Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a novel human receptor type tyrosine kinase gene, KDR, is disclosed. The isolation of this KDR cDNA sequence results in disclosure of purified forms of human KDR protein, recombinant vectors and recombinant hosts which express human KDR.

Abstract: Human papillomavirus (HPV) antigen formulations are disclosed which prevent protein aggregation and show prolonged stability as aqueous solutions. These formulations comprise a salt (such as sodium chloride) and a non-ionic surfactant (Polysorbate 80 such as Tween 80®) in physiologically acceptable concentrations.

Abstract: To date, L-glutamate-gated chloride (GluCl) channels have been observed only in invertebrate organisms. Modulators of this channel (either agonists or antagoinists) will interfere with neurotransmission. For example, agents such as avermectins activate the GluCl, causing paralysis due to blocking of neurotranmitter release, resulting in death of the organism. Because GluCl channels are invertebreate specific, they are excellent targets for the discovery of novel insecticides, anthelminths and parasiticides that will display a marked safety profile because of the lack of mechanism based toxicity in vertebrate organisms. The present specification discloses isolation of a cDNA clone from the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis (CfGluCl-1) that encodes a L-glutamate-gated chloride channel. Heterologous expression of CfGluCl-1 cRNA in Xenopus oocytes results in robust expression of a L-glutamate-gated chloride current and the channel is activated and potentiated by avermectins.

Abstract: A novel prostaglandin receptor has been identified and DNA encoding the receptor has been isolated, purified, sequenced and expressed in host cells. This DNA encoding the novel prostaglandin receptor and host cells expressing the receptor are used to identify modulators of the prostaglandin receptor.

Abstract: Subject of this invention is a process for the chemical synthesis of polynucleotides having totally or partially random sequences, based on the utilization, as synthesis monomer units for the random sequence part, or presynthesized mononucleotides and dinucleotides. Said synthesis is carried out on separate supports, so that on each of those supports is alternated at least one reaction cycle wherein a mixture of said dinucleotides is bound, with at least one reaction cycle wherein a mononucleotide is bound, and that in a preferred embodiment at the end of the n cycles required for a codon synthesis, the supports are mixed and then redivided into one or more reaction containers. The resulting polynucleotides are such that, for the random sequence part, each trinucleotide unit is fit to match only a limited number of codons, predefined for each unity in number and sequence, and the genetic code degeneracy effects can thus be eliminated. FIG.

Abstract: A new galanin receptor, GALR2, is described. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding same and various assays to identify ligands particular to said receptor. Ligands so identified are useful for the treatment of obesity, treatment of pain, and treatment of cognitive disorders.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided nucleic acids encoding human NMDA receptor protein subunits and the proteins encoded thereby. The NMDA receptor subunits of the invention comprise components of NMDA receptors that have cation-selective channels and bind glutamate and NMDA. In one aspect of the invention, the nucleic acids encode NMDAR1 and NMDAR2 subunits of human NMDA receptors. In a preferred embodiment, the invention nucleic acids encode NMDAR1, NMDAR2A, NMDAR2B, NMDAR2C and NMDAR2D subunits of human NMDA receptors. In addition to being useful for the production of NMDA receptor subunit proteins, these nucleic acids are also useful as probes, thus enabling those skilled in the art, without undue experimentation, to identify and isolate related human receptor subunits.

Abstract: DNAs encoding bradykinin B1 receptors from mammalian cells have been cloned and characterized. The recombinant receptor is capable of forming receptors which bind desArg10 kallidin and other B1-specific ligands. The DNA has been expressed in recombinant host cells which produce active recombinant protein. In addition, the recombinant host cells are utilized to establish a method for identifying modulators of the receptor activity, and receptor modulators are identified.

Abstract: DNA encoding human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha and beta subunits, mammalian and amphibian cells containing the DNA, methods for producing &agr; and &bgr; subunits and isolated or substantially pure &agr;4, &agr;7 and &bgr;4 subunits are provided. In addition, cells that expresses these subunits singly or combination with other subunits of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and methods using the cells are provided.

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: This invention is directed to compounds and ligands that bind to peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPAR) &ggr;1 and &ggr;2 and which function as antiproliferative, antiviral and antitumour agents. The invention is also directed to the use of PPAR &ggr;1 and &ggr;2 to identify such compounds and methods of using the compounds for medical uses.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to DNA molecules encoding purified human papillomavirus type 6a and compounds derived therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for increasing the yield of disulfide bonded recombinant proteins produced by yeast, especially recombinant secreted proteins The enzyme protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) catalyzes the formation of disulfide bonds in secretory and cell-surface proteins. We disclose the construction of recombinant strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae which overproduce either human PDI or yeast PDI in a regulated fashion. These strains show greatly increased secretion of disulfide bonded proteins of potential therapeutic significance. These strains have the potential to increase the production of various disulfide bonded proteins.

Abstract: Vaccine stabilizers, vaccine formulations and lyophilized vaccines with enhanced thermostability are disclosed. The vaccine formulations comprise an increased amount of a 6-carbon polyhydric alcohol (such as sorbitol), an increase amount of a disaccharide (such as sucrose) and an amount of a physiologically active buffer to adjust the pH from about 6.0 to about 7.0.

Abstract: A new galanin receptor, GALR2, is described. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding same and various assays to identify ligands particular to said receptor. Ligands so identified are useful for the treatment of obesity, treatment of pain, and treatment of cognitive disorders.

Abstract: Vaccine formulations comprising recombinant early (E) and late (L) proteins of papillomavirus and oxidized mannan as well as methods of making and using the formulations are provided.

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: New human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine formulations exhibit enhanced long-term stability. Formulation components can include: virus-like particles (VLPs) absorbed onto aluminum, a salt, non-ionic surfactant, and a buffer. Additional formulations also contain a polymeric polyanionic stabilizer and a salt either in the presence or absence buffering agents and nonionic detergent.

Abstract: Human Papillomavirus vaccine formulations which contain virus-like particles (VLPs) can be made more stable and have an enhanced shelf-life, by treating the VLPs to a disassembly and reassembly process. Also provided are formulation buffers to long term stable storage of VLPs.

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.