Abstract: The complete amino acid and nucleotide sequence for adenylate cyclase stimulating factor is provided, thereby facilitating the synthesis of ACSF in recombinant cell culture. ACSF amino acid sequence variants and ACSF antibodies are provided which are useful in the treatment of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy or in immunoassays for ACSF. In particular, antibodies capable of binding only the C-terminal domains of ACSF are useful in immunoassays for ACSF which avoid interference by parathyroid hormone. Also provided are novel polypeptides selected from the group of the ACSF basic peptide, the ACSF C-terminal peptide, or the ACSF domain containing both of the basic and C-terminal peptides.

Abstract: A gene activation/inactivation and site-specific integration system has been developed for mammalian cells. The invention system is based on the recombination of transfected sequences by FLP, a recombinase derived from Saccharomyces. In several cell lines, FLP has been shown to rapidly and precisely recombine copies of its specific target sequence. For example, a chromosomally integrated, silent .beta.-galactosidase reporter gene was activated for expression by FLP-mediated removal of intervening sequences to generate clones of marked cells. Alternatively, the reverse reaction can be used to target transfected DNA to specific chromosomal sites. These results demonstrate that FLP can be used, for example, to mosaically activate or inactivate transgenes for a variety of therapeutic purposes, as well as for analysis of vertebriate development.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fully impaired consensus Kozak sequences which are most typically used with dominant selectable markers of transcriptional cassettes which are a part of an expression vector. These vectors are most typically utilized in the expression of proteins in mammalian expression systems. As defined, disclosed and claimed herein, a "fully impaired consensus Kozak" comprises the following sequence: ##STR1## where: Nat nucleotides 2,3,8 and 9 is a nucleotide selected from the group consisting of adenme (A), quanine (G), cytosine (C) or thymine (T)/uracil (U); Nat nucleotides 1 and 7 is a pyrimidine nucleotide, ie C or T/U; "ATG" is a codon encoding for the amino acid methionine, the so-called "start" codon; and -3 and +1 are directional reference points vis-a-vis ATG, ie -3 is meant to indicate three nucleotides upstream of ATG and +1 is meant to indicate one nucleotide downstream of ATG. Dominant selectable markers further comprising artificial intronic insertion regions are further disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions of and methods for obtaining and using a polypeptide other than BCL-2 that affects programmed vertebrate cell death. The invention relates as well to polynucleotides encoding those polypeptides, recombinant vectors carrying those sequences, the recombinant host cells including either the sequences or vectors, and recombinant polypeptides. The invention further provides methods for using the isolated, recombinant polypeptides in assays designed to select and improve substances capable of altering programmed cell death for use in diagnostic, drug design and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of novel vector systems which are generated by in-vitro recombination, using gene technology, of nucleic acids from foamy virus species and of exogenous nucleic acid, and are produced by suitable host cells or by recombinantly altered packaging cell lines. The recombinant preparation of particularly suitable packaging cell lines is likewise a constituent of this invention. The invention is distinguished by the safe and efficient transfer by foamy virus vectors of therapeutic and other genes into eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: A novel African Green Monkey Kidney (AGMK) cell line is taught as well as a method for the preparation thereof. The cell line which is free of viable adventitious microbial agents is useful as a substrate for viruses and for the preparation of viral vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of novel nucleic acid molecules and proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules or degenerate variants thereof, that participate in the control of mammalian body weight. The nucleic acid molecules of the present invention represent the genes corresponding to the mammalian tub gene, a gene that is involved in the regulation of body weight.

Abstract: Described herein are isolated polynucleotides which code for an AMPA-type human CNS receptor, designated the human GluR4B receptor. The receptor is characterized structurally and the construction and use of cell lines expressing the receptor is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated vertebrate nucleic acid molecule the bcl-6 locus. This invention also provides an isolated human nucleic acid molecule of bcl-6 locus. This invention further provides a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule of at least 15 nucleotides capable of specifically hybridizing with a sequence included within the sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of bcl-6 locus. This invention provides an isolated vertebrate nucleic acid molecule of bcl-6 operatively linked to a promoter of RNA transcription. This invention provides a vector which comprises the nucleic acid molecule of bcl-6 locus. This invention provides a host vector system for the production of a polypeptide encoded by bcl-6 locus, which comprises the vector of bcl-6 locus in a suitable host. This invention provides a polypeptide encoded by the isolated vertebrate nucleic acid molecule of bcl-6 locus. This invention provides an antibody capable of binding to polypeptide encoded by bcl-6 locus.

Abstract: A transformant, which harbors a recombinant vector containing a DNA which codes for human nerve growth factor 2 and a DNA which codes for the pro-region of a nerve growth factor at 5'-terminal of said DNA, produces human nerve factor 2 in stable and large amount in a culture medium.

Abstract: Purified Bone Morphogenetic Protein-11 proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed. Recombinant DNA molecules encoding the BMP-11 proteins are also disclosed. The proteins may be useful in regulating follicle stimulating hormone, such as for contraception, and for the induction of bone, cartilage and/or other connective tissue.

Abstract: Purified Bone Morphogenetic Protein-10 proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed. Recombinant DNA molecules encoding the BMP-10 proteins are also disclosed. The proteins may be used in the treatment of bone and cartilage defects and in wound healing and related tissue repair.

Abstract: A nucleic acid encoding a CDK inhibiting protein, particularly a CDK6 inhibiting protein, is selected from the group consisting of: (a) DNA having the nucleotide sequence given herein as SEQ ID NO:1 (which encodes the protein having the amino acid sequence given herein as SEQ ID NO:2), and which are refered to as p18.sup.INK6 ; (b) nucleic acids which hybridize to DNA of (a) above and which encode a CDK inhibiting protein; and (c) nucleic acids which differs from the DNA of (a) or (b) above due to the degeneracy of the genetic code, and which encodes a CDK inhibiting protein encoded by a DNA of (a) or (b) above. Constructs containing such DNA, cells containing such constructs, proteins encoded by such DNA, antibodies which bind thereto, antisense oligonucleotides corresponding to such DNA, and methods of using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel compositions comprising Oncostatin M and congeners thereof, as well as methods for their preparation and methods for their use are provided. The compositions may be prepared by isolation from natural sources, or by recombinant means in either prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cells. In addition, the DNA and polypeptide sequences for Oncostatin M are disclosed. The compositions find use in modulating growth of cells, in particular inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, and stimulation of normal cell growth, especially cells involved in hematopoiesis. Cell growth inhibition compositions may additionally include an adjunctive agent comprising at least one of a transforming growth factor, tumor necrosis factor, or an interferon. Receptors having high affinity for Oncostatin M may additionally be used to screen polypeptides for Oncostatin M-like activity. Methods for use of antibodies to the compositions and probes specific for Oncostatin M mRNA as a means for detecting tumor cells are also provided.

Abstract: An enzymatic RNA molecule which cleaves mRNA associated with development or maintenance of an inflammatory disease.

Abstract: Neurotransmission by excitatory amino acids (EAAs) such as glutamate is mediated via membrane-bound surface receptors. DNA coding for one family of these receptors, of the kainate binding type of EAA receptors, has now been isolated and the receptor protein characterized. Herein described are recombinant cell lines which produce the EAA receptor as a heterologous membrane-bound product. Also described are related aspects of the invention, which are of commercial significance. Included is use of the cell lines as a tool for discovery of compounds which modulate EAA receptor stimulation.