Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding human PS1 gene products. Mutant PS1 polypeptides are also provided, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of the activity of the PS1 polypeptide and mutants thereof. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting Alzheimer's disease and therapeutic methods for treating the same.

Abstract: The claimed invention is substantially purified rat forebrain receptor, wherein said receptor: a) binds Compound A with a Kd of 40 nM and a Bmax of 220 pmol/g; b) binds Compound B with a Kd of 2 nM and a Bmax of 220 pmol/g protein; and c) has a molecular weight of about 130 kD. Compounds A and B are known anti-convulsant compounds, such that this receptor will be useful in screening for compounds that have therapeutic activity for the treatment of CNS-related disorders.

Abstract: Novel compounds that mimic and/or modulate the activity of wild-type nucleic acids. In general, the compounds are phosphorothioate oligonucleotides wherein the 5′-terminal internucleoside linkage or the 5′- and 3′-terminal linkages are modified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation of a cDNA clone encoding the calcium sensor in human placenta and subsequent Northern blots confirming the mRNA expression also in human parathyroid and kidney tubule cells. Close sequence similarity is demonstrated with the rat Heymann nephritis antigen, a glycoprotein of the kidney tubule brush border with calcium binding ability. Immunohistochemistry substantiates a tissue distribution of the calcium sensor protein similar to that previously described for the Heymann antigen. It is proposed that the identified calcium sensor protein constitutes a universal sensor for recognition of variation in extracellular calcium, and that it plays a key role for calcium regulation via different organ systems. The calcium sensor protein belongs to the LDL-superfamily of glycoproteins, claimed to function primarily as protein receptors, but with functionally important calcium binding capacity.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for discovering agonists and antagonists of the interaction between UDP-glucose, UDP-galactose, UDP-glucuronic acid, UDP-N-acetyl glucosamine, as well as related UDP sugars, and their cellular receptor, human KIAA0001, which may have utility in the treatment of several human diseases and disorders, including, but not limited to: infections such as bacterial, fungal, protozoan and viral infections, particularly infections caused by HIV-1 or HIV-2; pain; cancers; diabetes, obesity; anorexia; bulimia; asthma; Parkinson's disease; acute heart failure; hypotension; hypertension; urinary retention; osteoporosis; angina pectoris; myocardial infarction; restenosis; atherosclerosis; diseases characterized by excessive smooth muscle cell proliferation; aneurysms; wound healing; diseases characterized by loss of smooth muscle cells or reduced smooth muscle cell proliferation; stroke; ischemia; ulcers; asthma; allergies; benign prostatic hypertrophy; migraine; vomiting; psychotic and neurologic

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated and purified DNA molecule comprising a single coding region encoding (a) a turkey vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP); (b) a turkey prepro vasoactive intestinal peptide or (c) a biologically active subunit of (a) or (b).

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions of and methods for obtaining mu opioid receptor polypeptides. The invention relates as well to polynucleotides encoding mu opioid receptor polypeptides, the recombinant vectors carrying those sequences, the recombinant host cells including either the sequences or vectors, and recombinant opioid receptor polypeptides. The invention includes as well, methods for using the isolated, recombinant receptor polypeptide in assays designed to select and improve substances capable of interacting with mu opioid receptor polypeptides for use in diagnostic, drug design and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A glial precursor cell population from mammalian central nervous system has been isolated. These A2B5+ E-NCAM− glial-restricted precursor (GRP) cells are capable of differentiating into oligodendrocytes, A2B5+ process-bearing astrocytes, and A2B5− fibroblast-like astrocytes, but not into neurons. GRP cells can be maintained by regeneration in culture. GRP cells differ from oligodendrocyte-type-2 astrocyte (O-2A) progenitor cells in growth factor requirements, morphology, and progeny. Methods of use of GRP cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention features methods for stimulating glial cell mitogenesis by contacting the glial cells with p185erbB2 ligand polypeptides, including glial growth factor (GGF), a GGF splice variant comprised of segments E, B, A, C, and C/D or C/D′, a 35 kD polypeptide factor isolated from rat I-EJ transformed fibroblast cells, 75 kD polypeptide factor isolated from the LKBR-3 human breast cells, 44 kD polypeptide factor isolated from the rat I-EJ transformed fibroblast cells, 45 kD polypeptide factor isolated from MDA-MB 231 human breast cells, 7-14 kD polypeptide factor isolated from the ATL-2 human T-cells, 25 kD polypeptide factor isolated from activated mouse peritoneal macrophages, and 25 kD polypeptide factor isolated from bovine kidney.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a novel selective, sensitive, and highly reliable immunoassay for detecting human IL-1&bgr; in cultured mononuclear cells or human body fluids. It is a competitive immunoassay which is useful in diagnostic work to detect IL-1&bgr; selectively, for the first time, from among similar lymphokines and other substances known to interfere with bioassays for IL-1.

Abstract: The invention provides licD1 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding licD1 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing licD1 polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: A purified soluble form of Flk-2 is provided, as the DNA sequence and as the protein. In addition, a partial DNA sequence of the human Flk-2 is also provided. The proteins find use in modulating hematopoiesis in culture and in vivo, as well as for the production of antibodies for assays of the proteins.

Abstract: The invention provides peptide and protein pharmaceuticals with extended half-lives. The modified peptides and proteins of the invention contain at least two tandem extensions at their C-terminus comprising the carboxy terminal portion of human chorionic gonadotropin. These “CTP units” consist essentially of the native HCG-&bgr; sequence from position 112-118 to position 145 or conservative modifications thereof.

Abstract: Isolated DNA encoding mu-subtype opioid receptor polypeptides is provided. Recombinant cloning vectors which include this DNA and cells that incorporate these vectors are also provided. Methods for producing these receptors and purifying them from native and heterologous sources are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating swine to increase their resistance to pathogenic microorganisms are disclosed. Microbial infections may be prevented or reduced in swine populations by administration of immune lymphokines which have been produced by the splenic T cells of immunized swine. The process and compositions are particularly useful for the control of Salmonella in swine.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for prolonging the preservation of human blood platelets at reduced temperatures. The method uses an inhibitor system that enables blood platelets to retain their functional integrity during storage. In addition, the inhibitor system prevents the generation of cytokines in the platelet preparation during storage at both 22° C. and 4° C. This is accomplished by interrupting normal platelet function during storage, so as to help keep platelets from activating and losing their shape. Before using the platelets in a transfusion, they are returned to their normal functional level by washing the inhibitor system away from the platelets.

Abstract: A novel growth factor, persephin, which belongs to the GDNF/neurturin family of growth factors, is disclosed. The human, mouse and rat amino acid sequences have been identified. Human, mouse and rat persephin genomic DNA sequences have been cloned and sequenced and the respective cDNA sequences identified. In addition, methods for treating degenerative conditions using persephin, methods for detecting persephin gene alterations and methods for detecting and monitoring patient levels of persephin are provided. Methods for identifying additional members of the persephin-neurturin-GDNF family of growth factors are also provided.

Abstract: A novel neurotrophic factor referred to as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been identified. Genes encoding GDNF have been cloned and sequenced. Methods and devices are disclosed for the delivery of GDNF using either an implantable cell which expresses human GDNF or a biocompatible semipermeable membrane containing genetically engineered cells which express and secrete the neurotrophic factor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an isolated or essentially pure DNA sequence encoding a human Dopamine D2 receptor, the protein comprising the receptor, vectors for transforming or transfecting host cells with such DNA so that the cells express the DNA, methods of obtaining the DNA and preparing the transformed or transfected cells and cell lines, and methods of using the cells and cell lines in assays for the determination of human dopamine D2 receptor antagonists or agonists.

Abstract: A novel human DP prostaglandin receptor has been identified and DNA encoding the receptor has been isolated, purified, sequenced and expressed in host cells. This DNA encoding the novel prostaglandin receptor and host cells expressing the receptor are used to identify modulators of the prostaglandin receptor.