Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions useful for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and/or left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) and other cardiomyopathies through allele-specific RNA silencing.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods for detecting the presence or absence of a mutation associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC). The methods include providing DNA which encodes a cardiac myosin binding protein and detecting the presence or absence of a mutation in the amplified product which is associated with HC. The invention further pertains to methods for diagnosing HC in a subject. These methods typically include obtaining a sample of DNA which encodes a cardiac myosin binding protein from a subject being tested for FHC and diagnosing the subject for FHC by detecting the presence or absence of a mutation in the sarcomeric thin filament protein which causes FHC as an indication of the disease. Other aspects of the invention include kits useful for diagnosing HC and methods for treating HC.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods for detecting the presence or absence of a mutation associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC). The methods include providing DNA which encodes a cardiac myosin binding protein and detecting the presence or absence of a mutation in the amplified product which is associated with HC. The invention further pertains to methods for diagnosing HC in a subject. These methods typically include obtaining a sample of DNA which encodes a cardiac myosin binding protein from a subject being tested for FHC and diagnosing the subject for FHC by detecting the presence or absence of a mutation in the sarcomeric thin filament protein which causes FHC as an indication of the disease. Other aspects of the invention include kits useful for diagnosing HC and methods for treating HC.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods for detecting the presence or absence of a mutation associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC). The methods include providing DNA which encodes a sarcomeric thin filament protein (e.g., .alpha.-tropomyosin or cardiac troponin T) and detecting the presence or absence of a mutation in the amplified product which is associated with HC. DNA encoding an actin-associated protein, a myosin-associated protein, or a sarcomeric protein other than .beta. cardiac heavy chain can also be used in the methods of the present invention. The invention further pertains to methods for diagnosing familial HC (FHC) in a subject. These methods typically include obtaining a sample of DNA which encodes a sarcomeric thin filament protein from a subject being tested for FHC and diagnosing the subject for FHC by detecting the presence or absence of a mutation in the sarcomeric thin filament protein which causes FHC as an indication of the disease.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods for detecting the presence or absence of a mutation associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC). The methods include providing DNA which encodes a sarcomeric thin filament protein (e.g., .alpha.-tropomyosin or cardiac troponin T) and detecting the presence or absence of a mutation in the amplified product which is associated with HC. DNA encoding an actin-associated protein, a myosin-associated protein, or a sarcomeric protein other than .beta. cardiac heavy chain can also be used in the methods of the present invention. The invention further pertains to methods for diagnosing familial HC (FHC) in a subject. These methods typically include obtaining a sample of DNA which encodes a sarcomeric thin filament protein from a subject being tested for FHC and diagnosing the subject for FHC by detecting the presence or absence of a mutation in the sarcomeric thin filament protein which causes FHC as an indication of the disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides purified polypeptides which comprise at least a portion of a .delta.T cell receptor polypeptide, a .gamma.T cell receptor polypeptide or a .gamma.,.delta. T cell receptor complex. Substances capable of forming complexes with these polypeptides are also provided. Additionally, methods for detecting T cells which have within them or on their surfaces a polypeptide of the present invention are provided. Moreover, methods for diagnosing immune system abnormalities are provided which comprise measuring in a sample from a subject the number of T cells which have within them or on their surfaces a polypeptide of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to purified polypeptides comprising the .gamma. T cell antigen receptor (TCR) polypeptide, the .delta. TCR polypeptide, a .gamma., .delta. TCR complex, or a fragment thereof containing an epitope. The invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding such polypeptides, and subsequences thereof. In specific embodiments, the invention relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising variable, diversity, joining, or constant regions of the .delta. TCR gene sequence. The invention also relates to monoclonal antibodies specifically reactive with an epitope of the gamma or delta TCR polypeptides. In specific embodiments, these antibodies are reactive with the delta constant region, the delta variable region, or gamma constant region. Such antibodies can be identified by detecting co-modulation of the CD3 antigen. In another embodiment, the invention relates to compositions comprising substantially purified cells which express both a .gamma., .delta. TCR and the CD4 antigen.

Abstract: The present invention provides purified polypeptides which comprises at least a portion of a a .delta.T cell receptor polypeptide, a .gamma.T cell receptor polypeptide, a .gamma..delta.T cell receptor complex or a .gamma..delta.T cell receptor complex. Substances capable of forming complexes with these polypeptides are also provided.Additonally, methods for detecting T cells which have within them or on their surfaces a polypeptide of the present invention are provided. Moreover, methods for diagnosing immune system abnormalities are provided which comprise measuring in a sample from a subject the number of T cells which have within them or on their surfaces a polypeptide of the present invention.