Abstract: This invention relates to methods of screening for compounds capable of inducing apoptosis in certain tumor cells. The invention also relates to compounds identified by such methods. In addition, the invention relates to methods for the in vitro diagnosis of Xeroderma pigmentosum and compounds useful in these methods.

Abstract: Immortalized cell lines derived from normal adult human liver are described which express phenotypic characteristics of normal adult liver epithelial cells. The invention further provides methods of using the immortalized cells to evaluate the cytotoxicity or carcinogenicity of a compound.

Abstract: Immortalized cell lines derived from normal adult human liver are described which express phenotypic characteristics of normal adult liver epithelial cells.

Abstract: Non-tumorigenic, stable, human bronchial and liver epithelial cell lines are provided wherein the cell lines are capable of expressing human cytochrome P450 genes which have been inserted into the cell lines. Also provided are methods and kits for identifying potential mutagens, cytotoxins, carcinogens, chemotherapeutic and chemo-preventive agents utilizing these cell lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to two plasmid vectors and eucaryotic expression vector created therefrom. The present invention further relates to a method of cloning a gene in a eucaryotic cell the expression of which is affected by drug treatment, a method of constructing a subtracted cDNA library and a method of identifying a eucaryotic gene the product of which inhibits cell growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to long term multiplication and permanent establishment of a cell line of human liver epithelial cells(hepatocytes). The human liver epithelial cell line is capable of mitotically proliferating and continuously growing in vitro under suitable environmental conditions in suitable culture media. A method of producing an immortalized human liver epithelial cell line is also disclosed. The invention also relates to serum-free cell medium developed to support long term multiplication and permanent establishment of a cell line of human liver epithelial cells.

Abstract: Non-tumorigenic, stable, human bronchial and liver epithelial cell lines are provided wherein the cell lines are capable of expressing human cytochrome P450 genes which have been inserted into the cell lines. Also provided are methods and kits for identifying potential mutagens, cytotoxins, carcinogens, chemotherapeutic and chemo-preventive agents utilizing these cell lines.

Abstract: Immortalized human bronchial epithelial and human mesothelial cell lines have been obtained. Various uses of these cell lines have been described.

Abstract: Human bronchial epithelial cell lines permanently transformed by human papilloma viruses have been obtained. These cell lines are useful for the study of growth and differentiation in bronchial carcinoma and the identification of chemical and biological agents that may be useful in the therapy of human lung cancer.

Abstract: Non-tumorigenic, human bronchial epithelial cell lines are provided wherein the cell lines are capable of expressing cytochrome P450 genes which have been inserted into the cell lines. Also provided are methods and kits for identifying potential mutagens, cytotoxins, carcinogens, and chemotherapeutic agents utilizing these cell lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cell medium developed to support long term multiplication and permanent establishment of a cell line of human liver epithelial cells. The medium may contain an effective cell growth promoting amount of calcium ions; an effective cell growth promoting amount of glucose; an effective amount of insulin to aid cells in glucose uptake; an effective cell growth promoting amount of hydrocortisone; an effective amount of epidermal growth factor to bind epidermal growth factor receptors on cells; an effective amount of transferrin to increase DNA synthesis in cells; an effective amount of cholera toxin to increase DNA synthesis in cells; an effective amount of triiodothyronine to increase DNA synthesis in cells; and an effective growth promoting amount of mammalian hormones and mitogenic factors, including lipoprotein, cholesterol, phospholipids and fatty acids.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and a kit for monitoring human exposure to genotoxic agents. The method comprises an immunoassay for detecting in human serum specific antibodies against DNA adducted to an agent suspected of being genotoxic. A kit comprising various components for performing the assay is also disclosed.

Abstract: Immortalized human bronchial epithelial and human mesothelial cell lines have been obtained. Various uses of these cell lines have been described.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and a kit for monitoring human exposure to genotoxic agents. The method comprises an immunoassay for detecting in human serum specific antibodies against DNA adducted to an agent suspected of being genotoxic. A kit comprising various components for performing the assay is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modified protoplast fusion method and cell line is disclosed that stably transfects human cells with pSV2-derived plasmids at frequencies greater than 10.sup.-3. This procedure makes it possible to test the biological effect of individual genes (i.e., oncogenes and other cellular genes, and viral genes). To demonstrate the utility of this invention, a pSV2gpt.sup.+ plasmid constructed to carry a subgenomic fragment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) that contained the core antigen gene (HBc gene) is transfected into human cells. Human cell lines are stably transfected with the HBC.sup.+ gene by selecting recipient cells for expression of guanine phosphoribosyl transferase expression; other selective markers, i.e., neomycin resistance, can also be used. Conditions for enhancing the expression of the transfected gene(s) have also been developed. For example, with this gpt.sup.+ /HBc.sup.

Abstract: The invention provides enzyme immunoassays whose sensitivity is increased by cascade amplification. The coupled ligand (enzyme or an activator) catalytically activates a second enzyme which acts on a substrate or can act on a third enzyme to produce a cascade. Alternatively, a proenzyme is coupled to the ligand and converted by an activator to an enzyme which is itself an activator of a second proenzyme in a cascade.

Abstract: A method of quantitatively measuring antigen or antibody concentration by selectively coupling an antigen to a solid substrate, coupling an enzyme-conjugated antibody to the antigen and reacting a radioindicator with the enzyme-conjugate producing a radiolabelled product. The product is scintillation counted to yield the measurement. Direct or indirect coupling of the antigen to the substrate can be used. Direct or indirect coupling of the enzyme-conjugate can be used. The preferred radioindicator is adenosine-5'-monophosphate used with alkaline phosphatase. Others are presented.