Abstract: This invention relates to the use of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors to transduce cardiomyocytes in vivo by infusing the rAAV into a coronary artery or coronary sinus. rAAV infection is not associated with detectable myocardial inflammation or myocyte necrosis. Thus, rAAV is a useful vector for the stable expression of therapeutic genes in the myocardium and can be used to deliver genes for inducing angiogenesis, inhibiting angiogenesis, stimulating cell proliferation, inhibiting cell proliferation and/or treating or ameliorating other cardiovascular conditions.

Abstract: A process for increasing the circulating levels of self gene products in a mammal for an extended period of time is provided. In accordance with that process, muscle cells of the mammal are transformed with an expression vector that contains a polynucleotide that encodes the gene product and which vector drives expression in the muscle.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a patient that comprises a non-invasive measurement of the hematocrit value or the concentration of hemoglobin coupled with the measurement of one or more vital signs. These vital signs include, but are not limited to, cardiac pulse rate, blood pressure, and arterial blood oxygenation. The invention also provides an apparatus for monitoring changes in the hematocrit value of a patient, in combination with one or more of the patient's vital signs.

Abstract: A process for increasing the circulating levels of gene products in a primate for extended period of time is provided. In accordance with that process, muscle cells of the mammal are transformed with an expression vector that contains a polynucleotide that encodes the gene product and which vector drives expression in the muscle.

Abstract: A process for increasing the circulating levels of gene products in a primate for extended period of time is provided. In accordance with that process, muscle cells of the mammal are transformed with an expression vector that contains a polynucleotide that encodes the gene product and which vector drives expression in the muscle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer to regulate function in cardiac and vascular smooth muscle cells. A recombinant adenovirus comprising a DNA sequence that codes for a gene product is delivered to a cardiac or vascular smooth muscle cell and the cell is maintained until that gene product is expressed. Delivery is direct injection into a muscle cell or infusing a pharmaceutical composition containing an adenovirus virus vector construct intravascularly.

Abstract: A system for regulating the expression of a gene in a eukaryotic cell is provided, in which the expression of a desired gene can be activated or deactivated according to deliberate intentions (i.e., via an inducible signal) and in which regulation of gene expression occurs at the level of translation of the gene. This regulation is accomplished by, first, the introduction of at least one mutation into the coding sequence of the gene of interest. This mutation(s) causes a decrease or alteration of translation, and, hence, a decrease or alteration of expression of the desired gene. The method of the invention further involves contacting the eukaryotic cell containing the now mutated gene of interest with an agent that is able to suppress the effect of the mutation, thus allowing translation, and, hence, expression of the desired gene. Preferably, the method involves introduction of a stop codon mutation, which is suppressed by an aminoglycoside.

Abstract: A novel method for expressing a protein which comprises: transforming skeletal myoblasts or cardiac myocytes with a DNA sequence comprising a DNA segment encoding a selected gene downstream of the Rous sarcoma virus long terminal repeat or the expression sequence in pRSV, and implanting said skeletal myoblasts or cardiac Myocytes into a recipient which then expresses a physiologically effective level of said protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer to regulate function in cardiac and vascular smooth muscle cells. A recombinant adenovirus comprising a DNA sequence that codes for a gene product is delivered to a cardiac or vascular smooth muscle cell and the cell is maintained until that gene product is expressed. Delivery is direct injection into a muscle cell or infusing a pharmaceutical composition containing an adenovirus virus vector construct intravascularly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic mice which express CREB. These transgenic mice provide a genetic model of dilated cardiomyopathy.

Abstract: A novel method for expressing a protein which comprises: transforming skeletal myoblasts or cardiac myocytes with a DNA sequence comprising a DNA segment encoding a selected gene downstream of the Rous sarcoma virus long terminal repeat or the expression sequence in pRSV, and implanting said skeletal myoblasts or cardiac myocytes into a recipient which then expresses a physiologically effective level of said protein.