Abstract: Various aspects provided herein relate to compositions and methods for altering the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in animals, e.g., non-human animals. Transgenic animals (e.g., non-human animals) that are capable of converting carbohydrates and/or saturated fats to polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., n-6 and/or n-3 fatty acids) and uses thereof are also provided herein.

Abstract: Various aspects provided herein relate to compositions and methods for altering the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in animals, e.g., non-human animals. Transgenic animals (e.g., non-human animals) that are capable of converting carbohydrates and/or saturated fats to polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., n-6 and/or n-3 fatty acids) and uses thereof are also provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions (e.g., nucleic acids encoding fat-1, optionally and operably linked to a constitutively active or tissue-specific promoter or other regulatory sequence) and pharmaceutically acceptable formulations including nucleic acids encoding fat-1 or biologically active variants thereof and methods that can be used to effectively modify the content of PUFAs in animal cells (i.e., cells other than those of C. elegans, for example, mammalian cells such as myocytes, neurons (whether of the peripheral or central nervous system), adipocytes, endothelial cells, and cancer cells). The modified cells, whether in vivo or ex vivo (e.g., in tissue culture), transgenic animals containing them, and food products obtained from those animals (e.g., meat or other edible parts of the animals (e.g., liver, kidney, or sweetbreads)) are also within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions (e.g, nucleic acids encoding fat-1, optionally and operably linked to a constitutively active or tissue-specific promoter or other regulatory sequence and pharmaceutically acceptable formulations including that nucleic acid or biologically active variants thereof) and methods that can be used to effectively modify the content of PUFAs in animal cells (i.e., cells other than those of C. elegants, for example, mammalian cells such as myocytes, neurons (whether of the periferal or central nervous system), adipocytes, endothelial cells, and cancer cells). The modified cells, whether in vivo or ex vivo (e.g., in tissue culture), transgenic animals containing them, and food products obtained from those animals (e.g., meat or other edible parts of the animals (e.g., liver, kidney, or sweetbreads)) are also within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention features pipets for fast and efficient liquid exchange, pipet controllers for use with such pipets and pipetting systems utilizing pipets and/or pipet controllers of the invention.

Abstract: The invention features pipets for fast and efficient liquid exchange, pipet controllers for use with such pipets, and pipetting systems utilizing pipets and/or pipet controllers of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions (e.g, nucleic acids encoding fat-1, optionally and operably linked to a constitutively active or tissue-specific promoter or other regulatory sequence and pharmaceutically acceptable formulations including that nucleic acid or biologically active variants thereof) and methods that can be used to effectively modify the content of PUFAs in animal cells (i.e., cells other than those of C. elegants, for example, mammalian cells such as myocytes, neurons (whether of the periferal or central nervous system), adipocytes, endothelial cells, and cancer cells). The modified cells, whether in vivo or ex vivo (e.g., in tissue culture), transgenic animals containing them, and food products obtained from those animals (e.g., meat or other edible parts of the animals (e.g., liver, kidney, or sweetbreads)) are also within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention features pipets for fast and efficient liquid exchange, pipet controllers for use with such pipets, and pipetting systems utilizing pipets and/or pipet controllers of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for inhibiting proliferation of a cell or inducing apoptosis. In general, the methods include the steps of providing an elevated level of M6P/IGF2R protein in the cell, and contacting the cell with a compound, e.g., a retinoid, that binds to the M6P/IGF2R protein. The methods can be used to inhibit proliferation of a cancer cell or induce apoptosis in a cancer cell. Also disclosed is a method for potentiating an M6P/IGF2R-mediated effect in a cell. Also disclosed are screening methods for identification of compounds that bind directly to the retinoic acid binding site of a M6P/IGF2R protein.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide a novel apparatus capable of suctioning a liquid from a container by using a vacuum. Simultaneously, the vacuum draws a second liquid from a separate source to fill a reservoir which forms part of the apparatus. Once the first liquid is drawn and the reservoir is filled with the second liquid, vacuum is disengaged by releasing a normally open vacuum control. Further disengaging of a normally closed reservoir control allows the second liquid to drain from the reservoir into the now empty container which formerly contained the first liquid. Use of this apparatus significantly eases the task of changing liquid culture mediums since the operator can now accomplish the task in essentially one step thereby minimizing potential contamination to the second liquid, the culture, and the environment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for terminating an existing potentially lethal cardiac arrhythmia, or preventing an imminent potentially lethal cardiac arrhythmia. The method involves administration of all-trans-retinoic acid or an antiarrhythmically active analog. Antiarrhythmic effects of all-trans-retinoic acid occur within minutes.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the prevention of imminent ventricular tachyarrhythmia, particularly ventricular fibrillation, are disclosed. The composition comprises .alpha.-linolenic acid, eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA), or a mixture of .alpha.-linolenic acid and ETYA. The composition may be administered by intravenous infusion, intracardial injection or both in a patient who presents symptoms of a condition, such as myocardial ischemia associated with myocardial infarction, which may immediately lead to ventricular fibrillation.