Abstract: This invention provides methods and reagents for developing naturally-occurring and synthetic agonists and antagonists specific for a mammalian melanocortin receptor, and the use of such agonists and antagonists for treatment and alleviation of dysfunction and disease. The invention specifically provides reagents and methods for developing naturally-occurring and synthetic agonists and antagonists specific for a mammalian melanocortin receptor termed MC5-R. The naturally-occurring and synthetic agonists and antagonists specific for the MC5-R receptor are provided by the invention for the treatment, control, amelioration and alleviation of diseases, and dysfunctional and abnormal states related to thermoregulatory disorders, as well as other diseases relating to exocrine gland disorders, including lacrimal gland dysfunction and sebaceous gland disorders including acne and other skin problems.

Abstract: The invention relates to transgenic mammals characterized by 5-HT3 receptor over-expression in the central nervous system (CNS) . The mammals have particular utility as models for studying the role of 5-HT3 receptors in the CNS, especially for the study of reward pathways for alcohol and other substances of abuse.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel genes and methods for the screening of therapeutics useful for treating impaired glucose tolerance conditions, as well as diagnostics and therapeutic compositions for identifying or treating such conditions.

Abstract: Methods and compositions relating to chimeric genes containing (i) a tissue-specific promoter and (ii) a hypoxia response enhancer element, both of which are operably linked to a selected gene, such as a reporter gene, therapeutic gene (e.g., bcl-2, NOS, catalase and SOD), or deleterious gene are disclosed. Expression of the selected gene is enhanced in the target tissue under hypoxia conditions, such as conditions encountered during episodes of ischemia and reperfusion. The methods and compositions may be used as therapeutics and/or diagnostics.

Abstract: 4-Phenylbutyrate exerts many beneficial biological effects. It appears to induce the transcription of certain promoters, as well as having a remedial effect on proteins which are aberrantly localized within the cell. In addition, it appears to cause cells to developmentally differentiate. The present invention provides nanosphere formulations of 4-phenylbutyrate and other drugs which remediate defective protein localization intracellularly. These formulations permit lower concentrations of drugs to be administered, providing both cost and safety benefits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficient mice and the use of such mice as an animal model for dysfunctions associated with elevated adenosine levels. Also, provided by the present invention are methods of treating dysfunctions associated with elevated adenosine levels and methods of screening compounds for pharmaceutical activity in the treatment of dysfunctions associated with elevated adenosine levels.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for modulating hair by affecting the hedgehog protein signal transduction pathway. In one aspect, the invention provides a method for promoting hair or attenuating hair loss by stimulating the hedgehog protein signal transduction pathway. In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of retarding hair growth or promoting hair loss by antagonizing the hedgehog protein signal transduction pathway. The method can also be used to control hair pigmentation.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods for the inducible expression of a polypeptide, especially a polypeptide normally cytotoxic to the eukaryotic host cell in which it is to be expressed. A nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide of interest is operably linked to an inducible promoter (e.g, a promoter composed of a minimal promoter linked to multiple copies of tetO, the binding site for the tetracycline repressor (tetR) of the Escherichia coli tetracycline resistance operon Tn10). Expression from the inducible promoter is regulated by a multi-chimeric transactivating factor, composed of a first ligand-binding domain that negatively regulates transcription (e.g., a prokaryotic tetracycline repressor polypeptide), a transcriptional activation domain, and a second ligand-binding domain that positively regulates the transcriptional activation function of the transactivator (e.g., a ligand-binding domain of a steroid receptor, preferably an estrogen receptor (ER)).

Abstract: A a diagnostic test useful for prenatal identification of Down syndrome and mental retardation. A method for gene therapy for correction and treatment of Down syndrome. DYRK gene involved in the ability to learn. A method for diagnosing Down's syndrome and mental retardation and an assay therefor. A pharmaceutical composition for treatment of Down's syndrome mental retardation.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for modifying the mesothelial cells of a mammalian recipient in situ are provided. The methods include forming a mesothelial cell expression system in vivo or ex vivo and administering the expression system to the mammalian recipient (by way of the body cavities normally lined by mesothelial cells). The mesothelial cell expression system is useful for the localized and systemic delivery of therapeutic agents in situ.

Abstract: A method for the establishment and maintenance of colonies of Lepidoptera which are free of contamination with protozoa is provided. The colonies consists of individuals capable of breeding and producing viable, noncontaminated butterflies.