Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of transferring therapeutic genes to brain tumor cells in order to kill the cells.

Abstract: Transgenic swine, and compositions and methods for making and using same, are provided. Central to the invention are porcine (Sus scrofa) embryonic stem cell lines and methods for establishing them. Cells of such lines are transformed with exogenous genetic material of interest and then used to provide chimeric swine, which have germ cells comprising the exogenous genetic material. The chimeric swine are bred to provide transgenic swine. Transgenic swine of the invention can be used to provide human proteins or peptide hormones or can be used as xenograft donors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of obtaining an organism which has been characterized as having cells containing exogenous genetic material which includes any sequence of DNA that can be distinguished as exogenous by known molecular biological analysis by insertion of genetic material into an animal's genetic makeup. The insertion of the genetic material is done by inserting DNA that has been complexed with molecules that allow the DNA to be inserted into the chromosomes when injected into the cytoplasm, perivitelline space, or placed in surrounding culture media to be taken up and incorporated into the genome. When the DNA is complexed into the polyelectrolyte molecules by electrostatic attraction, the electric charge of DNA of the complex is partially to substantially neutralized. The present method does not require the genetic material to be introduced into the embryo at a particular stage in development.

Abstract: Immunocompromised hosts comprising xenogeneic fetal lymph node tissue implanted in the ear pinna are provided. The chimeric hosts are prepared by inserting the xenogeneic lymph node tissue into the ear pinna and closing the incision. The tissue is found to be rapidly vascularized and can be productively infected with HIV.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment and diagnosis of herpesvirus infections. In accordance with preferred embodiments, oligonucleotides are provided which are specifically hybridizable with RNA or DNA deriving from a herpesvirus gene corresponding to one of the open reading frames UL5, UL8, UL9, UL20, UL27, UL29, UL30, UL42, UL52 and IE175 of herpes simplex virus type 1. The oligonucleotide comprises nucleotide units sufficient in identity and number to effect said specific hybridization. In other preferred embodiments, the oligonucleotides are specifically hybridizable with a translation initiation site, a coding region or a 5'-untranslated region. Methods of treating animals suspected of being infected with herpesvirus comprising contacting the animal with an oligonucleotide of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: Polynucleotide sequences which encode ecdysone receptors have been isolated and expressed in host cells.

Abstract: The present application discloses retrovirus-derived vectors in which the retroviral envelope glycoprotein has been replaced by the G glycoprotein of vesicular stomatitis virus, and the use of these vectors in the transfer of exogenous genes into the cells of a wide variety of non-mammalian organisms. Also disclosed is a method for the generation of retroviral vectors in high titers, wherein a recombinant, stable host cell line is provided which harbors the retroviral vector of interest without envelope protein. High-titer retroviral vector production is initiated by introducing nucleic acid encoding a functional membrane-associated protein into the cell line. The vectors disclosed in the present application can be concentrated by ultracentrifugation to titers greater than 10.sup.9 cfu/ml which are especially useful in human gene therapy trials, and can also infect cells, such as hamster and fish cells, that are ordinarily resistant to infection with vectors containing the retroviral envelope protein.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases or conditions amenable to treatment through modulation of the synthesis or metabolism of multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP). In accordance with preferred embodiments, oligonucleotides are provided which are specifically hybridizable with nucleic acids encoding multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP). Methods of treating animals suffering from diseases or conditions amenable to therapeutic intervention by modulating multidrug resistance with an oligonucleotides specifically hybridizable with RNA or DNA corresponding to multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) are disclosed. Methods of preventing the development of multidrug resistance and of improving the efficacy of chemotherapy are also-disclosed.

Abstract: Human basement membrane matrix is provided, produced by a novel tumorigenic cell line, where the basement membrane can be used for the growth of a variety of cells, in culture and in vivo. Other cell lines are provided, which may serve to evaluate in vivo the response of tumorigenic cells to various agents, including basement membrane. The basement membrane finds use in allowing the growth of cells in culture and in vivo, particularly cells which are otherwise refractory to xenografting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inducing an immunological response in a mammal or avian host to a pathogen by inoculating the mammal or avian host with a synthetic recombinant avipox virus modified by the presence, in a non-essential region of the avipox genome, of DNA from any source which codes for and expresses an antigen of the pathogen. The present invention further provides a synthetic recombinant avipox virus modified by the insertion therein of DNA from any source, and particularly from a non-avipox source, into a non-essential region of the avipox genome.

Abstract: A method for preparing foreign protein in yeast using an expression recombinant DNA comprising DNA encoding the serum albumin signal peptide adjacent to DNA encoding the foreign protein is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant plasmid containing a sequence encoding any genes inserted between 5' and 3' self-cleavage ribozymes. The recombinant plasmid can be amplified in vivo as well as in vitro while growing the host cell. When obtaining RNA transcripts of the inserted sequence, the recombinant plasmid does not require a restriction enzyme digestion step (run-off transcription) since cis-acting ribozymes perform self-catalyzed cleavage at 5' and 3' sides of the inserted sequence once it is transcribed. In this specific example, the trans-acting RNA enzyme sequence is inserted between 5' and 3' cleavage ribozymes. However, the trans-acting ribozyme sequence in the recombinant plasmid can be replaceable with any other sequence (e.g., antisense RNA, RNAs of HIV-1, HDV and other RNA viruses etc.). This construct is especially useful since each unit, consisting of 5' processing ribozyme, inserted sequence, and 3' processing ribozyme, can be connected in tandem.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing retroviral proteins which are protease, everse transcriptase and endonuclease. The method is characterized by the consecutive expression and processing of retroviral genes by the stepwise cultivation of hosts transformed with a vector constructed to carry retroviral gene fragments comprising at least a protease gene and one or more of the other genes coding for retroviral proteins. The retroviral proteins of this invention are used as specific reagents for the diagnosis of retroviral disease, e.g., AIDS, malignant tumors and so forth, also may be used as the basis for research and development of antiviral agents and a vaccine against the above infectious diseases, and for genetic engineering.

Abstract: Compounds having highly specific endoribonuclease activity are described. The compounds of this invention, also known as ribozymes, comprise ribonucleotides having two hybridizing regions with predetermined sequences capable of hybridizing with a target RNA, a region of defined sequence and a base paired stem region.

Abstract: A method and products are disclosed in which a fertilized egg is non-invasively infused with oxygen such that the structural integrity of the shell of the egg is not compromised. The method comprises the step of subjecting the external surface of the eggshell to the oxygen under a condition of at least one of vacuum and positive pressure. The oxygen is from a substance selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nascent oxygen, liquid oxygen, oxone, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and potassium permanganate.

Abstract: Transgenic mice and methods of preparing such mice are disclosed. The mice exhibit decreased platelet counts and/or megakaryocyte leukemia.

Abstract: Positive-negative selector (PNS) vectors are provided for modifying a target DNA sequence contained in the genome of a target cell capable of homologous recombination. The vector comprises a first DNA sequence which contains at least one sequence portion which is substantially homologous to a portion of a first region of a target DNA sequence. The vector also includes a second DNA sequence containing at least one sequence portion which is substantially homologous to another portion of a second region of a target DNA sequence. A third DNA sequence is positioned between the first and second DNA sequences and encodes a positive selection marker which when expressed is functional in the target cell in which the vector is used. A fourth DNA sequence encoding a negative selection marker, also functional in the target cell, is positioned 5' to the first or 3' to the second DNA sequence and is substantially incapable of homologous recombination with the target DNA sequence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of nucleoside analogues in the treatment of viral infections. More specifically it is concerned with the use of 1,3-oxathiolane nucleoside analogues in the treatment of hepatitis, in particular hepatitis B.

Abstract: A gene encoding for alternative forms of a POU domain transcription factor is disclosed. The first polypeptide form of the transcription factor includes a transferable region which inhibits DNA binding by itself and other transcription factors. The second polypeptide form serves to activate expression of a gene typical for terminal differentiation of skin. Fusion proteins wherein the inhibitory region of the first form of the gene is coupled to, and inhibits the function of, other transcription factors are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based eucaryotic vectors and uses thereof. Such vectors may, for example, be used to down regulate any targeted viral or cellular gene whose sequence is known. Furthermore, the vectors may also be used to cause the expression of proteins.