Abstract: Cell culture conditions were developed which maintain the nerve cells of the retina in well-defined, serum-free conditions. The molecular factors that stimulate axonal regeneration from these neurons were characterized. The glial sheath cells that surround the axons of the optic nerve release two molecules that trigger and sustain nerve regeneration. One of the molecules is referred to as axogenesis factor 1 (AF-1), and is a low molecular weight polypeptide with a size in the range of 1000 daltons. The second molecule, AF-2, is a larger protein with a size of approximately 12,000 daltons. Studies indicate that these factors are strongly involved in CNS regeneration, and are therefore useful in the treatment of spinal cord and other nervous tissue damage.

Abstract: Activation of plasminogen to plasma is inhibited by preventing the binding of a receptor binding form of urokinase-type plasminogen activator to a urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor in a mammal, thereby preventing the urokinase-type plasminogen activator from converting plasminogen into plasmin. DNA fragments which encode for soluble, active fragments of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator are provided.

Abstract: Erythropoietin isoforms having a specific number of sialic acids per erythropoietin molecule are disclosed. Also disclosed are mixtures of such isoforms, pharmaceutical compositions containing such isoforms or mixtures thereof and methods of obtaining the erythropoietin isoforms.

Abstract: A novel P-selectin ligand glycoprotein is disclosed, comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 or by the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4. DNA sequences encoding the P-selectin ligand protein are also disclosed, along with vectors, host cells, and methods of making the P-selectin ligand protein. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the P-selectin ligand protein and methods of treating inflammatory disease states characterized by P-selectin- and E-selectin-mediated intercellular adhesion are also disclosed.

Abstract: A glioblastoma derived angiogenesis inhibiting factor is described. The material is induced in presence of wild type p53, but not by several mutated forms of p53. Various uses of the material are described.

Abstract: DNA molecules encoding mutant forms of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) are disclosed. The mutant forms of BMP can be produced bacterially and refolded to produce biologically active homodimers or heterodimers of BMP. A method of making such mutant BMPs is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gene encoding the HP4 human prostaglandin receptor is disclosed. The protein encoded by this gene exhibits significant sequence identity with other prostaglandin receptors. The HP4 receptor, when expressed in eukaryotic cells, is capable of binding prostaglandins and their analogs and stimulating adenylate cyclase activity in response to prostaglandins.

Abstract: The vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors of the present invention are naturally occurring or recombinantly engineered soluble forms with or without a C-terminal transmembrane region of the receptor for VEGF, a very selective growth factor for endothelial cells. The soluble forms of the receptors will bind the growth factor with high affinity but do not result in signal transduction. These soluble forms of the receptor bind VEGF and inhibit its function.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel method for screening retinoid X receptor agonists or antagonists, comprising: using a retinoid X receptor expressed by a yeast expression system to screen a compound having a retinoid X receptor agonist or antagonist activity as well as a screen for detecting a compound having retinoid X receptor agonist or antagonist activity, which comprises the steps of (1) providing a yeast strain which expresses the retinoic acid receptor and activates a reporter plasmid containing apolipoprotein AI gene site A or a mutated variant thereof; (2) incubating the compound in suitable media and a colorless chromogenic substrate; and (3) examining the media for development of color.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment and diagnosis of Candida infections. In accordance with preferred embodiments, oligonucleotides are provided which are specifically hybridizable with at least a portion of a Candida mRNA. Preferred targets are the mRNAs which encode .beta.-tubulin, aspartate protease, actin and chitin synthetase, as well as the mRNA's which encode the ribosomal L25 protein, translation elongation factors 1 and 2 (TEF1 and TEF2), the b subunit of ATPase, and cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14.alpha.-demethylase (L1A1). The oligonucleotides comprise nucleotide units sufficient in identity and number to effect said specific hybridization. In other preferred embodiments, the oligonucleotides are specifically hybridizable with a transcription initiation site, a translation initiation site, 5'-untranslated sequences, 3' untranslated sequences, 5' cap, and intron/exon junction of the mRNAs. Methods of treating animals suffering from Candida infection are disclosed.

Abstract: A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a transformed yeast cell containing a first heterologous DNA sequence which codes for a G protein-coupled receptor, for example, the somatostatin receptor, and a second heterologous DNA sequence which codes for a G protein .alpha. subunit or portions thereof fused to DNA sequences from the yeast G protein a subunit. A second aspect of the present invention is a transformed yeast cell containing a heterologous DNA sequence which codes for a G protein coupled receptor. A third aspect of the present invention is a method of assaying compounds to determine effects on cell growth.

Abstract: Defined constructs of modified human platelet-derived growth factor receptor polypeptides are provided. Extracellular region domain structures are identified and modifications and combinatorial rearrangements of the receptor segments are provided. Both cell bound and soluble forms of modified segments are made available, as are methods for assays using them, allowing for screening of ligand analogues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a keratinocyte growth factor fragment, KGF.sub.des1-23, or an analog thereof that is composed of a portion of an amino acid sequence of mature, full length keratinocyte growth factor, KGF.sub.163. The fragment exhibits at least a 2-fold increase in mitogenic activity as compared to a mature, recombinant keratinocyte growth factor, rKGF, but lacks a sequence comprising the first 23 amino acid residues, C-N-D-M-T-P-E-Q-M-A-T-N-V-N-C-S-S-P-E-R-H-T-R- (SEQ ID NO: 2) of the KGF.sub.163 N-terminus. The present invention also relates to a DNA molecule encoding KGF.sub.des1-23, an expression vector and a transformed host containing the DNA molecule, and a method of producing KGF.sub.des1-23 by culturing the transformed host. The present invention further relates to a conjugate of KGF.sub.des1-23 and a toxin molecule, and the use thereof for treatment of hyperproliferative disease of the epidermis. Moreover, the present invention relates to a therapeutic composition containing KGF.sub.

Abstract: An 18 kDa protein, denominated FDF-3, has been isolated from cultures of human fibroblasts and has been found to potentiate the growth- and differentiation-promoting activities of certain cytokines toward hematopoietic progenitor cells. The amino acid sequence of the FDF-3 protein, shown in SEQ ID NO: 14, corresponds to the sequence of a C-terminal domain of human fibronectin. The protein is useful in combination with IL-3, G-CSF, GM-CSF, or SCF (stem cell factor) in the expansion of hematopoietic cell populations in vitro or in therapeutic methods to promote recovery from leukopenia or myelosuppresion in vivo.

Abstract: Photoreceptor injury or cell death (retinal degeneration) is prevented by the introduction into the living mammalian eye of specific, survival-promoting factors. These specific factors prevent damage and degeneration of photoreceptors when introduced into the living eye prior to, during or after exposure to the damaging effects of light and delay photoreceptor damage caused by inherited disease.

Abstract: Purified bone morphogenetic protein-9 (BMP-9) proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed, The proteins may be used in the treatment of bone and cartilage defects and in wound healing and related tissue repair.

Abstract: A novel human protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) has been identified and its cDNA has been isolated. This novel PTP, denoted PTP-OB, has a receptor-like three dimensional structure and is present in osteoblasts. PTP-OB is involved in osteoblast differentiation, and modulators of PTP-OB activity in turn modulate osteoblast differentiation, osteoclast differentiation and osteoclast activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel mammalian methadone-specific opioid receptor protein and genes that encode a such protein. The invention is directed toward the isolation, characterization and pharmacological use of mammalian methadone-specific opioid receptor proteins. The invention specifically provides isolated complementary DNA copies of mRNA corresponding to the rat homologue or the mammalian methadone-specific opioid receptor gene. Also provided are recombinant expression constructs capable of expressing the mammalian methadone-specific opioid receptor genes of the invention in cultures of transformed prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as such cultures of transformed cells that synthesize the mammalian methadone-specific opioid receptor proteins encoded therein.

Abstract: Effective urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor antagonists have sequences selected from the group AEPMPHSLNFSQYLWYT, AEWHPGLSFGSYLWSKT, AEHTYSSLWDTYSPLAF, AESSLWTRYAWPSMPSY, AELDLWMRHYPLSFSNR, AEWSFYNLIHILPEPQTIF, AETLFMDLWHDKHILLT, AEPLDLWSLYSLPLAM, AESLPTLTSILWGKESV, AESQTGTLNTLFWNTLR, AESSLWRIFSPSALMMS, AEPALLNWSFFFNPGLH, AEAWFLSNTMKALSARL, AEPTLWQLYQFPLRLSG, AEISFSELMWLRSTPAF, AEWITSSPPLTQYLWGF, AEMHRSLWEWYVPNQSA, AEIKTDFXGWLGLWDLYSM, AEILNFPLWHEPLWSTE, AELSEADLWITWFGMGS, AESVQYSKLWKPNTTLA, AEPLSLYQKKTLRHFAN, AELPRTNPVTAVKNPSF, AEQLNRSIPDLQFSMFN, and AESHIKSLLDSSTWFLP, or active analogs or active portions thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a gene, designated as dmk, that encodes a novel tyrosine kinase receptor expressed in high levels in denervated muscle. The invention also provides assay systems that may be used to detect and/or measure ligands that bind the dmk gene product. The present invention also provides for diagnostic and therapeutic methods based on the interaction between Dmk and agents that initiate signal transduction through binding to Dmk.