Abstract: Several ESTs deduced as a part of a cDNA encoding a protein that is homologous with a membrane-bound steroid binding protein PMBP were found. Based on the sequence data of these ESTs, a consensus sequence was extracted, and primers were designed based on this consensus sequence. Using the thus designed primers, a polymerase chain reaction of human genes was effected. As a result, a gene encoding a novel steroid hormone binding protein that is homologous with PMBP was successfully isolated from a human for the first time.

Abstract: Purified immunocytes were analyzed for expression frequencies, and the NKIR gene expressed specifically in natural killer (NK) cells was successfully identified. The NKIR gene encodes a receptor. Agonists and antagonists for the receptor can be identified by using the receptor.

Abstract: An inflator filter (15) includes a cylindrical body (15a) that is formed by winding a wire (16). The cylindrical body (15a) includes an inner circumferential portion (21) and an outer circumferential portion (22) covering an outer circumferential surface of the inner circumferential portion (21). The inner circumferential portion (21) is formed by superimposing a plurality of first pattern layers (18a) in a radial direction. The outer circumferential portion (22) is formed by superimposing one or more second pattern layers (18b) on an outer circumferential surface of the inner circumferential portion (21) in the radial direction. Each of the first and second pattern layers (18a and 18b) is formed from the wire (16) so as to have meshes. The meshes of each second pattern layer (18b) are smaller than the meshes of the first pattern layers (18a).

Abstract: A full-length cDNA corresponding to an EST (AA418955), which does not show any homology to other proteins in the database but has a weak homology to G-CSF, has been successfully isolated by synthesizing printers based on the EST sequence, and effecting PCR-cloning from a human fetal spleen library. Sequencing of the thus-isolated cDNA and analysis of its structure revealed that the cDNA has typical characteristics of a factor belonging to the IL-6/G-CSF/MGF family. It is also found out that the culture supernatant of said sequence-transfected CHO cells shows a proliferation supporting activity towards bone marrow cells in the coexistence of kit ligand.

Abstract: A filter (15) has a cylindrical body (15a). The cylindrical body (15a) is formed by laminating a plurality of pattern layers formed into a mesh form by a wire (16) in the radial direction. By repeating the traverse of the wire (16) and the reversal of the traverse direction in one winding end portion (L1) and an other winding end portion (L2), a plurality of turnaround points are set uniformly in the winding end portions (L1, L2). The shortest distance (X) in the circumferential direction between a first turnaround point (B1) of the plurality of turnaround points in the other winding end portion (L2) and a third turnaround point (B3) at which the traverse direction is reversed immediately after being reversed at the first turnaround point (B1) is longer than the shortest distance (Y) in the circumferential direction between the first turnaround point (B1) and a fifth turnaround point (B5) located nearest to the first turnaround point (B1).

Abstract: A full-length cDNA corresponding to an EST (AA418955), which does not show any homology to other proteins in the database but has a weak homology to G-CSF, has been successfully isolated by synthesizing primers based on the EST sequence, and effecting PCR-cloning from a human fetal spleen library. Sequencing of the thus-isolated cDNA and analysis of its structure revealed that the cDNA has typical characteristics of a factor belonging to the IL-6/G-CSF/MGF family. It is also found out that the culture supernatant of said sequence-transfected CHO cells shows a proliferation supporting. activity towards bone marrow cells in the coexistence of kit ligand.

Abstract: Anti-human Mpl antibodies were isolated and purified, and then anti-human Mpl diabodies and anti-human Mpl sc(Fv)2 were purified using genetic engineering techniques. Furthermore, the present inventors succeeded in humanizing anti-human Mpl sc(Fv)2. The diabodies and sc(Fv)2 were assayed for TPO-like agonistic activity, and were found to have activities higher than those of anti-human Mpl antibodies, or activities equivalent to or higher than those of naturally-occurring human TPO ligand.

Abstract: The present inventors used antibody engineering techniques to prepare functional antibodies that correspond to individual mutations in causative genes of diseases, and discovered that such antibodies enable the treatment of the diseases. Specifically, the inventors succeeded in preparing ligands, particularly minibodies, which have agonistic activity to receptors that have almost completely lost responsiveness to their natural ligands because of gene mutations (for example, a thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor whose reactivity to TPO has been markedly impaired), and which can transduce signals by interacting with these mutant receptors at levels comparable to normal.

Abstract: A novel human gene having a significant homology with a VEGF-C gene, a member of the VEGF family, has been isolated by the PCR method using primers designed based on the sequence of EST that is assumed to be homologous with the C-termial region of the VEGF-C gene. Mouse and rat genes have been isolated based on the human gene isolated as above. A protein encoded by the above human gene has been isolated by introducing the gene into Escherichia coli and expressing it. The isolated protein and genes can be applied to, for example, gene therapy for the VEGF-D deficiency, wound healing, and promotion of collateral vessel formation. Furthermore,VEGF-D protein inhibitorscanbeused as a novel anticancer drug, etc.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a filtering member in which overlapping portions of a wire are bonded together in a layered manner through thermal treatment for forming a mesh is disclosed. In accordance with the method, a contact surface pressure between portions of the wire to be bonded together is maintained as equal to or higher than a predetermined level set depending on a thermal treatment condition. In this state, the thermal treatment is conducted such that a bonding portion of the wire has a strength equal to or greater than 4N.

Abstract: A car side panel assembly line capable of increasing a productivity by shortening an operation time and having a set station ST2, a welding station ST3, and a next operation station ST4 disposed in series in this order, comprising a set carriage 91 having, thereon, a set jig 91 capable of holding the side panel W in upright attitude from the side and installed reciprocatingly between the set station ST2 and the welding station ST3 and a frame carriage 81 having a lower frame 80 and an upper frame 81, capable of holding, between both frames 80, 81, the side panel W in upright attitude through clamp members (821, 822, 823, 831, 832, 833) mounted on the frames 80, 81, installed reciprocatingly between the welding station ST3 and the next operation station ST4, and allowing to exchange the side panel W with the set carriage 91.

Abstract: A novel human gene having a significant homology with a VEGF-C gene, a member of the VEGF family, has been isolated by the PCR method using primers designed based on the sequence of EST that is assumed to be homologous with the C-terminal region of the VEGF-C gene. Mouse and rat genes have been isolated based on the human gene isolated as above. A protein encoded by the above human gene has been isolated by introducing the gene into Escherichia coli and expressing it. The isolated protein and genes can be applied to, for example, gene therapy for the VEGF-D deficiency, wound healing, and promotion of collateral vessel formation. Furthermore, VEGF-D protein inhibitors can be used as a novel anticancer drug, etc.

Abstract: A targeting vector was constructed by replacing exon regions in the SGRF gene with appropriate drug marker genes. This vector was transfected into mouse ES cell lines to obtain chimeric mice, which were then crossed with C57BL/6J mice to obtain mice comprising cells in which one SGRF gene alleles was inactivated. By crossing these mice with each other, the present inventors succeeded in producing mice in which both SGRF gene alleles were inactivated. These genetically modified animals can be used to predict the side effects of drugs such as SGRF antagonists.

Abstract: A novel human gene having a significant homology with a VEGF-C gene, a member of the VEGF family, has been isolated by the PCR method using primers designed based on the sequence of EST that is assumed to be homologous with the C-terminal region of the VEGF-C gene. Mouse and rat genes have been isolated based on the human gene isolated as above. A protein encoded by the above human gene has been isolated by introducing the gene into Escherichia coli and expressing it. The isolated protein and genes can be applied to, for example, gene therapy for the VEGF-D deficiency, wound healing, and promotion of collateral vessel formation. Furthermore, VEGF-D protein inhibitors can be used as a novel anticancer drug, etc.

Abstract: A full-length cDNA corresponding to an EST (AA418955), which does not show any homology to other proteins in the database but has a weak homology to G-CSF, has been successfully isolated by synthesizing printers based on the EST sequence, and effecting PCR-cloning from a human fetal spleen library. Sequencing of the thus-isolated cDNA and analysis of its structure revealed that the cDNA has typical characteristics of a factor belonging to the IL-6/G-CSF/MGF family. It is also found out that the culture supernatant of said sequence-transfected CHO cells shows a proliferation supporting activity towards bone marrow cells in the coexistence of kit ligand.

Abstract: A full-length cDNA corresponding to an EST (AA418955), which does not show any homology to other proteins in the database but has a weak homology to G-CSF, has been successfully isolated by synthesizing primers based on the EST sequence, and effecting PCR-cloning from a human fetal spleen library. Sequencing of the thus-isolated cDNA and analysis of its structure revealed that the cDNA has typical characteristics of a factor belonging to the IL-6/G-CSF/MGF family. It is also found out that the culture supernatant of said sequence-transfected CHO cells shows a proliferation supporting activity towards bone marrow cells in the coexistence of kit ligand.

Abstract: A car side panel assembly line capable of increasing a productivity by shortening an operation time and having a set station ST2, a welding station ST3, and a next operation station ST4 disposed in series in this order, comprising a set carriage 91 having, thereon, a set jig 91 capable of holding the side panel W in upright attitude from the side and installed reciprocatingly between the set station ST2 and the welding station ST3 and a frame carriage 81 having a lower frame 80 and an upper frame 81, capable of holding, between both frames 80, 81, the side panel W in upright attitude through clamp members (821, 822, 823, 831, 832, 833) mounted on the frames 80, 81, installed reciprocatingly between the welding station ST3 and the next operation station ST4, and allowing to exchange the side panel W with the set carriage 91.

Abstract: Several ESTs deduced as a part of a cDNA encoding a protein that is homologous with a membrane-bound steroid binding protein PMBP were found. Based on the sequence data of these ESTs, a consensus sequence was extracted, and primers were designed based on this consensus sequence. Using the thus designed primers, a polymerase chain reaction of human genes was effected. As a result, a gene encoding a novel steroid hormone binding protein that is homologous with PMBP was successfully isolated from a human for the first time.

Abstract: Several ESTs deduced as a part of a cDNA encoding a protein that is homologous with a membrane-bound steroid binding protein PMBP were found. Based on the sequence data of these ESTs, a consensus sequence was extracted, and primers were designed based on this consensus sequence. Using the thus designed primers, a polymerase chain reaction of human genes was effected. As a result, a gene encoding a novel steroid hormone binding protein that is homologous with PMBP was successfully isolated from a human for the first time.

Abstract: A reshaped antibody comprising:(A) L chains comprising:(1) a human C region, and(2) an L chain V region comprising human L chain FRs and L chain CDRs of a mouse monoclonal antibody; and(B) H chains comprising:(1) a human H chain C region, and(2) an H chain V region comprising human H chain FRs, and H chain CDRs of a mouse monoclonal antibody to human IL-6. Since the major portions of the reshaped human antibody are derived from human, and the mouse CDRs are less immunogenic, then the present reshaped human antibody is less immunogenic, and therefore inhibits information transfer by IL-6, and is promising as a therapeutic agent for diseases caused by IL-6.