Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a method of treating or preventing angioedema in a patient in need thereof comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that is capable of inhibiting the interaction of HK with gC1q-R. One aspect of the present invention provides a method of treating or preventing vascular permeability in a patient in need thereof comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that is capable of inhibiting the interaction of HK with gC1q-R.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated I&kgr;B kinase binding protein designated Y2H14 and functional equivalents therof. The amino acid sequence of Y2H14, the nucleotide sequence encoding Y2H14, and other related protein and nucleic acid molecules are also provided.

Abstract: A system for determining the physical properties of materials through the use of dynamic light scattering is disclosed. The system includes a probe, a laser source for directing a laser beam into the probe, and a photodetector for converting scattered light detected by the probe into electrical signals. The probe includes at least one optical fiber connected to the laser source and a second optical fiber connected to the photodetector. Each of the fibers may adjoin a gradient index microlens which is capable of providing a collimated laser beam into a scattering medium. The position of the second optical fiber with respect to the optical axis of the probe determines whether homodyne or self-beating detection is provided. Self-beating detection may be provided without a gradient index microlens. This allows a very small probe to be constructed which is insertable through a hypodermic needle or the like into a droplet extending from such a needle.