Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a novel EPH receptor ligand, referred to hereinafter as “Elf-1”, which protein has apparently broad involvement in the formation and maintenance of ordered spatial arrangements of differentiated tissues in vertebrates, and can be used to generate and/or maintain an array of different vertebrate tissue both in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: A novel process for producing novel and/or improved heterofunctional binding fusion proteins termed Totally Synthetic Affinity Reagents (TSARS) is disclosed. TSARs are concatenated heterofunctional polypeptides or proteins comprising at least two functional regions: a binding domain with affinity for a ligand and a second effector peptide portion that is chemically or biologically active. In one embodiment, the heterofunctional polypeptides or proteins further comprise a linker peptide portion between the binding domain and the second active peptide portion. The linker peptide can be either susceptible or not susceptible to cleavage by enzymatic or chemical means. Novel and/or improved heterofunctional binding reagents as well as methods for using the reagents for a variety of in vitro and in vivo applications are also disclosed.

Abstract: DNA encoding a parathyroid hormone receptor; production and isolation of recombinant and synthetic parathyroid hormone receptor polypeptides and fragments; antibodies to parathyroid hormone receptors and receptor fragments; methods for screening candidate compounds for antagonistic or agonistic effects on parathyroid hormone receptor action; and diagnostic and therapeutic methods of these compounds are disclosed.

Abstract: Sodium hyaluronate viscous aqueous solutions of molecular weight from 1,200,000 to 2,200,000 Daltons at concentrations from 0.10% to 0.40% by weight are proposed for use as masking fluid in therapeutic photokeratectomy by means of excimer laser (PTK), which realizes the ablation of superficial layers of corneal tissue for the elimination of unevenness and macula derived from different traumatic or pathological conditions. Preferably, the proposed solutions also contain one or more cationic species selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium ion and one or more anionic species selected from the group consisting of chloride, phosphate and citrate ion and, preferably, glucose. The solutions according to the invention wet the cornea and protect its areas which remain distressed after surgery, enabling the obtainment of uniform and smooth ablated surfaces. Further, they enable the execution of intraoperative corneal topographic tests.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the different roles inorganic ion receptors have in cellular and body processes. The present invention features: (1) molecules which can modulate one or more inorganic ion receptor activities, preferably the molecule can mimic or block an effect of an extracellular ion on a cell having an inorganic ion receptor, more preferably the extracellular ion is Ca.sup.2+ and the effect is on a cell having a calcium receptor; (2) inorganic ion receptor proteins and fragments thereof, preferably calcium receptor proteins and fragments thereof; (3) nucleic acids encoding inorganic ion receptor proteins and fragments thereof, preferably calcium receptor proteins and fragments thereof; (4) antibodies and fragments thereof, targeted to inorganic ion receptor proteins, preferably calcium receptor protein; and (5) uses of such molecules, proteins, nucleic acids and antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sequences of the serrate amino acid sequence as well as fragments thereof, and fragments which retain binding activity are also provided.

Abstract: A novel method for producing novel and/or improved heterofunctional binding fusion proteins termed Totally Synthetic Affinity Reagents (TSARs) is disclosed. TSARs are concatenated heterofunctional proteins, polypeptides or peptides comprising at least two functional regions: a binding domain with affinity for a ligand and a second effector peptide portion that is chemically or biologically active. In one embodiment, the heterofunctional proteins, polypeptides or peptides further comprise a linker peptide portion between the binding domain and the second active peptide portion. The linker peptide can be either susceptible or not susceptible to cleavage by enzymatic or chemical means. Novel and/or improved heterofunctional binding reagents as well as methods for using the reagents for a variety of in vitro and in vivo applications are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences of the Delta genes, and amino acid sequence of the encoded protein, fragments and derivatives which retain binding activity are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Mac-1 alpha-subunit which is involved in the process through which cells recognize and migrate to sites of inflammation as well as attach to cellular substrates during inflammation. The invention is directed toward such molecules, the functional derivatives of such molecules, screening assays for identifying such molecules and therapeutic and diagnostic uses for such molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase protein or glycoprotein, termed RPTP.sigma. (also known as RPTPase-.sigma.), DNA coding therefor, antibodies specific for the protein or glycoprotein, methods for production and identification of the protein, methods for detection of nucleic acid encoding the protein, and methods for screening compounds capable of binding to and either inhibiting or stimulating RPTP.sigma. phosphatase activity.

Abstract: A method of obstructing the lacrimal canaliculi by infusing therein a solution or liquid dispersion containing a gel forming material, such having collagen as the main ingredient in the range of 1 mg/ml to 70 mg/ml for improving the symptoms of dry eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to materials and methods for the identification of agents that regulate glycine transport in or out of cells, particularly in or out of neuronal and neuronal-associated cells. Such materials include non-mammalian cells having transfected therein a glycine transporter. The methods relate to the manipulation of such cells such that agents are identified that cause intake or outflow of glycine with respect to a given glycine transporter.

Abstract: A purified polypeptide having at least 85% sequence identity with an Ikaros polypeptide or exon.

Abstract: A human adrenergic receptor polypeptide and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptide and a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are agonists for the adrenergic receptor polypeptide which may be used therapeutically to stimulate the adrenergic receptor and antagonist inhibitors against such adrenergic receptor polypeptides and their use therapeutically to antagonize the adrenergic receptor. Also disclosed are diagnostic methods for detecting mutations in the polynucleotides of the present invention and for detecting levels of the soluble polypeptides in samples derived from a host.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a gene, designated as musk, that encodes a novel tyrosine kinase receptor expressed in high levels in denervated muscle. The invention also provides for an isolated and purified polypeptide which activates MuSK receptor. The invention further provides for a polypeptide which is functionally equivalent to the MuSK activating polypeptide. The invention also provides assay systems that may be used to detect and/or measure ligands that bind the musk gene product. The present invention also provides for diagnostic and therapeutic methods based on molecules that activate MuSK.

Abstract: A novel protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) designated tyro-3 is provided herein. Polynucleotides encoding tyro-3 are also provided. Tyro-3 is identified and characterized as being expressed in brain tissue.

Abstract: An isolated and purified outer membrane protein of a Moraxella strain, particularly M. catarrhalis, has a molecular mass of about 200 kDa. The about 200 kDa outer membrane protein as well as nucleic acid molecules encoding the same are useful in diagnostic applications and immunogenic compositions, particularly for in vivo administration to a host to confer protection against disease caused by a bacterial pathogen that produces the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein or produces a protein capable of inducing antibodies in a host specifically reactive with the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a novel EPH receptor ligand, referred to hereinafter as "Elf-1", which protein has apparently broad involvement in the formation and maintenance of ordered spatial arrangements of differentiated tissues in vertebrates, and can be used to generate and/or maintain an array of different vertebrate tissue both in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: Genes coding for a protein having human MACIF activity, expression vectors containing the genes, transformed cells with the vectors and proteins having human MACIF activity.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the discovery that proteins encoded by a family of vertebrate genes, termed here hedgehog-related genes, comprise morphogenic signals produced by embryonic patterning centers, and are involved in the formation of ordered spatial arrangements of differentiated tissues in vertebrates. The present invention makes available compositions and methods that can be utilized, for example to generate and/or maintain an array of different vertebrate tissue both in vitro and in vivo.