Abstract: The present invention provides the enzyme and enzymatic procedures for cleaving the &bgr; secretase cleavage site of the APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells and cell isolates and assays. The invention further provides a modified APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells, and cell isolates, and assays that are particularly useful for identifying candidate therapeutics for treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to the interaction of MEC with CCR3 and/or CCR10 and to agents (e.g., ligands, antibodies, antagonists, agonists, inhibitors, promoters) which alter said interaction. In one aspect, the invention relates to methods for detecting or identifying an agent (i.e., molecule or compound) which can modulate (inhibit, promote) the binding of MEC to CCR3 and/or CCR10. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of treating a subject having an inflammatory condition, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of an agent which modulates the binding of MEC to CCR3 and/or CCR10.

Abstract: The present invention provides a DNA expressed at high frequency in mesangial cells and a protein (Meg-4) encoded by this DNA. These substances are useful in, for example, identifying mesangial cells and detecting abnormalities in mesangial cells. Moreover, the above protein would be helpful for clarification of the functions of mesangial cells and, in its turn, for clarification of the causes of diseases relating to mesangial cells. This protein is expectedly applicable to the treatment, diagnosis, and such of diseases relating to mesangial cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions suitable to assess, characterize, and identify inhibitors of neuronal transport of Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel potassium channels and genes encoding these channels. More specifically the invention provides isolated polynucleotides encoding the KCNQ5 potassium channel subunit, cells transformed with these polynucleotides, transgenic animals comprising genetic mutations, and the use of the transformed cells and the transgenic animals for the in vitro and in vivo screening of chemical compounds affecting KCNQ5 subunit containing potassium channels.

Abstract: A high molecular weight (“HMW”) protein of Chlamydia, the amino acid sequence thereof, and antibodies that specifically bind the HMW protein are disclosed as well as the nucleic acid sequence encoding the same. Also disclosed are prophylactic and therapeutic compositions, comprising the HMW protein, a fragment thereof, or an antibody that specifically binds the HMW protein or a portion thereof, or the nucleotide sequence encoding the HMW protein or a fragment thereof, including vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising a polynucleotide encoding either of two alternative splice variants of human sel-10, one of which is expressed in hippocampal cells, and one of which is expressed in mammary cells. The invention also provides isolated sel-10 polypeptides and cell lines which express them in which A&bgr; processing is altered.

Abstract: The present provides neutralizing antitoxin directed against C. difficile toxins. These antitoxins are produced in avian species using soluble recombinant C. difficile toxin proteins. The avian antitoxins are designed so as to be orally administrable in therapeutic amounts and may be in any form (i.e., as a solid or in aqueous solution). Solid forms of the antitoxin may comprise an enteric coating. These antitoxins are useful in the treatment of humans and other animals intoxicated with at least one bacterial toxin. The invention further provides vaccines capable of protecting a vaccinated recipient from the morbidity and mortality associated with C. difficile infection. These vaccines are useful for administration to humans and other animals at risk of exposure to C. difficile toxins.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aggregating amyloid A&bgr; peptides which are covalently bonded (for example, at a cysteine amino acid residue) to a fluorescent label, and methods for their use.

Abstract: The Porphyromonas gingivalis strain which is deposited at ATCC under accession number 202109. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the Porphyromonas gingivalis strain of the present invention.

Abstract: Novel semaphorin Z; a gene thereof; a partial peptide of the semaphorin Z; an antibody; a DNA or an RNA complementary to the semaphorin Z gene; a method for screening a semaphorin Z inhibitor by using the semaphorin Z; the semaphorin Z inhibitor obtained by the screening; and a CNS neuron regeneration promoter comprising the inhibitor.

Abstract: The present method provides for an isolated peptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the amino acid sequence of a V-domain of a receptor for advanced glycation endproduct (RAGE). The present invention also provides for an isolated peptide having an amino acid sequence A-Q-N-I-T-A-R-I-G-E-P-L-V-L-K-C-K-G-A-P-K-K-P-P-Q-R-L-E-W-K (SEQ. ID No: 1). The present invention provides for a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effect amount of an isolated peptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the amino acid sequence of a V-domain of RAGE.

Abstract: Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) differentiate into neuron-like phenotypes in vitro and in vivo, engrafted into normal or denervated rat striatum. The BMSC did not remain localized to the site of the graft, but migrated throughout the brain and integrated into specific brain regions in various architectonic patterns. The most orderly integration of BMSC was in the laminar distribution of cerebellar Purkinje cells, where the BMSC-derived cells took on the Purkinje phenotype. The BMSC exhibited site-dependent differentiation and expressed several neuronal markers including neuron-specific nuclear protein, tyrosine hydroxylase and calbindin. BMSC can be used to target specific brain nuclei in strategies of neural repair and gene therapy.

Abstract: The invention provides a mammalian nucleic acid molecule and fragments thereof. It also provides for the use of the mammalian nucleic acid molecule for the characterization, diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, of conditions, diseases and disorders associated with gene expression and for the production of a model system. The invention additionally provides expression vectors and host cells for the production of the protein encoded by the mammalian nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: SPHINGLY polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilising SPHINGLY polypeptides and polynucleotides in therapy, and diagnostic assays for such.

Abstract: Human G-protein chemokine receptor polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptides for identifying antagonists and agonists to such polypeptides and methods of using the agonists and antagonists therapeutically to treat conditions related to the underexpression and overexpression of the G-protein chemokine receptor polypeptides, respectively. Also disclosed are diagnostic methods for detecting a mutation in the G-protein chemokine receptor nucleic acid sequences and detecting a level of the soluble form of the receptors in a sample derived from a host.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of vaccinating a domesticated bird against coccidiosis comprising administering in ovo an effective immunizing dose of live Eimeria sporozoites or merozoites, or a mixture thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the domesticated bird that is vaccinated is a chicken or turkey.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. In particular, the present invention provides modified beta-amyloid peptides, antibodies that specifically bind to the modified beta-amyloid peptides, and methods for using these compositions in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, as well as methods to monitor treatment and/or disease progression of Alzheimer's disease in patients. The present invention also provides compositions and methods useful in research involving amyloid precursor protein (APP) metabolism and Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Disclosed are therapeutic treatment methods, compositions and devices for maintaining neural pathways in a mammal, including enhancing survival of neurons at risk of dying, inducing cellular repair of damaged neurons and neural pathways, and stimulating neurons to maintain their differentiated phenotype. In one embodiment, the invention provides means for stimulating CAM expression in neurons. The invention also provides means for evaluating the status of nerve tissue, including means for detecting and monitoring neuropathies in a mammal. The methods, devices and compositions include a morphogen or morphogen-stimulating agent provided to the mammal in a therapeutically effective concentration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to DNA encoding human endothelial cell growth factors, and to plasmids comprising said DNA. In particular, the invention relates to DNA encoding a cleavable signal peptide and an endothelial cell growth factor, wherein removal of said signal peptide yields a mature form of the growth factor.