Abstract: A rapid and efficient method for novel biological substance screening by surface analysis has been developed using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). This method relies on the surface screening of an array of micro-organisms grown on porous membranes, which had previously been in contact with a solid growth medium. ToF-SIMS analysis differentiates among organisms producing different substances, either directly as molecular product, or indirectly through the use of multivariate statistical data reduction techniques. This method has many advantages over traditional microbial screening methods, which require sample preparation and time for assay development.

Abstract: Peptides cyclized via disulfide or lactam bridges are disclosed. The peptides exhibit melanocortin-4 receptor agonist activity and are useful for treating obesity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel conjugates between polypeptide variants of protein C and a non-polypeptide moiety, such as PEG or sugar moieties. In particular, the present invention provides novel protein C conjugates having an increased resistance to inactivation by e.g. human plasma and ?1-antitrypsin. Consequently, such conjugates have an increased in vivo half-life. Preferred examples include protein C conjugates, wherein at least one additional in vivo N-glycosylation site has been introduced. The conjugates of the invention are useful for treating a variety of diseases, including septic shock.

Abstract: The invention discloses a nucleic acid encoding a human ?1 chain collagen, the recombinant vector comprising the same, and the uses therefor. The invention also features a method for producing the protein recombinantly.

Abstract: Peptide compounds and methods for upregulating expression of a gene encoding an antioxidative enzyme, such as superoxide dismutase or catalase, to counteract harmful oxidative effects of reactive oxygen species and other free radicals are described. The peptide compounds may be used to treat or prevent diseases and conditions characterized by undesirable elevation of reactive oxygen species and other free radicals, to upregulate AP-1 gene expression, and to treat pain. The peptide compounds may be used as components of pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human secreted proteins and isolated nucleic acids containing the coding regions of the genes encoding such proteins. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing human secreted proteins. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating disorders related to these novel human secreted proteins.

Abstract: Synthetic crosslinking homobivalent and heterobivalent compounds have been designed and developed. These compounds are low in molecular weight, have antagonistic or agonistic activity, and induce the association between two identical or similar natural receptors (homobivalent compounds) or induce the association between two different natural receptors (heterobivalent compounds).

Abstract: A method is provided for the labeling of individual cells. Labeling is accomplished by coating a particle with at least one dye or nucleic acid sequence encoding a marker protein. The particle is then propelled toward the cell resulting in the particle contacting the cell for a time sufficient for the dye or nucleic acid to leave the particle and enter the cell. The present method allows for the differential labeling of individual cells within dense populations of cells.

Abstract: Dipeptide derived inhibitors of the ?-secretase enzyme are provided which are useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other diseases characterized by deposition of A? peptide in a mammal. The compounds of the invention provide useful methods of treatment by administration of these inhibitors to reduce A? peptide formation and in pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a complex (tcuPA/suPAR) of the two chain urokinase plasminogen activator (tcuPA) with the soluble urokinase plasminogen activator (suPAR), to pharmaceutical compositions comprising this complex and to different uses of the compositions in the treatment and/or prevention of thrombotic events, particularly those associated with the formation of fibrin clots. In the complex (tcuPA/suPAR), the suPAR stimulates firbrinolytic activity mediated by tcuPA under physiological conditions. The complex acts preferably on freshly-formed clots and is specific to such clots.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that Asparagine Synthase is essential for fungal pathogenicity. Specifically, the inhibition of Asparagine Synthase gene expression in fungi results in no signs of successful infection or lesions. Thus, Asparagine Synthase can be used as a target for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit Asparagine Synthase expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals.

Abstract: A novel method of over expressing genes in plants is provided. This method is based on the RNA amplification properties of plus strand RNA viruses of plants. A chimeric multicistronic gene is constructed containing a plant promoter, viral replication origins, a viral movement protein gene, and one or more foreign genes under control of viral subgenomic promoters. Plants containing one or more of these recombinant RNA transcripts are inoculated with helper virus. In the presence of helper virus, the recombinant transcripts are replicated producing high levels of foreign gene RNA.

Abstract: A novel method of treating and preventing viral infection is provided. In particular a method of blocking viral infection facilitated by a serine proteolytic (SP) activity is disclosed, which consists of administering to a subject suffering or about to suffer from viral infection a therapeutically effective amount of a compound having a serine protease inhibitory or serpin activity. Among compounds are ?1-antitrypsin (AAT), peptide derivatives from the carboxyterminal end of AAT, and man-made, synthetic compounds mimicking the action of such compounds. The preferred viral infections include retroviral infection such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel peptides and derivatives thereof useful as selective ?1-adrenoceptor antagonists which ability of inhibiting the agonist action of agonist noradrenaline on the ?1-adrenoceptor is greater than their ability of inhibiting the action of agonist noradrenaline on the other ?-adrenoceptors. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these peptides.

Abstract: This invention describes novel charged molecules which specifically bind to the Hepreceptor, a regulatory site which I have discovered in human ezrin. My invention is that when peptides or other charged molecules bind to the Hepreceptor, medically useful immune responses are induced. These charged molecules can be administered orally and by other routes for the treatment of various infectious diseases and cancer. I have determined that the Hepreceptor (human ezrin 308-373) comprises of two adjacent alpha helical domains which are folded together at a hinge region (M339-M340) and stabilised by complimentary side chain charges of the primary amino acid sequence in the soluble cytoplasmic conformation of ezrin. I have determined that in the unfolded membrane associated conformation of ezrin, the Hepreceptor is pushed through the cell membrane and is exposed on the outer surface of the cell. Hepreceptor-Domain A (amino acid numbers 308-339 of human ezrin), comprises of the following 32 amino acid sequence.

Abstract: Peptides capable of modulating ?1 integrin subunit dependent cell adhesion which includes a C-terminal aromatic amino acid residue and an amino acid residue having a lipophilic alkyl side chain as the penultimate C-terminal residue are provided. These “LipAr” C-terminated peptides are typically capable of modulating the ?1 integrin subunit dependent adhesion of cells, such as Ramos cells.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method to diminish and/or eliminate atherosclerotic plaques, in mammals, through direct and indirect treatment of these plaques, in situ, using suitable substances which are capable of lipid removal, primarily through hydrolysis, either by a catalytic or stoichiometric process, wherein the substance targets receptors in and/or on the cell which lead to uptake into the lysosome. Such substances used to diminish and/or eliminate atherosclerotic plaques are generally comprised of lipid hydrolyzing proteins and/or polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to purified cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), such as human COMP (hCOMP), including hCOMP prepared by purifying hCOMP in the presence of calcium (e.g. under calcium replete conditions); methods of purifying COMP in the presence of calcium; antibodies to purified hCOMP; ELISA kits comprising purified hCOMP; compositions (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to promoting whole body health in humans and animals by using topical oral compositions comprising a safe and effective amount of chlorite ion in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, said compositions being effective in controlling bacterial-mediated diseases and conditions present in the oral cavity and inhibiting the spread into the bloodstream of oral pathogenic bacteria and associated bacterial toxins and resultant inflammatory cytokines and mediators. The present invention also encompasses methods of use of these compositions by topically applying to the oral cavity, a safe and effective amount of chlorite ion to promote and/or enhance whole body health in humans and other animals.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that a polypeptide containing the JAB subunit or the JAM domain has peptidase activity, e.g., isopeptidase activity. The present invention provides polypeptides and crystalline polypeptides containing the JAM domain and methods of using such polypeptides to screen for agents capable of affecting the peptidase activity of the polypeptides. The present invention also provides methods of using the JAM domain for rational drug design or identifying agents capable of affecting the peptidase activity of the JAM domain.