Abstract: We have developed a general procedure for the regulated (inducible) dimerization or oligomerization of intracellular proteins and disclose methods and materials for using that procedure to regulatably initiate cell-specific apoptosis (programmed cell death) in genetically engineered cells.

Abstract: Methods for screening bifunctional molecules of a drug of interest for modulated pharmacokinetic properties are provided. The subject methods include combining in a reaction mixture a metabolizer of the drug of interest, a reporter of activity of the metabolizer; and a bifunctional compound of the drug of interest. Signal from the reporter is then-evaluated to determine whether the bifunctional compound has a modulated pharmacokinetic property as compared to a free drug control. Also provided are kits and devices for practicing the subject methods of the invention.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention discloses the use of CRKD as a marker for a cell-proliferative disorder, preferably as a marker for breast cancer. The invention discloses antibodies and fragments thereof which specifically bind CRKD, methods of diagnosing, methods for assessing CRKD status, methods of monitoring the efficacy of a treatment, and kits for the detection of a CRKD marker. The invention also discloses the use of CRKD and CRKR as targets for treating cell-proliferative disorders, preferably as targets breast cancer treatment. The invention further discloses methods for identifying and isolating mammary stem cells.

Abstract: Dimerization and oligomerization of proteins are general biological control mechanisms that contribute to the activation of cell membrane receptors, transcription factors, vesicle fusion proteins, and other classes of intra- and extracellular proteins. We have developed a general procedure for the regulated (inducible) dimerization or oligomerization of intracellular proteins. In principle, any two target proteins can be induced to associate by treating the cells or organisms that harbor them with cell permeable, synthetic ligands.

Abstract: We have developed a general procedure for the regulated (inducible) dimerization or oligomerization of intracellular proteins and disclose methods and materials for using that procedure to regulatably initiate cell-specific apoptosis (programmed cell death) in genetically engineered cells.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a modified cyclosporin A and to a modified, genetically engineered version of its receptor, cyclophilin. This invention is further directed to a method for treating host versus graft disease following blood marrow transplantation by transfecting stem cells so that after introduction into a patient the stem cells will express the modified cyclophilin, and, as necessary, administer the modified cyclosporin A to the patient.

Abstract: A conditional allelic system is provided where recombinant cells express a fusion protein, where the fusion protein comprises at least a functional portion of a target protein and a destabilizing peptide. The destabilizing peptide binds to a small stabilizing molecule that results in the stabilization of the fusion protein in a functional form, while in the absence of the small stabilizing molecule, the protein function is substantially reduced. The system finds use in studying cellular pathways, preparing transgenic animals that can develop in the presence of the small stabilizing molecule and can then be studied in the presence and absence of the fusion protein to determine the functions and/or effects of target protein function in and/or on various environments. Specifically, a mutated peptide from mTOR is employed as the destabilizing peptide and a modified rapamycin is employed as the small stabilizing molecule.

Abstract: Bifunctional molecules and methods for their use are provided. The subject bifunctional molecules are conjugates of a drug moiety and a pharmacokinetic modulating moiety, where these two moieties are optionally joined by a linking group. The bifunctional molecules are further characterized in that they exhibit at least one modulated pharmacokinetic property upon administration to a host as compared to a free drug control. The subject bifunctional molecules find use in a variety of therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Bifunctional molecules and methods for their use in the production of binary complexes in a host are provided. The bifunctional molecule is a conjugate of a drug moiety and a presenter protein ligand. In the subject methods, an effective amount of the bifunctional molecule is administered to the host. The bifunctional molecule binds to the presenter protein to produce a binary complex that exhibits at least one of improved affinity, specificity or selectivity as compared to the corresponding free drug. The subject methods and compositions find use in a variety of therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for reducing aggregation of neurodegenerative proteins associated with neurotoxicity or other proteins. The compounds comprise a first domain or targeting element for binding to the target proteins linked to a second domain or recruiting element that binds to an aggregation inhibiting protein, e.g. a prolyl isomerase. By associating the aggregating forming proteins or neuronal cells under conditions where aggregating proteins are produced with the compound and the aggregation inhibiting protein, aggregation is reduced. The subject agents can be used in assays, investigating the etiology of the neuronal diseases and for prophylaxis and therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for (i) reducing loss of bone mass or bone density, (ii) increasing bone mass or bone density, (iii) maintaining bone mass or bone density, and/or (iv) reducing loss of calcium from bone, comprising: administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of an NFAT agonist. The method could be used for treating, preventing or delaying a bone condition. The invention further provides a method for promoting healing of bone fractures or bone defects comprising: administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of an NFAT agonist. Compositions comprising NFAT agonists can also be used for the in vitro or in vivo generation of bone tissue. The invention also provides screening methods for agents which promotes, maintains, or reduces the loss of, bone mass, and the use of such agents for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions of NF-AT agonists may be used to promote nerve regeneration or to reduce or inhibit secondary nerve degeneration which may otherwise follow primary CNS or PNS injury, e.g., trauma (e.g., blunt trauma, penetrating trauma), compression [e.g., compression due to tendons and/or inflamed synovial membrane such as in carpal tunnel syndrome], bones [for instance sciatica], or growths [benign or cancerous, including growth of the nerves themselves or of surrounding tissue]) hemorrhagic stroke, ischemic stroke or damages caused by surgery such as tumor excision. In certain embodiments, NF-AT agonists may be used to treat spinal cord injuries and promote nerve grafts.

Abstract: We have developed a general procedure for the regulated (inducible) dimerization or oligomerization of intracellular proteins and disclose methods and materials for using that procedure to regulatably initiate cell-specific apoptosis (programmed cell death) in genetically engineered cells

Abstract: We have developed a general procedure for the regulated (inducible) dimerization or oligomerization of intracellular proteins and disclose methods and materials for using that procedure to regulatably initiate cell-specific apoptosis (programmed cell death) in genetically engineered cells.