Abstract: The present invention features vanilloid receptor polypeptides and vanilloid receptor-related polypeptides, specifically the capsaicin receptor subtypes VR1 and VR2 (VRRP-1), as well as the encoding polynucleotide sequences. In related aspects the invention features expression vectors and host cells comprising such polynucleotides. In other related aspects, the invention features transgenic animals having altered capsaicin receptor expression, due to, for example, the presence of an exogenous wild-type or modified capsaicin receptor-encoding polynucleotide sequence. The present invention also relates to antibodies that bind specifically to a capsaicin receptor polypeptide, and methods for producing these polypeptides. Further, the invention provides methods for using capsaicin receptor, including methods for screening candidate agents for activity as agonists or antagonists of capsaicin receptor activity, as well as assays to determine the amount of a capsaicin receptor-activating agent in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods inhibiting formation of neurofibrillary tangles; and methods for treating disorders relating to apolipoprotein E (apoE) in a subject. The methods generally involve reducing the level of a carboxyl-terminal truncated form of apoE in a neuronal cell of a subject. The invention further provides isolated cells comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a carboxyl-terminal truncated form of apoE; and methods of screening compounds using the cells. The invention further provides compounds that inhibit an apoE cleavage enzyme, and that reduce the formation of neurofibrillary tangles in a neuronal cell. The invention further provides transgenic non-human animals that include as a transgene a nucleic acid that encodes a carboxyl-terminal truncated form of apoE; as well as methods of screening compounds using transgenic animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polynucleotides that include sequences from a region of human chromosome 20q between D20S119 and D20S195. The polynucleotides include polymorphisms associated with Type II diabetes and are useful as probes in screening for Type II diabetes. The invention further provides vectors and isolated host cells comprising the isolated polynucleotides. The invention further provides methods of detecting polymorphisms on chromosome 20q between D20S119 and D20S195, and methods of detecting a propensity to develop Type II diabetes, using the isolated polynucleotides of the invention.

Abstract: Photoreceptor injury or cell death (retinal degeneration) is prevented by the introduction into the living mammalian eye of specific, survival-promoting factors. These specific factors prevent damage and degeneration of photoreceptors when introduced into the living eye prior to, during or after exposure to the damaging effects of light and delay photoreceptor damage caused by inherited disease.

Abstract: Relaxin is useful for promoting angiogenesis and the treatment of infections or ischemic wounds where the injury results from lack of oxygen due to poor circulation.

Abstract: Angiogenic endothelial cells are selectively targeted with lipid/DNA complexes or cationic liposomes containing a substance which affects the targeted cells by inhibiting or promoting their growth. A site of angiogenesis can be precisely located by administering cationic liposomes containing a detectable label. The complexes may comprise nucleotide constructs which are comprised of promoters which are selectively and exclusively activated in the environment of an angiogenic endothelial cell.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of detecting the presence of a bipolar mood disorder susceptibility locus in an individual, comprising analyzing a sample of DNA for the presence of a DNA polymorphism on the short arm of chromosome 18 between the telomere and D18S481, wherein the DNA polymorphism is associated with a form of bipolar mood disorder. The invention for the first time provides strong evidence of a susceptibility gene for bipolar mood disorder that is located in the terminal 5 cM region of the short arm of chromosome 18. The disclosure describes the use of linkage analysis and genetic markers in this 5 cM region to fine map the region and the use of genetic markers to genetically diagnose (genotype) bipolar mood disorder in individuals, to confirm phenotypic diagnoses of bipolar mood disorder, to determine appropriate treatments for patients with particular genotypic subtypes.

Abstract: Methods of generating pores in thin sheets of material, typically thin polymer films, are provided. The methods allow for generation of pores which uniformly penetrate the material. The method comprises laminating a thick film onto a thin film, then directing a laser source onto the thin film so as to form pores through the thin film. The increased stiffness conferred by the thick film reduces wrinkle formation in the thin film, resulting in uniform thickness of the thin film and consequent uniformity of pore depth. The invention further provides aerosolization containers and devices comprising membranes formed according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention related to methods of treating disease related to vasoconstriction that is a major factor in hypertensive vascular diseases and vasodilation, generally comprising administering to an individual an effective amount of a pharmaceutically active relaxin. Relaxin functions to increase both vasodilation and angiogenesis in males as well as females, and is useful in treating a wide variety of diseases relating to vasoconstriction.

Abstract: The present invention features methods for recruitment of bone marrow-derived stem cells (e.g., endothelial cell precursors, hematopoietic stem cells) by administration of nicotine or other nicotine receptor agonist. The methods of the invention can be used in, for example, treatment of conditions amenable to treatment by recruitment of bone marrow-derived stem cells (e.g., neutropenia).

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods for identifying agents that modulate an enzymatic activity of a carbohydrate sulfotransferase. The methods generally involve contacting the sulfotransferase, in a reaction solution, with a sulfate donor, a test agent, and a polymeric sulfate acceptor that is readily separated from the reaction solution. Determination of an effect of the test agent on the sulfotransferase is by detecting the amount of sulfate in the polymeric sulfate acceptor that has been separated from the reaction solution. The invention further provides kits for use in carrying out the subject methods.

Abstract: A nozzle comprising a thin, flexible substantially planar polymeric film having a plurality of pores with structures allowing for generation of an aerosol at reduced extrusion pressure is disclosed. The pores can comprise at least two sections, or steps, in which the thickness of the membrane is reduced in stepwise fashion, or the pores can be tapered. Nozzles formed comprising pores having such structures permit aerosol generation at lower extrusion pressures, thereby allowing for decreased weight of aerosolization devices, increased efficiency, increased portability and increased battery life. The pore structures also allow for the use of thicker, more easily processed polymeric films in manufacturing while having a thinner, more efficient aerosolization area. The use of decreased extrusion pressures also results in increased uniformity in aerosol generation and improved reliability of other components.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting specific lysis of a cell by a lytic agent. The methods generally involve contacting a labeled target cell with a lytic agent; and detecting fluorescence in the target cell. The target cells are labeled with two fluorescent labels: a first fluorescent label that labels the plasma membrane; and a second fluorescent label that labels the cytosol. Release of the cytosolic label from the target cell indicates that the target cell has been lysed. The invention further provides methods of detecting the presence in a sample of a cell that specifically lyses a target cell. The invention further provides methods of detecting the presence in a sample of an antibody that specifically lyses a target cell. The methods are useful in a variety of applications.

Abstract: The use and production of immunoglobulins which activate trk receptors and imitate effects of neurotrophins are provided. Immunoglobulins which block trk receptor activation and methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for modulating the endocrine system of a mammal are provided. In the subject methods, a positive allosteric modulator of AMPA receptors of the hypothalamus are administered to the host. The subject methods find use in applications where it is desired to increase the circulatory level of a hormone in a mammalian host, such as diseased states characterized by abnormally depressed circulatory levels of the hormone.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for ameliorating gastrointestinal inflammation, particularly chronic gastrointestinal inflammation such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), in a subject. In one embodiment, the method comprises administering an immunomodulatory nucleic acid to a subject suffering from or susceptible to gastrointestinal inflammation.

Abstract: Immunostimulatory polynucleotide-immunomodulatory molecule conjugate compositions are disclosed. These compositions include a polynucleotide that is linked to an immunomodulatory molecule, which molecule comprises an antigen and may further comprise immunomodulators such as cytokines and adjuvants. The polynucleotide portion of the conjugate includes at least one immunostimulatory oligonucleotide nucleotide sequence (ISS). Methods of modulating an immune response upon administration of the polynucleotide-immunomodulatory conjugate preparation to a vertebrate host are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions for the production of GABAergic cells, particularly GABAergic neurons. Production of GABAergic cells is accomplished by increasing activity of a Dlx gene (e.g., DLX1, DLX2, or DLX5) in an immature neuronal cell. The increase in Dlx activity causes differentiation of the immature neuronal cell into a neuronal cell exhibiting the GABAergic phenotype. The invention also encompasses use of GABAergic cells produced by the method of the invention in, for example, identification of agents that affect GABAergic cell activity and survival, and in replacement therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant yellow fever viruses (YFV), particularly live attenuated recombinant YFV, which comprise exogenous (i.e., non-YFV) nucleotide sequences which encode exogenous (i.e., non-YFV) amino acid sequences. These recombinant YFV viruses comprise an exogenous nucleic acid. Infection of a host cell with a recombinant YFV provides for expression of the exogenous nucleic acid in a host cell and production of an antigenic polypeptide encoded by the exogenous nucleic acid. Such recombinant YFV are useful in eliciting an immune response to the exogenous polypeptide.

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.