Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to autotaxin. In particular, the present invention relates to a DNA segment encoding autotaxin; recombinant DNA molecules containing the DNA segment; cells containing the recombinant DNA molecule; a method of producing autotaxin; and antibodies to autotaxin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for the determination of therapeutic agents in blood. This method utilizes a solid phase extraction of the solute from plasma followed by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography on a column of irregularly shaped C-18 modified silica. Comparison of the produced chromatogram with a standard curve provides a precise and accurate quantification of the amount of the solute in blood. Additionally, the extraction and chromatography steps can be readily automated for the rapid determination of multiple samples.

Abstract: A family of metalloproteinases exist which cleave extracellular matrix molecules. These metalloproteinases are secreted in a latent inactive form and require activation in order to specifically cleave the preferred substrate. A series of peptides have been prepared based on the complete sequence analysis of type IV procollagenase. Peptide inhibitors were synthesized which correspond to cysteine repeat regions and histidine containing regions; the mechanism of action of these peptides involves inhibition of binding of the enzyme to the substrate. Peptide inhibitors were synthesized which correspond to the peptide cleaved off during activation, and constitute a novel class of metalloproteinase inhibitors. These inhibitors are members of a series of peptides which contain the core amino acid sequence RKPRC or analogs thereof. The cysteine residue is required for activity.

Abstract: A compound having the formula:Y--(CH.sub.2).sub.p --Ar.sup.11 --X--Ar.sup.12wherein:p is an integer of from 0 to 4;Ar.sup.11 and Ar.sup.12 are each aromatic moieties independently selected from the group consisting of phenyl, naphthyl, and substituted versions thereof in which the substituents are members selected from the group consisting of halogen, nitro, carboxyl and alkoxy;X is a linking moiety selected from the group consisting of O, S, SO.sub.2, CO, CHCN, straight chain alkyl, alkoxy, and alkoxyalkyl; andY is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic moiety.

Abstract: A family of metalloproteinases exist which cleave extracellular matrix molecules. These metalloproteinases are secreted in a latent inactive form and require activation in order to specifically cleave the preferred substrate. A series of peptides have been prepared based on the complete sequence analysis of type IV procollagenase. Peptide inhibitors were synthesized which correspond to cysteine repeat regions and histidine containing regions; the mechanism of action of these peptides involves inhibition of binding of the enzyme to the substrate. Peptide inhibitors were synthesized which correspond to the peptide cleaved off during activation, and constitute a novel class of metalloproteinase inhibitors. These inhibitors are members of a series of peptides which contain the core amino acid sequence RKPRC or analogs thereof. The cysteine residue is required for activity.

Abstract: A family of metalloproteinases exist which cleave extracellular matrix molecules. These metalloproteinases are secreted in a latent inactive form and require activation in order to specifically cleave the preferred substrate. A series of peptides have been prepared based on the complete sequence analysis of type IV Procollagenase. Peptide inhibitors were synthesized which correspond to cysteine repeat regions and histidine containing regions; the mechanism of action of these peptides involves inhibition of binding of the enzyme to the substrate. Peptide inhibitors were synthesized which correspond to the peptide cleaved off during activation, and constitute a novel class of metalloproteinase inhibitors. These inhibitors are members of a series of peptides which contain the core amino acid sequence PRCG. The cysteine residue is required for activity.

Abstract: Tumor invasion and metastasis is the most life threatening aspect of cancer. Invasion and metastasis is a multistep process. Cellular functions required for invasion are attachment, locomotion and directed migration. Regulation of these processes may be independent of cell growth. A carboxylamino-imidazole compound was found to be potent inhibitor of tumor cell attachment, motility, invasion, proliferation, and metastasis. This compound and equivalents thereof constitute a cancer treatment agent of particular use in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis of ovarian cancer.

Abstract: A new NM23 gene and its relationship with metastatic potential of tumor cells is described.

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant cDNA clone encoding cell surface receptor for laminin, as well as a probe and methods of using that probe to diagnose the aggressiveness of a carcinoma or the effectiveness of an agent for treating cancer cells.

Abstract: A device is provided for determining the presence of an antigen which comprises a trapping zone, which contains material capable of capturing free flowing enzyme linked antibodies, but not antibodies bound to a transport particle which flows freely through the trapping zone into the substrate zone, and a substrate zone which contains material capable of reacting with enzyme-linked antibodies to produce a reaction which indicates the presence of antibodies. A method of determining the presence of an antigen is provided wherein a sample is mixed with two classes of antibodies which are specific for the antigen being tested for, but which react with different antigen domains, wherein the mixture consists of class one antibodies bound to a transport particle which flows freely through the trapping zone and class two enzyme-linked antibodies which are incapable, unless bound to the transport particles, of flowing freely through the trapping zone.

Abstract: Basement membrane collagen degrading enzymes are provided which are useful for the detection of malignant cells with metastatic activity. Means for detecting such cells are also provided.

Abstract: Basement membrane collagen degrading enzymes are provided which are useful for the detection of malignant cells with metastatic activity. Means for detecting such cells are also provided.

Abstract: Basement membrane collagen degrading enzymes are provided which are useful for the detection of malignant cells with metastatic activity. Means for detecting such cells are also provided.

Abstract: A cell matrix receptor specific for laminin expressed on the surface of carcinoma and epithelial cells is provided. The binding of these cells to extracellular matrix is mediated by the laminin molecule, which has binding domains for type IV collagen of the matrix and the cell surface receptor. Fragments of the laminin molecule lacking the type IV collagen binding domain and antibodies to the receptor are useful in conjunction with the cell receptor as ligands in binding assays for cancer diagnosis and in cancer management.

Abstract: A device for determining the presence of antigens which comprises a first zone containing antigens and enzyme-linked antibodies which are capable of immunologically reacting with said antigens, said antibodies being positioned in said first zone such that they will be removed from said first zone when reacted with antigens passing through said first zone but not removed from said first zone in the absence of such antigens, and a second zone containing material capable of reacting with said enzyme-linked antibodies to produce a color forming reaction which indicates the presence of said antibodies.

Abstract: Amnion membranes derived from mammalian placentas are employed as the substrate tissue in in vitro assay methods for evaluating cellular interaction with natural barrier tissues. The amnion is also employed as a growth substrate, particularly for the culture of cells difficult to culture on conventional substrates. A diagnostic apparatus including an amnion membrane is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for the qualitative and semi-quantitative determination of the presence of phenothiazine-type drugs in urine. The article comprises an ion exchange resin which denotes cations in a reaction between a color forming reagent and the phenothiazine-type drug to produce a permanent color change. The intensity of the color change is proportional to the dose concentration.

Abstract: The specification and drawings disclose methods and apparatus for separating and/or isolating bacteria and tissue cells for testing or rapid automatic scanning. The invention uses an expansible membrane on which the tissue cell or bacteria sample is placed and thereafter expanded to cause the sample to be separated. Apparatus is disclosed for facilitating stretching of the membrane and automatically scanning it.

Abstract: The specification and drawings disclose methods and apparatus for separating and/or isolating bacteria and tissue cells for testing or rapid automatic scanning. The invention uses an expansible membrane on which the tissue cell or bacteria sample is placed and thereafter expanded to cause the sample to be separated. Apparatus is disclosed for facilitating stretching of the membrane and automatically scanning it.