Abstract: Using an undifferentiated mouse CL6 cell line, DMSO was added to induce its differentiation into cardiac muscular cells in order to obtain gene fragments whose expression elevated upon the induction. The isolated gene had zinc finger domains and showed a significant homology to the Sp1 family genes. Furthermore, a human gene corresponding to this mouse gene was isolated. The protein encoded by this gene existed in the nucleus and bonded to a GC-box. The protein was revealed to repress the transcription regulatory activity of the CMV promoter and thus serves as a transcription factor.

Abstract: Cell strains with ligand-dependent (factor-dependent) proliferation are super-infected with antibody libraries against each of the various receptor chains. Antibody genes are recovered from strains that autonomously grow by the autocrine stimulation by agonistic antibodies formed by appropriate combinations, enabling effective screening of agonistic antibodies. In this method, effective screening can be carried out using antibodies as libraries. Furthermore, the manipulations are simple, and there is no need for complicated operations.

Abstract: Using an undifferentiated mouse CL6 cell line, DMSO was added to induce its differentiation into cardiac muscular cells in order to obtain gene fragments whose expression elevated upon the induction. The isolated gene had zinc finger domains and showed a significant homology to the Sp1 family genes. Furthermore, a human gene corresponding to this mouse gene was isolated. The protein encoded by this gene existed in the nucleus and bonded to a GC-box. The protein was revealed to repress the transcription regulatory activity of the CMV promoter and thus serves as a transcription factor.

Abstract: Two novel trypsin-family serine proteases specifically expressed in adult mouse testis (“Tespec PRO-1” and “Tespec PRO-2”), and a novel trypsin-family serine protease derived from mouse (“Tespec PRO-3”) have been isolated. Also, two novel trypsin-family serine proteases derived from human (“Tespec PRO-2” and “Tespec PRO-3”) have been isolated. It has been suggested that these proteins are involved in sperm differentiation and maturation, and sperm functions (e.g., fertilization). Therefore, these proteins are useful for development of novel therapeutics and diagnostics for infertility, as well as for development of novel contraceptives.

Abstract: Using an undifferentiated mouse CL6 cell line, DMSO was added to induce its differentiation into cardiac muscular cells in order to obtain gene fragments whose expression elevated upon the induction. The isolated gene had zinc finger domains and showed a significant homology to the Sp1 family genes. Furthermore, a human gene corresponding to this mouse gene was isolated. The protein encoded by this gene existed in the nucleus and bonded to a GC-box. The protein was revealed to repress the transcription regulatory activity of the CMV promoter and thus serves as a transcription factor.

Abstract: The present inventors succeeded in separating bispecific antibodies that functionally substitute for ligands of type I interferon receptors comprising two types of molecules: AR1 chain and AR2 chain. Furthermore, the present inventors succeeded in producing bispecific antibodies that substitute for the enzyme reaction-accelerating function of blood coagulation factor VIII/activated blood coagulation factor VIII, which bind to both blood coagulation factor IX/activated blood coagulation factor IX and blood coagulation factor X.

Abstract: Animals were immunized with either the A or B chain of a receptor, and then mRNA was extracted from the spleen cells of the animals, and the variable regions of the L and H chains were isolated by RT-PCR using primers for variable regions comprising CDRs. Single-chain Fv was synthesized by assembly PCR to construct a phage library. Clones for antigen-bound antibodies were concentrated and cloned by panning. An expression vector for scFv-CH1-Fc was prepared by inserting a single-chain variable region between CH1-hinge-CH2-CH3 and the signal sequence for animal cells. Various combinations of such expression vectors were introduced into cells to express antibodies, and antibody clones exhibiting ligand-like activity were selected.

Abstract: Selection of clones having the kinase and/or phosphatase-like structure from clones which had been isolated and the structures thereof had been determined in the Helix Research Institute (helix clones; Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-183767) was conducted. Two novel genes were provided by carrying out homology search for all the helix clones by using the amino acid sequences of known kinases and phosphatases as queries. The genes are expected to be involved in intracellular signal transduction. The physiological functions of the inventive genes can be tested by using reporter gene assay systems capable of detecting signal transduction. The proteins of the present invention are useful as target molecules in drug discovery and in the development of new pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Cell strains with ligand-dependent (factor-dependent) proliferation are super-infected with antibody libraries against each of the various receptor chains. Antibody genes are recovered from strains that autonomously grow by the autocrine stimulation by agonistic antibodies formed by appropriate combinations, enabling effective screening of agonistic antibodies. In this method, effective screening can be carried out using antibodies as libraries. Furthermore, the manipulations are simple, and there is no need for complicated operations.

Abstract: Using an undifferentiated mouse CL6 cell line, DMSO was added to induce its differentiation into cardiac muscular cells in order to obtain gene fragments whose expression elevated upon the induction. The isolated gene had zinc finger domains and showed a significant homology to the Sp1 family genes. Furthermore, a human gene corresponding to this mouse gene was isolated. The protein encoded by this gene existed in the nucleus and bonded to a GC-box. The protein was revealed to repress the transcription regulatory activity of the CMV promoter and thus serves as a transcription factor.

Abstract: Selection of clones having the kinase and/or phosphatase-like structure from clones which had been isolated and the structures thereof had been determined in the Helix Research Institute (helix clones; Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-183767) was conducted. Twelve novel genes were provided by carrying out homology search for all the helix clones by using the amino acid sequences of known kinases and phosphatases as queries. The genes are expected to be involved in intracellular signal transduction. The physiological functions of the inventive genes can be tested by using reporter gene assay systems capable of detecting signal transduction. The proteins of the present invention are useful as target molecules in drug discovery and in the development of new pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Selection of clones having the kinase and/or phosphatase-like structure from clones which had been isolated and the structures thereof had been determined in the Helix Research Institute (helix clones; Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-183767) was conducted. Two novel genes were provided by carrying out homology search for all the helix clones by using the amino acid sequences of known kinases and phosphatases as queries. The genes are expected to be involved in intracellular signal transduction. The physiological functions of the inventive genes can be tested by using reporter gene assay systems capable of detecting signal transduction. The proteins of the present invention are useful as target molecules in drug discovery and in the development of new pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an NS4-related antigenic peptide capable of reacting specifically with antibodies directed against Group I of hepatitis C virus (HCV); to an NS4-related antigenic peptide capable of reacting specifically with antibodies directed against Group II of HCV; to a kit for identifying HCV Groups I or II which comprises said peptides in separate sections; and to methods for grouping HCV. The peptides of the present invention can be used to detect HCV Groups I or II specifically as well as the detection of patients having the mixed infection, by which HCV Group II-infected patients can receive early interferon treatment effectively. The peptides are also useful for diagnosis of HCV infection.