Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for utilizing recombinant alphavirus vectors. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for making and utilizing eukaryotic layered vector initiation systems.

Abstract: Polynucleotide encoding modified HIV Env polypeptides are disclosed. The Env polypeptides are modified in the region of amino acids 420-436 so as to expose at least part of the CD4 binding region. Methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention using the polynucleotides and polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: Compounds having the general structure 11 are provided: 1

Abstract: Inhibitors of laminin5beta3 are provided that reduce the expression or biological activities of laminin5beta3 or the expression of laminin5beta3 mRNA in a mammalian cell. Laminin5beta3 inhibitors include antisense molecules, ribozymes, antibodies and antibody fragments, proteins and polypeptides as well as small molecules. Laminin5beta3 inhibitors find use in compositions and methods for decreasing laminin5beta3 gene expression as well as methods for inhibiting the proliferation of mammalian cells, including tumor cells of epithelial origin, and methods for treating neoplastic diseases.

Abstract: A variety of low molecular weight, guanidino-containing molecules capable of acting as MC4-R agonists are provided. The compounds are useful in treating MC4-R mediated diseases. The compounds have the structure IA, IB, or IC where the values of the variable are defined herein.

Abstract: Inhibitors of human Nek2, including antisense oligonucleotides, methods, and compositions specific for human Nek2, are provided. Methods of using the compositions for modulating Nek2 expression and for regulating cell growth, particularly tumor cell growth, are also provided.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided lipid-conjugated polyamide compounds and related compositions and methods thereof. Lipid-conjugated polyamide compounds of the present invention are particularly useful as vehicles for delivering biologically active agents to a target site. In particular, the invention compounds are effective at facilitating the delivery of polynucleotides to cells. The present invention also provides a method for producing stable formulations of polynucleotides complexed with a delivery vehicle.

Abstract: Fifteen secreted human proteins and full-length cDNA sequences encoding the proteins have been identified. The proteins have various potential uses as therapeutics, such as for stimulating blood cell generation in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy, for treatment of bone marrow transplantation patients, and for healing fractured bones. The proteins and cDNA sequences can also be used, inter alia, for targeting other proteins to the membrane or extracellular milieu.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a keratinocyte growth factor fragment, KGFdes1-23, or an analog thereof that is composed of a portion of an amino acid sequence of mature, full length keratinocyte growth factor, KGF163. The fragment exhibits at least a 2-fold increase in mitogenic activity as compared to a mature, recombinant keratinocyte growth factor, rKGF, but lacks a sequence comprising the first 23 amino acid residues. C-N-D-M-T-P-E-Q-M-A-T-N-V-N-C-S-S-P-E-R-H-T-R- (SEQ ID NO: 2) of the KGF163 N-terminus. The present invention also relates to a DNA molecule encoding KGFdes1-23, an expression vector and a transformed host containing the DNA molecule, and a method of producing KGFdes1-23 by culturing the transformed host. The present invention further relates to a conjugate of KGFdes1-23 and a toxin molecule, and the use thereof for treatment of hyperproliferative disease of the epidermis.

Abstract: Chimeric oligonucleotide of the formula 5′-W-X1-Y-X2-Z-3′, where W represents a 5′-O-alkyl nucleotide, each of X1 and X2 represents a block of seven to twelve phosphodiester-linked 2′-O-alkyl ribonucleotides, Y represents a block of five to twelve phosphorothioate-linked deoxyribonucleotides, and Z represents a blocking group effective to block nuclease activity at the 3′ end of the oligonucleotide, are described. These compounds exhibit high resistance to endo- and exonucleases, high sequence specificity, and the ability to activate RNAse H, as evidenced by efficient and long-lasting suppression of target mRNA.

Abstract: A human tumor suppressor gene termed polyhomeotic 2 and its expression products can be used as therapeutic, prognostic, and diagnostic tools for proliferative and developmental disorders. Nucleotide sequences of the gene can also be used to identify a p34.3 region of a human chromosome 1.

Abstract: A human oncogene and its expression products can be used as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tools for neoplastic disorders. Nucleotide sequences of the gene can also be used to identify a p34.3 region of a human chromosome 1.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and uses of NRG4, and to variants thereof and to polynucleotides encoding NRG4, for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes, particularly related to colon and pancreatic cancer. This invention also relates to therapeutic agents based on or derived from the polynucleotides and proteins, NRG4 inhibitors, particularly antibodies capable of specifically binding to NRG4.

Abstract: Organic compounds having the formulas I and II are provided where the variables have the values described herein.

Abstract: A human oncogene and its expression products can be used as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tools for neoplastic disorders. Nucleotide sequences of the gene can also be used to identify a p34.3 region of a human chromosome 1.

Abstract: Organic compounds having the structural formulas I, II, and III are provided where the variables have the values described herein and R1 and R2 in structure I join together to form a 5 to 7 membered substituted or unsubstituted ring including at least one O, N, or S atom, and Z is an O, S, NH or NR group in structures I and II.

Abstract: Methods for treating a subject with a cancer that is characterized by overexpression of HER2 receptor protein using a combination of interleukin-2 (IL-2) or biologically active variant thereof and at least one anti-HER2 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof are provided. These therapeutic agents are administered as two separate pharmaceutical compositions, one containing IL-2 (or variant thereof), which is administered according to a constant IL-2 dosing regimen or a two-level IL-2 dosing regimen, the other containing at least one anti-HER2 antibody (or fragment thereof), which is administered according to a weekly dosing regimen, or is administered once every two, three, or four weeks. Administering of these two agents together potentiates the effectiveness of the anti-HER2 antibody alone, resulting in a positive therapeutic response that is improved with respect to that observed with this therapeutic agent alone.

Abstract: Chimeric alphaviruses and alphavirus replicon particles are provided including methods of making and using same. Specifically, alphavirus particles are provided having nucleic acid molecules derived from one or more alphaviruses and structural proteins (capsid and/or envelope) from at least two or more alphaviruses. Methods of making, using, and therapeutic preparations containing the chimeric alphavirus particle, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides the art with the DNA coding sequences of polynucleotides that are up- or down-regulated in cancer and dysplasia. These polynucleotides and encoded proteins or polypeptides can be used in the diagnosis or identification of cancer and dysplasia. Inhibitors of the up-regulated polynucleotides and proteins can decrease the abnormality of cancer and dysplasia. Enhancing the expression of down-regulated polynucleotides or introducing down-regulated proteins to cells can decrease the growth and/or abnormal characteristics of cancer and dysplasia.

Abstract: A method for delivering a melanocortin-4 receptor agonist to a mammalian subject, includes administering the melanocortin-4 receptor agonist to a tissue inside the nasal cavity or sinuses of the mammalian subject. In some instances, the melanocortin-4 receptor agonist includes a guanidine functional group.