Abstract: The present invention relates to a selection method that allows fast recovery and identification of functional gene fragments which selectively inhibit growth, e.g., are cytostatic or cytotoxic, of particular cell-types, such as transformed cells. The strategy relies, in part, on the ability of small gene fragments to encode dominant-acting synthetic genetic elements (SGEs), e.g., molecules which interfere with the function of genes from which they are derived. SGEs which can be identified by the subject method include, but are not limited to, inhibitory antisense RNA molecules, ribozymes, nucleic acid decoys, and small peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chimeric polypeptides in which a serum albumin protein has been altered to include one or more biologically active heterologous peptide sequences. The chimeric polypeptides may exhibit therapeutic activity related to the heterologous peptide sequences coupled with the improved serum half-lives derived from the serum albumin protein fragments. Heterologous peptide sequences maybe chosen to promote any biological effect, including angiogenesis inhibition, antitumor activity, and induction of apoptosis. The therapeutic effect may be achieved by direct administration of the chimeric polypeptide, or by transfecting cells with a vector including a nucleic acid encoding such a chimeric polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery in mammalian cells, particularly human cells, of a novel CDK-binding protein, referred to herein as "cdc37". As described herein, this protein functions to facilitate activation and accordingly finctions in the modulation of cell-cycle progression, and therefore ultimately of cell growth and differentiation. Moreover, binding data indicated that cdc37 may function coordinately with other cell-cycle regulatory proteins, such as of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), src, p53 and erk kinases.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining whether a first protein is capable of physically interacting with a second protein. The method involves: (a) providing a host cell which contains (i) a reporter gene operably linked to a protein binding site; (ii) a first fusion gene which expresses a first fusion protein, the first fusion protein including the first protein covalently bonded to a binding moiety which is capable of specifically binding to the protein binding site; and (iii) a second fusion gene which expresses a second fusion protein, the second fusion protein including the second protein covalently bonded to a weak gene activating moiety; and (b) measuring expression of the reporter gene as a measure of an interaction between the first and the second proteins. Such a determination facilitates the isolation of the gene encoding the interacting protein. Also disclosed herein is recombinant Cdi1 polypeptide, nucleic acid encoding the Cdi1 polypeptide, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery in mammalian cells, particularly human cells, of a novel CDK-binding protein, referred to herein as "cdc37". As described herein, this protein functions to facilitate activation and accordingly functions in the modulation of cell-cycle progression, and therefore ultimately of cell growth and differentiation. Moreover, binding data indicated that cdc37 may function coordinately with other cell-cycle regulatory proteins, such as of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), src, p53 and erk kinases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of novel proteins of mammalian origin which can associate with the human cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4).

Abstract: The present invention pertains to novel inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), particularly CDK/cyclin complexes, which inhibitors can be used to control proliferation and/or differentiation of cells in which the inhibitors are introduced. More specifically, the inhibitors of the invention are chimeric proteins which include CDK-binding motifs from two or more different proteins. For example, the subject chimeric proteins can be generated from the in-frame fusion of coding sequences from two different CDK inhibitor proteins, such as may be derived from fusion of coding sequences for an INK4 protein and coding sequences for a CIP protein. Chimeric proteins of the present invention have been observed to be more potent inhibitors of cyclin/CDK complexes than were either of the portions of the chimeric protein individually.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining whether a first protein is capable of physically interacting with a second protein. The method involves: (a) providing a host cell which contains (i) a reporter gene operably linked to a protein binding site; (ii) a first fusion gene which expresses a first fusion protein, the first fusion protein including the first protein covalently bonded to a binding moiety which is capable of specifically binding to the protein binding site; and (iii) a second fusion gene which expresses a second fusion protein, the second fusion protein including the second protein covalently bonded to a weak gene activating moiety; and (b) measuring expression of the reporter gene as a measure of an interaction between the first and the second proteins. Such a determination facilitates the isolation of the gene encoding the interacting protein. Also disclosed herein is recombinant Cdi1 polypeptide, nucleic acid encoding the Cdi1 polypeptide, and uses thereof.