Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the prevention, prognostic evaluation, and treatment of oncogenic disorders, especially breast cancer, wherein a protein tyrosine kinase capable of complexing with a member of the SH2- and/or SH3-containing family of adaptor proteins is involved. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the protein tyrosine kinase is the receptor protein tyrosine kinase HER2, and the adaptor protein is GRB, so that the protein tyrosine kinase/adaptor protein complex is a HER2/GRB-7 complex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the prevention, prognostic evaluation, and treatment of oncogenic disorders, especially breast cancer, wherein a protein tyrosine kinase capable of complexing with a member of the SH2-and/or SH3-containing family of adaptor proteins is involved. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the protein tyrosine kinase is the receptor protein tyrosine kinase HER2 or SHC polypeptide, and the adaptor protein is GRB-7, so that the protein tyrosine kinase/adaptor protein complex is a HER2/GRB-7 complex or a SHC/GRB-7 complex.

Abstract: A novel serine/threonine phosphatase, FIN13, which includes a collagen-homology domain, an acidic box domain, a catalytic domain, and a putative nuclear translocation sequence. The present invention further relates to the modulation of cellular proliferation, by regulating the activity of the novel serine/threonine phosphatase. Thus, the invention provides the phosphatase, nucleic acids encoding the phosphatase, oligonucleotides specific for such nucleic acids, antibodies to the phosphatase, and methods for increasing (or decreasing) the activity of the phosphatase to inhibit (or enhance) cellular proliferation and, thus, tissue growth. Various diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of the invention particularly relate to detection and treatment of hyperproliferative disorders, neoplasms, and tumors. In specific examples, FIN13 is expressed in proliferating cells, notably gern cells of the testes. Increased levels of expression of FIN13 in transfected cells results in a decrease in the cell growth rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method, based on direct expression cloning, for identifying target proteins capable of binding to and/or serving as substrates for receptor or cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases. The present invention also relates to novel proteins identified using this method, and to methods for identifying compounds that disrupt the interaction of such novel proteins with the receptor or cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases.

Abstract: A novel receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase-.kappa. (RPTP.kappa.) protein or glycoprotein and the DNA coding therefor is expressed in a wide variety of mammalian tissues. The RPTP.kappa. protein or glycoprotein may be produced by recombinant means. Antibodies to the protein, methods for measuring the quantity of the protein, methods for screening compounds, such as drugs, which can bind to the protein and inhibit or stimulate their enzymatic activity, are provided. Further, methods for inhibiting homophilic binding of Type II RPTP, especially RPTP.kappa. molecules are provided.

Abstract: A novel receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase-.kappa. (RPTP.kappa.) protein or glycoprotein and the DNA coding therefor is expressed in a wide variety of mammalian tissues. The RPTP.kappa. protein or glycoprotein may be produced by recombinant means. Antibodies to the protein, methods for measuring the quantity of the protein, methods for screening compounds, such as drugs, which can bind to the protein and inhibit or stimulate their enzymatic activity, are provided. Further, methods for inhibiting homophilic binding of Type II RPTP, especially RPTP.kappa. molecules are provided.

Abstract: A method of modulating hair growth by contacting selected cells with a selected growth-modulating molecule is provided. A method for hair reconstitution or transplantation by expanding selected cells in vitro and combining them with other cells that regulate hair growth are also provided. Compositions containing a growth-modulating molecule which is synthesized by follicular cells and which undergoes hair-cycle-dependent concentration changes in hair follicles are also provided.

Abstract: A method for grafting a cell in the brain of a mammalian subject is accomplished by attaching the cell to a support matrix so that the cell attaches to the matrix surface, and implanting the support matrix with the attached cell into the brain. A syringe containing viable cells that are attached to a matrix surface may be used to transplant the cells into the brain or spinal cord of a mammalian subject. Preferred support matrices are glass or plastic microbeads, either solid or porous, having a diameter from about 90 to about 125 .mu.m. The method employs cells of different types, preferably cells of neural or paraneural origin, such as adrenal chromaffin cells. Also useful are cell lines grown in vitro. Cells not of neural or paraneural origin, such as fibroblasts, may also be used following genetic alteration to express a desired neural product such as a neurotransmitter or a neuronal growth factor.

Abstract: Anti-TNF antibodies, fragments and regions thereof which are specific for human tumor necrosis factor-.alpha. (TNF.alpha.) and are useful in vivo for diagnosis and therapy of a number of TNF.alpha.-mediated pathologies and conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis as well as polynucleotides coding for murine and chimeric antibodies, methods of producing the antibody, methods of use of the anti-TNF antibody, or fragment, region or derivative thereof, in immunoassays and immunotherapeutic approaches are provided.

Abstract: Anti-TNF antibodies, fragments and regions thereof which are specific for human tumor necrosis factor-.alpha. (TNF.alpha.) and are useful in vivo for diagnosis and therapy of a number of TNF.alpha.-mediated pathologies and conditions, including Crohn's disease, as well as polynucleotides coding for murine and chimeric antibodies, methods of producing the antibody, methods of use of the anti-TNF antibody, or fragment, region or derivative thereof, in immunoassays and immunotherapeutic approaches are provided.

Abstract: Methylecgonidine (MEG; anhydroecgonine methylester), is produced when cocaine base ("crack") is heated. MEG alone and in combination with cocaine was tested for action on isolated tracheal rings stimulated to contact with acetylcholine. At micromolar concentrations, cocaine sensitized tracheal rings, increasing both the potency and efficacy of acetylcholine-induced contraction. Surprisingly, MEG, at nanomolar concentrations and above, non-competitively and irreversibly antagonized acetylcholine-induced contraction independently of the actions of cocaine. MEG also displayed antihistaminic activity. Therefore, MEG and anticholinergically active derivatives or analogues thereof are useful in the prevention or treatment of a disease or disorder treatable by an antimuscarinic anticholinergic agent, an anti-histaminic agent or a spasmolytic agent, in particular bronchoconstriction in a number of pulmonary diseases such as asthma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel plant organ-specific transcriptional promoter nucleic acid sequences, which regulate the expression of glutamine synthetase isoenzymes. Specifically, promoter sequences were isolated from the nuclear gene for chloroplast GS2 glutamine synthetase and from two nuclear genes for cytosolic GS3 glutamine synthetase in the pea plant, Pisum sativum. Accordingly, the present invention provides for the nucleic acid sequences of the GS2, GS3A and GS3B promoter sequences as well as functional portions thereof.The invention further provides for promoters homologous to GS2, GS3A and GS3B, or any portion thereof as well as gene fusions and transgenic plants in which genes that encode heterologous proteins are controlled by the promoter sequences of the invention.

Abstract: A method for preventing or reducing restenosis wherein a 27-hydroxycholesterol or a 25,26 and/or 27-aminocholesterol, or a sterol 27-hydroxylase stimulant is administered in a restenosis preventing and/or reducing amount.

Abstract: An air impermeable sealing band of rubberized material is introduced between the patient's stump and the interior of a stump-receiving socket of an artificial limb, in one of two ways, depending on whether or not the patient wears a stump sock. If the patient wears a stump sock, the band of sealant material is impregnated into the stump sock. If the patient does not wear a stump sock, an impregnated sock is incorporated into the interior structure of the socket of the patient's prosthesis. The impregnated sock itself is fabricated by placing a conventional stump sock on a somewhat oversized form. An appropriate annular region on the sock is then masked off by means of tightly fitting plastic bags, and one of the plastic bags provides an enclosing outer sheath which encompasses the annular region and extends upwardly above the form.