Abstract: A retroviral vector comprising a retrovirus with infectivity for birds and/or mammals in which at least part of the genomic RNA sequences carrying information for the production of viral proteins required in trans for retroviral replication have been replaced by one or more sequences carrying information to be introduced in a target cell chromosome, characterized in that the primer binding site (PBS) has been modified to a sequence that does not allow strong base pairing with the 3' end or other priming sequence in any naturally occurring tRNA.

Abstract: This invention provides a growth inhibitor for leukemia cells comprising an antisense oligonucleotide derivative to Wilms' tumor gene (WT1).

Abstract: An isolated and purified human Ste20-like serine/threonine signal transduction kinase is described. A cDNA sequence which encodes the native signal transduction molecule is disclosed as well as the structural coding region and the amino acid residue sequence. Methods are provided which employ the sequences to identify compounds that modulate the biological and/or pharmacological activity of the transduction molecule and hence regulate cell physiology. Biologically-effective antisense molecules, as well as dominant negative mutant versions of the biomolecule are described which are suitable for therapeutic use. The invention is also drawn toward the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of pathophysiological disorders mediated by the signal transduction molecule.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of RhoC. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding RhoC. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of RhoC expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of RhoC are provided.

Abstract: An improved method for the simultaneous sequence-specific identification of mRNAs in a mRNA population allows the visualization of nearly every mRNA expressed by a tissue as a distinct band on a gel whose intensity corresponds roughly to the concentration of the mRNA. In general, the method comprises the formation of cDNA using anchor primers to fix a 3'-endpoint, producing cloned inserts from the cDNA in a vector containing a bacteriophage-specific promoter for subsequent RNA synthesis, generating linearized fragments of the cloned inserts, preparing cRNA, transcribing cDNA from the cRNA using a set of primers, and performing PCR using a 3'-primer whose sequence is derived from the vector and a set of 5'-primers that is derived from the primers used for transcription of cDNA from cRNA. The method can identify changes in expression of mRNA associated with the administration of drugs or with physiological or pathological conditions.

Abstract: A DNA cassette for expression and secretion of a given amino acid, polypeptide or protein in a host strain of corynebacterium, including a sequence which encodes the amino acid, polypeptide or protein, and a region of chromosomal or plasmid DNA, wherein the sequence is situated in the region of chromosomal or plasmid DNA such that the sequence is transcribed with, at the sequence's 5' end, at least one portion of a sequence encoding the signal sequence of the protein PS1 or PS2, the at least one portion ensuring the secretion of the amino acid, polypeptide or protein after translation when the DNA cassette is incorporated into the host strain of corynebacterium.

Abstract: The invention provides two new WD-40 proteins (WDPro) and polynucleotides which identify and encode WDPro. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of WDPro.

Abstract: Assay method for the detection of nucleic acid sequences in homogeneous solution. The method comprises the use of fluorescence polarisation to detect hybridisation of a fluorescent nucleic acid probe or to detect fluorescent primer extension products. Assay kits for use in the above methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel medical devices, particular well-suited for sustained delivery of therapeutically-significant substances. Also disclosed are methods of making and using these delivery devices. Using these devices and methods the present invention teaches sustained, targeted and reversible delivery of immunostimulating agents, as well as therapeutic agents such as enzymes, hormones and neurotransmitters, to name but a few.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of PTEN. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding PTEN. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of PTEN expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of PTEN are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to oligonucleotide sequences (or initiators) derived from the HIV-2 ROD virus genome and from that of the SIV-mac 142 virus, as well as their use in an in vitro method for the diagnosis of the infection of an individual by a HIV-2 type virus.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting and quantitating gene sequences, such as mutated genes and oncogenes, in biological fluids. The fluid sample (e.g., plasma, serum, urine, etc.) is obtained, deproteinized and the DNA present in the sample is extracted. The DNA is then amplified using an amplification procedure, such as PCR or LCR, to amplify the mutated gene sequence. In one embodiment, the DNA is contacted with a peptide nucleic acid prior to or during the amplification procedure.

Abstract: A stilbene synthase gene. More particularly, a stilbene synthase gene in which the stilbene synthase is resveratrol synthase. Also more particularly a stilbene synthase gene which is obtained from groundnut (Arachis hypogaea). Furthermore a stilbene synthase gene, corresponding to the stilbene synthase gene which is contained in the plasmid pGS 828.1, and DNA sequences acting in essentially the same say. Still further, a stilbene synthase gene unit which comprises approximately 6,700 base pairs and exhibits 3 EcoRI, 3 HindIII and 1 PstI cleavage sites, and which can be obtained by partial cleavage of the plasmid PGS 828.1 using EcoRI and HindIII, or from plasmid pGS 828.1 using SstI and PvuII.

Abstract: Provided are hydrophobic targeting sequences, which may serve to target heterologous proteins to a variety of cellular membranes. In particular, the structural components of the nuclear envelope, or those components which become nucleus-associated, may be targeted with the sequences provided. Also provided are methods of targeting heterologous proteins to particular membranes, and the use of these targeted proteins in therapeutic, diagnostic and insecticidal applications.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides are provided which are effective in inhibiting the growth, metastasis and/or angiogenesis of tumors, including particularly melanoma and/or lung cancer. Methods are also provided for use of these oligonucleotides in the treatment of diseases.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for improving the efficiency of feed utilization and/or for promoting the growth of animals in which an animal is fed a diet which comprises a composition comprising feed substance and a ready for use phospholipase additive. Preferably said composition also comprises at least one phospholipid. Said compositions are used to improve fat digestibility and to promote growth of the animal. The phospholipid is preferably lecithin and the preferred phospholipase is a mammalian phospholipase A2. In a preferred embodiment the phospholipase is produced using recombinant DNA technology to express the enzyme in a suitable host such as a microorganism or a transgenic plant.

Abstract: Purified and isolated nucleic acid is provided which encodes a transferrin receptor protein of a strain of Haemophilus or a fragment or an analog of the transferrin receptor protein. The nucleic acid sequence may be used to produce peptides free of contaminants derived from bacteria normally containing the Tbp1 or Tbp2 proteins for purposes of diagnostics and medical treatment. Furthermore, the nucleic acid molecule may be used in the diagnosis of infection. Also provided are recombinant Tbp1 or Tbp2 and methods for purification of the same. Live vectors expressing epitopes of transferrin receptor protein for vaccination are provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases associated with protein kinase C. Oligonucleotides are provided which are specifically hybridizable with a PKC gene or mRNA. Oligonucleotides specifically hybridizable with a particular PKC isozyme, set of isozymes or mRNA transcript are provided. Methods of treating conditions amenable to therapeutic intervention by modulating protein kinase C expression with an oligonucleotide specifically hybridizable with a PKC gene or mRNA are disclosed. Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment, detection and diagnosis of diseases associated with protein kinase C alpha and specific transcripts thereof. New nucleic acid sequences are provided which encode 3' untranslated regions of human protein kinase C alpha polynucleotide probes for PKC alpha are also disclosed.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of FADD. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding FADD. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of FADD expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of FADD are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the identification of mutant strains of methicillin resistant bacteria, in particular methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, to identify the characteristics of such bacteria and develop drugs that can reverse, inhibit, or reduce bacterial resistance to beta lactam antibiotics, e.g., methicillin. The invention particularly relates to identification of a novel mutant strain of methicillin resistant S. aureus that manifests a unique phenotype. Accordingly, the invention provides for methods of treatment and corresponding pharmaceutical compositions for treating bacterial, particularly staphylococcal, infections.