Abstract: The present invention relates to arthropod esterase proteins; to arthropod esterase nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode such esterase proteins; to antibodies raised against such esterase proteins; and to other compounds that inhibit arthropod esterase activity. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds. Also included in the present invention are therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies and/or inhibitory compounds as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to protect animals from hematophagous arthropod infestation.

Abstract: The invention relates to abrogen polypeptides and nucleic acids that encode them. In general, the abrogen polypeptides comprise the kringle domain from, for example, urokinase plasminogen activator. Abrogen polypeptides can be used to inhibit endothelial cell activation and/or proliferation and can inhibit endothelial cells activated or induced by both bFGF and VEGF. The invention also encompasses methods to produce polypeptides that possess abrogen activity as well as method for using these polypeptides.

Abstract: A process for the production of a protein by cell culture, where the cells that produce the protein are cultured in the presence of a chemical agent that enhances the production of the protein.

Abstract: Novel PYRIN-9 polypeptides, proteins, and nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. In addition to isolated PYRIN-9 proteins, the invention further provides PYRIN-9 fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-PYRIN-9 antibodies. The invention also provides PYRIN-9 nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced and non-human transgenic animals in which a PYRIN-9 gene has been introduced or disrupted. Diagnostic, screening and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides for isolated nucleic acids encoding Progression Suppressed Gene 13 (PS Gen 13) proteins, vectors comprising said nucleic acids, isolated PSGen 13 proteins, and methods of using such molecules to prevent the growth of cancer cells and/or new blood vessels and accordingly to treat patients suffering from cancer. It is based, at least in part, on the characterization of the complete cDNAs encoding rat and human PSGen 13, and on the discovery that increased levels of PSGen 13 expression can suppress the transformed phenotype and inhibit the activities of promoter elements associated with cancer progression and angiogenesis. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method for inhibiting growth of a cancer cell which comprises contacting the cancer cell with a nucleic acid encoding a PSGen 13 protein, a PSGen 13 protein or a PSGen 13 activator compound in a sufficient amount so as to inhibit growth of the cancer cell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel polypeptides and the nucleic acid sequences that encode them. Also disclosed are antibodies that immunospecifically bind to the polypeptide, as well as derivatives, variants, mutants, or fragments of the novel polypeptide, polynucleotide, or antibody specific to the polypeptide. Vectors, host cells, antibodies and recombinant methods for producing the polypeptides and polynucleotides, as well as methods for using same are also included. The invention further discloses therapeutic, diagnostic and research methods for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of apoptosis associated disorders involving these novel human nucleic acids and proteins.

Abstract: An inhibitor of endothelial cell proliferation, capable of inhibiting angiogenesis and causing tumor regression, that is approximately 20 kDa and corresponds to a C-terminal fragment of collagen type XVIII, and methods of treating angiogenesis-related disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation and identification of novel baboon nucleic acid molecules and proteins and polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, or degenerate variants thereof, which proteins and polypeptides comprise novel baboon thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitors or “TAFI” enzyme molecules. Because the novel baboon TAFI proteins and polypeptides of the invention inhibit the breakdown of blood clots, they may be therapeutically useful for the treatment of blood disorders wherein clotting needs to be regulated or promoted, such as hemophilia or von Willebrand's disease or in other situations, such as trauma, wherein blood clotting or coagulation needs to be regulated or promoted. The sequences of the invention are also useful in screening methods for the identification of compounds that modulate the expression of the baboon TAFI nucleic acids and/or the activity of the baboon TAFI proteins and polypeptides of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetic molecules encoding plant floral defensin-like molecules and their use in generating transgenic plants having resistance or at least reduced sensitivity to plant pests including insects, microorganisms, fungi and/or viruses. The present invention further provides for the use of floral- and seed-derived defensins in the generation of insect resistance in plants. The plants may be monocotyledonous or dicotyledonous plants and are in particular, crop plants and ornamental flowering plants. The genetic molecules are also useful in generating recombinant defensin-like molecules for use in the topical application of compositions to prevent or otherwise retard pest-infestation of plants. The floral defensin-like molecules or genetic molecules encoding same of the present invention may be used alone or in combination with other agents such as a proteinase inhibitor precursor or a nucleic acid molecule encoding same or other molecules or their encoding nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: A screening method for identifying a therapeutic candidate for a coronary heart disease or an inflammatory condition is disclosed. The screening method tests for the presence or absence of an effect by a putative therapeutic agent on a component of a sphingosine kinase signaling pathway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel member of the plasminogen activator inhibitor protein family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the pancreas-derived plasminogen activator inhibitor protein. Pancreas-derived plasminogen activator inhibitor polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to methods for treating physiologic and pathologic disease conditions, including breast cancer, and diagnostic methods for detecting pathologic disorders.

Abstract: A novel growth arrest homeobox gene has been discovered and the nucleotide sequences have been determined in both the rat and the human. The expression of the novel homeobox gene inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell growth. The growth arrest homeobox gene hereinafter referred to as the “Gax gene” and its corresponding proteins are useful in the study of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and in the treatment of blood vessel diseases that result from excessive smooth muscle cell proliferation, particularly after balloon angioplasty.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel keratinocyte-specific secreted protein identified as keptin that inhibits an inflammatory response and activity of proteinase, as well as methods for treating hyperproliferative inflammatory skin diseases using proteinase inhibitor keptin. The invention provides a therapeutic agent for treating psoriasis and squamous cell carcinomas and other inflammatory skin related diseases.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use in/for the preparation of a composition, as active principle in a physiologically acceptable medium, an efficient amount of at least a metalloproteinase inhibitor or any functional biological equivalent, for inducing and/or stimulating growth of hair or hairs and for slowing down their loss. The invention also concerns a method for the cosmetic treatment of hair or hairs.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel calcium-independent cytosolic phospholipase A2/B enzyme, polynucleotides encoding such enzyme and methods for screening unknown compounds for anti-inflammatory activity mediated by the arachidonic acid cascade.

Abstract: Proteins from the genus Photorhabdus are toxic to insects upon exposure. Photorhabdus luminescens (formerly Xenorhabdus luminescens) have been found in mammalian clinical samples and as a bacterial symbiont of entomopathogenic nematodes of genus Heterorhabditis. These protein toxins can be applied to, or genetically engineered into, insect larvae food and plants for insect control.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a folate biosynthetic enzyme. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the folate biosynthetic enzyme, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the folate biosynthetic enzyme in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: A novel growth arrest homeobox gene has been discovered and the nucleotide sequences have been determined in both the rat and the human. The expression of the novel homeobox gene inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell growth. The growth arrest homeobox gene hereinafter referred to as the “Gax gene” and its corresponding proteins are useful in the study of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and in the treatment of blood vessel diseases that result from excessive smooth muscle cell proliferation, particularly after balloon angioplasty.

Abstract: Stable cell lines are produced to express high levels of a gene product of interest using VP16, a herpes simplex virus transactivator, and a promoter from herpes simplex virus which is a target for VP16. The transactivator and promoter are introduced to a cell line separately using antibiotic resistance genes as selectable markers on separate vectors.

Abstract: An isolated protein designated p27 is disclosed. The p27 protein has an apparent molecular weight of about 27 kD, and is capable of binding to and inhibiting the activation of a cyclin E-Cdk2 complex. A nucleic acid sequence encoding p27 protein is disclosed, as well as a method for producing p27 in cultured cells. in vitro assays for discovering agents which effect the activity of p27 are also provided. Methods of diagnosing and treating hypoproliferative and hyperproliferative disorders are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for the identification, characterization and inhibition of farnesyl protein transferases, enzymes involved in the farnesylation of various cellular proteins, including cancer related ras proteins such as p21ras. One farnesyl protein transferase which is disclosed herein exhibits a molecular weight of between about 70,000 and about 100,000 upon gel exclusion chromatography. The enzyme appears to comprise one or two subunits of approximately 50 kDa each. Methods are disclosed for assay and purification of the enzyme, as well as procedures for using the purified enzyme in screening protocols for the identification of possible anticancer agents which inhibit the enzyme and thereby prevent expression of proteins such as p21ras. Also disclosed is a families of compounds which act either as false substrates for the enzyme or as pure inhibitors and can therefore be employed for inhibition of the enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention relates, at least in part, to polypeptides which include Bcl-xL binding domains, novel Bcl-xL binding domains of Pablo polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules encoding such polypeptides, and uses thereof. For example, such polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules are useful in modulating apoptosis, particularly in neural cells, as well as in the treatment or prevention of disorders that can benefit from modulation of cell death.

Abstract: This invention relates to Thypin, a new member of the human serpin polypeptide family, methods of making Thypin polypeptides and using these polypeptides to treat various medical disorders and to methods of screening for compounds that agonize or antagonize Thypin polypeptide activities.

Abstract: Programmed cell death antagonist proteins and nucleic acids are provided, as well as expression vectors and host cells which contain the nucleic acids encoding the programmed cell death antagonist proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to identification of a gene upregulated by interferon-&agr; administration corresponding to he cDNA sequence set forth in SEQ. ID. No. 1. Determination of expression products of this gene is proposed as having utility in predicting responsiveness to treatment with interferon-&agr; and other interferons which act at the Type 1 interferon receptor. Therapeutic use of the protein encoded by the same gene is also envisaged.

Abstract: Mutants of Kunitz domain 1 (ITI-D1) of human inter-&agr;-trypsin inhibitor (ITI), are useful as inhibitors of human neutrophil elastase. Mutants characterized by one or more of the following substitutions (numbered to correspond to bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor, the archetypal Kunitz domain) are of particular interest: (a) Val15 or Ile15, (b) Ala16, (c) Phe18, (d) Pro19, (e) Arg1, (f) Pro2, and/or (g) Phe4.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of suppressing aging; DNA encoding the polypeptide; a method for improving livestock, using the DNA; a recombinant DNA prepared by inserting the DNA into a vector; a transformant harboring the recombinant; a method for preparing the polypeptide of the present invention, using the transformant; an antibody which recognizes the polypeptide; a ligand for the polypeptide of the present invention; a compound inhibiting specific binding between the polypeptide and ligand of the present invention; a compound enhancing the expression of an aging-suppressing gene encoding the aging-suppressing polypeptide of the present invention; an oligonucleotide comprising a sequence of 10 to 50 nucleotides in the nucleotide sequence of the DNA; and a therapeutic agent for a syndrome resembling premature aging, a therapeutic agent for adult diseases or an aging-suppressing agent, using the same.

Abstract: The cystatin superfamily includes inhibitors of cysteine proteinases, which function in a protective role with regard to various pathological actions of endogenous proteinases. Zcys7 is a new member of this superfamily.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having glucanotransferase activity and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods related to human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTRT), the catalytic protein subunit of human telomerase. The polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention are useful for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of human diseases, for changing the proliferative capacity of cells and organisms, and for identification and screening of compounds and treatments useful for treatment of diseases such as cancers.

Abstract: The invention pertains to novel insecticidal compounds derived from Bacillus thuringiensis strains. New proteins designated Cry2Ae, Cry2Af, and Cry2Ag, and variants thereof are provided, as well as DNA sequences encoding these proteins or their variants. Further provided are recombinant hosts expressing such proteins, particularly plant cells and plants.

Abstract: Human LGALS genes are identified as modulators of the CHK pathway, and thus are therapeutic targets for disorders associated with defective CHK function. Methods for identifying modulators of CHK, comprising screening for agents that modulate the activity of LGALS are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated Pseudo-ICE and ICE-Like, functional fragments thereof, or immunogenic fragments thereof and nucleic acid molecules encoding the above polypeptides. Also provided are various methods of using these polypeptides or nucleic acid molecules in modulating apoptosis or inflammation.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for designing inhibitors of serine/threonine kinases and tyrosine kinases, particularly MAP kinases, through the use of ATP-binding site mutants of those kinases. The methods of this invention take advantage of the fact that the mutant kinases are capable of binding inhibitory compounds of other kinases with greater affinity than the corresponding wild-type kinase. The invention further relates to the mutant kinases themselves and crystallizable co-complexes of the mutant kinase and the inhibitory compound.

Abstract: Described is a method of simultaneously testing a plurality of compounds for activity comprising the steps of: (a) placing a plurality of the compounds into at least two arrays, each having a plurality of test zones, with multiple compounds in each zone; (b) determining the location of each compound in each test zone; (c) subjecting the array to a testing screen; and (d) ascertaining those compounds that had a positive response to the testing screen. Also described are apparatus for performing simultaneous testing of a plurality of compounds in a plurality of arrays containing the compounds to be tested for their activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for measuring proteasome activity in biological samples. More particularly, then invention relates to methods for monitoring drug action following in vivo administration of a proteasome inhibitor. The invention provides methods and kits for monitoring pharmacodynamic drug action and for determining dose regimen for a proteasome inhibitor. The invention also provides methods for determining baseline proteasome activity in a mammal.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of C1 bacteriophage genes that express protein involved in the lysis of bacterial cells during the phage life cycle, lysin and holin. The invention further relates to methods for lysing certain bacteria using lysin, which are useful for example in the treatment of an oral cavity bacterial infection.

Abstract: A protein which inhibits osteoclast differentiation and/or maturation and a method of production of the protein. The protein is produced by human embryonic lung fibroblasts and has molecular weight of about 60 kD and about 120 kD under non-reducing conditions and about 60 kD under reducing conditions on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, respectively.

Abstract: A BH4 fusion polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of a polypeptide capable of exhibiting uptake action into a cell or a derivative sequence thereof; and an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of (A) an amino acid sequence comprising at least the sequence of BH4 domain (SEQ ID NO: 1) of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family protein, (B) an amino acid sequence having substitution, deletion or insertion of at least one amino acid residue in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, and (C) an amino acid sequence having at least 50% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the BH4 fusion polypeptide is capable of inhibiting apoptosis; an apoptosis-inhibitor comprising the BH4 fusion polypeptide mentioned above; a method for treating an ischemic disease, characterized by administering the apoptosis-inhibitor mentioned above to a patient with the ischemic disease to inhibit apoptosis, thereby treating the ischemic disease; and use of the BH4 polypeptide mentioned above,

Abstract: Human RelA-associated inhibitor (RAI) comprising 351 amino acid, process for producing it, cDNA encoding it, fragment capable of hybridizing selectively to the cDNA sequence, plasmid for expression and duplication comprising the cDNA, host cell transformed with the plasmid, antibody against the polypeptide, pharmaceutical composition comprising the polypeptide or the antibody against it and method for diagnosis of diseases using the antibody against the RAI.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DNA sequence obtainable from Aspergillus tubigensis which encodes a polygalacturonase. It also relates to vectors comprising the DNA sequence and to host cells transformed with such vectors. The invention further relates to the expression of the polygalacturonase and its use.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions relating to novel human cellular inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (c-IAP1/2) comprising a series of defined structural domain repeats and/or a RING finger domain; in particular, at least two of: a particular first domain repeat, a particular second domain repeat, and a particular third domain repeat, and/or a particular RING finger domain. The proteins provide a c-IAP specific function, with preferred proteins being capable of modulating the induction of apoptosis; for example, by binding a human tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor (TRAF). The compositions include nucleic acids which encode the subject c-IAP and hybridization probes and primers capable of hybridizing with the disclosed c-IAP genes.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules, including antisense and enzymatic nucleic acid molecules, such as hammerhead ribozymes, DNAzymes, and antisense, which modulate the expression of molecular targets impacting the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease, in particular, the expression of BACE and ps-2 gene.

Abstract: Clones containing a sequence encoding a glucuronide repressor are described. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of a repressor (gusR) are presented. A glucuronide repressor is used to control expression of a transgene, detect glucuronides in a sample, and isolate glucuronides from a sample, among other uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to metalloproteinase inhibitors and to polynucleotides encoding such inhibitors. In particular, the invention relates to novel mammalian inhibitors of metalloproteinase, which are designated as type three or TIMP-3, to fragments, derivatives, and analogs thereof, and to polynucleotides encoding the same. Novel methods of producing such compositions and novel methods of using such compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A gene that encodes an inhibitor of CDK4 has been discovered and its genomic nucleotide sequence has been identified. Susceptibility to certain cancers has been shown to be causatively related to the deletion of, or polymorphisms in, the CDK4I gene. The invention is therefore directed to the gene (CDK4I), the inhibitor protein, as well as therapeutic and diagnostic methods which utilize both the CDK4I gene and the CDK4I protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a purified, homogeneous plant enzyme that adds a &bgr;-1,2-linked xylose to the &bgr;-linked mannose on the N-linked oligosaccharides of storage glycoproteins. This &bgr;1,2-xylosyltransferase was purified from the microsomal fraction of soybean cells approximately 51,000-fold. Also provided is polyclonal antiserum recognizing this &bgr;1,2-xylosyltransferase enzyme and uses thereof.

Abstract: Proteinase inhibitors comprising a Kunitz domain are disclosed. The Kunitz domain comprises a motif of amino acid residues as shown in SEQ ID NO:7, wherein the sequence is at least 90% identical to residues 328 through 378 or 386 through 436 of SEQ ID NO:2. Also disclosed are methods for producing the proteinase inhibitors, and expression vectors and cultured cells that are useful within the methods. The proteinase inhibitors may be used as components of cell culture media, in protein purification, and in certain therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to proteinase inhibitors, a precursor thereof and to genetic sequences encoding same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a sequence of nucleotides which encodes or is complementary to a sequence which encodes a type II serine proteinase inhibitor (PI) precursor from a plant wherein said precursor comprises at least three PI monomers and wherein at least one of said monomers has a chymotrypsin specific site and at least one other of said monomers has a trypsin specific site.

Abstract: The invention provided improved methods of making and producing recombinant proteins in in vitro cultures of host cells using apoptosis inhibitors. The use of one or more apoptosis inhibitors in the methods can reduce apoptosis in the cell cultures and markedly improve yield of the desired recombinant proteins.