Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method comprising Mycobacterium phlei (M. phlei)-DNA (M-DNA), M-DNA preserved and complexed on M. phlei cell wall (MCC), a chemotherapeutic agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the M-DNA and the MCC induce cell cycle arrest in proliferating cancer cells, inhibit proliferation of cancer cells, induce apoptosis in cancer cells and potentiate the antineoplastic effect of the chemotherapeutic agent on cancer cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chain-shortened polynucleotide wherein the proportion of a 2′-5′ phosphodiester bond is up to 3% based on the whole phosphodiester bonds or a salt thereof and a pharmaceutical composition containing the same, and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: A method of modulating hair growth and/or hair thickness. The method includes modulating VEGF activity, e.g., modulating VEGF gene expression and/or modulating VEGF protein production and/or activity, to modulate hair growth and/or thickness. The methods can be used to either promote or inhibit hair growth or hair thickness in a subject.

Abstract: A novel gene therapy for cancer has been discovered, which unlike most prior appraches, does not require specific knowledge of the cancer cells, but instead targets a general characteristic that distinguishes cancer cells from normal cells, i.e., elevated eIF4E expression. The expression of a toxin or conditional toxin such as HTK is translationally repressed in normal cells by placing a complex 5′ UTR in front of its reading frame. In prototype experiments, this HTK mRNA, a transcriptional product of the BK-UTK vector, was translationally regulated so as to largely inhibit its production in normal murine and human cells, while cancer cells efficiently translated the protein, which a resulting increased sensitivity to GCV. Synthesis of the HTK protein from the BK-UTK vector (containing the 5′ UTR of Fibroblast growth factor −2 (“FGF-2”) readily occurred in a panel of murine and human breast carcinoma lines, but not in normal cell lines.

Abstract: The instant invention discloses compositions and methods related to epsin 3, a novel protein closely related to, but distinct from previously described epsins. Epsin 3 mRNA and protein are undetectable in keratinocytes isolated from unwounded skin, but is induced in cells following contact with fibrillar type I collagen. It is envisioned that this protein plays an important role in activated epithelial cells during tissue morphogenesis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel strain of feline immunodeficiency virus, designated herein as FIV-141, and to attenuated forms of the virus produced by mutating specific regions of the viral genome. The virus and mutated forms of the virus may be used to induce the production of antibodies to FIV-141, and in vaccines designed to protect cats from FIV.

Abstract: A method of inducing blood vessel formation in an animal by administering to the animal a polynucleotide encoding a sphingosine kinase, or an analogue, fragment, or derivative thereof. The polynucleotide may be contained in an appropriate expression vector, such as a viral vector. The delivery of sphingosine kinase through administration of an expression vector which expresses sphingosine kinase provides for the formation of larger blood vessels containing a well defined structure that is supported by mural cells such as pericytes and smooth muscle cells.

Abstract: The present invention involves the creation of defined chromosomal deficiencies, inversions and duplications using Cre recombinase in ES cells transmitted into the mouse germ line. These chromosomal reconstructions can extend up to 3-4 cM. Chromosomal rearrangements are the major cause of inherited human disease and fetal loss. Additionally, translocations and deletions are recognized as major genetic changes that are causally involved in neoplasia. Chromosomal variants such as deletions and inversions are exploited commonly as genetic tools in organisms such as Drosophila. Mice with defined regions of segmental haploidy are useful for genetic screening and allow accurate models of human chromosomal diseases to be generated.