Abstract: The invention provides methods of determining whether a subject is at risk for a disorder characterized by an intermediate GAA repeat length polymorphism in the frataxin gene.

Abstract: A method for immunizing a human against hepatitis B virus comprising administering to the human a vaccine comprising a hepatitis B virus surface antigen, wherein included in the vaccine is one or more antigens of non-permitted variant sequences within residues S(139-147) of the hepatitis B virus surface antigen.

Abstract: Purified enzymatic compositions are provided having alpha-amidating enzymes capable of catalyzing the conversion of a peptidyl compound having a C-terminal glycine residue to a corresponding peptidyl amide having an amino group in place of the C-terminal glycine. The purified compositions have specific activities above 25 mU per mg protein and are sufficiently free of proteases to allow effective catalysis of even peptidyl compounds having L-amino acids. Biologically important alpha-amidated products such as calcitonin and other regulatory hormones are efficiently produced using the alpha-amidation reaction catalyzed by the enzymes. Purification by size exclusion chromatography in combination with strong anion exchange chromatography results in homogeneous enzyme species which are used to prepare antibodies specific for the alpha-amidating enzyme. A gene capable of expressing the alpha-amidating enzyme is ligated into an expression vector and transformed into a host cell capable of expressing the gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to Arginase II polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, methods for producing the polypeptides, in particular by expressing the polynucleotides, and agonists and antagonists of the polypeptides. The invention further relates to methods for utilizing such polynucleotides, polypeptides, agonists and antagonists for applications, which relate, in part, to research, diagnostic and clinical arts.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing exposure to a toxic agent comprising the steps of detecting the amount of protein/gene expression present in a sample of mammalian tissue or mammalian body fluids that has not been exposed to a toxic agent. Then the amount of protein/gene expression present in a sample of mammalian tissue or mammalian body fluids that has been exposed to the toxic agent is detected. A determination of the difference in the detected amount of protein/gene expression between the exposed and unexposed samples is made. A comparison of the difference to a library of expected protein/gene expression for predetermined toxic agents is made. Finally, an evaluation is made whether the difference indicates the exposure to a particular toxic agent. A treatment method for administering a therapeutic agent which inhibits the mechanistic pathways necessary to maintain the progression of lethal shock is also disclosed.

Abstract: Expression vectors and transfection systems providing high expression of a desired polypeptide are provided. Also provided are methods of using the expression vectors and transfection systems and mammalian cells modified by these compositions and methods.

Abstract: We have developed a general procedure for the regulated (inducible) dimerization or oligomerization of intracellular proteins and disclose methods and materials for using that procedure to regulatably initiate cell-specific apoptosis (programmed cell death) in genetically engineered cells.

Abstract: A fluorescently labeled nucleic acid having a hairpin structure between the fluorophore label and a point of attachment to a solid phase is useful as a probe to detect nucleic acid from a sample. The solid phase quenches the fluorophore label when the hairpin structure exists but this quenching is relieved by duplex formation between probe and a sample oligonucleotide. Probes for specific nucleic acid sequences can be immobilized as arrays on solid phase surfaces for detection of multiple nucleic acid sequences simultaneously from electrophoresis gels and from aqueous solutions. These probes and methods for their use can be combined with known solid phases, particularly those used for plasmon surface detection and electron transfer detection of nucleic acid. The probes can be washed and reused, and have other advantageous features over known probe methods.

Abstract: The invention provides dbpB polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding dbpB polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing dbpB polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polypeptides which are associated with the transcription complex NF-AT, polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, antibodies which are reactive with such polypeptides, polynucleotide hybridization probes and PCR amplification probes for detecting polynucleotides which encode such polypeptides, transgenes which encode such polypeptides, homologous targeting constructs that encode such polypeptides and/or homologously integrate in or near endogenous genes encoding such polypeptides, nonhuman transgenic animals which comprise functionally disrupted endogenous genes that normally encode such polypeptides, and transgenic nonhuman animals which comprise transgenes encoding such polypeptides.

Abstract: Genetic modification of pluripotent hemopoietic stem cells of primates (P-PHSC) by transduction of P-PHSC with a recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV). Tile genomc of the recombinant AAV comprises a DNA sequence flanked by the inverted terminal repeats (ITR) of AAV. The DNA sequence will normally comprise regulatory sequences which are functional in hemopoictic cells and, controlled by these regulatory sequences, a sequence coding for a protein or RNA with a therapeutic property when introduced into hemopoietic cells. Preferred examples of DNA sequences are the human lysosomal glococerebrosidase gene, a globin gene from the human &bgr;-globin gene cluster, a DNA sequence encoding an RNA or protein with anti-viral activity, the &agr;1-antitrypsin gene and the human multidrug resistance gene I (MDRI). The invention provides for effective gene therapy with PHSC of primates, in particular humans.

Abstract: An antisense compound comprising nucleotides complementary to a nucleic acid sequence coding for amyloid precursor protein (APP), wherein the antisense compound inhibits the expression of an amyloid beta protein (A&bgr;P) portion of the amyloid precursor protein coding sequence while permitting the expression of at least a portion of the amyloid precursor protein polynucleotide 5′ to the A&bgr;P portion of the amyloid precursor protein coding sequence. Pharmaceutical compositions and formulations containing the compound and methods of using the compound to regulate A&bgr;P expression in cells and tissues and to treat disease are also provided.

Abstract: Novel synthetic suppressor tRNA have been provided which provide read-through of internal nonsense mutations, or which can site-specifically alter translation of transcribed sequences. Uses of the same are also provided in genetic engineering protocols including gene therapy treatment of diseases such as Xeroderma pigmentosum.

Abstract: This invention relates to non-radioactive markers that facilitate the detection and analysis of nascent proteins translated within cellular or cell-free translation systems. Nascent proteins containing these markers can be rapidly and efficiently detected, isolated and analyzed without the handling and disposal problems associated with radioactive reagents. Preferred markers are dipyrrometheneboron difluoride (4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene) dyes.

Abstract: The invention relates to genes isolated from Ashbya gossypii that code for proteins essential for normal fungal growth and development. The invention also includes the methods of using these proteins to discover new fungicides, based on the essentiality of the gene for normal growth and development. The invention can also be used in a screening assay to identify inhibitors that are potential fungicides.

Abstract: Water soluble polymers or polymeric hydrogels are used to encapsulate antigen to form vaccines. The antigen is mixed with a polymer solution, microparticles are formed of the polymer and antigen, and, optionally, the polymer is crosslinked to form a stable microparticle. Preferred polymers are alginate and polyphospazenes, and mixtures thereof. Microparticles can be administered parenterally or mucosally. For oral delivery, the microparticles are preferably fifteen microns or less in diameter, and adhere to the mucosal lining of the gastointestinal tract, increasing uptake by the reticuloendothelium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an integrant(s) of Bacillus thuringiensis which produces a larger quantity of a crystal delta-endotoxin with greater pesticidal activity as compared to the crystal delta-endotoxin produced by the corresponding parental strain. The crystal delta-endotoxin produced by the integrant Bacillus thuringiensis will have an activity directed towards the same pest(s) as its parent Bacillus thuringiensis crystal delta-endotoxin. The invention further relates to such integrants, compositions comprising such integrants, as well as methods for controlling a pest(s) using these compositions.

Abstract: Described is the characterization and the use of strong viral promoters for expressing genes, in bacteria and fungi, in particular yeasts. The invention is based on the surprising finding that CFDV DNA (coconut foliar decay virus DNA) and CFDV DNA fragments contain a region which is active as promoter even in bacteria and fungi, in particular yeasts, although they are derived from a virus which infects monocotyledonous plants. The activity of the promoters described in E. coli is distinctly higher than that of the CaMV 35S promoter, which is also active in bacteria.

Abstract: An expression system for producing and isolating large quantities of protein. The system comprises an expression vector containing a first coding region which codes for glutathione-S-transferase operatively connected to a baculovirus promoter, a second coding region in-frame with the first coding region, and a restriction region downstream of the first coding region, into which the second coding region is inserted. A fusion protein encoded by the first and second coding region is produced by expression of the vector. Examples of this second coding region include Lck, LynB, Syk, Blk, Fyn, and Yes. A process for expression of the vector in a host cell such as Spodoptera frugiperda is also included.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for the production of well-tolerated, preserved injection or infusion solutions containing human protein.