Abstract: A DNA sequence encoding the CarR gene product or a homologue or variant thereof which, on expression in bacteria, is capable of activating gene expression, especially of a gene coding for a carbapenem antibiotic. A polypeptide coded for by such DNA.

Abstract: A novel method and test kit for mutagenesis testing applicable to an organism or a cell.

Abstract: Methods for producing thin colloidal silica films on substrates, such as corona treated polystyrene, are provided. The dried films are characterized as 50 nm thick, high silanol, homogenous, high surface area, porous, uncracked, adherent, wetting, negatively charged, and gamma radiation stable. Several differential advantages of the colloidal silica films were demonstrated in epithelial cell culture, especially regarding primary cultures in serum free media. Cell responses to the films were increased explant adhesion, increased cell growth rate, and increased expression of differentiated function before and after subculture as compared to tissue culture polystyrene.

Abstract: Polynucleotide complexes are stabilized by adding a cryoprotectant compound and lyophilizing the resulting formulation. The lyophilized formulations are milled or sieved into a dry powder formulation which may be used to deliver the polynucleotide complex. Delivery of the polynucleotide to a desired cell tissue is accomplished by contacting the tissue with the powder to rehydrate it. In a preferred embodiment, a dry powder formulation is used to transfer genetic information to the cells of the respiratory tract.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, compositions and apparatus for increasing the transfection efficiency of target cells by particles, especially retroviral particles, compared with that achieved by current methods. The transfection method comprises depositing the particles on a cell growth support and contacting target cells with the particle-loaded cell growth support.

Abstract: Methods for preserving an infectious recombinant virus for subsequent reconstitution are provided. Within one aspect, the method comprises the steps of (a) combining an infectious recombinant virus with an aqueous solution comprising a saccharide, a high molecular weight structural additive, a buffering component and water to form an aqueous suspension, thereby stabilizing the infectious virus; (b) cooling the aqueous suspension containing the virus to a temperature below the glass transition state temperature or below the eutectic point temperature of the formulation; and (c) removing water from the cooled aqueous suspension by sublimation to form a lyophilized virus having less than 10% water by weight of the lyophilized virus, the virus being capable of infecting mammalian cells upon reconstitution.

Abstract: The transgene-inserted replication-deficit adenovirus vector is effectively used in in vivo gene therapy for peripheral vascular disease and heart disease, including myocardial ischemia, by a single intra-femoral artery or intracoronary injection directly conducted deeply in the lumen of the one or both femoral or coronary arteries (or graft vessels) in an amount sufficient for transfecting cells in a desired region.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant DNA technology. Specifically this invention relates to new recombinant eukaryotic cells transformed with SSO genes. Eukaryotic cells transformed with several copies of SSO genes, or overexpressing the Sso protein by some other means, have an increased capacity to produce secreted foreign or endogenous proteins. Further, the said new recombinant cells, when transformed with genes expressing suitable hydrolytic enzymes can utilize appropriate macromolecular compounds more efficiently, which results in increased cell mass production and/or more versatile utilization of the compounds in relevant biotechnical applications.

Abstract: Yeast cells are engineered to express both a surrogate of a pheromone system protein (e.g., enzymes involved in maturation of .alpha.-factor, transporters of a-factor, pheromone receptors, etc.) and a potential peptide modulator of the surrogate, in such a manner that the inhibition or activation of the surrogate affects a screenable or selectable trait of the yeast cells. Various additional features improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the screening/selection system.

Abstract: Agents and a method for generating chromosomes by premature chromosome condensation (PCC) technique utilizes inhibitors of serine/threonine protein phosphatases. When the cells were treated with these agents, they underwent PCC at any phase of cell cycle within 2 hours. This method enables to obtain not only chromosome of mitotic cells but also those from interphase nuclei much easily, quickly and effectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides adeno-associated virus (AAV) materials and methods which are useful for DNA delivery to cells. More particularly, the invention provides recombinant AAV (rAAV) genomes, methods for packaging rAAV genomes, stable host cell lines producing rAAV and methods for delivering genes of interest to cells utilizing the rAAV. Particularly disclosed are rAAV useful in generating immunity to human immunodeficiency virus-1 and in therapeutic gene delivery for treatment of neurological disorders.

Abstract: Method for in vivo introduction of a nucleic acid cassette into stem cells of intestinal epithelium. The nucleic acid cassette is introduced via vector solution. The vector solution can be delivered via the intestinal lumen in a variety of ways, including through an insertion device such as an endoscope, through catheters, through ligating and clamping the intestine after laparotomy or through slow release capsules. The vector solution once introduced into the intestinal epithelium is allowed to contact the stem cells for sufficient time for incorporation, usually between 1 and 48 hours. After sufficient incorporation, the insertion device and/or clamping and ligation procedure blockage are removed. Preferably, the procedure includes sufficient fluid to distend the intestine and provide additional access to the stem cells and the crypts.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotide molecules and peptides encoded by these molecules can be used in the analysis of alloantigen phenotypes, as well as in diagnostic and therapeutic applications, relating to human platelet Pen polymorphism. By analyzing genomic DNA or amplified genomic DNA, or amplified cDNA derived from platelet mRNA, it is possible to type glycoprotein GPIIIa with regard to the Pen polymorphism, for example, in the context of diagnosing and treating clinical syndromes associated with GPIIIa-related immune responses.

Abstract: A novel regulatable retroviral vector in which the v-myc oncogene is driven by a tetracycline-controlled transactivator and a human cytomegalovirus minimal promoter fused to tet operator sequence useful for immortalization of adult neuronal progenitor cells is provided. Regulation of a heterologous Producer cell lines which produce high titers of the recombinant retrovirus are also provided.

Abstract: Bax-.omega. polynucleotides and polypeptides, and compositions effective to hybridize to Bax-.omega. polynucleotides are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for altering apoptosis in cells, for promoting cell survival and for identifying compounds capable of affecting the binding of Bax-.omega. to other proteins involved in apoptosis.

Abstract: The subject invention provides processes and kits for detecting encysted forms of protozoa, particularly Cryptosporidium and Giardia, that are viable and infectious. To determine viability, cysts or oocysts are heated to a temperature that induces transcription of heat shock protein (HSP) genes. Alternatively, to determine infectivity the encysted forms are inoculated onto susceptible cell cultures. The viability or infectivity of the encysted forms can be determined by synthesizing a cDNA from an induced HSP RNA template using a primer that is specific for particular genus or species of protozoa, followed by enzymatic amplification of the cDNA. Alternatively, infectivity can be determined by amplifying HSP DNA from infected cells using a primer pair that is specific for a particular genus or species of protozoa. Amplified HSP DNA can be detected using probes that are specific for a protozoan species of interest, such as the human pathogens C. parvum and G. lamblia.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel plasmid exhibiting high copy number and a plasmid vector obtained by modification of the plasmid.

Abstract: A method for delivering to a target cell in a population of cells a biologically active agent comprising the steps of exposing the population of cells to a complex comprising the biologically active agent and a ligand capable of binding to the target cell and subjecting the population of cells to an electric field while maintaining cell viability.

Abstract: A method of genetically engineering a cell line capable of detecting bioactive cytokines or growth factors is provided. Cells lines produced by this method and methods of using these cell lines to detect bioactive cytokines or growth factors in a biological fluid are also provided.

Abstract: The invention presents a system for inducing cells in living intact tissue, in vivo or ex vivo, to accept nucleotides from their extracellular environment and to localize those nucleotides into the cells' nuclei. This system relies on the fact that, when subjected to high pressure, cells take in nucleotides and localize those nucleotides into their nuclei with a transfection rate of greater than 90% in some cases. This invention employs various techniques for placing under high pressure either cells in isolated tissue cultures, or cells in tissues still connected to a living body.