Abstract: There is disclosed the nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for the human PTH-Like Peptide and derivatives. PTH-Like Peptide is the humoral mediator of humoral hypercalcemia of malignany or HHM which is common in patients with squamous carcinomas or renal, bladder or ovarian carcinomas with little or no evidence of skeletal disease.

Abstract: A novel prostaglandin receptor has been identified and DNA encoding the receptor has been isolated, purified, sequenced and expressed in host cells. This DNA encoding the novel prostaglandin receptor and host cells expressing the receptor are used to identify modulators of the prostaglandin receptor.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding Hu paraneoplastic antigenic polypeptide is provided by this invention. This invention also provides a purified Hu antigenic polypeptide and compositions containing the purified Hu antigenic polypeptide. Further provided by this invention is a monoclonal antibody directed to an epitope on the Hu paraneoplastic antigenic polypeptide. Compositions containing this monoclonal antibody also are provided by this invention. This invention also provides methods of diagnosis and treatment using the compositions described hereinabove.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a human Y5 receptor, an isolated protein which is a human Y5 receptor, vectors comprising an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a human Y5 receptor, mammalian cells comprising such vectors, antibodies directed to the human Y5 receptor, nucleic acid probes useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding human Y5 receptors, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to any sequences of a nucleic acid molecule which encodes a human Y5 receptor, pharmaceutical compounds related to human Y5 receptors, and nonhuman transgenic animals which express DNA a normal or a mutant human Y5 receptor. This invention further provides methods for determining ligand binding, detecting expression, drug screening, and treatment involving the human Y5 receptor.

Abstract: Disclosed is the characterization and purification of DNA encoding numerous polypeptides useful for the stimulation of glial cell (particularly, Schwann cell mitogenesis and treating glial cell tumors. Also disclosed are DNA sequences encoding novel polypeptides which may have use in stimulating glial cell mitogenesis and treating glial cell tumors. Methods for the synthesis, purification and testing of both known and novel polypeptides for their use as both therapeutic and diagnostic aids in the treatment of diseases involving glial cells are also provided. Methods are also provided for the use of these polypeptides for the preparation of antibody probes useful for both diagnostic and therapeutic use in diseases involving glial cells. The present invention is specifically directed to a method of using a secretable glial growth factor to induce acetycholine receptor synthesis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for isolating a novel receptor for .alpha.4 integrins such as VLA-4, that is distinct from VCAM-1 and from fibronectin. Isolated nucleic acids encoding the receptor and antibodies to the receptor are also provided. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treating disorders involving an undesirable inflammatory or immune response by administering the VLA-4 receptor of the invention.

Abstract: Mammalian Interleukin-4 receptor proteins, DNAs and expression vectors encoding mammalian IL-4 receptors, and processes for producing mammalian IL-4 receptors as products of cell culture, are disclosed. A method for suppressing an IL-4-dependent immune or inflammatory response in a mammal, including a human, by administering an effective amount of soluble IL-4 receptor (sIL-4R) and a suitable diluent or carrier.

Abstract: This invention relates to E2 trans-activation repressors which interfere with normal functioning of the native full-length E2 transcriptional activation protein of the papillomavirus. This invention also relates to DNA sequences and recombinant DNA molecules encoding such repressors, unicellular hosts transformed with such DNA molecules, and processes for producing and using such repressors. Native full-length E2 trans-activation protein activates transcription of papillomavirus only through binding to DNA, and it binds to DNA only in the form of a pre-formed homodimer--a pair of identical polypeptide subunits held together by non-covalent interactions. The E2 trans-activation repressors of this invention are proteins, polypeptides or other molecules that dimerize with full-length native E2 polypeptides to form inactive heterodimers, thus interfering with the formation of active homodimers comprising full-length native E2 polypeptides, thereby repressing papillomavirus transcription and replication.

Abstract: Isolated DNAs encoding the human P.sub.2U receptor are disclosed, along with vectors and host cells containing the same and methods of using the same. Host cells which are essentially free of endogenous P.sub.2U receptor expression, and which express a heterologous P.sub.2U receptor such as a murine P.sub.2U receptor, are also disclosed, along with methods of using the same.

Abstract: A ligand-mediated immunofunctional assay (LIFA) method for detecting the presence and the concentration of polypeptide hormone binding proteins which comprises capturing the binding protein with a solid phase bound first antibody, saturating the bound hormone binding protein with the ligand polypeptide hormone, and detecting the bound ligand polypeptide hormone with a detectably labeled second antibody specific for the ligand polypeptide hormone. In the absence of added saturating polypeptide hormone, the LIFA measures the amount of hormone binding protein bound to the endogenous ligand polypeptide hormone. A growth hormone binding protein assay illustrates the method of the present invention. LIFA assay results indicate that increased binding protein substantially increases growth hormone activity. Methods of use and formulations of growth hormone binding protein, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin-like growth factor binding protein are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleic acids encoding vespid venom enzymes, or fragments thereof, recombinant vectors comprising such nucleic acids, and host cells containing the recombinant vectors. The invention is further directed to expression of such nucleic acids to produce recombinant vespid venom enzymes, or recombinant fragments, derivatives or analogs thereof. Such recombinant products are useful for diagnosis of allergy and for therapeutic treatment of allergy. In specific embodiments, the present invention provides nucleic acids encoding, and complete nucleotide and amino acids sequences for, vespid venom phospholipase, for example, Dolichovespula maculata phospholipase and Vespula vulgaris phospholipase, and vespid venom hyaluronidase, for example, Dolichovespula maculata hyaluronidase.

Abstract: New chimeric proteins, DNA encoding the same, and the use of these proteins in stimulating immunity against respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, including shipping fever pneumonia, are disclosed. The chimeric proteins include at least one epitope of an RTX cytotoxin fused to an active fragment of a cytokine. The chimeric proteins can be used in a vaccine composition. Also disclosed are methods of vaccination as well as methods of making the proteins employed in the vaccines.

Abstract: Recombinant fusion proteins which comprise a biologically active polypeptide portion and metal chelating peptide are disclosed. The fusion proteins contain metal chelating peptides which have at least three and preferably six alternating histidine residues. Fusion proteins which contain metal chelating peptides that are substrates for dipeptidylpeptidase I are also disclosed. Additionally, a method of obtaining desired polypeptides by producing recombinant fusion proteins and purifying them with immobilized metal ions is disclosed. A kit for purifying desired polypeptides is also disclosed.

Abstract: Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) receptor binding has been characterized using a unique binding assay utilizing iodinated GHRH probes. Photoaffinity GHRH probes have been constructed which allow for photolabeling and characterization of the receptor. In addition, high affinity biotinylated GHRH analogs have been constructed. Solubilization of GHRH-R/GHRH complexes and extraction of specifically bound GHRH using a mild detergent solution, followed by affinity chromotography, leads to a substantially purified GHRH-R isolate. Electrophoretic treatment of the GHRH-R isolate produces GHRH-R of sufficient purity to conduct sequencing of the receptor. Cloning of a gene encoding for polypeptides (protein or fragments thereof) having GHRH-R activity is accomplished using a bacterial host, and the cloned gene is expressed in a mammalian cell line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid encoding a fusion protein, comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding the protective antigen (PA) binding domain of the native lethal factor (LF) protein and a nucleotide sequence encoding an activity inducing domain of a second protein. Also provided is a nucleic acid encoding a fusion protein, comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding the translocation domain and LF binding domain of the native PA protein and a nucleotide sequence encoding a ligand domain which specifically binds a cellular target. Proteins encoded by the nucleic acid of the invention, vectors comprising the nucleic acids and hosts capable of expressing the protein encoded by the nucleic acids are also provided. A composition comprising the PA binding domain of the native LF protein chemically attached to a non-LF activity inducing moiety is further provided. A method for delivering an activity to a cell is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions of and methods for obtaining epsilon opioid receptor polypeptides. The invention relates as well to polynucleotides encoding epsilon opioid receptor polypeptides, the recombinant vectors carrying those sequences, the recombinant host cells including either the sequences or vectors, and recombinant opioid receptor polypeptides. The invention includes as well, methods for using the isolated, recombinant receptor polypeptide in assays designed to select and improve substances capable of interacting with epsilon opioid receptor polypeptides for use in diagnostic, drug design and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A procedure for the preparation of the solubilized and purified gastrin releasing peptide receptor, in an active form, from a gastrin releasing peptide receptor source such as Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts.

Abstract: Bile acids are absorbed from the small intestine by an passive and an active mechanism. The active mechanism involves a Na.sup.+ /bile acid cotransporter. A cDNA encoding the ileal bile acid cotransporter has been isolated and sequenced. The amino acid sequence of the cotransporter protein is also disclosed. The renal bile acid cotransporter is also shown to be identical to the ileal cotransporter. The cotransporter disclosed herein will have use in treatment of hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, heart disease and liver disease. In addition, methods of screening man made and naturally occurring substances for the discovery of new bile acid transport inhibitors and activators and methods of detecting mutations in human ileal/renal bile acid transporter genes are disclosed.

Abstract: Isolated, substantially pure mammalian brain-derived membrane-associated CRF-binding proteins and biologically active fragments thereof are provided as well as isolated and purified DNA fragments which encode the CRF binding proteins or biologically active fragments thereof or homologs of other mammalian species. By administering an amount of such CRF binding protein or a fragment thereof effective to modulate receptor activation, it is possible to modulate the action of CRF upon (a) the brain and nervous system, (b) the pituitary particularly for production of ACTH, beta endorphin and cortisol, (c) sites of inflammation, (d) the placenta, (e) the adrenal glands, (f) the gonads or (g) the gastrointestinal tract. Administration of an N-terminal fragment of the protein increases the binding site density for CRF and thus modulates its biological effect in vivo.

Abstract: Extended forms of beta subunits of human glycoproteins wherein the amino acid sequence of a carboxy terminal peptide (CTP) representing positions from about 112-118 to 145 of the human CG-beta subunit or a variant form thereof is appended to the C-terminus are disclosed. Recombinant materials for the production of these extended human glycoprotein beta subunits and production of the modified hormones containing the extended beta subunits are also described. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the modified forms of these hormones are useful in pharmacological applications analogous to those of the unmodified forms.