Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating or preventing pain in a subject in need thereof. The method comprising administering to the subject an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding carbonic anhydrase (10) or carbonic anhydrase (11) such that the nucleic acid is expressed to produce carbonic anhydrase (10) or carbonic anhydrase (11). Alternatively, the method comprising administering to the subject an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a carbonic anhydrase (8) fragment such that the nucleic acid is expressed to produce the carbonic anhydrase (8) fragment.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating or preventing pain in a subject in need thereof. The method comprising administering to the subject an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding carbonic anhydrase (10) or carbonic anhydrase (11) such that the nucleic acid is expressed to produce carbonic anhydrase (10) or carbonic anhydrase (11). Alternatively, the method comprising administering to the subject an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a carbonic anhydrase (8) fragment such that the nucleic acid is expressed to produce the carbonic anhydrase (8) fragment.

Abstract: A novel TH2 associated gene that is induced by IL-9 has been identified and isolated, thereby providing a therapeutic target for IL-9 mediated diseases such as atopic allergy and asthma-related disorders. The invention also includes methods for the identification and use of small molecule inhibitors of this gene and its products to treat these disorders, methods for diagnosing susceptibility to, and assessing treatment of atopic allergy or asthma-related disorders by measuring the level of gene expression in biologic samples using antibody specific for this protein. The use of this protein as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of autoimmune diseases is also indicated.

Abstract: A C to T DNA variation at position 3365 in exon 5 of the human Asthma Associated Factor 1 (AAF1) produces the predicted amino acid substitution of a methionine for a threonine at codon 117 of AAF1. When this substitution occurs in both alleles in one individual, it is associated with less evidence of atopic allergy including asthma, fewer abnormal skin test responses, and a lower serum total IgE. Thus, applicant has identified the existence of a non-asthmatic, non-atopic phenotype characterized by methionine at codon 117 when it occurs in both AAF1 gene products in one individual.

Abstract: This invention relates to the diagnosis, treatment and methods for discovery of new therapeutics for atopic asthma and related disorders based on variants of Asthma Associated Factor 2. One embodiment of the invention is a variant of AAF2 wherein codon 173 is deleted resulting in the loss of glutamine 173 from the mature protein precursor. This single amino acid deletion results in a non-functional AAF2 protein and therefore the presence of this phenotype should be associated with less evidence of atopic asthma. Correspondingly, the lack of susceptibility to an asthmatic, atopic phenotype is characterized by the loss of glutamine at codon 171 The invention includes isolated DNA molecules which are variants of the wild type sequence as well as the proteins encoded by such DNA and the use of such DNA molecules and expressed protein in the diagnosis and treatment of atopic asthma.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for treating asthma or allergy in a mammal by administering a 3-aminosteroid compound to a mammal in need thereof. The 3-aminosteroid compound being capable of down regulating the IL-9 pathway and alleviating asthmatic responses to allergen. Exemplary 3-aminosteroid compounds used in the methods of the invention include compounds having the chemical formula (I), wherein X, R1, R2, R3, and R4 groups are as defined herein. The invention also relates to certain novel compounds of formula (I). Moreover, the invention also provides methods for identifying an immunomodulatory 3-aminosteroid compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to select squalamine salts, methods of their synthesis, their therapeutic use and their advantages relating to manufacturing, product stability and toxicity. More specifically, this application is directed to various forms of the dilactate salt of squalamine and their utility in inhibiting neovascularization and endothelial cell proliferation.

Abstract: This invention relates to the diagnosis, treatment and methods for discovery of new therapeutics for atopic asthma and related disorders based on variants of Asthma Associated Factor 2. One embodiment of the invention is a variant of AAF2 wherein codon 173 is deleted resulting in the loss of glutamine 173 from the mature protein precursor. This single amino acid deletion results in a non-functional AAF2 protein and therefore the presence of this phenotype should be associated with less evidence of atopic asthma. Correspondingly, the lack of susceptibility to an asthmatic, atopic phenotype is characterized by the loss of glutamine at codon 171 The invention includes isolated DNA molecules which are variants of the wild type sequence as well as the proteins encoded by such DNA and the use of such DNA molecules and expressed protein in the diagnosis and treatment of atopic asthma.

Abstract: The claimed invention relates to methods of modulating mucin synthesis and the therapeutic application of compounds in controlling mucin over-production associated with diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) including asthma and chronic bronchitis, inflammatory lung diseases, cystic fibrosis and acute or chronic respiratory infectious diseases.

Abstract: A new gene in the G-coupled protein receptor family is discribed that is induced by IL-9, thereby providing a therapeutic target in IL-9 mediated development of atopic allergy, asthma-related disorders and certain lymphomas or leukemias. A method for recombinantly producing the polypeptide encoded by the gene is disclosed. A method for identification and use of agonist and antagonists of GCR9 to treat atopic allergy, asthma-related disorders and certain lymphomas or leukemias is also included. A method for diagnosing susceptibility to, and assessing treatment of atopic allergy, asthma-related disorders and certain lymphomas or leukemias by measuring the level of GCR9 in biological samples using antibody specific for the GCR9 polypeptide or nucleic acid probes specific for GCR9 nucleic acids is also disclosed.

Abstract: A new gene in the Ras family that is induced by IL-9, thereby providing a therapeutic target in IL-9 mediated development of atopic allergy, asthma-related disorders and certain lymphomas or leukemias. A method for the identification and use of small molecule inhibitors of Ras to treat these disorders. A method for diagnosing susceptibility to, and assessing treatment of atopic allergy, asthma-related disorders and certain lymphomas and leukemias by measuring the level of Ras in biologic samples using antibody specific for the Ras protein.