Abstract: Genetically modified mice and nucleic acid constructs for making the genetically modified mice are described. A first mouse having a gene encoding an activator (such as a Cre recombinase) operably linked to a developmentally-regulated promoter (such as a Nanog promoter) is provided. A second mouse having a toxic responder gene (such as a gene encoding diphtheria toxin A) is provided, where the toxic gene is expressed only in the presence of an activator. Embryos from a mating of the first and the second mouse are provided as host embryos suitable for generating mice from donor cells introduced into the host embryos. Ablating the ICM of a mouse embryo physically, chemically, or genetically is described, as well as making FO generation mice that are substantially or in full derived from donor cells, employing a host mouse embryo with an ablated or nonproliferating ICM.

Abstract: Genetically modified mice and nucleic acid constructs for making the genetically modified mice are described. A first mouse having a gene encoding an activator (such as a Cre recombinase) operably linked to a developmentally-regulated promoter (such as a Nanog promoter) is provided. A second mouse having a toxic responder gene (such as a gene encoding diphtheria toxin A) is provided, where the toxic gene is expressed only in the presence of an activator, Embryos from a mating of the first and the second mouse are provided as host embryos suitable for generating mice from donor cells introduced into the host embryos. Ablating the ICM of a mouse embryo physically, chemically, or genetically is described, as well as making F0 generation mice that are substantially or in full derived from donor cells, employing a host mouse embryo with an ablated or nonproliferating ICM.

Abstract: Novel fusion polypeptide ligands that bind Eph family receptors or the Tie-2 receptor are identified, and methods for making the fusion polypeptide ligands in biologically active form are described. Nucleic acids encoding these novel fusion polypeptide ligands enable production of the fusion polypeptide ligands. The method of making the nucleic acids and the fusion polypeptide ligands is broadly applicable to the production of polypeptide ligands in general, resulting in improved affinity and/or increased activity of the ligand when compared to its native form.

Abstract: Methods for imaging and targeting tumor vasculature are provided. Specifically, the methods for imaging and targeting tumor vasculature relate to using ephrin-B2 to image developing tumor vasculature and to target therapeutic agents to developing tumor vasculature. Kits for imaging and targeting tumor vasculature are also provided. Also provided for are methods of delivering agents to vasculature.

Abstract: Methods of inducing formation of functional and organized lymphatic vessels are described. Specifically, the methods relate to using Tie2 agonists to induce formation of functional and organized lymphatic vessels. The methods also relate to treating defects, diseases, and disorders characterized by lymphatic vessel malfunction, disorganization, and damage.

Abstract: A novel ligand (Efl-6) that binds the Elk subfamily of Eph receptors is identified, and methods for making the soluble Elf-6 ligand in biologically active form is described. A cDNA clone encoding this novel protein enables production of the recombinant protein, which is useful to support neuronal and other eph receptor-bearing cell populations.

Abstract: A novel ligand (Efl-6) that binds the Elk subfamily of Eph receptors is identified, and methods for making the soluble Elf-6 ligand in biologically active form is described. A cDNA clone encoding this novel protein enables production of the recombinant protein, which is useful to support neuronal and other eph receptor-bearing cell populations.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel method of expressing transgenes in vivo by targeting protected transgene cassettes into predetermined loci, including ubiquitously expressed chromosomal loci, such that the activity of an exogenous promoter is maintained. The advantages of this method are that the expression pattern is determined primarily by the nature of the exogenous promoter and, therefore, is not subject to positional effects. The invention also encompasses the DNA targeting vectors, the targeted cells, as well as non-human organisms, especially mice, created from the targeted cells.

Abstract: Methods for imaging and targeting tumor vasculature are provided. Specifically, the methods for imaging and targeting tumor vasculature relate to using ephrin-B2 to image developing tumor vasculature and to target therapeutic agents to developing tumor vasculature. Kits for imaging and targeting tumor vasculature are also provided. Also provided for are methods of delivering agents to vasculature.

Abstract: Novel ligands that bind Eph family receptors are identified, and methods for making the soluble ligands in biologically active form are described. cDNA clones encoding these novel proteins enable production of the recombinant proteins, which are useful to support neuronal and other receptor-bearing cell populations.