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: The method for determining a suppressor component of human immune status comprises collecting peripheral blood, obtaining a suspension of mononuclear cells (MNCs), dividing said suspension into two equal portions, cultivating MNCs in the first portion without a suppressor activator, cultivating MNCs in the second portion with said suppressor activator (TBG), washing MNCs out of culture medium, blocking the proliferation, adding newly isolated MNCs from a normal donor, which MNCs have been stimulated with phytohemagglutinin, into each of MNC portions in equal proportions to obtain test cultures, cultivating said test cultures, further evaluating the proliferation in said test cultures and determining the suppression value on the basis of the ratios of proliferation levels in test cultures.

Abstract: A genomic DNA encoding a human imidazoline receptor is described. cDNAs encoding the receptor and fragments thereof are also provided. An amino acid sequence predicted to be 120,000 MW for nearly the entire protein is identified, as well as a middle fragment believed to contain the imidazoline binding site of the receptor. The protein is highly unique in its sequence and may represent the first in a novel family of receptor proteins. Methods of cloning the cDNA and expressing the imidazoline receptor in a host cell are described. Methods of preparing antibodies against the transfected protein are also described. Also, a screening method for identifying additional subtypes of this receptor are identified. Also, screening methods for identifying drugs that interact with the imidazoline receptor are described.

Abstract: The extracellular domain, or fragment thereof, of a gonadotropin glycoprotein hormone receptor is expressed and secreted in a soluble and functionally hormone-binding form. A recombinant baculovirus transfer vector is constructed to include a gene segment encoding the extracellular domain, or fragment thereof, of the glycoprotein hormone receptor joined in frame with a gene segment encoding a baculovirus signal peptide and operably linked to a baculovirus promoter. Recombinant baculovirus generated by transfection or co-transfection of insect cells are then used to infect insect host cells for the expression and secretion of soluble receptor.

Abstract: DNA encoding human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha and beta subunits, mammalian and amphibian cells containing said DNA, methods for producing alpha and beta subunits and recombinant (i.e., isolated or substantially pure) alpha subunits (specifically .alpha..sub.4 and .alpha..sub.7) and beta subunits (specifically .beta..sub.4) are provided. In addition, combinations of subunits (i.e., .alpha..sub.1, .alpha..sub.2, .alpha..sub.3, .alpha..sub.4, and/or .alpha..sub.7 subunits in combination with .beta..sub.4 subunits; or .beta..sub.2, .beta..sub.3 and/or .beta..sub.4 subunits in combination with .alpha..sub.4 and/or .alpha..sub.7 subunits) are provided.

Abstract: A cDNA encoding a human imidazoline receptor is described. The amino acid sequence of the entire imidazoline receptor protein is identified, as well as a C-terminal fragment believed to contain the imidazoline binding site of the receptor. The protein is highly unique in its sequence and may represent the first in a novel family of receptor proteins. Methods of cloning the cDNA and pressing the imidazoline receptor in a host cell are described. Also, a screening method for identifying drugs that interact with the imidazoline receptor is described.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules for stanniocalcin-2, a novel member of the stanniocalcin family. The polypeptides, and polynucleotides encoding them, modulate electrolyte homeostasis. The present invention also includes antibodies to the stanniocalcin-2 polypeptides.

Abstract: Shaped, unbaked dough products are provided that are coated with a glaze comprising an amount of water, oil and a hydrophilic colloid. The application of the glaze to the dough products, followed by baking, mimics the frying step which is traditionally used in the production process of certain dough products.

Abstract: The invention includes antibodies that provide superior anti-coagulant activity by binding native human TF with high affinity and specificity. Antibodies of the invention can effectively inhibit blood coagulation in vivo. Antibodies of the invention can bind native human TF, either alone or present in a TF:VIIa complex, effectively preventing factor X binding to TF or that complex, and thereby reducing blood coagulation. Preferred antibodies of the invention specifically bind a conformational epitope predominant to native human TF, which epitope provides an unexpectedly strong antibody binding site.

Abstract: The invention relates to supervillin polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules encoding supervillin, and uses thereof. Supervillin is related to the actin-binding proteins villin and gelsolin.

Abstract: A human epidermal differentiation factor polypeptide and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptide and a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptide for treating and/or preventing skin diseases. Diagnostic assays for detecting mutations in a nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide of the present invention and for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide of the present invention are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for the nasal delivery of compounds useful for treating osteoporosis, comprising an effective amount of a physiologically active truncated analog of PTH or PTHrp, or salt thereof, in which amino acid residues (22-31) form an amphipathic .alpha.-helix, said residues (22-31) selected from (SEQ ID NOS: 85, 86, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30); an absorption enhancer selected from the group consisting of dimethyl-.beta.-cyclodextrin and the bile acid surfactants; and water is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein Z represents Gly or Cys; X represents an (.alpha.-amino acid residue; Y represents a natural calcitonin moiety, a partial natural calcitonin peptide moiety, or a natural calcitonin-like peptide moiety; m represents an integer of 5-8, .alpha.-amino acid residues represented by X being the same or different; and n represents an integer of 0-3; provided that when m is 5, the sequence of 4 C-terminal residues of --(X).sub.m -- is different from the sequence of the third to sixth amino acids of natural calcitonin, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Abstract: The invention identifies the CTLA4 receptor as a ligand for the B7 antigen. The complete amino acid sequence encoding human CTLA4 receptor gene is provided. Methods are provided for expressing CTLA4 as an immunoglobulin fusion protein, for preparing hybrid CTLA4 fusion proteins, and for using the soluble fusion proteins, fragments and derivatives thereof, including monoclonal antibodies reactive with B7 and CTLA4, to regulate T cell interactions and immune responses mediated by such interactions.

Abstract: A method of detecting heparin-induced antibodies to complete a diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia HITP is disclosed. In one embodiment, this method comprises binding human platelet factor 4 to a linear, non-glycosaminoglycan polymer carrying negative charges distributed along the polymer chain, wherein the negative charge carried by the polymer is less than 10 .ANG. from the polymer chain. In another embodiment, the negative charge is a strong negative charge. A complex having one or more epitopes recognizable by antibodies generated in a HITP immune response is formed. One then contacts blood plasma or serum from a human patient suspected of having HITP with the complex and analyzes the complex to determine if the HITP-related antibodies are present. In another embodiment of the invention, a kit for diagnosing HITP is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention identifies the CTLA4 receptor as a ligand for the B7 antigen. The complete amino acid sequence encoding human CTLA4 receptor gene is provided. Methods are provided for expressing CTLA4 as an immunoglobulin fusion protein, for preparing hybrid CTLA4 fusion proteins, and for using the soluble fusion proteins, fragments and derivatives thereof, including monoclonal antibodies reactive with B7 and CTLA4, to regulate T cell interactions and immune responses mediated by such interactions.

Abstract: Shaped, unbaked dough products are provided that are coated with a glaze comprising an amount of water, a reducing sugar and a hydrophilic colloid. When baked, the dough products produce a finished product with increased horizontal dimensions over that which would be expected based on the raw dimensions of the unbaked dough product.

Abstract: The invention provides a human DPl homolog (DPlh)) and polynucleotides which identify and encode DPlh. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of DPlh.