Abstract: Compositions of matter consisting of a family of related nucleotide sequences that encode proteins, termed BRCA1 Modulator Proteins, that bind to the tumor suppressor gene product BRCA1, and methods of using the nucleotide sequences and the proteins encoded thereby, to diagnose and/or treat disease where the BRCA1 Modulator Proteins have an apparent molecular weight of 45-97 kdaltons and are characterized by having at least one leucine zipper domain, and optionally a zinc finger domain.

Abstract: Mammalian Asx gene and amino acid sequences encoded by the mammalian Asx gene, are described. The mammalian Asx gene and gene products are useful for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in proliferative and developmental disorders. Modulators of mammalian Asx can be identified using the disclosed genes. The modulators can be used in the context of cancer therapy or a treatment of a developmental disorder. Asx is also useful for inducing differentiation in a population of progenitor cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a human viral receptor protein (ACVRP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode ACVRP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of ACVRP.

Abstract: The present invention provides immortalized human bone marrow endothelial cells which are useful for the study of tumor metastasis. In particular, the human bone marrow endothelial cell lines provided by the invention provide an in vitro model system for screening compounds for the ability to reduce, prevent, or inhibit the metastasis of cancer cells to bone tissue.

Abstract: Mammalian Scm gene and amino acid sequences encoded by the mammalian Scm gene, are described. The mammalian Scm gene and gene products are useful for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in proliferative and developmental disorders. Modulators of mammalian Scm can be identified using the dislcosed genes. The modulators can be used in the context of cancer therapy or a treatment of a developmental disorder. Scm is also useful for inducing differentiation in a population of progenitor cells.

Abstract: Adjuvants are disclosed for antigens such as viruses, bacteria and parasites, including their metabolic products or parts of the virus, bacteria and parasite structures for the immunization, as well as a process for producing such adjuvants and their uses. The object of the invention is to create adjuvants that in combination with vaccine antigens or with peptidoglycanes in histocompatible composition allow the defence mechanisms in the body to be stimulated to such a large extend that for the first time besides active immunoprophylaxis a even of weak antigens also a general and specific immunotherapy is made possible. The cost of producing the adjuvant should not exceed the usual cost and should ensure the applicability of the vaccine. In relatively weak immuno-incompetent phases of life, a combination of general immunoprophylaxis or the only use of the adjuvant should ensure a high immuno-competence. Residual effects of the adjuvant should not cause any problems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant toxin and monoclonal antibody which specifically binds to glial-derived or meningioma-derived tumor cells. Also provided are various methods of screening for malignant gliomas and meningiomas. Further provided are methods of treating malignant gliomas, including glioblastoma multiforme and astrocytomas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to achieve radioisotopic localization at tumor sites, i.e., a method of enhancing radiolabeled ligand localization to a tumor in an individual in need of such treatment, comprising the steps of: transducing the tumor with a gene encoding a membrane expressed protein unique to the tumor; and administering to said individual a radiolabeled ligand which specifically binds to the protein. The use of gene therapy technology to induce expression of high affinity membrane molecules/receptors can enhance the specificity of radioisotope localization while the use of radioactive isotopes with the ability to deliver radiation damage across several cell diameters will compensate for less than perfect transduction efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed are 6.alpha.-derivatized estriol compounds which, when conjugated to a protein, are useful in the in vivo preparation of antibodies specific to estriol. When labeled with a detectable label, the estriol derivatives are useful as haptens in a competitive immunoassay for estriol which demonstrate superior sensitivity with respect to estriol specific antibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for purifying or manipulating bone marrow and blood cells based upon P-glycoprotein expression. The methods rely upon immunopurification procedures or upon differential accumulation of materials subject to P-glycoprotein mediated efflux.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pituitary differentiation factor (PDF), a pituitary factor that is capable of differentiating cells including breast cancer and prostatic cancer cells. Isolated nucleic acids encoding PDF and related vectors and host cells are also provided. Restoration of differentiating ability to malignantly transformed cells provides a modality of cancer therapy. The isolated and purified PDF of the invention is accordingly useful in the treatment of breast and prostatic cancer.

Abstract: Conjugates of a carrier molecule and an organic molecule producing singlet oxygen after irradiation are useful in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The organic molecule is a terthienyl or terfuranyl compound derivatized to react with amino, thiol, or saccharide groups of the carrier molecule. Suitable carrier molecules include antibodies, peptides, haptamers, sugars, and other analogous molecules which direct the organic molecule to a biological target.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human proline-rich acidic protein (PRAP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode PRAP. In addition, the invention provides expression vectors and host cells, agonists, antibodies, or antagonists. This invention also provides methods for preventing or treating disorders associated with the expression of PRAP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel antibody against the IL-12 receptor and a novel combination of anibodies anainst the IL-12 receptor. The novel anti-IL-12 receptor anbody, designated as 2B10, provided in accordance with the present invention binds to the human IL-12 receptor but which is not capable of inhibiting the binding of human IL-12 to the high affinity human IL-12 receptor and is not capable of neutralizing human IL-12 bioactivity by binding to human IL-12 receptor.

Abstract: A process for extraction of myelin basic protein from myelin containing tissue, such as central nervous system tissue, which process comprises the following steps:extraction of the myelin basic protein from myelin containing tissue with an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of chloroform and compounds having a polarity similar to that of chloroform;incubation of the organic phase in the presence of a lower aliphatic alcohol or propylene glycol;transfer of the myelin basic protein from the lower aliphatic alcohol/organic solvent mixture to an aqueous phase with the aid of hydrogen ions (protons); andrecovery of the purified myelin basic protein. The invention also relates to the product obtainable by the process.

Abstract: A system for detecting and destroying living tumor tissue within the body of a living being. The system is arranged to be used with a tumor localizing radiopharmaceutical. The system includes a percutaneously insertable radiation detecting probe, an associated analyzer, and a percutaneously insertable tumor removing instrument, e.g., a resectoscope. The radiation detecting probe includes a needle unit having a radiation sensor component therein and a handle to which the needle unit is releasably mounted. The needle is arranged to be inserted through a small percutaneous portal into the patient's body and is movable to various positions within the suspected tumor to detect the presence of radiation indicative of cancerous tissue. The probe can then be removed and the tumor removing instrument inserted through the portal to destroy and/or remove the cancerous tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human tumor-associated membrane protein (TAMPH) and polynucleotides which identify and encode TAMPH. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of TAMPH, as well as diagnostic assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides two novel human galectins (designated individually as GAL-5HA and GAL-5HB, and collectively as GAL-5H) and polynucleotides which identify and encode GAL-5H. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding GAL-5H and a method for producing GAL-5H. The invention also provides for use of GAL-5H and agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding GAL-5H, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of GAL-5H. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding GAL-5H for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of GAL-5H. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding GAL-5H.

Abstract: The invention includes deleting codon segments from DNA expressing a native protein (e.g., PrP.sup.Sc) in order to obtain a shorter, soluble protein which mimics characteristics of an insoluble native (e.g., PrP.sup.Sc) protein. Soluble proteins of the invention are characterized by: (1) having less amino acids than the full length native protein; (2) having a higher degree of solubility than the native protein; (3) retaining the basic biological characteristics of the native protein such as (a) not being subject to enzymatic digestion and (b) causing disease. Soluble proteins of the invention are obtained by providing a DNA sequence which encodes a native protein and systematically removing codons, making copies of the shortened versions of DNA which are then expressed to provide the shortened proteins. The shortened proteins are then tested for solubility. Soluble proteins are then further tested to confirm that they retain the biological characteristics of the native protein.