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: The invention is a series of synthetic virus-like particles comprising a heterologous conformational epitope useful in the characterization of human papillomavirus infection, and useful to vaccinate individual for protection against HPV 6 and HPV 11 infections, and assays employing the synthetic virus-like particles.

Abstract: The invention discloses a cDNA consisting of human cyclooxygenase-2 cDNA attached to 3′ flanking sequence of human cyclooxygenase-1 methods for increasing the expression of human cyclooxygenase-2 in transformed cells and assays for preferentially and independently measuring cyclogenase-2 in samples.

Abstract: A mouse growth hormone secretagogue receptor has been isolated, cloned and sequenced. This receptor is characteristic of the G-protein family of receptors. Mouse growth hormone secretagogue receptors may be used to screen and identify compoumds which bind to the mouse 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 those recovering from hip fracture and osteoporosis. Targeted disruption of the mouse GHS-R gene may prove useful in elucidation of the mechanism of action and role of the growth hormone secretagogues in human and animal physiology.

Abstract: Isolated DNA encoding each of human calcium channel &agr;1-, &agr;2-, &bgr;- and &ggr;-subunits, including subunits that arise as splice variants of primary transcripts, is provided. Cells and vectors containing the DNA and methods for identifying compounds that modulate the activity of human calcium channels are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rhesus monkey DNA molecules encoding the melanocortin-5 receptor protein, recombinant vectors comprising DNA molecules encoding rhesus MC-5R, recombinant host cells which contain a recombinant vectors encoding rhesus MC-5R, the rhesus MC-5R protein encoded by the DNA molecule, and methods of identifying selective agonists and antagonists of rhesus MC-5R.

Abstract: Helper dependent adenoviral vectors encoding erythropoietin (epo) provide high levels of epo to achieve a long-term therapeutically effective dosage, and allow for repeat administration to patients with disorders such as anaemia of Chronic Renal Failure (CFR), anaemias due to beta-thalassaemia, and sickle cell anaemia (SCA).

Abstract: The present invention provides mice that have had their PTP-1B genes disrupted by targeted homologous recombination. The mice have no detectable PTP-1B protein, yet appear to be physiologically normal. However, in the fed state on a normal diet, the mice have half the level of circulating insulin as their wild-type littermates. In glucose and insulin tolerance tests, the mice show an increased insulin sensitivity. When fed a high fat, high carbohydrate diet, the mice show a resistance to weight gain as compared to their wild-type littermates. Methods making the mice and cell lines derived from the mice are also provided. The present invention also provides methods of identifying inhibitors of the enzymatic activity of PTP-1B as well as inhibitors identified by such methods.

Abstract: A process for purifying papillomavirus virus-like particles (VLPs) includes the step of passing a partially purified VLP-containing solution through a hydroxyapatite chromatography column. The VLPs are then eluted using a buffer containing phosphate anion. The advantages of this method include the recovery of a high yield of intact VLPs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rhesus monkey DNA molecules encoding the melanocortin-4 receptor protein, recombinant vectors comprising DNA molecules encoding rhesus MC-4R, recombinant host cells which contain a recombinant vectors encoding rhesus MC-4R, the rhesus MC-4R protein encoded by the DNA molecule, and methods of identifying selective agonists and antagonists of rhesus MC-4R.

Abstract: Protozoal cyclic GMP dependent protein kinases have been isolated and cloned. These enzymes may be used in screening assays to identify potential antiprotozoal agents.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules encoding human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha and beta subunits, mammalian and amphibian cells containing the nucleic acid molecules, and methods for producing alpha and beta subunits are provided. In particular, nucleic acid molecules encoding &agr;6 subunits and molecules encoding &bgr;3 subunits of human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are provided. In addition, combinations of a plurality of subunits, such as one or more of &agr;1, &agr;2, &agr;3, &agr;4, &agr;5, &agr;6 and/or &agr;7 subunits in combination with one or more of &bgr;3 subunits or such as one or more of &bgr;2, &bgr;3 and/or &bgr;4 subunits in combination with an &agr;6 subunit are provided.

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: A new galanin receptor, GALR3, 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: Methods for identifying compounds which modulate the activity of human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are provided. Invention methods employ DNAs encoding alpha and beta subunits of human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and the polypeptides encoded thereby. Test cells useful for conducting invention assays include mammalian and amphibian cells containing said DNA. Various combinations of subunits (i.e., one or more &agr;2, &agr;3, &agr;4, &agr;5, &agr;6 and &agr;7 subunits in combination with &bgr;2, &bgr;3 and/or &bgr;4 subunits) can be employed for the invention assays.

Abstract: Human papillomavirus virus-like particles (VLPs) are subjected to various maturation conditions, including incubation at higher temperatures, exposure to soluble metals or thios-oxidation. The resultant matured VLPs are more stable, and can be used to make a vaccine formulation with increased shelf life and higher potency.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided nucleic acids encoding human metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes and the proteins encoded thereby. In a particular embodiment, the invention nucleic acids encode mGluR1, mGluR2, mGluR3 and mGluR5 subtypes of human metabotropic glutamate receptors. In addition to being useful for the production of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes, 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. In addition to disclosing novel metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes, the present invention also comprises methods for using such receptor subtypes to identify and characterize compounds which affect the function of such receptors, e.g., agonists, antagonists, and modulators of glutamate receptor function.

Abstract: Adenoviral vectors are used to transfer a promoter/reporter gene construct to mammalian cell cultures. The promoter/reporter gene construct is used to determine if a candidate inducing agent has promoter-inducing activity; or can be used to determine if a candidate promoter has activity in the presence of a known inducer.

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: 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.