Abstract: Methods to obtain genetic modifications of cells in histoculture are described. Modification is assisted by treating the histoculture with collagenase prior to contacting the histoculture with the delivery vehicle for the desired gene. Hair follicles and other organized tissues can be modified in this was and then transplanted into intact recipients.

Abstract: A method to determine a total cysteine in biological fluids utilizes similarly treated portions of the fluid with a homocysteinase and a non-specific desulfurase.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to the observation that nestin expression is a marker for endothelial cell proliferation. Nestin expression is particularly useful as a marker for angiogenesis, particularly for tumor-related angiogenesis. Specifically, nestin serves as an excellent endothelium marker for brain tumors such as gliomas, hemangioblastomas, Schwannomas, medulloblastomas, and meningiomas. Accordingly, the disclosed invention relates to the use of this marker as a basis to model angiogenic activity.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting the growth of tumor cells by combination treatment with a selenium-containing prodrug and an enzyme for which it is a substrate are described. The treatment also enhances the effect of anti-tumor agents.

Abstract: Living cells can be stably modified to emit different colors from the cytoplasm and nucleus, thus permitting analysis of the status of said cells and the effect of agents on said cells either by visual or instrumentally-aided observation. These observations may be made, if desired, in real time. In addition, rates of proliferation and drug sensitivities can be determined in vitro in real time by the use of cells modified to express a single fluorescent protein and observing fluorescence intensity as a function of time.

Abstract: A composition and method for treating and monitoring alopecia by altering hair follicle cells to produce a cell cycle inhibitor is disclosed.

Abstract: A method to follow the progression of metastasis of a primary tumor, which method comprises removing fresh organ tissues from a vertebrate subject which has been modified to contain tumor cells that express GFP and observing the excised tissues for the presence of fluorescence is disclosed. The fluorescence can also be monitored by observing the tissues in situ. Vertebrate subjects which contain GFP producing tumors are useful models to study the mechanism of metastasis, as well as to evaluate candidate protocols and drugs. In addition, subjects already harboring tumors can be treated so as to modify the endogenous tumors to contain GFP. This permits clinical applications. Finally, by injecting a contrast dye into a subject harboring a GFP-labeled tumor, angiogenesis in the tumor can be observed directly.

Abstract: The invention provides a method to provide hair growth by stimulating extrusion of hair from a hair follicle which employs a liposomal formulation of an active ingredient which stimulates extrusion when taken up by the hair follicles.

Abstract: The invention provides novel methods relating to SAM detection and production as well as a novel SAHH enzymatic activity for use in such methods. Additional methods, compositions, and kits relating to the novel SAHH are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting the growth of tumor cells by combination treatment with a selenium-containing prodrug and an enzyme for which it is a substrate are described. The treatment also enhances the effect of anti-tumor agents.

Abstract: A method to detect and measure the concentration of hydrogen peroxide comprises adding reagents consisting essentially of peroxidase and a dialkyl phenylenediamine and detecting any color generated by the interaction of hydrogen peroxide with these reagents.

Abstract: The invention relates to the whole-body external optical imaging of gene expression. Specifically, methods for whole-body external optical imaging of gene expression and methods for evaluating a candidate protocol or drug for treating diseases or disorders using a fluorophore operatively linked to the promoter of a gene and external optical imaging are provided herein. Methods to screen for substances or genes that regulate target promoters are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods which ameliorate the virulence of bacterial infection are described wherein the active ingredient modulates transmethylation reactions in bacterial cells. Particularly useful compounds are inhibitors of S-adenosyl methionine synthetase (SAMS), of S-adenosyl homocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) and of transmethylases.

Abstract: An in vitro model system for viral infection is comprised of a tissue block from adult tonsil or lymph node supported on a matrix which is flexible and porous and wherin the supported tissue block is cultured in a medium whose surface is congruent with the tissue block/matrix interface. The histoculture system can be used to screen for antiviral drugs and to monitor the course of viral diseases.

Abstract: An in vitro model system for viral infection and for immune response is comprised of a tissue block from adult tonsil or lymph node supported on a matrix which is flexible and porous and wherein the supported tissue block is cultured in a medium whose surface is congruent with the tissue block/matrix interface. The histoculture system can be used to screen for antiviral drugs, to monitor the course of viral diseases, and to monitor an immune response to antigen stimulation.

Abstract: A depletion method to inhibit tumor growth includes introducing a viral expression system capable of expressing methioninase or a fusion protein containing methioninase into a tumor contained in a vertebrate subject or cells thereof. The fusion protein may contain a fluorescent protein to permit monitoring of the completeness of the depletion method. The fusion protein can be used in vivo as well as in vitro screening protocols which employ the viral expression system. The expression system includes control sequences and means to integrate the nucleotide sequence into the genome of a host cell for expression. The method may also include treating the cells with isolated methioninase and/or with a therapeutic cell. The depletion method can be with other known therapies, such as maintaining the animal having the tumor on a methionine depleted diet.

Abstract: Homocysteinase enzymes are disclosed which have sufficient specificity for homocysteine, as compared to cysteine that hydrogen sulfide can be used as a measure of homocysteine in a biological fluid even in the presence of substantial amounts of cysteine, exceeding the level of homocysteine. The enzyme of desired specificity can be readily prepared by mutation and screening of naturally occurring homocysteinases or by constructing chimeric forms.

Abstract: The construction of multicopy expression systems for methioninase are disclosed. The higher expression systems employ a promoter operably linked to two or more copies of a tandemly repeated methioninase encoding sequence. Such multicopy expression systems were found to produce unexpectedly high levels of methioninase when expressed in an appropriate host.

Abstract: An improved synthesis of N,N,-disubstituted-p-phenylene-diamine (DSPDA) preferably di-n-butyl-p-phenylenediamine is disclosed. The improvement rests on the discovery that DSPDA and its salts are extremely sensitive to oxygen so that once the product DSPDA or its salt is formed, oxygen must be excluded from all manipulations.

Abstract: A nude mouse model for human neoplastic diseases having histologically intact human neoplastic tissue transplanted onto an organ of the mouse which corresponds to the human organ from which the tissue is obtained.