Abstract: Methods are provided to specifically modulate the trafficking of systemic memory T cells, particularly CD4+ T cells, without affecting naive T cells or intestinal memory T cells. It is shown that systemic memory T cells, which are characterized as CD45Ra?, and integrin ?4?7?, express high levels of CCR4. Ligands of CCR4, such as TARC or MDC, act as an adhesion trigger, wherein upon CCR4 binding, these cells undergo integrin-dependent arrest to the appropriate vascular receptor(s). This arrest acts to localize the cells at the target site. The methods of the invention manipulate this triggering, and CCR4 mediated chemotaxis, to affect the localization of T cells in targeted tissues. In an alternative embodiment, the agent is an antagonist that blocks CCR4 biological activity. An advantage of the invention is the selectivity for systemic memory T cells, without affecting native T cells or intestinal memory T cells.

Abstract: There is a pressing need for computer-implemented tools that can summarize and present the enormous amounts of public literature to facilitate analysis of gene expression data. The present invention provides techniques and systems for efficiently integrating public literature regarding gene function with data from gene expression profiling experiments. Information from literature databases relating to a particular set of DNA sequences of known expression pattern is retrieved, processed, cross-referenced and viewed to provide further information about a particular DNA sequence to facilitate its identification as a candidate gene.

Abstract: Methods for isolating CaMK-X1 genes are provided. The CaMK-X1nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related proteins and the DNA sequences encoding such proteins; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of the protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways. In addition, modulation of the gene activity in vivo is used for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes, such as identification of cell type based on expression, and the like.

Abstract: Cosmetic skin care compositions containing thymosin beta 4 are provided. The compositions improve the appearance of aged or damaged skin.

Abstract: Antimitotic terpenoid compounds including sarcodictyin A and as eleutherobin may be obtained from organisms of the order Gorgonacea. Methods of preparing such compounds provided, as are novel antimitotic diterpene compounds having formula (I).

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions encoding a pro-apoptotic protein, Bok (Bcl-2-related ovarian killer) are identified. Bok has conserved Bcl-2 homology domains 1, 2 and 3 and a C-terminal transmembrane region present in other Bcl-2 related proteins, but lacks the BH4 domain found only in anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. Over-expression of Bok induces apoptosis. Cell killing induced by Bok is suppressed by co-expression with selective anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. Bok is highly expressed in the ovary, testis and uterus, particularly in granulosa cells, the cell type that undergoes apoptosis during follicle atresia. Identification of Bok as a new pro-apoptotic protein with wide tissue distribution and hetero-dimerization properties facilitates elucidation of apoptosis mechanisms in reproductive and other tissues, and provides a means for manipulating apoptosis.

Abstract: A substantially enriched mammalian hematopoietic cell subpopulation is provided, which is characterized by progenitor cell activity for myeloid lineages, but lacking the potential to differentiate into lymphoid lineages. This population is further divided into specific myeloid progenitor subsets, including a common myeloid progenitor cells (CMP), megakaryocyte/erythroid progenitor cells (MEP) and granulocyte/monocyte lineage progenitor (GMP). Methods are provided for the isolation and culture of these subpopulations. The CMP population gives rise to all myeloid lineages, and can give rise to the two additional and isolatable progenitor populations that are exclusively committed to either the erythroid/megakaryocytic or myelomonocytic lineages. The cell enrichment methods employ reagents that specifically recognize Thy-1; and IL-7R&agr;, in conjunction with other markers expressed on lineage committed cells.

Abstract: Clinical patient tissue samples are classified according to the physiological status of cells present in the sample. In some embodiments of the invention, such cells are classified according to their ability to respond to therapeutic agents and treatments. In other embodiments, the cells or tissue samples are classified according to their status with respect to the activity of pathways of interest. The information thus derived is useful in prognosis and diagnosis, and can further be used develop surrogate markers for disease states, and to investigate the effect of genetic polymorphisms in the responsiveness and state of cells involved in disease.

Abstract: The differential expression of marker proteins in a targeted population provides a means of identifying and isolating cells. A population of cells associated with the regeneration of pancreatic islets is shown to express certain proteins, including the cell surface proteins ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4; and the nuclear protein Msx-2. Populations of isolated pancreatic islet progenitor cells find use in screening assays, to characterize genes involved in islet development and regulation, and in transplantation to provide a recipient with pancreatic islet functions.

Abstract: A yeast homologue of mammalian DNA ligase IV is provided and a role for DNA ligase IV established in the Ku-associated DNA repair pathway. Additionally interactions between DNA ligase IV and XRCC4, and interaction between XRCC4 and DNA-PKcs/Ku are established, providing for assays for agents which modulate such interactions and therefore cellular DNA repair activity. Such agents are useful in treatment of cancers, retroviral infections, immune system disorders and other conditions in which cellular DNA repair activity plays a role. Individuals with a predisposition to a disorder in which DNA repair plays a role may be diagnosed, by screening for the presence or absence of a defect in XRCC4 and/or DNA ligase IV activity.

Abstract: Nitric oxide synthase and nitric-oxide-related bioactivity are shown to be necessary and sufficient for activation of an oocyte during the process of fertilization. Methods are provided for the modulation of oocyte activation through modulation of nitric oxide levels. Oocyte activation is enhanced by the addition of nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide synthase activators, nitric oxide donors, or other compounds that increase the nitric oxide levels of the oocyte during fertilization. The administration of NOS inhibitors is used to block oocyte activation, where contraception is desired.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for screening for intracellular transdominant effector peptides and RNA molecules selected inside living cells from randomized pools are provided.

Abstract: Retrocyclin peptides are small antimicrobial agents with potent activity against bacteria and viruses. The peptides are nonhemolytic, and exhibit minimal in vitro cytotoxicity. A pharmaceutical composition comprising retrocyclin as an active agent is administered therapeutically to a patient suffering from a bacterial and/or viral infection, or to an individual facing exposure to a bacterial and/or viral infection, especially one caused by the HIV-1 retrovirus or other sexually-transmitted pathogens.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid compositions and sequences of anergy associated genes are provided, including the novel GRAIL gene. Expression of these genes is upregulated during the early stages of induction of anergy. The murine GRAIL sequence is shown to attenuate IL-2 transcription in T cells during response to antigenic stimulation. The identification of genes involved in the induction of anergy is useful in the evaluation of the pathophysiology or immunotherapy of cancer, autoimmune disease, and transplant rejection. Genetic sequences involved in anergy induction are useful markers in the evaluation of specific immunotherapies. Functional characterization of genes involved in anergy induction allows the elucidation of the mechanism(s) of T cell anergy, including the transcriptional blockade of IL-2, which may be manipulated to regulate T cell responses in human disease.

Abstract: Mismatch Repair Detection (MRD), a novel method for DNA-variation detection, utilizes bacteria to detect mismatches by a change in expression of a marker gene. DNA fragments to be screened for variation are cloned into two MRD plasmids, and bacteria are transformed with heteroduplexes of these constructs. Resulting colonies express the marker gene in the absence of a mismatch, and lack expression in the presence of a mismatch. MRD is capable of detecting a single mismatch within 10 kb of DNA. In addition, MRD can analyze many fragments simultaneously, offering a powerful method for high-throughput genotyping and mutation detection.

Abstract: An expandable space frame is manufactured by linking a plurality of flexible joints through spacing arms to form a closed structure. The spacing arms are sterically offset, linking the bottom of one joint to the top of the next joint in an stepwise fashion. The offset allows the frame to be collapsed with minimal steric hindrance between the centered joints. This lack of steric hindrance permits a very high ratio of the expansion to compression diameters for the frame. The space frame forms the basis for different types of stents. A spiral frame, or a series of individual frames are linked to each other to form a luminal stent, or are linked to longitudinal struts to form the support structure for a stent. The stents formed from the expandable space frame can be designed to have a number of additional features as set forth herein.

Abstract: Methods for isolating ILK genes are provided. The ILK nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related proteins and the DNA sequences encoding such proteins; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of the protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways. In addition, modulation of the gene activity in vivo is used for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes, such as identification of cell type based on expression, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are replication-competent adenovirus vectors comprising co-transcribed first and second genes under transcriptional control of a heterologous, target cell-specific transcriptional regulatory element (TRE), wherein the second gene is under translational control of an internal ribosome entry site. Methods for the preparation and use of such vectors are also provided. The vectors provide target cell-specific virus replication in applications such as cancer therapy and gene therapy.

Abstract: Specific genetic deletions are identified in mycobacteria isolates, including variations in the M. tuberculosis genome sequence between isolates, and numerous deletion present in BCG as compared to M. tb. These deletions are used as markers to distinguish between pathogenic and avirulent strains, and as a marker for particular M. tb isolates. Deletions specific to vaccine strains of BCG are useful in determining whether a positive tuberculin skin test is indicative of actual tuberculosis infection. The deleted sequences may be re-introduced into BCG to improve the efficacy of vaccination. Alternatively, the genetic sequence that corresponds to the deletion(s) are deleted from M. bovis or M. tuberculosis to attenuate the pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: Host cell specific adenovirus vehicles are provided for transfecting target host cells. By providing for transcriptional initiating regulation dependent upon transcription factors that are only active in specific, limited cell types, virus replication will be restricted to the target cells. The modified adenovirus may be used as a vehicle for introducing new genetic capability, particularly associated with cytotoxicity for treating neoplasia.