Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for methods and compositions comprising an Oncorasin, such as 1-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-1H-Indole-3-carboxaldehyde (oncrasin-1) and/or its analogs or derivatives.

Abstract: Promoters that include a tissue-selective promoter sequence and a second promoter sequence operatively coupled to the tissue-selective promoter sequence, wherein the second promoter sequence includes a minimal viral promoter sequence, are disclosed. Nucleic acids and compositions that include these promoter sequences are also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of improving the function of a tissue-selective promoter, involving operatively coupling a tissue-selective promoter sequence with a second promoter sequence that includes a minimal viral promoter sequence. Also disclosed are methods of delivering a gene into a cell, methods of treating a subject with a hyperproliferative disease, and methods of imaging a cell that involve use of the novel promoter sequences set forth herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for methods and compositions comprising an Oncorasin, such as 1-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-1H-indole-3-carboxaldehyde (oncrasin-1) and/or its analogs or derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention provides viral vectors that have been engineered to contain a synthetic promoter that controls at least one essential gene. The synthetic promoter is induced by a specific gene product not normally produced in the cells in which the viral vector is to be transferred. The vectors are propagated in producer or helper cells that express the inducing factor, thereby permitting the virus to replicate to high titer. The lack of the inducing factor in the target cells precludes viral replication, however, meaning that no vector toxicity or immunogenicity arises. Where the virus carries a gene of interest, this should provide for higher level expression for longer periods of time than with current vectors. Methods for making the vectors, helper cells, and their use in protein production, vaccines and gene therapy are disclosed.

Abstract: Promoters that include a tissue-selective promoter sequence and a second promoter sequence operatively coupled to the tissue-selective promoter sequence, wherein the second promoter sequence includes a minimal viral promoter sequence, are disclosed. Nucleic acids and compositions that include these promoter sequences are also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of improving the function of a tissue-selective promoter, involving operatively coupling a tissue-selective promoter sequence with a second promoter sequence that includes a minimal viral promoter sequence. Also disclosed are methods of delivering a gene into a cell, methods of treating a subject with a hyperproliferative disease, and methods of imaging a cell that involve use of the novel promoter sequences set forth herein.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to viral vectors and their use as expression vectors for transforming human cells, both in vitro and in vivo. More particularly, the present invention relates to adenoviral vectors containing propapoptotic genes and their use in cancer therapy.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to viral vectors and their use as expression vectors for transforming human cells, both in vitro and in vivo. More particularly, the present invention relates to adenoviral vectors containing propapoptotic genes and their use in cancer therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides viral vectors that have been engineered to contain a synthetic promoter that controls at least one essential gene. The synthetic promoter is induced by a specific gene product not normally produced in the cells in which the viral vector is to be transferred. The vectors are propagated in producer or helper cells that express the inducing factor, thereby permitting the virus to replicate to high titer. The lack of the inducing factor in the target cells precludes viral replication, however, meaning that no vector toxicity or immunogenicity arises. Where the virus carries a gene of interest, this should provide for higher level expression for longer periods of time than with current vectors. Methods for making the vectors, helper cells, and their use in protein production, vaccines and gene therapy are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides viral vectors that have been engineered to contain a synthetic promoter that controls at least one essential gene. The synthetic promoter is induced by a specific gene product not normally produced in the cells in which the viral vector is to be transferred. The vectors are propagated in producer or helper cells that express the inducing factor, thereby permitting the virus to replicate to high titer. The lack of the inducing factor in the target cells precludes viral replication, however, meaning that no vector toxicity or immunogenicity arises. Where the virus carries a gene of interest, this should provide for higher level expression for longer periods of time than with current vectors. Methods for making the vectors, helper cells, and their use in protein production, vaccines and gene therapy are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one aspect, methods for selective expressing gene products using a binary or bicistronic expression system based on the use of a tissue-preferential promoter to drive expression of a transcriptional activator, which in turn drives a gene of interest. In another aspect, the invention provides for methods of cancer therapy comprising expressing Bax, TRAIL or various other therapeutic proteins using a tissue preferential promoter such as hTERT or CEA, optionally coupled with a binary or a bicistronic expression system.

Abstract: The present invention provides viral vectors that have been engineered to contain a synthetic promoter that controls at least one essential gene. The synthetic promoter is induced by a specific gene product not normally produced in the cells in which the viral vector is to be transferred. The vectors are propagated in producer or helper cells that express the inducing factor, thereby permitting the virus to replicate to high titer. The lack of the inducing factor in the target cells precludes viral replication, however, meaning that no vector toxicity or immunogenicity arises. Where the virus carries a gene of interest, this should provide for higher level expression for longer periods of time than with current vectors. Methods for making the vectors, helper cells, and their use in protein production, vaccines and gene therapy are disclosed.