Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for enhancing clearance of coagulation factors {e.g., VWF) and platelets from the blood stream of a patient in need thereof. The methods comprise administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that increases clearance of coagulation factors or platelets. Such an agent can be, for example, a neuraminidase.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for enhancing clearance of coagulation factors {e.g., VWF) and platelets from the blood stream of a patient in need thereof. The methods comprise administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that increases clearance of coagulation factors or platelets. Such an agent can be, for example, a neuraminidase.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and kits for use in diagnosing genetically transmitted diseases that are associated with deficiencies in glycosylation of glycoconjugates such as glycoproteins, glycolipids, and proteoglycans. The methods and kits are also useful for monitoring the course of treatment of diseases that are associated with glycosylation disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of diagnosing epilepsy in a mammal by detecting ST3 ?-galactoside ?-2,3-sialyltransferase 3 (ST3Gal-III) activity or by detecting for one or more mutations in a ST3Gal-III gene that decrease that activity of a ST3Gal-III polypeptide. The invention further provides methods of treating an epileptic condition associated with decreased ST3Gal-III activity by administering one or more agents that increase the activity of ST3Gal-III. Also provided are methods of identifying one or more agents that increase the activity of ST3Gal-III.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and kits for use in diagnosing genetically transmitted diseases that are associated with deficiencies in glycosylation of glycoconjugates such as glycoproteins, glycolipids, and proteoglycans. The methods and kits are also useful for monitoring the course of treatment of diseases that are associated with glycosylation disorders.

Abstract: This invention provides compounds and methods for treating inflammation. The compounds modulate the core 2 oligosaccharide-mediated binding of inflammatory cells, such as neutrophils, to endothelial cells and other myeloid cells. Significantly, the of the invention methods block inflammation without affecting lymphocyte trafficking. In some embodiments, the compounds inhibit the activity of a core 2 GlcNAc transferase that is involved in synthesizing the core 2 oligosaccharides.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for treating and preventing atherosclerosis other undesired blood clotting. The methods for treating and preventing atherosclerosis and related conditions involve administering to a mammal an agent that reduces activity of an ST3Gal IV sialyltransferase, which results in enhanced clearance of von Willebrand Factor (vWF) from the mammal.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for treating and preventing inflammation. The methods for treating and preventing inflammation and related conditions involved administering to a mammal an agent that reduces activity of a sialyltransferase, such as an ST3Gal IV sialyltransferase or an ST3Gal I sialyltransferase.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for inhibiting immune responses by inhibiting the biosynthesis of the sialyl galactosides that are involved in immune responses. In particular, B lymphocyte-mediated immune responses are mediated by interfering with synthesis of &agr;2,6 sialylgalactosides, while T lymphocyte-mediated immune responses are inhibited by blocking synthesis of &agr;2,3 sialylgalactosides. The inhibition is accomplished by, for example, inhibiting the activity of a glycosyltransferase involved in synthesis of the respective sialyl galactoside.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for inhibiting immune responses by inhibiting the biosynthesis of the sialyl galactosides that are involved in immune responses. In particular, B lymphocyte-mediated immune responses are mediated by interfering with synthesis of &agr;2,6 sialylgalactosides, while T lymphocyte-mediated immune responses are inhibited by blocking synthesis of &agr;2,3 sialylgalactosides. The inhibition is accomplished by, for example, inhibiting the activity of a glycosyltransferase involved in synthesis of the respective sialyl galactoside.