Abstract: The present invention relates in general to compositions, processes and apparatus for imaging, and in particular for preparation, collection and processing of images of atherosclerotic plaques, including images obtained from X-ray microscopic computed tomography.

Abstract: The present invention provides an animal toxicity model that can be used to screen agents that may cause or increase the occurrence of a developmental defect. The invention also provides methods and compositions for creating such an animal toxicity model, as well as methods and kits for using these animal models.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to compositions, processes and apparatus for imaging, and in particular for improved preparation, collection and processing of images of specimens that include cartilage, particularly specimens of intact or disarticulated joints. Images of specimens according to the present invention include images obtained from X-ray microscopic computed tomography.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to compositions, processes and apparatus for imaging, and in particular for preparation, collection and processing of images of atherosclerotic plaques, including images obtained from X-ray microscopic computed tomography.

Abstract: The present invention provides an animal toxicity model that can be used to screen agents that may cause or increase the occurrence of a developmental defect. The invention also provides methods and compositions for creating such an animal toxicity model, as well as methods and kits for using these animal models.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel transcription control elements, including promoters, derived from angiogenesis-related genes, particularly the mouse VEGF gene, the mouse VEGFR-2 receptor gene, and the mouse Tie2 gene. Also disclosed are isolated polynucleotides comprising such promoters, as well as nucleic acid constructs comprising such promoters operatively linked to genes encoding a gene product, such as, a reporter, a protein, polypeptide, hormone, ribozyme, or antisense RNA, and to recombinant cells and transgenic animals comprising such nucleic acid constructs. The present invention further relates to screening methods using those recombinant cells and transgenic animals, particularly methods of screening for therapeutic compounds that modulate tumorigenesis and angiogenesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bacterial luciferase transposon cassettes suitable for conferring bioluminescence properties on a Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and other organisms of interest. The invention further includes cells transformed with vectors carrying the transposon cassettes, cells whose genomes have been modified by introduction of such cassettes, and methods of making and using such transposon cassettes, transposon cassette vectors, and cells containing the transposons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel promoters, including transcription regulator regions, for the mouse VEGFR-2 receptor, isolated polynucleotides comprising such promoters, nucleic acid constructs comprising such promoters operatively linked to genes encoding a gene product, such as, a reporter, a protein, polypeptide, hormone, ribozyme, or antisense RNA, recombinant cells comprising such nucleic acid constructs, screening for therapeutic drugs using such cells (e.g., screening for compounds that modulate VEGFR-2-mediated angiogenesis), and endothelial tissue-specific gene expression using these novel promoter sequences.

Abstract: The invention provides human regeneration-associated serpin-1 (RASP-1) polypeptide and nucleic acid molecules that encode RASP-1. Also included in the invention are diagnostic and therapeutic methods using RASP-1 polypeptides and nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bacterial luciferase transposon cassettes suitable for conferring bioluminescence properties on a Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and other organisms of interest. The invention further includes cells transformed with vectors carrying the transposon cassettes, cells whose genomes have been modified by introduction of such cassettes, and methods of making and using such transposon cassettes, transposon cassette vectors, and cells containing the transposons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel transcription control elements, including promoters, derived from angiogenesis-related genes, particularly the mouse VEGF gene, the mouse VEGFR-2 receptor gene, and the mouse Tie2 gene. Also disclosed are isolated polynucleotides comprising such promoters, as well as nucleic acid constructs comprising such promoters operatively linked to genes encoding a gene product, such as, a reporter, a protein, polypeptide, hormone, ribozyme, or antisense RNA, and to recombinant cells and transgenic animals comprising such nucleic acid constructs. The present invention further relates to screening methods using those recombinant cells and transgenic animals, particularly methods of screening for therapeutic compounds that modulate tumorigenesis and angiogenesis.

Abstract: The novel gene, Rasp-1, which is up-regulated in regenerating liver, is disclosed. The novel RASP-1 protein, which is encoded by the Rasp-1 gene, is also disclosed. In addition, antibodies against the Rasp-1 gene products are also disclosed. Furthermore, the use of Rasp-1 nucleic acid sequences, Rasp-1 gene products, and antibodies against Rasp-1 gene products in the treatment and diagnosis of liver disorders is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the isolation and use of pre-chondrocytes from the umbilical cord, specifically from Wharton's jelly, that give rise to chondrocytes which produce cartilage. The isolated pre-chondrocytes, or the chondrocytes to which they give rise, can be mitotically expanded in culture and used in the production of new cartilage tissue for therapeutic use. "Banks" of pre-chondrocytes or chondrocytes can be stored frozen, and thawed and used to produce new cartilage tissue as needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of stimulating the proliferation and appropriate cell maturation of a variety of different cells and tissues in three-dimensional cultures in vitro using TGF-.beta. in the culture medium. In accordance with the invention, stromal cells, including, but not limited to, chondrocytes, chondrocyte-progenitors, fibroblasts, fibroblast-like cells, umbilical cord cells or bone marrow cells from umbilical cord blood are inoculated and grown on a three-dimensional framework in the presence of TGF-.beta.. Stromal cells may also include other cells found in loose connective tissue such as endothelial cells, macrophages/monocytes, adipocytes, pericytes, reticular cells found in bone marrow stroma, etc.

Abstract: Recombinant transforming growth factor-.beta.1 (TGF-.beta.1) is expressed to high levels in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells using dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) gene amplification. The expression plasmid was derived from the pSV2 vectors and contained, in tandem, the simian TGF-.beta.1 and mouse dhfr cDNAs. Transcription of both cDNAs was controlled by the SV40 early promoter. Stepwise selection of transfected CHO cells in increasing concentrations of methotrexate yielded cell lines expressing amplified TGF-.beta.1 nucleic acid sequences. The expression plasmid DNA was amplified greater than 35-fold in one of the methotrexate selected transfectants. The major proteins secreted by these cells consisted of latent TGF-.beta.1 and TGF-.beta.1 precursor polypeptides as judged by immunoblots using site-specific anti-peptide antibodies derived from various regions of the TGF-.beta.1 precursor. Levels of recombinant TGF-.beta.1 protein secreted by these cells approached 30 ug/24 hour/10.sup.7 cells.

Abstract: A method of producing recombinant transforming growth factor .beta.-induced H3 protein and the use of this protein to accelerate wound healing. H3 promoted adhesion of human dermal fibroblasts to tissue culture plastic. The protein is applied directly to a wound or is used to promote adhesion and spreading of dermal fibroblasts to a solid support such as a nylon mesh which is then applied to the wound. In addition, CHO cells expressing H3 inhibited tumor cell growth.

Abstract: Novel compositions comprising Oncostatin M and congeners thereof, as well as methods for their preparation and methods for their use are provided. The compositions may be prepared by isolation from natural sources, or by recombinant means in either prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cells. In addition, the DNA and polypeptide sequences for Oncostatin M are disclosed. The compositions find use in modulating growth of cells, in particular inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, and stimulation of normal cell growth, especially cells involved in hematopoiesis. Cell growth inhibition compositions may additionally include an adjunctive agent comprising at least one of a transforming growth factor, tumor necrosis factor, or an interferon. Receptors having high affinity for Oncostatin M may additionally be used to screen polypeptides for Oncostatin M-like activity. Methods for use of antibodies to the compositions and probes specific for Oncostatin M mRNA as a means for detecting tumor cells are also provided.

Abstract: A method of producing recombinant transforming growth factor .beta.-induced H3 protein and the use of this protein to accelerate wound healing. H3 promoted adhesion of human dermal fibroblasts to tissue culture plastic. The protein is applied directly to a wound or is used to promote adhesion and spreading of dermal fibroblasts to a solid support such as a nylon mesh which is then applied to the wound. In addition, CHO cells expressing H3 inhibited tumor cell growth.

Abstract: Antiproliferative compositions are provided which are capable of sustained release of an antiproliferative agent, particularly a TGF-.beta., at a site proximal to a target cell. The compositions are effective in inhibiting proliferation of the target cell, particularly when used in combination with a vasoconstrictive agent.

Abstract: A new TGF-.beta. induced gene and protein is described. Treatment of TGF-.beta. growth arrested cells induces the production of a novel gene which encodes a 683 amino acid protein, designated BIG-H3, that contains four homologous repeat regions and which may represent a cell surface recognition molecule. This gene and protein is induced in mammalian cells, and specifically human cells, upon treatment with TGF-.beta., and is shown to inhibit the growth of tumor cells.