Abstract: A method for transducing a pathologic hyperproliferative mammalian cell is provided by this invention. This method requires contacting the cell with a suitable retroviral vector containing a nucleic acid encoding a gene product having a tumor suppressive function. Also provided by this invention is a method for treating a pathology in a subject caused by the absence of, or the presence of a pathologically mutated tumor suppressor gene.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for treating inflammatory or autoimmune diseases by contacting the affected cell or tissue with a therapeutic compound as described herein. Such pathologies include, but are not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythmatosus, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and scleroderma. Therapeutic compounds useful in the methods of this invention are selected from the group consisting of a 1,5-substituted pyrimidine derivative or analog and substituted furano-pyrimidone analog.

Abstract: Provided are methods for production of cell surface receptor (CSR) and ligand isoforms. In particular, isoform fusions that a precursor sequence for secretion, processing and intracellular trafficking are provided. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the fusions are expressed in a host cell and the encoded and partially or completely processed encoded CSR or ligand isoforms is produced in the cell culture medium. The resulting polypeptide optionally includes an epitope tag for the detection and/or purification thereof.

Abstract: Isoforms of ligands, including isoforms of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) containing an intron-encoded portion, and pharmaceutical compositions containing HGF isoforms are provided. The HGF ligand isoforms and compositions containing them can be used in methods of treatment of diseases, such as cancer and other angiogenic diseases.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for selectively killing a hyperproliferative cell by contacting the cell with the compound BVdU, its derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Further provided by this invention is a method for treating a pathology in a subject characterized by pathological, hyperproliferative cells by administering to the subject an effective amount of the compound BVdU, its derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The invention also provides a method for screening for potential therapeutic agents by contacting a neoplastic cell with the agent and with BVdU and performing an assay to detect inhibition of proliferation and cell killing. The invention also provides methods for selecting from among a patient population, patients that are likely to benefit from treatment with BVdU, by determining the level of endogenous, intracellular TK and TS.

Abstract: Isoforms of RAGE and pharmaceutical compositions containing RAGE isoforms are provided. Methods for identifying and preparing RAGE isoforms are provided. Also provided are methods of treatment with the RAGE isoforms.

Abstract: Isoforms of cell surface receptors, including isoforms of receptor tyrosine kinases, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the isoforms are provided. Chimeras of and conjugates containing the cell surface receptors that contain a portion, such as an extracellular domain, from one cell surface receptor, and a second portion, particularly an intron-encoded portion, from a second cell surface protein also are provided. The isoforms modulate the activity of a cell surface receptor. Methods for identifying and preparing isoforms of cell surface receptors including receptor tyrosine kinases are provided. Also provided are methods of treatment with the cell surface receptor isoforms.

Abstract: Isoforms of receptor tyrosine kinases, including intron fusion proteins and pharmaceutical compositions containing receptor tyrosine kinase isoforms, including intron fusion proteins, are provided herein. Methods of identifying and preparing isoforms of cell surface receptors including receptor tyrosine kinases are provided. Also provided are methods of treatment with cell surface receptor isoforms including intron fusion proteins of receptor tyrosine kinases.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for identifying potential therapeutic agents by contacting a target cell with a candidate therapeutic agent which is a selective substrate for an endogenous, intracellular enzyme in the cell which is enhanced in its expression as a result of selection by biologic or chemotherapy. This invention also provides methods and examples of molecules for selectively killing a pathological cell by contacting the cell with prodrug that is a selective substrate for an endogenous, intracellular enzyme. The prodrug is subsequently converted to a cellular toxin. Further provided by this invention is a method for treating a pathology characterized by pathological, hyperproliferative cells in a subject by administering to the subject a prodrug that is a selective substrate for an endogenous, overexpressed, intracellular enzyme, and converted by the enzyme to a cellular toxin in the hyperproliferative cell.

Abstract: A method for transducing a pathologic hyperproliferative mammalian cell is provided by this invention. This method requires contacting the cell with a suitable retroviral vector containing a nucleic acid encoding a gene product having a tumor suppressive function. Also provided by this invention is a method for treating a pathology in a subject caused by the absence of, or the presence of a pathologically mutated tumor suppressor gene.