Abstract: This invention relates to cleaved dimers of Mullerian inhibiting substance-like polypeptides. More particularly, this invention relates to such dimers, methods of producing them and methods of using them in the treatment of cancer and tumors, especially those of the female genital tract. The dimers of this invention are also useful in compositions and methods for contraception.

Abstract: A process for the transfer and/or expression of any gene into cells, organisms or species is disclosed. The process involves isolating the gene, introducing the gene into a vector comprised of at least one retrotransposon genetic element to provide a hybrid gene. The hybrid gene is introduced into a donor cell capable of packaging and transmitting the retrotransposon to other cells, organisms or species. The hybrid gene is transferred to a recipient cell wherein the hybrid gene replicates by reverse transcription and is inserted into the recipient cell's genome. The gene is preferably expressed as RNA and/or protein, giving the phenotype of the gene.

Abstract: The-invention provides novel DNA and peptide sequences encoding a family of phospholipase A.sub.2 enzymes, with specific activities of approximately 20 .mu.mol/min/mg in the mixed micelle assay. These enzymes are useful in methods for detecting the anti-inflammatory potential of various chemical agents. The invention also details novel methods for determining such potential using the novel sequences, methods for making the novel peptides, and methods for developing new anti-inflammatory drugs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for isolating a mutant cell that secretes a desired compound at a level greater than that secreted by a starter cell from which the mutant cell is derived. The method includes contacting a plurality of auxotrophic feeder cells and auxotrophic starter cells together in the solid growth medium. The starter cells produce the desired compound required by the feeder cells and the feeder cells produce a metabolite required by the starter cells. These cells are cultured to produce a plurality of primary colonies, the largest of which include at least one of the mutant cells which overproduces the desired compound.

Abstract: Protein inhibitors of phospholipase A.sub.2 purified from inflammatory sites which have an amino acid sequence given in FIGS. 3-1 through 3-3 or an amino acid sequence physiologically equivalent thereto, a process for preparation of said inhibitory protein wherein serum of mammalian animal is enzymatically treated, and a gene coding said inhibitory protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cell medium developed to support long term multiplication and permanent establishment of a cell line of human liver epithelial cells. The medium may contain an effective cell growth promoting amount of calcium ions; an effective cell growth promoting amount of glucose; an effective amount of insulin to aid cells in glucose uptake; an effective cell growth promoting amount of hydrocortisone; an effective amount of epidermal growth factor to bind epidermal growth factor receptors on cells; an effective amount of transferrin to increase DNA synthesis in cells; an effective amount of cholera toxin to increase DNA synthesis in cells; an effective amount of triiodothyronine to increase DNA synthesis in cells; and an effective growth promoting amount of mammalian hormones and mitogenic factors, including lipoprotein, cholesterol, phospholipids and fatty acids.

Abstract: A protein which inhibits collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation. The protein has a molecular weight of approximately 17,000. A method of isolating the protein from Ornithodoros moubata and using the protein to prevent or delay blood coagulation by blocking the stimulation of platelet aggregation by collagen is also described. The protein is useful in the prevention, prophylaxis, therapy and treatment of thrombotic diseases.

Abstract: A family of proteins are provided which may be purified from snake venom. Each protein binds to the 45 kDa N-terminal domain of human platelet glycoprotein Ib, thereby inhibiting the binding of Von Willebrand factor to the domain. The proteins exist as multimers of individual polypeptide chains. The single polypeptide chains are useful for inhibiting the adhesion of platelets to subendothelial components of blood vessel walls exposed as the result of vascular damage.

Abstract: A new method is described for the preparation of a safe, immunogenic and efficacious vaccine for protection against the disease pertussis. In development of this vaccine, specific functional sites of pertussis toxin have been identified, and using this information, defined mutant holotoxins have been produced by site directed mutagenesis of the toxin gene. A number of these holotoxin analogues are detoxified, retain an immunodominant S1 epitope, are immunogenic and are protective in the standard pertussis vaccine potency test in mice.

Abstract: The present invention provides new compounds and methods for promoting platelet aggregation, and controlling bleeding. The present invention is based on the surprising discovery that erythrocytes conjugated to certain peptides and polypeptides containing an R-G-D (Arg-Gly-Asp) sequence (collectively termed herein "RGD peptides") according to the invention, selectively bind to activated platelets but not to unactivated platelets. In recognition of the dual nature of the derivatized erythrocytes, they are termed herein "thrombo-erythrocytes". The thrombo-erythrocytes have no significant change in their rheological properties. In a preferred aspect, the thrombo-erythrocytes have the majority of RGD peptide cross-linked specifically to glycophorin A and glycophorin B on the surface of the erythrocyte.

Abstract: A highly retrovirus-producing DNA construct, which comprises a gene encoding retrovirus which is incorporated into a vector for gene amplification.

Abstract: A method and composition for reversibly increasing the proliferation of cells in vitro. Cell populations are treated in vitro with antisense oligonucleotides to a tumor suppressor gene, such as the retinoblastoma (Rb) gene. Such treatment inhibits expression of the tumor suppressor gene product and results in a reversible increase in the proliferation of the cell population.

Abstract: The invention provides novel DNA and peptide sequences encoding a family of phospholipase A.sub.2 enzymes, with specific activities of approximately 20 .mu.mol/min/mg in the mixed micelle assay. These enzymes are useful in methods for detecting the anti-inflammatory potential of various chemical agents. The invention also details novel methods for determining such potential using the novel sequences, methods for making the novel peptides, and methods for developing new anti-inflammatory drugs.

Abstract: Peptide fragments of conglutinin are provided for use in binding to complementary ligands. Particularly, an N-proximal region is provided having a hypervariable region with a collagen type structure for binding to complementary molecules, and a C-proximal region which provides for lectin binding activity.

Abstract: Novel peptides having pharmacologic activities, such as vasodilating, hypotensive and bronchodilating activities, and a method of making peptides are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and associated agents for measuring the presence and amount of advanced glycosylation endproducts in cells and fluids. The methods take advantage of the existence of receptors and receptor complexes for AGEs and include receptor-containing ligands comprising whole mesangial and other cells, mesangial cellular fragments and protein extracts therefrom. Competitive assays, sandwich assays and assays involving AGE antisera are disclosed. Numerous diagnostic applications are defined and test kits are also contemplated.

Abstract: The invention provides an imprinted matrix which exhibits selective binding interactions through metal chelates with a predetermined molecule or biological particle. Also provided is a preformed, fluid-imprinted matrix having sufficient rigidity to maintain selective binding interaction with a predetermined molecule or biological particle through interactive moieties. Methods for producing such matrices are additionally provided.

Abstract: The present invention defines a DNA:protein-binding assay useful for screening libraries of synthetic or biological compounds for their ability to bind DNA test sequences. The assay is versatile in that any number of test sequences can be tested by placing the test sequence adjacent to a defined protein binding screening sequence. Binding of molecules to these test sequence changes the binding characteristics of the protein molecule to its cognate binding sequence. When such a molecule binds the test sequence the equilibrium of the DNA:protein complexes is disturbed, generating changes in the concentration of free DNA probe. Also described herein is a method to capture DNA that has been released from the DNA:protein complex.

Abstract: The invention relates to inhibitors for the formation of tumor necrosis factor, processes for the preparation thereof by macrophages or mononuclear phagocytes which have been stimulated by lipopolysaccharides, and the use thereof for the treatment and prophylaxis of diseases caused by tumor necrosis factor.

Abstract: Denatured recombinant fusion proteins are correctly folded in the presence of a heat shock protein which acts according to the functional principle of the bacterial GroEL or of the equivalent mitochondrial component Hsp60, and of ATP. After cleaving off the foreign sequence, biologically and medically interesting proteins are obtained in the correct conformation.