Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided which encode Fkhsf, as well as mutant forms thereof. Also provided are expression vectors suitable for expressing such nucleic acid molecules, and host cells containing such expression vectors. Utilizing assays based upon the nucleic acid sequences disclosed herein (as well as mutant forms thereof), numerous molecules may be identified which modulate the immune system.

Abstract: Disclosed is substantially pure DNA encoding mammalian IAP polypeptides; substantially pure polypeptides; and methods of using such DNA to express the IAP polypeptides in cells and animals to inhibit apoptosis. Also disclosed are conserved regions characteristic of the IAP family and primers and probes for the identification and isolation of additional IAP genes. In addition, methods for treating diseases and disorders involving apoptosis are provided.

Abstract: A rat ganglioside GM1-specific &agr;1→2fucosyltransferase is disclosed. Nucleotide sequences of a rat ganglioside GM1-specific &agr;1→2fucosyltransferase, amino acid sequences of its encoded protein (including peptide or polypeptide), and derivatives thereof are described. Also described are fragments (and derivatives and analogs thereof) which comprise a domain of rat ganglioside GM1-specific &agr;1→2fucosyltransferase with catalytic activity. Methods of production of rat ganglioside GM1-specific &agr;1→2fucosyltransferase and derivatives and analogs thereof (e.g. by recombinant means) are provided. Methods of inhibiting the function of rat ganglioside GM1-specific &agr;1→2fucosyltransferase (e.g. by means of antisense RNA) are provided. Methods of commercial scale use of the rat ganglioside GM1-specific &agr;1→2fucosyltransferase in the production of fucosyl-saccharide compositions are described. Applications of these compositions, e.g.

Abstract: Gene therapy can treat obesity in mammals. An obesity regulating gene is delivered to a mammal. Preferably, the gene encodes leptin or a leptin receptor. The protein which is delivered and expressed in vivo is more effective than protein which is injected into the animal.

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: The present invention relates to C. elegans insulin-like genes and methods for identifying insulin-like genes. The methods provide nucleotide sequences of C. elegans insulin-like genes, amino acid sequences of their encoded proteins, and derivatives (e.g., fragments) and analogs thereof. The invention further relates to fragments (and derivatives and analogs thereof) of insulin-like proteins which comprise one or more domains of an insulin-like protein. Antibodies to an insulin-like protein, and derivatives and analogs thereof, are provided. Methods of production of an insulin-like protein (e.g., by recombinant means), and derivatives and analogs thereof, are provided. Further, methods to identify the biological function of a C. elegans insulin-like gene are provided, including various methods for the functional modification (e.g., overexpression, underexpression, mutation, knock-out) of one or more genes simultaneously. Still further, methods to identify a C.

Abstract: Described are nucleic acid molecules encoding proteins mediating the adhesion of bacteria of the genus Neisseria to human cells. Also described are the proteins encoded by these nucleic acid molecules and antibodies directed against them. Furthermore, pharmaceutical compositions, vaccines and diagnostic compositions containing the nucleic acid molecules, proteins and/or antibodies are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to combined preparation containing as active substance the following individual components, in the form of a kit-of-parts: monocyte derived cells, particularly cytotoxic macrophages, chemotherapy or immunotherapy drugs, for the simultaneous, separate or sequential use, for the treatment of cancer or infectious diseases.

Abstract: Methods for the expansion of CD4, CD8, and DP T-cells from HIV infected patients are disclosed which allow the maintenance of low levels of HIV. The invention further discloses methods for the inhibition of HIV gene expression. Also disclosed are methods for the rapid and efficient screening of cells derived from HIV-infected patients to assess the suitability of various antiviral treatments. The invention further provides a means for the generation of cell banks for use in immune reconstitution and means of treating or modifying expanded cell populations prior to infusion to enhance or modulate therapeutic effectiveness.

Abstract: Rev-caspases comprising a primary product in which the small subunit is N-terminal to the large subunit are provided. Rev-caspases are used for screening and identifying caspase inhibitors and enhancers. Rev-caspase genes can be delivered to cells for gene therapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to neublastin neurotrophic factor polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding neublastin polypeptides, and antibodies that bind specifically to neublastin polypeptides, as well as methods of making and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Non-human animals that have been manipulated so as not to express a functional p19INK4d and p27KIP1 proteins are described. One particular non-human animal exemplified is a p19INK4d-double null, p27KIP1-double null mouse. Such knockout mice exhibit bradykinesia, proprioceptive abnormalities, seizure-like activity, and generally die 14-24 days after birth. In addition, mammalian cells having the p19INK4d-double null, p27KIP1-double null genotype are characterized. Methods of making and using the non-human knockout animals and cells are disclosed.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a gene expression vector which is obtained by inserting a gene encoding sarcoglycan into an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector. By administering the gene expression vector of the present invention to a living body in vivo, a sarcoglycan can be continuously expressed in the living body, so that the restoration of &agr;-, &bgr;-, &ggr;- and &dgr;-sarcoglycan components can be accompanied and the heart function of the patient of dilated cardiomyopathy can be improved.

Abstract: The invention provides TCCV-1 or TCCV-2 from human, reagents related thereto including polynucleotides encoding TCCV-1 or TCCV-2, purified polypeptides, and specific antibodies. Methods of making and using these reagents, in particular, methods for screening compounds which modulate TCCV-1 or TCCV-2 activity are provided. Also provided are methods of diagnosis and kits.

Abstract: Transgenic mice are constructed by binding the “hHB-EGF/DTR” gene to the downstream of an albumin enhancer/promoter that is expressed specifically in hepatic parenchymal cells and introducing this unit into mice. After the “hHB-EGF/DTR” gene has been confirmed to be expressed specifically in hapatic cells, diphtehria toxin is administered to the transgenic mice to examine whether the hepatic parenchymal cells are disrupted. The hepatic cells of the transgenic mice can be selectively dirupted depending on the administration period of the diphtheria toxin.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to synthetic genes for modifying endogenous gene expression in a cell, tissue or organ of a transgenic organism, in particular a transgenic animal or plant. More particularly, the present invention provides novel synthetic genes and genetic constructs which are capable of repressing delaying or otherwise reducing the expression of an endogenous gene or a target gene in an organism when introduced thereto.

Abstract: The invention provides a transgenic non-human animal expressing a perlecan encoding transgene. Also provided is a double-transgenic non-human animal expressing a perlecan and a amyloid encoding transgene. A method of screening for a compound which alters the rate or extent of amyloid deposition is additionally provided. The method consists of: (a) constructing a perlecan transgenic animal; (b) administering an effective amount of a test compound to said perlecan transgenic animal; and (c) determining whether said test compound alters the extent or rate of amyloid deposition. Finally, the invention provides a method of screening for a compound which alters the rate or extent of amyloid deposition. The method consists of: (a) constructing a perlecan/amyloid double-transgenic animal; (b) administering an effective amount of a test compound to said perlecan/amyloid double-transgenic animal; and (c) determining whether said test compound alters the extent or rate of amyloid deposition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to capsules encapsulating cytochrome P450 producing cells and cytochrome P450 producing retroviral packaging cells. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the treatment of cancer or any other relevant disease with said capsules and to the use of said capsules for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for said treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an animal model of cancer. The animal carries a tumor xenograft and is immunosuppressed by administration of cyclosporin and ketoconazole. The model is useful for studying cancer and treatment thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides Drosophila melanogaster p70S6K, as well as nucleic acids encoding this kinase. The sequence of Drosophila p70S6K and the gene encoding it are represented in SEQ ID No. 2 and 1 respectively. The invention moreover provides mutated forms of Drosophila p70S6K, including constitutively active and dominant negative forms thereof, which are useful in the study of p70S6K activity. Furthermore, the invention provides expression systems which produce Drosophila p70S6K in Drosophila and other organisms, and in particular systems in which expression of Drosophila p70S6K has been modulated so as to facilitate the study of its activity.