Abstract: Systemin is an 18 amino acid peptide hormone that induces expression of defense genes in plants wounded mechanically or by predators including herbivores, insects, bacteria and viruses. The precursor for systemin is encoded as a 200 amino acid prosystemin molecule that has the systemin peptide sequence located near the carboxy-terminus. Both a 951 bp cDNA for prosystemin and 4526 bp genomic DNA were cloned and the organization of the gene was determined. Transgenic plants constructed with antisense prosystemin DNA fail to mount a defensive response to wounding. Transgenic plants constructed with increased copy number of prosystemin genes exhibit increase resistance to wounding. A tomato systemin polypeptide has an amino acid sequence NH.sub.3 --AVQSKPPSKRDPPKMQTD--COO--.

Abstract: A novel bronchial or bronchiolar epithelial cell from normal neonatal rat lung has been isolated, established and maintained for multiple passages in the absence of serum, without undergoing crisis or senescence. By careful manipulation of the nutritional/hormonal microenvironment we have been able to select, from a heterogeneous population, a single epithelial cell type which can maintain highly differentiated features in vitro. This cell type has characteristics of bronchiolar epithelial cells. A clonal line, RL-65, has been selected and observed for more than 2 years in continuous culture. It has been characterized by ultrastructural, morphological and biochemical criteria.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and means of producing novel growth hormone-like proteins derived from the pituitary gland of fishes belonging to the order Pleuronectina, the family Paralichthydae, which are useful in the growth promotion for fishes, by genetic engineering using cloned genes.

Abstract: Chimeric proteins and DNA sequence encoding chimeric proteins are provided, where the chimeric proteins are characterized by an extracellular domain capable of binding to a ligand in a non-MHC restricted manner, a transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic domain capable of activating a signaling pathway. The extracellular domain and cytoplasmic domain are not naturally found together. Binding of ligand to the extracellular domain results in transduction of a signal and activation of a signaling pathway in the cell, whereby the cell may be induced to carry out various functions relating to the signalling pathway. A wide variety of extracellular domains may be employed as receptors, where such domains may be naturally occurring or synthetic. The chimeric DNA sequences may be used to modify lymphocytes as well as hematopoietic stem cells as precursors to a number of important cell types.

Abstract: This invention relates to cleaved dimers of Mullerian inhibiting substance-like polypeptides. More particularly, this invention relates to such dimers, methods of producing them and methods of using them in the treatment of cancer and tumors, especially those of the female genital tract. The dimers of this invention are also useful in compositions and methods for contraception.

Abstract: A new method is described for the preparation of a safe, immunogenic and efficacious vaccine for protection against the disease pertussis. In development of this vaccine, specific functional sites of pertussis toxin have been identified, and using this information, defined mutant holotoxins have been produced by site directed mutagenesis of the toxin gene. A number of these holotoxin analogues are detoxified, retain an immunodominant S1 epitope, are immunogenic and are protective in the standard pertussis vaccine potency test in mice.

Abstract: A process for the transfer and/or expression of any gene into cells, organisms or species is disclosed. The process involves isolating the gene, introducing the gene into a vector comprised of at least one retrotransposon genetic element to provide a hybrid gene. The hybrid gene is introduced into a donor cell capable of packaging and transmitting the retrotransposon to other cells, organisms or species. The hybrid gene is transferred to a recipient cell wherein the hybrid gene replicates by reverse transcription and is inserted into the recipient cell's genome. The gene is preferably expressed as RNA and/or protein, giving the phenotype of the gene.

Abstract: The-invention provides novel DNA and peptide sequences encoding a family of phospholipase A.sub.2 enzymes, with specific activities of approximately 20 .mu.mol/min/mg in the mixed micelle assay. These enzymes are useful in methods for detecting the anti-inflammatory potential of various chemical agents. The invention also details novel methods for determining such potential using the novel sequences, methods for making the novel peptides, and methods for developing new anti-inflammatory drugs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for isolating a mutant cell that secretes a desired compound at a level greater than that secreted by a starter cell from which the mutant cell is derived. The method includes contacting a plurality of auxotrophic feeder cells and auxotrophic starter cells together in the solid growth medium. The starter cells produce the desired compound required by the feeder cells and the feeder cells produce a metabolite required by the starter cells. These cells are cultured to produce a plurality of primary colonies, the largest of which include at least one of the mutant cells which overproduces the desired compound.

Abstract: Protein inhibitors of phospholipase A.sub.2 purified from inflammatory sites which have an amino acid sequence given in FIGS. 3-1 through 3-3 or an amino acid sequence physiologically equivalent thereto, a process for preparation of said inhibitory protein wherein serum of mammalian animal is enzymatically treated, and a gene coding said inhibitory protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cell medium developed to support long term multiplication and permanent establishment of a cell line of human liver epithelial cells. The medium may contain an effective cell growth promoting amount of calcium ions; an effective cell growth promoting amount of glucose; an effective amount of insulin to aid cells in glucose uptake; an effective cell growth promoting amount of hydrocortisone; an effective amount of epidermal growth factor to bind epidermal growth factor receptors on cells; an effective amount of transferrin to increase DNA synthesis in cells; an effective amount of cholera toxin to increase DNA synthesis in cells; an effective amount of triiodothyronine to increase DNA synthesis in cells; and an effective growth promoting amount of mammalian hormones and mitogenic factors, including lipoprotein, cholesterol, phospholipids and fatty acids.

Abstract: A protein which inhibits collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation. The protein has a molecular weight of approximately 17,000. A method of isolating the protein from Ornithodoros moubata and using the protein to prevent or delay blood coagulation by blocking the stimulation of platelet aggregation by collagen is also described. The protein is useful in the prevention, prophylaxis, therapy and treatment of thrombotic diseases.

Abstract: A family of proteins are provided which may be purified from snake venom. Each protein binds to the 45 kDa N-terminal domain of human platelet glycoprotein Ib, thereby inhibiting the binding of Von Willebrand factor to the domain. The proteins exist as multimers of individual polypeptide chains. The single polypeptide chains are useful for inhibiting the adhesion of platelets to subendothelial components of blood vessel walls exposed as the result of vascular damage.

Abstract: A new method is described for the preparation of a safe, immunogenic and efficacious vaccine for protection against the disease pertussis. In development of this vaccine, specific functional sites of pertussis toxin have been identified, and using this information, defined mutant holotoxins have been produced by site directed mutagenesis of the toxin gene. A number of these holotoxin analogues are detoxified, retain an immunodominant S1 epitope, are immunogenic and are protective in the standard pertussis vaccine potency test in mice.

Abstract: The present invention provides new compounds and methods for promoting platelet aggregation, and controlling bleeding. The present invention is based on the surprising discovery that erythrocytes conjugated to certain peptides and polypeptides containing an R-G-D (Arg-Gly-Asp) sequence (collectively termed herein "RGD peptides") according to the invention, selectively bind to activated platelets but not to unactivated platelets. In recognition of the dual nature of the derivatized erythrocytes, they are termed herein "thrombo-erythrocytes". The thrombo-erythrocytes have no significant change in their rheological properties. In a preferred aspect, the thrombo-erythrocytes have the majority of RGD peptide cross-linked specifically to glycophorin A and glycophorin B on the surface of the erythrocyte.

Abstract: A highly retrovirus-producing DNA construct, which comprises a gene encoding retrovirus which is incorporated into a vector for gene amplification.

Abstract: A method and composition for reversibly increasing the proliferation of cells in vitro. Cell populations are treated in vitro with antisense oligonucleotides to a tumor suppressor gene, such as the retinoblastoma (Rb) gene. Such treatment inhibits expression of the tumor suppressor gene product and results in a reversible increase in the proliferation of the cell population.

Abstract: The invention provides novel DNA and peptide sequences encoding a family of phospholipase A.sub.2 enzymes, with specific activities of approximately 20 .mu.mol/min/mg in the mixed micelle assay. These enzymes are useful in methods for detecting the anti-inflammatory potential of various chemical agents. The invention also details novel methods for determining such potential using the novel sequences, methods for making the novel peptides, and methods for developing new anti-inflammatory drugs.

Abstract: Peptide fragments of conglutinin are provided for use in binding to complementary ligands. Particularly, an N-proximal region is provided having a hypervariable region with a collagen type structure for binding to complementary molecules, and a C-proximal region which provides for lectin binding activity.

Abstract: Novel peptides having pharmacologic activities, such as vasodilating, hypotensive and bronchodilating activities, and a method of making peptides are described.