Abstract: The promoter of the human p27Kip1 gene is provided. The promoter region is useful to screen a compound that regulates the promoter of the human p27Kip1 gene or regulates the activity of the promoter. It enables the gene therapy utilizing the promoter.

Abstract: The invention provides recombinant nucleic acids comprising nucleic acid sequences from the genomic DNA methyltransferase gene. The invention further provides sequence information for such nucleic acid sequences. In addition, the invention provides antisense oligonucleotides complementary to special regions of the genomic DNA methyltransferase gene or its RNA transcript. Finally, the invention provides methods for using such antisense oligonucleotides as analytical and diagnostic tools, as potentiators of transgenic plant and animal studies and gene therapy approaches, and as potential therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and recombinant expression constructs for inducing and sustaining high-level production of a recombinant polypeptide in yeast. The invention specifically provides high copy number recombinant expression constructs that express high levels of trans-acting transcription factors that in turn induce expression of a recombinant nucleic acid encoding a heterologous or endogenous recombinant polypeptide. The invention more specifically provides constructs that express galactose-inducible and temperature-sensitive transcription factors. The invention also provides constructs comprising nucleic acids the transcription of which is regulated by the transcription factors expressed by the construct. The invention also provides yeast cells transformed by the recombinant expression constructs of the invention that permit sustained high-level expression of a recombinant polypeptide.

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions encoding a pro-apoptotic protein, Bok (Bcl-2-related ovarian killer) are identified. Bok has conserved Bcl-2 homology domains 1, 2 and 3 and a C-terminal transmembrane region present in other Bcl-2 related proteins, but lacks the BH4 domain found only in anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. Over-expression of Bok induces apoptosis. Cell killing induced by Bok is suppressed by co-expression with selective anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. Bok is highly expressed in the ovary, testis and uterus, particularly in granulosa cells, the cell type that undergoes apoptosis during follicle atresia. Identification of Bok as a new pro-apoptotic protein with wide tissue distribution and hetero-dimerization properties facilitates elucidation of apoptosis mechanisms in reproductive and other tissues, and provides a means for manipulating apoptosis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting differences in sample polymers, such as nucleic acid sequences, are provided. Hybridization affinity information for the sample polymers is clustered so that the differences, if any, between or among the sample polymers can be readily identified. By clustering the hybridization affinity information of the sample polymers, differences in the sample polymers can be accurately achieved even in the presence of random and systematic errors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel peptides and compositions capable of modulating apoptosis in cells, and to methods of modulating apoptosis employing the novel peptides and compositions of the invention. In one aspect, the invention is directed to a novel peptide designated the “GD domain”, which is essential both to Bak's interaction with Bcl-xL, and to Bak's cell killing function. Methods of identifying agonists or antagonists of GD domain function are provided. The GD domain is responsible for mediating key protein/protein interactions of significance to the actions of multiple cell death regulatory molecules.

Abstract: The coding information for three putative chicken anemia virus proteins (VP1, VP2, VP3) was inserted into a baculovirus vector and expressed in insect cells. The immunogenic properties of the chicken anemia virus (CAV) proteins produced separately or together in insect-cell cultures were analyzed by inoculating them into chickens. Only lysates of insect cells which have synthesized equivalent amounts of all three recombinant CAV proteins or cells which synthesized mainly VP1 plus VP2 induced neutralizing antibodies directed against CAV in inoculated chickens. Progeny of those chickens were protected against clinical disease after CAV challenge. Inoculation of a mixture of lysates of cells that were separately infected with VP1-, VP2- and VP3-recombinant baculovirus did not induce significant levels of neutralizing antibody directed against CAV and their progeny were not protected against CAV challenge.

Abstract: This invention provides cDNA encoding a prostate-cancer specific marker, Repro-PC-1.0, Repro-PC-1.0 polypeptides and methods for use in diagnosis and therapy.

Abstract: Graded, reversible suppression of cellular excitability represents a logical goal of therapy for epilepsy and intractable pain, as well as for cardiac arrhythmias. To achieve such suppression, “electrical silencing” genes are transferred into cells with sensitive control of transgene expression. For example, an ecdysone-inducible promoter drives the expression of inwardly rectifying potassium channels in polycistronic adenoviral vectors. While normal electrical activity is not affected, after the induction of gene expression excitability is suppressed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nuclease resistant nucleic acids in general and ribonuclease resistant RNAs in particular. Methods of making and using such nucleic acids are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for analyzing nucleic acids. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for the detection and characterization of nucleic acid sequences and sequence changes. The methods of the present invention permit the detection and/or identification of genetic polymorphism such as those associated with human disease and permit the identification of pathogens (e.g., viral and bacterial strain identification).

Abstract: A purified, biologically active yeast mitochondrial heat shock protein exhibiting an Mr of about 60K (hsp60) and its biologically active analogs exhibiting an Mr of 55K-65K are disclosed. Polynucleotide segments that encode hsp60 and its analogs are disclosed as are vectors containing the same, as well as transformed cells that contain the vectors. Methods of assembling non-functional protein subunits into a functional oligomeric protein complex and for converting an inactive form of a monomeric protein molecule or protein subunit molecule into an active form of the molecule are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell cycle regulated repressor protein which binds to a DNA element present in the control sequences of the human cdc25C gene and other cell cycle regulated genes, as well as the use thereof in cell cycle regulated expression systems.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of bcl-x. Antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding bcl-x are preferred. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of bcl-x expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of bcl-x are also provided. Methods of sensitizing cells to apoptotic stimuli are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic leader peptide sequences for secreting polypeptides in yeast.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inhibiting infection by RNA viruses with complexes of an activator of RNase L and an oligonucleotide that is capable of binding to the genome, antigenome or mRNAs of a negative strand RNA virus to specifically cleave the genomic or antigenomic RNA strand of the virus. In accordance with the present invention, the methods and complexes of the invention may be applied to target any negative strand RNA virus. The invention in one embodiment relates to a covalently linked complex of an oligonucleotide that is capable of binding to the genomic or antigenomic template RNA strand of a negative strand RNA virus and/or binding to an mRNA of a viral protein (an “antisense oligonucleotide”) coupled to an activator of RNase L. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the oligonucleotide component of the complex is complementary to a region of the viral genomic RNA strand characterized by repeated or consensus sequences.

Abstract: A method for assaying a sample for a nucleic acid damaging activity using at least one singular double-stranded nucleic acid with at least one electrochemiluminescent label, and a method for measuring an inhibitor of a nucleic acid damaging activity with at least one singular double-stranded nucleic acid using at least one electrochemiluminescent label, are disclosed.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides of the human Chk1 gene and to uses thereof. The human ChK1 gene is a major G2/M checkpoint gene that is activated in response to DNA damage. In particular, the gene transduces the inhibitory signal from DNA damage sensors to the basic cell cycle machinery. Thus, antisense oligonucleotides to the human Chk1 gene may be used, for example, to inhibit the gene thereby preventing G2 arrest induced by DNA damaging agents. Such antisense oligonucleotides should also further sensitize tumor cells thereby making them more sensitive to therapy than normal cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for controlling the behavior of a cell, tissue or organism through antisense modulation of mRNA processing, using antisense compounds which does not support cleavage of the mRNA target.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that recombinagenic oligonucleobases are active in prokaryotic cells that contain a strand transfer activity (RecA) and mismatch repair activity (MutS). Using this system a type of Duplex Mutational Vector termed a Heteroduplex Mutational Vector, was shown to be more active in prokaryotic cells than the types of mutational vectors heretofore tested. Further improvements in activity were obtained by replacing the tetrathymidine linker by a nuclease resistant oligonucleotide, such as tetra-2′-O-methyl-uridine, to link the two strands of the recombinagenic oligonucleobase and removing the DNA-containing intervening segment. The claims concern Duplex Mutational Vectors that contain the above improvements. In an alternative embodiment the claims concern the use of Duplex Mutational Vectors in prokaryotic cells.