Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotide sequences (bbp) encoding a Bak Binding Protein (BBP) and fragments thereof that bind to Bak. The invention also provides a BBP which binds to Bak. The invention also provides recombinant host cells containing polynucleotides encoding BBP. The invention further provides antibodies that specifically bind to BBP. The invention further provides methods for detecting agents such as drugs that alter the binding of a BBP with a Bak protein. The invention further provides methods for detecting the presence of bbp or BBP in a biological sample, and further provides methods for modulating the levels of BBP in a cell. This invention additionally encompasses novel peptides, designated the “BBP Binding Domains” and the respective nucleotides, designated “bbpbd-1” and “bbpbd-2” which are involved in the interaction between Bak and BBP.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema, typically smoking-induced emphysema. More specifically, the present invention relates to the treatment and prevention of COPD or emphysema by inhalation of alpha one-antitrypsin (AAT).

Abstract: Vectors, host cells, and methods are provided for the production of proteins in yeast. The vectors generally contain a selection gene, a yeast 2 micron sequence, and a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide, where the polynucleotide is operably linked to promoter, and where the polynucleotide contains one or more yeast-preferred codons. Host cells are cultured under conditions where, after an initial batch phase, oxygen concentration is kept high and glucose feed is regulated so that the yeast cells stay in respiratory metabolism.

Abstract: The present invention provide polynucleotide sequences encoding a Bak Binding Protein (BBP) and fragments thereof that bind to Bak. The invention also provide recombinant host cells containing polynucleotides encoding BBP. The invention further provide antibodies that specifically bind to BBP. The invention further provide methods for detecting agents such as drugs that alter the binding of a BBP with a Bak protein. The invention further provide methods for detecting the presence of Bak polynucleotides and the encoding proteins in a biological sample, and further provide methods for modulating the levels of BBP in a cell. This invention additionally encompasses novel peptides, designated the “BBP Binding Domains” and the respective nucleotides, designated “bbpbd-1” and “bbpbd-2” which are involved in the interaction between Bak and BBP.

Abstract: Fusion proteins of protease inhibitors are provided, in particular fusion proteins of alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) and a second protease inhibitor, such as secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) or tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases (TIMP). Polynucleotides encoding the fusion proteins, vectors comprising such polynucleotides, and host cells containing such vectors are also provided. Methods of making the fusion proteins of the invention are also provide, as well as methods of using the fusion proteins, for example to inhibit protease activity in a biological sample or in the treatment of an individual suffering from, or at risk for, a disease or disorder involving unwanted protease activity.

Abstract: Vectors, host cells, and methods are provided for the production of proteins in yeast. The vectors generally contain a selection gene, a yeast 2 micron sequence, and a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide, where the polynucleotide is operably linked to promoter, and where the polynucleotide contains one or more yeast-preferred codons. Host cells are cultured under conditions where, after an initial batch phase, oxygen concentration is kept high and glucose feed is regulated so that the yeast cells stay in respiratory metabolism.

Abstract: Vectors, host cells, and methods are provided for the production of proteins in yeast. The vectors generally contain a selection gene, a yeast 2 micron sequence, and a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide, where the polynucleotide is operably linked to promoter, and where the polynucleotide contains one or more yeast-preferred codons. Host cells are cultured under conditions where, after an initial batch phase, oxygen concentration is kept high and glucose feed is regulated so that the yeast cells stay in respiratory metabolism.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotide sequences (bbp) encoding a Bak Binding Protein (BBP) and fragments thereof that bind to Bak. The invention also provides a BBP which binds to Bak. The invention also provides recombinant host cells containing polynucleotides encoding BBP. The invention further provides antibodies that specifically bind to BBP. The invention further provides methods for detecting agents such as drugs that alter the binding of a BBP with a Bak protein. The invention further provides methods for detecting the presence of bbp or BBP in a biological sample, and further provides methods for modulating the levels of BBP in a cell. This invention additionally encompasses novel peptides, designated the “BBP Binding Domains” and the respective nucleotides, designated “bbpbd-1” and “bbpbd-2” which are involved in the interaction between Bak and BBP.

Abstract: Fusion proteins of protease inhibitors are provided, in particular fusion proteins of alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) and a second protease inhibitor, such as secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) or tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases (TIMP). Polynucleotides encoding the fusion proteins, vectors comprising such polynucleotides, and host cells containing such vectors are also provided. Methods of making the fusion proteins of the invention are also provide, as well as methods of using the fusion proteins, for example to inhibit protease activity in a biological sample or in the treatment of an individual suffering from, or at risk for, a disease or disorder involving unwanted protease activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotide sequences (bbp) encoding a Bak Binding Protein (BBP) and fragments thereof that bind to Bak. The invention also provides a BBP which binds to Bak. The invention also provides recombinant host cells containing polynucleotides encoding BBP. The invention further provides antibodies that specifically bind to BBP. The invention further provides methods for detecting agents such as drugs that alter the binding of a BBP with a Bak protein. The invention further provides methods for detecting the presence of bbp or BBP in a biological sample, and further provides methods for modulating the levels of BBP in a cell. This invention additionally encompasses novel peptides, designated the “BBP Binding Domains” and the respective nucleotides, designated “bbpbd-1” and “bbpbd-2” which are involved in the interaction between Bak and BBP.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotide sequences (bbp) encoding a Bak Binding Protein (BBP) and fragments thereof that bind to Bak. The invention also provides a BBP which binds to Bak. The invention also provides recombinant host cells containing polynucleotides encoding BBP. The invention further provides antibodies that specifically bind to BBP. The invention further provides methods for detecting agents such as drugs that alter the binding of a BBP with a Bak protein. The invention neither provides methods for detecting the presence of bbp or BBP in a biological sample, and further provides methods for modulating the levels of BBP in a cell. This invention additionally encompasses novel peptides, designated the “BBP Binding Domains” and the respective nucleotides, designated “bbpbd-1” and “bbpbd-2” which arc involved in the interaction between Bak and BBP.