Abstract: The invention features screening assays for compounds that are potentially useful for treating or preventing a proliferative disease. The assays are based on contacting a candidate compound with a cell containing a nucleic acid including a HER2 regulatory element and a reporter sequence. In addition, the invention features compounds identified by the assays of the invention. The invention further features compounds structurally related to those identified by the screening assays. Finally, the invention features methods of treating or preventing a proliferative disease using the compounds of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liposomal formulation that is capable of fusing with cells. The liposomal formulation may contain an agent for delivery to cells. The invention also provides compositions and methods for making the liposomal formulation and for liposomal drug delivery. These include methods of killing microbes and of treatment and prevention of microbial infections through the administration of such a formulation.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel apoptosis protein: p28 Bap31. Also provided are p28 Bap31 polypeptide fragments, p28 Bap31 antisense nucleic acid molecules, anti-p28 Bap31 antibodies, and methods for modulating apoptosis and for detecting compounds which modulate apoptosis.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel protein, EGL-1, involved in cell death and methods for identifying compounds and genes which affect the cell death pathway.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of use for a novel chemokine binding protein 5(type-2 CBP) encoded by poxviruses and having amino acid sequence homology with the Shope fibroma virus T1 family of proteins against disease syndromes associated with acute or chronic dysregulated inflammatory responses.

Abstract: The invention features a hydrofoil device for reducing wake formation on a partially immersed hull of a sailing or motor vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying or stratifying subjects having Alzheimer's disease or at risk for Alzheimer's disease by determining the genotype at nucleotide 172 of the PON1 allele of the subject.

Abstract: The invention features p28 Bap31 polypeptides and nucleic acids. The invention also features methods for modulating apoptosis using these polypeptides and nucleic acids, and methods for identifying apoptosis-modulating compounds.

Abstract: The invention features substantially pure NRAGE polypeptides. The invention also features substantially pure nucleic acids encoding these polypeptides. The polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention are useful for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes, and for drug discovery.

Abstract: The present invention features methods and compounds for treating or preventing a cell death disease or inflammation, and methods for synthesizing wedelolactone.

Abstract: A reverse transfection method of introducing DNA of interest into cells and arrays, including microarrays, of reverse transfected cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is substantially pure DNA encoding mammalian IAP polypeptides; substantially pure polypeptides; and methods of using such DNA to express the IAP polypeptides in cells and animals to inhibit apoptosis. Also disclosed are conserved regions characteristic of the IAP-family and primers and probes for the identification and isolation of additional IAP genes. In addition, methods for treating diseases and disorders involving apoptosis are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides novel XAF nucleic acid sequences. Also provided are XAF polypeptides, anti-XAF antibodies, and methods for modulating apoptosis and detecting compounds which modulate apoptosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of use for a novel type I chemokine binding protein encoded by poxviruses and having amino acid sequence homology with the myxoma virus T7 interferon-&ggr; receptor homolog against disease syndromes associated with acute or chronic dysregulated inflammatory responses.

Abstract: Matrices that include a macrostructure having a semi-solid network and voids, and a microstructure having voids, in which the microstructure is located within the semi-solid network are disclosed. Methods for preparing these matrices are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genes, referred to herein as cell death-protective genes, which protect cells against programmed cell death by antagonizing the activities of genes which cause cell death. As described herein, a cell death-protective gene from the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, called ced-9, has been identified, sequenced, and characterized. ced-9 is essential for C. elegans development and apparently functions by protecting cells which normally live during development from programmed cell death. Mutations which constitutively activate and inactivate the ced-9 gene are also described. ced-9 was shown to function by antagonizing the activities of the cell death genes, ced-3 and ced-4. As further described, the protein product of the human oncogene bcl-2 was found to have a similar sequence to the ced-9 protein.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid sequences which, when present in an RNA molecule, bind to RNA binding proteins. These nucleic acid sequences are present in untranslated regions of certain mRNA. They can be used in assays to identify compounds that affect the interaction of RNA containing the nucleic acid sequence, such as the source mRNA, and RNA binding proteins. The disclosed nucleic acid sequences can also be used to identify RNA binding proteins that can interact with the sequences. An assay for identifying compounds that affect interaction of RNA containing one of the disclosed nucleic acid sequences and RNA binding proteins is also disclosed. The assay involves detecting interactions between RNA binding proteins and an RNA molecule containing one of the disclosed nucleic acid sequences in the presence of a test compound and in the absence of the test compound. A difference in the detected interaction in the presence and absence of the test compound indicates that the compound affects the interaction.

Abstract: The invention features methods for expansion and packaging of cells. Expansion is achieved by providing cells that include neural progenitor cells; plating the cells in culture vessels at an average density of 1×105 to 7×105 cells/cm2; and culturing said cells in culture medium and under conditions permissible for proliferation of said neural progenitor cells, wherein the volume of medium results in an initial cell density of between 5×104 and 1.5×105 cells per milliliter of medium. Preparation of cells for transplantation includes providing a cell suspension that includes single cells, aggregates of fewer than two hundred cells, or a combination thereof; and re-aggregating the cells in said cell suspension, wherein greater than 50% of reaggregates consist of between 25 and 500 cells/reaggregate.

Abstract: A peptide construct including all or part of the sequence between positions 104 and 113 of growth hormone GH, or a homologous sequence cross-reactive therewith, is disclosed. The peptide fragment is covalently bonded to a transporter peptide and/or an adjuvant, and is capable of having an in vivo potentiating effect on the biological activity of said growth hormone.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating diseases and disorders of the muscle tissues in a vertebrate by the administration of compounds which bind the p185erbB2 receptor. These compounds are found to cause increased differentiation and survival of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle.