Abstract: Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-(GPI-) anchored HSPG glypican-1 is strongly expressed in human breast and pancreatic cancer—both by the cancer cells and in the case of pancreatic cancer the adjacent fibroblasts—whereas expression of glypican-1 is low in the normal pancreas and in chronic pancreatitis. Treatment of two pancreatic cancer cell lines, which express glypican-1, with the enzyme phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase-C (PI-PLC) abrogated their mitogenic responses to two heparin-binding growth factors: fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF). Treatment of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells with PI-PLC abrogates the mitogenic response to two heparin-binding growth factors, heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). Syndecan-1 is also expressed at high levels in breast cancer tissues as well as breast cancer cells by comparison with breast normal tissues.

Abstract: Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-(GPI-) anchored HSPG glypican-1 is strongly expressed in human breast and pancreatic cancer—both by the cancer cells and in the case of pancreatic cancer the adjacent fibroblasts—whereas expression of glypican-1 is low in the normal pancreas and in chronic pancreatitis. Treatment of two pancreatic cancer cell lines, which express glypican-1, with the enzyme phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase-C (PI-PLC) abrogated their mitogenic responses to two heparin-binding growth factors: fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF). Treatment of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells with PI-PLC abrogates the mitogenic response to two heparin-binding growth factors, heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). Syndecan-1 is also expressed at high levels in breast cancer tissues as well as breast cancer cells by comparison with breast normal tissues.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for inactivating viruses associated or potentially associated with blood derived samples. The process and apparatus feature critical, supercritical or near critical fluids.

Abstract: The invention involves the use of supercritical or near-critical fluids for the inactivation of viruses, especially enveloped or lipid protected viruses, and nonenveloped, protein encased viruses, viral-like particles and other pathogens in any matrix, but preferably in solutions containing biologically active proteinaceous products of natural or genetic engineering origin or in semi-solid or solid support matrices which are thermally labile or sensitive to conventional viral inactivation techniques. Novel apparatus also are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for conducting affinity electrophoresis and for characterizing, identifying, selecting, separating and/or isolating molecules based upon affinity. Acceptor molecules are dispersed in discrete lanes within a gel and test molecules are electrophoresed simultaneously through the lanes. Therapeutics may be screened, heterogeneous mixes may be separated and affinity equilibrium constants determined. Special combs and casting trays for forming gels also are provided, as well as the gels formed thereby. An electrophoresis box also is provided.