Abstract: Recombinant forms of DNA sequences for CPD glycosylases, including the bacteriophage T4 gene denV, are described that are capable of expression at high levels. Active CPD glycosylases can be recovered from inclusion bodies resulting from the high expression using, for example, a homogenization process which employs stream mixing, and the active proteins can be used in, for example, topical formulations for treatment of photosensitive diseases. Stream mixing can also be used to solubilize inclusion bodies containing proteins other than CPD glycosylases.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for reversing and/or inhibiting inflammation, e.g., by inhibiting prostaglandin and/or COX-2 production, using one or more indolequinazoline alkaloids, preferably in combination with butylated hydroxytoluene. The preferred indolequinazoline alkaloids are rutaecarpine, evodiamine, and dehydroevodiamine, which are naturally found in unpurified form in the traditional Chinese medicine Wu Chu Yu made from the fruit of the herb, Evodia rutaecarpa.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for reversing and/or inhibiting inflammation, e.g., by inhibiting prostaglandin and/or COX-2 production, using one or more indolequinazoline alkaloids, preferably in combination with butylated hydroxytoluene. The preferred indolequinazoline alkaloids are rutaecarpine, evodiamine, and dehydroevodiamine, which are naturally found in unpurified form in the traditional Chinese medicine Wu Chu Yu made from the fruit of the herb, Evodia rutaecarpa.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for genetically counseling a person based on one or more polymorphisms in his or her genes that sensitize him or her to toxic agents. Methods are also disclosed for genetically screening a group of individuals and/or a human population, based on, for example, ethnicity, race, religion or geographic region, to identify individuals with such polymorphisms for counseling. The methods can be used to counsel a person who has not been genetically tested for polymorphisms but who might have increased risk for sensitivity to toxic agents due to his or her membership in a particular group and/or population. The methods use correlations between genotypes of polymorphic alleles in a panel of cell lines and sensitivity of the cell lines to toxic agents. As examples, the methods are used to identify genotypes of allelic forms of the genes TP53, OGG1, ERCC2, XRCC1, and NOS3 that increase sensitivity or resistance of cells to toxic agents.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for regulating the melanin content of mammalian melanocytes; regulating pigmentation in mammalian skin, hair, wool or fur; treating or preventing various skin and proliferative disorders; by administration of various compounds, including alcohols, diols and/or triols and their analogues.

Abstract: Recombinant forms of DNA sequences for CPD glycosylases, including the bacteriophage T4 gene denV, are described that are capable of expression at high levels. Active CPD glycosylases can be recovered from inclusion bodies resulting from the high expression using, for example, a homogenization process which employs stream mixing, and the active proteins can be used in, for example, topical formulations for treatment of photosensitive diseases. Stream mixing can also be used to solubilize inclusion bodies containing proteins other than CPD glycosylases.

Abstract: The invention provides T4 endonuclease V compositions that exhibit enhanced stability, including stability at non-refrigerated temperatures, through reduced activity of cryptic proteases. Methods for detecting cryptic protease activity and methods for reducing such activity are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for regulating the melanin content of mammalian melanocytes; regulating pigmentation in mammalian skin, hair, wool or fur; treating or preventing various skin and proliferative disorders; by administration of various compounds, including alcohols, diols and/or triols and their analogues.

Abstract: The topical use of ursolic acid compounds to alter the lipid content of mammalian skin is disclosed. The compounds can be encapsulated in liposomes and administered in this form to the skin in, for example, a lotion or a gel. The compounds are effective in, among other things, reducing the effects of aging, photoaging, and skin atrophy, including skin atrophy resulting from the topical use of retinoids and/or steroids. Compositions comprising a ursolic acid compound in combination with another therapeutically active topical compounds, such as, a retinoid or a steroid, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for regulating the melanin content of mammalian melanocytes; regulating pigmentation in mammalian skin, hair, wool or fur; treating or preventing various skin and proliferative disorders; by administration of various compounds, including alcohols, diols and/or triols and their analogues.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for regulating the melanin content of mammalian melanocytes; regulating pigmentation in mammalian skin, hair, wool or fur; treating or preventing various skin and proliferative disorders; by administration of various compounds, including alcohols, diodls and/or triols and their analogues.

Abstract: Protection of mitochondria from oxidative damage due to natural or disease processes as well as by the effects of exogenous factors such as incident sunlight, exposure via inhalation to oxidative environmental toxins, consumption of dietary oxidants, and oxidative-stress-inducing cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, radiation therapy, among others, is provided by a composition comprising L-ergothioneine, L-ergothioneine may be prepared in a cosmetically or pharmaceutically-acceptable base to form an agent for topical application to the skin, and for oral or parenteral administration. Effective application and delivery, of L-ergothioneine is enhanced by encapsulation in a liposomes, a preferred embodiment. Diagnostic methods for determining exposure and susceptibility to radiation, radical and reactive oxygen species in mammals is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for increasing the differentiation of mammalian neuronal cells for purposes of treating neurodegenerative diseases or nerve damage by administration of various compounds including alcohols, diols and/or triols and their analogues.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for regulating the melanin content of mammalian melanocytes; regulating pigmentation in mammalian skin, hair, wool or fur; treating or preventing various skin and proliferative disorders; by administration of various compounds, including alcohols, diols and/or triols and their analogues.

Abstract: A method and dermatological formulation are provided for increasing the pigmentation response of mammalian skin, hair, wool or fur to agents which stimulate melanogenesis. The method comprises administering to mammalian skin, hair, wool or fur a dermatological formulation containing a melanogenesis-stimulating effective amount of an agent which stimulates melanogenesis in melanocytes, and a melanogenesis-enhancing effective amount of an agent, such as an &agr;-hydroxy acid, which enhances the stimulation of melanogenesis by the melanogenesis-stimulation agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for increasing the differentiation of mammalian neuronal cells for purposes of treating neurodegenerative diseases or nerve damage by administration of various compounds including alcohols, diols and/or triols and their analogues.