Abstract: The invention relates to a mitochondrial expression vector which may comprise a gene to be expressed and/or a selection marker and a mitochondrial region, and a method for inserting a DNA to be expressed into mitochondria of mammalian cells, wherein the method may comprise the steps: (i) construction of a mitochondrial expression vector or a mitochondrial genome, (ii) reversible induction of megamitochondria and (iii) transfection of the megamitochondria by means of a physical transfection method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mitochondrial expression vector which may comprise a gene to be expressed and/or a selection marker and a mitochondrial region, and a method for inserting a DNA to be expressed into mitochondria of mammalian cells, wherein the method may comprise the steps: (i) construction of a mitochondrial expression vector or a mitochondrial genome, (ii) reversible induction of megamitochondria and (iii) transfection of the megamitochondria by means of a physical transfection method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in-vitro method for the formation of megamitochondria in cells, wherein the cells are grown in a suitable fermentation medium acidulated with lactic acid to pH values between 5.3 and 6.7. The invention further concerns H+ ionophores, ionophores which catalyze the electroneutral exchange of K+ for H+ and inhibitors of actin polymerisation for the prevention or treatment of a disease in which inhibiting or reducing the formation of megamitochondria has a beneficial effect.

Abstract: Described is a method of the generation of ?° cells using a mitochondrial targeted restriction endonuclease. This method comprises (a) tranfecting cells with an expression vector containing a gene encoding a fusion protein comprising a mitochondrial targeting sequence (MTS) and a restriction endonuclease operatively linked to a suitable promoter, (b) culturing the transfected cells over a sufficient period of time; and (c) selected ?° cells, e.g., via FACS analysis.

Abstract: A chimeric peptide-nucleic acid construct is disclosed; the peptide portion directs entry of the construct into mitochhondria.

Abstract: This invention relates to a chimerical peptide-nucleic acid fragment, the process for producing the same and its use for appropriately introducing nucleic acids into cell organelles and cells.

Abstract: Copolymers of vinyl esters and crotonic acid are commonly prepared by polymerizing the monomers in bulk or in solution by means of a radical-forming initiator in the presence of a regulator. The polymers should be free from residual monomers and impurities as far as possible. This may be realized in that upon completion of the polymerization the unreacted monomers and other volatile impurities are removed from the reaction mixture by distillation. For this purpose, the use of an entrainer is advantageous. The copolymers are suitable as starting materials for adhesives and hair lacquers, hair setting lotions as well as hair sprays.