Abstract: DNA constructs and other compositions and methods for controlling gene expression in eukaryotic cells and organisms are derived from bacterial quorum sensing systems. One or more cis elements from the luxI promoter (“lux box”) or a functionally similar sequence are incorporated in a eukaryotic promoter. A receptor protein from the LuxR family of transcriptional regulators, upon binding an acylated homoserine lactone (AHL) compound, interacts with the lux box, modulating the activity of the promoter.

Abstract: A process for making DNA libraries in filamentous fungal cells using a novel cloned gene involved in the mismatch repair system of filamentous fungal cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to an isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of an endogenous plasmid contained in NRRL Deposit No. B-30035.

Abstract: The invention describes compositions and methods of use in which an infectious modified Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) virion comprising a coat protein (CP) or a movement protein (MP) gene is replaced with a nuclear inclusion protease (NIa) expression cassette for the expression of a heterologous peptide in a tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) host plant.

Abstract: Enrichment for human Keratinocyte Stem Cells KSCs to a high degree of purity can be successfully achieved on the basis of a cell surface component whose expression is proliferation-related in conjunction with an integrin such as the &agr;6&bgr;4 integrin. Transferrin receptor may be used as the cell surface component that is proliferation related. Enrichment of Transit amplifying cells can also be achieved by use of a variation of this method. The enrichment follows on from harvesting of cells from an epithelium, preferably rich in stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to methods of stimulating phagocytosis and thereby combating infection and/or modulating immune complex disease, in particular, to methods of modulating the number and type of Fc receptors present on cells that normally possess such receptors, including monocytes and macrophages, as well as on cells that normally do not possess Fc receptors, such as fibroblasts, and to compounds and compositions suitable for use in such methods.

Abstract: Expression vectors and transfection systems providing high expression of a desired polypeptide are provided. Also provided are methods of using the expression vectors and transfection systems and mammalian cells modified by these compositions and methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transduction system, comprising (a) a rep-negative AAV vector containing a foreign DNA and (b) a product providing an AAV Rep protein. The invention also relates to the use of the transduction system.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and reagents for encoding and sorting in vitro translated proteins.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for directing adipose-derived stromal cells cultivated in vitro to differentiate into cells of the chondrocyte lineage are disclosed. The invention further provides a variety of chondroinductive agents which can be used singly or in combination with other nutrient components to induce chondrogenesis in adipose-derived stromal cells either in cultivating monolayers or in a biocompatible lattice or matrix in a three-dimensional configuration. Use of the differentiated chondrocytes for the therapeutic treatment of a number of human conditions and diseases including repair of cartilage in vivo is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides host cells comprising a translation operator sequence (TOP) and packaging elements. Also provided are viral vectors comprising a TOP operably linked to a transgene. Also provided are methods of using these host cells and viral vectors to produce recombinant virions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for directing the self-assembly of a gene or gene assembly having three and preferably six or more fragments in a directionally and spatially ordered fashion to produce a gene, gene vector or large nucleic acid molecule. The method can be used to create libraries, such as combinatorial libraries. In another embodiment of the invention a vector is described for the incorporation and screeming of endogenous mouse promoter elements for the identification of cell-specific promoters.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method of producing human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (hGCSF) and human growth hormone (hGH) from least by using recombinant DNA technology. More specifically, this invention relates to a method of producing hGCSF or hGH by using yeast expression vector which contains: hybrid promoters comprising promoters of two different yeast-derived genes, yeast killer toxin leader peptide, and amino terminus of IL-1&bgr;. In addition, this invention relates to a method of producing hGCSF by using expression vector which contains promoter and secretion signal of HSP 150.

Abstract: The present invention defines a DNA: protein-binding assay useful for screening libraries of synthetic or biological compounds for their ability to bind DNA test sequences. The assay is versatile in that any number of test sequences can be tested by placing the test sequence adjacent to a defined protein binding screening sequence. Binding of molecules to these test sequence changes the binding characteristics of the protein molecule to its cognate binding sequence. When such a molecule binds the test sequence the equilibrium of the DNA:protein complexes is disturbed, generating changes in the concentration of free DNA probe. Numerous exemplary target test sequences (SEQ ID NO:1 to SEQ ID NO:600) are set forth. The assay of the present invention is also useful to characterize the preferred binding sequences of any selected DNA-binding molecule.

Abstract: A DNA sequence containing a) the primary structure shown in SEQ ID NO:1 position 9 to 307 or b) a primary structure which hybridizes with the double strand containing a) under standard conditions and which has essentially the same promoter activities as a) is suitable as promoter.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a nucleotide sequence coding for an enzyme with eutypine reductase activity, capable of metabolizing the eutypine synthesized in plants by a fungus of the Eutypa lata or Libertella blepharis type. The overproduction of eutypine reductase by the plant hose of the fungus enables the consequences of the presence of this fungus in plants to be attenuated or even eradicated.

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions encoding a pro-apoptotic protein, Bok (Bcl-2-related ovarian killer) are identified. Bok has conserved Bcl-2 homology domains 1, 2 and 3 and a C-terminal transmembrane region present in other Bcl-2 related proteins, but lacks the BH4 domain found only in anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. Over-expression of Bok induces apoptosis. Cell killing induced by Bok is suppressed by co-expression with selective anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. Bok is highly expressed in the ovary, testis and uterus, particularly in granulosa cells, the cell type that undergoes apoptosis during follicle atresia. Identification of Bok as a new pro-apoptotic protein with wide tissue distribution and hetero-dimerization properties facilitates elucidation of apoptosis mechanisms in reproductive and other tissues, and provides a means for manipulating apoptosis.

Abstract: Liposomes containing therapeutic genes are conjugated to multiple blood-brain barrier and brain cell membrane targeting agents to provide transport of the encapsulated gene across the blood-brain barrier and brain cell membrane. Once across the blood-brain barrier and brain cell membrane, the encapsulated gene expresses the encoded therapeutic agent within the brain to provide treatment and diagnosis of disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to the expression of proteins in nonpathogenic protozoans. In particular, the invention relates to the expression and subsequent isolation of proteins from the nonpathogenic protozoan Crithidia.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating learning and short term memory defects associated with a defect in the NF1 protein. The present invention also provides methods for screening a pharmaceutical agent for its ability to treat learning and short term memory defects associated with a defect in the NF1 protein.