Abstract: A novel galectin, a polynucleotide encoding the same, a vector and a transformant comprising the polynucleotide, an antibody against the galectin, and a screening method for screening a substance capable of modifying the galectin, are disclosed. According to the galectin, polynucleotide, or vector, it is possible, for example, to exterminate ticks, or to treat or prevent tick-borne infections such as rickettsiosis, filariasis, Q fever, African recurrent fever, or viral encephalitis.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotide molecules isolated from Oryza sativa and useful for expressing transgenes in plants. The present invention also provides DNA constructs containing the polynucleotide molecules useful for expressing transgenes in plants. The present invention also provides transgenic plants and seeds containing the polynucleotide molecules useful for expressing transgenes in plants.

Abstract: Methods and compounds for increasing or decreasing mucus secretion in subjects, and particularly mucus secretion in the airways, are described. Methods of screening compounds for the ability to increase or decrease mucus secretion are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a non-human genetically modified mammal comprising a mutation, a partial or total deletion of the genetic sequence encoding the wild type mammal alpha-fetoprotein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a family of mammalian genes that are transcribed in the immediate early phase following exposure to Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGF) during mesoderm induction, termed Mesoderm Induction Immediate Early Response (MIER) genes. Defining features of the members of this family include that these genes are a) transcribed in response to fibroblast growth factors (FGF); b) are expressed within 40 minutes of FGF treatment; and c) do not require protein synthesis for transcription. There are at least eleven members within this family. The invention relates generally to compositions of and diagnostic methods relating to the M-MIER gene family, cDNA, nucleotide fragments, polypeptides coded thereby, recombinant host cells and vectors containing M-MIER encoding polynucleotide sequences, recombinant M-MIER polypeptides, and antibodies. By way of example, the invention discloses the cloning and functional expression of different M-MIER polypeptides.

Abstract: A novel growth factor, persephin, which belongs to the GDNF/neurturin family of growth factors, is disclosed. The mouse and rat amino acid sequences have been identified. Mouse and rat persephin genomic DNA sequences have been cloned and sequenced and the respective cDNA sequences identified. In addition, methods for treating degenerative conditions using persephin, methods for detecting persephin gene alterations and methods for detecting and monitoring patient levels of persephin are provided. Methods for identifying additional members of the persephin-neurturin-GDNF family of growth factors are also provided.

Abstract: Chemically-modified surfaces on unoxidized, bromine- or iodine-terminated carbon, silicon, and germanium substrates are disclosed. Visible light mediates the reaction of protected &ohgr;-modified, &agr;-unsaturated aminoalkenes (preferred) with bromine- or iodine-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 feature antisense IAP nucleic acids and other negative regulators of the IAP anti-apoptotic pathway, and methods for using them to enhance apoptosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to secretion in Gram-positive microorganisms. The present invention provides the nucleic acid amino acid sequences for the Bacillus subtilis secretion factors SecDF. The present invention also provides improved methods for the secretion of heterologous or homologous proteins in gram-positive microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to DNA promoters which, in nature, drive expression of an enzyme of the raffinose family oligosaccharide pathway and are capable of inducing expression of a protein encoded by a DNA molecule operably associated with such promoters. These DNA promoters cause the protein to be expressed in minor vein phloem of a mature plant leaf, with substantially no expression of the protein elsewhere in the leaf of the plant. The present invention also relates to the use of such DNA promoters in transgenic plants or plant seeds.

Abstract: The invention includes novel fusion nucleic acids encoding fusion polypeptides which when expressed in a filamentous fungus result in the expression of fusion polypeptides. The fusion nucleic acids comprise four nucleic acids which encode a fusion polypeptide comprising first, second, third and fourth amino acid sequences. The first nucleic acid encodes a signal polypeptide functional as a secretory sequence in a first filamentous fungus. The second nucleic acid encodes a secreted polypeptide or functional portion thereof which is normally secreted from the same filamentous fungus or a second filamentous fungus. The third nucleic acid encodes a cleavable linker while the fourth nucleic acid comprises at least two nucleic acids encoding desired polypeptides.

Abstract: An enzymatic nucleic acid molecule comprising a 5′- and/or a 3′-cap structure, wherein said structure is not a 5′-5′-linked inverted nucleotide or a 3′-3′-linked inverted nucleotide.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of CD40 ligand. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding CD40 ligand. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of CD40 ligand expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of CD40 ligand are provided.