Abstract: A gel extraction device (10) comprises a hollow cutting member (12) having cutting edge (14) at one end and a squeeze bulb (16) at the other end. In a further embodiment, the air passage between the cutting edge and the bulb has a constriction zone (20) to prevent any extracted gel from being drawn too deeply into the extractor, in another embodiment, a blow-hole in the hollow cutting member or in the squeeze bulb provides for the passage of air displaced by gel through the extractor. The blow-hole may be covered to secure the gel in the receptacle for transfer from the matrix to a sample container.

Abstract: A gel extraction device (10) comprises a hollow cutting member (12) having cutting edge (14) at one end and a squeeze bulb (16) at the other end. In a further embodiment, the air passage between the cutting edge and the bulb has a constriction zone (20) to prevent any extracted gel from being drawn too deeply into the extractor, in another embodiment, a blow-hole in the hollow cutting member or in the squeeze bulb provides for the passage of air displaced by gel through the extractor. The blow-hole may be covered to secure the gel in the receptacle for transfer from the matrix to a sample container.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for identifying agents that inhibit HIV infection. The anti-HIV agents are identified by screening test compounds for ability to modulate a biological activity of isopeptidase T (IsoT), e.g., its isopeptidase activity or its binding to another molecule such as viral protein R (Vpr). Such IsoT modulators can be further examined for their activity in inhibiting an activity indicative of HIV infection or HIV replication. These novel anti-HIV agents are useful in the prevention or treatment of HIV infection and conditions associated with or caused by HIV infection.

Abstract: This invention provides novel HIV-interacting host factors. The invention also provides methods of using the HIV-interacting host factors to screen for compounds that inhibit HIV infection. The methods comprise first screening test compounds for modulators of an HIV interacting host factor disclosed herein, and then further screening the identified modulating compounds for ability to inhibit HIV infection. The invention further provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating diseases and conditions associated with HIV infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for high throughput processing using sample holders. The system has a plurality of work perimeters, with a rotational robot preferably associated with each work perimeter. At least one transfer station area is provided between adjacent work perimeters to facilitate robotic transfer of sample holders from one work perimeter to another area. Each work perimeter typically includes a plurality of defined station locations, with each station location positioned to be accessible by the robot associated with that area. In addition, each station location is typically configured to receive a device, such as an automated instrument or a holding nest. Device components are arranged at selected station locations according to specific application requirements to provide a flexible, robust, reliable, and accurate high throughput processing system.

Abstract: Briefly, the present invention provides a system and method for high throughput processing using sample holders. The system has a plurality of work perimeters, with a rotational robot preferably associated with each work perimeter. At least one transfer station area is provided between adjacent work perimeters to facilitate robotic transfer of sample holders from one work perimeter to another area. Each work perimeter typically includes a plurality of defined station locations, with each station location positioned to be accessible by the robot associated with that area. In addition, each station location is typically configured to receive a device, such as an automated instrument or a holding nest. Device components are arranged at selected station locations according to specific application requirements to provide a flexible, robust, reliable, and accurate high throughput processing system.

Abstract: This invention relates to the discovery that the transcription factors Pbx1 and HMG I are involved in retrovirus, e.g., HIV, replication. Thus, the invention provides methods of identifying modulators of these proteins. Such modulators can be used as reagents in in vitro assays to modulate expression of retroviral sequences and may be used to inhibit HIV replication in vivo.

Abstract: This invention provides novel AP-1 modulatory polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for screening modulators of AP-1 transcription factor activities. The methods comprise first screening test agents for modulators of an AP-1-modulatory polypeptide and then further screening the identified modulating agents for modulators of AP-1 transcription factor activities. The invention further provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for modulating AP-1 transcription factor activities in a cell and for treating diseases and conditions mediated by abnormal cellular proliferation.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of screening for compounds that inhibit herpesviral transcription and replication. The methods comprise screening test compounds for ability to enhance the activity of homeodomain transcription factor PDX1 in repressing transcription of herpesviral genes (e.g., the IE gene of cytomegalovirus). Transcriptional repression by PDX1 can be monitored using an expression vector comprising a reporter gene operably linked to a PDX1-binding, upstream transcription regulatory sequence of the herpesvirus. The invention further provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for stimulating PDX1-mediated transcriptional repression in a subject and for treating diseases and conditions associated with herpesviral infection.

Abstract: This invention provides novel p53 modulatory polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for screening modulators of p53. The methods comprise first screening test agents for modulators of a p53-modulatory polypeptide and then further screening the identified modulating agents for modulators of p53. The invention further provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for modulating p53 bioactivities in a cell and for treating diseases and conditions mediated by abnormal cellular proliferation.

Abstract: This invention provides novel AP-1 modulatory polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for screening modulators of AP-1 transcription factor activities. The methods comprise first screening test agents for modulators of an AP-1-modulatory polypeptide and then further screening the identified modulating agents for modulators of AP-1 transcription factor activities. The invention further provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for modulating AP-1 transcription factor activities in a cell and for treating diseases and conditions mediated by abnormal cellular proliferation.

Abstract: Methods for identifying responder genes and regulatory regions that confer responsiveness to a test substance or other perturbation are provided. Regulatory regions identified by such methods or other methods are cloned into expression constructs to control expression of a nucleic acid molecule that encodes, for example, a selectable marker or reporter, and introduced into cells. The resulting cells are used, for example, in high throughput screening assays for profiling substances and conditions and for studying the function of the regulatory region mediating the response. Addressable collections of the cells are also provided.

Abstract: A genetic screening methodology for rapid identification of candidate targets of any small molecule cellular effectors and other signals and modulators of cellular functions and pathways is provided. The effect of a small molecule or other signal on a cell is titrated by expressing within the cell cDNA that encodes a polypeptide that is the molecular target or that is responsible for directly or indirectly producing the molecular target.

Abstract: Briefly, the present invention provides a system and method for high throughput processing using sample holders. The system has a plurality of work perimeters, with a rotational robot preferably associated with each work perimeter. At least one transfer station area is provided between adjacent work perimeters to facilitate robotic transfer of sample holders from one work perimeter to another area. Each work perimeter typically includes a plurality of defined station locations, with each station location positioned to be accessible by the robot associated with that area. In addition, each station location is typically configured to receive a device, such as an automated instrument or a holding nest. Device components are arranged at selected station locations according to specific application requirements to provide a flexible, robust, reliable, and accurate high throughput processing system.