Abstract: Genotypes and haplotypes for thirteen polymorphic sites in the &bgr;2-adrenergic receptor (&bgr;2AR) gene are disclosed. Compositions and methods for predicting genetic predisposition to disease associated with polymorphic sites in the (&bgr;2AR) gene, as well as for predicting response to &bgr;-agonists, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to nuclear receptors and, in particular, to the Constitutive Androstane Receptor (CAR; NR 1I3) and to a method of identifying ligands therefor.

Abstract: A human VEGF-related protein (VRP) has been identified and isolated that binds to, and stimulates the phosphorylation of, the receptor tyrosine kinase Flt4. The VRP is postulated to be a third member of the VEGF protein family. Also provided are antibodies that bind to VRP and neutralize a biological activity of VRP, compositions containing the VRP or antibody, methods of use, chimeric polypeptides, and a signal polypeptide for VRP.

Abstract: DNA encoding human acid sensing ion channel BnaC4 has been cloned and characterized. The recombinant protein is capable of forming biologically active protein. The cDNA's have been expressed in recombinant host cells that produce active recombinant protein. The recombinant protein is also purified from the recombinant host cells. In addition, the recombinant host cells are utilized to establish a method for identifying modulators of the receptor activity, and receptor modulators are identified.

Abstract: Peptidic compositions having FGF receptor affinity, as well as fusion proteins and oligomers of the same, are provided. The subject peptidic compounds are characterized by having little or no homology to naturally occurring bFGF. The subject fusion proteins include the peptidic composition linked to an oligomerization domain, either directly or through a linking group and optionally further include a heparin binding domain. The subject peptidic compositions, fusion proteins and oligomers thereof find use in a variety of applications, including both research and therapeutic applications, in which FGF receptor ligands are employed.

Abstract: The present invention provides, for the first time, nucleic acids encoding a eukaryotic mechanosensory transduction channel (MSC) protein. The proteins encoded by these nucleic acids form channels that can directly detect mechanical stimuli and convert them into electrical signals. These nucleic acids and the proteins they encode can be used as probes for sensory cells in animals, and can be used to diagnose and treat any of a number of human conditions involving inherited, casual, or environmentally-induced loss of mechanosensory transduction activity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to contulakin-G (which is the native glycosylated peptide), a des-glycosylated contulakin-G (termed Thr10-contulakin-G), and derivatives thereof, to a cDNA clone encoding a precursor of this mature peptide and to a precursor peptide. The invention is further directed to the use of this peptide as a therapeutic for cytoprotection (including neuroprotection and cardioprotection), anti-seizure, anti-inflammatory, anti-shock, anti-thrombus, hypotensive, analgesia, anti-psychotic, Parkinson's disease, gastrointestinal disorders, depressive states, cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, tardive dyskinesia, drug dependency, panic attack, mania, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, ulcer, GI tumors, Tourette's syndrome, Huntington's chorea, vascular leakage, anti-arteriosclerosis, vascular and vasodilation disorders, as well as neurological, neuropharmalogical and neuropsychopharmacological disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protein having the ability to inhibit the function of a STAT in a mammalian JAK/STAT signal transduction pathway, which is induced by STAT3 or STAT6, which has the ability to inhibit tyrosine phosphorylation of gp130 or STAT3 and which comprises an SH2 domain; and also disclosed is a DNA coding for the same. Further disclosed is a method for screening a substance having the capability to regulate cytokine activity, in which the protein of the present invention is used. Still further disclosed are an antisense DNA and an antisense RNA capable of inhibiting the biosynthesis of the above-mentioned protein; a monoclonal antibody capable of binding to the above-mentioned protein; and a DNA probe and an RNA probe capable of hybridizing to the above-mentioned DNA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to human metabotropic glutamate receptor (hmGluR) proteins, isolated nucleic acids coding therefor, host cells producing the proteins of the invention, methods for the preparation of such proteins, nucleic acids and host cells, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The system comprises mixing a fluorescence-emitting compound that binds to the steroid hormone receptors in a solution containing the steroid hormone receptors. Then, measuring the fluorescence polarization of the solution. Subsequently, incubating the solution with at least one molecule that may compete with the compound for interaction with the steroid hormone receptors. Measuring the fluorescence polarization of the solution again. Finally, comparing the fluorescence polarization measurements to quantify any competitive interaction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to contulakin-G (which is the native glycosylated peptide), a des-glycosylated contulakin-G (termed Thr10-contulakin-G), and derivatives thereof, to a cDNA clone encoding a precursor of this mature peptide and to a precursor peptide. The invention is further directed to the use of this peptide as a therapeutic for anti-seizure, anti-inflammatory, anti-shock, anti-thrombus, hypotensive, analgesia, anti-psychotic, Parkinson's disease, gastrointestinal disorders, depressive states, cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, tardive dyskinesia, drug dependency, panic attack, mania, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, ulcer, GI tumors, Tourette's syndrome, Huntington's chorea, vascular leakage, anti-arteriosclerosis, vascular and vasodilation disorders, as well as neurological, neuropharmalogical and neuropsychopharmacological disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polynucleotides isolated from cDNA libraries of human fetal liver-spleen and fetal liver as well as polypeptides encoded by these polynucleotides. The polypeptide is a human chemokine receptor that is a member of a family of G protein-coupled receptors characterized by seven transmembrane domains. Other aspects of the invention include vectors containing polynucleotides of the invention and related host cells as well a processes for producing chemokine receptor polypeptides, and antibodies specific for such polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptide and polynucleotides encoding fluorescent indicators having inserted within a fluorescent moiety a sensor polypeptide. Also provided are methods of using the fluorescent indicator. Circularly permuted fluorescent polypeptides and polynucleotides are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified and variant forms of Interleukin-5 molecules capable of antagonizing or reducing the activity of IL-5 and their use in ameliorating, abating or otherwise reducing the aberrant effects caused by native or mutant forms of IL-5.

Abstract: AXOR34 polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing AXOR34 polypeptides and polynucleotides in diagnostic assays. Further disclosed are screening assays to identify agonists and antagonists of the interaction between AXOR34 and its ligands, NmU-8, NmU-25, and NmU-23.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying compounds capable of modulating the function of a functional domain of human HIF-1&agr;, said method comprising (i) contacting a candidate compound with a variant of human HIF-1&agr;, said variant essentially lacking at least one functional domain of human HIF-1&agr;, or having a mutation making at least one functional domain of human HIF-1&agr; essentially inactive, said functional domain or domains being selected from the group consisting of (a) the PAS-B domain located in human HIF-1&agr; between amino acids 178 and 390, (b) the C-terminal nuclear localization sequence (NLS) located in human HIF-1&agr; essentially at amino acids 718 to 721, and (c) the transactivator/coactivator domain (N-TAD) located in human HIF-1&agr; essentially between amino acids 531 to 584, and (d) the transactivator/coactivator domain (C-TAD) located in human HIF-1&agr; essentially between amino acids 813 and 826, and (ii) determining the effect of the candidate compou

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding the long form and shorter isoform of the neurotensin receptor subtype 2, referred to as HNT2R (long) and HNT2R (short), are described. Polypeptides having amino acid sequences of the HNT2R and HNT2RS isolated proteins are also provided. A method is also provided for isolating and cloning receptors expressed from the novel HNT2R and HNT2R cDNAs for use in development/implementation of high throughput screens to identify novel neurotensin agonists and antagonists. Methods are also provided for identifying compounds that bind to HNT2R.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of hElk, antibodies to hElk, methods of detecting hElk, methods of screening for voltage-gated potassium channel activators and inhibitors using biologically active hElk, and kits for screening for activators and inhibitors of voltage-gated potassium channels comprising hElk.

Abstract: Methods are described for treating inflammatory bowel disease in animals, including humans. Specific avian polyclonal antibodies directed to TNF are shown to have a beneficial effect in animal models predictive of human therapy for the treatment of colitis.

Abstract: Mammalian Interleukin-4 receptor proteins, DNAs and expression vectors encoding mammalian IL-4 receptors, and processes for producing mammalian IL-4 receptors as products of cell culture, are disclosed. A method for suppressing an IL-4-dependent immune or inflammatory response in a mammal, including a human, by administering an effective amount of soluble IL-4 receptor (sIL-4R) and a suitable diluent or carrier.