Abstract: Oligonucleotides capable of inhibiting the production of proliferation-associated proteins are provided. Oligonucleotides designed to be hybridizable with nucleic acids encoding nucleolar proteins are believed to be therapeutically useful. Certain of such oligonucleotides, hybridizable to portions of the gene coding for p120, especially the 3' untranslated region, were made and found to inhibit the synthesis of p120. The oligonucleotides of the invention are useful for the treatment of diseases characterized by hyperproliferation of cells such as malignancies, inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. Treatment of human breast cell carcinoma, human epitheloid cervix carcinoma, human amelanotic melanoma, human renal cell carcinoma and other tumors are indicated.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of alleviating chronic pain in humans. Viable, implantable cells are selected which release neuroactive substances that reduce chronic pain. The cells are cultured to improve their viability, and administered into a region of the central nervous system of a patient who is suffering from chronic pain. The cells continue to secrete the neuroactive substances within the patient without exogenous stimulation. Suitable implantable cells include adrenal medullary tissue cells, chromaffin cells or genetically engineered cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant viral vector comprising the DNA of, or corresponding to, at least a portion of the genome of an adenovirus, which portion is capable of infecting a hepatic cell; and a human VLDL receptor gene operatively linked to regulatory sequences directing its expression. The vector is capable of expressing the normal VLDL receptor gene product in hepatic cells in vivo or in vitro. This viral vector is useful in the treatment of metabolic disorders caused by the accumulation of LDL in plasma, such as familial hypercholesterolemia or familial combined hyperlipidemia.

Abstract: The invention provides a human prostate-specific transcriptional regulatory sequence, polynucleotide comprising such regulatory regions, toxin gene constructs wherein a toxin gene is expressed under the transcriptional control of a human prostate-specific transcriptional regulatory sequence, and methods for treating prostate disease using such toxin gene constructs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing gene therapy treatment. The method comprises selecting a genetic vector, introducing a genetic material into the genetic vector, combining the modified genetic vector with an electronic pulse delivery buffer solution with cells from an organism, and performing electronic pulse delivery on the combination in a reaction chamber to produce transformed cells, and placing the transformed cells into an organism. The reaction chamber includes a main chamber having a first substantially flat face and which holds a combination of the genetic material, a plurality of cells from the organism and an electronic pulse delivery buffer solution. The reaction chamber also includes a first electrode which has a second substantially flat face which is disposed opposite to and proximate to the first substantially flat face. The first electrode is coupled to receive electronic pulses to perform electronic pulse delivery of the genetic material into at least some of the plurality of cells.

Abstract: A method of altering the specific, systemic immune response of an individual to a target antigen by the co-administration of a cytokine an adhesion or accessory molecule and the target antigen. The target antigen may be a tumor cell, a tumor cell antigen, an infectious agent or other foreign antigen, or other antigens to which an enhanced systemic immune response is desirable. Alternatively, the antigen may be a non-foreign antigen when a suppression of a systemic immune response is desired. The resulting systemic immune response is specific for the target antigen.

Abstract: The invention is a synthetic DNA sequence for encoding a specific enzyme or protease. The protease is essential for the completion (replication) of an infective human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The invented gene is desirable for the expression of the protease by recombinant methodology in prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic cells and the production of a commercially desirable amount of the protease for biochemical and physical characterization, necessary to find effective inhibitor of the protease, and thereby to block the production of infectious human immunodeficiency virus (HIVs).

Abstract: A targetable gene delivery system is provided for introducing foreign genes into mammalian cells. The system employs a soluble targetable DNA complex and utilizes receptor-mediated endocytosis to endow cell specificity. The soluble DNA-carrying complex is formed by non-covalently binding a ligand conjugate with the foreign gene. The conjugate, in turn, is formed by bonding receptor-specific ligands such as asialoglycoproteins to polycations such as polylysine through covalent bonds such as disulfide bonds. The system exhibits a high degree of cell specificity and offers potential for the treatment of inherited genetic disorders.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of enhancing the delivery of a nucleic acid into a cell, wherein a complex is formed comprising the nucleic acid, a cationic liposome, and a replication-deficient adenovirus, and the complex is administered to the cell to thereby enhance delivery of the nucleic acid into the cell. The method can be used to deliver the nucleic acid into a cell in a subject by administering the above complex into the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a population of micelles wherein each micelle comprises at least one amphipathic compound layer that surrounds a non-aqueous core that contains a polyion. Also provided are a method of preparing such a composition and the uses of such compositions for delivering biologically active polyions to cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of treating localized solid tumors and papilloma in an individual. The method comprises introducing a recombinant adenoviral vector containing the herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase gene. Subsequently, a prodrug, such as the drug ganciclovir, is administered to the individual. The methods of the present invention may be used to treat several different types of cancers and papillomas, including colon carcinoma, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, hepatoma, brain and head and neck cancer.

Abstract: The subject invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule which comprises nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide which has the biological activity of a receptor for poliovirus and in addition, provides a purified polypeptide which has this activity. The subject invention also provides a method for inducing the production of a polypeptides which includes the use of expression vectors in a host vector system. Therapeutic compositions comprising purified polypeptides which have the biological activity of a receptor for poliovirus are also provided for as are methods of treating and preventing human poliovirus infection. Further, the subject invention provides a method of producing a transgenic animal expressing human poliovirus receptors.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for intracellular transfer of a wide variety of agents, by using Sendai virus comprising liposomes having various compositions in the liposome lumen. A preferred method for preparing the liposomes provides for enhanced levels of luminal concentrations, as well as incorporation of high molecular weight molecules. The method comprises fusing liposomes, where one liposome comprises the Sendai virus proteins and the other liposome comprises the luminal composition. The subject methods find particular application with intranuclear transfer of nucleic acids, more particularly with cells of the vasculature.

Abstract: A mutant non-human mammal lacking expression of the lymphocyte-specific tyrosine kinase p56.sup.lck. Lck deficient mice possess few peripheral T lymphocytes and a pronounced thymic atrophy. The remaining thymus contains immature thymocytes surrounded by a perturbed thymic microenvironment. p56.sup.lck appears to play a crucial role in early thymocyte differentiation.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of eliciting an immune response and/or protective immunity in a vertebrate by introducing into the vertebrate a DNA vaccine which consists essentially of DNA encoding an antigen or antigens, e.g., capsid proteins or polypeptides, of rotavirus. The uptake of the DNA vaccine by a host vertebrate results in the expression of the capsid protein, thereby eliciting humoral or cell-mediated immune responses, or both, which can provide protection against infection and/or prevent clinically significant rotavirus-caused disease. In addition, the invention demonstrates that an internal vital antigen provides protective immunity in a host. The host can be any vertebrate, including birds, piglets, and humans.

Abstract: An enzymatic RNA molecule which cleaves mRNA associated with development or maintenance of colon carcinoma.

Abstract: A nucleic acid construct is described which when expressed in cells, results in the production of APP695, APP751 and APP770. The construct is the cDNA for APP770 with the genomic sequences encoding the KI and OX-2 regions substituting for those regions present in the cDNA.

Abstract: The design, construction, and use of transgenic animals which exhibit features, including neurofibrillary tangles and aluminum sensitivity, is described. The founder transgenic animals of the invention are produced by methods well known in the art, and utilize DNA sequences designed to express all or any part of the human neurofilament subunit genes, NF-L, NF-M, NF-H, in a neural-enriched manner.

Abstract: A method of protecting a subject against an agent that elicits production of toxic free radicals, superoxide anions, or heavy metal cations in the subject consisting of the in vivo administration to the subject of a polynucleotide encoding a protein that is transiently expressed in said subject. The transiently expressed protein is capable of neutralizing or eliminating the toxic free radicals, superoxide anions or heavy metal cations that are elicited by the agent. This method is particularly useful in protecting cancer patients against the damaging effects of ionizing radiation and chemotherapeutic drugs.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides and analogs thereof that bind to and preferably modulate the activity of interferon-.gamma., and methods for their use, including therapeutic and diagnostic methods are disclosed.