Abstract: A method for suppressing tumorigenicity of stem cells in a mammalian subject, which comprises administering an effective amount of a fatty acid derivative and a method for suppressing tumorigenicity of stem cells of a mammalian subject, which comprises contacting said stem cell with an effective amount of a fatty acid derivative, are provided.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of pore forming bacterial toxin protein in a sample is provided, the method including the steps of a) forming a membrane comprising a lipid bilayer and a receptor, b) contacting the membrane with an ion solution and the sample, c) measuring ion flow through the membrane, d) comparing the ion flow through the membrane to a standard curve, and e) determining the amount of pore forming bacterial toxin protein in the sample.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to methods for ionophorically screening pore forming bacterial protein toxins and receptors. The method includes: a) forming a membrane comprising a lipid and a receptor, b) contacting the membrane with the pore forming bacterial protein toxin and an ion solution, and c) measuring ion flow through the membrane.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of live pore forming bacterial toxin protein in a sample is provided, the method including the steps of a) forming a membrane comprising a lipid bilayer and a receptor, b) contacting the membrane with an ion solution and the sample, c) measuring ion flow through the membrane, d) comparing the ion flow through the membrane to a standard curve, and e) determining the amount of pore forming bacterial toxin protein in the sample. A kit for determining the amount of live pore forming bacterial toxin protein present in the sample is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating macular degeneration in a mammalian subject, which includes administering to the subject in need thereof an effective amount of a 15-keto-prostaglandin compound such as 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-ethyl-prostaglandin F2? isopropyl ester.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating macular degeneration in a mammalian subject, which comprises administering to the subject in need thereof an effective amount of a 15-keto-prostaglandin compound such as 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-ethyl-prostaglandin F2? isopropyl ester.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of live pore forming bacterial toxin protein in a sample is provided, the method including the steps of a) forming a membrane comprising a lipid bilayer and a receptor, b) contacting the membrane with an ion solution and the sample, c) measuring ion flow through the membrane, d) comparing the ion flow through the membrane to a standard curve, and e) determining the amount of pore forming bacterial toxin protein in the sample. A kit for determining the amount of live pore forming bacterial toxin protein present in the sample is also provided.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to methods for ionophorically screening pore forming bacterial protein toxins and receptors for insect toxicity. The method includes: a) forming a membrane comprising a lipid and an insect receptor, b) contacting the membrane with the pore forming bacterial protein toxin and an ion solution, and c) measuring ion flow through the membrane. Also provided are a method and kit for determining the amount of live pore forming bacterial toxin protein in a sample.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to methods for ionophorically screening pore forming bacterial protein toxins and receptors for insect toxicity. The method includes: a) forming a membrane comprising a lipid and an insect receptor, b) contacting the membrane with the pore forming bacterial protein toxin and an ion solution, and c) measuring ion flow through the membrane. Also provided are a method and kit for determining the amount of live pore forming bacterial toxin protein in a sample.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to methods for ionophorically screening pore forming bacterial protein toxins and receptors. The method includes: a) forming a membrane comprising a lipid and a receptor, b) contacting the membrane with the pore forming bacterial protein toxin and an ion solution, and c) measuring ion flow through the membrane.

Abstract: Functional biological synthetic composite (BSC) membranes comprising phospholipids, biological membrane proteins and porous supports or membranes are provided. Lipid bilayers are formed on porous polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) and poly (I-lactic acid) (PLLA) membranes and in laser-drilled pores in a multi-well plastic plate as measured by increased resistance or decreased currents. BSC's comprising functional reconstituted Kv1.5 K channel and/or H/K ATPase transport proteins are also provided c inhibitor), methods of manufacture, and high throughput screening assays employing the inventive membranes are also provided.

Abstract: A selectively permeable film supported membrane comprises a selectively permeable film comprising at least one ionomer; a bilayer formed on the film; and at least one transport substance incorporated into the bilayer. Methods for forming a selectively permeable film supported membrane comprise the steps of forming a bilayer on a selectively permeable film comprising at least one ionomer and incorporating at least one transport substance into the bilayer. Fuel cells, toxins detectors and protective devices comprise a selectively permeable film supported membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating macular degeneration in a mammalian subject, which comprises administering to the subject in need thereof an effective amount of a 15-keto-prostaglandin compound such as 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-ethyl-prostaglandin F2? isopropyl ester.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for protecting mitochondria from damage in a mammalian subject, which comprises administering an effective amount of a prostaglandin compound to a subject in need thereof. Also provided is a method for treating mitochondrial dysfunction as well as a condition associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in a mammalian subject, which comprises administering an effective amount of a prostaglandin compound to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to methods for ionophorically screening pore forming bacterial protein toxins and receptors. The method includes: a) forming a membrane comprising a lipid and a receptor, b) contacting the membrane with the pore forming bacterial protein toxin and an ion solution, and c) measuring ion flow through the membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel use of a prostaglandin compound as a chloride channel opener. According to the instant invention, chloride channels in a mammalian subject can be opened by a prostaglandin compound to facilitate chloride ion transportation.

Abstract: Functional biological synthetic composite (BSC) membranes comprising phospholipids, biological membrane proteins and porous supports or membranes are provided. Lipid bilayers are formed on porous polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) and poly (I-lactic acid) (PLLA) membranes and in laser-drilled pores in a multi-well plastic plate as measured by increased resistance or decreased currents. BSC's comprising functional reconstituted Kv 1.5 K channel and/or H/K ATPase transport proteins are also provided c inhibitor), methods of manufacture, and high throughput screening assays employing the inventive membranes are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for studying ion channels comprise incorporating an ion channel onto the surface of a solid-supported membrane; applying a potential to the solid-supported membrane; and measuring an electrical signal of the ion channel. Methods for identifying or screening compounds that bind to ion channels employ an ion channel incorporated onto a solid-supported membrane.

Abstract: A selectively permeable film supported membrane comprises a selectively permeable film comprising at least one ionomer; a bilayer formed on the film; and at least one transport substance incorporated into the bilayer. Methods for forming a selectively permeable film supported membrane comprise the steps of forming a bilayer on a selectively permeable film comprising at least one ionomer and incorporating at least one transport substance into the bilayer. Fuel cells, toxins detectors and protective devices comprise a selectively permeable film supported membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel use of a prostaglandin compound as a chloride channel opener. According to the instant invention, chloride channels in a mammalian subject can be opened by a prostaglandin compound to facilitate chloride ion transportation.