Abstract: Diagnostic methods and compositions associated with viral therapy are provided. In particular, methods, compositions, and kits to measure markers and therapeutic indicator predictive of viral efficacy in antitumor therapy are provided. Therapeutic viruses and combinations and kits for use in the practicing the methods also are provided.

Abstract: Provided are diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions containing a microorganism or a cell containing a DNA molecule encoding a detectable protein or a protein that a detectable signal, such as a luminescent or fluorescent protein. Methods of tumor targeting and tumor imaging using the microorganisms and cells are provided. Also provided are therapeutic methods in which the microorganisms and cells, which can encoded a therapeutic protein, such as a cytotoxic or cytostatic protein, are administered.

Abstract: Modified viruses encoding transporter proteins and methods for preparing the modified viruses are provided. Vaccines that contain the viruses are provided. The viruses also can be used in diagnostic methods, such detection and imaging of tumors. The viruses also can be used in methods of treatment of diseases, such as proliferative and inflammatory disorders, including as anti-tumor agents.

Abstract: Provided are diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions containing a microorganism or a cell containing a DNA molecule encoding a detectable protein or a protein that a detectable signal, such as a luminescent or fluorescent protein. Methods of tumor targeting and tumor imaging using the microorganisms and cells are provided. Also provided are therapeutic methods in which the microorganisms and cells, which can encoded a therapeutic protein, such as a cytotoxic or cytostatic protein, are administered.

Abstract: Provided are diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions containing a microorganism or a cell containing a DNA molecule encoding a detectable protein or a protein that a detectable signal, such as a luminescent or fluorescent protein. Methods of tumor targeting and tumor imaging using the microorganisms and cells are provided. Also provided are therapeutic methods in which the microorganisms and cells, which can encoded a therapeutic protein, such as a cytotoxic or cytostatic protein, are administered.

Abstract: Provided are diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions containing a microorganism or a cell containing a DNA molecule encoding a detectable protein or a protein that a detectable signal, such as a luminescent or fluorescent protein. Methods of tumor targeting and tumor imaging using the microorganisms and cells are provided. Also provided are therapeutic methods in which the microorganisms and cells, which can encoded a therapeutic protein, such as a cytotoxic or cytostatic protein, are administered.

Abstract: Modified or attenuated viruses and methods for preparing the modified viruses and modulating attenuation are provided. Vaccines that contain the viruses are provided. The viruses can be used in methods of treatment of diseases, such as proliferative and inflammatory disorders, including as anti-tumor agents. The viruses also can be used in diagnostic methods.

Abstract: Modified viruses and methods for preparing the modified viruses are provided. Vaccines that contain the viruses are provided. The viruses can be used in methods of treatment of diseases, such as proliferative and inflammatory disorders, including as anti-tumor agents. The viruses also can be used in diagnostic methods.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods and microorganisms therefor are provided. The microorganisms are designed to accumulate in immunoprivileged tissues and cells, such as in tumors and other proliferating tissue and in inflamed tissues, compared to other tissues, cells and organs, so that they exhibit relatively low toxicity to host organisms. The microorganisms also are designed or modified to result in leaky cell membranes of cells in which they accumulate, resulting in production of antibodies reactive against proteins and other cellular products and also permitting exploitation of proferating proliferating tissues, particularly tumors, to produce selected proteins and other products. Vaccines containing the microorganisms are provided. Combinations of the microorganisms and anti-cancer agents and uses thereof for treating cancer also are provided.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods and microorganisms therefor are provided. The microorganisms are designed to accumulate in immunoprivileged tissues and cells, such as in tumors and other proliferating tissue and in inflamed tissues, compared to other tissues, cells and organs, so that they exhibit relatively low toxicity to host organisms. The microorganisms also are designed or modified to result in leaky cell membranes of cells in which they accumulate, resulting in production of antibodies reactive against proteins and other cellular products and also permitting exploitation of proferating proliferating tissues, particularly tumors, to produce selected proteins and other products. Vaccines containing the microorganisms are provided. Combinations of the microorganisms and anti-cancer agents and uses thereof for treating cancer also are provided.

Abstract: Methods for preparing cell lines that contain artificial chromosomes, methods for preparation of artificial chromosomes, methods for purification of artificial chromosomes, methods for targeted insertion of heterologous DNA into artificial chromosomes, methods for amplification of nucleic acids and methods for delivery of the chromosomes to selected cells and tissues are provided. Also provided are cell lines for use in the methods, and cell lines and chromosomes produced by the methods. Methods for use of the artificial chromosomes are also provided.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods and microorganisms therefor are provided. The microorganisms are designed to accumulate in immunoprivileged tissues and cells, such as in tumors and other proliferating tissue and in inflamed tissues, compared to other tissues, cells and organs, so that they exhibit relatively low toxicity to host organisms. The microorganisms also are designed or modified to result in leaky cell membranes of cells in which they accumulate, resulting in production of antibodies reactive against proteins and other cellular products and also permitting exploitation of proferating proliferating tissues, particularly tumors, to produce selected proteins and other products. Vaccines containing the microorganisms are provided. Combinations of the microorganisms and anti-cancer agents and uses thereof for treating cancer also are provided.

Abstract: Methods for amplification of nucleic acids in cells are provided. Also provided are cells that contain the nucleic acids.

Abstract: Methods for amplification of nucleic acids in cells are provided. Also provided are cells that contain the nucleic acids.

Abstract: A method for the evaluation of a material to determine whether the material is susceptible to bacterial contamination or colonization comprising providing bacteria which are modified to produce a first detectable signal, exposing the material being evaluated to the bacteria and determining whether the first signal is present determining whether the first signal is present on the material or within the material.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods and microorganisms therefor are provided. The microorganisms are designed to accumulate in immunoprivileged tissues and cells, such as in tumors and other proliferating tissue and in inflamed tissues, compared to other tissues, cells and organs, so that they exhibit relatively low toxicity to host organisms. The microorganisms also are designed or modified to result in leaky cell membranes of cells in which they accumulate, resulting in production of antibodies reactive against proteins and other cellular products and also permitting exploitation of proferating proliferating tissues, particularly tumors, to produce selected proteins and other products. Vaccines containing the microorganisms are provided. Combinations of the microorganisms and anti-cancer agents and uses thereof for treating cancer also are provided.

Abstract: A method for the evaluation of a material to determine whether the material is susceptible to bacterial contamination or colonization comprising providing bacteria which are modified to produce a first detectable signal, exposing the material being evaluated to the bacteria and determining whether the first signal is present determining whether the first signal is present on the material or within the material.

Abstract: Described is the use of a microorganism or cell containing a DNA sequence encoding a detectable protein or a protein capable of inducing a detectable signal, e.g., a luminescent or fluorescent protein for the preparation of a diagnostic composition for diagnosis and/or visualization of wounded or inflamed tissue or a disease associated therewith. Moreover, therapeutic uses are described, wherein said microorganism or cell additionally contain an expressible DNA sequence encoding a protein suitable for therapy, e.g. an enzyme causing cell death or digestion of debris.

Abstract: Methods for preparing cell lines that contain artificial chromosomes, methods for preparation of artificial chromosomes, methods for purification of artificial chromosomes, methods for targeted insertion of heterologous DNA into artificial chromosomes, and methods for delivery of the chromosomes to selected cells and tissues are provided. Also provided are cell lines for use in the methods, and cell lines and chromosomes produced by the methods. Methods for use of the artificial chromosomes are also provided.

Abstract: Described are diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a microorganism or cell containing a DNA sequence encoding a detectable protein or a protein capable of inducing a detectable signal, e.g. a luminescent or fluorescent protein, and, in a particular embodiment, furthermore (a) DNA sequence(s) encoding (a) protein(s) suitable for tumor therapy and/or elimination of metastatic tumors, e.g. a cytotoxic or cytostatic protein.