Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules encoding human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha and beta subunits, mammalian and amphibian cells containing the nucleic acid molecules, and methods for producing alpha and beta subunits are provided. In particular, nucleic acid molecules encoding &agr;6 subunits and molecules encoding &bgr;3 subunits of human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are provided. In addition, combinations of a plurality of subunits, such as one or more of &agr;1, &agr;2, &agr;3, &agr;4, &agr;5, &agr;6 and/or &agr;7 subunits in combination with one or more of &bgr;3 subunits or such as one or more of &bgr;2, &bgr;3 and/or &bgr;4 subunits in combination with an &agr;6 subunit are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to the PrtR-PrtK cell surface protein of Porphyromonas gingivalis in particular a multimeric cell associated protein complex comprising the PrtR and PrtK proteins. There is provided a substantially purified antigenic complex for use in raising an antibody response directed against Porphyromonas gingivalis. The complex comprises at least one multimeric protein complex of arginine-specific and lysine-specific thiol endopeptidases each containing at least one adhesin domain. The complex has a molecular weight of greater than about 200 kDa. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and associated agents based on said complex for the detection, prevention and treatment of Periodontal disease associated with P. gingivalis.

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: Pantropic neurotrophic factors which have multiple neurotrophic specificities are provided. The pantropic neurotrophic factors of the present invention are useful in the treatment of neuronal disorders. Nucleic acids and expression vectors encoding the pantropic neurotrophins are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to human PGF polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides. Also provided is a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques, and antibodies and antagonist/inhibitors against such polypeptides. Also provided are methods of using such polypeptides therapeutically for treating prostate cancer, to promote tissue regeneration and to facilitate wound healing. Also provided is a diagnostic assay to detect prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel G-protein-coupled receptor proteins (CRF-R) characterized by having sufficient binding affinity for corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) such that concentrations of ≦10 nM of CRF occupy ≧50% of the binding sites of said receptor protein. Nucleic acid sequences encoding such receptors, assays employing same, as well as antibodies derived therefrom, are also disclosed. Invention CRF-Rs can be employed in a variety of ways, such as, for example, in bioassays, for production of antibodies thereto, in therapeutic compositions containing such proteins and/or antibodies.

Abstract: Agents which increase the levels of human insulin-like growth factor-1 binding protein (h-ICFBP-1), such as an estrogen, are used in conjunction with a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue in the treatment of PCOD and associated infertility.

Abstract: LERK-5 polypeptides are disclosed, along with DNA sequences, vectors and transformed host cells useful in producing LERK-5. The LERK-5 polypeptides bind to elk and to hek, which are members of the eph/elk family of receptor tyrosine kinases.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule which encodes a wildtype or mutated HOP-1. This invention also provides a purified wild-type HOP-1 protein or a purified mutated HOP-1 protein. This invention also provides a method for production of an antibody capable of binding to wild-type HOP-1 or mutated HOP-1 protein. This invention also provides an antibody capable of specifically binding to wild-type HOP-1 or mutated HOP-1. This invention also provides a transgenic animal comprising the isolated nucleic molecule encoding HOP-This invention also provides Caenorhabditis elegans mutants in the endogenous hop-1 gene and various method to produce such mutants. This invention also provides a method for identifying a compound which is capable of ameliorating Alzheimer's disease. This invention also provides a method for determining whether a compound is capable of ameliorating Alzheimer's disease. This invention also provides a method for producing suppressors of a hop-1 allele.

Abstract: Agents which increase the levels of human insulin-like growth factor—1 binding protein (h-IGFBP-1), such as an estrogen, are used in conjunction with a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue in the treatment of PCOD and associated infertility.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel G-protein-coupled receptor proteins (CRF-R) characterized by having sufficient binding affinity for corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) such that concentrations of 10 nM of CRF occupy 50% of the binding sites of said receptor protein. Nucleic acid sequences encoding such receptors, assays employing same, as well as antibodies derived therefrom, are also disclosed. Invention CRF-Rs can be employed in a variety of ways, such as, for example, in bioassays, for production of antibodies thereto, in therapeutic compositions containing such proteins and/or antibodies.

Abstract: Improved therapeutic uses for N-terminal BPI protein products are described in patients that have BPI-reactive anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies.

Abstract: LERK-5 polypeptides are disclosed, along with DNA sequences, vectors and transformed host cells useful in producing LERK-5. The LERK-5 polypeptides bind to elk and to hek, which are members of the eph/elk family of receptor tyrosine kinases.

Abstract: The present application relates to nucleotide sequences which regulate the biosynthesis of the flagella proteins Helicobacter pylori, to the proteins encoded by these sequences and to aflagellate bacterial strains. The invention also relates to the use of these means for detecting an infection due to H . pylori or for protecting against such an infection.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compounds and compositions and uses thereof, including the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections are described. The compounds and compositions include lantibiotic polypeptides and the nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides. The compounds and compositions are useful as antimicrobials in antibiotic pharmaceutical preparation and as an antimicrobial or antiseptic dentifrice.

Abstract: Disclosed is human lactoferrin clone, its method of production and purification.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide sequences encoding the &agr;4 and &dgr; subunits of the human GABAA receptor, preparations of &agr;4 and &dgr; receptor subunit proteins, preparations of receptors including &agr;4 or &dgr; polypeptides, expression vectors including the nucleotide sequences, stably co-transfected eukaryotic cells and methods of their preparation and methods of screening for and designing medicaments which act upon the GABAA receptor.

Abstract: A highly conserved active site helix present within the P-450 superfamily of proteins is found also in monoamine oxidase (MAO) B, a major enzyme that catalyzes deamination of neuro- and vaso-active amines in the nervous system of mammals. Mutation within the conserved region of the MAO B enzyme directly reduces MAO B's activity and alters its pH profile, which allows for indirect regulation of the cellular neurotransmitters and vasoamines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a purified retinal pigmented epithelium derived neurotrophic factor composition and a method for purifying such a retinal pigmented epithelium neurotrophic factor. The present invention also relates to a recombinant DNA molecule comprising a gene encoding a retinal pigmented epithelium derived neurotrophic factor having the DNA sequence or the amino acid sequence in SEQ ID NO:1 and to an organism transformed with the recombinant DNA molecule. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of treating tumors, ocular diseases, nerve injuries, and conditions resulting from the activity of serine proteases, which comprises administering PEDF.

Abstract: This invention relates to the method of using neurotrophic cyclophilin inhibitor compounds having an affinity for cyclophilin-type immunophilins as inhibitors of the enzyme activity associated with immunophilin proteins, and particularly inhibitors of peptidyl-prolyl isomerase or rotamase enzyme activity.