Abstract: A DNA fragment distinct from the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and erbB-2 genes was detected by reduced stringency hybridization of v-erbB to normal genomic human DNA. cDNA cloning revealed a predicted 148 kd transmembrane polypeptide with structural features identifying it as a member of the erbB family, prompting designation of the new gene as erbB-3. It was mapped to human chromosome 12q11-13 and was shown to be expressed as a 6.2 kb transcript in a variety of normal tissues of epithelial origin. Markedly elevated erbB-3 mRNA levels were demonstrated in certain human mammary tumor cell lines. These findings indicate that increased erbB-3 expression, as in the case of EGFR and erbB-2, plays a role in some human malignancies. Using erbB-3 specific antibodies (polyclonal or monoclonal), the erbB-3 protein was identified as a 180 kDa glycoprotein, gp180.sup.erbB-3. The intrinsic catalytic function of gp180.sup.erbB-3 was uncovered by its ability to autophosphorylate in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a potent mitogenic growth factor called plasminogen-like growth factor (PLGF) isolated from conditioned medium of human lung fibroblasts. The protein has an apparent molecular weight under reducing conditions of 87 kDa and is structurally related to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF); however unlike HGF, which was reported to be specific for hepatic cells, PLGF stimulates a wide spectrum of target cells including melanocytes, endothelial cells and epithelial cells but excludes fibroblast cells.The present invention further relates to recombinant cloned DNA fragments and expression cell systems expressing biologically active PLGF. The availability of purified PLGF as well as immunological and molecular probes should facilitate the study of proliferative disorders in which the factor plays an important role.

Abstract: The oncogene of the present invention, isolated by expression cloning from a human ovarian cancer is a mutant of TC21. The present invention teaches that ras-related genes not thought to have transforming potential can contribute importantly to cancers which have been refractory to oncogene detection. The present invention teaches that another ras relative gene, R-ras, which was previously reported to lack transforming potential, has transforming capacity as well. Thus, these and other genes similarly related to prototype and activated by analogous mechanisms may be important in the diagnosis and prognosis of certain cancers, as well as be critical in the design of rational approaches to therapy of cancers in which they play a role.

Abstract: The isolation, cloning and characterization of a human gene related to but distinct from EGF receptor gene has been described. Nucleotide sequence of the gene and amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the gene have been determined. The use of the nucleic acid probes and antibodies having specific binding affinity with said polypeptide for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes have also been described.

Abstract: Discoveries are disclosed that show particular aspects of recombinant DNA technology can be used successfully to produce hitherto unknown human keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) protein free of other polypeptides. These proteins can be produced in various functional forms from spontaneously secreting cells or from DNA segments introduced into cells. These forms variously enable biochemical and functional studies of this novel protein as well as production of antibodies. Means are described for determining the level of expression of genes for the KGF protein, for example, by measuring mRNA levels in cells or by measuring antigen secreted in extracellular or body fluids.

Abstract: Discoveries are disclosed that show particular aspects of recombinant DNA technology can be used successfully to produce hitherto unknown human keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) protein free of other polypeptides. These proteins can be produced in various functional forms from spontaneously secreting cells or from DNA segments .introduced into cells. These forms variously enable biochemical and functional studies of this novel protein as well as production of antibodies. Means are described for determining the level of expression of genes for the KGF protein, for example, by measuring mRNA levels in cells or by measuring antigen secreted in extracellular or body fluids.

Abstract: Discoveries are disclosed that show particular aspects of recombinant DNA technology can be used successfully to produce hitherto unknown human keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) protein free of other polypeptides. These proteins can be produced in various functional forms from spontaneously secreting cells or from DNA segments introduced into cells. These forms variously enable biochemical and functional studies of this novel protein as well as production of antibodies. Means are described for determining the level of expression of genes for the KGF protein, for example, by measuring mRNA levels in cells or by measuring antigen secreted in extracellular or body fluids.

Abstract: The invention concerns the isolation and sequencing of a new gene, arg, related to the abl proto-oncogene. The gene gets transcripted to two mRNA's; which in turn form two proteins. Antibodies, oligonucleotide probes and assays of detecting the arg gene, its mRNA and its protein products are also objects of the invention.

Abstract: Discoveries are disclosed that show particular aspects of recombinant DNA technology can be used successfully to produce hitherto unknown human keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) protein free of other polypeptides. These proteins can be produced in various functional forms from spontaneously secreting cells or from DNA segments introduced into cells. These forms variously enable biochemical and functional studies of this novel protein as well as production of antibodies. Means are described for determining the level of expression of genes for the KGF protein, for example, by measuring mRNA levels in cells or by measuring antigen secreted in extracellular or body fluids.

Abstract: Discoveries are disclosed that show particular aspects of recombinant DNA technology can be used successfully to produce hitherto unknown human keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) protein free of other polypeptides. These proteins can be produced in various functional forms from spontaneously secreting cells or from DNA segments introduced into cells. These forms variously enable biochemical and functional studies of this novel protein as well as production of antibodies. Means are described for determining the level of expression of genes for the KGF protein, for example, by measuring mRNA levels in cells or by measuring antigen secreted in extracellular or body fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a complex comprising hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and met proto-oncogene protein. The present invention also relates to methods for detecting the presence of HGF ligand, met proto-oncogene receptor and methods for isolating either the ligand or receptor or complex comprising both. The present invention further relates to methods of diagnostic proliferative disorders and diseases such as hepatitis or hepatocarcinogenesis by detecting these ligand-receptor pairs.

Abstract: A highly efficient genetic cloning system is disclosed which is particularly useful for cloning cDNA copies of eukaryotic mRNAs and can direct the orientation of inserts in .lambda.-plasmid composite vectors with large cloning capacities. Cleavage of such vector DNA, by the restriction enzyme SfiI, for example, creates two different non-symmetrical 3' extensions at the ends of vector DNA. Using a linker-primer and an adaptor, cDNA is prepared to have two different sticky ends which can be ligated to those of the vector. When the cDNA fragments and the vector DNAs are mixed, both the molecules can assemble without self-circularization due to base-pairing specificity. This system provides (1) high cloning efficiency (10.sup.7 -10.sup.8 clones/.mu.g poly(A).sup.

Abstract: The invention provides KGFR peptides which inhibit binding between keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and its receptor. The sequence of the peptides is derived from regions in the receptor which specifically bind the growth factor. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions and methods of inhibiting the interaction of KGF and the receptor in a patient to treat various carcinomas.

Abstract: A novel protein tyrosine kinase (A6) exhibiting no significant similarity to any known kinase. This protein in widely expressed throughout the body and is present in a variety of vertebrates. The cDNA was expressed in bacteria as a fusion protein which was both autophosphorylated and exhibited kinase activity toward exogenous substrates. Potential uses of this invention include immunodiagnostics and antiproliferative therapeutics.

Abstract: A method for the identification of related polypeptides, using an function-based selection criterion, is disclosed. A novel human phosphatase, and nucleotide sequences coding therefor, identified by the aforementioned method and designated VHR, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A DNA fragment distinct from the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and erbB-2 genes was detected by reduced stringency hybridization of v-erbB to normal genomic human DNA. Characterization of the cloned DNA fragment mapped the region of v-erbB homology to three exons with closest homology of 64% and 67% to a contiguous region within the tyrosine kinase domains of the EGFR and erbB-2 proteins, respectively. cDNA cloning revealed a predicted 148 kd transmembrane polypeptide with structural features identifying it as a member of the erbB family, prompting designation of the new gene as erbB-3. It was mapped to human chromosome 12 ql 11-13 and was shown to be expressed as a 6.2 kb transcript in a variety of normal tissues of epithelial origin. Markedly elevated erbB-3 mRNA levels were demonstrated in certain human mammary tumor cell lines. These findings indicate that increased erbB-3 expression, as in the case of EGFR and erbB-2, plays a role in some human malignancies.

Abstract: Potent neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to the human .alpha. PDGF receptor (.alpha. PDGFR) and fragments thereof are described. These monoclonal antibodies specifically bind to an epitope on .alpha. PDGFR, inhibits PDGF binding with PDGF, antagonizes PDGF, and does not bind .beta. PDGFR receptor. A hybridoma cell line producing such a monoclonal antibody, methods of in vivo imaging of a pathological conditions and methods of inhibiting the growth of a neoplasia expressing .alpha. PDGFR, which use these monoclonal antibodies are also described. In vitro assays for detecting the presence of .alpha. PDGFR and for evaluating the binding affinity of a test compound are also described.

Abstract: A DNA fragment distinct from the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) and erbB-2 genes was detected by reduced stringency hybridization of v-erbB to normal genomic human DNA. Characterization of the cloned DNA fragment mapped the region of v-erbB homology to three exons with closest homology of 64% and 67% to a contiguous region within the tyrosine kinase domains of the EGF-R and erbB-2 proteins, respectively. cDNA cloning revealed a predicted 148 kd transmembrane polypeptide with structural features identifying it as a member of the erbB family, prompting designation of the new gene as erbB-3. It was mapped to human chromosome 12q11-13 and was shown to be expressed as a 6.2 kb transcript in a variety of normal tissues of epithelial origin. Markedly elevated erbB-3 mRNA levels were demonstrated in certain human mammary tumor cell lines. These findings indicate that increased erbB-3 expression, as in the case of EGF-R and erbB-2, plays a role in some human malignancies.

Abstract: Specific deletion mutants of ras p21 gene and specific monoclonal antibodies which recognize specific regions of the ras p21 protein have been prepared. A kit for detecting the presence of specific ras p21 proteins and their levels in a body sample has been described.