Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting a c-MET gene amplification cell. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for detecting a c-MET gene amplification cell, comprising measuring a soluble c-MET in a sample utilizing a region specific for the soluble c-MET, wherein the soluble c-MET is formed by cleavage between the lysine residue (K) and the valine residue (V) in the partial region GKVI (SEQ ID NO:2) in a c-MET extracellular domain.

Abstract: The present invention provides an RNA polymerase III promoter characterized in that a part of its sequence is substituted with a sequence capable of undergoing specific DNA recombination by Cre recombinase in such a manner functions of PSE and a TATA box are not impaired. This RNA polymerase III promoter can be used in a RNAi induction method with the condition that RNAi molecules to be used in analyzing gene function can be induced at an arbitrary point of time or only in a specific tissue (organ).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for screening a cytostatic agent characterized by determining an effect of inhibiting intracellular signaling mediated by a remaining fragment of a cell membrane-anchored growth factor, and the cytostatic agent. In growth factors of the EGF family, the physiological significance of the remaining fragment is clarified, and a method for controlling its action is searched, and thus a novel pharmaceutical can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an RNA polymerase III promoter characterized in that a part of its sequence is substituted with a sequence capable of undergoing specific DNA recombination by Cre recombinase in such a manner functions of PSE and a TATA box are not impaired. This RNA polymerase III promoter can be used in a RNAi induction method with the condition that RNAi molecules to be used in analyzing gene function can be induced at an arbitrary point of time or only in a specific tissue (organ).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for screening a cytostatic agent characterized by determining an effect of inhibiting intracellular signaling mediated by a remaining fragment of a cell membrane-anchored growth factor, and the cytostatic agent. In growth factors of the EGF family, the physiological significance of the remaining fragment is clarified, and a method for controlling its action is searched, and thus a novel pharmaceutical can be provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a keratinocyte-proliferation inhibitor comprising as active ingredient a compound having an activity of inhibiting the solubilization of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor bound to cell membranes and a compound of the formula (I); 1

Abstract: Disclosed are heparin binding mitogens which include an epidermal growth factor-homologous segment (HB-EHM). These factors stimulate proliferation of fibroblast cells, epithelial cells, and smooth muscle cells, but not endothelial cells. Also disclosed are isolated antibodies that recognize, and purified nucleic acids that encode, the above growth factors as well as isolated polypeptides, vectors containing such nucleic acids, and cells harboring such vectors. Growth factors of this invention may be used for accelerating the rate of wound healing, for the in vitro culture of HB-EHM-responsive cells, and for the identification of antagonists to HB-EHM.

Abstract: Disclosed are heparin binding mitogens which include an epidermal growth factor-homologous segment (HB-EHM). These factors stimulate proliferation of fibroblast cells, epithelial cells, and smooth muscle cells, but not endothelial cells. Also disclosed are isolated antibodies that recognize, and purified nucleic acids that encode, the above growth factors as well as isolated polypeptides, vectors containing such nucleic acids, and cells harboring such vectors. Growth factors of this invention may be used for accelerating the rate of wound healing, for the in vitro culture of HB-EHM-responsive cells, and for the identification of antagonists to HB-EHM.