Abstract: The invention provides novel lin-8, lin-56, and lin-61 genes and polypeptides involved in cell fate determination and in cell proliferation. In addition, the invention includes mutants of these three genes, as well as methods for utilizing these genes, and their encoded polypeptides, in diagnosing and treating abnormal cell proliferation.

Abstract: Described herein is the discovery that human interleukin-1&bgr; convertase (ICE) is structurally similar to the protein encoded by the C. elegans cell death gene, ced-3. Comparative and mutational analyses of the two proteins, together with previous observations, suggest that the Ced-3 protein may be a cysteine protease like ICE and that ICE may be a human equivalent of the nematode cell death gene. Another mammalian protein, the murine NEDD-2 protein, was also found to be similar to Ced-3. The NEDD-2 gene is implicated in the development of the murine central nervous system. On the basis of these findings, novel drugs for enhancing or inhibiting the activity of ICE, ced-3, or related genes are provided. Such drugs may be useful for treating inflammatory diseases and/or diseases characterized by cell deaths, as well as cancers, autoimmune disorders, infections, and hair growth and hair loss. Furthermore, such drugs may be useful for controlling pests, parasites and genetically engineered organisms.

Abstract: The invention provides novel genes involved in cell fate and cell proliferation, including lin-37, lin-35, lin-53, lin-55, lin-52, and lin-54 in multiple species and an E2F-1 gene of C. elegans. Methods for utilizing the genes and encoded proteins are also provided.

Abstract: The invention features substantially pure nucleic acid sequences encoding wild-type or mutant serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) polypeptides, as well as the polypeptides themselves. The invention also features methods for identifying modulators of the biological activity of a SERT and for identifying if such a modulator has a secondary target. In addition, the invention features methods for treating a condition in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genes, referred to herein as cell death-protective genes, which protect cells against programmed cell death by antagonizing the activities of genes which cause cell death. As described herein, a cell death-protective gene from the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, called ced-9, has been identified, sequenced, and characterized. ced-9 is essential for C. elegans development and apparently functions by protecting cells which normally live during development from programmed cell death. Mutations which constitutively activate and inactivate the ced-9 gene are also described. ced-9 was shown to function by antagonizing the activities of the cell death genes, ced-3 and ced-4. As further described, the protein product of the human oncogene bcl-2 was found to have a similar sequence to the Ced-9 protein.

Abstract: Disclosed is substantially pure DNA encoding a C. elegans Egl-10 polypeptide; substantially pure Egl-10 polypeptide; methods of obtaining RGS encoding DNA and RGS polypeptides; and methods of using the RGS DNA and RGS polypeptides to regulate G-protein signalling.

Abstract: Described herein is the discovery that human interleukin-1.beta. convertase (ICE) is structurally similar to the protein encoded by the C. elegans cell death gene, ced-3. Comparative and mutational analyses of the two proteins, together with previous observations, suggest that the Ced-3 protein may be a cysteine protease like ICE and that ICE may be a human equivalent of the nematode cell death gene. Another mammalian protein, the murine NEDD-2 protein, was also found to be similar to Ced-3. The NEDD-2 gene is implicated in the development of the murine central nervous system. On the basis of these findings, novel drugs for enhancing or inhibiting the activity of ICE, ced-3, or related genes are provided. Such drugs may be useful for treating inflammatory diseases and/or diseases characterized by cell deaths, as well as cancers, autoimmune disorders, infections, and hair growth and hair loss. Furthermore, such drugs may be useful for controlling pests, parasites and genetically engineered organisms.

Abstract: Disclosed is substantially pure DNA encoding a C. elegans EGL-10 polypeptide; substantially pure EGL-10 polypeptide; methods of obtaining rgs encoding DNA and RGS polypeptides; and methods of using the rgs DNA and RGS polypeptides to regulate G-protein signalling.

Abstract: Disclosed is the family of genes responsible for the neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Methods and compounds for the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of the disease are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is the family of genes responsible for the neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Methods and compounds for the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of the disease are also disclosed.