Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel receptor interacting factors, referred to herein as “SMRT”, i.e., a silencing mediator (co-repressor) for retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and thyroid hormone receptor (TR). SMRT is a novel protein whose association with RAR and TR both in solution and on DNA response elements is destabilized by ligand. The interaction of SMRT with mutant receptors correlates with the transcriptional silencing activities of receptors. In vivo, SMRT functions as a potent co-repressor. A GAL4 DNA binding domain (DBD) fusion of SMRT behaves as a frank repressor of a GAL4-dependent reporter. Together, these data identify a novel class of cofactor which is believed to represent an important mediator of hormone action.

Abstract: The invention provides for the production of several humanized murine antibodies specific for the antigen Lewis Y, which is recognized by murine atibodies specific for the Lewis Y antigen. The Lewis Y antigen is expressed in normal tissues but the level of expression is higher in certain tumour types so that the antigen can be used as a marker for cells of some breast, colon, gastric, esophageal, pancreatic, duodenal, lung, bladder and renal carcinomas and gastric and islet cell neuroendocrine tumours. The invention also provides for numerous polynucleotide encoding humanized Lewis Y specific antibodies, expression vectors for producing humanized Lewis Y specific antibodies, and host cells for the recombinant production of the humanized antibodies. The invention also provides methods for detecting cancerous cells (in vitro and in vivo) using humanized Lewis Y specific antibodies. Additionally, the invention provides methods of treating cancer using humanized Lewis Y specific antibodies.

Abstract: A method for aiding in the diagnosis of, and monitoring the progression or course of, colon cancer in a patient by measuring the amount of NCA 50/90 in a blood sample, e.g., serum sample, obtained from the patient. Measurement in a single sample of an amount of NCA 50/90 significantly higher than the mean amount of NCA 50/90 in the normal population is an indication of colon cancer in a symptomatic patient. The course of colon cancer can also be monitored by performing a series of specific immunoassays over time to determine changes in the level of NCA 50/90 in blood samples. Increases in blood NCA 50/90 levels over time are indicative of a deteriorating condition whereas decreasing levels of blood NCA 50/90 over time indicate an improving condition.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies which react with the human influx peptide transporter are provided. The human influx peptide transporter-reactive antibodies are useful in the purification of influx peptide transporter and in immunoassays to identify agents taken up into the cell by the human influx peptide transporter mechanism.

Abstract: Activation of plasminogen to plasmin is inhibited by preventing the binding of a receptor binding form of urokinase-type plasminogen activator to a urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor in a mammal, thereby preventing the urokinase-type plasminogen activator from converting plasminogen into plasmin. DNA fragments which encode for soluble, active fragments of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor are provided.

Abstract: Methods and products for upregulating cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulators are provided, including methods and products for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infection. The products include polysaccharides that interact with the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). The polysaccharide compositions of the invention may be administered to a subject in order to enhance the uptake of P. aeruginosa into the epithelial cells of the subject. The invention also encompasses compositions comprising a lipopolysaccharide-binding region of a CFTR linked to an anti-Pseudomonal drug and methods of use of such compositions. Compositions and methods for gene therapy are also disclosed. The compositions include polysaccharides that bind to CFTR coupled to a gene delivery vehicle.

Abstract: A method of cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses, including the steps of a) transmitting a ultrasonic energy field toward a pair of contact lenses being suspended in a solution medium in a cleaning cup, causing a cavitation to be produced to remove dirt from the contact lenses; b) keeping the solution medium to be maintained standing still in for about 3-5 minutes for permitting suspended substance to settle to the bottom of the solution medium; c) using heating means to heat the solution medium to about 90° C. for about 15-20 minutes so as to disinfect bacteria and degrade toxic substance carried on the contact lenses; and d) gradually cooling down the temperature of the solution medium to room temperature.

Abstract: Compounds are provided for use in the diagnosis and/or therapy of tumors and/or as immunosuppressive agent. The compounds are antibodies which bind to IL-4 receptors and IL-4 receptor-binding fragments thereof. A preferred compound is monoclonal antibody MR-6 produced by the hybridoma deposited at the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures with the accession number 88033002. The invention also extends to the use of the compounds for in vitro removal of graft-versus-host reactive T-lymphocytes prior to bone marrow transplantation and to a novel protein of molecular weight 200,000 daltons functioning as a receptor for IL-4.

Abstract: The invention described methods for identifying a molecule of interest, as well as nucleic acid molecules which encode it, and binding partners for it. A cDNA library from a cell expressing the target is prepared, and expressed in host cells. Lysates of the host cells are screened with a sample, treated to remove interfering binding partners. The treatment involves contact of the sample to lysates of untransfected host cells, and host cells transfected or transformed with the same vector used to make the cDNA library. Also a part of the invention are antigens and cDNA identified using the methodology.

Abstract: The present invention provides four human Rab and Rab-associated proteins (designated collectively as HRAB) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HRAB. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding HRAB and a method for producing HRAB. The invention also provides for use of HRAB and agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding HRAB, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of HRAB. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding HRAB for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of HRAB. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding HRAB.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of macaque antibodies to human B7.1 and B7.2 by screening of phage display libraries or monkey heterohybridomas obtained using B lymphocytes from B7.1 and/or B7.2 immunized monkeys. More specifically, the invention provides four monkey monoclonal antibodies 7B6, 16C10, 7C10 and 20C9 which inhibit the B7:CD28 pathway and thereby function as effective immunosuppressants. The invention further provides the complete DNA and amino acid sequences of the light and heavy chain of three primatized antibodies derived from those monkey monoclonal antibodies which bind B7.1 and possibly B7.2, primatized 7C10, primatized 7B6 and primatized 16C10. These primatized and monkey antibodies may be used as specific immunosuppressants, e.g., for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and to prevent organ transplant rejection.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery of methods for purification of an acid active hyaluronidase found in human plasma (hpHAse), including both biochemical and immunoaffinity purification methods. The method of immunoaffinity purification of the invention is based on the discovery of a method for identifying antibodies that specifically bind native hpHAse (anti-native hpHAse antibodies), and anti-native hpHAse antibodies identified by this screening method. The invention also features an assay for sensitive detection of HAse activity using biotinylated hyaluronic acid (bHA). Purification and characterization of hpHAse lead to the inventors' additional discovery that hpHAse is encoded by the LuCa-1 gene, which gene is present in the human chromosome at 3p21.3, a region associated with tumor suppression.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant expression constructs comprising nucleic acid encoding mammalian melanocortin receptors, and mammalian cells into which said recombinant expression constructs have been introduced that express functional mammalian melanocortin receptors. The invention provides a panel of such transformed mammalian cells expressing melanocortin receptors for screening compounds for receptor agonist and antagonist activity. The invention also provides methods for using such panels of melanocortin receptor-expressing mammalian cells to specifically detect and identify agonists and antagonists for each melanocortin receptor, as well as patterns of agonist and antagonist activity of said compounds for the class of melanocortin receptors. Such screening methods provide a means for identifying compounds with patterns of melanocortin agonist and antagonist activity which are associated with the capacity to influence or modify metabolism and behavior, particularly feeding behavior.

Abstract: Disclosed are various compositions and methods for use in achieving specific blood coagulation. This is exemplified by the specific in vivo coagulation of tumor vasculature, causing tumor regression, through the site-specific delivery of a coagulant using a bispecific antibody.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for the disinfection of fluids and, in particular, to the disinfection of industrial fluids with ultraviolet radiation. These fluids are typically used in manufacturing as coolants in both long and short assembly lines. They commonly accumulate contaminants from multiple and diverse sources including oil and microorganisms. Fluids can be disinfected by establishing a fluid flow rate sufficient to prevent occlusion of the walls of the ultraviolet transmissible portion by contaminants. Fluids may be so heavily contaminated so as to require removal of at least a minimum percentage of contaminants (MPC) prior to irradiation. Such fluids may be processed to remove the minimum percentage of contaminants according to the equation: MPC=102-(23.45.times.lnV).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel chimeric proliferation receptor proteins and DNA sequences encoding these proteins where the chimeric proteins are characterized in three general categories. In one category, the novel chimeric proteins comprise at least three domains, namely, an extracellular inducer-responsive clustering domain capable of binding an extracellular inducer that transmits a signal to a proliferation signaling domain, a transmembrane domain and a proliferation signaling domain that signals a host cell to divide. In the second category, the novel chimeric proteins comprise at least two domains, namely, an intracellular inducer-responsive clustering domain capable of binding an intracellular inducer and a proliferation signaling domain that signals the cell to divide.

Abstract: A novel tumor suppressor protein, merlin, is described, including DNA sequences encoding merlin, and recombinant vectors and hosts capable of expressing merlin. Method for the diagnosis and treatment of merlin-associated tumors, and for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provide for potentiating the activity of the mitogen-activated protein kinase p38. In particular the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase MEK6, and variants thereof that stimulate phosphorylation of p38 are provided. Such compounds may be used, for example, for therapy of diseases associated with the p38 cascade and to identify antibodies and other agents that inhibit or activate signal transduction via p38.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions containing beta-alanine which are useful for treating cancer. The composition preferably comprises a ribose compound, L-beta-alanine, ascorbic acid, and nicotinic acid. The present invention is particularly directed to a composition useful for treating melanoma, and a method for treating melanoma with the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides PR domain peptides, which are about 100 to about 120 amino acids in length and contain three highly conserved sequences of about 10 to about 12 amino acids, separated by less conserved sequences of about 20 to about 35 amino acids.