Abstract: The present invention is directed toward water-soluble supramolecular self-assemblies and a process for their preparation via micellization of polyelectrolytes through the use of hydrophobic monomeric units. In this invention the polyelectrolyte segment ultimately forms the core of the supramolecular assembly whereas the shell consists of uncharged hydrophilic polymers or oligomers. It has been determined that the inclusion of the hydrophobic co-monomers to the polyelectrolyte segment forming the micelle core leads to a structure of enhanced stability.

Abstract: The present invention provides prophylactic and therapeutic methods of treating the ductal epithelium of an exocrine gland, in particular a mammary gland, for disease, in particular cancer. The methods comprise contacting the ductal epithelium of the exocrine gland with an epithelium-destroying gent, preferably by ductal cannulation, so as to realize a prophylactic or therapeutic effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acids which encode insect acetylcholine receptor subunits, to the corresponding polypeptides, and to processes for discovering novel active compounds for plant protection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating infectious diseases and genetic disorders through gene therapy and intracellular delivery of antisense oligonucleotides or other nucleic acid sequences. In particular, compositions and methods using biologically active nononic reverse block copolymers are described. The reverse copolymers have an inner core of polyoxyethylene (POE) that is flanked on either end by polyoxpropylene (POP). The reverse block copolymers have the following formula: wherein “b” represents a number such that the molecular weight of the hydrophobe (C3H6O)b is between approximately 750 and 20,000 Daltons and “a” represents a number such that the percentage of hydrophile (C2H4O)a is between approximately 1% and 90% of the weight of the block copolymer.

Abstract: Encapsulated producer cells which are capable of expressing a molecule which is an inhibitor of CNS tumour growth provide a novel approach to the treatment of tumours, such as brain tumors which are localized within the central nervous system.

Abstract: The invention concerns the identification and characterization of the SPG4 gene encoding spastin, and some mutations thereof responsible for the most frequent form of autosomal dominant familial spastic paraplegia, to the cloning and characterization of its cDNA and the corresponding polypeptides. The invention also concerns vectors, transformed cells and transgenic animals as well as diagnostic methods and kits, and methods for selecting a chemical or biological compound capable of directly or indirectly interacting with said polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention provides a therapeutic composition for epithelial wound repair that is a combination of PDGF and KGF. Further, the invention provides a composition for epithelial wound repair that is a therapeutic combination of PDGF, KGF, and IGF. Additionally, the invention provides a therapeutic composition of PDGF, KGF, IGF and IGFBP for epithelial wound repair.

Abstract: Camptothecin drugs are stabilized in their antitumor active lactone form by complexation with an oligonucleotide including RNA or catalytic RNA. The oligonucleotide-camptothecin drug complex may be incorporated within a macromolecular assembly including both viral and non-viral oligonucleotide vectors. The invention allows combination gene and camptothecin drug therapy.

Abstract: Materials and Methods for treating fibrosis in a mammal are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to a mammal a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a zvegf3 antagonist in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery vehicle. Zvegf3 antagonists include anti-zvegf3 antibodies, mitogenically inactive receptor-binding zvegf3 variant polypeptides, and inhibitory polynucleotides. Within one embodiment of the fibrosis is liver fibrosis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel composition and methods for altering the proliferation of a cell. Included are wild-type and mutant hKIS polypeptides along with cyclin kinase inhibitors containing mutations that prevent their inhibition with serine/threonine kinases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of microparticles to protect the pharmaceutical effectiveness of a pharmaceutically active agent. According to one embodiment, a pharmaceutically acceptable suspension is provided that comprises microparticles and a pharmaceutically active agent. This pharmaceutically acceptable suspension is then exposed to a component or condition that is incompatible with the pharmaceutically active agent, such that the microparticles provide a pharmaceutical effectiveness that is greater than it would have been in the absence of the microparticles. Preferably, the microparticles result in a pharmaceutical effectiveness of the pharmaceutically active agent that is at least 10% greater than the pharmaceutical effectiveness of the pharmaceutically active agent would have been in the absence of the micro particles. Polymer microparticles, such as polystyrene microparticles, are one preferred class of microparticles. The microparticles preferably range from 0.

Abstract: Described is the use of magnesium (Mg2+) for the preparation of a therapeutic composition for the introduction of a polynucleotide into a cell in vivo.

Abstract: A substance of interest is contained in nanospheres which are then encapsulated in fusogenic liposomes to prepare transport carriers that allow physiologically active substances, especially those having high molecular weight such as proteins and genes, to be introduced into cells efficiently and which permit the introduced active substance to be released in the cell at controlled rate. The fusogenic liposomes are prepared by conferring the fusogenic capability of Sendai virus to known liposomes.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of Interferon gamma receptor 2. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding Interferon gamma receptor 2. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of Interferon gamma receptor 2 expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of Interferon gamma receptor 2 are provided.

Abstract: The present provides methods and compositions that enable effective delivery of nucleic acids to desired cells, including to a solid organ such as a mammalian heart. The methods and compositions enable effective gene transfer and subsequent expression to a majority of cells throughout a solid organ such as the heart. Methods and compositions of the invention preferably provide enhanced vascular permeability that enables increased gene transfer to targeted cells, but without significant degradation or injury to endothelial cell layers. Global delivery of nucleic acid to an intact heart has been achieved with as little as 2 minutes of intracoronary exposure to the administered nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of delivering a secreted protein into the bloodstream of a mammal. A nucleic acid molecule encoding the protein is introduced into the gastrointestinal tract of the mammal, and the nucleic acid molecule enters an intestinal epithelial cell, where the protein is produced and secreted into the bloodstream of the mammal.

Abstract: The present invention shows that DNA vaccine vectors can be improved by removal of CpG-N motifs and optional addition of CpG-S motifs. In addition, for high and long-lasting levels of expression, the optimized vector should include a promoter/enhancer that is not down-regulated by the cytokines induced by the immunostimulatory CpG motifs. Vectors and methods of use for immununostimulation are provided herein. The invention also provides improved gene therapy vectors by determining the CpG-N and CpG-S motifs present in the construct, removing stimulatory CpG (CpG-S) motifs and/or inserting neutralizing CpG (CpG-N) motifs, thereby producing a nucleic acid construct providing enhanced expression of the therapeutic polypeptide. Methods of use for such vectors are also included herein.

Abstract: Chelator containing compounds are utilized in the delivery of molecules, polymers, nucleic acids and genes to animal cells. At least one chelator such as crown ether is attached to a polymer and then associated with another polymer such as DNA. An ion is then added to the mixture thereby forming condensed DNA. In condensed form and in complex with the chelator, DNA can be delivered to a cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides deleted adenovirus vectors. The inventive adenovirus vectors carry one or more deletions in the IVa2, 100K, polymerase and/or preterminal protein sequences of the adenovirus genome. The adenoviruses may additionally contain other deletions, mutations or other modifications as well. In particular preferred embodiments, the adenovirus genome is multiply deleted, i.e., carries two or more deletions therein. The deleted adenoviruses of the invention are “propagation-defective” in that the virus cannot replicate and produce new virions in the absence of complementing function(s). Preferred adenovirus vectors of the invention carry a heterologous nucleotide sequence encoding a protein or peptide associated with a metabolic disorder, more preferably a protein or peptide associated with a lysosomal or glycogen storage disease, most preferably, a lysosomal acid &agr;-glucosidase. Further provided are methods for producing the inventive deleted adenovirus vectors.

Abstract: The present invention features methods of administering a therapeutic agent to a patient's lymph nodes by instillation of microparticles or nanoparticles comprising a biocompatible polymer and the therapeutic agent into the patient's bladder. The invention also features methods of modulating a patient's immune response and methods of systemic delivery of a therapeutic agent systemically using the administration methods of the invention.