used to determine the presence of carcinoma.

Abstract: Disclosed are (1) a genomic DNA of human PACAP38; (2) a DNA containing a DNA segment coding for human PACAP38; (3) a DNA of human PACAP 38 promotor; (4) a transformant carrying a vector which contains a DNA of (3) or further contains a DNA coding for a protein downstream from the promotor; and (5) a method for preparing a protein comprising cultivating the transformant described in the above (4), accumulating the protein in a culture product, and collecting the resulting protein such as mature PACAP 38. The DNA gives human PACAP 38 effectively and makes it possible to screen the chemical substance necessary for production of PACAP and is applied to experimental animals to understand their brain functions, which serves to elucidate human brain functions. Human PACAP38 can also be utilized as therapeutic agents about growth and maintenance of human brain nerves.

Abstract: The present invention provides a glycoprotein derived from human cell membrane, which has a molecular weight of 20 to 25 Kd as estimated by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and contains N-glycoside type carbohydrate chain and phosphatidylinositol, and possesses an inhibitory activity to complement-mediated cell membrane damage. The present invention further provides a gene coding for the glycoprotein, and a method for the production of the glycoprotein and the gene therefor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fusion protein, comprising a pilin protein or a portion thereof and a heterologous polypeptide (target protein). In a preferred embodiment it relates to a method for displaying the target protein on the outer surface of a bacterial host cell capable of forming pilus. In certain embodiments, it is desirable that the pilus is a receptor for bacteriophage attachment and infection. The F pilus is preferred.

Abstract: There is provided a lactam ring-containing polymer comprising: 20 to 100 molar % of a structural unit represented by the general formula (1); 0 to 70 molar % of a structural unit represented by the general formula (2); and 0 to 70 molar % of a structural unit represented by the general formula (3) and/or a structural unit represented by the general formula (4): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and X represents COOR.sup.4 and/or CONR.sup.5 R.sup.6 in which R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 each represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl.The polymer is excellent in heat resistance and is expected to be used for resin modifiers, polymeric additives for petroleum tertiary recovery, and other various applications.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there are provided hepatic parenchymal cell growth factor obtained by recombinant DNA technology, a gene coding for the factor, an expression vector capable of expressing the gene, a cell, in particular animal cell, transformed with the expression vector, and a process for producing the hepatic parenchymal cell growth factor.

Abstract: Recombinant DNA polymerases from archaebacteria as well as isolated DNA coding for such polymerases are provided. The isolated DNA is obtained by use of DNA or antibody probes prepared from the DNA encoding T. litoralis DNA polymerase and the T. litoralis DNA polymerase respectively. Also provided are methods for producing recombinant archaebacteria thermostable DNA polymerase and methods for enhancing the expression of such polymerases by identifying, locating and removing introns from within the DNA coding for such DNA polymerases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cathepsin L inhibitor containing a compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom or an arylalkyl, heterocyclic-alkyl or lower alkyl group which may be substituted; R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 independently are a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon residue which may be substituted; R.sup.4 is an alkanoyl, sulfonyl, carbonyloxy, carbamoyl or thiocarbamoyl group which may be substituted; X is formula: --CHO or --CH.sub.2 OB (wherein B is a hydrogen atom or a protecting group of hydroxyl group); m and n independently are an integer of 0 or 1; provided that R.sup.4 is an alkanoyl group substituted by aryl, a sulfonyl group substituted by aryl having more than 9 carbon atoms or by lower alkyl, or a carbamoyl or thiocarbamoyl group which may be substituted when R.sup.1 is an unsubstituted lower alkyl, arylalkyl on methylthioethyl group, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 independently are a lower alkyl or arylalkyl, X is --CHO, m is 1 and n is 0 or 1, or a salt thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are a bispecific hybrid MoAb having specificity for both an activated platelet and a substance having thrombolytic activity, and a thrombolytic agent comprising the above bispecific MoAb and a substance having thrombolytic activity immunologically bound thereto, whereby efficient, rapid thrombolysis is possible.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to modified proteins and methods of their production. The modified proteins comprise a controllable intervening protein sequence (CIVPS) inserted into a target protein, the CIVPS being capable of excision from the modified protein under predetermined conditions, i.e., increase in temperature, exposure to light, unblocking of amino acid residues by dephosphorylation or deglycosylation. If desired, the modified protein can be subjected to these conditions. The CIVPS may also be inserted into a region that substantially inactivates target protein activity.

Abstract: Disclosed are a monoclonal antibody having affinity for PACAP, a partial peptide thereof, a precursor thereof or VIP; a hybridoma cell which produces the above monoclonal antibody; and an immunoassay for assaying PACAP by a competitive method or a sandwich method using the above antibody, whereby PACAP can be specifically detected with high sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of these cyclophilins, hereinafter referred to as "cyclophilin-like proteins (CLP)", in a method for identifying compounds capable of binding to and/or inhibiting the enzymatic activity of these proteins. Such compounds may be further screened for their ability to inhibit parasites which are not susceptible to the anti-parasitic effects of CsA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monclonal antibody capable of suppressing the motility of cancer cells, a polypeptide recognizable by said anti-cancer antibody and its fragment peptides which is capable of suppressing the motility of cancer cells.The present invention also relates to a production and a use for preventing the matastasis of cancer thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid cell line producing monoclonal antibody to an acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) protein. The hybridoma is established by fusing spleen cells from immunized mice with myeloma cells. The hybridomas are cultured as clones, and antibodies obtained from the individual clones are tested for their specificity for aFGF protein. Antibodies can be obtained from the culture growth medium or from ascitic fluid of mice bearing the hybridoma tumor. Diagnostic and therapeutic uses of the monoclonal antibody are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition having improved stability which comprises a fumagillol derivative and a fatty acid ester of glycerin or polyglycerin is disclosed. The composition is useful for treating diseases associated with angiogenesis such as hepatoma, etc.

Abstract: The invention pertains to self-assembled replication defective hybrid virus-like particles having capsid and membrane glycoproteins from at least two different virus types and method of making same. Recombinant viral vectors as well as the viral particles can be used as immunogens and drug delivery vehicles.

Abstract: This invention describes pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating ulcerating diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in mammals with an acid-resistant fibroblast growth factor compositions. Also described is the use of acid-resistant fibroblast growth factor compositions in the treatment of various other fibroblast growth factor-responsive conditions.

Abstract: An expression vector comprises a cDNA sequence encoding an aFGF protein and a T7 promoter upstream therefrom. The vector is useful for transforming host cells and expressing the aFGF gene.