Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid molecule comprising a first part, a second part, and a third part connected by covalent bonds,(a) wherein said first part comprises a portion of the binding domain of a cell-binding polypeptide ligand effective to cause said hybrid protein to bind to a cell of an animal;(b) wherein said second part comprises a portion of a translocation domain of naturally occurring protein which translocates said third part across the cytoplasmic membrane into the cytosol of the cell; and(c) wherein said third part comprises a chemical entity to be introduced into the cell, wherein each of said first part and said third part is non-native with respect to said naturally occurring protein, and further wherein said covalent bond connecting said second part and said third part is a cleavable bond, provided that when said second part comprises a portion of a translocation domain of Pseudomonas exotoxin, said third part is not a polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences, including expressed sequence tags (ESTs), oligonucleotide probes, polypeptides, vectors and host cells expressing, immunoadhesins, agonists and antagonists to human & vertebrate fused.

Abstract: Vectors containing a nucleotide sequence coding for an F protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and a promoter for such sequence, preferably a cytomegalovirus promoter, are described. Such vectors also may contain a further nucleotide sequence located adjacent to the RSV F protein enclosing sequence to enhance the immunoprotective ability of the RSV F protein when expressed in vivo. Such vectors may be used to immunize a host, including a human host, by administration thereto. Such vectors also may be used to produce antibodies for detection of RSV infection in a sample.

Abstract: The invention provides recombinant nucleic acids comprising nucleic acid sequences from the genomic DNA methyltransferase gene. The invention further provides sequence information for such nucleic acid sequences. In addition, the invention provides antisense oligonucleotides complementary to special regions of the genomic DNA methyltransferase gene or its RNA transcript. Finally, the invention provides methods for using such antisense oligonucleotides as analytical and diagnostic tools, as potentiators of transgenic plant and animal studies and gene therapy approaches, and as potential therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing a lyophilized stem cell factor (SCF). The method comprises mixing the SCF with histidine and/or glutamic acid and lyophilizing the formulation. Optionally, a bulking agent or an osmolarity regulating agent is included in the formulation prior to lyophilization.

Abstract: Disclosed are synthetic and "humanized" versions of green fluorescent protein (GFP) genes adapted for high level expression in mammalian cells, especially those of human origin. Base substitutions are made in various codons in order to change the codon usage to one more appropriate for expression in mammalian cells. Recombinant vectors carrying such humanized genes are also disclosed. In addition, various methods for using the efficient expression of humanized GFP in mammalian cells and in animals are described.

Abstract: A pair of degenerate oligonucleotide primers can amplify transglutaminase-specific fragments of known transglutaminase genes. The primers are also used to obtain new transglutaminase gene products. The nucleotide sequence of a novel transglutaminase gene (termed TG.sub.X) is presented.

Abstract: Non-replicating vectors containing a nucleotide sequence coding for an F protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and a promoter for such sequence, preferably a cytomegalovirus promoter, are described for in vivo immunization. Such non-replicating vectors, including plasmids, also may contain a further nucleotide sequence located adjacent to the RSV F protein encoding sequence to enhance the immunoprotective ability of the RSV F protein when expressed in vivo. Such non-replicating vectors may be used to immunize a host against disease caused by infection with RSV, including a human host, by administration thereto, and may be formulated as immunogenic compositions with pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers for such purpose. Such vectors also may be used to produce antibodies for detection of RSV infection in a sample.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for expression of heterologous mammalian proteins and their secretion in the biologically active mature form using a yeast host cell as the expression system are provided. Compositions of the invention are nucleotide sequences encoding a signal peptide sequence for a yeast secreted protein, an optional leader peptide sequence for a yeast secreted protein, a native propeptide leader sequence for a mature protein of interest, and a sequence for the mature protein of interest, all operably linked to a yeast promoter. Each of these elements is associated with a processing site recognized in vivo by a yeast proteolytic enzyme. Any or all of these processing sites may be a preferred processing site that has been modified or synthetically derived for more efficient cleavage in vivo. The compositions are useful in methods for expression of heterologous mammalian proteins and their secretion in the biologically active mature form.

Abstract: The present inventors have now discovered that humans have a gene that encodes a novel protein of the thymosin .beta. family. This novel protein, herein referred to as thymosin .beta.15, has the ability to bind and sequester G-actin, like other members of the thymosin .beta. family, but unlike what is known about other members it also directly regulates cell motility in prostatic carcinoma cells. The present invention is direct to an isolated cDNA encoding the human thymosin .beta.15 gene (SEQ ID NO: 1) and have deduced the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 2).

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising repetitive units of amino acids, as well as synthetic genes encoding the subject polypeptides are provided. The subject polypeptides are characterized by comprising repetitive units of amino acids, where the repetitive units are present in naturally occurring proteins, particularly naturally occurring structural proteins. The subject polypeptides find use in a variety of applications, such as structural components of prosthetic devices, synthetic fibers, and the like.

Abstract: A new human gene, MADR2, has been cloned and sequenced, and has been identified as a tumour suppressor gene. The protein encoded by the gene, MADR2, has been shown to participate in the TGF.beta. signalling pathway and to be phosphorylated on stimulation of the TGF.beta. receptor.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptide nucleic acids that modulate telomerase activity in mammalian cells.

Abstract: Method of modifying DNA by subjecting the DNA to a mutation-inducing treatment. The method includes the steps of bringing the DNA to be mutated and a gene encoding a mutation-inducing non-DNA polymerase protein together in cells, growing the cells in the presence of a stress factor, and selecting the mutant cells which have developed a desirable trait in the presence of the stress factor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chimeric transcriptional activators.

Abstract: Methods and associated compositions are provided for the effective treatment of mammalian disease conditions associated with infection by pathogenic organisms through the identification of extracellular enzymes necessary for the growth or survival of the pathogenic organism and the subsequent interference with the functional activity of the identified extracellular enzyme to an extent sufficient to significantly inhibit the growth or survival of the pathogenic organism.

Abstract: The invention provides methods to activate tumor suppressors. The invention further provides antisense oligonucleotides complementary to a portion of the MDM2-encoding RNA and methods for using such antisense oligonucleotides as analytical and diagnostic tools, as potentiators of transgenic animal studies and for gene therapy approaches, and as potential therapeutic agents. The invention also provides methods to augment and synergistically activate a tumor suppressor in conjunction with the use of a DNA-damage inducing agent.

Abstract: Vectors and a method for the identification of affector RNA molecules, such as ribozymes, external guide sequences, anti-sense RNA, and triple helix-forming RNA, that inhibit expression of target RNA molecules are disclosed. The method identifies functional affector RNA molecules by screening or selecting for those RNA molecules that inhibit expression of a fusion transcript, which includes the sequence of an RNA molecule of interest, from a library of potential affector RNA molecules. The vectors include a reporter gene encoding the fusion transcript including the RNA molecule of interest and RNA encoding the reporter protein. The vectors also include a second reporter gene encoding a second reporter protein. Expression of the second reporter protein can be used both to detect transformation or transfection of the vector into cells and as a control for effects on the expression of the first reporter protein that are not due to inhibition of expression of the RNA molecule of interest.

Abstract: Disclosed are libraries of DNA sequences encoding zinc finger binding motifs for display on a particle, together with methods of designing zinc finger binding polypeptides for binding to a particular target sequence and, inter alia, use of designed zinc finger polypeptides for various in vitro or in vivo applications.

Abstract: The molecules and methods of the present invention provide a means for in vivo production of a therapeutic molecule in a selected subset of cells. The pre-therapeutic molecules of the invention are substrates for a trans-splicing reaction between the pre-therapeutic molecules and a pre-mRNA which is uniquely expressed in the specific target cells. The in vivo trans-splicing reaction provides an active therapeutic RNA which is functional as RNA or encodes a protein to be expressed in the target cells. The expression product of the mRNA is a protein of therapeutic value to the cell or a toxin which causes killing of the specific cells.