Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying the presence of cancer cells in a sample by detecting hypermethylation of the promoter region of a GATA-4 transcription factor gene, a GATA-5 transcription factor gene, or both. Methods for ameliorating a cancer by effecting expression of a hypermethylation silenced GATA-4 and/or GATA-5 transcription also are provided.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies and method for ameliorating an immune response disorder. The monoclonal antibodies are specific for an epitope present on the leukocyte adhesion receptor ?-chain.

Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying a cell exhibiting unregulated growth associated with methylation-silenced transcription of a suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)/cytokine-inducible SH2 protein (CIS) family member (SOCS/CIS) gene such as the SOCS-1 gene. In addition, methods of treating a cancer patient, wherein cancer cells in the patient exhibit methylation-silenced transcription of SOCS/CIS gene such as a SOCS-1 gene, are provided, as are reagents for practicing such methods.

Abstract: Purified GDF-8 polypeptides of aquatic organisms.

Abstract: Dominant negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic animals, new cell lines and animal varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation. The enhanced rate of mutation can be further augmented using mutagens. Moreover, the hypermutability of mismatch repair deficient cells can be remedied to stabilize cells or mammals with useful mutations.

Abstract: The present invention makes availables assays and reagents inhibiting paracrine and/or autocrine signals produced by a hedgehog protein or aberrant activation of a hedgehog signal transduction pathway, e.g., which involve the use of a steroidal alkaloid or other small molecule.

Abstract: Methods for detection of a cell proliferative disorder, such as cancer, are provided utilizing analysis of target mutant nucleic acids in saliva specimens. The presence of the target mutant nucleic acids is indicative of a neoplastic disorder of the lung or the head and neck.

Abstract: Growth differentiation factor, Lefty-2, is disclosed along with its polynucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence. Also disclosed are diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using the Lefty-2 polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for inducing weight loss in an animal by administering to the animal a compound which reduces the expression and/or secretion of neuropeptide Y (NPY). The effect may be accomplished directly, indirectly, or humorally. Preferably, administration of this compound has the effect of increasing malonyl CoA levels in the animal. Compounds administered according to this invention may be inhibitors of fatty acid synthase (FAS), including substituted ?-methylene-?-carboxyl-?-butyrolactones, or inhibitors of malonyl Coenzyme A decarboxylase (MCD). Preferably, the compound is administered in an amount sufficient to reduce the amount and/or duration of expression and/or secretion of NPY to levels at or below those observed for lean animals. In another preferred embodiment, the administration will reduce expression and/or secretion to levels observed for fed or satiated animals; more preferably, administration will reduce the level of NPY below that of fed animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits useful for detecting neplasia by measuring the methylation level of biomarkers, especially the promoter region of GSTP1 for the detection of prostate adenocarcinoma.

Abstract: The present invention provides two novel polypeptides, referred to as the “N” and “C” fragments of hedgehog, or N-terminal and C-terminal fragments, respectively, which are derived after specific cleavage at a G?CF site recognized by the autoproteolytic domain in the native protein. Also included are sterol-modified hedgehog polypeptides and functional fragments thereof. Methods of identifying compositions which affect hedgehog activity based on inhibition of cholesterol modification of hedgehog protein are described.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a compound which affects the formation of AMPA receptors into aggregates. The method also provides for a compound, for example, a long pentraxin polypeptide or fragment thereof, having a pentraxin binding domain and affecting AMPA receptor aggregation. The method provided herein affects AMPA receptor aggregation of GluR1, GluR2 and GluR3 receptor subunits.

Abstract: Functionalized chondroitin sulfate, cross-linked polymer matrices comprising functionalized chondroitin sulfate, and methods of making and using the same are provided. Such polymer matrices may be used for tissue engineering, reconstructing cartilage, and the like. Kits are also provided for detection of cartilage degrading enzymes.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for inducing weight loss and maintaining optimum weight comprising administering an agent that stimulates carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (CPT-1) activity to the patient in need, including human patients. These methods do not require inhibition of fatty acid synthesis. In particular, this invention provides methods for development of therapeutics that selectively enhance fatty acid oxidation, increase energy production, and reduce adiposity while preserving lean mass, through the pharmacological stimulation of CPT-1 activity. In a preferred mode, the agent is administered in an amount sufficient to increase fatty acid oxidation. In another preferred mode, the agent is administered in an amount sufficient to antagonize malonyl CoA inhibition of CPT-1. In yet another preferred mode, the agent is administered in an amount sufficient to increase malonyl CoA level.

Abstract: Methods of reducing the risk of transmission of a sexually transmitted pathogen by contacting the pathogen or cells susceptible to infection by the pathogen with a ?-cyclodextrin are provided. Methods for reducing the risk of transmission of a sexually transmitted pathogen to or from a subject by contacting the pathogen or cells susceptible to the pathogen in the subject with a pharmaceutical composition containing a ?-cyclodextrin also are provided. Accordingly, pharmaceutical compositions, which include 1) a ?-cyclodextrin, which is in an amount that blocks passage of the pathogen through lipid rafts in the membrane of a cell susceptible to the pathogen, and 2) a contraceptive, an agent for treating a sexually transmitted disease, a lubricant, or a combination thereof, are provided, as are composition formulated from a solid substrate that contains an amount of ?-cyclodextrin useful for reducing the risk of transmission of a sexually transmitted pathogen.

Abstract: Growth differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) is disclosed along with its polynucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence. Also disclosed are diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using the GDF-5 polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides prophylactic and therapeutic methods of treating the ductal epithelium of an exocrine gland, in particular a mammary gland, for disease, in particular cancer. The methods comprise contacting the ductal epithelium of the exocrine gland with an epithelium-destroying gent, preferably by ductal cannulation, so as to realize a prophylactic or therapeutic effect.

Abstract: Growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8) is disclosed along with its polynucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence. Also disclosed are diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using the GDF-8 polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The present application is directed to biodegradable polymers, compositions, including microspheres and nanospheres, formed of such polymers, and methods of using such polymers and compositions. In certain embodiments, the subject polymer compositions include therapeutic agents, optionally providing sustained release of the encapsulated agent after administration to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides prophylactic and therapeutic methods of treating the ductal epithelium of an exocrine gland, in particular a mammary gland, for disease, in particular cancer. The methods comprise contacting the ductal epithelium of the exocrine gland with an epithelium destroying agent, preferably by ductal cannulation, so as to realize a prophylactic or therapeutic effect.