Abstract: A vector which includes nucleic acid which encodes a DNA polymerase having an identical amino acid sequence to that of the DNA polymerase of Thermus aquaticus termed Taq DNA polymerase, except that it lacks the N-terminal 235 amino acids of Taq DNA polymerase.

Abstract: There is provided a DNA (or RNA) polynucleotide sequences encoding naturally occurring splice variants of human growth hormone, hGHV-2(88) and hGHV-3(53) as well as analogs and derivatives thereof, which both lack nucleotide sequences normally present in the gene which codes for wild-type hGH. The growth hormone variants of the present invention are of human origin and are useful for diagnostic preventative and therapeutic purposes with respect to certain human diseases. The present invention is also related to a method for producing the human growth hormone variants by recombinant DNA techniques. A method of generating an antibody directed against and therefore inhibiting the activity of wild-type growth hormone is also provided.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding human IL-13, and purified IL-13 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: Phage display methods were used to identify mimetics of SDI-1. Such mimetics are small peptides that are capable of binding to cyclin molecules, especially CDK2. The invention is directed to the mimetics and to methods for producing them.

Abstract: This invention concerns selectin variants having an amino acid alteration at a site or sites of a selectin lectin domain amino acid sequence within a region defined by binding sites recognized by blocking monoclonal antibodies to the corresponding selectin unaltered in the lectin domain. Nucleotide sequences encoding such variants, expression vectors containing such nucleotide sequences, end host cells transformed with such expression vectors are also within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing aprotinin and analogs thereof in yeast, synthetic genes encoding such products, expression vectors and transformed yeast cells. The invention further relates to aprotinin analogs, particularly analogs with increased specific inhibitory activity and/or reduced nephrotoxicity compared to native aprotinin, as well as compositions comprising such analogs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel factor comprising a polypeptide denominated ENA-78, said factor being derived from epithelial cells and having the ability to activate neutrophils, as well as DNA coding for such factors, methods of treating neutrophil deficiencies, methods of identifying inhibitors of ENA-78 using a novel assay, the inhibitors identified by such an assay, and methods for treating acute and chronic lung disorders using such inhibitors.

Abstract: Diagnostic systems, methods, polypeptides and antibodies for detecting the presence of the cytoplasmic domain of the integrin .alpha..sub.6B or .alpha..sub.3B subunit in a body sample are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel polypeptides possessing part or all of the primary structural conformation and one or more of the biological properties of a mammalian (e.g., human) pluripotent granulocyte colony-stimulating factor ("hpG-CSF") which are characterized in preferred forms by being the product of procaryotic or eucaryotic host expression of an exogenous DNA sequence. Sequences coding for part or all of the sequence of amino acid residues of hpG-CSF or for analogs thereof may be incorporated into autonomously replicating plasmid or viral vectors employed to transform or transfect suitable procaryotic or eucaryotic host cells such as bacteria, yeast or vertebrate cells in culture. Products of expression of the DNA sequences display, e.g., the physical and immunological properties and in vitro biological activities of isolates of hpG-CSF derived from natural sources. Disclosed also are chemically synthesized polypeptides sharing the biochemical and immunological properties of hpG-CSF.

Abstract: The anatomical distribution, nucleic acid sequence, pharmacological properties, and inferred structural features of a cDNA encoding a high affinity, Na.sup.+ -dependent rat brain L-proline transporter is described. The expression of this carrier in subpopulations of putative glutamatergic pathways supports a specific role for L-proline in excitatory amino acid neurotransmission. The cloned transporter cDNA predicts a 637 amino acid protein with 12 putative transmembrane domains and exhibits 44%-45% amino acid sequence identity with other neurotransmitter transporters. These findings support a synaptic role for L-proline in specific excitatory pathways in the CNS. The sequence can be used for expression of the transporter molecule, to make probes for the same protein from other species and related proteins, in diagnostic assays, and to design functional and structural analogs for use in research and possible clinical treatments.

Abstract: The invention concerns hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) variants that are resistant to proteolytic cleavage by enzymes capable of in vivo conversion of HGF into its two-chain form. The single-chain HGF variants, which preferably have an amino acid alteration at or adjacent to any of amino acid positions 493, 494, 495 and 496 of the wild-type human HGF sequence, retain their ability to bind the HGF receptor.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel polypeptides possessing part or all of the primary structural conformation and one or more of the biological properties of a mammalian (e.g., human) pluripotent granulocyte colony-stimulating factor ("hpG-CSF") which are characterized in preferred forms by being the product of procaryotic or eucaryotic host expression of an exogenous DNA sequence. Sequences coding for part or all of the sequence of amino acid residues of hpG-CSF or for analogs thereof may be incorporated into autonomously replicating plasmid or viral vectors employed to transform or transfect suitable procaryotic or eucaryotic host cells such as bacteria, yeast or vertebrate cells in culture. Products of expression of the DNA sequences display, e.g., the physical and immunological properties and in vitro biological activities of isolates of hpG-CSF derived from natural sources. Disclosed also are chemically synthesized polypeptides sharing the biochemical and immunological properties of hpG-CSF.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transformant comprising the following expression units in a co-expressible state:an expression unit containing a gene coding for a receptor protein ERD2 from yeast or analog thereof which is capable of binding to a protein localizing in endoplasmic reticulum and having a signal for staying therein;an expression unit containing a gene coding for said protein localizing in endoplasmic reticulum; andan expression unit containing a foreign gene coding for a polypeptide which is a subject of function of said protein localizing in endoplasmic reticulum, andto a transformant comprising, in a co-expressible state, a fusion gene which is composed of a DNA fragment coding for a human serum albumin prepro-sequence and a foreign gene coding for a useful polypeptide. The present invention is also directed to a process for producing said polypeptide by co-expressing said genes in said transformant such that the polypeptide is predominantly secreted out of the transformant cell.

Abstract: Disclosed are (1) a protein capable of receiving PGE, (2) a recombinant DNA coding for said protein, (3) a vector having said DNA, (4) a transformant carrying said vector, and (5) a method for producing said protein wherein said transformant is cultured in a culture medium, the protein being useful not only in cloning other PGE receptor genes, clarifying the structure of PGE receptors and elucidating the function of PGE, but also in searching for PGE antagonists and agonists and so on.

Abstract: A novel family of primate CSF-1-like polypeptides is provided via recombinant techniques, including compositions and methods for their production and use.

Abstract: CD27 ligand (CD27L) polypeptide and DNA sequences, vectors and transformed host cells useful in providing CD27L polypeptides. The CD27L polypeptide binds to the CD27 receptor.

Abstract: A colony stimulating factor, CSF-1, is a lymphokine useful in regulating the immune system is a lymphokine useful in overcoming the immunosuppression induced by chemotherapy or resulting from other causes. CSF-1 is obtained in usable amounts by recombinant methods, including cloning and expression of the murine and human DNA sequences encoding this protein. Both "long" and "short" forms of this protein and muteins corresponding to the cDNA-encoded forms are disclosed.

Abstract: Isolated CHF, isolated DNA encoding CHF, and recombinant or synthetic methods of preparing CHF are disclosed, These CHF molecules are shown to influence hypertrophic activity and neurological activity. Accordingly, these compounds or their antagonists may be used for treatment of heart failure, arrhythmic disorders, inotropic disorders, and neurological disorders.

Abstract: New therapies for treating blood platelet disorders based on the megapoietin gene and protein are described. Additional utilities for megapoietin such as increasing the storage life of platelet and whole blood preparations, a means for selectively targeting therapeutic or imaging agents to arterial clots, and a means for selectively stimulating platelet production from megakaryocytes in vivo and in vitro (e.g., as a source of platelets for transplantation) and to stimulate stem cell growth are also described.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of IL-1-like fusion polypeptides to increase the solubility and activity of recombinant polypeptides. The invention includes a nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide comprising an interleukin-1-like polypeptide and a polypeptide of interest and the method of using such a nucleic acid to produce recombinant fusion polypeptides.