Abstract: Disclosed is a method of stimulating bone growth at a site in a subject in need of osteoinduction. The method comprises the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of an agonist of the non-proteolytically activated thrombin receptor to the site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cellular protein which is specific and has high affinity for nucleic acid sequences characteristic of an intact TAR RNA loop sequence of the HIV LTR TAR region. The invention also relates to a protein preparation having a protein of about 185 kD that is isolated from a mammalian cell nuclear extract preparation, most specifically a HeLa cell extract that is purified between 1,000-10,000 fold. The protein of about 185 kD is shown to regulate HIV viral gene expression by binding a TAR RNA region of an HIV LTR template, in the presence of a cofactor fraction (including at least a -100 kD cofactor), and a tat protein. A route for the development of immunodiagnostics for AIDS and related disorders may also be provided given the specific and high affinity of TRP-185 for HIV RNA.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the use of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F extracts and purified components thereof in the treatment of inflammation or an immune disorder with concomitant lack of steroidal effect. Extracts of this plant (T2) bound to the glucocorticoid receptor and competitively inhibited glucocorticoid mediated cellular processes, such as dexamethasone binding to the glucocorticoid receptor, glucocorticoid mediated activation of target genes, dexamethasone dependent cellular growth, with concomitant inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 induction and inflammatory processes such as the production of prostaglandin E.sub.2. The T2 extract components triptolide and tripdiolide were effective inhibitors. The particular advantage provided by the methods herein is the treatment or prevention of inflammation and the concomitant lack of steroidal agonist effects and NSAID side effects. Conditions treatable by the present methods include inflammation and immune disorders including autoimmune disease.

Abstract: Texaphyrin metal complexes having improved functionalization including the addition of electron donating groups to positions 12, 15, 18 and/or 21 and/or the addition of electron withdrawing groups to positions 15 or 18 of the macrocycle. Electron donating groups at positions 12, 15, 18 and/or 21 contribute electrons to the aromatic .pi. system of the macrocycle which stabilizes the metal complex to demetallation and the imine bonds to hydrolysis, these texaphyrin metal complexes having enhanced stability are useful for localization, magnetic resonance imaging, radiosensitization, radiation therapy, fluorescence imaging, photodynamic tumor therapy and applications requiring singlet oxygen production for cytotoxicity. Electron withdrawing groups at positions 15 or 18 render the macrocycle more readily reduced, i.e. the redox potential is lower and the macrocycle more readily gains an electron to form a radical. Such texaphyrins having a low redox potential are useful for radiosensitization applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to small RNAs encoded within the nucleus of mammalian cells that specifically import to the mitochondria. The RNAs bind to several nucleolar peptides and thus provide potential carriers for import of biological molecules, including metabolites and proteins, into the mitochondrial compartment. Mitochondrial dysfunction in several maternally inherited human diseases may be correctable employing linkage of mitochondrial import signal to mitochondrial tRNA sequences expressed from nuclear trans-genes without requirement for direct genetic transformation of mitochondria.

Abstract: Devices and methods for generating electrogenerated chemiluminescence, using an electrode which is coated with an immobilized layer of a compound capable of generating ECL. The coated electrode can be immersed along with a second electrode into an electrolyte solution containing a reactant which can react with the immobilized compound to generate ECL.