Abstract: Human Cerberus proteins and related nucleic acids are provided. Included are proteins comprising a human cerberus domain having specific activity, particularly the ability to antagonize a bone morphogenic protein. The proteins may be produced recombinantly from transformed host cells with the subject nucleic acids. Also provided are isolated hybridization probes and primers capable of specifically hybridizing with the disclosed genes, specific binding agents and methods of making and using the subject compositions.

Abstract: Methods of creating mutations in genomic exons by inserting introns into the genomic exons via homologous recombination. Also, methods are provided for introducing modifications into genomic exons by inserting introns into the genomic exons via homologous recombination such that a mature mRNA transcript produced from a genomic region of the genome comprising the genomic exon does not contain the modification are provided. The methods provide for a rapid method for introducing mutations and/or modifications of any type into a mammalian cell genome.

Abstract: DCR5, a protein related to DAN (Differential-screening-selected gene Aberrative in Neuroblastoma) and related nucleic acids are provided. Included are natural DCR5 homologs from several species and proteins comprising a DCR5 domain having specific activity, particularly the ability to antagonize a bone morphogenetic protein. The proteins may be produced recombinantly from transformed host cells with the subject nucleic acids. Also provided are isolated hybridization probes and primers capable of specifically hybridizing with the disclosed genes, specific binding agents and methods of making and using the subject compositions.

Abstract: Methods of treating and/or inhibiting a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-related disorder or condition by administering a BMP antagonist to a subject suffering from a BMP-related disorder or condition such that the BMP-related disorder or condition is treated. The method is carried out with a human noggin or a human noggin deletion mutant.

Abstract: DCR5, a protein related to DAN (Differential-screening-selected gene Aberrative in Neuroblastoma) and related nucleic acids are provided. Included are natural DCR5 homologs from several species and proteins comprising a DCR5 domain having specific activity, particularly the ability to antagonize a bone morphogenetic protein. The proteins may be produced recombinantly from transformed host cells with the subject nucleic acids. Also provided are isolated hybridization probes and primers capable of specifically hybridizing with the disclosed genes, specific binding agents and methods of making and using the subject compositions.

Abstract: DCR5, a protein related to DAN (Differential-screening-selected gene Aberrative in Neuroblastoma) and related nucleic acids are provided. Included are natural DCR5 homologs from several species and proteins comprising a DCR5 domain having specific activity, particularly the ability to antagonize a bone morphogenetic protein. The proteins may be produced recombinantly from transformed host cells with the subject nucleic acids. Also provided are isolated hybridization probes and primers capable of specifically hybridizing with the disclosed genes, specific binding agents and methods of making and using the subject compositions.

Abstract: Human Cerberus proteins and related nucleic acids are provided. Included are proteins comprising a human cerberus domain having specific activity, particularly the ability to antagonize a bone morphogenic protein. The proteins may be produced recombinantly from transformed host cells with the subject nucleic acids. Also provided are isolated hybridization probes and primers capable of specifically hybridizing with the disclosed genes, specific binding agents and methods of making and using the subject compositions.

Abstract: Human Cerberus proteins and related nucleic acids are provided. Included are proteins comprising a human cerberus domain having specific activity, particularly the ability to antagonize a bone morphogenic protein. The proteins may be produced recombinantly from transformed host cells with the subject nucleic acids. Also provided are isolated hybridization probes and primers capable of specifically hybridizing with the disclosed genes, specific binding agents and methods of making and using the subject compositions.

Abstract: A method for engineering and utilizing large DNA vectors to target, via homologous recombination, and modify, in any desirable fashion, endogenous genes and chromosomal loci in eukaryotic cells. These large DNA targeting vectors for eukaryotic cells, termed LTVECs, are derived from fragments of cloned genomic DNA larger than those typically used by other approaches intended to perform homologous targeting in eukaryotic cells. Also provided is a rapid and convenient method of detecting eukaryotic cells in which the LTVEC has correctly targeted and modified the desired endogenous gene(s) or chromosomal locus (loci) as well as the use of these cells to generate organisms bearing the genetic modification.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel method of expressing transgenes in vivo by targeting protected transgene cassettes into predetermined loci, including ubiquitously expressed chromosomal loci, such that the activity of an exogenous promoter is maintained. The advantages of this method are that the expression pattern is determined primarily by the nature of the exogenous promoter and, therefore, is not subject to positional effects. The invention also encompasses the DNA targeting vectors, the targeted cells, as well as non-human organisms, especially mice, created from the targeted cells.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of targeting promoter-less selection cassettes into transcriptionally active loci. In particular, the invention is a method for targeting promoter-less selection cassettes into transcriptionally active loci in stem cells or other eukaryotic cells with much greater efficiency than previously observed with other methods, thus reducing or eliminating the need to screen for targeted cells. The invention also encompasses the DNA targeting vectors, the targeted cells, as well as non-human organisms, especially mice, created from the targeted cells.

Abstract: A method for engineering and utilizing large DNA vectors to target, via homologous recombination, and modify, in any desirable fashion, endogenous genes and chromosomal loci in eukaryotic cells. These large DNA targeting vectors for eukaryotic cells, termed LTVECs, are derived from fragments of cloned genomic DNA larger than those typically used by other approaches intended to perform homologous targeting in eukaryotic cells. Also provided is a rapid and convenient method of detecting eukaryotic cells in which the LTVEC has correctly targeted and modified the desired endogenous gene(s) or chromosomal locus (loci) as well as the use of these cells to generate organisms bearing the genetic modification.

Abstract: Heterodimer proteins comprising a soluble .alpha. specificity determining cytokine receptor component and the extracellular domain of a .beta. receptor component function as CNTF and IL-6 antagonsists.