Abstract: Methods for rapid detection and/or semi-quantitation of anti-adenovirus antibody are disclosed. Anti-adenovirus antibody is detected using a device comprising a membrane with adsorbed antigen which specifically binds anti-adenovirus antibody and an absorbent pad which is contacted with the membrane. By consolidating detection reactions in a confined location and eliminating the need to manually remove input reagents, detection and semi-quantitation is achieved rapidly and conveniently. The invention also provides kits and devices for detection and/or semi-quantitation of anti-adenovirus antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention identifies a gene whose gene product provides a protective effect against neurological disorders or neuronal injuries. Further, the invention provides methods for diagnosing or assessing an individual's susceptibility to a neuronal injury such as stroke. Also provided are therapeutic methods for treating patients, and methods for prophylactically treating individuals susceptible to various neurological disorders or neuronal injuries. Additionally, the invention describes screening methods for identifying agents that can be administered to treat individuals that have suffered or are at risk to suffer such disorders or injuries.

Abstract: The invention relates to a human phospholipase C expressed in the brain (B-PLC) and induced in response to ischemic brain tissue. The inventions provides methods and reagents useful for diagnosis and treatment of hypoxic-ischemic brain insult such as stroke.

Abstract: A method of screening biologically active agent based on the analysis of complex biological responses in culture. Methods for selecting cells and culture conditions for such screens are provided, as well as the identification of an optimized set of discrete parameters to be measured, and the use of biomap analysis for rapid identification and characterization of drug candidates, genetic sequences acting pathways, and the like. A feature of the invention is simultaneous screening of a large number of cellular pathways, and the rapid identification of compounds that cause cellular responses.

Abstract: Vascular function and structure is maintained or improved by long term administration of physiologically acceptable compounds which enhance the level of endogenous nitric oxide or other intermediates in the NO induced relaxation pathway in the host. Alternatively, or in combination, other compounds may be administered which provide for short term enhancement of nitric oxide, either directly or by physiological processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of site-specifically integrating a polynucleotide sequence of interest in a genome of a eucaryotic cell, as well as, enzymes, polypeptides, and a variety of vector constructs useful therefore. In the method, a targeting construct comprises, for example, (i) a first recombination site and a polynucleotide sequence of interest, and (ii) a site-specific recombinase, which are introduced into the cell. The genome of the cell comprises a second recombination site. Recombination between the first and second recombination sites is facilitated by the site-specific recombinase. The invention describes compositions, vectors, and methods of use thereof, for the generation of transgenic cells, tissues, plants, and animals. The compositions, vectors, and methods of the present invention are also useful in gene therapy techniques.

Abstract: Methods for isolating naked cuticle genes are provided. The naked cuticle 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: Combinations of diterpenoid triepoxides and anti-proliferative agents are used in a combination therapy to treat hyperproliferative disorders. Anti-proliferative agents of interest include agents active in killing tumor cells, as well as immunosuppressants, and a variety of other agents that reduce cellular proliferation in targeted tissues. Synergistic combinations provide for comparable or improved therapeutic effects, while lowering adverse side effects.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the creation and screening of non-human animal models having chronic inflammation. Immunocompromised host animals are injected with a population of immunocompetent effector cells, depleted of CD25+ T cells. The effector cells are tolerant of the host major histocompatibility antigens, but reactive to at least one antigen present in the host animal. The transferred cells are preferably stimulated and localized by administration of an immunostimulant at a local site. The animals are useful for a variety of screening assays and for investigation into disease causes and pathways. A variety of chronic inflammatory diseases may be studied with this model, including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: A method is provided for obtaining a cell population enriched in microglial cells by contacting a composition containing microglial cells with immunoglobulin immobilized on a matrix such as a polystyrene matrix before or after contact with the cells, allowing the cells to bind to the with immunoglobulin, and removing non-adherent cells to obtain a cell population containing preferably at least 95% microglial cells. The immunoglobulin may be Fc domain-containing immunoglobulin G, and Fc receptors of the microglial cells bind to the Fc domain of immunoglobulin G. Purified Fc fragments from immunoglobulin G may be used in place of immunoglobulin G. The microglial cells may be from brain tissue, and from tissue of a normal animal or tissue of an animal having a neurological disorder.

Abstract: Adenovirus vectors replication specific for cells expressing &agr;-fetoprotein (AFP) and their methods of use are provided. By providing for a transcriptional initiating regulation dependent upon AFP expression, virus replication is restricted to target cells expressing AFP, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The adenovirus vectors can be used to detect and monitor samples for the presence of AFP-producing cells as well as to kill selectively malignant cells producing AFP.

Abstract: Biologically active extracts of celery seed are produced by controlled ethanolic extraction, distillation and drying, and further processing by supercritical fluid extractions (SFE), and may be further fractionated by column fractionation, distillation, LiAlH reduction and the like. These extracts possess activity for the treatment and prevention of acute and chronic pain, inflammation and gastrointestinal irritation.

Abstract: Hypersecretion of mucus in the lungs is inhibited by the administration of an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) antagonist. The EGF-R antagonist may be in the form of a small organic molecule, an antibody, or portion of an antibody that binds to and blocks the EGF receptor. The EGF-R antagonist is preferably administered by injection in an amount sufficient to inhibit formation of goblet cells in pulmonary airways. The degranulation of goblet cells that results in airway mucus production is thereby inhibited. Assays for screening candidate agents that inhibit goblet cell proliferation are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to molecules involved in cell-cell interactions in the immune system. In particular, the invention relates to a cell surface protein which contains certain classical cadherin characteristics, but it exhibits an apical distribution pattern on the surface of lymphocytes. The membrane location of this molecule correlates with the contact interface between T and B cells, and antibodies against an extracellular domain of this protein disrupt T cell/B cell interactions.

Abstract: Hypersecretion of mucus in the lungs is inhibited by the administration of an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) antagonist. The EGF-R antagonist may be in the form of a small organic molecule, an antibody, or portion of an antibody that binds to and blocks the EGF receptor. The EGF-R antagonist is preferably administered by injection in an amount sufficient to inhibit formation of goblet cells in pulmonary airways. The degranulation of goblet cells that results in airway mucus production is thereby inhibited. Assays for screening candidate agents that inhibit goblet cell proliferation are also provided.

Abstract: An assay system is provided for detecting the enzymatic activity of a phosphorylation enzyme. The enzyme may be a phosphatase or protein kinase. The substrate for the enzyme is immobilized on a solid support via covalent or non-covalent binding through a signal enhancing polymer. The immobilized substrate provides an enhanced signal to background ratio when compared to a substrate in solution. The methods are easily adapted to high throughput screening systems.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the enhanced in vitro synthesis of polypeptides containing disulfide bonds. In order to improve the performance of in vitro protein synthesis reactions, pre-treatment and redox buffering of the reaction mix is performed in order to optimize the redox potential. Exogenous enzymes that enhance protein folding and disulfide bond formation may also be added to the reaction.

Abstract: Methods for isolating pancreatic progenitor 1 genes are provided. The pancreatic progenitor 1 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: Combinations of diterpenoid triepoxides and anti-proliferative agents are used in a combination therapy to treat hyperproliferative disorders. Anti-proliferative agents of interest include agents active in killing tumor cells, as well as immunosuppressants, and a variety of other agents that reduce cellular proliferation in targeted tissues. Synergistic combinations provide for comparable or improved therapeutic effects, while lowering adverse side effects.

Abstract: Cellular sensitivity to DNA damaging agents and progression through cell cycle is modulated through manipulation of T cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TC-PTP) activity. Phenotypic characterization of cells lacking TC-PTP demonstrates a defective progression through the cell cycle, and sensitivity to DNA damaging agents. Screening assays are provided for selecting agents that affect the activity of TC-PTP, including assays relating to the interaction of TC-PTP with its substrate, p62dok.