Abstract: Methods and materials are provided for the production of compositions of erythropoietin protein, wherein said compositions comprise a pre-selected N-linked glycosylation pattern as the predominant N-glycoform.

Abstract: Methods of isolating clinical-grade plasmid DNA from manufacturing processes, including large-scale fermentation regimes, are disclosed which encompass alternatives to two core unit operations common to plasmid DNA purification processes. The novel upstream and downstream purification processes disclosed herein provide for reduced production costs and increase process robustness. Either or both of the purification processes disclosed herein may be used in combination with additional purification steps known in the art that are associated with DNA plasmid purification technology.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides and polypeptides of a human sphingosine-1-phosphate phosphatase, referred to herein as hSPP1. The polynucleotides and polypeptides are used to further provide expression vectors, host cells comprising the vectors, probes and primers, antibodies against the hSPP1 protein and polypeptides thereof, assays for the presence or expression of hSPP1 and assays for the identification of compounds that interact with hSPP1.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved rHBsAg that exhibits a higher antigenicity and immunogenicity than that previously known in the art. A method of making the improved rHBsAg is also provided. The improved HBsAg is used to provide vaccines with lower amounts of active ingredient, vaccines with higher immunogenicity and combination vaccines which produce and protective immunization against infection by hepatitis B virus and other infectious agents.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated polynucleotides that encode the MurC protein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Purified and isolated MurC recombinant proteins are also provided. Nucleic acid sequences which encode functionally active MurC proteins are described. Assays for the identification of modulators of the of expression of murC and inhibitors of the activity of MurC, are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated polynucleotides that encode the MurD protein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Purified and isolated MurD recombinant proteins are also provided. Nucleic acid sequences which encode functionally active MurD proteins are described. Assays for the identification of modulators of the of expression of murD and inhibitors of the activity of MurD, are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated polynucleotides that encode the MurE protein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Purified and isolated MurE recombinant proteins are also provided. Nucleic acid sequences which encode functionally active MurE proteins are described. Assays for the identification of modulators of the of expression of murE and inhibitors of the activity of MurE, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing autoantigens, compositions comprising autoantigenic fragments and methods of using autoantigenic fragments in the treatment of a condition associated with an autoimmune response. Also provided are assays for the detection or assessment of an autoimmune response.

Abstract: This invention provides the murD gene of Streptococcus pyogenes. Purified and isolated MurD recombinant proteins are also provided. Nucleic acid sequences which encode functionally active MurD proteins are described. Assays for the identification of modulators of the expression of murD and inhibitors of the activity of MurD, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides and polypeptides of a murine sphingosine-1-phosphate phosphatase, referred to herein as mSPP1. The polynucleotides and polypeptides are used to further provide expression vectors, host cells comprising the vectors, probes and primers, antibodies against the mSPP1 protein and polypeptides thereof, assays for the presence or expression of mSPP1 and assays for the identification of compounds that interact with mSPP1.

Abstract: Defined serum-free, low protein media (LPKM), that supports 1) Vero cell growth for up to 20 passages, 2) Vero cell growth on microcarriers and 3) rotavirus production is provided. Maximum cell densities attained are 60-100% of that in serum-containing medium; the doubling time is equal to that for cells in serum containing medium. Rotavirus titers achieved in LPKM-1 are 50-100% of the serum-containing process. Finally, since LPKM-1 contains no animal-sourced proteins, the problems associated with the serum-containing rotavirus production process (i.e. lengthy wash steps before infection, potential introduction of adventitious agents and lot-to-lot variability) can be avoided; while maintaining nearly equivalent product titers.

Abstract: This invention concerns the cloning of a novel cDNA sequence encoding a particular subunit of the human GABAA receptor. In addition, the invention relates to a stable cell line capable of expressing said cDNA and to the use of the cell line in a screening technique for the design and development of subtype-specific medicaments.

Abstract: This invention provides the murD gene of Staphylococcus aureas. Purified and isolated MurD recombinant proteins are also provided. Nucleic acid sequences which encode functionally active MurD proteins are described. Assays for the identification of modulators of the expression of murD and inhibitors of the activity of MurD, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides assays in which intracellular chelators are used to alter the kinetics of signal generation triggered by divalent cations, particularly calcium influx into the cell. The use of an intracellular chelator in the assay can delay and prolong the signal, allowing the signal to be detected by automated instrumentation without the need for simultaneous liquid handling at the time of detection.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide sequences encoding the &agr;4 and &dgr; subunits of the human GABAA receptor, preparations of &agr;4 and &dgr; receptor subunit proteins, preparations of receptors including &agr;4 or &dgr; polypeptides, expression vectors including the nucleotide sequences, stably co-transfected eukaryotic cells and methods of their preparation and methods of screening for and designing medicaments which act upon the GABAA receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transgenic non-human animal embryo lacking native presenilin 1 and a transgenic non-human animal having only a non-native presenilin 1. The transgenic animals and cells derived therefrom can be used in the study of the expression pattern, activity and modulators of presenilin 1, in the study of the role of presenilin 1 in Alzheimer's Disease and in the study of disorders of the central nervous system.

Abstract: Genes encoding Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) proteins were cloned into eukaryotic expression vectors to express the encoded proteins in mammalian muscle cells in vivo. Animals were immunized by injection of these DNA constructs, termed polynucleotide vaccines or PNV, into their muscles. Immune antisera was produced against M.tb antigens. Specific T-cell responses were detected in spleen cells of vaccinated mice and the profile of cytokine secretion in response to antigen 85 was indicative of a Th1 type of helper T-cell response (i.e., high IL-2 and IFN-&ggr;). Protective efficacy of an M.tb DNA vaccine was demonstrated in mice after challenge with M.bovis BCG, as measured by a reduction in mycobacterial multiplication in the spleens and lungs of M.tb DNA-vaccinated mice compared to control DNA-vaccinated mice or primary infection in naive mice.

Abstract: Yields in yeast recombinant expression systems are improved by identifying bad lots and supplementing them with the appropriate combination of adenine, trehalose and/or lactate.

Abstract: Transgenic non-human mammals which express in their brains a nucleic acid construct comprising a DNA sequence encoding a human amyloid precursor protein FAD variant where at amino acid position 717 valine is substituted by isoleucine. These transgenic non-human mammals can be assays systems for determining compounds which are effective in modulating production of human amyloid precursor protein in brain and in isolated neuronal cells. Specifically exemplified are transgenic mice whose genome comprises a DNA sequence encoding a human amyloid precursor protein FAD variant where at amino acid position 717 valine is substituted by isoleucine operably linked to a Thy-1 promoter. The mice are shown to produce the APP-FAD variant in their brains by mRNA and protein assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transgenic nonhuman animal lacking native amyloid precursor protein. The transgenic mouse of the invention may be used in the study of Alzheimer's Disease and disorders involving the central nervous system.