Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for regulating cytokine signalling and agents useful for same. The method of the present invention is predicated in part on the identification of the molecular target of suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) interaction in controlling cytokine signalling. The identification of the molecular target permits the development of assays to screen for a range of agonists and antagonists useful in modulating cytokine function. The present invention further provides, therefore, screening assays and more particularly high through-put screening assays for agonists and antagonists of SOCS-receptor interaction. Such agonists and antagonists are useful in the manufacture of medicaments for controlling cytokine signalling. Control of cytokine signalling is important for the treatment of a range of conditions including cancer, inflammatory conditions, immunological disorders and any other conditions involving aberrations of signal transduction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of a PEST motif in Suppressor of Cytokine Signalling (SOCS) proteins, the deletion/inactivation of which has been found to increase the stability of the protein whilst maintaining at least one biological activity of the protein. Such SOCS proteins with deleted/inactivated PEST motifs can be used in gene and protein therapy procedures to provide a more stable SOCS protein when compared to the native protein. The present invention also relates to the characterization of the structure of SOCS proteins, and methods of using this structural information to identify compounds which modulate the activity of SOCS.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to amino acid sequences obtainable from SOCS proteins and which are capable of interacting with intracellular molecules. The present invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding said amino acid sequences. The amino acid sequences and the nucleic acid molecules encoding same of the present invention are useful in modulating degradation of proteinaceous molecules such as but not limited to SOCS proteins and proteinaceous molecules associate therewith. The present invention provides a mechanism for modulating cytokine or cytokine-like molecule signaling by modulating the degradation of activated signal transduction molecules or their negative regulators, i.e. the SOCS proteins.

Abstract: A chum dispensing assembly comprising a container having a substantially elongated, cylindrical configuration defining a hollow interior for the containment of chum. The container comprises a separable portion movably mounted on or connected to a remainder of the container by a connecting assembly disposed and structured to facilitate substantially linear, axial displacement of the separable portion outwardly from the remainder of the container to form a dispensing opening through which chum passes from the hollow interior. Displacement of the separable portion into the open position is normally accomplished by a predetermined “pulling” force exerted on an upper end of the container when submerged at a location where the chum is intended to be dispensed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to therapeutic and diagnostic agents. More particularly, the present invention provides therapeutic molecules capable of modulating signal transduction such as but not limited to cytokine-mediated signal transduction. The molecules of the present invention are useful, therefore, in modulating cellular responsiveness to cytokines as well as other mediators of signal transduction such as endogenous or exogenous molecules, antigens, microbes and microbial products, viruses or components thereof, ions, hormones and parasites.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to therapeutic and diagnostic agents. More particularly, the present invention provides therapeutic molecules capable of modulating signal transduction such as but not limited to cytokine-mediated signal transduction. The molecules of the present invention are useful, therefore, in modulating cellular responsiveness to cytokines as well as other mediators of signal transduction such as endogenous or exogenous molecules, antigens, microbes and microbial products, viruses or components thereof, ions, hormones and parasites.