Abstract: The present application discloses a MoMSV/MoMLV hybrid-based retroviral vector, wherein gag and pol genes are completely removed.

Abstract: The subject invention is related to a cell-mediated gene therapy treatment using a cell composition that includes bioadhesive material. The bioadhesive material allows targeted and localized delivery of therapeutic somatic cells to the site of interest.

Abstract: The application discloses a method for making bone at a bone defect site for a person suffering from low bone mass which includes inserting a gene encoding a protein having bone regenerating function into a connective tissue cell operably linked to a promoter, and transplanting the mammalian cell into the bone defect site, and allowing the bone defect site to make the bone.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a mixed cell composition to generate a therapeutic protein at a target site by providing a first population of mammalian cells transfected or transduced with a gene that is sought to be expressed, and a second population of mammalian cells that have not been transfected or transduced with the gene, wherein endogenously existing forms of the second population of mammalian cells are decreased at the target site, and wherein generation of the therapeutic protein by the first population of mammalian cells at the target site stimulates the second population cells to induce a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a method of treating osteoarthritis, which includes obtaining a member of a transforming growth factor superfamily of proteins; obtaining a population of cultured connective tissue cells that may contain vector encoding a gene, or a population of cultured connective tissue cells that do not contain any vector encoding a gene; and then transferring the protein and the connective tissue cells into an arthritic joint space of a mammalian host, such that the activity of the combination within the joint space results in regenerating connective tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides a newly identified and isolated nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide referred to in the present application as ARTS, for Apoptosis Related protein in the TGF-&bgr; Signaling pathway.