Abstract: The present invention is related to methods for identifying bone anabolic agents and factors, identifying pathways that promote proliferation of osteoblasts for bone growth and/or repair, and for identifying new therapeutic targets for treatments for osteoporosis and other bone degenerative disorders characterized by osteopenia.

Abstract: The present invention is related to methods for identifying bone anabolic agents and factors, identifying pathways that promote proliferation of osteoblasts for bone growth and/or repair, and for identifying new therapeutic targets for treatments for osteoporosis and other bone degenerative disorders characterized by osteopenia.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions that may be used to modulate binding of a fibroblast growth factor (FGF) polypeptide to an FGF receptor (FGFR). In preferred embodiments, the methods and compositions of the invention modulate binding of a particular FGF polypeptide, the FGF4 polypeptide, to its receptor. The invention provides, in particular, variant FGF polypeptides that have at least one amino acid residue substitutions, insertion or deletion which alters the polypeptdies' binding affinity for an FGFR. The invention also provides models for the three-dimensional structure of a dimerized complex of FGF-FGFR-heparin. Using these models, key amino acid residues are identified and novel compounds (including novel variants of FGF and FGFR) can be identified which modulate FGF binding to its receptor. Such new compounds are therefore useful, e.g., as agonist and antagonist for FGF signaling and for bioactivities associated therewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions that may be used to modulate binding of a fibroblast growth factor (FGF) polypeptide to an FGF receptor (FGFR). In preferred embodiments, the methods and compositions of the invention modulate binding of a particular FGF polypeptide, the FGF4 polypeptide, to its receptor. The invention provides, in particular, variant FGF polypeptides that have at least one amino acid residue substitutions, insertion or deletion which alters the polypeptdies' binding affinity for an FGFR. The invention also provides models for the three-dimensional structure of a dimerized complex of FGF-FGFR-heparin. Using these models, key amino acid residues are identified and novel compounds (including novel variants of FGF and FGFR) can be identified which modulate FGF binding to its receptor. Such new compounds are therefore useful, e.g., as agonist and antagonist for FGF signaling and for bioactivities associated therewith.

Abstract: A mammalian growth factor, displaying homology to both basic and acidic fibroblast growth factor in a single polypeptide chain, is disclosed herein. The growth factor was isolated from cells transfected with the DNA extracted from Kaposi's Sarcoma cells.

Abstract: A mammalian growth factor, displaying homology to both basic and acidic fibroblast growth factor in a single polypeptide chain, is disclosed herein. The growth factor was isolated from cells transfected with the DNA extracted from Kaposi's Sarcoma cells.

Abstract: A truncated mammalian growth factor, displaying homology to both basic and acidic fibroblast growth factor in a single polypeptide, is disclosed herein. The growth factor is substantially smaller (i.e. has fewer amino acid residues) than the full-length mammalian growth factor, has a higher affinity for fibroblast growth factor receptors than full-length K-FGF and basic fibroblast growth factor and increased mitogenic activity. Also disclosed herein are DNA sequences encoding the truncated growth factor, pharmaceutical formulations containing the truncated growth factor and methods to heal burns and wounds in a mammal by administering the pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: A homogeneous K-FGF polypeptide having a molecular weight of about 19,000 daltons when analyzed by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, wherein the polypeptide is substantially free of oligosaccharide moieties attached to the polypeptide, appears as a single band on SDS-PAGE, exhibits a detectable level of mitogenic activity on growth arrested cells in a 3H-thymidine uptake assay, and is substantially free from other mammalian proteins, is provided.

Abstract: A novel serine/threonine phosphatase, FIN13, which includes a collagen-homology domain, an acidic box domain, a catalytic domain, and a putative nuclear translocation sequence. The present invention further relates to the modulation of cellular proliferation, by regulating the activity of the novel serine/threonine phosphatase. Thus, the invention provides the phosphatase, nucleic acids encoding the phosphatase, oligonucleotides specific for such nucleic acids, antibodies to the phosphatase, and methods for increasing (or decreasing) the activity of the phosphatase to inhibit (or enhance) cellular proliferation and, thus, tissue growth. Various diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of the invention particularly relate to detection and treatment of hyperproliferative disorders, neoplasms, and tumors. In specific examples, FIN13 is expressed in proliferating cells, notably germ cells of the testes. Increased levels of expression of FIN13 in transfected cells results in a decrease in the cell growth rate.

Abstract: A novel serine/threonine phosphatase, FIN13, which includes a collagen-homology domain, an acidic box domain, a catalytic domain, and a putative nuclear translocation sequence. The present invention further relates to the modulation of cellular proliferation, by regulating the activity of the novel serine/threonine phosphatase. Thus, the invention provides the phosphatase, nucleic acids encoding the phosphatase, oligonucleotides specific for such nucleic acids, antibodies to the phosphatase, and methods for increasing (or decreasing) the activity of the phosphatase to inhibit (or enhance) cellular proliferation and, thus, tissue growth. Various diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of the invention particularly relate to detection and treatment of hyperproliferative disorders, neoplasms, and tumors. In specific examples, FIN13 is expressed in proliferating cells, notably gern cells of the testes. Increased levels of expression of FIN13 in transfected cells results in a decrease in the cell growth rate.

Abstract: A truncated mammalian growth factor, displaying homology to both basic and acidic fibroblast growth factor in a single polypeptide, is disclosed herein. The growth factor is substantially smaller (i.e. has fewer amino acid residues) than the full-length mammalian growth factor, has a higher affinity for fibroblast growth factor receptors than full-length K-FGF and basic fibroblast growth factor and increased mitogenic activity. Also disclosed herein are DNA sequences encoding the truncated growth factor, pharmaceutical formulations containing the truncated growth factor and methods to heal burns and wounds in a mammal by administering the pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: A mammalian growth factor, displaying homology to both basic and acidic fibroblast growth factor in a single polypeptide chain, is disclosed herein. The growth factor was isolated from cells transfected with the DNA extracted from Kaposi's Sarcoma cells.

Abstract: A truncated mammalian growth factor, displaying homology to both basic and acidic fibroblast growth factor in a single polypeptide, is disclosed herein. The growth factor is substantially smaller (i.e. has fewer amino acid residues) than the full-length mammalian growth factor, has a higher affinity for fibroblast growth factor receptors than full-length K-FGF and basic fibroblast growth factor and increased mitogenic activity. Also disclosed herein are DNA sequences encoding the truncated growth factor, pharmaceutical formulations containing the truncated growth factor and methods to heal burns and wounds in a mammal by administering the pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for amplifying and expressing transferred genes by temperature induction.