Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid encoding calcium channel &agr;1F-subunits, including subunits encoded by nucleic acid that arises as splice variants of primary transcripts, is provided. Cells and vectors containing the nucleic acid and methods for identifying compounds that modulate the activity of calcium channels that contain &agr;1F-subunits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the cloning, sequencing and expression of a conserved immunoreactive 28-kDa protein gene (P28) from a polymorphic multiple gene family of Ehrlichia canis. E. canis P28 has an 834-bp open reading frame encoding a protein of 278 amino acids with four variable regions, and shares similar surface-exposed regions, antigenicity and T-cell motifs with E. chaffeensis P28. Also disclosed is that recombinant E. canis P28 protein reacts with convalescent phase antiserum from an E. canis-infected dog.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the evaluation of bone resorption and bone resorption-related diseases are disclosed. The compositions include a human osteoclast-like cell line capable of resorbing calcified tissue in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the cloning, sequencing and expression of homologous immunoreactive 28-kDa protein genes, ECa28-1 and ECa28SA3, from a polymorphic multiple gene family of Ehrlichia canis. A complete sequence of another 28-kDa protein gene, ECaSA2, is also provided. Further disclosed is a multigene locus encoding all five homologous 28-kDa protein genes of Ehrlichia canis. Recombinant Ehrlichia canis 28-kDa proteins react with convalescent phase antiserum from an E. canis-infected dog.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or consisting of an amino acid sequence wherein one or more amino acids are deleted, replaced or added in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and having cell growth inhibitory activity; DNA coding for the polypeptide; DNA hybridizing with DNA consisting of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 or with an oligonucleotide probe prepared based on the nucleotide sequence; a recombinant vector comprising the DNA; a transformant obtained by introducing the recombinant vector into host cells; a process for producing the polypeptide by culturing the transformant of the present invention in a medium; a pharmaceutical composition, preferably an anti-tumor agent, comprising the polypeptide as an active ingredient; a method of preventing or treating tumors comprising administering an effective amount of the polypeptide; and use of the polypeptide for producing a pharmaceutical composition useful for preventing o

Abstract: A polypeptide selected from peptides (1) and functional derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more of these polypeptides; and a method for inhibiting microbial growth in animals using such polypeptides.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a SCLBR protein. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the SCLBR protein, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the SCLBR protein in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: The invention discloses a direct interaction between D-type cyclins and a novel myb-like transcription factor, DMP1, which specifically interacts with cyclin D2. The present invention also provides evidence that D-type cyclins regulate gene expression in an RB-independent manner. Also included is DMP1, the transcription factor composed of a central DNA-binding domain containing three atypical myb repeats flanked by highly acidic segments located at its amino- and carboxyterminal ends. The invention includes amino acid sequences coding for DMP1, and DNA and RNA nucleotide sequences that encode the amino acid sequences. A use of DMP1 as a transcription factor is disclosed due to its specificity in binding to oligonucleotides containing the nonamer consensus sequence CCCG(G/T)ATGT. In this aspect of the invention, DMP1 when transfected into mammalian cells, activates the transcription of a reporter gene driven by a minimal promoter containing concatamerized DMP1 binding sites.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a factor involved in gene expression. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the factor involved in gene expression, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the factor involved in gene expression in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: Peptides are provided with the properties of enhancing the migration and adhesion of bone-forming cells to a substrate, useful for promoting bone mineralization and osseointegration in the healing of, for example, orthopedic surgical procedures.

Abstract: The present invention discloses new pharmaceutical compositions useful for the treatment of various human and animal diseases. These pharmaceutical compositions contain one or more peptides.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated gene encoding Mch4 or an isolated gene encoding Mch5 as well as functional fragments thereof. Also provided are isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding Mch4 or Mch5 or functional fragment thereof The gene or nucleic acid sequences can be single or double stranded nucleic acids corresponding to coding or non-coding strands of the Mch4 or Mch5 nucleotide sequences. Also provided are genes and nucleic acids encoding functional fragments such as the FADD-like domains Mch4A, Mch4B, Mch5A and Mch5B. Isolated Mch4 or Mch5 polypeptides or functional fragments thereof including the FADD-like domains Mch4A, Mch4B, Mch5A and Mch5B are also provided.

Abstract: A novel class of cationic peptides having antimicrobial activity is provided. Exemplary peptides of the invention include KWKSFIKKLTSAAKKVVTTAKPLALIS (SEQ ID NO: 3) and KGWGSFFKKAAHVGKHVGKAALTHYL (SEQ ID NO: 15). Also provided are methods for inhibiting the growth of bacteria utilizing the peptides of the invention. Such methods are useful for the treatment of respiratory infections, such as in cystic fibrosis patients. Such methods are further useful for accelerating wound healing.

Abstract: Non inactivating or slowly inactivating proton-gated cation channels are thought to play an important role in the perception of pain that accompanies tissue acidosis. We have identified a novel human proton-gated cation channel subunit that has biphasic desensitisation kinetics with both a rapidly inactivating Na+-selective and a sustained component. The protein shares 84% sequence identity with the proton-gated cation channel rASIC3 (rDRASIC) from rat sensory neurones. The biphasic desensitisation kinetics and the sequence homology suggest that this novel clone (hASIC3) is the human orthologue of rASIC3 (rDRASIC). While rASIC3 (rDRASIC) requires very acidic pH (<pH 4.5) for activation of the sustained current, the non-inactivating hASIC3 current starts to be activated when the pH decreases to below pH 6. hASIC3 is ant acid sensor and might play an important role in the detection of lasting pH changes in human. We localized the hASIC3 gene to the human chromosome 7q35, 6.

Abstract: Peptide analogs of the high molecular weight kininogen domain 5 are potent inhibitors of angiogenesis. The peptides have the formula X1-(HGLGHGHEQQHGKGH)-X2  (I) wherein X1 is from zero to 25 amino acids; X2 is from zero to 60 amino acids. Methods of inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis are provided.

Abstract: In an in vitro fertilization method, a woman is treated with a hypothalamic hormone and/or a pituitary hormone or an agonist or antagonist thereof or an active derivative thereof for a short period of time and, thereafter, using in vitro oocyte maturation egg or eggs are retrieved from the woman and are maturated using a meiosis activating compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the treatment and diagnosis of conditions, disorders, or diseases involving cell death. The invention encompasses protective nucleic acids which, when introduced into a cell predisposed to undergo cell death or in the process of undergoing cell death, prevent, delay, or rescue the cell from death relative to a corresponding cell into which no exogenous nucleic acids have been introduced. The invention encompasses nucleic acids of the protective sequence, host cell expression systems of the protective sequence, and hosts that have been transformed by these expression systems, including transgenic animals. The invention also encompasses novel protective sequence products, including proteins, polypeptides and peptides containing amino acid sequences of the proteins, fusion proteins of proteins, polypeptides and peptides, and antibodies directed against such gene products.

Abstract: Improved therapeutic compositions, methods and uses of bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) products involve use of dimeric forms of BPI protein product monomers characterized by enhanced in vivo biological activity. Preferred formulations include 50 percent or more by weight dimeric product and preferred therapeutic uses include endotoxin neutralization and heparin neutralization.

Abstract: There is provided use of an amino acid derivative in free acid or salt form, in which the nitrogen atoms of two or more amino acid molecules are linked by a hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl group, as an anti-fungal compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and materials for the recombinant microbial production of fusion proteins and peptides derived from or based on Domain I (amino acids 17-45), Domain II (amino acids 65-99) and Domain III (amino acids 142-169) of bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI).