Abstract: Disclosed are human mitogen-activated (MAP) kinase kinase isoforms (MKKs). MKKs mediate unique signal transduction pathways that activate human MAP kinases p38 and JNK, which result in activation of other factors, including activating transcription factor-2 (ATF2) and c-Jun. The pathways are activated by a number of factors, including cytokines and environmental stress. Methods are provided for identifying reagents that modulate MKK function or activity and for the use of such reagents in the treatment of MKK-mediated disorders.
Type:
Application
Filed:
January 16, 2001
Publication date:
August 1, 2002
Applicant:
University of Massachusetts, a Massachusetts corporation
Inventors:
Roger J. Davis, Joel Raingeaud, Benoit Derijard
Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting a HIV-infected cell in a mammal. The method includes detecting an HIV 2-LTR circle DNA molecule obtained from a cell of an HIV-positive mammal, especially an HIV-1-positive human.
Type:
Application
Filed:
January 10, 2002
Publication date:
July 11, 2002
Applicant:
University of Massachusetts, a Massachusetts corporation
Abstract: A method of modifying a surface is disclosed. The method includes contacting the surface with a hydridosilane under conditions and for a time sufficient to form a covalent bond between a silicon atom of the hydridosilane and the oxygen atom of a hydroxyl group on the surface.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 4, 2001
Publication date:
February 14, 2002
Applicant:
University of Massachusetts, a Massachusetts corporation
Inventors:
Thomas J. McCarthy, Alexander Y. Fadeev
Abstract: Methods for controlling expression of a gene in a living cell are disclosed. In general, the methods include contacting the 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR) of an RNA in the cell with a cell permeable, small molecule. In some embodiments of the invention, the method includes providing an aptamer that binds specifically to the cell permeable, small molecule; incorporating the aptamer into a region of a gene, which region encodes a 5′ UTR of an RNA; and contacting the cell-permeable, small molecule with a cell that contains the gene. The cell-permeable, small molecule enters the cell and binds specifically to the aptamer sequence in the 5′ UTR of RNA molecules transcribed from the gene. This binding specifically inhibits translation of the RNA molecules to which the cell permeable, small molecule is bound, thereby controlling expression of the gene.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 2, 2001
Publication date:
January 17, 2002
Applicant:
University of Massachusetts, a Massachusetts corporation
Abstract: Hepatitis B virus core antigen nucleic acid vaccines and their use are disclosed. In the vaccines and methods of the invention, precore sequences in the 5′ untranslated region of the core antigen mRNA are not present.
Type:
Application
Filed:
January 8, 2001
Publication date:
May 10, 2001
Applicant:
University of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Corporation