Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing cell populations enriched for stable, regulatory T cells (Tregs). In particular, the invention relates to methods for culturing T cells such that the final culture is enriched for stable, regulatory T cells. It also relates to methods for stabilizing regulatory T cells. Also provided are compositions enriched for stable, regulatory T cells, which are useful for treating individuals in need of such treatment. The methods and compositions disclosed herein can also be used to treat an individual suffering from an immune-mediated disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gene transfer-based method to protect a subject from Sjogren's syndrome. The method comprises administering to the subject an AAV virion comprising an AAV vector that encodes aquaporin-1 (AQP-1) protein. Also provided are AQP-1 proteins and nucleic acid molecules that encode such proteins. Also provided are AAV vectors and AAV virions that encode an AQP-1 protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides small molecule inhibitors of BMP signaling. These compounds may be used to modulate cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis, and thus may be useful for treating diseases or conditions associated with BMP signaling, including inflammation, cardiovascular disease, hematological disease, cancer, and bone disorders, as well as for modulating cellular differentiation and/or proliferation. These compounds may also be used to reduce circulating levels of ApoB-100 or LDL and treat or prevent acquired or congenital hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipoproteinemia; diseases, disorders, or syndromes associated with defects in lipid absorption or metabolism; or diseases, disorders, or syndromes caused by hyperlipidemia.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adeno-associated virus 4 (AAV4) virus and vectors and particles derived therefrom. In addition, the present invention provides methods of delivering a nucleic acid to a cell using the AAV4 vectors and particles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of detecting tumors, monitoring cancer therapy, and selectively inhibiting the proliferation and/or killing of cancer cells utilizing a papilloma pseudovirus or a papilloma virus-like particle (VLP).

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of sweet taste receptors comprising two heterologous G-protein coupled receptor polypeptides from the T1R family of sensory G-protein coupled receptors, antibodies to such receptors, methods of detecting such nucleic acids and receptors, and methods of screening for modulators of sweet taste receptors.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of sweet taste receptors comprising two heterologous G-protein coupled receptor polypeptides from the T1R family of sensory G-protein coupled receptors, antibodies to such receptors, methods of detecting such nucleic acids and receptors, and methods of screening for modulators of sweet taste receptors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of identifying CFTR-binding compounds for treating cells having a reduced apical Cl− conductance, such as cystic fibrosis cells. This identification method involves the use of polypeptide I&agr;, which constitutes a portion of the CFTR protein. The present invention also provides a method of treating CF cells by contacting cells having a reduced apical Cl− conductance with a therapeutically effective quantity of a compound selected by the present inventive identification method. Preferred compounds for such treatment have little or no affinity for adenosine cell receptors. The present invention provides novel compounds useful in practicing the present inventive method, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds.

Abstract: Laser capture microdissection occurs where the transfer polymer film is placed on a substrate overlying visualized and selected cellular material from a sample for extraction. The transfer polymer film is focally activated (melted) with a pulse brief enough to allow the melted volume to be confined to that polymer directly irradiated. This invention uses brief pulses to reduce the thermal diffusion into surrounding non-irradiated polymer, preventing it from being heated hot enough to melt while providing sufficient heat by direct absorption in the small focal volume directly irradiated by the focused laser beam. This method can be used both in previously disclosed contact LCM, non contact LCM, using either condenser-side (or beam passes through polymer before tissue) or epi-irradiation (or laser passes through tissue before polymer). It can be used in configuration in which laser passes through tissue before polymer with and without an additional rigid substrate.