Abstract: This invention relates to a simple and reliable screening method for determining an individual's susceptibility to breast, ovarian, colon or prostrate cancer. This invention also relates to a test kit for use in conjunction with this method. The inventive method targets a specific alteration of the BRCA protein and identifies a non-invasive source of normal cells that express this protein.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for optimizing the administration of leptin receptor ligands to a mammal in need of such treatment. More specifically, this invention provides an improved method of delivering leptin receptor ligands to a mammal in need of such treatment comprising pulsatile or peak delivery of leptin receptor ligands to treat obesity and related conditions, including hyperglucocorticoidinemia, fertility or delayed puberty, and/or growth hormone deficiencies.

Abstract: The invention describes the HLA class II binding peptides encoded by the MAGE-3 tumor associated gene, as well as nucleic acids encoding such peptides and antibodies relating thereto. The peptides stimulate the activity and proliferation of CD4.sup.+ T lymphocytes. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of the MAGE-3 gene.

Abstract: Novel gene, rin2, and encoded protein are disclosed which can inhibit the functional response induced by Ras-dependent signaling pathways are disclosed. Methods of inhibiting or enhancing Ras-dependent signaling and methods of treatment utilizing Rin2 are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for potentiating an immune response are disclosed which incorporate chitosan as an immunopotentiating adjuvant. Administration of the compositions of the invention is effected by various routes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a family of vaccines that contain stress protein-peptide complexes which when administered to a mammal are operative at initiating in the mammal cytotoxic T cell responses against preselected intracellular pathogens. Also disclosed are methodologies for preparing and administering vaccines containing stress protein-peptide complexes.

Abstract: Psychosis protecting (PP) nucleic acids and encoded PP peptides and related proteins, and antibodies, anti-idiotype antibodies, and fragments thereto, for treatment, diagnosis and/or research related to the protection from psychosis such as schizophrenia or related disorders, or symptoms thereof, and expression products, compositions and methods therefor, including treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders, as well as transgenic non-human mammals epxressing PP peptide or related protein encoding nucleic acids.

Abstract: Diagnostic/prognostic methods are provided for screening for pathologies wherein an alteration in estrogen metabolism is indicative of a pathology or a susceptibility thereto which comprise detecting and/or quantifying directly in tissues and body fluids of mammals abnormal levels of estrone metabolites and their glucuronide conjugates. Particularly preferred methods involve the use of the 16OHE1-glucuronide fraction, i.e., the fraction which contains 16.alpha.-hydroxyestrone (16OHE1) and its conjugates, 16OHE1-3-glucuronide. Methods of preparing reagents to detect said 16OHE1-glucuronide fraction in tissues and body fluids are disclosed as well as test kits for performing the disclosed assays.

Abstract: A method for enriching cancer cells such as prostate cancer cells in a bodily fluid sample is disclosed comprising (a) obtaining the sample comprising cancer cells and non-rare cells; (b) subjecting the sample to multiple density gradient separation comprising a first density gradient and a second density gradient, wherein the second density gradient is greater than the first density gradient, and producing a first fluid comprising an increased concentration of cancer cells of a first density, and a second fluid comprising an increased concentration of cancer cells of a second density, wherein the second density is greater than the first density; wherein subjecting the sample to multiple density gradient separation includes producing a plasma layer, a first interface layer, a first gradient layer, a second interface layer, a second gradient layer, and a cell pellet; wherein producing the first fluid includes combining the first interface layer and the first gradient layer and forming a first suspension; and w

Abstract: A novel antiproliferative factor (APF) present in urine of patients with interstitial cystitis (IC) is described. This urine antiproliferative factor can serve as a marker for disease activity and its antagonists as therapeutic medicaments for IC. In addition, APF and its agonists can be used for treating diseases associated with cell proliferation.

Abstract: The invention provides human protein kinase molecules (HPKM) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HPKM. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating or preventing disorders associated with expression of HPKM.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of reducing the effects of colon cancer tumors. Various agents are conjugated to monoclonal antibodies which are specific for colon cancer cells. The conjugates are administered to patients having colon cancer such that the effects of the cancer are reduced.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to the mammalian fsh05 gene, a novel gene associated with bipolar affective disorder (BAD) in humans. The invention encompasses fsh05 nucleic acids, recombinant DNA molecules, cloned genes or degenerate variants thereof, fsh05 gene products and antibodies directed against such gene products, cloning vectors containing mammalian fsh05 gene molecules, and hosts that have been genetically engineered to express such molecules. The invention further relates to methods for the identification of compounds that modulate the expression of fsh05 and to using such compounds as therapeutic agents in the treatment of fsh05 disorders and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Abstract: Protein "e" of H. influenzae, a lipoprotein of approximately 28,000 daltons, has been purified and sequenced. Protein "e" and peptides or proteins having a shared epitope, can be used to vaccinate against nontypable (and typable) H. influenzae and to prevent otitis media caused by H. influenzae. For this purpose, protein "e" or derivatives thereof can be produced in native, synthetic or recombinant forms and can be administered alone or in conjunction with other antigens of H. influenzae. Protein "e" can also be used in multivalent vaccines designed for H. influenzae and one or more other infectious organisms.

Abstract: A novel protein which interacts with ras p21, has been identified. This protein, RGL, shares 69% amino acid homology with ral guanine nucleotide dissociation stimulator (ralGDS). ralGDS was also found to bind ras p21. The ras p21-interacting domain of RGL (RID) bound to ras p21 through the effector loop of ras p21. Polypeptide and polynucleotide compositions of the RGL protein are provided as well as methods for implementing the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of these compositions. The uses include isolating effector proteins of ras p21 and modulating ras activity.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## and the esters, amides, amide/esters and salts thereof, wherein YCO is .gamma.-glu or .beta.-asp;G* is phenylglycine or glycine;Z is CH.sub.2, O or S; andX is a hydrocarbon radical selected from C.sub.6 -C.sub.8 alkyl or selected aromatic groupsare useful in modulating hematopoiesis in bone marrow, mitigating the bone-marrow-destructive effects of a chemotherapeutic agent, and in potentiating the toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a boronate-antigen complex for immunization of animals, a monoclonal antibody specific for the same, an immunoassay method for detection of the complex and a method of calculating the amount of a target glycated protein within the sample useful in the diagnostic monitoring of diabetes are disclosed. An immunoassay kit based on this reagent is also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel TAU/neurofilament protein kinases, PK40 and PK36, are essentially purified and characterized. Novel immunoassays relating to the kinases and inhibitors for the kinases also are provided. Finally, DNA sequences encoding the kinases and cell lines relating to the kinases are provided. Methods of inhibiting abnormal tau HYPER PHOSPHORYLATION activity in a cell by contacting a cell with an inhibitor that binds to an ATP binding site of PK40, in an amount sufficient to inhibit said phosphorylating activity which is characteristic of abnormal tau HYPERPHOSPHORYLATION in Alzheimer's Disease is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-Tie monoclonal antibody, 3C4C7G6, which is useful as a diagnostic tool for detecting angiogenesis-associated with neoplasia, wound healing, and a variety of other angiogenesis associated diseases and for radiological imaging of blood vessels. In addition, the disclosed antibody is useful as a therapeutic agent.