Abstract: The present invention involves a variety of assay methods and devices for screening or diagnosing the occurrence of extrahepatic biliary atresia. In particular the methods and devices involve an antibody specifically for the detection of dipeptidyl peptidase IV in a test sample as indicative of extrahepatic biliary atresia.

Abstract: Norleucine incorporation into recombinant gene products may be inhibited by culturing the cells expressing the gene products in media comprising a high level of leucine and/or methionine, or by expressing the gene products in a leu mutant. Norleucine incorporation in recombinant gene products may be promoted by culturing the cells expressing the gene products in media comprising norleucine or deficient in leucine and/or methionine. For example, norleucine analogs of IL-2, GCSF, .gamma.-interferon and .alpha.-consensus interferon may be produced in this way.

Abstract: An oral dosage form comprising: (a) granulocyte colony stimulating factor or erythropoietin; (b) surfactant(s); (c) fatty acid(s); and (d) enteric material. The oral drug preparations provided by the present invention avoid inactivation of the principal ingredient during the process of pharmaceutical manufacturing and display enhanced absorption of the ingredient from the intestinal tract, particularly as a result of the addition of fatty acid(s) to the drug composition. As such, oral dosage forms of the present invention can allow for dosage reductions, facilitate accurate dose control, and increase the practical usefulness of the bioactive proteins.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel polypeptides possessing part or all of the primary structural conformation and one or more of the biological properties of a mammalian (e.g., human) pluripotent granulocyte colony-stimulating factor ("hpG-CSF") which are characterized in preferred forms by being the product of procaryotic or eucaryotic host expression of an exogenous DNA sequence. Sequences coding for part or all of the sequence of amino acid residues of hpG-CSF or for analogs thereof may be 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. Products of expression of the DNA sequences display, e.g., the physical and immunological properties and in vitro biological activities of isolates of hpG-CSF derived from natural sources. Disclosed also are chemically synthesized polypeptides sharing the biochemical and immunological properties of hpG-CSF.

Abstract: A progenitor B cell stimulating factor which promotes the formation of pre-B cells is described. DNA sequences encoding same and methods of production and purification of the factor are also disclosed. The factor is used in the treatment of hematopoietic disorders and in bone marrow transplantation.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel polypeptides possessing part or all of the primary structural conformation and one or more of the biological properties of a mammalian (e.g., human) pluripotent granulocyte colony-stimulating factor ("hpG-CSF") which are characterized in preferred forms by being the product of procaryotic or eucaryotic host expression of an exogenous DNA sequence. Sequences coding for part or all of the sequence of amino acid residues of hpG-CSF or for analogs thereof may be 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. Products of expression of the DNA sequences display, e.g., the physical and immunological properties and in vitro biological activities of isolates of hpG-CSF derived from natural sources. Disclosed also are chemically synthesized polypeptides sharing the biochemical and immunological properties of hpG-CSF.

Abstract: Provided are computer-based methods for preparing G-CSF analogs involving (a) providing computer expression of the three dimensional structure of a G-CSF molecule wherein the chemical moieties, such as each amino acid residue or each atom of each amino acid residue of the G-CSF molecule are correlated with said structure: (b) selecting from said computer expression a site on a G-CSF molecule for alteration; and (c) preparing a G-CSF molecule having such alteration. Also provided are articles of manufacture associated with such methods.

Abstract: Therapeutically useful proteins are conjugated to vitamin B.sub.12 by covalent binding at the primary hydroxyl site of the ribose moiety. The resulting conjugates are biologically active and can be formulated into pharmaceutical compositions suitable for delivery by various routes of administration, preferably oral. Uptake in the gut following oral delivery is further enhanced by the co-administration of purified intrinsic factor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing liposomes useful for encapsulating and delivering a wide variety of biologically active materials. The invention provides liposomes and a production method which is simple, feasible and inexpensive for the large-scale commercial manufacturing of liposomes and encapsulated materials. The method involves the formation of a liposome dispersion in the absence of an organic solvent or detergent, one or several cycles of freezing and thawing the liposomes, and dehydration of the liposome dispersion to form a lipid powder. When desired, the lipid powder is hydrated in the presence of the biologically active material whereby the material is encapsulated in reconstituted liposomes. The method can also include combining the liposome dispersion with a bulking agent prior to the dehydration and formation of the lipid powder. The addition of the bulking agent facilitates the handling of the lipid powder as well as its rapid dispersal upon hydration.

Abstract: Murine-derived hybridoma tumor cell lines and monoclonal anti-human pluripotent Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor antibody substances produced by these cell lines. Use of said monoclonal antibody substances, alone or in combination, in immunological procedures for isolation of human pluripotent Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor and for quantitative detection of human pluripotent Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor in fluid samples.

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: A method for genetically engineering cells to produce soluble and secretable Golgi processing enzymes instead of naturally occurring membrane-bound enzymes. Cells are genetically engineered to express glycosyltransferases which lack both a membrane anchor and a retention signal. The resulting altered enzyme becomes soluble and secretable by the cell without losing its catalytic activity. Secretion of the soluble glycosyltransferase by the cell provides for increased production and simplified recovery of glycosyltransferase.

Abstract: Disclosed are analogs of human leukocyte interferon which predominantly include those amino acid residues which are common to all naturally-occurring human leukocyte interferon subtype amino acid sequences and which include, at one or more of those positions where there is no amino acid common to all subtypes, an amino acid which predominantly occurs at that position and in no event include any amino acid residue which is not extant in that position in at least one naturally-occurring subtype.

Abstract: A protein which is a stimulator of and presumed ligand for the axl receptor has been identified and sequenced. The protein, termed gas6, bears homology to human protein S and is a growth factor for tissues which express axl.

Abstract: Provided are hybrid receptor molecules wherein one domain of the receptor is derived from the cytokine superfamily of receptors and other domain is derived from a heterologous family of receptors. Also provided are methods for identifying ligands that bind to the hybrid receptor molecules.

Abstract: The isolation and characterization of a novel polypeptide, designated Protease X, identified while screening for proteases exported into the media by Streptomyces lividans, is described [SEQ ID NO: 2]. Also disclosed is the DNA sequence of the gene encoding this protein [SEQ ID NO: 1]. The polypeptide was found to have proteolytic activity on the substrate succinyl-ala-ala-pro-phe-pNitroanilide, also cleaved by chymotrypsin, subtilisin, and cathepsin G. In addition, methods for purifying the protease and raising antibodies against it are reported. Lastly, the generation of an S. lividans strain deficient in this proteolytic activity is reported. Such a strain may prove useful as a host for production of heterologous protein products.

Abstract: Collagen-containing sponges comprising an absorbable gelatin sponge, collagen, and an active ingredient are disclosed as are methods of enhancing wound healing of external and internal wounds using such sponges.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for increasing the number of platelets in a mammal, which comprises administering to the mammal a platelet number increasing effective amount of an unbound, preferably a soluble, MPL receptor.

Abstract: DNA molecules encoding a modified tryptophan synthase beta subunit are disclosed. When expressed in a recombinant host microorganism, these polypeptide analogs enable significant levels of intracellular indole production and accumulation. In the presence of an aromatic dioxygenase enzyme, the indole so produced can be converted to indoxyl, which upon exposure to air oxidizes to indigo.

Abstract: Transgenic mice and methods of preparing such mice are disclosed. The mice exhibit decreased platelet counts and/or megakaryocyte leukemia.