Abstract: This application relates to methods and kits for detecting predisposition to increased risk for osteoarthritis associated conditions.

Abstract: Diagnostics and therapeutics for resistance to weight-loss, which are based upon the identification of a subject's PLIN polymorphisms, haplotype and genotype pattern, are described in this invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acids containing transcriptional units that encode CYP1B1 polypeptides or portions thereof, wherein the transcriptional units lack sequences found in the untranslated region (UTR) of naturally occurring forms of the CYP1B1 transcript. The nucleic acids of the invention lack translational repressor elements and thus provide for a system of enhanced translation of the CYP1B1 polypeptide or portions thereof. Also disclosed are methods of administering nucleic acids to a mammal and use in the treatment of proliferative disorders or cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acids containing transcriptional units that encode CYP1B1 polypeptides or portions thereof, wherein the transcriptional units lack sequences found in the untranslated region (UTR) of naturally occurring forms of the CYP1B1 transcript. The nucleic acids of the invention lack translational repressor elements and thus provide for a system of enhanced translation of the CYP1B1 polypeptide or portions thereof. Also disclosed are methods of administering nucleic acids to a mammal and use in the treatment of proliferative disorders or cancer.

Abstract: Diagnostics and therapeutics for resistance to weight-loss, which are based upon the identification of a subject's PLIN polymorphisms, haplotype and genotype pattern, are described in this invention.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and reagents for detecting a polymorphism associated with in an upstream region of the interleukin-1 beta (IL-B) gene (IL-1B (?3737)) that affects transcription of the gene and susceptibility to inflammatory and infectious diseases such as periodontal disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Diagnostics and therapeutics for osteoporosis, which are bases upon the identification of a subjects IL-1 haplotype and genotype pattern are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acids containing transcriptional units that encode CYP1B1 polypeptides or portions thereof, wherein the transcriptional units lack sequences found in the untranslated region (UTR) of naturally occurring forms of the CYP1B1 transcript. The nucleic acids of the invention lack translational repressor elements and thus provide for a system of enhanced translation of the CYP1B1 polypeptide or portions thereof. Also disclosed are methods of administering nucleic acids to a mammal and use in the treatment of proliferative disorders or cancer.

Abstract: A system and method for determining presence of prostate cancer or prostate related diseases is provided. The method includes first obtaining a test sample from a test subject. Next, at least one ultrastructural biomarker indicative of prostate cancer within the sample may be identified. Thereafter, qualitative or quantitative data from the ultrastructural biomarker in the test sample can be obtained. The qualitative or quantitative data of the biomarker in the sample from the test subject can then be compared to that in a sample from a control subject for variations. The presence of qualitative and quantitative variations can act as a determinant for prostate cancer or prostate related diseases.

Abstract: This application relates to methods and kits for detecting predisposition to increased risk for osteoarthritis associated conditions.

Abstract: This application relates to methods and tests that allow for the establishment of personalized weight-loss programs for a subject based upon the subject's metabolic genotype in key metabolic genes. Kits and methods are disclosed for determining a subject's metabolic genotype, which may be used to select an appropriate therapeutic/dietary regimen or lifestyle recommendation based upon the likelihood of a subject's responsiveness to certain diets and activity levels. Such a personalized weight-loss program will have obvious benefits (e.g., yield better results in terms of weight loss and weight maintenance) over traditional weight-loss programs that do not take into account genetic information.

Abstract: A system for generating an image of ultrastructural biomarkers from a biological sample is provided. The system includes a grid onto which a sample to be imaged may be placed and a cryogenic reservoir into which the grid and sample may be immersed for vitrification of the sample. The system also includes a stage onto which the grid and sample may be situated for subsequent imaging in a high contrast imager to permit identification of ultrastructural biomarkers therein. A method for generating an image of ultrastructural biomarkers from a biological sample is also provided. The generated image of ultrastructural biomarkers may be used subsequently for screening and monitoring diseases, evaluating drug and therapeutic efficacy, and assessing risks associated with a drug or therapeutic candidate, among other things.

Abstract: A system for generating an image of ultrastructural biomarkers from a biological sample is provided. The system includes a grid onto which a sample to be imaged may be placed and a cryogenic reservoir into which the grid and sample may be immersed for vitrification of the sample. The system also includes a stage onto which the grid and sample may be situated for subsequent imaging in a high contrast imager to permit identification of ultrastructural biomarkers therein. A method for generating an image of ultrastructural biomarkers from a biological sample is also provided. The generated image of ultrastructural biomarkers may be used subsequently for screening and monitoring diseases, evaluating drug and therapeutic efficacy, and assessing risks associated with a drug or therapeutic candidate, among other things.

Abstract: A system for generating an image of ultrastructural biomarkers from a biological sample is provided. The system includes a grid onto which a sample to be imaged may be placed and a cryogenic reservoir into which the grid and sample may be immersed for vitrification of the sample. The system also includes a stage onto which the grid and sample may be situated for subsequent imaging in a high contrast imager to permit identification of ultrastructural biomarkers therein. A method for generating an image of ultrastructural biomarkers from a biological sample is also provided. The generated image of ultrastructural biomarkers may be used subsequently for screening and monitoring diseases, evaluating drug and therapeutic efficacy, and assessing risks associated with a drug or therapeutic candidate, among other things.

Abstract: Diagnostics and therapeutics for osteoporosis, which are bases upon the identification of a subjects IL-1 haplotype and genotype pattern are described.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and reagents for detecting a polymorphism associated with in an upstream region of the interleukin-1? (IL-B) gene (IL-1B (?3737)) that affects transcription of the gene and susceptibility to inflammatory and infectious diseases such as diffuse coronary artery disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acids containing transcriptional units that encode CYP1B1 polypeptides or portions thereof, wherein the transcriptional units lack sequences found in the untranslated region (UTR) of naturally occurring forms of the CYP1B1 transcript. The nucleic acids of the invention lack translational repressor elements and thus provide for a system of enhanced translation of the CYP1B1 polypeptide or portions thereof. Also disclosed are methods of administering nucleic acids to a mammal and use in the treatment of proliferative disorders or cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides containing ?-MSH that can be used to treat diseases characterized by inflammation and/or autoimmunity. Also included in the invention are ?-MSH analogs and nucleic acids encoding polypeptides containing ?-MSH and ?-MSH analogs optionally linked to heterologous sequences. Also included in the invention are methods of delivering ?-MSH containing peptides, ?-MSH analogs, an DNA encoding ?-MSH and ?-MSH analogs.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides containing ?-MSH that can be used to treat diseases characterized by inflammation and/or autoimmunity. Also included in the invention are ?-MSH analogs and nucleic acids encoding polypeptides containing ?-MSH and ?-MSH analogs optionally linked to heterologous sequences. Also included in the invention are methods of delivering ?-MSH containing peptides, ?-MSH analogs, an DNA encoding ?-MSH and ?-MSH analogs.

Abstract: The invention relates, in part, to of Glu-boroPro containing compounds and methods of use thereof in the prevention or management of conditions that are associated with impaired glucose tolerance such as diabetes. The invention also relates to compositions of Glu-boroPro containing compounds and methods of use thereof in the prevention or management of conditions such as metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemias, inflammation, cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension and atherosclerosis, and to reduce body weight or prevent weight gain. The compounds of the invention are also useful in lowering levels of triglycerides, free fatty acids, C-reactive protein (CRP), HbA1C, total glycosylated hemoglobin (TGHb), in increasing insulin sensitivity index and in stimulating insulin release.