Abstract: This invention relates to crystals of the human Gremlin-1 protein, and the human Gremlin-1 protein in complex with an inhibitory antibody. The invention also relates to the structure of human Gremlin-1 (on its own, or in complex with the antibody) and uses of these structures in screening for agents which modulate Gremlin-1 activity. The invention further provides antibodies which bind an allosteric inhibitory site on Gremlin-1, together with pharmaceutical compositions and medical uses of such antibodies and agents identified by the screening methods.

Abstract: Strand Displacement Amplification methods (thermophilic SDA) which can be performed over a broad temperature range (37.degree. C. to 70.degree. C.). The preferred temperature range for thermophilic SDA is 50.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. It has been found that certain thermophilic restriction endonucleases are capable of nicking the hemimodified restriction endonuclease recognition/cleavage site as required by SDA and dissociating from the site. It has further been found that certain thermophilic polymerases are capable of extending from the nick while displacing the downstream strand. Thermophilic SDA, because of reaction temperatures higher than previously possible with conventional SDA enzyme systems, has improved specificity and efficiency, reduced nonspecific background amplification, and potentially improved yields of amplification products.

Abstract: Strand Displacement Amplification methods (thermophilic SDA) which can be performed over a broad temperature range (37.degree. C. to 70.degree. C.). The preferred temperature range for thermophilic SDA is 50.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. It has been found that certain thermophilic restriction endonucleases are capable of nicking the hemimodified restriction endonuclease recognition/cleavage site as required by SDA and dissociating from the site. It has further been found that certain thermophilic polymerases are capable of extending from the nick while displacing the downstream strand. Thermophilic SDA, because of reaction temperatures higher than previously possible with conventional SDA enzyme systems, has improved specificity and efficiency, reduced nonspecific background amplification, and potentially improved yields of amplification products.