Abstract: Novel peptides are described which are biologically active derivatives of the EGF-like domain of NDF/heregulins and which stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of colon epithelial cells and support the survival and growth of Schwann cells.

Abstract: The invention is to stable compositions of erythropoietin that contain an antimicrobial preservative thereby providing a multi-dose formulation. Preservatives useful in the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention include benzyl alcohol, parabens, phenol and mixtures thereof. Other additives, including buffers may be included in the composition.

Abstract: Described are rapid and highly efficient procedures for the total synthesis of linear, double stranded DNA sequences in excess of about 200 base pairs in length, which sequences may comprise entire structural genes. Novel sequences are prepared from two or more DNA subunits provided with terminal regions comprising restriction endonuclease cleavage sites facilitating insertion of subunits into a selected vector for purposes of amplification during the course of the total assembly process. The total, finally-assembled sequences include at least one, and preferably two or more, unique restriction endonuclease cleavage site(s) at intermediate positions along the sequence, allowing for easy excision and replacement of subunits and the correspondingly facile preparation of multiple structural analogs of polypeptides coded for by the sequences.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel human serum protein and nucleic acid referred to as AFM, which has one or more activities in common with human serum albumin, human a-fetoprotein, or human vitamin D binding protein and which has an apparent molecular weight by SDS-PAGE of 87 kd; variants thereof; and related genes, vectors, cells and methods.

Abstract: The present invention makes possible the catalytic production of sequence specific oligonucleotides through the use of a specially designed template sequence. The reaction can be made to proceed isothermally in the presence of an excess of nucleoside triphosphates, an agent for polymerization, and a cutting agent. Because the process is catalytic with respect to the template sequence, an unlimited amount of oligonucleotide product can theoretically be generated from a single molecule of template. Where the process is initiated by the presence of a nucleic acid target sequence, the method of the present invention can be used for diagnostic purposes as an amplification method to improve sensitivity. Diagnostic sensitivity can be further enhanced by employing a cascade of these template sequences.

Abstract: Ligands which bind to the eck receptor are disclosed. More particularly, polypeptides which bind specifically to the eck receptor (eck receptor binding proteins or EBPs) and DNA sequences encoding said polypeptides are disclosed. Methods of treatment using eck receptor ligands and soluble eck receptor and disclosed, as are pharmaceutical compositions containing same. A rapid and sensitive method for the detection of receptor binding activity in crude samples is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient and economical method for reducing carryover contamination in an amplification procedure. The method of the present invention enables background caused by contaminant amplification product to be reduced or eliminated through the incorporation of at least one modification into the amplification product. The modified amplification product is readily distinguishable from the target sequence in a test sample. Prior to amplifying the target in a new test sample, the sample may be treated to selectively eliminate the contaminant amplification product so that it cannot be amplified in the new sample.

Abstract: The present invention makes possible the catalytic production of sequence specific oligonucleotides through the use of a specially designed template sequence. The reaction can be made to proceed isothermally in the presence of an excess of nucleoside triphosphates, an agent for polymerization, and a cutting agent. Because the process is catalytic with respect to the template sequence, an unlimited amount of oligonucleotide product can theoretically be generated from a single molecule of template. Where the process is initiated by the presence of a nucleic acid target sequence, the method of the present invention can be used for diagnostic purposes as an amplification method to improve sensitivity. Diagnostic sensitivity can be further enhanced by employing a cascade of these template sequences.

Abstract: A method and a kit for the isolation and quantitative detection of a selected target nucleic acid sequence from solution employing two probes. A first probe is complementary to one portion of the target and is covalently attached to a first complexing agent (e.g., either an antigen or an antibody). The second probe is complementary to a different portion of the target and is associated with a reporter group. Following hybridization of the target and two probes in solution, a solid support coated with a second complexing agent (i.e., a corresponding antibody or antigen) capable of binding to the first complexing agent on the first probe is employed to immobilize the target-probe hybrid complex.A plurality of types of first probes may be used. Each type is attached to the same sort of complexing agent but each includes a nucleic acid sequence which is complementary to a different portion of the target.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for treating injury or degeneration of retinal neurons, and in particular photoreceptors, by administering glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). The invention relates specifically to methods for treating retinal conditions or diseases in which vision is lost such as retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral vitreoretinopathies, photic retinopathies, surgery-induced retinopathies, viral retinopathies, ischemic retinopathies, retinal detachment and traumatic retinopathy.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for treating injury or degeneration of retinal ganglion cells by administering glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). The invention relates specifically to methods for treating optic nerve injury or degeneration associated with glaucoma.

Abstract: Provided are methods for fed batch fermentation of cells to produce a compound of interest. Also provided are methods of preparing a compound of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for the cytoplasmic delivery of oligonucleotides using cationic copolymers based on vinyl alcohol with low levels of vinyl amine (PVAVAMs). Improved compositions for use in such method are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides nuclease resistant 3'-carbon modified oligonucleotides that can be used in the field of nucleic acid therapeutics and diagnostics. The modified oligonucleotides of the present invention have at least one modified internucleotide linkage wherein the divalent oxygen moiety at the 3'-position of the internucleotide linkage is replaced by a tetravalent carbon moiety. The 3'-carbon modified internucleotide linkage is preferably a 3'-methylene or 3'-hydroxymethylene linkage. Also provided are a method and monomeric nucleoside and nucleotide intermediates for making the modified oligonucleotides of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel polypeptides possessing part or all of the primary structural conformation and one or more of the biological properties of mammalian erythropoietin ("EPO") which are characterized in preferred forms by being the product of procaryotic or eucaryotic host expression of an exogenous DNA sequence. Illustratively, genomic DNA, cDNA and manufactured DNA sequences coding for part or all of the sequence of amino acid residues of EPO or for analogs thereof are incorporated into autonomously replicating plasmid or viral vectors employed to transform or transfect suitable procaryotic or eucaryotic host cells such as bacteria, yeast or vertebrate cells in culture. Upon isolation from culture media or cellular lysates or fragments, products of expression of the DNA sequences display, e.g., the immunological properties and in vitro and in vivo biological activities of EPO of human or monkey species origins.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel polypeptides possessing part or all of the primary structural conformation and one or more of the biological properties of mammalian erythropoietin ("EPO") which are characterized in preferred forms by being the product of procaryotic or eucaryotic host expression of an exogenous DNA sequence. Illustratively, genomic DNA, cDNA and manufactured DNA sequences coding for part or all of the sequence of amino acid residues of EPO or for analogs thereof are incorporated into autonomously replicating plasmid or viral vectors employed to transform or transfect suitable procaryotic or eucaryotic host cells such as bacteria, yeast or vertebrate cells in culture. Upon isolation from culture media or cellular lysates or fragments, products of expression of the DNA sequences display, e.g., the immunological properties end in vitro and in vivo biological activities of EPO of human or monkey species origins.

Abstract: Stem cell factor in combination with interleukin-6 and soluble interleukin-6 receptor supports proliferation, differentiation and terminal maturation of erythroid cells from normal human hematopoietic stem cells.

Abstract: A signal peptide sequence and nucleic acids encoding this sequence which are useful for improving the secretion efficiency of NGF polypeptides are provided. Also provided is a method for preparing Met-less NGF polypeptides.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are toluene monooxygenase (TMO) gene sequences from Pseudomonas mendocina KR-1, TMO proteins encoded by these sequences, recombinant plasmids containing such sequences, and microorganism host cells containing such plasmids. A five-gene and six-gene TMO gene cluster encode proteins that are useful in a variety of bioconversions. In particular, the TMO gene cluster is useful fort he preparation of p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and indigo. In addition, the TMO gene cluster is useful for the degradative bioconversion of toxic compounds, such as trichloroethylene.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating or preventing infections in canine or feline animals which comprises administering an effective amount of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), are disclosed. The G-CSF may be naturally derived, or alternatively, the G-CSF and genetically engineered variants of G-CSF may be the expression products of genetically engineered prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cells.