Abstract: The present invention concerns the discovery that proteins encoded by a family of vertebrate genes, termed here hedgehog-related genes, comprise morphogenic signals produced by embryonic patterning centers, and are involved in the formation of ordered spatial arrangements of differentiated tissues in vertebrates. The present invention makes available compositions and methods that can be utilized, for example to generate and/or maintain an array of different vertebrate tissue both in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: Methods for producing secreted receptor analogs and biologically active peptide dimers are disclosed. The methods for producing secreted receptor analogs and biologically active peptide dimers utilize a DNA sequence encoding a receptor analog or a peptide requiring dimerization for biological activity joined to a dimerizing protein. The receptor analog includes a ligand-binding domain. Polypeptides comprising essentially the extracellular domain of a human PDGF receptor fused to dimerizing proteins, the portion being capable of binding human PDGF or an isoform thereof, are also disclosed. The polypeptides may be used within methods for determining the presence of and for purifying human PDGF or isoforms thereof.

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: The present invention provides polynucleotides which identify and encode a novel human proteolipid (PLHu). The invention provides for genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding PLHu. The invention also provides for the use of substantially purified PLHu and its agonists in the commercial production of recombinant proteins for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of PLHu. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to PLHu in the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of PLHu. The invention also describes diagnostic assays which utilize diagnostic compositions comprising the polynucleotides which hybridize with naturally occurring sequences encoding PLHu and antibodies which specifically bind to the protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase protein or glycoprotein, termed RPTP.sigma. (also known as RPTPase-.sigma.), DNA coding therefor, antibodies specific for the protein or glycoprotein, methods for production and identification of the protein, methods for detection of nucleic acid encoding the protein, and methods for screening compounds capable of binding to and either inhibiting or stimulating RPTP.sigma. phosphatase activity.

Abstract: A method of obstructing the lacrimal canaliculi by infusing therein a solution or liquid dispersion containing a gel forming material, such having collagen as the main ingredient in the range of 1 mg/ml to 70 mg/ml for improving the symptoms of dry eye.

Abstract: DNA isolates coding for the lymphocyte homing receptor and methods of obtaining such DNA are provided, together with expression systems for recombinant production of the lymphocyte homing receptor useful in therapeutic or diagnostic compositions.

Abstract: Method for detecting thrombin-induced cell activation via a system of detection capable of determining the presence of the cleaved peptide fragment of the thrombin receptor are provided. These methods are used in diagnosing and treating a pre-thrombotic state or thrombotic disorder in a patient. Detection kits to be used with this method are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polynucleotide PTEC (prostate expressed chemokine) isolated from a prostate cDNA library which identifies and encodes a novel human rantes homolog PTEC (prostate expressed chemokine). The invention provides for genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding PTEC. The invention also provides for the therapeutic use of purified PTEC in the treatment of immune deficiency diseases, and for the therapeutic use of antisense molecules, antibodies, antagonists or inhibitors in the treatment of conditions or diseases associated with the expression of PTEC. The invention also describes diagnostic assays which utilize diagnostic compositions comprising the polynucleotide, or fragments thereof, or antibodies which specifically bind to the polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the protection of active reinforcements embedded in a concrete mass against the effects of oxidation, said reinforcements being possibly in the form of a bunch of cables or strands arranged in a sheath, providing also the possibility to detect imperfections of the injection grout such as voids or porosity, wherein at least one channel is first drilled in the concrete mass opening in front of the reinforcements which have to be protected, whereafter a corrosion inhibiting solution is injected into the said channel while applying a high power pulsating wave to the said solution to make it penetrate and each channel is occluded.

Abstract: The invention provides a human zinc RING protein (ZIRI) and polynucleotides which identify and encode ZIRI. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of ZIRI.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid encoding a growth factor receptor binding protein-insulin receptor isoform, protein obtainable from the nucleic acid, recombinant host cells transformed with the nucleic acid and use of the protein and nucleic acid sequence are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel chimeric proliferation receptor proteins and DNA sequences encoding these proteins where the chimeric proteins are characterized in three general categories. In one category, the novel chimeric proteins comprise at least three domains, namely, an extracellular inducer-responsive clustering domain capable of binding an extracellular inducer that transmits a signal to a proliferation signaling domain, a transmembrane domain and a proliferation signaling domain that signals a host cell to divide. In the second category, the novel chimeric proteins comprise at least two domains, namely, an intracellular inducer-responsive clustering domain capable of binding an intracellular inducer and a proliferation signaling domain that signals the cell to divide.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid encoding a CD2 Associated Intracellular Protein (CAIP) and uses thereof.

Abstract: A colony stimulating factor, CSF-1, is a lymphokine useful in treating or preventing bacterial, viral or fungal infections, neoplasms, leukopenia, wounds, and in overcoming the immunosuppression induced by chemotherapy or resulting from other causes. CSF-1 is obtained in usable amounts by recombinant methods, including cloning and expression of the murine and human DNA sequences encoding this protein.

Abstract: DNA encoding human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha and beta subunits, mammalian and amphibian cells containing said DNA, methods for producing alpha and beta subunits and recombinant (i.e., isolated or substantially pure) alpha subunits (specifically .alpha..sub.4 and .alpha..sub.7) and beta subunits (specifically .beta..sub.4) are provided. In addition, combinations of subunits (i.e., .alpha..sub.1, .alpha..sub.2, .alpha..sub.3, .alpha..sub.4, and/or .alpha..sub.7 subunits in combination with .beta..sub.4 subunits; or .beta..sub.2, .beta..sub.3 and/or .beta..sub.4 subunits in combination with .alpha..sub.4 and/or .beta..sub.7 subunits) are provided.

Abstract: Coiled-coil molecular recognition is a primary mode of subunit assembly in a large variety of naturally occurring macromolecular complexes. Here we report the use of coiled-coil mediated solution assembly to form a stable, heteromeric complex of Interleukin-2 receptor ectodomains that binds IL-2 cooperatively and with an affinity approaching the comparable cell surface complex. Cross-linking of homomeric or heteromeric receptor subunits is the common signal transmission mechanism employed by hematopoietin receptors. Individual receptor ectodomains, however, often do not bind ligand with measurable affinity. The claimed invention is useful for coiled-coil mediated assembly of receptor complexes for solution analysis. It also shows that hetero-oligomeric complexes can be formed using a leucine zipper domain.

Abstract: The present invention provides fibronectin self-assembly sites. The invention provides a set of polypeptides derived from the first type III repeat of fibronectin which contain a fibronectin-fibronectin binding site. These polypeptides have been used to obtain a second set of polypeptides derived from the C-terminal type I repeats which contain a second fibronectin-fibronectin binding site which interacts with the first type III repeat of fibronectin. These polypeptides are capable of inhibiting fibronectin matrix assembly by interfering with fibronectin-fibronectin binding. These polypeptides are also capable of enhancing fibronectin matrix assembly and inducing disulfide cross-linking of fibronectin molecules in vitro. In addition, these polypeptides are capable of inhibiting migration of tumor cells. The polypeptides of the present invention have a number of related uses as well.

Abstract: Disclosed are polypeptide analogues of human C5a which are C5a receptor antagonists that exhibit substantially no analphylatoxin or agonist activity, and derivatives of the analogues, and dimeric forms of the analogues or derivatives. DNA molecules encoding the polypeptides and methods of making the analogues are also provided. Pharmaceutical formulations containing a C5a analogue, are used therapeutically in the treatment of C5a-mediated diseases and inflammatory conditions in mammals, and prophylactically to prevent or reduce inflammation caused by an event which causes inflammation or aggravates an existing inflammatory condition, respectively. Further disclosed are antibodies specific to the C5a analogues, derivatives thereof, and dimers of the analogues and derivatives which exhibit substantially no cross-reactivity with human C5a. The antibodies are used to detect or quantify circulating C5a analogue or derivative, as well as to modify, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and compositions related to the administration of connective tissue growth factor, alone or in combination with other growth factors, compositions or compounds, to induce the formation of connective tissue, including bone, cartilage, and the skin.