Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions and methods for the detection of zinc. In particular, compositions and methods are provided to detect changes in cellular zinc concentration and to correlate them to cellular phenomena.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, and systems for reinitiating meiosis in cells in meiotic arrest and oocyte activation in fertilized, but un-activated, oocytes. In certain embodiments, Zn-binding moieties (e.g., zinc chelators) are used for reinitiating meiosis or oocyte activation.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions and methods for the detection of zinc. In particular, compositions and methods are provided to detect changes in cellular zinc concentration and to correlate them to cellular phenomena.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for imaging with magnetic resonance contrast agents. In particular, the present invention provides targeted contrast agents for selective imaging.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, and systems for reinitiating meiosis in cells in meiotic arrest and oocyte activation in fertilized, but un-activated, oocytes. In certain embodiments, Zn-binding moieties (e.g., zinc chelators) are used for reinitiating meiosis or oocyte activation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for imaging with magnetic resonance contrast agents. In particular, the present invention provides targeted contrast agents for selective imaging.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions and methods for the detection of zinc. In particular, compositions and methods are provided to detect changes in cellular zinc concentration and to correlate them to cellular phenomena.

Abstract: The present invention relates to matrices (e.g., fibrin-alginate matrices; fibrin-alginate-matrigel matrices) for culture of cells, organs (e.g., ovary or fragment thereof), cells and cell aggregates (e.g., ovarian follicles, embryoid bodies), and tissues. In some embodiments, protease inhibitors e.g., aprotinin) are used to prevent the degradation of fibrin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for imaging with magnetic resonance contrast agents. In particular, the present invention provides targeted contrast agents for selective imaging.

Abstract: An isolated TGF-&bgr; supergene family (TSF) receptor polypeptide is provided. This polypeptide preferably is an inhibin/activin receptor polypeptide and has at least 75% sequence identity with the mature human inhibin/activin receptor sequence. Also provided is a method for purifying TGF-&bgr; supergene family members such as inhibin or activin using the polypeptide, and a method for screening for compounds with TGF-&bgr; supergene family member activity by contacting the compound with the polypeptide and detecting if binding has occurred and the compound is active.

Abstract: An isolated TGF-&bgr; supergene family (TSF) receptor polypeptide is provided. This polypeptide preferably is an inhibin/activin receptor polypeptide and has at least 75% sequence identity with the mature human inhibin/activin receptor sequence. Also provided is a method for purifying TGF-&bgr; supergene family members such as inhibin or activin using the polypeptide, and a method for screening for compounds with TGF-&bgr; supergene family member activity by contacting the compound with the polypeptide and detecting if binding has occurred and the compound is active.

Abstract: A method is provided for increasing the fertilization potential of oocytes comprising culturing oocytes in vitro with an effective amount of inhibin, activin, or a combination of inhibin and activin. Preferably the oocytes being cultured are immature. After the culturing step, the oocytes can be fertilized. The oocytes are suitably cryopreserved and thawed before the culturing step.

Abstract: A method is provided for increasing the fertilization potential of oocytes comprising culturing oocytes in vitro with an effective amount of inhibin, activin, or a combination of inhibin and activin. Preferably the oocytes being cultured are immature. After the culturing step, the oocytes can be fertilized. The oocytes are suitably cryopreserved and thawed before the culturing step.

Abstract: A method is provided for avoiding premature labor in a pregnant mammal comprising administering to said mammal, during labor, but before an infant is to be delivered, an effective amount of an activin antagonist. In one embodiment, the antagonist is follistatin. In another aspect a method is provided for assaying whether a pregnant mammal is in imminent delivery of its fetus in preterm labor comprising contacting a maternal serum sample or amniotic fluid sample of the mammal with a reagent that detects activin A and measuring the level of activin A in the serum or amniotic fluid. In addition, a kit for the assay is provided.

Abstract: An isolated TGF-.beta. supergene family (TSF) receptor polypeptide is provided. This polypeptide preferably is an inhibin/activin receptor polypeptide and has at least 75% sequence identity with the mature human inhibin/activin receptor sequence. Also provided is a method for purifying TGF-.beta. supergene family members such as inhibin or activin using the polypeptide, and a method for screening for compounds with TGF-.beta. supergene family member activity by contacting the compound with the polypeptide and detecting if binding has occurred and the compound is active.

Abstract: An isolated TGF-.beta. supergene family (TSF) receptor polypeptide is provided. This polypeptide preferably is an inhibin/activin receptor polypeptide and has at least 75% sequence identity with the mature human inhibin/activin receptor sequence. Also provided is a method for purifying TGF-.beta. supergene family members such as inhibin or activin using the polypeptide, and a method for screening for compounds with TGF-.beta. supergene family member activity by contacting the compound with the polypeptide and detecting if binding has occurred and the compound is active.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting the maturation of follicles in the ovary of a femal mammal comprising administering to the ovary of the mammal an effective amount of activin. This method is particularly effective in treating polycystic ovarian disease.