Abstract: IGF-I and insulin variants are provided that selectively bind to IGFBP-1 or IGFBP-3. These agonist variants are useful, for example, to improve the half-lives of IGF-I and insulin, respectively.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel nucleic acid sequences and amino acid sequences of a novel variant of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The invention further concerns expression vectors and host cells containing said sequences as well as pharmaceutical compositions and detection methods using said sequences.

Abstract: A novel polypeptide, designated neurotrophic factor-4 (NT-4), has been identified by PCR amplification of human genomic DNA. Provided herein is nucleic acid encoding NT-4 useful in diagnostics and in the recombinant preparation of NT-4. Also provided herein are nucleic acids encoding naturally occurring amino acid sequence variants of NT-4, designated NT-4&bgr;, NT-4&ggr;, and NT-4&Dgr;. The neurotrophic factors of the invention are useful in the treatment of nerve cells and in diagnostic assays.

Abstract: A nucleic acid which can be used to express a polypeptide with interleukin-16 activity in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cell wherein the nucleic acid codes for a polypeptide with the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:2 or a SEQ ID NO:2 elongated N-terminally by an aspartic acid residue or a form shortened at the C-terminus by up to 8 amino acids, and is suitable for the production of an active IL-16 polypeptide.

Abstract: Pantropic neurotrophic factors which have multiple neurotrophic specificities are provided. The pantropic neurotrophic factors of the present invention are useful in the treatment of neuronal disorders. Nucleic acids and expression vectors encoding the pantropic neurotrophins are also provided.

Abstract: Type II IL-1 receptor (type II IL-1R) proteins, DNAs and expression vectors encoding type II IL-1R, and processes for producing type II IL-1R as products of recombinant cell culture, are disclosed.

Abstract: GDNFR&agr;, GDNFR&agr; extracellular domain (ECD), GDNFR&agr; variants, chimeric GDNFRae (e.g., GDNFR&agr; immunoadhesin), and antibodies which bind thereto (including agonist and neutralizing antibodies) are disclosed. Various uses for these molecules are described, including methods to modulate cell activity and survival by response to GDNFR&agr;-ligands, for example GDNF, by providing GDNFR&agr; to the cell. Also provided are methods for using GDNFR&agr;, GDNF, or agonists thereof, separately or in complex, to treat kidney diseases.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses novel splice variant forms of the mu-opioid receptor-1 (MOR-1) and the polynucleotide sequences encoding the MOR-1 splice variants. The invention further encompasses methods of screening for compositions regulating the MOR-1 splice variant activities and the development of therapeutic modalities directed to regulating activity. Regulation of the MOR-1 splice variant activities may impact the physiologic processes of analgesia and weight management.

Abstract: Biologically active deletion and substitution mutants of hIL-3 are provided. Preferred mutants are those having one or more deletions at the N-terminus (amino acids 1-14) and/or the C-terminus (amino acids 116-133, 120-130 and/or 130-133). Preferred substitution mutants include Cys16 →Ala16 and/or Cys84→Ala84, Glu50→Lys50 and Lys79 →Glu79. These mutants can be used to formulate pharmaceutical compositions. Also disclosed are antibodies directed against specific epitopes localized between amino acids 29 and 54.

Abstract: The present invention relates to human PGF polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides. Also provided is a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques, and antibodies and antagonist/inhibitors against such polypeptides. Also provided are methods of using such polypeptides therapeutically for treating prostate cancer, to promote tissue regeneration and to facilitate wound healing. Also provided is a diagnostic assay to detect prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Abstract: Neurotransmission by excitatory amino acids (EAAs) such as glutamate is mediated via membrane-bound surface receptors. DNA coding for one family of the kainate-binding type of EAA receptor, has now been isolated and the receptor protein characterized. Herein described are recombinant cell lines which produce the EAA receptor as a heterologous membrane-bound product. Also described are related aspects of the invention, which are of commercial significance. Included is use of the cell lines as a tool for discovery of compounds which modulate EAA receptor stimulation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of enhancing wound healing and to a method of enhancing organ transplantation utilizing scatter factor, either alone or in combination with a growth factor.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel G-protein-coupled receptor proteins (CRF-R) characterized by having sufficient binding affinity for corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) such that concentrations of ≦10 nM of CRF occupy ≧50% of the binding sites of said receptor protein. Nucleic acid sequences encoding such receptors, assays employing same, as well as antibodies derived therefrom, are also disclosed. Invention CRF-Rs can be employed in a variety of ways, such as, for example, in bioassays, for production of antibodies thereto, in therapeutic compositions containing such proteins and/or antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. In particular, the present invention provides modified beta-amyloid peptides, antibodies that specifically bind to the modified beta-amyloid peptides, and methods for using these compositions in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, as well as methods to monitor treatment and/or disease progression of Alzheimer's disease in patients. The present invention also provides compositions and methods useful in research involving amyloid precursor protein (APP) metabolism and Alzheimer's disease.

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: LERK-5 polypeptides are disclosed, along with DNA sequences, vectors and transformed host cells useful in producing LERK-5. The LERK-5 polypeptides bind to elk and to hek, which are members of the eph/elk family of receptor tyrosine kinases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel human C-type lectin (human PAP-2) and polynucleotides which identify and encode human PAP-2. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies or antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating or preventing diseases associated with expression of human PAP-2.

Abstract: Agents which increase the levels of human insulin-like growth factor-1 binding protein (h-ICFBP-1), such as an estrogen, are used in conjunction with a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue in the treatment of PCOD and associated infertility.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule which encodes a wildtype or mutated HOP-1. This invention also provides a purified wild-type HOP-1 protein or a purified mutated HOP-1 protein. This invention also provides a method for production of an antibody capable of binding to wild-type HOP-1 or mutated HOP-1 protein. This invention also provides an antibody capable of specifically binding to wild-type HOP-1 or mutated HOP-1. This invention also provides a transgenic animal comprising the isolated nucleic molecule encoding HOP-This invention also provides Caenorhabditis elegans mutants in the endogenous hop-1 gene and various method to produce such mutants. This invention also provides a method for identifying a compound which is capable of ameliorating Alzheimer's disease. This invention also provides a method for determining whether a compound is capable of ameliorating Alzheimer's disease. This invention also provides a method for producing suppressors of a hop-1 allele.

Abstract: DNA encoding modified, secretable erythropoietin proteins whose ability to regulate the growth and differentiation of red blood cell progenitors are different from the wildtype recombinant erythropoietin and to methods of modifying or altering the regulating activity of a secretable erythropoietin and using modified secretable erythropoietin proteins.