Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing human cell lines and cell and cell-lines produced by such a method. The method comprising the use of precursor or undifferentiated cells treated with an immortalising agent which is susceptible to environmental conditions so as to provide for selective activation/deactivation of said immortalising agent and so selective activation of differentiation.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of CD40. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding CD40. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of CD40 expression and for treatment of diseases associated with CD40 are provided.

Abstract: An artificial operon comprising genes encoding each of a trigger factor, GroEL and GroES, an expression plasmid carrying the operon, an expression plasmid carrying a gene encoding the trigger factor, a cotransformant harboring an expression vector for a foreign protein and any one of the expression plasmids, and a method for producing a foreign protein comprising expressing a foreign protein by the use of the cotransformant, which are capable of expressing a foreign protein in a solubilized form and in a state of having a correct conformation.

Abstract: Regulatory elements responsible for tissue-specific transcriptional regulation of the human &bgr;3-adrenergic receptor (&bgr;3-AR) were identified. A region localized between −6.50 and −6.30 kb of the proximal promoter contained three sequences that act synergistically to achieve full transcriptional activity. One segment, termed segment A, contains an Sp 1 binding site. Another of the sequences, termed segment B, is a binding site for a trans-acting factor present in cells that constitutively express &bgr;3-AR. In a specific embodiment, the trans-acting factor is expressed in neuroblastoma (SK-N-MC) and brown adipose tissue cells, but little or not at all in CV-1, HeLa, or white adipose tissue cells. The third segment, C, is an S1 nuclease-sensitive site having CCTT repeats.

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: Methods of introducing genetic material into cells of an individual and compositions and kits for practicing the same are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of contacting cells of an individual with a genetic vaccine facilitator and administering to the cells, a nucleic acid molecule that is free of retroviral particles. The nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein that comprises at least one epitope that is identical or substantially similar to an epitope of a pathogen antigen or an antigen associated with a hyperproliferative or autoimmune disease, a protein otherwise missing from the individual due to a missing, non-functional or partially functioning gene, or a protein that produce a therapeutic effect on an individual. Methods of prophylactically and therapeutically immunizing an individual against HIV are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits for practicing methods of the present invention are disclosed.

Abstract: DNA sequences and corresponding amino acid sequences from the HLA class II beta region of the human genome that are associated with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) have been identified. Specifically, marker DNA sequences which detect either directly or indirectly the identity of the codon encoding for the amino acid at position 57 of the DQ&bgr; protein sequence are disclosed as well as sequences from the DR&bgr; region. These sequences may be used to generate DNA hybridization probes and antibodies for assays to detect a person's susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, such as IDDM and PV. Such antibodies and peptides encoded by said DNA sequences can be used therapeutically or prophylactically.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of inhibiting picornavirus genome replication in a subject. In particular, methods for interfering with VPg uridylylation and elongation are provided. The methods comprise administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one of VPg, VPg analog, VPg homology or biologically active fragment thereof as well as oligonucleotides, divalent cations, ribonucleotide or deoxyribonucleotide. Also provided are methods of identifying an inhibitor of picornaviral replication which comprise adding a potential inhibitor of picornaviral replication to an in vitro assay and analyzing levels of VPg uridylylation reaction products.

Abstract: The present invention discloses nucleic acid enzymes capable of cleaving single-stranded DNA in a site specific manner.

Abstract: The invention provides an expression vector useful in expressing foreign genes in procaryotes. The vector consists of the promotor/operator region and initiation point of translation of the mg1 operon. This combination is referred to as a regulation sequence. In order to prepare this, desired portions of the mg1 operon are cut from the genome of a cell which can utilize galactose via appropriate restriction endonucleases. This is then inserted into a DNA vector.

Abstract: A complex for gene transfer a DNA molecule specifically and non-specifically bound to DNA binding protein. Additionally, it can include a chimeric compound for gene transfer. The chimeric compound has a DNA-binding element and a ligand binding element. The chimeric recombinant DNA can also include a binding protein which has a first element for binding to a receptor, a second element for binding to DNA, a third element for destabilizing endosomes and a fourth element for directing the traffic in a protein containing complex in the nucleus of a cell. The complex will be used for the treatment of a variety of diseases.

Abstract: The invention describes industrial fermentation of a Saccharomyces yeast species for production of a heterologous product encoded by a plasmid or DNA contained in said Saccharomyces yeast species which method utilizes the substrate more efficiently and without fermentative metabolism resulting in formation of ethanol and other unwanted primary products of fermentative activity whereby high yields of the heterologous product are obtained. The Saccharomyces yeast species is preferably a Crabtree negative Saccharomyces species in particular Saccharomyces kluyveri.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for increasing the efficiency of transfection of cells by incubating the transfected cells with an inhibitor of apoptosis. In one embodiment, the inhibitor of apoptosis is a caspase inhibitor.

Abstract: Materials and methods are disclosed for regulation of biological events such as target gene transcription and growth, proliferation or differentiation of engineered cells.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for inhibiting the expression of human EGFR. The compositions comprise oligonucleotides complementary to mRNA targeted to nucleic acids encoding EGFR. Methods of using these oligonucleotides for inhibition of EGFR expression and for treatment of diseases such as cancers associated with overexpression of EGFR are provided.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of E2F transcription factor 1. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding E2F transcription factor 1. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of E2F transcription factor 1 expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of E2F transcription factor 1 are provided.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of PEPCK-cytosolic. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding PEPCK-cytosolic. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of PEPCK-cytosolic expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of PEPCK-cytosolic are provided.

Abstract: Method and compositions for regulating cell cycle progression are disclosed. Compositions include nucleic acids comprising a human Cdc5 gene, antisense gene and fragments thereof and a human Cdc5 protein and polypeptide fragments thereof polypeptide. The compositions can be used in a method to treat diseases relating to a cell cycle defect.

Abstract: The present invention provides cDNAs encoding deoxyribonuclease II and isolated, purified deoxyribonuclease II proteins. Antibodies against this protein and antisense agents targeted to a cDNA or corresponding mRNA encoding deoxyribonuclease II are provided. In addition, methods of identifying and using modulators of deoxyribonuclease II activity and apoptosis are described.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and reagents for detecting nucleotide mismatches (for example, due to sequence variances) in a nucleic acid sample involving the use of a nucleic acid probe derived from a hemizygous cell. Methods for determining the haplotype of a nucleic acid sample are also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for producing the probe and kits containing the probe.