Abstract: Chimeric proteins useful in transporting a selected substance present in extracellular fluids, such as blood or lymph, into cells; quantitative assays for the selected substance using chimeric proteins; DNA encoding the chimeric proteins; plasmids which contain DNA encoding the chimeric proteins; mammalian cells, modified to contain DNA encoding the chimeric proteins, which express and, optionally, secrete the chimeric proteins; a method of producing the chimeric proteins; a method of isolating the chimeric proteins; a method of using the chimeric proteins to assay the selected substance; and a method of reducing extracellular levels of the selected substance through administration of the chimeric protein, which results in transport of the selected substance into cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a member of the TIE ligand family. The present invention also provides for an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding TIE ligand-3 or TIE ligand-4. In addition, the invention provides for a receptorbody which specifically binds TIE ligand-3 or TIE ligand-4. The invention also provides an antibody which specifically binds TIE ligand-3 or TIE ligand-4. The invention further provides for an antagonist of TIE. The invention also provides for therapeutic compositions as well as a method of blocking blood vessel growth, a method of promoting neovascularization, a method of promoting the growth or differentiation of a cell expressing the TIE receptor, a method of blocking the growth or differentiation of a cell expressing the TIE receptor and a method of attenuating or preventing tumor growth in a human.

Abstract: The invention provides monoclonal antibodies against decoy receptor 3 (DcR3), hybridomas producing said antibodies, kits containing said monoclonal antibodies and uses of the hybridomas, antibodies and kits for the detection of DcR3-associated diseases, as well as for the treatment and/or prevention of DcR3-associated diseases.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a novel human receptor type tyrosine kinase gene, KDR, is disclosed. The isolation of this KDR cDNA sequence results in disclosure of purified forms of human KDR protein, recombinant vectors and recombinant hosts which express human KDR.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a novel human receptor type tyrosine kinase gene, KDR, is disclosed. The isolation of this KDR cDNA sequence results in disclosure of purified forms of human KDR protein, recombinant vectors and recombinant hosts which express human KDR.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to anti-thrombin proteins from the salivary glands of the species, Simulium. Methods for recombinant production of the protein as well as biomedical uses are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding mCLK2, mCLK3, and mCLK4 polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules-encoding portions of their amino acid sequences, nucleic acid vectors harboring such nucleic acid molecules, cells containing such nucleic acid vectors, purified polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, and antibodies to such polypeptides. Also included are assays that contain at least one CLK protein kinase related molecule. Diagnosis and treatment of an abnormal condition related to RNA splicing or cell proliferation in an organism by using a CLK protein kinase related molecule or compound are disclosed. A method of using a CLK protein kinase related molecule or compound as a contraceptive to reproduction in male organisms is also disclosed.

Abstract: Relaxin is useful for promoting angiogenesis and the treatment of infections or ischemic wounds where the injury results from lack of oxygen due to poor circulation.

Abstract: An isolated and purified DNA molecule encoding Candida albicans protein with integrin-like motifs, the protein itself, antibodies thereto, and methods of use, are provided.

Abstract: A TNFR homolog, identified as DcR3, is provided. Nucleic acid molecules encoding DcR3, chimeric molecules and antibodies to DcR3 are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel Death Domain Containing Receptor-5 (DR5) proteins which are members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family, and have now been shown to bind TRAIL. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human DR5 proteins. DR5 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying antagonists and antagonists of DR5 activity.

Abstract: Novel chimeric heteromultimer adhesins that bind the ligand of natural heteromultimeric receptors and uses therefor are disclosed. The chimeric molecules of the heteromultimer adhesins comprise an extracellular domain of a heteromultimeric receptor monomer and a multimerization domain for the stable interaction of the chimeric molecules in the adhesin. Specifically disclosed are heteromultimeric adhesins comprising the extracellular domains of ErbB2 and ErbB3 or ErbB2 and ErbB4. The chimeric ErbB heteromultimer adhesins of the present invention are useful as competitive antagonists or agonists of a neuregulin for the treatment of diseases such as various cancers.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the discovery that proteins encoded by a family of vertebrate genes, termed here hedgehog-related genes, comprise morphogenic signals produced by tissue patterning centers, and are involved in the formation of ordered spatial arrangements of differentiated tissues in vertebrates. The present invention makes available compositions and methods that can be utilized, for example to generate and/or maintain an array of different vertebrate tissue both in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: A cDNA encoding a 200 kD receptor, BT-R2, from the pink boll worm, Pectinophora gossypiella, that binds specifically to a Bacillus thuringiensis toxin has been cloned, sequenced and characterized. The minimum toxin binding fragment has been identified. The BT-R2 cDNA permits the analysis of receptors in pink boll worm and other insects that affect crop growth and development, as well as, design assays for the cytotoxicity and binding affinity of potential pesticides. The clone and other methods described herein, permit the manipulation of natural and/or introduced homologous receptors and, thus, to specifically destroy organisms, tissues and/or cells of the target host.

Abstract: The isolation, cloning and characterization of a human gene related to but distinct from the EGF receptor gene has been described. Nucleotide sequence of the gene and amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the gene have been determined. The use of the nucleic acid probes and antibodies having specific binding affinity with said polypeptide for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes has also been described.

Abstract: Disclosed are (1) nucleic acid sequences, amino acid sequences, homologies, structural features and various other data characterizing a morphogen cell surface receptors particularly OP-1-binding cell surface receptors ALK-2, ALK-3, and ALK-6; (2) methods for producing receptor proteins, including fragments thereof, using recombinant DNA technology; (3) methods for identifying novel morphogen receptors and their encoding DNAS; (4) methods and compositions for identifying compounds capable of modulating endogenous morphogen receptor levels; and (5) methods and compositions for identifying morphogen receptor binding analogs useful in the design of morphogen agonists and antagonists for therapeutic, diagnostic and experimental uses.

Abstract: A preparation containing a receptor for underivatized, aqueous soluble &bgr;(1-3)-glucan is disclosed, along with characterization of the receptor for underivatized, aqueous soluble &bgr;(1-3)-glucan. Also described are assays for identifying agents which alter the effect of underivatized, aqueous soluble &bgr;(1-3)-glucan on activation of signal transduction pathways and agents identified thereby, as well as assays for assessing the specificity of carbohydrate:glycolipid interactions.

Abstract: Primitive hematopoietic stem cells are closely associated with discrete in vivo microenvironments. These “niches” are thought to provide the molecular signals that mediate stem cell differentiation and self renewal. We have dissected the fetal liver microenvironment into distinct cellular components by establishing an extensive panel of stromal cell lines. One particular cell line maintains repopulating stem cells for prolonged in vitro culture periods. A subtraction cloning strategy has yielded a cDNA which encodes a cell surface glycoprotein with a restricted pattern of expression among stromal cell lines. This molecule, previously identified as dlk/Pref-1, contains EGF-like repeats which are related to those in the Notch/Delta/Serrate family of proteins. We have investigated the potential role of this molecule in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell regulation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the discovery that proteins encoded by a family of vertebrate genes, termed here hedgehog-related genes, comprise morphogenic signals produced by embryonic patterning centers, and are involved in the formation of ordered spatial arrangements of differentiated tissues in vertebrates. The present invention makes available compositions and methods that can be utilized, for example to generate and/or maintain an array of different vertebrate tissue both in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the discovery that proteins encoded by a family of vertebrate genes, termed here hedgehog-related genes, comprise morphogenic signals produced by embryonic patterning centers, and are involved in the formation of ordered spatial arrangements of differentiated tissues in vertebrates. The present invention makes available compositions and methods that can be utilized, for example to generate and/or maintain an array of different vertebrate tissue both in vitro and in vivo.