Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide sequences and a corresponding amino acid sequence of auxin overproduction mutants. Also provided are methods to improve plant growth, development, differentiation, increased tolerance to drought and delayed senescence as well as plants with drought tolerance and delayed senescence.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vaccine and a method for immune activation which is effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in a mammal. The method is particularly effective for protecting a mammal from a disease including cancer, a disease associated with allergic inflammation, an infectious disease, or a condition associated with a deleterious activity of a self-antigen. Also disclosed are therapeutic compositions useful in such a method.

Abstract: This invention provides an anti-cancer immunogenic agent(s) (e.g. vaccines) that elicit an immune response specifically directed against renal cell cancers expressing a G250 antigenic marker. Preferred immunogenic agents comprise a chimeric molecule comprising a kidney cancer specific antigen (G250) attached to a granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The agents are useful in a wide variety of treatment modalities including, but not limited to protein vaccination, DNA vaccination, and adoptive immunotherapy.

Abstract: An apparatus for encapsulating cells is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the apparatus includes an indirect-pumping dispenser for dispensing a cell suspension into an encapsulation solution through an outlet of the dispenser. The apparatus also includes a dipping mechanism that is attachable to the outlet of the dispenser. The dipping mechanism is adapted to dip the dispenser outlet in the encapsulation solution to allow the cell suspension dispensed thereat to come into contact with the encapsulation solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods for liver proliferation and protection. Specifically useful are VEGFR modulating agents capable of promoting liver growth. Disclosed compositions and methods may be useful for promoting proliferation or treating pathological conditions in other organs of significant biological functions.

Abstract: The present invention provides short antisense oligonucleotide compositions and methods for their use in the treatment of Bcl-2-associated diseases like cancer, such as follicular lymphoma (FL). The antisense oligonucleotides contain sequences that hybridize to Bcl-2 nucleic acids, the gene products of which are known to interact with the tumorigenic protein Bcl-2. The use of novel short antisense oligonucleotides, from 7 bases to 9 bases in length, is described in this invention. The invention also describes certain specific sequences which are longer than 9 bases and are 11 or 15 bases long. Used alone, or in conjunction with other antisense oligonucleotides, these antisense oligonucleotide compositions inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods for liver proliferation and protection. Specifically useful are VEGFR modulating agents capable of promoting liver growth. Disclosed compositions and methods may be useful for promoting proliferation or treating pathological conditions in other organs of significant biological functions.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for increasing the susceptibility of cells to DNA-damaging agents, and for treating tumors in a subject, comprising introducing antisense that prevent expression of DNA dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit Ku70 or Ku80, wherein the antisense is in an amount sufficient to increase the sensitivity of the cells and tumors to heat, chemical, or radiation-induced DNA damage.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn a new class of oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) that inhibit ODN-activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9. Particular 4-5 base extensions at the 5? and of the previously described core inhibitory ODN sequence enhances their inhibitory activity against human cells expressing human TLR9. Methods of use also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides certain cationic lipids containing stigmasterol, ergosterol and cholic acid groups. Compounds of the invention are useful, either alone or in combination with other lipid aggregate-forming components (e.g., DOPE, DOSPA, DOTMA or cholesterol) for formulation into liposomes or other lipid aggregates. Such aggregates are cationic, and able to form stable complexes with anionic macromolecules, such as nucleic acids. The cationic lipids of the invention are useful in methods of transfecting cells, particularly to introduce nucleic acids into cells. The invention also related to kits for the preparation of lipid aggregates and to lipid aggregates and compositions for transfection of cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of stabilizing and/or isolating nucleic acids, wherein a biological sample containing nucleic acids is contacted with a cationic compound. The invention also relates to said cationic compound per se and to the use of said cationic compound in stabilizing and/or isolating nucleic acids. Furthermore, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions, diagnostic compositions, and to compositions used in research, which include cationic compounds or a complex being formed upon contact of said cationic compound with a nucleic acid.

Abstract: A class of polymers for delivery of polynucleotides to cells in described. More specifically, amphiphilic polyvinylethers and compositions containing amphiphilic polyvinylethers are described.

Abstract: The invention provides a nucleic-acid-transfecting composition which exhibits low cytotoxicity, which facilitates an effective nucleic acid transfection into a cell, and which improves expression of the nucleic acid in the cell. The composition for transfecting a nucleic acid into a cell, contains a di(C12-16 alkyl)dimethylammonium halide and a phospholipid.

Abstract: Plasmid-lipid particles which are useful for transfection of cells in vitro or in vivo are described. The particles can be formed using either detergent dialysis methods or methods which utilize organic solvents. The particles are typically 65-85 nm, fully encapsulate the plasmid and are serum-stable.

Abstract: Novel stable, concentrated, biologically active and ready-to-use lipid-comprising drug delivery complexes and methods for their production are described. The biological activity of the complexes produced are comparable to the formulations prepared according to the prior art admixture method and upon purification, the complexes produced by the method of this invention are 50 to 500 fold more concentrated than the complexes formed by admixture. The method described herein provides for the large scale production of lipid-comprising drug delivery systems useful for gene therapy and other applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and constructs for selectively expressing an Apoptosis-Inducing Gene (AIG) in a population of cells that overexpress cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) to induce apoptosis in the cell. To achieve this goal a chimeric gene construct is used that comprises a cyclooxygenase-2 promoter (COX-2 promoter) that is operably linked to at least one AIG such that the COX-2 promoter is activated in cells that overexpress COX-2, thereby resulting in transcription and translation of the AIG, which in turn activates apoptosis in the cell. Thus, apoptosis is selectively induced in only those cells capable of overexpressing COX-2.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated and purified DNA molecule comprising at least one DNA segment, a biologically active subunit or variant thereof, of a circular intermediate of adeno-associated virus, which DNA segment confers increased episomal stability, persistence or abundance of the isolated DNA molecule in a host cell. The invention also provides a composition comprising at least two adeno-associated virus vectors.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds capable of facilitating transport of biologically active agents or substances into cells having the general structure: wherein Q is selected from the group consisting of N, O and S; L is any bivalent organic radical capable of linking each Q, such as C, CH, (CH2)l, or {(CH2)i-Y—(CH2)j}k, wherein Y is selected from the group consisting of CH2, an ether, a polyether, an amide, a polyamide, an ester, a sulfide, a urea, a thiourea, a guanidyl, a carbamoyl, a carbonate, a phosphate, a sulfate, a sulfoxide, an imine, a carbonyl, and a secondary amino group and wherein Y is optionally substituted by —X1-L?-X2-Z or -Z; R1-R6, independently of one another, are selected from the group consisting of H, —(CH2)p-D-Z, an alkyl, an alkenyl, an aryl, and an alkyl or alkyl ether optionally substituted by one or more of an alcohol, an aminoalcohol, an amine, an amide, an ether, a polyether, a polyamide, an ester, a mercaptan, an alkylthio, a urea, a thiourea, a guanidyl, or a carbamoyl group, and w

Abstract: Described is a deliverable composition with low toxicity comprising an amphipathic compound, a polycation, and a siRNA. The composition may be used in the process of delivering a siRNA to an animal cell or more particularly, a mammal cell.

Abstract: The invention provides a lipid of general formula (I) or (II): wherein X1, X2 and R1 to R5 are as defined herein. Such lipids are used to form complexes with a biologically-active material such as a nucleic acid, peptide or small molecule for delivering the biologically-active material to cells. The complexes may incorporate an integrin-binding peptide and, when the biologically-active material is DNA, thereby constitute a LID complex.

Abstract: Composition with weak cytotoxicity for introducing a nucleic acid, such as a short oligonucleotide or a gene, into a cell for expression of the gene in the cell. The composition includes a lipid and a compound represented by a formula (I): (R1)n-R2-R3??(I) wherein (R1)n represents a polyamino acid residue consisting of a total of n amino acid residues, which are identical to or different from one another, the n residues being selected from an arginine residue, a lysine residue, and a histidine residue, and n being an integer of from 4 to 16; R2 represents a single bond or an amino acid residue; and R3 represents a phospholipid residue with 1 or 2 identical or different unsaturated fatty acid residues having from 12 to 20 carbon atoms. The composition is administered or supplied to a cell together with a nucleic acid.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing SHIV or HIV infection in a subject comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a antisense IL-4. The antisense IL-4 inhibits viral replication in the liver, lungs, spleen, and even the lymph nodes of the subject. Further, the antisense IL-4 can be used in combination with other antiretroviral agents or vaccines.

Abstract: A method for efficiently transferring a gene to a target cell is provided. A method of transferring a gene to a target cell, including adding or administering a positively charged complex (A) composed of the gene and a cationic substance and gas-filled microparticles (B) to a target cell-containing composition or a living body and then exposing the target cell-containing composition or the living body to a low-frequency ultrasound.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for reprogramming somatic cells to a more primitive state, such as induced pluripotent stem cells, using homologous recombination. The induced pluripotent stem cells generated by the methods of the present invention are useful in a variety of therapeutic applications in the treatment and prevention of diseases and disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides ungulates, including pigs, expressing CTLA4-Ig, as well as tissue, organs, cells and cell lines derived from such animals. Such animals, tissues, organs and cells can be used in research and medical therapy, including xenotransplanation. In addition, methods are provided to prepare organs, tissues and cells expressing the CTLA4-Ig for use in xenotransplantation, and nucleic acid constructs and vectors useful therein.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions to genetically modify substantially intact cells having cosmetic function to enhance the cosmetic appearance in mammals so as to enhance and/or maintain a biochemical and/or physiological process that has a positive effect on cosmetic appearance. The methods and compositions may provide cosmetic benefits such as reduced skin sagging, increased skin thickness, reduced wrinkles, increased skin thickness and collagen content, increased skin tone and elasticity, increased skin hydration, and improved skin texture and color.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for altering the fate or differentiation status of somatic cells by RNA transfer. These methods can be used to transdifferentiate or dedifferentiate somatic cells of one phenotype or lineage into pluripotent cells or into somatic cells of a different lineage or phenotype.

Abstract: Neurovascular disorder critically contributes to the development and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Transcriptional profiling of human brain endothelial cells (BEC) defines a subset of age-independent genes significantly altered in AD including the homebox gene GAX whose expression controls vascular phenotype and is low in AD. By using viral-mediated GAX gene silencing and transfer, restoring GAX expression in AD BEC is angio-genic, transcriptionally suppresses the AFX1 forkhead transcription factor-mediated apoptosis, and increases the levels of a major amyloid ?-peptide (A?) clearance receptor, the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP-1) at the blood-brain barrier. In a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, deletion of the Gax gene results in reductions in brain capillary density and the resting cerebral blood flow, loss of angiogenic brain response to hypoxia, and an impaired A? brain efflux caused by reduced LRP-1 levels.

Abstract: A method for the production of fungus resistant transgenic plants, plant cells or plant tissue comprising the introduction of an Ab, rAb, rAb fragment or fusion or vector of the invention or the vectors of the composition of the invention into the genome of a plant, plant cell or plant cell tissue and a transgenic plant cell comprising stably integrated into the genome a polynucleotide or vector of the invention or the vectors of the composition of the invention.

Abstract: An polyampholyte is utilized in a condensed polynucleotide complex for purposes of nucleic acid delivery to a cell. The complex can be formed with an appropriate amount of positive and/or negative charge such that the resulting complex can be delivered to the extravascular space and may be further delivered to a cell.

Abstract: The in vivo delivery of nucleic acids is targeted by delivery of the nucleic acid in a complex with cross-linked nanoparticles; where the nanoparticles comprise cross-linked neutral amphipathic molecules, cationic amphipathic molecules and targeting amphipathic molecules. Optionally the cationic and targeting amphipathic molecules are also cross-linked. A targeting moiety present on the targeting amphipathic molecule provides for selective delivery of the complex to a predetermined target site, e.g. blood vessels, endothelial cells, tumor cells, liver cells, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for use in delivering nucleic acids and other agents into cells and tissues. In particular, the present invention provides lipid mixtures at the gel-liquid crystalline phase transition providing superior lipofection activity for transferring materials into cells and tissues.

Abstract: A process and compound wherein nucleic acids can be modified with a host of molecules and maintain their ability to be expressed. A modifying chemical attachment of polyions to polynucleotides can be used to facilitate the change of tertiary structure of the nucleic acid and in some cases condensation of nucleic acids into smaller, charged particles useful in delivering the nucleic acid to a cell.

Abstract: A method of forming polymers in the presence of nucleic acid using template polymerization. These methods can be used for the delivery of nucleic acids, for condensing the nucleic acid, for forming nucleic acid binding polymers, for forming supramolecular complexes containing nucleic acid and polymer, and for forming an interpolyelectrolyte complex.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds capable of facilitating transport of biologically active agents or substances into cells having the general structure: wherein Q is selected from the group consisting of N, O and S; L is any bivalent organic radical capable of linking each Q, such as C, CH, (CH2)l, or {(CH2)i—Y—(CH2)j}k, wherein Y is selected from the group consisting of CH2, an ether, a polyether, an amide, a polyamide, an ester, a sulfide, a urea, a thiourea, a guanidyl, a carbamoyl, a carbonate, a phosphate, a sulfate, a sulfoxide, an imine, a carbonyl, and a secondary amino group and wherein Y is optionally substituted by —X1—L?—X2—Z or —Z; R1—R6, independently of one another, are selected from the group consisting of H, —(CH2)p-D-Z, an alkyl, an alkenyl, an aryl, and an alkyl or alkyl ether optionally substituted by one or more of an alcohol, an aminoalcohol, an amine, an amide, an ether, a polyether, a polyamide, an ester, a mercaptan, an alkylthio, a urea, a thiourea, a guanidyl, or a carbamoyl group, and w

Abstract: Compositions and methods for delivery of proteins and peptides to mammalian cells in vitro are described. Specifically, polypeptide-surfactant complexes formed from noncovalent hydrophobation of polypeptides and reversible hydrophobic modification of polypeptides are described. The compositions can be used to delivery positively charged, negatively charged and charge neutral polypeptides to cells.

Abstract: Polyampholyte are able to condense nucleic acid to form small complexes which can be utilized in the delivery of nucleic acid to mammalian cells. The polyampholytes can be formed prior to interaction with nucleic acid or they can be formed in the presence of nucleic acid. Stabilized polycation/nucleic acid complexes can be modified to reduce the positive charge of the polycation and add targeting ligands without destabilizing the complex. The resultant particles retain their small size and are more effective in delivery of nucleic acid to cells in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds capable of facilitating transport of biologically active agents or substances into cells having the general structure: wherein Q is selected from the group consisting of N, O and S; L is any bivalent organic radical capable of linking each Q, such as C, CH, (CH2)I, or {(CH2)i-Y—(CH2)j}k, wherein Y is selected from the group consisting of CH2, an ether, a polyether, an amide, a polyamide, an ester, a sulfide, a urea, a thiourea, a guanidyl, a carbamoyl, a carbonate, a phosphate, a sulfate, a sulfoxide, an imine, a carbonyl, and a secondary amino group and wherein Y is optionally substituted by —X1-L?-X2-Z or -Z; R1-R6, independently of one another, are selected from the group consisting of H, —(CH2)p-D-Z, an alkyl, an alkenyl, an aryl, and an alkyl or alkyl ether optionally substituted by one or more of an alcohol, an aminoalcohol, an amine, an amide, an ether, a polyether, a polyamide, an ester, a mercaptan, an alkylthio, a urea, a thiourea, a guanidyl, or a carbamoyl group, and w

Abstract: The invention concerns a composition containing stabilised particles of cationic transfection agent(s)/nucleic acid complexes characterised in that it includes besides said transfection agent and nucleic acid at least a non-ionic surfactant in sufficient amount for preventing the aggregation of the particles in course of time. In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant is a polyoxyalkylene or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides liposomal compositions and methods of using such compositions in vitro and in vivo. In particular, the present invention provides stable, polymer-caged liposomes comprising a pH responsive delivery mechanism for delivery of nucleic acids, peptides, small molecules, drugs, etc. in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: Compositions for siRNA delivery are described which include water soluble degradable crosslinked cationic polymers having a water soluble polyethylene glycol component, a cationic polyethyleneimine component and a degradable unit component. The composition may be used to deliver siRNA to cells, particularly cancer cells. The composition may be applied to a solid surface such as a multiwell plate so that the delivery of siRNA may be carried out on the solid surface.

Abstract: Catanionic vesicles including solute ion, methods for forming these, and methods of using these.

Abstract: A bisphosphonic acid of the general formula (I) wherein R1 is H, OH, C1-C6 alkyl C1-C6 alkoxy, C1-C6 hydroxyalkyl, C1-C6 aminoalkyl, C1-C6 halogen alkyl X is a direct bond, alkylen group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms, (CH3)m—(OCR3HCH2)n—(O)o—, wherein R3 is H or CH3 and m is 0 or a number from 1 to 6, n is a number from 1 to 10, preferably 1 to 6, and o is 0 or 1, —(CR4HCH2O)p—, wherein R4 is H or CH3, p is a number from 1 to 10, preferably 1 to 6, (CH3)q—(OCR5HCH2)r—(O)s—(CH3)t—, wherein R5 is H or CH3 and q is 0 or a number from 1 to 6, r is a number from 1 to 10, preferably 1 to 6, and s is 0 or 1, and t is a number from 1 to 6, R2 is a group of the formula (II) as well as their physiologically compatible derivatives in particular salts and trimethyl silyl derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel pseudotyped retroviral vectors that can transduce human and other cells. Vectors are provided that are packaged efficiently in packaging cells and cell lines to generate high titer recombinant virus stocks expressing novel envelope glycoproteins. The present invention further relates to compositions for gene therapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the transfer of molecular substances, for example proteins or nucleic acids in cells, in the case of using DNA combined with a possible gene expression. A prokaryotic nucleic acid-binding protein is used for the transfer, which is preferably obtained from a thermostable organism. Where the substance to be transferred is a nucleic acid, the protein forms a reversible complex with the nucleic acid. The prokaryotic protein condenses and compacts the nucleic acids. Said nucleic acids can be taken up in the target cells after suitable incubation.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for facilitating entry of compounds to cells. In some forms, the compositions comprise one or more aminoglycosides and one or more lipids. The disclosed compositions can also comprise one or more compounds or compositions. It was discovered that the disclosed compositions increase the efficiency of delivery of compounds into cells. The disclosed compositions and methods increase both delivery into cells and the activity of compounds once delivered into cells. For example, the disclosed methods and compositions can be used to deliver nucleic acids to cells and to thereby increase the activity of such nucleic acids delivered to cells. The disclosed compositions can be used to deliver compounds and compositions to cells in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. Delivery can be, for example, non-specific, non-directed, non-targeted, specific, directed or targeted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a protein of interest, comprising making a non-human transgenic mammal that produces said protein in its milk, obtaining said milk from the non-human transgenic mammal and purifying said protein of interest from the milk. Transgenic bovine animals were generated, which are able to produce human growth hormone in mammary glands. The method involves cloning of a genetic construct encoding hGH gene and beta casein promoter conveniently in an expression vector. It also includes transfection procedures into fetal bovine somatic cells, generally fibroblasts, and the nuclear transfer into enucleated bovine oocytes, generating thus transgenic embryos.

Abstract: Novel lipid-nucleic acid particulate complexes which are useful for in vitro or in vivo gene transfer are described. The particles can be formed using either detergent dialysis methods or methods which utilize organic solvents. Upon removal of a solubilizing component (i.e., detergent or an organic solvent) the lipid-nucleic acid complexes form particles wherein the nucleic acid is serum-stable and is protected from degradation. The particles thus formed have access to extravascular sites and target cell populations and are suitable for the therapeutic delivery of nucleic acids.

Abstract: Oligomeric sulfonamides for use as endosomolytic reagents for transfection with polymeric or lipid-based vectors are described. A mixture of an oligomeric sulfonamide with a polymeric or lipid-based gene carrier and a nucleic acid results in a polyplex that exhibits 6-12-fold better gene expression than controls. A method of transfecting cells in vitro is carried out by contacting cultured mammalian cells with an effective amount of a polyplex.

Abstract: A composition comprising recombinant, intact minicells that contain a therapeutic nucleic acid molecule is disclosed. Methods for purifying a preparation of such minicells also are disclosed. Additionally, a genetic transformation method is disclosed, which comprises (i) making recombinant, intact minicells available that contain a plasmid comprised of a first nucleic acid segment, and (ii) bringing the minicells into contact with mammalian cells that are engulfing-competent, such that the minicells are engulfed by the mammalian cells, which thereafter produce an expression product of the first nucleic acid segment.