Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human extracellular matrix polypeptides, designated RG1, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, methods for producing the polypeptides, expression vectors and genetically engineered host cells for expression of the polypeptides. The invention further relates to antibodies directed against the polypeptides and to methods for using the polynucleotides, and polypeptides, and antibodies in research, diagnosis, and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human extracellular matrix polypeptides, designated RG1, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, methods for producing the polypeptides, expression vectors and genetically engineered host cells for expression of the polypeptides. The invention further relates to antibodies directed against the polypeptides and to methods for using the polynucleotides, and polypeptides, and antibodies in research, diagnosis, and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of inhibiting nitric oxide synthase (NOS) using corrin derivatives that bind NOS but do not bind NO. It also provides methods of inhibiting NOS in vivo by administering corrin derivatives, and methods of treating diseases and medical conditions using this inhibition of NOS.

Abstract: The present invention is methods and compositions for reducing and preventing the excess accumulation of extracellular matrix in a tissue and/or organ or at a wound site using a combination of agents that inhibit TGF?, or using agents that inhibit TGF? in combination with agents that degrade excess accumulated extracellular matrix, or at least one agent that degrades excess accumulated extracellular matrix. The compositions and methods of the invention are used to treat conditions such as fibrotic diseases and scarring that result from excess accumulation of extracellular matrix, impairing tissue or organ function or skin appearance in a subject.

Abstract: The invention identifies a novel protein tyrosine phosphatase, PTPMT1. The complete nucleic acid and amino acid sequence encoding PTPMT1 is provided. Methods are provided for preventing and/or treating type II diabetes by regulating PTPMT1 levels, which in turn regulates insulin levels.

Abstract: The present invention is methods and compositions for reducing and preventing the excess accumulation of extracellular matrix in a tissue and/or organ or at a wound site using a combination of agents that inhibit TGF?, or using agents that inhibit TGF? in combination with agents that degrade excess accumulated extracellular matrix. The compositions and methods of the invention are used to treat conditions such as fibrotic diseases and scarring that result from excess accumulation of extracellular matrix, impairing tissue or organ function or skin appearance in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies, and antigen-binding antibody fragments, directed against an RG1 polypeptide. The invention further relates to methods for utilizing the antibodies, and antibody fragments, for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies, and antigen-binding antibody fragments, directed against an RG1 polypeptide. The invention further relates to methods for utilizing the antibodies, and antibody fragments, for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), adipose-derived stem cell-enriched fractions (ADSC-EF) and adipose-derived lattices, alone and combined with the ADSCs of the invention. In one aspect, the present invention provides an ADSC substantially free of adipocytes and red blood cells and clonal populations of connective tissue stem cells. The ADSCs can be employed, alone or within biologically-compatible compositions, to generate differentiated tissues and structures, both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, the ADSCs can be expanded and cultured to produce molecules such as hormones, and to provide conditioned culture media for supporting the growth and expansion of other cell populations. In another aspect, the present invention provides an adipose-derived lattice substantially devoid of cells, which includes extracellular matrix material from adipose tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for retrieving a snagged fishing lure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies, and antigen-binding antibody fragments, directed against an RG1 polypeptide. The invention further relates to methods for utilizing the antibodies, and antibody fragments, for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a buffer solution for suspending animal or human cells and for dissolving biologically active molecules in order to introduce biologically active molecules into cells using an electric current. The inventive buffer solution has a buffering capacity of at least 20 mmol?1×pH?1 and an ionic strength of at least 200 mmol×1?1 during a change to the pH value from pH 7 to pH 8 and at a temperature of 25° C. The use of a buffer solution of this type allows biologically active molecules to be introduced into animal and human cells with a high degree of transfection efficiency and at the same time a low cell mortality. Different cell types, in particular dormant and actively dividing cells of low activity, can be successfully transfected in the buffer solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for transfection of cells using at least one protein capable of forming nucleoprotein filaments, wherein the protein is initially modified with at least one functional component which influences one or more steps of the transfection, the nucleic acid to be transfected is then loaded with the modified protein, whereby the nucleic acid and the protein form a filament-like complex, and this complex is finally added to the cells to be transfected. The invention further relates to a transfection agent consisting of nucleoprotein filaments (NPF), with at least one nucleoprotein filament-forming protein being modified with at least one functional component for the transfection. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of the transfection agent according to the invention for producing a drug for gene therapeutic treatment of humans and animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of screening for a compound that binds to a selected nucleic acid comprising contacting compound fluorescently labeled by a fluorescent protein with a cell having a plurality of copies of the nucleic acid in an array such that the nucleic acid can be directly detected when bound by fluorescently labeled compound; and directly detecting the location of fluorescence within the cell, fluorescence aggregated at the site of the nucleic acid array indicating a compound that binds to the selected nucleic acid. In particular compounds such a transcription factors can be screened. Reagents for such method are provided including a mammalian cell having a plurality of steroid receptor response elements in an array such that the response element can be directly detected when bound by fluorescently labeled steroid receptor and a chimeric protein comprising a fluorescent protein fused to a steroid receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human extracellular matrix polypeptides, designated RG1, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, methods for producing the polypeptides, expression vectors and genetically engineered host cells for expression of the polypeptides. The invention further relates to methods for utilizing the polynucleotides and polypeptides in research, diagnosis, and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of inhibiting islet cell transplant rejection, particularly to treat diabetes, such as type-1 and type-2 diabetes, by administering to a subject an effective amount of a soluble CTLA4 mutant molecule. One example of a soluble CTLA4 mutant molecule is L104EA29YIg.

Abstract: An immunoassay device and assay to detect an antigen, such as PSA, in a biological sample. The device comprises a solid support having multiple reaction zones containing capture antibodies directed to the antigen. Exposure of a test sample to a mixture of incubation antibodies with known and different concentrations prior to exposure to the capture antibodies in the reaction zones facilitates determination of a range of concentrations of the antigen.

Abstract: Erythropoietin (Epo), a member of the cytokine superfamily, is a pluripotent molecule that is involved in a number of signal transduction pathways that include the stimulation of the production of red blood cells and the protection of the central nervous system from acute injury and ischemia. The invention is the discovery of Epo and the Epo receptor in the peripheral nervous system where it can act as a neuroprotective agent. The invention is also a method of use for the treatment of neuropathic pain and to increase the rate of healing from nerve injury comprising administration of Epo.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for regulating blood pressure in a hemodialysis subject using a vasopressin receptor agonist, so as to facilitate removal of excessive extracellular fluid in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-allergic pharmaceutical composition containing at least two active agents chosen from among: (i) one allergen, (ii) one antihistamine compound, and (iii) one inhibitor of histamine synthesis. The active agents are associated in the composition with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.