Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for transfecting eukaryotic cells with nucleic acid vectors. In particular, the invention relates to the uses of Matrix Attachment Region (MAR) elements to increase stable and transient transfection efficiency.

Abstract: A method for isolating plasmids DNA from a DNA containing material which comprises plasmid DNA and genomic DNA, comprising extracting the plasmid DNA into a water-immiscible organic solvent, a chaotrope and water under conditions to denature the genomic DNA and recovering the plasmid DNA from the organic phase.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence at least 70% identical to SEQ ID NO:1, or a complementary sequence thereof. Presence of the nucleic acid in a subject predisposes the subject to an abnormal liver condition, an adenocarcinoma, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed are a method of diagnosing such diseases, a method of identifying a compound for treating such diseases, and a method of treating such diseases.

Abstract: A mouse model for mammalian aging is disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a mouse having a genomic mutation in the exonuclease domain II (ExoII) of a mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma (PolG) gene, wherein the mutation leads to high levels of mutations in polymerase mtDNA.

Abstract: A method for introducing and expressing genes in animal cells, in which the animal cells are transfected with bacterial blebs containing a eukaryotic expression cassette encoding the gene. Bacterial blebs comprising a eukaryotic expression cassette, wherein the bacterial blebs are derived from gram negative bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for directing the evolution of microorganisms comprising the use of mutator genes and growth under conditions of selective pressure. The method discloses mutator genes which can be used in the methods of the present invention and provides ATCC deposits which exemplify the evolved microorganisms produced by the methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the targeted insertion of a nucleotide of interest into a specific chromosomal site within a plant cell. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a plant cell, the plant cell optionally but preferably having a heterologous target site on a chromosome thereof, wherein said target site is flanked by at least one recombination site; and then (b) transforming said plant cell with a transformation vector (e.g., with an Agrobacterium transformation vector) carrying a nucleotide sequence of interest, wherein said nucleotide sequence of interest is flanked by at least one recombination site that corresponds to the recombination sites of said target site, so that said nucleotide of interest is inserted into said chromosome at said target site (when a target site is employed).

Abstract: The present invention pertains to mutated, non-infectious HIV viral particles, vectors for production of such particles and vaccines employing such vectors. The non-infectious particles are obtained by introducing a number of inactivating mutations into a native viral genome. These mutations are designed so as to minimize the probability of genetic reversion to an infectious virus, while retaining the basic protein content and immunogenic properties of a wild-type virion. The altered viral genome expresses proteins that can assemble into non-infectious particles which contain immunogenic components of the virus, but which are unable to infect cells. The preferred mutations are introduced in at least one amino acid position of the nucleocapsid (NC) protein in combination with at least one other mutation in an amino acid position of the reverse transcriptase (RT) protein or the In protein.

Abstract: The invention describes compositions and methods for recombinant protein expression in a wide range of cell types. The compositions comprise an IRES sequence from the Drosophila labial (lab) gene, or a variant or fragment thereof, or alternatively, a homolog of a lab IRES, or a variant or fragment thereof. Methods of using the compositions are also described.

Abstract: Mice homozygous for the lack of inward-rectifying potassium channel Kir6.1 gene are disclosed. The mice causes a high incidence of sudden death associated with arrhythmia (atrioventricular block) caused by spontaneous cardiac ischemia, a condition similar to Prinzmetal angina (variant angina) in human, representing an animal model of Prinzmetal angina. Mice heterozygous for the lack of inward-rectifying potassium channel Kir6.1 gene are also disclosed, which are used as parent mice for reproduction of the homozygous mice.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel adenoviruses useful in the production of high titers of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) comprising a foreign DNA insert and methods of making these adenoviruses. The adenovirus comprises the AAV rep gene in which the p5 promoter is replaced by a minimal promoter or by no promoter. The invention also provides methods of producing high levels of rAAV as a substantially homogenous preparation and composition of rAAV.

Abstract: The DNA and amino acid sequences are disclosed for a ligand (EDA1-II) and receptor (dl in mice and DL in humans) involved in ectodermal dysplasia. Also disclosed are variant DNA and amino acid sequences, and therapeutic applications of the ligands and receptors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of nucleic acid molecule delivery into a fertilized egg. This method involves providing a fertilized egg prior to its formation of a protective layer, providing a nucleic acid molecule, and combining the nucleic acid molecule and the fertilized egg under conditions effective to allow the nucleic acid molecule to be delivered into the egg.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns novel vectors for the rapid and robust selection for cDNA sequences that encode secreted or membrane-bound proteins. The invention also pertains to methods for cloning secreted or membrane-bound proteins, including proteins encoded by novel members of gene families.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel plant expression constructs. More specifically the present invention provides DNA constructs comprising 5? regulatory sequences for modulating the expression of operably linked genes in plants.

Abstract: This invention relates to the isolation and cloning of the promoter and other control regions of human PPAR? gene. It provides a method for identifying and screening for agents useful for the treatment of diseases and pathological conditions affected by the level of expression of the PPAR? gene. These agents interact directly or indirectly with the promoter or other control regions of the PPAR? gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel chimeric Ad-vectors carrying transgene, or portions of transgenes for stable and efficient gene transfer into diverse cell types or tissues in a CAR- and/or ???3/5-independent manner. Also provided are methods for producing such vectors and the use thereof for gene therapy to target a specific cell type or tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of introducing a polynucleotide into a target cell, wherein the method employs a light generating protein coding sequence acting as a reporter. An important advantage of the methods described herein is that drug resistant target cells or target cells having no useful auxotrophic markers can be effectively transformed. The present invention also includes transformed cells produced by the methods described herein. Also described are light generating protein coding sequence modifications, a variety of vectors, and methods of using the transformed cells of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention hereindescribed relates to a form of cancer therapy which exploits the cytotoxic properties of acetaminophen when converted to NABQI by the metabolic activity of tumour cell specific P450; vectors for use in the delivery of P450 to tumour cells; and therapeutic compositions comprising said vectors.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and compositions for the production of high titer recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV). The disclosed rAAV are useful in gene therapy applications. Methods are based on the use of recombinant herpes virus vectors and result in highly efficient production of rAAV.