Abstract: The acid-labile sub-unit (ALS) of insulin like growth factor binding protein complex in biologically pure form is described. ALS has a molecular weight between 80-115 kd as determined by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, run under reducing conditions; and a partial N-terminal amino acid sequence as follows: Gly AspProGlyThrProGlyGluAlaGluGlyProAlaCysProAlaAlaCysAla wherein the first amino acid may be Gly or Ala. Also described are methods of producing ALS, compositions containing the in-vivo IGF protein complex, methods of detecting ALS in body fluids, recombinant nucleic acid sequences encoding ALS, and expression vectors and host cells containing such nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: Methods for identifying compounds which modulate the activity of human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are provided. Invention methods employ DNAs encoding alpha and beta subunits of human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and the polypeptides encoded thereby. Test cells useful for conducting invention assays include mammalian and amphibian cells containing said DNA. Various combinations of subunits (i.e., one or more &agr;2, &agr;3, &agr;4, &agr;5, &agr;6 and &agr;7 subunits in combination with &bgr;2, &bgr;3 and/or &bgr;4 subunits) can be employed for the invention assays.

Abstract: New pharmaceutical formulations for IGF/IGFBP complex are disclosed. IGF/IGFBP complex, preferably rhIGF-I/IGFBP-3 complex is formulated with bulking agents and optionally buffer salts, but without added osmolyte salts. Also disclosed are lyophilized formulations for IGF/IGFBP complex.

Abstract: A chimeric protein having an (a) IRE1 or analog cytoplasmic kinase domain, (b) a transmembrane domain, and (c) a ligand binding domain of a transmembrane protein other than IRE1 is described. This protein can be used to identify and/or screen for ligands and other molecules that interact with the ligand binding domain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules for z219a, a novel member of the human 2-19 protein family. The polypeptides, and polynucleotides encoding them, may be used for detecting human chromosomal abnormalities. The present invention also includes antibodies to the z219a polypeptides.

Abstract: Isolated DNA encoding each of human calcium channel &agr;1-, &agr;2-, &bgr;- and &ggr;-subunits, including subunits that arise as splice variants of primary transcripts, is provided. Cells and vectors containing the DNA and methods for identifying compounds that modulate the activity of human calcium channels are also provided.

Abstract: DNA sequences encoding human platelet-derived growth factor receptors (hPDGF-R), and expression constructs comprising sequences which encode a receptor that can be secreted or incorporated into the membrane of a mammalian cell. Peptide fragments with functions equivalent to the wild-type receptor, conferring a PDGF-sensitive mitogenic response on cells lacking the receptor are provided. The constructs can be used for enhancing PDGF response of cells, determining the regions involved in transducing the signal in response to PDGF binding, providing mutated analogs and evaluating drugs for their physiologic activity. Soluble fragments comprising PDGF receptor sequences are also provided, including important intracellular kinase insert sequences which interact with intracellular proteins.

Abstract: Human G-protein coupled receptor polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed were methods for utilizing such polypeptides for identifying antagonists and agonists to such polypeptides and methods of using the agonists and antagonists therapeutically to treat conditions related to the underexpression and overexpression of the G-protein coupled receptor polypeptides. Also disclosed are diagnostic methods for detecting a mutation, in the G-protein coupled receptor nucleic acid sequences and an altered level of the soluble form of the receptors.

Abstract: Methods of production of desired recombinant proteins, polypeptides and peptides are disclosed which utilize mammalian host cells engineered for autonomous and regulated growth in low cost protein/serum-free culture media. Preferred host cells express insulin or an insulin-like growth factor, and/or transferrin and are engineered so that addition of an inducer (e.g., ZnCl2+CdCl2) halts growth and simultaneously induces the expression of the desired recombinant protein, polypeptide or peptide.

Abstract: Polycation-sensing receptors present in aquatic species and methods of regulating polycation-sensing receptor-mediated functions in aquatic species are described.

Abstract: DNA encoding human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha and beta subunits, mammalian and amphibian cells containing the DNA, methods for producing &agr; and &bgr; subunits and isolated or substantially pure &agr;4, &agr;7 and &bgr;4 subunits are provided. In addition, cells that expresses these subunits singly or combination with other subunits of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and methods using the cells are provided.

Abstract: Soluble and membrane-bound forms of human Fc&ggr;RIII are provided, together with nucleic acids capable of encoding the same. Soluble Fc&ggr;RIIIs are useful in ameliorating the serum platelet deficiency associated with immune thrombocytopenic prupura. Cells expressing membrane-bound Fc&ggr;RIIIs are useful components in assays for serum immune complexes.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides peptides that comprise a recognition sequence motif for phosphotyrosine binding proteins. In particular, the present invention provides peptides which comprise a core sequence of amino acids, and analogs thereof, which are recognized and bound by the PTB (phosphotyrosine binding) domain. Also provided are methods of using the peptides of the invention in diagnostic, screening and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Fusions proteins comprising P-selectin ligand proteins are disclosed, including fusions with immunoglobulins, BMPs, AGP and IL-11. Polynucleotides encoding such fusions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mammalian melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor (MSH-R). The invention is directed toward the isolation, characterization and pharmacological use of a mammalian melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor, the gene corresponding to this receptor, a recombinant eukaryotic expression construct capable of expressing a mammalian melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor in cultures of transformed eukaryotic cells and such cultures of transformed eukaryotic cells that synthesize mammalian melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor. The invention also provide methods for screening MSH-R agonists and antagonists in vitro using preparations of receptor from such cultures of eukaryotic cells transformed with a recombinant eukaryotic expression construct comprising the MSH-R receptor gene. The invention specifically provides human and mouse MSH-R genes.

Abstract: The invention provides a human insulin receptor tyrosine kinase substrate (IRS-p53h) and polynucleotides which identify and encode IRS-p53h. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of IRS-p53h.

Abstract: Methods and products for upregulating cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulators are provided, including methods and products for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infection. The products include polysaccharides that interact with the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). The polysaccharide compositions of the invention may be administered to a subject in order to enhance the uptake of P. aeruginosa into the epithelial cells of the subject. The invention also encompasses compositions comprising a lipopolysaccharide-binding region of a CFTR linked to an anti-Pseudomonal drug and methods of use of such compositions. Compositions and methods for gene therapy are also disclosed. The compositions include polysaccharides that bind to CFTR coupled to a gene delivery vehicle.

Abstract: Isolated ligands, DNAs encoding such ligands, and pharmaceutical compositions made therefrom, are disclosed. The isolated ligands can be used to regulate an immune response. The ligands are also useful in screening for inhibitors thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a human Receptor Interacting Protein (hRIP), nucleic acids which encode hRIP and methods of using the subject compositions; in particular, methods such as hRIP-based in vitro binding assays and phosphorylation assays for screening chemical libraries for lead compounds for pharmacological agents.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode a coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor protein, CAR. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing CAR nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a CAR gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated CAR proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-CAR antibodies. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.