Abstract: An isolated polypeptide (JNK) characterized by having a molecular weight of 46 kD as determined by reducing SDS-PAGE, having serine and threonine kinase activity, phosphorylating the c-Jun N-terminal activation domain and polynucleotide sequences and method of detection of JNK are provided herein. JNK phosphorylates c-Jun N-terminal activation domain which affects gene expression from AP-1 sites.

Abstract: The present invention presents novel leptospiral membrane lipoproteins, LipL1 and LipL2, associated with pathogenic strains of Leptospira. LipL1 is of about 35 kDa, and LipL2 is of about 41 kDa. Also disclosed are the method for purifying these proteins from Leptospira, their nucleotide and amino acid sequences, the cloning of the genes encoding the proteins and their recombinant proteins, methods for producing antibodies to these proteins, the resulting antibodies. These proteins, their immunogenic fragments, and antibodies against them, are useful for inducing an immune response to pathogenic Leptospira as well as providing a diagnostic target for leptospirosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides receptors for the growth differentiation factor (GDF) family of growth factors and methods of identifying such receptors. Also included are methods of identifying antibodies which bind to the receptors, peptide fragments of the receptor which inhibit GDF binding, GDF receptor-binding agents capable of blocking GDF binding to the receptor. The receptors of the invention allow the identification of antagonists or agonists useful for agricultural and human therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: An antigenic preparation is provided which contains a 31 Kd outer membrane protein from Leptospira which can be used immunologically as a vaccine for leptospirosis caused by this organism.

Abstract: Methods for identifying a hyaluronidase 2 (HYAL2) specific inhibitor, which selectively inhibits HYAL2 activity, but does not substantially affect the activity of non-inflammatory hyaluronidases, are provided. Also provided are HYAL2 specific inhibitors obtained using such a method. In addition, methods for ameliorating an inflammatory disorder or vasculitis condition by specifically inhibiting HYAL2 is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies that bind to the growth differentiation factor-7.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially purified growth differentiation factor (GDF) receptor, including a GDF-8 (myostatin) receptor, as well as functional peptide portions thereof. In addition, the invention provides a virtual representation of a GDF receptor or a functional peptide portion thereof. The present invention also provides a method of modulating an effect of myostatin on a cell by contacting the cell with an agent that affects myostatin signal transduction in the cell. In addition, the invention provides a method of ameliorating the severity of a pathologic condition, which is characterized, at least in part, by an abnormal amount, development or metabolic activity of muscle or adipose tissue in a subject, by modulating myostatin signal transduction in a muscle cell or an adipose tissue cell in the subject.

Abstract: An isolated polypeptide (JNK characterized by having a molecular weight of 46 kD as determined by reducing SDS-PAGE, having serine and threonine kinase activity, phosphorylating the c-Jun N-terminal activation domain and polynucleotide sequences and method of detection of JNK are provided herein. JNK phosphorylates c-Jun N-terminal activation domain which affects gene expression from AP-1 sites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting a polynucleotide encoding GDF-8 in a sample by contacting the sample with an oligonucleotide probe that hybridizes specifically with a polynucleotide encoding GDF-8; and detecting specific hybridization of the oligonucleotide probe to a polynucleotide in the sample, thereby detecting a polynucleotide encoding GDF-8 in the sample. The sample can be a tissue sample or a cell sample, for example, a muscle cell sample, which can be obtained, for example, from a mammal such as a bovine, ovine or porcine mammal, or a human.

Abstract: A method for producing a neuroblast and a cellular composition comprising an enriched population of neuroblast cells is provided. Also disclosed are methods for identifying compositions which affect neuroblasts and for treating a subject with a neuronal disorder, and a culture system for the production and maintenance of neuroblasts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enhancing the efficacy of one or more agents in a subject by administering the agent or agents and a context-dependent functional entity to the subject, wherein a context-dependent functional entity includes a substructure with thrombogenic potential operably linked to a selective recognition domain, and interacts with a function-forming context expressed by a cell or tissue in the subject. The invention also relates to a method of treating a pathologic condition in a subject by administering to the subject a therapeutic agent and a context-dependent functional entity. The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition, which contains an agent and a context-dependent functional entity in a pharmaceutically acceptable form. The invention further provides a peptide having the amino acid sequence Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Tyr-Asp (SEQ ID NO: 1).

Abstract: Substantially purified stable human hypoxia-inducible factor-1&agr; (sHIF-1alpha) proteins and polynucleotides encoding stable human hypoxia-inducible factor-1&agr; proteins are provided. A method is provided for treating a hypoxia-related tissue damage in a subject by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a sHIF-1alpha protein or a nucleic acid encoding a stable HIF-1alpha protein. Formulations are provided for the administration of stable human hypoxia inducible factor-1&agr; (HIF-1alpha) polypeptide or a polynucleotide encoding stable human hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) to a patient having or at risk of having hypoxia- or ischemia-related tissue damage.

Abstract: A gene, mc1-1, of the bc1-2 family is disclosed along with its nucleotide and amino acid sequence. Also disclosed are diagnostic and therapeutic methods of utilizing the mc1-1 nucleotide and polypeptide sequences.

Abstract: A transgenic non-human animal of the species selected from the group consisting of avian, bovine, ovine and porcine having a transgene which results in disrupting the production of and/or activity of growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11) chromosomally integrated into the germ cells of the animal is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making such animals, and methods of treating animals with antibodies or antisense directed to GDF-11. The animals so treated are characterized by increased muscle tissue.

Abstract: An isolated polypeptide (JNK) characterized by having a molecular weight of 46kD as determined by reducing SDS-PAGE, having serine and threonine kinase activity, phosphorylating the c-Jun N-terminal activation domain and polynucleotide sequences and method of detection of JNK are provided herein. JNK phosphorylates c-Jun N-terminal activation domain which affects gene expression from AP-1 sites.

Abstract: Growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8) is disclosed along with its polynucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence. Also disclosed are diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using the GDF-8 polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and compositions related to the administration of connective tissue growth factor, alone or in combination with other growth factors, compositions or compounds, to induce the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes or asteablasts.

Abstract: A transgenic non-human aquatic organisms, such as piscine, crustacea, mollusks, and the like, having a transgene which results in disrupting the production of and/or activity of growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8) chromosomally integrated into the germ cells of the animal is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making such organisms and nucleic acid sequences encoding GDF-8 polypeptides from such aquatic organisms.