Abstract: The present invention relates to new recombinant DNA-molecules comprising nucleotide sequences of S. dysgalactiae encoding for at least one protein or polypeptide having fibronectin binding property.

Abstract: An acid-labile protein is described that, when incubated with the 53-Kd acid-stable protein occupied by IGF, converts it to a high molecular weight complex, corresponding to the in vivo form of IGF. This protein is called the acid-labile subunit (ALS) of IGF binding protein complex and is provided in biologically pure form. ALS is useful in treating wounds and promoting cellular growth. The nucleic acid encoding ALS, antibodies binding thereto, and fragments thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining whether a test protein is capable of interacting with a nuclear hormone receptor protein. The method involves: (a) providing a host cell which contains (i) a reporter gene operably linked to a protein binding site; (ii) a first fusion gene which expresses a first fusion protein, the first fusion protein including a nuclear hormone receptor protein covalently bonded to a binding moiety which is capable of specifically binding to the protein binding site; and (iii) a second fusion gene which expresses a second fusion protein, the second fusion protein including the test protein covalently bonded to a weak gene activating moiety; and (b) determining whether the test protein increases expression of the reporter gene as an indication of its ability to interact with the nuclear hormone receptor protein. Such an interaction may be hormone dependent, hormone independent, or hormone sensitive.

Abstract: Short-chain peptides replicating fragments of functional domains derived from LFA-1 and ICAM-1 parent protein sequences serve to modulate the ICAM/LFA binding interaction. In one aspect of the invention, this modulation serves to block interprotein binding reactivity, as a peptide of the invention binds to a target protein in a manner that precludes the normal binding reaction between ICAM-1 and LFA-1. In another aspect of the invention, this modulation enhances the reactivity of a first peptide, as a second peptide induces a conformational change in the target protein from a first conformation to a second, more reactive, conformation. The peptides are used according to a method including the steps of providing the proteins and applying them to a population of cells.

Abstract: Attachment enhanced human embryonic kidney cells, 293, are provided. These cells have been modified to contain a selected mammalian scavenger gene, which has been found to improve the ability of these cells to attach in culture. The improved cells of the invention are useful in assays in which the unmodified 293 cells could be used.

Abstract: The three-dimensional structure of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) has been determined by X-ray crystallography and the coordinates of the individual atoms are presented. Analogues of hCG and other glycoprotein hormones sharing a similar .alpha.-subunit structure are produced by inputting chemical changes to the structure into a computer loaded with three-dimensional molecular simulation software and representing visually on a computer display. The three-dimensional structures of the original glycoprotein and the chemically modified analogues are compared, and those analogues wherein the three-dimensional configuration and spatial arrangement of regions involved in receptor binding and signal transduction remain substantially preserved are selected for synthesis by molecular biology techniques and screening for biological activity. Glycoprotein analogues with additional glycosylation sites, and deletion of non-essential hairpins are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human membrane protein (NHMP1) and polynucleotides which identify and encode NHMP1. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding NHMP1 and a method for producing NHMP1. The invention also provides for agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding NHMP1, and their use, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of NHMP1. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding NHMP1 for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of NHMP1. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding NHMP1.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of the human alpha interferon receptor and of non human host cells which express said receptor, to identify alpha interferon agonists.

Abstract: The vascula 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: A DNA sequence encoding a novel human growth factor receptor referred to as a type III receptor tyrosine kinase is described. The amino acid sequence of the receptor is also described. The receptor has a sequence which is similar to that of the kinase domains of known type III receptor tyrosine kinases, but which is unique in its kinase insert domain sequence. The receptor binds specifically to the vascular endothelial cell growth factor.

Abstract: A human basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) protein analog wherein the cysteine at positions 78 and 96 is replaced by serine, and said analog exhibits the biological activity of native, human basic FGF.The DNA sequences encoding analogs of human acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors (FGF) can be recombinantly expressed to obtain practical amounts of proteins useful in effecting both pathologies related to persistent angiogenesis and wound healing and related tissue repair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the different roles inorganic ion receptors have in cellular and body processes. The present invention features: (1) molecules which can modulate one or more inorganic ion receptor activities, preferably the molecule can mimic or block an effect of an extracellular ion on a cell having an inorganic ion receptor, more preferably the extracellular ion is Ca.sup.2+ and the effect is on a cell having a calcium receptor; (2) inorganic ion receptor proteins and fragments thereof, preferably calcium receptor proteins and fragments thereof; (3) nucleic acids encoding inorganic ion receptor proteins and fragments thereof, preferably calcium receptor proteins and fragments thereof; (4) antibodies and fragments thereof, targeted to inorganic ion receptor proteins, preferably calcium receptor protein; and (5) uses of such molecules, proteins, nucleic acids and antibodies.

Abstract: A human DNA Ligase III polypeptide and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptide and a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptide via gene therapy for the treatment of disorders associated with a defect in DNA Ligase III. Antagonists against such polypeptides and their use as a therapeutic to destroy unwanted cells are also disclosed. Diagnostic assays to detect mutant DNA Ligase III genes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transmembrane water channel protein is isolated in highly purified form from human erythrocytes. An identical protein is also found in kidney tubules. cDNA encoding this protein has been isolated and its amino acid sequence determined. cDNA encoding a transmembrane water channel protein has also been obtained from salivary gland, and an identical protein is found in lacrimal gland, cornea, and lung tissue. The amino acid sequence of the protein has been deduced from the cDNA, and the protein has been designated Aquaporin-5. Using the nucleic acid or protein sequence provided herein, the protein may be produced by recombinant DNA techniques. Expression of the protein may be determined by either immunoassay or in situ hybridization assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sequences of the serrate amino acid sequence as well as fragments thereof, and fragments which retain binding activity are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates, inter alia, to the ERF gene and to the products encoded by this gene. More particularly, the present invention relates to DNA sequences encoding ERF and AERF; polypeptides encoded by such DNA sequences; ERF chimeric molecules; and methods of using ERF and ERF chimeric molecules to reduce tumorigenicity in a tumor cell.

Abstract: Disclosed are (1) a human parathyroid hormone mutein which comprises at least one modification selected from the group consisting of (i) deletion of 3 to 6 amino acid residues on the N-terminal side in the amino acid sequence of human parathyroid hormones, (ii) substitution of another lipophilic amino acid residue for at least one methionine residue in the amino acid sequence, and (iii) substitution of a cysteine residue for one amino acid residue within the region of amino acid residue Nos. 34 to 47 in the amino acid sequence; (2) a recombinant DNA having a nucleotide sequence coding for the human parathyroid hormone mutein described in (1); (3) a vector containing the recombinant DNA described in (2); (4) a vector in which the recombinant DNA described in (2) is inserted into a region controlled by an E.

Abstract: The present invention provides EppA polypeptide, a Borrelia burgdorferi virulence protein. This 17-kD outer membrane protein has been designated EppA for exported plasmid protein A.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated and purified proteins, such as calreticulin and mimetics of calreticulin, for a novel use of modulating hormone responsiveness. These proteins are useful in gene therapy and in manufacturing pharmaceuticals for treating a variety of diseases, including cancer, osteoporosis and chronic inflammatory disease. The proteins include or bind to an amino acid KXFFYR.sup.1 R ?SEQ ID NO.:1!, wherein X is G, A or V and wherein X.sup.1 is K or R. This sequence is present in the DNA-binding domain, and is critical for the DNA binding activity, of a variety of hormone receptors, including glucocorticoid receptor, minerolcorticoid receptor, androgen receptor, progesterone receptor, estrogen receptor, retinoic acid receptor, thyroid hormone receptor and vitamin D receptor. Proteins which bind to this sequence may inhibit hormone receptor induced gene transcription. Proteins which include this sequence may promote hormone receptor induced gene transcription.

Abstract: A novel mammalian cytokine, IL-11, and processes for producing it are disclosed. IL-11 may be used in pharmaceutical preparations for stimulating and/or enhancing cells involved in the immune response and cells involved in the proper functioning of the hematopoietic system.