Abstract: An isolated and purified human protein activator of apoptosis is described. A cDNA sequence which encodes the native kinase of death is disclosed as well as the structural coding region and the amino acid residue sequence. Methods are provided which employ the sequences to identify compounds that modulate the biological and/or pharmacological activity of the activator and hence regulate apoptosis. Biologically-effective antisense molecules, as well as dominant negative mutant versions of the apoptosis activator are described which are suitable for therapeutic use. The invention is also drawn toward the study, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pathophysiological disorders related to apoptosis.

Abstract: Human E3 ubiquitin protein ligase is described. A structural region which encodes the polypeptide is disclosed as well as the the amino acid residue sequence of the protein ligase. Methods are provided which employ the sequences to identify compounds that modulate a biological and/or pharmacological activity of the molecule and hence regulate cellular and tissue physiology. The invention is also drawn toward the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of pathophysiological disorders mediated by E3 ubiquitin protein ligases.

Abstract: An isolated and purified human Ste20-like serine/threonine signal transduction kinase is described. A cDNA sequence which encodes the native signal transduction molecule is disclosed as well as the structural coding region and the amino acid residue sequence. Methods are provided which employ the sequences to identify compounds that modulate the biological and/or pharmacological activity of the transduction molecule and hence regulate cell physiology. Biologically-effective antisense molecules, as well as dominant negative mutant versions of the biomolecule are described which are suitable for therapeutic use. The invention is also drawn toward the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of pathophysiological disorders mediated by the signal transduction molecule.

Abstract: A novel human E3 ubiquitin protein ligase is provided as well as a nucleic acid structural region which encodes the polypeptide and the amino acid residue sequence of the human biomolecule. Methods are provided to identify compounds that modulate the biological activity of the molecule and hence regulate cellular and tissue physiology.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel peptide isolated from the venom of the spider Grammostola spatulata which peptide has antiarrhthymic activity. The invention also provides methods of treating arrhthymia comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment an effective amount of the peptide. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods of mediating hypotonic cell swelling induced calcium increase in cells.

Abstract: A novel human GTPase polypeptide intracellular molecular switch is described. A full length cDNA which encodes the signal transduction polypeptide is disclosed as well as the interior structural region and the amino acid residue sequence of the human GTPase. Methods are provided to identify compounds that modulate the biological activity of the native signal switch biomolecule and hence regulate cellular and tissue physiology.

Abstract: A novel human signal-transduction kinase polypeptide is described which is expressed at a particularly high level in tissues of the human immune system. A full length cDNA which encodes the novel signal transduction serine/threonine kinase polypeptide is disclosed as well as the interior structural region and the amino acid residue sequence of the native biological molecule. Methods are provided to identify compounds that modulate the biological activity of the human Ste20-like serine/threonine signal transduction kinase.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of treating pain comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment an effective analgesic amount of a peptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID. NO.: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2. The invention further provides a purified peptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. The peptides of SEQ ID NO.: 1 and SEQ ID NO.: 2 can also be used in methods for identifying compounds having analgesia-inducing activity.

Abstract: The invention concerns pharmaceutically useful compounds of the formula I, in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, n, m and Het have any of the meanings defined herein, and their pharmaceutically-acceptable salts, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The novel compounds possess endothelin receptor antagonist activity and are useful, for example, in the treatment of diseases or medical conditions in which elevated or abnormal levels of endothelin play a significant causative role. The invention further concerns processess for the manufacture of the novel compounds and the use of the compounds in medical treatment.

Abstract: A precision sighting device is provided for viewing dark recesses as well as obstructed areas in general which are difficult to see with the naked eye comprising a longitudinally extendable/retractable rigid rodlike member, a focusable light source mounted at one end of the rodlike member, longitudinally parallel and adjacent to the rodlike member by at least one holding bracket such that light may be emitted from the focusable light source and directed lengthwise and parallel to the rodlike member toward an opposite end of the rodlike member, a tandem ball joint at said opposite end of the rodlike member formed in part by a first ball integral to said opposite end of the rodlike member, and a mirror pivotally connected by a flange extending from a peripheral portion of the mirror, to a second ball of said tandem ball joint--such that light emitted from the focusable light source may form a focal point or area on the center of the mirror at an exponential number of positions of the mirror with respect to a fo