Abstract: This invention pertains to the discovery that nerve growth factor (NGF) is capable of preventing further demyelination of nervous tissue in pathologies characterized by the demyelination of nervous tissue (e.g. multiple sclerosis). In one embodiment, this invention provides a method for inhibiting demyelination in a subject having an inflammatory disease of a nervous tissue. The method involves administering an effective amount of NGF, an NGF analogue, or an active fragment of NGF where the effective amount is sufficient to downregulate the production of interferon ? by T cells infiltrating the central nervous system and/or to upregulate IL-10 production by glial cells.

Abstract: This invention provides novel peptides that ameliorate one or more symptoms of atherosclerosis. In certain embodiments, the peptide comprises an amino acid sequence that ranges in length from about 10 up to about 30 amino acids, that comprises at least one class A amphipathic helix, that bears at least one protecting group, that protects a phospholipid against oxidation by an oxidizing agent; and that is not the D-18A peptide. The peptides are highly stable and readily administered via an oral route.

Abstract: This invention provides nucleic acid sequences and characterization of the gene cluster responsible for the biosynthesis of the enediyne C-1027 (produced by Streptomyces globisporus). The pathway comprises a nonriobsomal peptide synthetase (NRPS). Methods are provided for the biosynthesis of enediynes, enediyne analogs and other biological molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides heregulin variants that are capable of binding an ErbB receptor. Included in the invention are variants of human heregulins, and, in particular, variants of human heregulin-?1 having enhanced affinity for the ErbB-3 and ErbB-4 receptors. These variants include at least one amino acid substitution and can include further modifications. The invention also provides nucleic acid molecules encoding heregulin variants and related vectors, host cells, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cDNA sequences from a region of amplification on chromosome 20 associated with disease. The sequences can be used in hybridization methods for the identification of chromosomal abnormalities associated with various diseases. The sequences can also be used for treatment of diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides antibodies specific for HIV env, including monoclonal antibodies and related hybridomas. The antibodies block CD4/g120 binding and reduce reverse transcriptase activity in vitro.

Abstract: This invention provides detailed sequence analysis and characterization of the gene cluster responsible for the synthesis of bleomycin in Streptomyces verticillus. The bleomycin gene cluster provides the first hybrid polyketide synthase/nonribosomal peptide synthetase pathway and elucidation of the various modules and enzymatic domains characterizing the pathway provides convenient synthetic routes for bleomycins, bleomycin analogs, and various other polyketides.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of gene expression. In particular this invention relates to the use of heterologous phytochromes to translocate polypeptides into the nucleus of a cell. Where the polypeptides comprise transactivators or repressors this invention provides a system for light-directed gene expression.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of inhibiting calcification of a soft tissue (e.g., an artery, a heart valve, an atherosclerotic plaque, a cancer, a kidney, a prostate, skin, muscle, cartilage, viscera, and heart muscle) in a mammal. These methods involve inhibiting osteoclastic bone resorption in said mammal (e.g., a mammal diagnosed as having or at risk for a pathology characterized by calcification of a soft tissue). The inhibition is preferably by administration of a bisphosphonate to the mammal in a concentration sufficient to inhibit bone resorption without inhibiting bone mineralization. The methods of this invention can also be used to mitigate a symptom of atherosclerosis in a mammal. Such methods involve inhibiting osteoclastic bone resorption in the mammal.

Abstract: This invention is a method of identifying the presence of, and monitoring, a disease state in a mammal which is associated with degradation of connective tissue in the mammal. The method detects and determines whether diagnostically or prognostically significant levels of YKL-40 protein and/or YKL-40 peptide are present in a biological sample. The method can be used, for example, to identify the presence of inflammatory or degenerative joint disease or degeneration of connective tissue in organs. Serum YKL-40 levels as detected and quantified by the inventive method are also suggestive of the prognosis for the length of survival in breast cancer patients following recurrence and/or metastasis of their cancers. The figure shows the elution position of substantially pure serum YKL-40 on a gel filtration column.