Abstract: Hair follicle stem cells are isolated from mammals by isolating nestin-expressing cells. These hair follicle stem cells are a source of adult stem cells for autologous or heterologous stem cell therapy. The stem cells can be systemically implanted into the mammal or directly implanted into the organ. In addition, the stem cells may be further differentiated in vitro and then implanted systemically or directly into the mammal.

Abstract: Bacteria that are auxotrophic for at least two amino acids found in at least one tumor are effective anti tumor treatments, labeling agents, and vaccines against infection. Improved antitumor effects can also be provided such strains by passage through an appropriate tumor model.

Abstract: A enhanced method for observing tumor progression, angiogenesis and/or metastasis in animal models in real time is described. The invention employs a skin flap over the area to be observed that can be opened and closed reversibly. The invention also permits simultaneous observation of more than one tumor by use of multiple colors.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for targeted and specific delivery of beneficial compounds, including hair dyes, melanin, proteins, and nucleic acids for gene therapy, to hair follicle cells using liposomes encapsulating the beneficial compound. Particularly preferred methods describe delivery of hair dyes, melanin or tyrosinase to the hair follicle for the purpose of improving hair color or condition, the delivery of compounds which prevent alopecia or stimulate hair growth, either by encapsulating a compound in liposomes, or by encapsulating a nucleic acid capable of expressing a protein in liposomes. Also described are liposome compositions for practicing the methods.

Abstract: Methods of obtaining faithful expression libraries from tissue samples comprise extraction of RNA from intact tissue cultured in three-dimensional sponge-gel based histocultures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to highly conjugated proteins and methods for making such proteins. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for linking additional sites to a protein for conjugation with activated polyethylene glycol (PEG) linkers, without denaturing the protein. The invention also relates to highly conjugated proteins with decreased immunogenicity and increased circulating half-life.

Abstract: Infection by P. carinii can be treated by administering methioninase optionally in combination with additional therapeutic agents, such as antibiotics.

Abstract: Methods of obtaining faithful expression libraries from tissue samples comprise extraction of RNA from intact tissue cultured in three-dimensional sponge-gel based histocultures.

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: 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: 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 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.