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: A method for identifying a Na+ channel blocker, including providing a cell containing a Na+ channel, demonstrating both a transient and a persistent current. The cell includes a potassium (K+) channel and a Na/K ATPase (Na+ pump). A fluorescent dye is disposed into the well. The fluorescent dye is sensitive to change in cell membrane potential in order to enable optical measurement of cell membrane potential. A Na+ channel blocker, to be identified, is added to the well and a stimulating current is passed through the cell in an amount sufficient to generate an action potential before and after the addition of the Na+ channel blocker. Thereafter, a change in cell membrane potential is optically measured.

Abstract: Biologically active polypeptides comprising a therapeutically active polypeptide fused to human serum albumin or a variant thereof, methods for the preparation thereof, nucleotide sequences encoding such fusion polypeptides, expression cassettes comprising such nucleotide sequences, self-replicating plasmids containing such expression cassettes, and pharmaceutical compositions containing said fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding mammalian SNORF33 receptors, purified mammalian SNORF33 receptors, vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF33 receptors, cells comprising such vectors, antibodies directed to mammalian SNORF33 receptors, nucleic acid probes useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF33 receptors, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to unique sequences of nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF33 receptors, transgenic, nonhuman animals which express DNA encoding normal or mutant mammalian SNORF33 receptors, methods of isolating mammalian SNORF33 receptors, methods of treating an abnormality that is linked to the activity of the mammalian SNORF33 receptors, as well as methods of determining binding of compounds to mammalian SNORF33 receptors, methods of identifying agonists and antagonists of SNORF33 receptors, and agonists and antagonists so identified.

Abstract: A protein capable of transporting organic anions having amino acid sequences represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 or amino acid sequences derived therefrom by deletion, substitution or addition of one or more amino acid residues; and a gene coding for the protein. The protein and gene therefore are useful in vitro analysis of drug release and drug—drug interactions and development of method for screening drugs useful for preventing nephrotoxicity.

Abstract: Biologically active polypeptides comprising a therapeutically active polypeptide fused to human serum albumin or a variant thereof, methods for the preparation thereof, nucleotide sequences encoding such fusion polypeptides, expression cassettes comprising such nucleotide sequences, self-replicating plasmids containing such expression cassettes, and pharmaceutical compositions containing said fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention describes the identification, isolation, sequencing and characterization of two human CalDAG-GEF, and two human cAMP-GEF genes, which are associated with the Ras pathway. Also identified are CalDAG-GEF gene homologues in mice and cAMP-GEF gene homologues in rats. Nucleic acids and proteins comprising or derived from the CalDAG-GEFs and/or cAMP-GEFs are useful in screening and diagnosing certain Ras-associated cancers, in identifying and developing therapeutics for treatment of certain Ras-associated cancers, and in producing cell lines and transgenic animals useful as models of Ras-associated cancers.

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: Biologically active polypeptides comprising a therapeutically active polypeptide fused to human serum albumin or a variant thereof, methods for the preparation thereof, nucleotide sequences encoding such fusion polypeptides, expression cassettes comprising such nucleotide sequences, self-replicating plasmids containing such expression cassettes, and pharmaceutical compositions containing said fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: Current sources of neural stem and progenitor cells for neural transplantation are essentially inaccessible in living animals. This invention relates to neural precursor cells (stem cells, progenitor cells or a combination of both types of cells) isolated from the olfactory epithelium of mammals that can be passaged and expanded, and that will differentiate into cell types of the central nervous system (CNS), including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive neurons. These precursor cells provide an accessible source for autologous transplantation in CNS, PNS, spinal cord and other damaged tissues.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: p21WAF1 interacts with cyclin D1 and Cdk4. Peptide fragments of p21 inhibit the interaction and/or affect Cdk4 activity. The peptides, derivative peptides and non-peptidyl mimetics thereof are useful in affecting activity of Cdk4, such as RB phosphorylation, and cellular proliferation, indicative of therapeutic usefulness in treatment of tumours and other hyperproliferative disorders. Assay and screening methods allow identification of such modulators, especially inhibitors, of Cdk4 activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the histamine H2 receptor (H2R), a member of the G-protein-coupled heptahelical receptor family. This novel H2 receptor codes for a novel carboxy-terminal tail which imparts important regulatory functions to the receptor, e.g., in down-regulation, signal transduction, and in coupling the activity of the H2R to downstream effector molecules, such as G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRK). The present invention relates to all facets of this new form of the H2R receptor, including nucleic acids that encode it, H2R polypeptides, binding-partners thereto, as well as its use in research, diagnosis, drug discovery, validation, and targeting, therapy, and clinical medicine.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions useful in screening for modulators of IgE synthesis, secretion and switch rearrangement.

Abstract: A set of contiguous and partially overlapping cDNA sequences and polypeptides encoded thereby, designated as BL172 and transcribed from urinary tract tissue, is described. These sequences are useful for the detecting, diagnosing, staging, monitoring, prognosticating, in vivo imaging, preventing or treating, or determining the predisposition of an individual to diseases and conditions of the urinary tract, such as urinary tract cancer. Also provided are antibodies which specifically bind to BL172-encoded polypeptide or protein, and agonists or inhibitors which prevent action of the tissue-specific BL172 polypeptide, which molecules are useful for the therapeutic treatment of urinary tract diseases, tumors or metastases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid molecules encoding novel cyclin E2 polypeptides. Also disclosed are methods of preparing the nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides, and methods of using these molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel member of the blue-light photoreceptor family of receptors. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human hCRY2 receptor. hCRY2 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of ?1aAR-selective and/or ?1a/?1d-selective antagonists in a method of preventing restenosis after myocardial infarction and re-perfusion. The invention further relates to a method of identifying agents suitable for us in such a method.

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.