Abstract: The present invention provides a polynucleotide (mctl) which identifies and encodes a novel human C-type lectin (MCTL). The invention provides for genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding MCTL. The invention also provides for the use of substantially purified MCTL and its agonists in the commercial production of recombinant proteins and in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of MCTL. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to mctl in pharmaceutical compositions for treatment of diseases associated with the expression of MCTL. The invention also describes diagnostic assays which utilize diagnostic compositions comprising the polynucleotide, fragments or the complement thereof, which hybridize with the genomic sequence or the transcript of mctl. The present invention also relates to anti-MCTL antibodies which specifically bind to MCTL.

Abstract: The invention provides a human human developmentally regulated GTP-binding protein (HDRG) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HDRG. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of HDRG.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separation of vWF into high molecular vWF and low molecular vWF which is characterized in that vWF is bound to an affinity support and is then eluted at different salt concentrations.

Abstract: Variant complement proteins that are modified in their complement-mediated activity are provided, along with methods for their preparation, and their potential uses. The modifications comprise amino acid substitutions in regions of the complement proteins that contain certain motifs also present in homologous proteins. The amino acid substitutions and their effect on the complement activity of the modified protein are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides high and low molecular weight fraction of von Willebrand Factor (vWF), which can be obtained by absorbing vWF to a heparin affinity support followed by eluting the vWF at differing salt concentrations The low molecular weight fraction is predominantly dimers and tetramers, and the high molecular weight fraction is predominantly larger multimers.

Abstract: A DNA fragment encoding a carbohydrate binding lectin BJ38 in chromosomal DNA of Bradyrhizobium japonicum is described. The DNA is used as a source of the lectin, as a probe and as DNA for recombinant strains of rhizobium with enhanced nodulation and production in legumes.

Abstract: Site-specific replacement of amino acids in the region of positions 484-509 of human factor VIII can result in reduction of reactivity to an inhibitory antibody while procoagulant activity is retained. Modified human factor VIII having an immunoreactivity-reducing amino acid substituted for the naturally occurring amino acid is described.

Abstract: The invention provides a human metaxin protein and polynucleotides which identify and encode MTXP-1. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of MTXP-1.

Abstract: CrFC21 cDNA was cloned into two mammalian vectors: pCIneo and pCDNAI, both of which carry the strong CMV promoter for expression in mammalian cell lines. Various CrFC cDNA constructs transformed into P. pastoris and S. cerevisiae were expressed to yield full-length recombinant Factor C (rCrFC) protein of .about.130 kDa which is immunoreactive. The rCrFC is expressed in an intracellular, insoluble form. Intracellular localization of the nascent protein provides protection from premature digestion by proteases secreted by the host cell. Subsequent to its synthesis, rCrFC is solubilized and purified under pyrogen-free conditions. Using established protocols, the protein can be denatured and renatured to recover its biological functionality. By manipulation of the 5' end of CrFC26, truncated constructs containing this cDNA are expressed by S. cerevisiae to give immunoreactive rCrFC. The rCrFC produced from both CrFC21 and CrFC26 constructs, solubilized by Triton X-100 or SDS, is found to be immunoreactive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel cellulase composition obtainable from Bacillus sp. CBS 670.93. A preferred cellulase has a calculated molecular weight of approximately 50 kD, a calculated isoelectric point of about 4 and a pH optimum on CMC of about 6-10 at 40.degree. C. and about 7 at 60.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides which identify and encode a novel human nucleic acid binding protein (NABP). The invention provides for genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding NABP. The invention also provides for the use of substantially purified NABP or its antagonists, in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of NABP. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to NABP in pharmaceutical compositions for treatment of diseases associated with the expression of NABP. The invention also describes diagnostic assays which utilize diagnostic compositions comprising the polynucleotide, fragments or the complement thereof, which hybridize with the genomic sequence or the transcript of polynucleotides encoding NABP or anti-NABP antibodies which specifically bind to NABP.

Abstract: Recombinant human phosphodiesterase type IVC is described, and DNA coding for it. Particular conformers of the enzyme are identified, including a R- and S-rolipram stereoselective conformer which is obtainable by expression of human phosphodiesterase type IVC DNA in mammalian or insect cells. The recombinant enzyme may be used in a screen to select a compound capable of modulating the action of the enzyme, or as an immunogen to generate an antibody.

Abstract: Modified Protein C molecules have been made which substitute the gamma carboxylglutamic acid (Gla) region of another Vitamin K dependent protein, most preferably prothrombin, for the native region of the Protein C. A modified protein C molecules has been made which substitutes the gamma carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) region with the corresponding region of prothrombin. The modified or chimeric protein C has advantages over the wild-type protein C since it is less sensitive to inhibition by some natural antibody inhibitors of protein C (which would otherwise decrease the ability of the protein C to act as an anticoagulant) and which do not need the same cofactors or same amounts of cofactors, and can therefore be effective in patients with lowered levels of the cofactors such as protein S or the lipids present in elevated levels in platelets such as phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE). The anticoagulant activity of the chimera was tested in normal and factor V Leiden plasma.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for facilitating the transport of a membrane-impermeable extracellular agent having an intracellular activity across the membrane of a cell are provided. The methods involve covalently coupling an amino terminal blocking group to a transport-mediating peptide to form a carrier molecule. The carrier molecule is covalently coupled to the extracellular agent to form a membrane-permeable prodrug. The transport-mediating peptides are highly basic and bind to polyphosphoinositides.

Abstract: Novel polymer-bound oligopeptides exhibiting antimicrobial activity have been develop. The oligopeptides are unique amino acid sequences that form amphiphilic helices.

Abstract: Processes for preparing aqueous solutions of cysteine-altered von Willebrand Factor fragment which are substantially free of aggregate and capable of therapeutic use for treating thrombosis are provided. The claimed process comprises providing an aqueous solution of vWF fragment and denaturant and containing undesired contaminants, said solution having an acidic pH; separating said contaminants from said solution by contacting said solution with an affinity chromatography medium to which said vWF fragments adhere; eluting said vWF fragment from said affinity chromatography medium in the presence of the denaturant; and separating the eluted fragment from said denaturant while maintaining the aqueous solution of the fragment at a pH of about 2.5 to less than about 5.5 to increase monomerization of, and decrease aggregation of, said fragment, thereby forming an aqueous solution of vWF fragment which is substantially free of aggregate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human novel RAB protein (SRAB) and polynucleotides which identify and encode SRAB. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of SRAB.

Abstract: The invention features a polypeptide consisting of amino acids 379-535 of diphtheria toxin, and portions thereof. This region, shown by X-ray crystallographic analysis to comprise the receptor binding domain of diphtheria toxin, is used as an immunogen and clinical therapeutic against diphtheria.

Abstract: The hPMS2 gene encodes a protein which is involved in DNA mismatch repair and is mutated in a subset of patients with hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). The previously published hPMS2 cDNA sequence lacks an upstream in-frame stop codon preceding the presumptive initiating methionine. To further evaluate the 5' terminus of the hPMS2 coding region, we isolated additional cDNA clones, RT-PCR products, and the corresponding 5' genomic segment of the hPMS2 locus. The hPMS2 gene transcripts were found to have heterogeneous but collinear 5' termini, one of which contained an in-frame termination codon preceding the initiating methionine. In addition, a novel gene encoding a 34.5 kDa polypeptide was found to transcriptionally initiate within hPMS2 from the opposite strand.

Abstract: Cellophane wrapping (CW) of hamster pancreas induces proliferation of duct epithelial cells followed by endocrine cell differentiation and islet neogenesis. Using the mRNA differential display technique a cDNA clone expressed in cellophane wrapped but not in control pancreata was identified. Using this cDNA as a probe, a cDNA library was screened and a gene not previously described was identified and named INGAP.