Abstract: This invention provides a recombinant adenovirus expression vector characterized by the partial or total deletion of the adenoviral protein IX DNA and having a gene encoding a foreign protein or a functional fragment or mutant thereof. Transformed host cells and a method of producing recombinant proteins and gene therapy also are included within the scope of this invention. Thus, for example, the adenoviral vector of this invention can contain a foreign gene for the expression of a protein effective in regulating the cell cycle, such as p53, Rb, or mitosin, or in inducing cell death, such as the conditional suicide gene thymidine kinase. (The latter must be used in conjunction with a thymidine kinase metabolite in order to be effective).

Abstract: This invention provides a recombinant adenovirus expression vector characterized by the partial or total deletion of the adenoviral protein IX DNA and having a gene encoding a foreign protein or a functional fragment or mutant thereof. Transformed host cells and a method of producing recombinant proteins and gene therapy also are included within the scope of this invention. Thus, for example, the adenoviral vector of this invention can contain a foreign gene for the expression of a protein effective in regulating the cell cycle, such as p53, Rb, or mitosin, or in inducing cell death, such as the conditional suicide gene thymidine kinase. (The latter must be used in conjunction with thymidine kinase metabolite in order to be effective).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the treatment of interferon resistant tumors through the use of recombinant vectors encoding interferon species. In particular it is noted that interferon species provided by recombinant vectors possesses properties not associated with the recombinantly produced interferon proteins. The present invention further provides compositions useful in the treatment of interferon resistant tumors using recombinant vectors encoding interferons.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for reducing or inhibiting dermal scarring by expressing p21WAF1/Cip1 in a wound site are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of regulating gene expression. An aptamer is positioned in a nucleic acid molecule along with a sequence encoding a transcriptional regulatory polypeptide. The aptamer disrupts translation of the transcriptional regulatory polypeptide when contacted with an aptamer-binding ligand. Gene expression levels can be either increased or decreased by the disclosed methods, depending on whether the transcriptional regulatory polypeptide is a repressor or activator, and the degree of the effect is dependent upon the dose of the ligand. Nucleic acid molecules, expression cassettes, expression vectors and cells useful in the gene regulation methods are also provided.

Abstract: Fusions of the transcription factor E2F and the retinoblastoma protein RB are provided, along with methods of treatment of hyperproliferative diseases.

Abstract: Rat secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase and methods for it use are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds, compositions and methods that enhance the transfer of an agent into a cell. The agents can include polypeptides, polynucleotides such as genes and antisense nucleic acids, and other molecules. In some embodiments, the agents are modulating agents that can modulate a cellular activity or function when introduced into the cell. The compounds, compositions and methods are useful for introducing agents such as genes into individual cells, as well as cells that are present as a tissue or organ.

Abstract: A method for transducing a pathologic hyperproliferative mammalian cell is provided by this invention. This method requires contacting the cell with a suitable retroviral vector containing a nucleic acid encoding a gene product having a tumor suppressive function. Also provided by this invention is a method for treating a pathology in a subject caused by the absence of, or the presence of a pathologically mutated tumor suppressor gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a copolymer that noncovalently encapsulates an adenovirus while improving its delivery and resulting expression from the viral genome. It has now been discovered that a copolymer of a cationic polymer, such as PEI, polylysine, DEAE-Dextran, and derivatives thereof, and a nonionic polymer, such as PEG and derivatives thereof, can improve both delivery and transgene expression of the adenovirus in cells. The complex of the invention provides an easy-to-produce material that is therapeutically more effective than an unencapsulated adenovirus.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for administering protein or gene therapy to tissues or organs having an epithelial cell layer are provided. A protein or nucleic acid encoding the protein is administered to the target tissue or organ in combination with treatment with a delivery enhancing agent which increases the delivery of the interferon or nucleic acid to the cells of the target tissues or organs. The methods and combinations are particularly useful in the treatment of cancers and other conditions responsive to interferon therapy. An exemplary method comprises the transurethral intravesical administration to the bladder of a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an alpha-interferon or a gene delivery system encoding the interferon and SYN3 or a SYN3 homolog or analog.

Abstract: This invention provides a recombinant adenovirus expression vector characterized by the partial or total deletion of the adenoviral protein IX DNA and having a gene encoding a foreign protein or a functional fragment or mutant thereof. Transformed host cells and a method of producing recombinant proteins and gene therapy also are included within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: In one embodiment, this invention provides methods of treating mammalian cancer or hyperproliferative cells, said method comprising contacting said cells with a tumor suppressor protein or tumor suppressor nucleic acid and also contacting said cell with at least one adjunctive anti-cancer agent. The invention also provides for a pharmacological composition comprising a tumor suppressor protein or a tumor suppressor nucleic acid and at least one adjunctive anti-cancer agent, and a kit for the treatment of mammalian cancer or hyperproliferative cells.

Abstract: Novel chemokines and 7 transmembrane receptors from mammals, reagents related thereto, including purified proteins, specific antibodies, and nucleic acids encoding the chemokines and receptors are disclosed. Methods of using the chemokines, receptors, reagents and diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a recombinant adenovirus expression vector characterized by the partial or total deletion of the adenoviral protein IX DNA and having a gene encoding a foreign protein or a functional fragment or mutant thereof. Transformed host cells and a method of producing recombinant proteins and gene therapy also are included within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: This invention provides therapeutic and diagnostic agent delivery vehicles, including viral vectors, that are complexed to a targeting moiety by coordinate covalent linkages mediated by a transition metal ion. The complex is typically formed with a transition metal ion that is in a kinetically labile oxidation state; after the complex is formed, the oxidation state of the transition metal ion is changed to one that renders the complex kinetically stable. The use of a coordinate covalent linkage to attach the targeting moiety to the delivery vehicle provides advantages such as the ability to readily attach a different targeting moiety to a delivery vehicle without modifying the delivery vehicle itself. This flexibility is achieved without sacrificing stability of the complex.

Abstract: This invention provides a recombinant adenovirus expression vector characterized by the partial or total deletion of the adenoviral protein IX DNA and having a gene encoding a foreign protein or a functional fragment or mutant thereof. Transformed host cells and a method of producing recombinant proteins and gene therapy also are included within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for administering interferon therapy to tissues or organs having an epithelial cell layer are provided. A recombinant adenoviral vector encoding an interferon gene is administered to the target tissue or organ in combination with treatment with a delivery enhancing agent which increases the transduction of the cells of the target tissues or organs by the vector. The methods and combinations are useful in the treatment of cancers and other conditions responsive to interferon therapy. An exemplary method comprises the transurethral intravesical administration to the bladder of a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an adenoviral vector encoding alpha-interferon and SYN3 or a SYN3 homolog or analog. In the urinary bladder, as much as a 1,000 to 10,000 fold increase in interferon gene expression has been achieved by use of the combination of SYN3 with the recombinant adenoviral vector as compared to the use of the vector without SYN3.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions which are engineered to induce killing of tumor cells and concomitantly mobilize differentiate, activate and attract dendritic cells through the expression of cytokines and dendritic cell chemoattractants. The present invention invention is induces multiple stages of dendritic cell differentiation, activation and migration in vivo using gene therapy delivery systems. Moreover, this invention describes the rational design of utilizing viral vectors (preferred vector is rAd) for multiple administrations of targeted delivery to dendritic cells which can promote differentiation and activation of the transduced dendritic cells (thus augmenting in vivo stimulation of T cells, NK cells and B cells. The present invention provides a method to induce an antitumor immune response through the use of such compositions.

Abstract: A method and pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of cancer using a gene delivery system, such as a viral vector delivery system, comprising a therapeutic gene such as p53 or a retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene wherein the gene delivery system is formulated in a buffer comprising a delivery-enhancing agent such as ethanol or a detergent.