Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric 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: The present invention relates to the prevention and treatment of injury and diseases to the liver, biliary tract, bile ducts, gall bladder and related hepatobiliary system. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods for decreasing the action of the RON receptor tyrosine kinase in liver physiology. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of analogs and antagonists and antibodies for inhibiting the action of the RON receptor tyrosine kinase for the prevention and treatment of liver injury or damage in acute and chronic clinical conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding a human heme-regulated initiation factor 2 alpha kinase. In addition, the invention provides a method for inhibiting protein synthesis, inducing cellular differentiation, or inhibiting infection in human cells by administering an effective amount of a heme-regulated initiation factor 2 alpha kinase to the cells. Methods are also provided for modulating heme-regulated initiation factor 2 alpha kinase activity and determining the level of heme-regulated initiation factor 2 alpha kinase expression.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel cytokine receptors having sequence similarity to AF18497_1 and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those cytokine receptors. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric 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: 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: 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: The present invention provides compositions and methods for promoting the healing of wounds or fibrotic disorders with reduced scarring, comprising inhibitors and inhibiting IFN-?, together with compositions and methods for promoting the healing of chronic wounds, comprising stimulating and stimulators of IFN-?.

Abstract: A novel polypeptide which is useful in searching for a therapeutic agent for diabetes, a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide, an expression vector comprising the polynucleotide, a cell transfected with the expression vector, an antibody binding to the polypeptide, and a method of screening a therapeutic agent for diabetes are disclosed. The polypeptide is a novel background potassium channel expressed in the pancreas.

Abstract: In the method of determining hormonal effects of substances, a test substance is contacted with Ewing sarcoma protein (EWS) or a derivative of it and with an androgen receptor (NR) or a derivative of it; and the effect of the test substance on binding of EWS with the androgen receptor or its derivative or on ligand-induced activity of the androgen receptor is determined, preferably in a cellular system. A method for determining interference in the co-modulator mechanism between androgen receptor and EWS, which includes measurement of androgen receptor and EWS concentrations, is described. A method for identification and characterization of substances that influence the activity of a nuclear receptor, especially androgen receptor, using EWS or a derivative of it is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a specific mutation in SCN5A which causes drug-induced torsade de pointes or ventricular fibrillation. Persons with the mutation are predisposed to developing drug-induced torsade de pointes or ventricular fibrillation when administered certain drugs. This predisposition can be diagnosed in accordance with the present invention by analyzing the DNA sequence of the SCN5A of an individual. By screening patients for the mutation, drug-induced torsade de pointes or ventricular fibrillation can be avoided. Furthermore, drugs can be tested to determine whether they will cause torsade de pointes or ventricular fibrillation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric 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: The invention relates to novel granulopoietic activity (GPA) proteins and nucleic acids. The invention further relates to the use of the GPA proteins in the treatment of G-CSF related disorders.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing ovulation in sows and gilts by a single injection of hormones is disclosed. A hormone, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), analogues, derivatives, agonists or combinations thereof is administered to an open sow post weaning at a specific time to stimulate ovulation of mature responsive follicles. The sow is then bred, without heat detection, at a specific subsequent timed interval after injection with hormone, with one or two artificial or natural breedings. In gilts, the hormone is injected at a timed interval from onset of estrus or at a specific timed interval following Prostaglandin F2a for those gilts which have been held in a state of pseudopregnancy.

Abstract: Methods of suppressing the activation of microglial cells in the Central Nervous System (CNS), methods of ameliorating or treating the neurological effects of cerebral ischemia or cerebral inflammation, and methods of combating specific diseases that affect the CNS by administering a compound that binds to microglial receptors and prevents or reduces microglial activation are described. Also described are methods of screening compounds for the ability to suppress or reduce microglial activation.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding mammalian, e.g., rodent, IL-1?, IL-1?, purified IL-1? and IL-1? proteins and fragments thereof. Antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds having a binding affinity for both the ?v?3 receptor and a (neuro)peptide receptor, in particular the somatostatin receptor, which compound comprises a first peptide part comprising at least once the amino acid sequence Arg-Gly-Asp, and a second peptide part coupled thereto, optionally via a linker, which second peptide part is a (neuro)peptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of the molecular binding domains between presenilins and its substrates such as amyloid precursor protein and telencephalin. These binding domains can be efficiently used in drug screening assays to screen for compounds capable of modulating the interaction between presenilins and type I transmembrane proteins. The invention further relates to compounds capable of modulating the interaction.

Abstract: A method to treat conditions characterized by formation of amyloid plaques both prophylactically and therapeutically is described. The method employs humanized antibodies which sequester soluble A? peptide from human biological fluids or which preferably specifically bind an epitope contained within position 13–28 of the amyloid beta peptide A?.

Abstract: Disclosed are 1) amino acid sequence data, structural features, homologies and various other data characterizing morphogenic proteins, 2) methods of producing these proteins from natural and recombinant sources and from synthetic constructs, 3) morphogenic devices comprising these morphogenic proteins and a suitably modified tissue-specific matrix, and 4) methods of inducing non-chondrogenic tissue growth in a mammal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting and supervising neurodegenerative diseases, which consists in detecting the presence of antibodies of the A-isotype and/or M-isotype which are directed against the antigens which are associated with these diseases. The invention also relates to a kit for the implementation of this method.