Abstract: The present invention provides methods of modulating the shedding of L-selectin in cells or tissues using an inhibitor of TACE expression or activity. Antisense oligonucleotides targeted to nucleic acids encoding TACE are preferred forms of TACE inhibitors. These methods are believed to be useful both therapeutically and diagnostically and as research tools. The present invention further comprises methods of treating conditions associated with altered L-selectin shedding or altered L-selectin levels.

Abstract: The cDNA sequence encoding porcine brain natriuretic peptide and related genes encoding canine and human peptides with natriuretic activity are disclosed. The gene is shown to make accessible the DNAs encoding analogous natriuretic peptides in other vertebrate species. The genes encoding these NPs can be used to effect modifications of the sequence to produce alternate forms of the NPs and to provide practical amounts of these proteins. The NPs of the invention can also be synthesized chemically.

Abstract: Chemically-modified surfaces on unoxidized carbon, silicon, and germanium substrates are disclosed. Ultraviolet radiation mediates the reaction of protected &ohgr;-modified, &agr;-unsaturated aminoalkenes (preferred) with hydrogen-terminated carbon, silicon, or germanium surfaces. Removal of the protecting group yields an aminoalkane-modified silicon surface. These amino groups can be coupled to terminal-modified oligonucleotides using a bifunctional crosslinker, thereby permitting the preparation of modified surfaces and arrays. Methods for controlling the surface density of molecules attached to the substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules which modulate the synthesis, expression and/or stability of an mRNA encoding one or more receptors of vascular endothelial growth factor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for delivery of nucleic acids. In particular, the invention provides a polymeric delivery formulation including a nucleic acid to be transfected into a host cell, formulated in a biodegradable polymer having phosphorous-based linkages.

Abstract: The invention provides a Douglas-fir 2S seed-storage promoter (df2SSP; SEQ ID NO: 17) and methods of its use. The promoter is useful for, among other things, directing the tissue-specific expression of transgenes.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the complete detoxification of fumonisin and fumonisin degradation products are provided. Particularly, nucleotide sequences corresponding to the detoxification enzymes are provided. The sequences find use in preparing expression cassettes for the transformation of a broad variety of host cells and organisms.

Abstract: Homologues of the Arabidopsis NIM1 gene, which is involved in the signal transduction cascade leading to systemic acquired resistance (SAR), are isolated from Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco), Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato), Brassica napus (oilseed rape), Arabidopsis thaliana, Beta vulgaris (sugarbeet), Helianthus annuus (sunflower), and Solanum tuberosum (potato). The invention further concerns transformation vectors and processes for expressing the NIM1 homologues in transgenic plants to increase SAR gene expression and enhance broad spectrum disease resistance.

Abstract: Method to produce a more active ribozyme by introducing a modified base into a substrate binding arm of the ribozyme or its catalytic core.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel quinobenzoxazine self-assembly complex on DNA and on the topoisomerase II-DNA complex. The related model is used to design a new series of quinobenzoxazines, pyridobenzophenoxazines, pyrridonaphthophenoxazines, and other related compounds that may exhibit anticancer or antibiotic activity. The anticancer activity of these compounds is thought to operate via stabilization of the topoisomerase II-DNA complex and/or interaction with G-quadruplexes, while the antibiotic activity of these compounds derives from their ability to inhibit gyrase, the bacterial type II topoisomerase.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the therapy and diagnosis of cancer, such as breast cancer, are disclosed. Compositions may comprise one or more breast tumor proteins, immunogenic portions thereof, or polynucleotides that encode such portions. Alternatively, a therapeutic composition may comprise an antigen presenting cell that expresses a breast tumor protein, or a T cell that is specific for cells expressing such a protein. Such compositions may be used, for example, for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as breast cancer. Diagnostic methods based on detecting a breast tumor protein, or mRNA encoding such a protein, in a sample are also provided.

Abstract: A kit for detecting a first substance in a sample including a stabilized 1,2-dioxetane bearing an enzyme-labile substituent, which is destabilized and caused to decompose by contacting the 1,2-dioxetane with an enzyme under conditions which cause the enzyme to cleave the enzyme-labile substituent from the dioxetane, thereby yielding a negatively charged oxygen anion bonded to the 1,2-dioxetane, which causes the 1,2-dioxetane to decompose without input from an external excitation energy source, the decomposition being accompanied by chemiluminescence; and a second component selected from the group consisting of a specific affinity substance (e.g., an antigen, an antibody or a nucleic acid probe) and an enzyme which destabilizes said 1,2-dioxetane.

Abstract: Provided are lacZ&agr; gene fragments which have been modified to introduce multiple restriction enzyme sites. Vectors according to the present invention include at least one promoter operatively linked to a DNA sequence encoding lacZ&agr;(&agr;-peptide); multiple cloning sites cleavable by distinct restriction enzymes which have been introduced within a lacZ coding sequence from and including the codon for amino acid 8, and in the lacZ coding sequence downstream of the codon for amino acid 8, in forming the modified lacZ&agr; coding sequence; and a replicon. Also provided are methods of using the vectors wherein a DNA molecule is cloned into at least one restriction enzyme site in the modified lacZ&agr; coding sequence, in forming recombinant vectors; introducing the recombinant vectors into competent host cells; growing the host cells in the presence of a chromogenic substrate cleavable by &bgr;-galactosidase; and screening for indicia of lac operon marker inactivation.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of PTPN2. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding PTPN2. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of PTPN2 expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of PTPN2 are provided.

Abstract: A titer of retroviral vectors of at least about 107 colony-forming units/ml cell culture supernatants is obtained using an amphotropic retroviral packaging cell line which contains functional gag, pol and env genes integrated into the genome in which the expression of the genes gag and pol is regulated independently of the expression of the env genes, wherein the genome of the said cell line contains one or two functionally active env genes.

Abstract: Synthetic processes are provided wherein mixed backbone oligomeric compounds are prepared having at least one phosphodiester internucleoside linkage in addition to one or more phosphorothioate, phosphoramidate and boranophosphate internucleoside linkages. Novel H-phosphonate intermediates are also disclosed that are useful in the synthetic processes. The synthetic processes use a novel oxidation step to oxidize H-phosphonate internucleoside linkages to phosphodiester internucleoside linkages without degradation of adjacent phosphorothioate, phosphoramidate and boranophosphate internucleoside linkages. Also provided are synthetic intermediates useful in such processes.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting microbial propagation, and screening for compounds that inhibit microbial propagation, are described. A method of inhibiting microbial propagation comprises inhibiting ribosomal binding of a specific microbial tRNA in the microbe by an amount sufficient to inhibit microbe propagation. A method of screening for compounds useful for inhibiting microbial propagation comprises contacting a specific microbial tRNA to a ribosome that binds that tRNA in the presence of the test compound, and then determining whether the compound inhibits the binding of that tRNA.

Abstract: Compositions for stabilizing polynucleic acids and increasing the ability of polynucleic acids to cross cell membranes and act in the interior of a cell. In one aspect, the invention provides a polynucleotide complex between a polynucleotide and certain polyether block copolymers. The polynucleotide complex can further include a polycationic polymer, as well as suitable targeting molecules and surfactants. The invention also provides a polynucleotide complex between a polynucleotide and a block copolymer comprising a polyether block and a polycation block.

Abstract: Probes and processes for their use for specific recognition and/or cleavage of double-stranded DNA or RNA at sequence specific desired loci through the intermediacy of a triple helix are disclosed. These probes may also be used as diagnostic chemotherapeutic agents through incorporation of a radiolabeled, fluorescing, or otherwise detectable molecule. Preferred assay conditions are also provided for recognition of homopurine-homopyrimidine double-helical tracts within large DNA by triple helix formation under physiological conditions. Hybridization probes for double-stranded recognition with binding site sizes that range >8 base pairs are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a TRAF family molecule, a polynucleotide encoding the molecules, an antibody against the molecules, and an antisense polynucleotide of the molecule. Employing an oligo-DNA primer capable of amplifying the most highly conserved region of a known TRAF family molecule, PCR was performed with the aid of cDNA derived from various cell strains and tissues as a template. Thus, the base sequence of the gene of an unknown TRAF family molecule and the amino acid sequence of the TRAF family molecule encoded by the gene were elucidated. An antibody against the molecule was also prepared. By utilizing the TRAF family molecules, genes thereof, and antibodies against the molecules, there are provided methods for elucidating the functions of the proteins and methods for elucidating the signal transduction system of the TNF-R family involving the molecules, as well as probes for research and diagosis, which suggest applications in therapeutic agents.