Abstract: This invention pertains to BIV constructs encompassing BIV combination vectors, BIV vectors and BIV packaging vectors and particularly the invention pertains to a three vector system comprising: a) a BIV vector construct including a DNA segment from a BIV genome, a packaging sequence to package RNA into virions; a promoter operably linked to the DNA segment; and a transgene operably linked to a second promoter; b) a BIV packaging vector construct comprising a BIV DNA sequence fragment comprising at least a gag gene or pol gene of BIV; a promoter operably linked to the BIV DNA fragment; and a polyadenylation sequence located downstream of the BIV DNA fragment; and c) an expression vector construct comprising a gene encoding a viral surface protein. Also provided is a method for transferring a gene of interest into a mammalian cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified L-nucleic acid, comprising a L-nucleic acid part and a non-L-nucleic acid part, whereby the L-nucleic acid part is conjugated to the non-L-nucleic acid part and the conjugation of the L-nucleic acid part with the non-L-nucleic acid past leads to a slowed elimination out of the organism, in comparison with a L-nucleic acid which only comprises the L-nucleic acid part, said L-nucleic acid part being a spiegelmer.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel lentiviral packaging constructs that are useful for the establishment of stable packaging cell lines and producer cell lines. In particular, the present invention provides novel packaging cell lines that are capable of constitutively expressing high levels of lentiviral proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for identifying inhibitors and activators of eukaryotic potassium channels, in which a mutated S. cerevisiae cell is used whose endogenous potassium channels TRK1, TRK2 and TOK1 are not expressed functionally, but which expresses heterologously a eukaryotic potassium channel to be studied. Other subject matters of the invention are mutated S. cerevisiae cells which do not express TRK1, TRK2 and TOK1, and the preparation and use of these mutated S. cerevisiae cells.

Abstract: Mutants of steroid receptor ligand binding domains and synthetic ligands which have specific binding affinities for these receptors are provided. The use of these LBD-ligand combinations for construction of selective “molecular gene switches” is disclosed. Methods of regulating gene function using these switches are provided.