Abstract: The invention relates to a mutant bank of diploid micro-organisms which consists of a population of mutant cells in which at least one cell has a random mutation which disrupts the activity of at least one gene, wherein the micro-organism is inducible into haploid form. The invention further relates to a method of using the mutant bank to identify the genes which contribute to a chosen phenotype.

Abstract: An chimerical polypeptide that arrests proliferating cells in mitosis is provided. In general the polypeptide has an N-terminal transit peptide, such as HIV-1 Tat, and a C-terminal cell-cycle effector, such as a G2/M cyclin or a cytostatic factor. A polynucleotide under the control of a heterologous promoter that encodes a polypeptide that arrests cells in mitosis is also provided. The polynucleotide may, for example, encode a G2/M cyclin. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the agent that inhibits transit through mitosis is provided. A method of treating patients suffering from a hyperplasia, such as cancer, psoriasis or benign prostate hyperplasia is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polypeptides of human p53 that contain mutations. These mutations can be toxic mutations, supertransactivating mutations or tox-suppressor mutations. Further provided by the invention are methods of identifying toxic, supertransactivating, weak transactivating and tox-suppressor mutations as well as methods of identifying compounds that mimic the toxic, supertransactivating and tox-suppressor mutations in human p53. Also provided are methods of inducing toxicity in a cell by administering a polypeptide comprising a supertransactivating or a toxic mutation.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel, non-destructive and dynamic process for determining the cell cycle position of living cells. The invention also provides DNA constructs, and cell lines containing such constructs, that exhibit activation and deactivation of a detectable reporter molecule in a cell cycle specific manner. The invention thus allows greater precision in determining cell cycle phase status than existing techniques and further provides a method for continuous monitoring of cell cycle progression in individual cells.

Abstract: Plasmid genes from Micromonospora carbonacea var. africana ATCC39149 pMLP1 have been isolated cloned, sequenced and functionally identified. These genes have been used to create vectors which integrate in a site-specific manner into the host chromosome of actinomycete species.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing expression levels and secretion of heterologous fusion proteins in a host cell are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides random cDNA expression vector libraries, comprising expression vectors which comprise random cDNAs positioned in sense and antisense orientation, which are useful for the delivery and expression of a combination of genetic effector types to host cells. Methods for producing these libraries through bi-directional cloning of random cDNAs are also provided. Also provided herein are methods of using these libraries to screen for agents capable of modulating cell phenotype in desirable ways.

Abstract: The invention provides cells that produce increased levels of recombinant protein by modulating the activity of translational regulator gene products that are downstream targets of PKB alpha, methods of making such cells, and methods of using such cells. Such translational regulator gene products include 4E-BP1 and mTOR.