Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel cotranscription factors that function to enhance mRNA transcription in cooperation with retinoid receptors. Also provided are novel DNA response elements, DNA constructs and expression vectors containing said constructs useful for providing cell-specific gene expression. Bioassays are also provided that are useful for evaluating whether a compound is a functional ligand (e.g., agonist or antagonist) for retinoid receptor protein(s), or functional engineered or modified forms thereof.

Abstract: Recombinant human Interleukin-2 (IL-2) polypeptides are provided. The polypeptides are produced by expression of suitable nucleic acid molecules in transformed host cells such as E. coli.

Abstract: Compositions of proteins with chondrocyte and cartilaginous tissue inducing activity, as well as method of using those compositions, are disclosed. The compositions comprise one or more proteins of the transforming growth factor-.beta. (TGF-.beta.) superfamily of proteins, particularly bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), in combination with parathyroid hormone related polypeptide (PTHrP) or an equivalent PTH-like polypeptide. The compositions and methods are useful in the treatment of osteoarthritis, cartilage defects and in related tissue repair.

Abstract: A method of treating TGF-.beta. excess is disclosed. The treatment is parenteral, oral or topical administration of TGF-.beta. receptor fragment. Particularly effective is a soluble receptor fragment which resembles the extracellular portion of TGF-.beta. binding protein II.

Abstract: A bone growth promoting composition, comprising a content of at least one substance from the group consisting of the growth factors FGF, TGF-.beta., IGF-II, PDGF and biologically active mutants and fragments thereof and bone extracts with the corresponding activity as well as a bone extract with BMP activity. In combination with an appropriate application material, the use of the composition in the preparation of implant material is also described.

Abstract: Calcium channel (alpha).sub.1 -subunit and (alpha).sub.2 -subunit-encoding DNA, and related compositions and methods, are provided.

Abstract: Biologically active lymphotoxin polypeptides are synthesized in recombinant cell culture. Novel nucleic acid and vectors incorporating same are provided. The compositions and processes herein enable the economical preparation of compositions containing uniform lymphotoxin polypeptides and variant lymphotoxins having amino acid sequences that differ from those found in nature. The lymphotoxins are purified to a specific activity of 2-10.times.10.sup.7 units/mg of protein by purification using a novel immobilized, lymphotoxin-neutralizing monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: Isolated receptors for lipocalins and retinol binding proteins are disclosed, as are nucleic acid sequences coding for these molecules, and antibodies which bind to these receptors. Various uses of these materials are described as well.

Abstract: Disclosed are recombinant human interleukin-3 (hIL-3) variant or mutant proteins (muteins) having one to three amino acid substitutions in the core sequence (residues 15-125) of the native (133 amino acid) sequence of hIL-3. The muteins of the invention may also have deletions of 1 to 14 amino acids at the N-terminus and/or 1 to 15 amino acids at the C-terminus relative to the native hIL-3 sequence. Also within the scope of the invention are recombinant expression systems and methods for making the mutant hIL-3 polypeptides, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and methods for using them. The disclosed hIL-3 mutant polypeptides may have biological activities similar to or better than hIL-3 and, in some cases, may also have an improved side effect profile in therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Methods of treating a non-malignant, disease state-producing immune response in a mammal are provided. The methods involve administering to the mammal an IL-2 receptor-specific substance during a proliferative burst of IL-2 receptor-bearing lymphocytes associated with the immune response, whereby the lymphocytes undergoing the proliferative burst are selectively killed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1), to a DNA construct which comprises a DNA sequence encoding a GLP-1 receptor, to methods of screening for agonists of GLP-1 activity, and to the use of the GLP-1 receptor for screening for agonists of GLP-1 activity.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to two separate and distinct inward rectifier K.sup.+ channel expression products and the the genes which encode each expression product. The IRK1 gene (SEQ ID NO:1) encodes an inward rectifier K.sup.+ channel and the GIRK1 gene (SEQ ID NO:3) encodes a G protein coupled muscarinic K.sup.+ channel. The disclosure relates to the uses of these expression products, particularly in combination with identifying physiological processes mediated by these channels, such as regulation of heartbeat and insulin release and materials modulating or blocking same.

Abstract: An 18 kDa protein, denominated FDF-3, has been isolated from cultures of human fibroblasts and has been found to potentiate the growth- and differentiation-promoting activities of certain cytokines toward hematopoietic progenitor cells. The amino acid sequence of the FDF-3 protein, shown in SEQ ID NO: 14, corresponds to the sequence of a C-terminal domain of human fibronectin. The protein is useful in combination with IL-3, G-CSF, GM-CSF, or SCF (stem cell factor) in the expansion of hematopoietic cell populations in vitro or in therapeutic methods to promote recovery from leukopenia or myelosuppresion in vivo.

Abstract: The invention provides soluble forms of the Fas (Apo-1 ) protein comprising both the intracellular and extracellular domains of the full-length polypeptide. Exemplified is a naturally-occurring splice variant of the Fas gene, Fas.DELTA.TM, which lacks the transmembrane domain of the native antigen. DNA encoding the protein, cells expressing the recombinant DNA, and methods of using the protein and DNA are also provided.

Abstract: Described are rapid and highly efficient procedures for the total synthesis of linear, double stranded DNA sequences in excess of about 200 base pairs in length, which sequences may comprise entire structural genes. Novel sequences are prepared from two or more DNA subunits provided with terminal regions comprising restriction endonuclease cleavage sites facilitating insertion of subunits into a selected vector for purposes of amplification during the course of the total assembly process. The total, finally-assembled sequences include at least one, and preferably two or more, unique restriction endonuclease cleavage site(s) at intermediate positions along the sequence, allowing for easy excision and replacement of subunits and the correspondingly facile preparation of multiple structural analogs of polypeptides coded for by the sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of inhibiting an activity of a cell regulatory factor which includes contacting the cell regulatory factor with a purified polypeptide, the polypeptide including the cell regulatory factor binding domain of a protein which is characterized by a leucine-rich repeat of about 24 amino acids. The present invention relates to the ability of decorin, a 40,000 dalton protein that usually carries a glycosaminoglycan chain, to bind TGF-.beta.. The invention also provides a novel cell regulatory factor designated MRF. Also provided are methods of identifying, detecting and purifying cell regulatory factors and proteins which bind and affect the activity of cell regulatory factors. The present invention further relates to methods for the prevention or reduction of scarring by administering decorin or a functional equivalent of decorin to a wound. The methods are particularly useful for dermal wounds resulting from burns, injuries or surgery.

Abstract: The invention provides soluble forms of the Fas (Apo-1) protein comprising both the intracellular and extracellular domains of the full-length polypeptide. Exemplified is a naturally-occurring splice variant of the Fas gene, Fas.DELTA.TM, which lacks the transmembrane domain of the native antigen. DNA encoding the protein, cells expressing the recombinant DNA, and methods of using the protein and DNA are also provided.

Abstract: Novel eukaryotic neurocan polypeptides, derivatives and analogs thereof and nucleic acid encoding therefor, which are useful for providing soluble, biologically active heterologous proteins in hosts, as well as hosts transformed with this nucleic acid and methods for producing soluble heterologous proteins in hosts using such molecules, and therapeutic uses thereof.

Abstract: A chicken interferon gene coding for the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 is disclosed. There is also disclosed a method of producing chicken interferon recombinantly, a method of isolating other non-mammalian interferon genes and a method of making a transgenic fowl having the chicken interferon gene incorporated therein.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acids encoding the .beta. subunit of the mammalian large-conductance ("maxi-K") potassium channel, cells transformed with such nucleic acids, and .beta. subunit proteins produced by the transformed cells. Within the invention are recombinant host cells expressing .alpha..beta. heteromultimers. Such cells or preparations made from them may be used to screen for pharmacologically active modulators of maxi-K channel activity. Such modulators are potentially useful in treating asthma, pregnant human myometrium, hypertension and angina, cerebral ischemia, and conditions where stimulation of neurotransmitter release is desired, such as in Alzheimer's disease and stimulation of damaged nerves.