Abstract: The present invention provides defined serum-free cell culture media useful in culturing fibroblasts, especially articular chondrocytes, that avoids problems inherent in the use of serum-containing media. The defined media comprise platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and chemically defined lipids, or combinations of these compounds. In another aspect, the present invention also provides tissue culture methods that comprise incubating chondrocytes in the defined serum free media. The methods enhance attachment and proliferative expansion of chondrocytes seeded at low density while maintaining their redifferentiation potential.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a human TIE-2 ligand. In addition, the invention provides for a receptorbody which specifically binds a human TIE-2 ligand. The invention also provides an antibody which specifically binds a human TIE-2 ligand. The invention further provides for an antagonist of human TIE-2. The invention further provides for a ligandbody which specifically binds TIE-2 receptor. The invention also provides for therapeutic compositions as well as a method of blocking blood vessel growth, a method of promoting neovascularization, a method of promoting the growth, differentiation or migration of cells expressing the TIE-2 receptor, including, but not limited to, hematopoietic precursor cells, a method of blocking the growth, differentiation or migration of cells expressing the TIE-2 receptor including, but not limited to, hematopoietic precursor cells, and a method of attenuating or preventing tumor growth in a human.

Abstract: Human Cerberus proteins and related nucleic acids are provided. Included are proteins comprising a human cerberus domain having specific activity, particularly the ability to antagonize a bone morphogenic protein. The proteins may be produced recombinantly from transformed host cells with the subject nucleic acids. Also provided are isolated hybridization probes and primers capable of specifically hybridizing with the disclosed genes, specific binding agents and methods of making and using the subject compositions.

Abstract: A novel ligand (Efl-6) that binds the Elk subfamily of Eph receptors is identified, and methods for making the soluble Elf-6 ligand in biologically active form is described. A cDNA clone encoding this novel protein enables production of the recombinant protein, which is useful to support neuronal and other eph receptor-bearing cell populations.

Abstract: Modified ciliary neurotrophic factor, methods for production and methods of use, especially in the treatment of Huntington's disease, obesity, and gestational or adult onset diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fusion polypeptide capable of binding a cytokine to form a nonfunctional complex. It also provides a nucleic acid sequence encoding the fusion polypeptide and methods of making and uses for the fusion polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of decreasing or inhibiting vascular permeability and/or plasma leakage in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal a TIE-2 receptor activator. The invention also provides for a method of decreasing or inhibiting vascular permeability and/or plasma leakage in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal an Ang-2 inactivator such as an anti-Ang-2 neutralizing antibody.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a modified TIE-2 ligand which has been altered by addition, deletion or substitution of one or more amino acids, or by way of tagging, with for example, the Fc portion of human IgG-1, but which retains its ability to bind the TIE-2 receptor. The invention further provides for a modified TIE-2 ligand which is a chimeric TIE-2 ligand comprising at least a portion of a first TIE-2 ligand and a portion of a second TIE-2 ligand which is different from the first. In a specific embodiment, the invention further provides for a chimeric TIE ligand comprising at least a portion of TIE-2 Ligand-1 and a portion of TIE-2 Ligand-2. In addition the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding the modified TIE-2 ligands described.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding TIE ligand-3 or TIE ligand-4. In addition, the invention provides for a receptorbody which specifically binds TIE ligand-3 or TIE ligand-4. The invention also provides an antibody which specifically binds TIE ligand-3 or TIE ligand-4. The invention further provides for an antagonist of TIE. The invention also provides for therapeutic compositions as well as a method of blocking blood vessel growth, a method of promoting neovascularization, a method of promoting the growth or differentiation of a cell expressing the TIE receptor, a method of blocking the growth or differentiation of a cell expressing the TIE receptor and a method of attenuating or preventing tumor growth in a human.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a human TIE-2 ligand. In addition, the invention provides for a receptor body, which specifically binds a human TIE-2 ligand. The invention also provides an antibody that specifically binds a human TIE-2 ligand. The invention further provides for an antagonist of human TIE-2. The invention also provides for therapeutic compositions as well as a method of blocking blood vessel growth, a method of promoting neovascularization, a method of promoting the growth or differentiation of a cell expressing the TIE-2 receptor, a method of blocking the growth or differentiation of a cell expressing the TIE-2 receptor and a method of attenuating or preventing tumor growth in a human.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a gene, designated as musk, that encodes a novel tyrosine kinase receptor expressed in high levels in denervated muscle. The invention also provides for an isolated polypeptide which activates MuSK receptor. The invention further provides for a polypeptide which is functionally equivalent to the MuSK activating polypeptide. The invention also provides assay systems that may be used to detect and/or measure ligands that bind the musk gene product. The present invention also provides for diagnostic and therapeutic methods based on molecules that activate MuSK.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a newly identified family of protein serine/threonine kinases which phosphorylate microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2). It is based, in part, on the cloning and characterization of novel MAP2 kinases designated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1, 2, and 3 (ERK1, ERK2, ERK3) which are expressed in the central nervous system, and on the identification of another ERK family member, ERK4, with antisera. The present invention provides for recombinant nucleic acid molecules and proteins representing members of the MAP2 kinase family, and also for microorganisms, transgenic animals, and cell lines comprising recombinant MAP2 kinase molecules. In additional embodiments of the invention, the present invention provides for methods for assaying cellular factor activity, including, but not limited to, nerve growth factor activity, in which the activation of MAP2 kinase serves as an indicator of cellular factor activity.

Abstract: Biocompatible compositions comprising polyanionic polysaccharides such as Hyaluronic Acid combined with hydrophobic bioabsorbable polymers as well as methods for making and using the compositions are described.

Abstract: Novel dorsal growth inducing factors, complexes including the factors, and DNA or RNA coding sequences for the factors are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a newly identified family of protein serine/threonine kinases which phosphorylate microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2). It is based, in part, on the cloning and characterization of novel MAP2 kinases designated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1, 2, and 3 (ERK1, ERK2, ERK3) which are expressed in the central nervous system, and on the identification of another ERK family member, ERK4, with antisera. The present invention provides for recombinant nucleic acid molecules and proteins representing members of the MAP2 kinase family, and also for microorganisms, transgenic animals, and cell lines comprising recombinant MAP2 kinase molecules. In additional embodiments of the invention, the present invention provides for methods for assaying cellular factor activity, including, but not limited to, nerve growth factor activity, in which the activation of MAP2 kinase serves as an indicator of cellular factor activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a modified TIE-2 ligand which has been altered by addition, deletion or substitution of one or more amino acids, or by way of tagging, with for example, the Fc portion of human IgG-1, but which retains its ability to bind the TIE-2 receptor. The invention further provides for a modified TIE-2 ligand which is a chimeric TIE-2 ligand comprising at least a portion of a first TIE-2 ligand and a portion of a second TIE-2 ligand which is different from the first. In a specific embodiment, the invention further provides for a chimeric TIE ligand comprising at least a portion of TIE-2 Ligand-1 and a portion of TIE-2 Ligand-2. In addition the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding the modified TIE-2 ligands described.

Abstract: The present invention provides for nucleic acid sequences that encode novel mammalian receptor polypeptides, designated OCR1. The invention also provides assay systems that may be used to detect and/or measure ligands that bind the MAMMALIAN OCR1 gene product. The present invention also provides for diagnostic and therapeutic methods based on the interaction between MAMMALIAN OCR1 and agents that initiate signal transduction through binding to MAMMALIAN OCR1. In a specific embodiment, the MAMMALIAN OCR1 may HUMAN OCR1 or MOUSE OCR1.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a human TIE-2 ligand. In addition, the invention provides for a receptor body which specifically binds a human TIE-2 ligand. The invention also provides an antibody which specifically binds a human TIE-2 ligand. The invention further provides for an antagonist of human TIE-2. The invention also provides for therapeutic compositions as well as a method of blocking blood vessel growth, a method of promoting neovascularization, a method of promoting the growth or differentiation of a cell expressing the TIE-2 receptor, a method of blocking the growth or differentiation of a cell expressing the TIE-2 receptor and a method of attenuating or preventing tumor growth in a human.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of promoting motor neuron survival, growth or differentiation comprising treating motor neurons with an effective amount of HGF. The invention also provides for a method of promoting motor neuron survival, growth or differentiation comprising treating motor neurons with an effective amount of HGF and an effective amount of CNTF. The invention further provides for a method of alleviating the toxic effects of vincristine on motor neurons comprising treating motor neurons with an effective amount of HGF and an effective amount of CNTF. The methods may be carried out in vitro or in vivo. The invention also provides a method of treating a motor neuron disorder in a patient comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of HGF and CNTF. The invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition for treating a motor neuron disorder in a patient comprising HGF and CNTF in a pharmacologically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Described are modified Noggin muteins, compositions comprising the muteins, and DNA or RNA sequences comprising coding (sense) or antisense sequences for the muteins.