Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of human genetics. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods and materials used to isolate and detect a human depression predisposing gene, specifically the apoptotic protease activating factor 1 (APAF1) gene, some mutant alleles of which cause susceptibility to depression. More specifically, the invention relates to germline mutations in the APAF1 gene and their use in the diagnosis of predisposition to depression. The invention also relates to the prophylaxis and/or therapy of depression associated with a mutation in the APAF1 gene. The invention further relates to the screening of drugs for depression therapy. Finally, the invention relates to the screening of the APAF1 gene for mutations/alterations, which are useful for diagnosing the predisposition to depression.

Abstract: Variants in MYH gene are disclosed which can result in abnormal synthesis of MYH proteins and alteration of MYH activities. The invention provides methods for detecting the newly discovered genetic variants. Use of MYH genetic variants as biomarkers in diagnosing cancer and detecting a predisposition to cancer are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same are provided, which are useful in therapeutic treatment or prevention of various diseases.

Abstract: There are disclosed ?-sheet mimetics and methods relating to the same for imparting or stabilizing the ?-sheet structure of a peptide, protein or molecule. In one aspect, ?-sheet mimetics are disclosed having utility as protease inhibitors in general and, more specifically, as serine protease inhibitors such as thrombin, elastase and Factor X inhibitors. In one embodiment, the ?-sheet mimetic is a thrombin inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for manipulating levels of expression of gene products using RNA interference (RNAi). The methods disclosed can be used to investigate gene function, to create disease-resistant organisms, and to treat disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of human genetics. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods and materials used to isolate and detect a human depression predisposing gene, specifically the apoptotic protease activating factor 1 (APAF1) gene, some mutant alleles of which cause susceptibility to depression. More specifically, the invention relates to germline mutations in the APAF1 gene and their use in the diagnosis of predisposition to depression. The invention also relates to the prophylaxis and/or therapy of depression associated with a mutation in the APAF1 gene. The invention further relates to the screening of drugs for depression therapy. Finally, the invention relates to the screening of the APAF1 gene for mutations/alterations, which are useful for diagnosing the predisposition to depression.

Abstract: Conformationally constrained compounds that mimic the secondary structure of reverse-turn regions of biologically active peptides and proteins having the following structure are disclosed: wherein A, R1, R2, R2a and R3 are as defined herein. Such compounds have utility over a wide range of fields, including use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In particular, compounds of this invention are useful in pharmaceutical compositions as anti-inflammatory agents as well as inhibitors of central nervous disorders. Libraries containing the compounds of this invention are also disclosed, as well as methods for screening the same to identify biologically active members.

Abstract: A screening method for identifying an individual having a pre-disposition towards having a cancer is disclosed, which screening method comprises the steps of: (a) obtaining a test sample comprising a nucleotide sequence comprised in a gene in a gene in a base excision repair (BER) pathway of the individual or an amino acid sequence of a polypeptide expressed thereby; and (b) comparing a region of the test sample sequence with the corresponding region of the wild type sequence, whereby a difference between the test sample sequence and the wild type sequence signifies that the individual is pre-disposed to having the cancer; and wherein the difference comprises a specified variation. The specified variation can be the known mutation in the human MYH protein, G382D-hMYH or a nucleotide sequence encoding it, or it can be one or more novel variations, namely, Y165C, E466X, and Y90X, or the respective corresponding nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: Compounds which mimic the secondary structure of helical regions of biologically active peptides and proteins having the following structure: including pharmaceutically acceptable salts and stereoisomers thereof, wherein Y, A, B, R1 and R2 are as defined herein. Such compounds have utility over a wide range of applications, including use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In particular, compounds of this invention, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, are neurokinin (tachykinin) antagonists. Libraries containing the compounds of this invention are also disclosed, as well as methods for screening such libraries to identify biologically active members.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of human genetics. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods and materials used to isolate and detect human diabetes mellitus predisposing gene, specifically the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene, some mutant alleles of which cause susceptibility to insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). More specifically, the invention relates to germline mutations in the AGT gene and their use in the diagnosis of predisposition to diabetes. The invention also relates to the prophylaxis and/or therapy of diabetes associated with a mutation in the AGT gene. The invention further relates to the screening of drugs for diabetes therapy. Finally, the invention relates to the screening of the AGT gene for mutations, which are useful for diagnosing the predisposition to diabetes.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating, and delaying the onset of, viral infection, are provided.

Abstract: An assay and kit for determining the activity of an enzyme such as kinase, ATPase and GTPase is disclosed. The assay and kit are useful in drug screening to select modulators of such an enzyme.

Abstract: Isolated protein complexes are provided comprising Tsg101 and HIV GAG or GAGp6. The protein complexes are useful in screening assays for selecting compounds effective in modulating the Tsg101-HIV GAG or GAGp6 interaction within the protein complexes.

Abstract: Large deletions have been identified in the BRCA1 gene in patients. The large deletions predispose the patients to breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Thus, methods for detecting the genetic variants are provided which can be used in detecting a predisposition to cancer.

Abstract: Isolated protein complexes are provided comprising Tsg101 and HIV GAGp6. The protein complexes are useful in screening assays for selecting compounds effective in modulating the Tsg101-HIV GAGp6 interaction within the protein complexes.

Abstract: Compounds having the following structure: including pharmaceutically acceptable salts and stereoisomers thereof, wherein A, A?, B, X, Y, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined herein. Such compounds have utility over a wide range of applications, including use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In particular, compounds of this invention, and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, are tryptase antagonists.

Abstract: Conformationally constrained compounds which mimic the secondary structure of reverse-turn regions of biologically active peptides and proteins having the following structure are disclosed: wherein A, B, X, R1, and R5 are as defined herein. Such compounds have utility over a wide range of fields, including use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In particular, compounds of this invention are useful in pharmaceutical compositions as anti-inflammatory agents as well as inhibitors of central nervous disorders. Libraries containing the compounds of this invention are also disclosed, as well as methods for screening the same to identify biologically active members.

Abstract: Compounds which mimic the secondary structure of helical regions of biologically active peptides and proteins having the following structure: including pharmaceutically acceptable salts and stereoisomers thereof, wherein Y, A, B, R1 and R2 are as defined herein. Such compounds have utility over a wide range of applications, including use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In particular, compounds of this invention, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, are neurokinin (tachykinin) antagonists. Libaries contaning the compounds of this invention are also disclosed, as well as methods for screening such libaries identify biologically active members.

Abstract: Conformationally constrained compounds that mimic the secondary structure of reverse-turn regions of biologically active peptides and proteins having the following structure are disclosed: wherein A, R1, R2, R2a and R3 are as defined herein. Such compounds have utility over a wide range of fields, including use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In particular, compounds of this invention are useful in pharmaceutical compositions as anti-inflammatory agents as well as inhibitors of central nervous disorders. Libraries containing the compounds of this invention are also disclosed, as well as methods for screening the same to identify biologically active members.

Abstract: An in vitro method for detecting protein-protein interactions is provided, in which two fusion proteins are prepared and allowed to interact with each other in a substantially cell free environment. The interaction between the two fusion proteins leads to protein trans-splicing, generating an active and detectable reporter.