Abstract: An process for the reversible modification of an amine-containing compound is described. Modification of the compound can be used to facilitate delivery of molecules to cells in vitro and in vivo or to alter interactions or activities the compounds. The described modifiers can also be utilized as cross-linkers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the selection and use of surface exposed epitopes. The present invention includes in vivo and in vitro phage peptide diplay methods for the identification and selection of peptides and peptide associated factors with desired properties (e.g., targeting specificity, stability, etc.). The present invention further provides methods and compositions for the isolation and identification of peptide-specific antibodies. The present invention also includes methods and compositions employing nuclear localization signals for enhanced nuclear transport and expression of DNA.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for providing in vivo delivery of polynucleotides to mammalian prostate cells using an intravascular administration route. The polynucleotides are inserted in an injection solution into a mammalian vasculature. Insertion of the injection solution at an appropriate rate increases the volume of extravascular fluid in the tissue thereby facilitating delivery of the polynucleotide to the cell.

Abstract: A method of highly efficiently transferring various selected molecules into various cells and a method of fusing cells. Cells and/or selected molecules such as polynucleotide are treated with cold gas plasma to thereby transfer the selected molecules located around cells into the cells, or cells are fused by treating the cells with cold gas plasma. Moreover, an apparatus for transferring selected molecules or fusing cells having a cold gas plasma generation unit for transferring selected molecules into cells is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for transfecting genetic material into a mammalian cell to alter endogenous properties of the cell. The process comprises designing a polynucleotide for transfection. Then the polynucleotide is inserted into a mammalian blood vessel. Prior to insertion, subsequent to insertion, or concurrent with insertion the permability of the vessel is increased using an exterior cuff and immunosuppression is applied thereby the genetic material is delivered to the parenchymal cell.

Abstract: An ionic polymer is utilized in “recharging” (another layer having a different charge) a condensed polynucleotide complex for purposes of nucleic acid delivery to a cell. The resulting recharged complex can be formed with an appropriate amount of positive or negative charge such that the resulting complex has the desired net charge.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of TRPV1 antagonists as inhibitors of certain taste perceptions and functions. The invention is also directed to, among other things, compositions comprising the TRPV1 antagonists that can be used in pharmaceutical, food, and other products to inhibit certain taste functions and perceptions.

Abstract: Described are ortho carboxy phenol derived acetals and compositions containing ortho carboxy phenol derived acetals which are useful for delivering biologically active compounds to cells. The acetals can be used to reversibly link up to three different molecules and have rapid hydrolysis kinetics in conditions which are present in a cell as well as in vivo. Cleavage of the acetal enhances delivery of the biologically active compound.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of a compound having the formula wherein R1, R2, R3, m, n and p are defined herein. The compounds of the present invention are useful as inhibitors of certain taste perceptions and functions. The invention is also directed to compositions comprising a compound according to the above formula.

Abstract: The invention relates an assay useful for screening and identifying compounds as modulators of lower alkyl phenol activation of TRPA1. Thymol, a lower alkyl phenol anti-infective and the active ingredient in, e.g., mouthwashes, is stringent and has an objectionable burning taste sensation. Thymol activates the transient receptor potential like ion channel TRPA1. The assay described and claimed herein involves measurement of activation of TRPA1 and enables the screening of compounds that inhibit lower alkyl phenol, or thymol activation of TRPA1. Inhibitors of thymol activation of TRPA1 can be used to prevent the objectionable taste of thymol in medical uses where taste limits acceptance.

Abstract: Compounds and methods are provided for a single-pot covalent attachment of a label to nucleic acids comprising forming a covalently attachable labeling reagent for alkylating the molecule. Then, combining the covalently attachable labeling reagent with a mixture containing the molecule, under conditions wherein the labeling reagent has reactivity with the molecule thereby forming a covalent bond.

Abstract: We disclose compositions and processes for enhancing transposon mediated integration of a nucleic acid molecule into another target nucleic acid molecule. Integration by an integrator complex is enhanced by cationic reagents.

Abstract: Cyclic amidinium containing compounds and their methods of preparation are described. Compositions containing these compounds facilitate delivery of biologically active polymers to cells in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: Processes are described for obtaining high levels of gene expression in primates after injection of nucleic acid to the liver via the lumen of the hepatic vein. The described process results in high level of gene expression with transient increases in liver enzymes.

Abstract: A process is described for the delivery of a therapeutic polynucleotide to limb muscle tissue suffering from or potentially suffering from ischemia. The polynucleotide is inserted into a mammalian limb vessel such as an artery. Delivery efficiency and distribution is enhanced by combining injection of a solution containing the polynucleotide with the use of an externally applied cuff.

Abstract: A plasma discharger in which, even on a rotating disk-like workpiece, a uniform energy distribution can be obtained over a wide range is provided. In a plasma discharger in which a pulse voltage is applied to a pair of rod-like discharge electrodes (6) (7) to produce a corona discharge between the discharge electrodes (6) (7), and the surface of a workpiece (W) is irradiated with excited species including plasma produced by the corona discharge, the pair of rod-like discharge electrodes (6) (7) are formed into an asymmetrical shape, and one discharge electrode (6) is formed into a substantially L-like shape.

Abstract: A system relating to the delivery of desired compounds (e.g., drugs and nucleic acids) into cells using pH-sensitive delivery systems. The system provides compositions and methods for the delivery and release of a compound to a cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for transferring nucleic acids into cells in vitro and in vivo. The compositions comprise a transfection reagent and one or more detergents. In preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise delivery systems providing nucleic acid transfer complexes that transfect cells with high efficiency.

Abstract: Endogenous gene regulation mechanisms together with microRNAs expressed in many organisms can be used to provide regulated or conditional expression of transgenes by placing an appropriate sequence, a microRNA binding site, within the transcribed gene. This microRNA-dependent transcription regulation can be further regulated using microRNA inhibitors.

Abstract: A method is provided for expanding the population of mature dendritic cells in an individual subject. Proper timing of sequential delivery of Flt3-L and GM-CSF provides improved expansion of mature dendritic cell populations over methods currently employed in the art. The expansion of mature dendritic cells can be used to enhance an immune response in the subject. The mature dendritic cells can also be isolated from the subject for use in biological research.