Abstract: The invention provides human proteases (PRTS) and polynucleotides which identify and encode PRTS. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing, treating, or preventing disorders associated with aberrant expression of PRTS.

Abstract: The invention is a method for creating a vaccine, an anti-venom for snake bites, and an anti-venom for spider bites in an adult ratite bird by obtaining at least one poisonous snake, harvesting venom of the snakes, obtaining an adult ratite bird, injecting the adult ratite bird with the venom in appropriate amounts at appropriate intervals, extracting blood from the bird or harvesting an egg from the inoculated ratite, removing desired antibodies, and using desired antibodies and make an antiserum containing antibodies to the venom.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for treating Alzheimer's disease and other tau related neurodegenerative disorders. A tau kinase, Brain Derived Tau Kinase (BDTK) is provided. BDTK can cause hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, which leads to formation of neurofibrillary tangles, which are implicated in the degenerative symptoms of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative disorders. Methods of diagnosis and treatment based on the discovery of this novel tau kinase are also provided.

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions encoding polypeptide products with diglyceride acyltransferase activity, as well as the polypeptide products encoded thereby and methods for producing the same, are provided. The subject polypeptide and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of applications, including research, diagnostic, and therapeutic agent screening applications, as well as in treatment therapies and in the production of triacylglycerols.

Abstract: A polypeptide has the antibody binding activity of the 46K dalton HMFG differentiation antigen and/or homology to at least one of the light chains of clotting factors V and VIII and is also provided as a fusion protein with a second antigenic polypeptide. An antibody has affinity for the polypeptide of the invention or a functional fragment thereof in vivo and in vitro methods for therapy vaccination and detecting the presence of the polypeptide, the antibody, the DNA and RNA of the invention are provided. DNA and RNA sequences encode the polypeptide of the invention or fragments thereof and immunoassay kits comprise the antibodies and/or polypeptides of the invention.

Abstract: A calpain protease 12 (Capn12) which has an amino acid sequence comprising the amino acids 1-342 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4, and also functional analogs thereof, nucleic acids coding therefor, recombinant vectors containing said coding sequences, microorganisms transfected therewith, processes for the recombinant preparation of Capn12, and various applications of Capn12 and nucleic acids coding therefor are described.

Abstract: Provided are uses of agents interfering with the interaction of TIRC7 with its ligand such as HLA-(Human Leukocyte associated Antigen) class II alpha (&agr;) chain for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of graft versus host disease, autoimmune diseases, allergic diseases, infectious diseases, sepsis, for the treatment of tumors, for the improvement of wound healing or for inducing or maintaining immune unresponsiveness in a subject. In addition, methods for identifying and obtaining such agents are described. Furthermore, methods of diagnosing an immune disease or a tumor by determining the presence or absence of TIRC7 ligand are provided.

Abstract: A compound which inhibits binding of kringle 2 domain of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to endothelial cells is provided for use in stimulating proliferation of endothelial cells. A kringle 2 domain of tPA may also be used to reduce endothelial cell proliferation or to induce cell death.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for reducing formation or progression of neoplasms associated with immunosuppressive therapy in a mammal, the method comprising treating the mammal with an effective amount of an angiotensin II inhibitor. In addition the invention provides a method of preventing or treating a neoplasm in a mammal, the method includes treating the mammal with an effective amount of an angiotensin II inhibitor where the treatment is not associated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Also provided are compositions comprising an angiotensin II inhibitor and an immunosuppressive agent such as cyclosporin or FK506. The angiotensin II inhibitor of the invention includes proteins and polypeptides that bind angiotensin II receptors, anti-angiotensin II antibodies, angiotensin II receptors and fragments thereof. In another aspect the invention provides methods for identifying compounds capable of inhibiting the formation or proliferation of tumors in a mammal undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for alleviating the symptoms of neuropathic conditions with a pharmaceutical composition including an effective amount of anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) antibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides a human Nek1-related protein kinase (NRPK) and polynucleotides which identify and encode NRPK. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing, treating or preventing disorders associated with expression of NRPK.

Abstract: A method to inhibit the growth of tumors in human patients, comprising treating the human patients with an effective amount of a combination of radiation and a non-radiolabeled protein receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, the overexpression of which can lead to tumorigenesis.

Abstract: Antibodies binding to sites on the &agr;-subunit (Na++K+)-ATPase increase cardiac contraction of both ventricular myocytes and mouse heart. In particular, antibodies binding to the RSATEEEPPNDD or DVEDSYGQQWTYEQR peptides (or isoforms/derivatives thereof) of the &agr;-subunit of the (Na++K+)-ATPase, have been found to be highly inotropic. Both the antibodies and the peptides are important for the treatment of human heart failure and other contractile disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a ligand for fibrinogen and/or fibrin for producing an agent for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of microcirculatory disorders and/or for influencing the rheology of a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for decreasing the amount and/or biological activity of angiotensin II in an aortic valve in an animal. The methods of the invention include administering to the animal an amount of an angiotensin converting enzyme antagonist and/or an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, effective to decrease the amount and/or biological activity of angiotensin II in the aortic valve in the animal.

Abstract: Human Inositol Monophosphatase H1 polynucleotide and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques and utilizing such polypeptide for therapeutic purposes, for example, screening and designing compounds capable of inhibiting hIMP-H1 and mapping genetic diseases are disclosed. Further disclosed are antibodies against hIMP-H1 polypeptides and methods for producing such antibodies and utilizing such antibodies for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. Also disclosed is antagonists against such polypeptide along with procedures for using such antagonists for therapeutic purposes, for example, for treating psychotic and depressive disorders. Diagnostic assays for identifying mutations in nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide of the present invention and for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides novel methods for the localized delivery of pharmaceutical agents by the administration of a caspase conjugate that targets a cell type of interest and the additional administration of a pro-agent that is locally converted, in the presence of the caspase, to an active agent. The invention further provides novel tageting agents comprising a caspase as well as novel prodrugs comprising a caspase cleavable prodrug moiety.

Abstract: The present invention concerns stimulators of Activin and/or Inhibin for use in promoting the healing of wounds and fibrotic disorders with reduced scarring, together with medicaments and methods for promoting the healing of wounds and fibrotic disorders with reduced scarring.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new protein called RB18A for “Recognized By PAb1801 moAntibody”, which is a p53 regulatory protein, to the nucleotide sequence encoding said protein, and to the diagnostic and therapeutic applications thereof, in particular for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of neoplasia.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for modulating an immune response comprising contacting an immune cell with an agent that modulates BTF4 or B7-L1 mediated signaling. BTF4 or B7-L1 mediated signaling may either be increased, to thereby downregulate the immune response, or alternatively may be decreased, to upregulate the immune response. Modulation may be either activation or inhibition, and contacting may occur in vivo or in vitro. Performance of this method in vivo is also potentially therapeutic for an individual who may benefit from the upregulation or downregulation of an immune response. Such modulation to downregulate the immune response serves as a therapeutic e.g., for an individual who has received an organ transplant, or has a condition such as an allergy, or an autoimmune disorder. Alternatively, modulation to upregulate the immune response serves as a therapeutic for an individual, e.g., who has a condition such as an immunosuppressive disorder or a tumor.

Abstract: The invention provides human nucleic acid-associated proteins (NAAP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode NAAP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing, treating, or preventing disorders associated with aberrant expression of NAAP.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination therapy for the treatment of tumors and tumor metastases comprising administration of receptor tyrosine kinase antagonists/inhibitors, especially ErbB receptor antagonists, more preferably EGF receptor (Her 1) antagonists and anti-angiogenic agents, preferably integrin antagonists, optionally together with agents or therapy forms that have additive or synergistic efficacy when administered together with said combination of antagonists/inhibitors, such as chemotherapeutic agents and or radiation therapy. The therapy can result in a synergistic potential increase of the inhibition effect of each individual therapeutic on tumor cell proliferation, yielding more effective treatment than found by administering an individual component alone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to phosphatase polypeptides, nucleotide sequences encoding the phosphatase polypeptides, as well as various products and methods useful for the diagnosis and treatment of various phosphatase-related diseases and conditions. Through the use of a bioinformatics strategy, mammalian members of the MAP kinase hosphatase PTP's and STP's have been identified and their protein structure predicted.

Abstract: Posterior capsular opacification is inhibited by administration of polymer, having immobilised on the surface, a ligand for a death receptor, preferably joined by a spacer into the lens capsule following cataract surgery. The ligand is preferably Fas ligand. A spacer is preferably polyethyiene glycol. The polymer preferably constitutes an intraocular lens.

Abstract: Materials and methods for reducing cell proliferation or extracellular matrix production in a mammal are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to a mammal a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a zvegf4 antagonist in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery vehicle. Exemplary zvegf4 antagonists include anti-zvegf4 antibodies, inhibitory polynucleotides, inhibitors of zvegf4 activation, and mitogenically inactive, receptor-binding variants of zvegf4. The materials and methods are useful in the treatment of, inter alia, fibroproliferative disorders of the kidney, liver, and bone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to findings that reducing the activity of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) suppresses an excessive deposition of collagen which is known as a cause for the formation of abnormal scars. These abnormal scars include but are not limited to keloids, adhesions, hypertrophic scars, skin disfiguring conditions, fibrosis, fibrocystic conditions, contractures, and scleroderma, all of which are associated with or caused by an excessive deposit of collagen in a wound healing process. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention are directed to the reduction of PAI-1 activity to decrease an excessive accumulation of collagen, prevent the formation of an abnormal scar, and/or treat abnormal scars that result from an excessive accumulation of collagen.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subject having an insulin-related disorder, e.g., diabetes. The methods include reducing the amount of p85 PI3K regulatory subunit isoform in a cell of the subject.

Abstract: The key function of TNAP in bone is degradation of PPi to remove this mineralization inhibitor and provide free phosphate for apatite deposition. PC-1 is a direct antagonist of TNAP function. ANK also antagonizes TNAP-dependent matrix calcification. Specifically, the activity of PC-1 inhibits initial MV apatite deposition, but ANK inhibits propagation of apatite outside the MVs. Furthermore, loss of function of the two distinct skeletal TNAP antagonists, PC-1 and ANK, ameliorates TNAP deficiency-associated osteomalacia in vivo. Conversely, the hyperossification associated with both PC-1 null mice and ANK-deficient (ank/ank) mice is ameliorated by deficiency of TNAP in vivo.

Abstract: A novel protein, enkurin, that is preferentially expressed in sperm has been discovered. Enkurin binds to TRPCs including TRPC2-S, a protein encoded by TRPC2 that is not predicted to be a calcium channel subunit. The invention includes methods of identifying compounds that affect enkurin expression or activity, and are useful, e.g., for contraception and treatment of infertility.

Abstract: Methods of inducing formation of functional and organized lymphatic vessels are described. Specifically, the methods relate to using Tie2 agonists to induce formation of functional and organized lymphatic vessels. The methods also relate to treating defects, diseases, and disorders characterized by lymphatic vessel malfunction, disorganization, and damage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preventing or treating a T cell mediated inflammatory/autoimmune disease or disorder in a subject having a glucocorticoid regulation deficiency, where the method comprises administering to a subject in need of such treatment a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor. The Cox-2 inhibitor may be administered in combination with a glucocorticoid. The Cox-2 inhibitor can be a Cox-2 selective inhibitor. Compositions, pharmaceutical compositions and kits are provided for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Featured are methods of modulating endothelial NOS (eNOS) expression, e.g., insulin-stimulated eNOS expression, by modulating PKC&bgr;. The methods are useful in the treatment of insulin-related disorders, e.g., hypertension.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods for promoting or inhibiting angiogenesis, and screening methods for identifying compounds are disclosed. The compounds bind to F1 ATP synthase, particularly to the alpha and/or beta subunits of F1 ATP synthase. When bound to these subunits, they can function as angiostatin agonists, antagonists, partial agonists, inverse agonists, or allosteric modulators. When the compounds mimic or enhance the activity of angiostatin, they inhibit angiogenesis. When the compounds inhibit the ability of angiostatin to bind F1 ATP synthase and are either inactive at inhibiting angiogenesis or directly promote angiogenesis, or if they inhibit the activity of angiostatin, they promote angiogenesis. The compounds can be, for example, antibodies, antibody fragments, enzymes, peptides, nucleic acids such as oligonucleotides, or small molecules. The antibodies can be monoclonal, humanized, or polyclonal antibodies.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inducing immune suppression are disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of an agent that inhibits MD-1 with or without an OX-2 protein or a nucleic acid encoding an OX-2 protein. The methods are useful in preventing graft rejection, fetal loss, autoimmune disease, and allergies. Methods and compositions for preventing immune suppression are also disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of MD-1 or an agent that activates or stimulates MD-1.

Abstract: A therapy for humans or other animals is described using one or more antagonists to colipase so as to interfere with macromolecular nutrient digestion. In one embodiment, the present invention describes the use of antibodies that can be administered by a variety of routes, including orally, over a treatment period in a manner that promotes weight loss or impedes weight gain.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are nucleic acid sequences that encode novel polypeptides. Also disclosed are polypeptides encoded by these nucleic acid sequences, and antibodies, which immunospecifically-bind to the polypeptide, as well as derivatives, variants, mutants, or fragments of the aforementioned polypeptide, polynucleotide, or antibody. The invention further discloses therapeutic, diagnostic and research methods for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders involving any one of these novel human nucleic acids and proteins.

Abstract: A novel gene (designated 213P1F11) and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 213P1F11 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 213P1F11 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 213P1F11 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 213P1F11 can be used in active or passive immunization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the treatment of Type II Diabetes Mellitus patients, which comprises administering an acidotropic agent to the patient in an amount sufficient for neutralizing intraendosomal pH or preventing lowering of intraendosomal pH; thereby activating insulin receptor kinase of the patient and preventing insulin resistance. The present invention also relates to a method for the screening of an acidotropic agent suitable for the treatment of Type II Diabetes Mellitus.

Abstract: Transfection of confluent cells or other slowly dividing or non-dividing cells that are in contact with each other with a nucleic acid using a non-viral receptor targeted vector may be improved by the concurrent use of an agent that disrupts cell-cell junctions, especially EGTA. The vector is especially an integrin-targeting transfection vector complex comprising (i) a nucleic acid, especially a nucleic acid encoding a sequence of interest, (ii) an integrin-binding component, especially an integrin-targeting peptide, (iii) a polycationic nucleic acid-binding component, especially an oligolysine, and (iv) a lipid component, especially, DOPE, DOTMA, DOSPA or combinations thereof. Various applications of the improved method of transfection are described.

Abstract: Disclosed is method of down-regulating an activity associated with AC1, AC8 or both in a subject comprising administering to the subject an antagonist to AC1, AC8 or both in an amount sufficient to affect the antagonism.

Abstract: A novel gene (designated 238P1B2) and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 238P1B2 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 238P1B2 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 238P1B2 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 238P1B2 can be used in active or passive immunization.

Abstract: The invention provides a human ena/VASP-like protein splice variant (EVL1) and polynucleotides which identify and encode EVL1. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating or preventing disorders associated with expression of EVL1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for inhibiting the binding of OX40 and OX40L in smooth muscle cells to reduce inflammatory responses in smooth muscle containing tissue.

Abstract: A novel gene (designated 162P1E6) and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 162P1E6 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 162P1E6 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 162P1E6 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 162P1E6 can be used in active or passive immunization.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for potentiating the activity of the mitogen-activated protein kinase p38. In particular the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase MEK6, and variants thereof that stimulate phosphorylation of p38 are provided. Such compounds may be used, for example, for therapy of diseases associated with the p38 cascade and to identify antibodies and other agents that inhibit or activate signal transduction via p38.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating leukocyte activation. Nucleic acids encoding proteins and proteins so encoded which are capable of modulating leukocyte activation are provided. Compositions and methods for the treatment of disorders related to leukocyte dysfunction or dysregulation are also provided. Prophylactics and methods for the prevention of such disorders are also provided. Also provided are compositions and methods for diagnostic and prognostic determination of such disorders. Further provided are assays for the identification of bioactive agents capable of modulating leukocyte activation.

Abstract: A method for treating inflammatory joint diseases by inhibiting cadherin-11 mediated cellular function using a cadherin-11 modulating agent is provided. Also provided are screening assays for identifying pharmaceutical lead compounds capable of modulating cellular functions of cadherin-11 such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, factor secretion, and binding of cadherin-11 to cadherin-11 counter-receptor inhibiting binding of cadherin-11 to its counter-receptor either in the context of a cell or in soluble form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and kit for the production of monoclonal anitbodies using B cell stimulatory agent(s), such as antiCEACAM antibody and LPS. Furthermore, the invention relates to use of CEACAM for B cell stimulation in for example immunotherapy.

Abstract: A novel anti-human tenascin ST2146 monoclonal antibody is described endowed with high affinity for the native antigen and high tumor selectivity. The cST2146 hybridoma is stably producing the antibody in high density culture conditions and is suitable for the industrial development of ST2146-based products. ST2146 exhibits properties exploitable for both therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel isolated ARP/BRP polynucleotides and the membrane-associated or secreted polypeptides encoded by the ARP/BRP polynucleotides. Also provided are ARP and BRP protein multimers. Further provided are the antibodies that immunospecifically bind to a ARP/BRP polypeptide or any derivative, variant, mutant or fragment of the ARP/BRP polypeptide, a ARP/BRP multimer polynucleotide or antibody. The invention additionally provides methods in which the ARP/ BRP polypeptide, multimer, polynucleotide and antibody are utilized in the detection and treatment of a broad range of pathological states, e.g. reproductive disorder, as well as to other uses.