Abstract: This invention belongs to the genetic engineering field, and provides novel G protein-coupled receptor family proteins SREB1, SREB2 and SREB3 expressed in the central nervous system, genes coding for these proteins, screening methods using these proteins and so on. As one of the methods for obtaining the G protein-coupled receptor proteins of the present invention, RT-PCR is carried out using mRNA extracted from human or rat brain tissue or brain-derived cells as the template and using two primers interposing the entire portion or a part of the G protein-coupled receptor protein translation region, thereby obtaining cDNA corresponding to the G protein-coupled receptor protein or a part thereof, and the cDNA is integrated into an appropriate expression vector and expressed in a host cell.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a synthetic and/or recombinant biologically active peptide derivatives of PTH(1-28). Some of the peptides of the invention are at least 90% identical to a peptide consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence X01ValSerGluIleGlnLeuMetHisAsnLeuGlyLysHisLeuAsnSerMetX02ArgValGluTrpLeuArgLysLysLeu (SEQ ID NO:1), wherein X01 is Ser, Ala or Gly; and X02 is Glu or Arg.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polynucleotides and proteins encoded by such polynucleotides, along with therapeutic, diagnostic and research utilities for these polynucleotides and proteins. In particular, the polypeptides of the invention are useful for detecting cancers.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for stimulating or inhibiting angiogenesis and/or cardiovascularization in mammals, including humans. Pharmaceutical compositions are based on polypeptides or antagonists thereto that have been identified for one or more of these uses. Disorders that can be diagnosed, prevented, or treated by the compositions herein include trauma such as wounds, various cancers, and disorders of the vessels including atherosclerosis and cardiac hypertrophy. In addition, the present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cell comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimerie polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are therapeutic treatment methods, compositions and devices for maintaining neural pathways in a mammal, including enhancing survival of neurons at risk of dying, inducing cellular repair of damaged neurons and neural pathways, and stimulating neurons to maintain their differentiated phenotype. In one embodiment, the invention provides means for stimulating CAM expression in neurons. The invention also provides means for evaluating the status of nerve tissue, including means for detecting and monitoring neuropathies in a mammal. The methods, devices and compositions include a morphogen or morphogen-stimulating agent provided to the mammal in a therapeutically effective concentration.

Abstract: The present invention provides chemokine-like factor (CKLF) polypeptides with chemotactic and hematopoietic stimulating activities and polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides. Additionally, a method for producing such CKLF polypeptides by recombinant techniques is provided. Also provided are the antibodies and antagonists against such polypeptides. The present invention further disclose a drug compound comprising a therapeutically effective amount of such CKLF polypeptides as well as pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and carriers. Also disclosed are the uses of such CKLF polypeptides and polynucleotides in diagnostics or therapeutics to treat immunodeficiency, hematopoietic diseases and primary tumors.

Abstract: Use of a substance that upon administration will lead to increased concentrations of growth hormone, such as growth hormone, a functionally equivalent analogue thereof or a substance that will increase the release of endogenous growth hormone, for the production of a medicinal product for treatment of abnormal conditions affecting neural stem cells, progenitor cells and/or cells derived from neural stem cells or progenitor cells, especially conditions affecting the oligodendroglia, astroglia, and/or neuronal cells. In vitro and in vivo methods for inducing lineage determination, propagating and/or inducing or maintaining the genesis of neurons, oligodendrocytes, astroglial cells from progenitor cells, stem cells and/or cells derived from said cells by administrating to the cells a substance that increases the concentration of growth hormone.

Abstract: Fc fusion proteins of human G-CSF with increased biological activities relative to rhG-CSF on a molar basis are disclosed. The hG-CSF-L-vFc fusion protein comprises hG-CSF, a flexible peptide linker of about 20 or fewer amino acids, and a human IgG Fc variant. The Fc variant is of a non-lytic nature and shows minimal undesirable Fc-mediated side effects. A method is also disclosed to make or produce such fusion proteins at high expression levels. Such hG-CSF-L-vFc fusion proteins exhibit extended serum half-life and increased biological activities, leading to improved pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, thus fewer injections will be needed within a period of time.

Abstract: Biologically active drug polymer derivatives, namely peptides or protein derivatives, are useful medicaments and are represented by the generic formula: RO—(CH2—CH2O)n—(CO)—NH—X—(CO)—NH—Z wherein R represents a lower alkyl group, n is an integer between 25 and 250, X when combined with adjcacent NH and CO groups represents a dipeptide residue, and Z when combined with the adjacent group represents a biologically active peptide or protein.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease is described. Administration of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in a pharmaceutical composition prevents and treats atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed are human haemopoietic maturation factor polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such haemopoietic maturation factor polypeptides. Also provided are procedures for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques and for using such polypeptides for treating leukemia, auto-immune diseases and blood related disorders. Antagonists against such polypeptides and their use as a therapeutic to prevent expansion of T-cell populations are also disclosed. Diagnostic assays are also disclosed to detect both the presence of mutations in the haemopoietic maturation factor nucleic acid sequences and altered levels of the protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods inhibiting formation of neurofibrillary tangles; and methods for treating disorders relating to apolipoprotein E (apoE) in a subject. The methods generally involve reducing the level of a carboxyl-terminal truncated form of apoE in a neuronal cell of a subject. The invention further provides isolated cells comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a carboxyl-terminal truncated form of apoE; and methods of screening compounds using the cells. The invention further provides compounds that inhibit an apoE cleavage enzyme, and that reduce the formation of neurofibrillary tangles in a neuronal cell. The invention further provides transgenic non-human animals that include as a transgene a nucleic acid that encodes a carboxyl-terminal truncated form of apoE; as well as methods of screening compounds using transgenic animals.

Abstract: Novel proteins which bind human &bgr;-amyloid peptide, polynucleotides which encode these proteins, and methods for producing these proteins are provided. Diagnostic, therapeutic, and screening methods employing the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the present invention are also provided. Transgenic animals and knockout animals are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel mammalian catecholamine receptor proteins and genes that encode such proteins. The invention is directed toward the isolation and characterization of mammalian catecholamine receptor proteins. The invention specifically provides isolated complementary DNA copies of mRNA corresponding to rat and human homologues of a mammalian catecholarnine receptor gene. Also provided are recombinant expression constructs capable of expressing the mammalian catecholamine receptor genes of the invention in cultures of transformed prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as such cultures of transformed cells that synthesize the mammalian catecholamine receptor proteins encoded therein. The invention also provides methods for screening compounds in vitro that are capable of binding to the mammalian catecholamine receptor proteins of the invention, and further characterizing the binding properties of such compounds in comparison with known catecholamine receptor agonists and antagonists.

Abstract: The invention provides a cDNA which encodes human presenilin variant. It also provides for the use of the cDNA and protein in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and evaluation of therapies for cancer or neurodegenerative or immune disorders. The invention further provides vectors and host cells for the production of the protein and transgenic model systems.

Abstract: A neuroprotective composition for protecting neuronal cells against oxidative stress and methods for using and preparing the same. More particularly, the neuroprotective composition of the invention comprises a therapeutically effective amount of ceruloplasmin or a functional derivative thereof. The neuroprotective composition is characterized in that it protects neuronal cells from reactive oxygen species such as •O2− and •OH. In a preferred embodiment, the neuroprotective composition further comprises an antioxidant consisting of catalase or of an amphiphilic physiological antioxidative solution comprising a mixture of pyruvate, antioxidant, and lipid(s) such as fatty acids. The neuroprotective composition could be used for the treatment of brain trauma, brain or cerebrovascular ischemia, neurodegenerative diseases, poisoning of neuronal cells, the diminution of drugs side effects and for preservation of neuronal grafts.

Abstract: The gene coding for human erythropoietin (EPO) was obtained from human genomic DNA. Thc gene used does not include sequences from regions at i 5′ of the first translated ATG and ii 3′ of the stop codon of the EPO gene. The gene was cloned into an expression plasmid for eukaryotic cells that have as sole expression control elements the early promoter of the SV40 virus and its polyadenylation signal. Recombinant cells resulting from transfection with genetic constructs used provide an unexpectedly high level of protein expression of 50 mg of recombinant EPO per liter of culture medium per day.

Abstract: Novel gene encoding a human 116-kDa osteoclast proton pump subunit and the protein encoded thereby. Methods of treatment of bone mass disorders utilizing said gene, and antibodies that bind to the protein encoded by said gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substances which modulate receptors involved in inflammatory processes and whose modulated functions positively influence inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Methods for detecting schizophrenia or related neuropsychiatric disorders based on modifications of the contribution of the D4 receptor to phospholipid methylation levels are described herein. Individuals with schizophrenia or related neuropsychiatric disorders have a deficiency in phospholipid methylation activity compared with normal individuals. Methods for screening therapeutic processes or agents for use in treatment of schizophrenia or related neuropsychiatric disorders are also described.