Abstract: The invention concerns the Notch3 gene and the corresponding protein, which are involved in CADASIL. The invention concerns, in particular, methods for demonstrating mutations in this gene, which are linked to the risk of developing CADASIL. The invention also concerns models and products for treating CADASIL and related diseases.

Abstract: In a competitive receptor binding assay for detecting TSH-receptor auto-antibodies in a biological sample, the sample is reacted in a reaction mixture which contains (i) a TSH-receptor or TSH-receptor preparation; (ii) a primary competitor, for example labelled TSH; and (iii) an agent for separating a complex composed of the TSH-receptor and the elements bound thereto of the reaction mixture from the liquid phase. According to the invention, the reaction is carried out in the presence of at least one monoclonal or polyclonal antibody specific against a partial peptide sequence of the TSH eceptor. This specific antibody is used to immobilize a complex of TSH-receptor and primary competitor and/or as secondary competitor for another part of the TSH-receptor auto-antibodies expected in a sample. The primary or secondary competitors are or can be selectively labelled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel follistatin-3 protein which is a member of the family of inhibin-related proteins. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human follistatin-3 protein. Follistatin-3 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of follistatin-3 activity. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting reproductive system-related disorders and disorders of the regulation of cell growth and differentiation and therapeutic methods for treating reproductive system-related disorders and disorders of the regulation of cell growth and differentiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid molecules containing nucleotide sequences encoding helminth aminopeptidase enzymes, and antigenic fragments and functionally-equivalent variants thereof, their use in the preparation of vaccines for use against helminth parasites, and synthetic polypeptides encoded by them.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated SRTA-70 proteins that mediate immunoglobulin class switch recombination in antibody-producing cells, and methods of procuding such proteins. The invention further provides isolated polynucleotides encoding SRTA-70 proteins, as well as vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotides. The invention further provides methods of using SRTA-70 proteins to identify agents that modulate immunoglobulin class switch.

Abstract: Members of the serine protease family play a role in carefully controlled processes, such as blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, complement activation, fertilization, and hormone production. The enzymatic activity of the serine proteases is regulated in part by serpins, serine protease inhibitors. Serpin dysfunction is associated with various disorders, including emphysema, blood clotting disorders, cirrhosis, Alzheimer disease, and Parkinson disease. Zserp11 is a new member of the serine protease inhibitor family.

Abstract: The present invention describes recombinant p24/p17 hybrid protein derived from the human immunodeficiency virus, their corresponding encoding recombinant DNA molecule and the process of production of the recombinant protein produced through genetic engineering techniques, to be used in diagnosis, vaccination or in research.

Abstract: Modified proteins, modified interferons &agr;'s and &bgr;'s, phosphorylated modified proteins and DNA sequences encoding the above, applications and uses thereof. Modified phosphorylated Hu-IFN-&agr;-like proteins are provided which carry an identifiable label such as a radio-label. Corresponding phosphorylatable Hu-IFN-&agr;-like proteins which contain a putative phosphorylation site. DNA sequences which encode a Hu-IFN-&agr;-like protein and contain a sequence encoding a putative phosphorylatable site. Appropriate expression vectors are used to transform compatible host cells of various microorganisms, such as E. coli. Numerous uses for the phosphorylated proteins are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel member of the NK family of homeobox genes. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human NK-3 prostate specific gene 1 (NKX3.1) protein. NKX3.1 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of NKX3.1 activity. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting prostate cancer and other cancers and therapeutic methods for prostate cancer and other cancers.

Abstract: HMTMF81 polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing HMTMF81 polypeptides and polynucleotides in the design of protocols for the treatment of infections such as bacterial, fungal, protozoan and viral infections, particularly infections caused by HIV-1 or HIV-2; pain; cancers; anorexia; bulimia; asthma; Parkinson's disease; acute heart failure; hypotension; hypertension; urinary retention; osteoporosis; angina pectoris; myocardial infarction; ulcers; asthma; allergies; benign prostatic hypertrophy; and psychotic and neurological disorders, including anxiety, schizophrenia, manic depression, delirium, dementia, severe mental retardation and dyskinesias, such as Huntington's disease or Gilles dela Tourett's syndrome, among others and diagnostic assays for such conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method for the growth of Helicobacter pylori and purification of the cytotoxin produced by H. pylori. In particular, H. pylori is cultured in a medium comprising more than 1 gl−1 of glucose to produce a vacuolating cytotoxin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to deletion and substitution mutant polypeptides of human chemokine &bgr;-7 (Ck&bgr;-7), as well as nucleic acid molecules encoding such polypeptides and processes for producing such polypeptides using recombinant techniques. In one aspect, the invention also relates to uses of the full-length and mature forms of Ck&bgr;-7, as well as deletion and substitution mutants, in medical treatment regimens. In particular, the Ck&bgr;-7 polypeptides described herein may be employed to treat a variety of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation, respiratory diseases, allergy, and IgE-mediated allergic reactions.

Abstract: There are disclosed therapeutic compositions and methods using isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a human myeloid progenitor inhibitory factor-1 (MPIF-1) polypeptide (previously termed MIP-3 and chemokine &bgr;8(CK&bgr;8 or ckb-8)); a human monocyte-colony inhibitory factor (M-CIF) polypeptide (previously termed MIP 1-&ggr; and chemokine &bgr;1(CK&bgr;1 or ckb-1)), and a macrophage inhibitory protein-4 (MIP-4), as well as MPIF-1, M-CIF and/or MIP-4 polypeptides themselves, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same.

Abstract: There are disclosed therapeutic compositions and methods using isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a human chemokine beta-11 (Ck beta-11) polypeptide and a human leukocyte adhesion inhibitor-1 (LAI-1) polypeptide (previously termed chemokine &agr;1(CK&agr;1 or cka-1), as well as Ck beta-11 and/or LAI-1 polypeptides themselves, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention discloses three human DNA repair proteins and DNA (RNA) encoding such proteins. The DNA repair proteins may be produced by recombinant DNA techniques. One of the human DNA repair proteins, hmlh1, has been mapped on chromosome 3. The polynucleotide sequences of DNA repair proteins may be used for diagnosis of a hereditary susceptibility to cancer.

Abstract: The invention provide a mammalian nucleic acid molecule and fragments thereof. It also provides for the use of the mammalian nucleic acid molecule for the characterization, diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, or prevention of conditions, diseases and disorders associated with its expression and for the production of a model system. The invention additionally provides expression vectors and host cells for the production of the protein encoded by the mammalian nucleic acid molecule. The invention further provides a mammalian protein or portions thereof. The invention still further provides for the use of the nucleic acid molecule and protein in assays to detect or purify ligands.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a transglutaminase, which comprises culturing microorganisms of any of the genus Micrococcus, Clostridium, Torulopsis, Rhizopus and Monascus in a medium to produce the intended transglutaminase in the medium or in the cells of the microorganisms and then isolating the transglutaminase, and a process for producing a gelled proten with the thus-obtained transglutaminase. According to the process of the present invention, transglutaminase can be rapidly produced at a low cost.

Abstract: A molecule, protein or peptide characterized in that it is recognized by cytophilic antibodies from individuals who are immune to infection by Plasmodia, and recognized by non-cytophilic antibodies from individuals who are vulnerable to infection by Plasmodiae. Said antibodies are capable of blocking the erythrocytic phase of the parasite by co-operating with accessory cells such as monocytes.

Abstract: A full-length cDNA encoding a 375-amino-acid protein contains seven regions of hydrophobic amino acids representing membrane-spanning domains of a heptahelix receptor, tentatively named CMKRL2. It shows nearly 30% overall identity with the high-affinity IL8 receptor and similar degree of homology with other chemoattractant receptors, including the coreceptors for HIV-1. Receptor expression was ubiquitous in brain and in peripheral tissue as well as in Burkitt's lymphoma (irrespective of EBV status). The receptor and the gene encoding the receptor are useful for detecting Burkitt's lymphoma.

Abstract: The 190 kDa Contactin ASsociated PRotein (CASPR/p190) is identified and is implicated as the bridge between contactin and intracellular second messenger systems for the signal caused by the binding of the carboxy anhydrase domain of RPTP&bgr; to contactin and resulting in neurite growth, differentiation or survival. Mammalian CASPR/p190 cDNAs and proteins are described, including those from human and rat. In addition, particular domains of the proteins are characterized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule encoding a human or canine GABAB receptor, or a conservative variant thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substantially pure MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) kinase derived from a vertebrate, which is activated by a stimulus induced by TNF-&agr; and/or by a stimulation of Fas antigen, and which in turn activates SAPK/JNK, but does not activate p38; and also disclosed is a DNA coding for the same. By the use of the novel MAPK kinase and the DNA coding for the same of the present invention, it has become possible to screen a novel substance having the capability to treat or prevent diseases resulting from an excess activation or inhibition of a MAP kinase cascade, and also to provide a diagnostic reagent for such diseases. In addition, the DNA of the present invention encoding the MAPK kinase can be used as a gene source for gene therapy.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively and/or qualitatively assaying an analyte in a sample, wherein the analyte is a receptor binding compound, has low detection limits equivalent to those of radioreceptor assays. The method comprises the steps of a) contacting the sample with material comprising a receptor for the analyte in order for receptor-analyte binding to occur and b) further contacting the sample with a detectable ligand for the receptor in order for receptor-ligand binding to occur, followed by c) separating the resulting receptor bound and free fractions, d) subjecting the receptor bound fraction to dissociating conditions releasing the ligand from the receptor and e) assaying for the dissociated ligand in a manner known per se for the detection of the detectable ligand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing protein hydrolysates, comprising adding to a proteinaceous material one or more aminopeptidase(s) having glycine releasing properties and one or more additional proteases wherein the amount of glycine produced is greater than the amount of glycine produced by the one or more additional proteases alone under the same conditions.

Abstract: A polypeptide has first and second domains which enable the polypeptide to be translocated into a target cell or which increase the solubility of the polypeptide, or both, and further enable the polypeptide to cleave one or more vesicle or plasma-membrane associated proteins essential to exocytosis. The polypeptide thus combines useful properties of a clostridial toxin, such as a botulinum or tetanus toxin, without the toxicity associated with the natural molecule. The polypeptide can also contain a third domain that targets it to a specific cell, rendering the polypeptide useful in inhibition of exocytosis in target cells. Fusion proteins comprising the polypeptide, nucleic acids encoding the polypeptide and methods of making the polypeptide are also provided. Controlled activation of the polypeptide is possible and the polypeptide can be incorporated into vaccines and toxin assays.

Abstract: Human chemokine polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such chemokine polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such chemokine polypeptides for the treatment of leukemia, tumors, chronic infections, autoimmune disease, fibrotic disorders, wound healing and psoriasis. Antagonists against such chemokine polypeptides and their use as a therapeutic to treat rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune and chronic inflammatory and infective diseases, allergic reactions, prostaglandin-independent fever and bone marrow failure are also disclosed. 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: Metabolic engineering is used to increase the carbon flow toward oxaloacetate to enhance production of bulk biochemicals, such as lysine and succinate, in bacterial fermentations. Carbon flow is redirected by genetically engineering the cells to overexpress the enzyme pyruvate carboxylase.

Abstract: DNA encoding human VR1 receptor has been cloned and characterized. The recombinant protein is capable of forming biologically active protein. The cDNA's have been expressed in recombinant host cells that produce active recombinant protein. The recombinant protein is also purified from the recombinant host cells. In addition, the recombinant host cells are utilized to establish a method for identifying modulators of the receptor activity, and receptor modulators are identified.

Abstract: There are disclosed therapeutic compositions and methods using isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a human myeloid progenitor inhibitory factor-1 (MPIF-1) polypeptide (previously termed MIP-3 and chemokine &bgr;8(CK&bgr;8 or ckb-8)); a human monocyte-colony inhibitory factor (M-CIF) polypeptide (previously termed MIP1-&ggr; and chemokine &bgr;1 (CK&bgr;1 or ckb-1)), and a macrophage inhibitory protein-4 (MIP-4), as well as MPIF-1, M-CIF and/or MIP-4 polypeptides themselves, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to NKAF II polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, methods for producing the polypeptides, in particular by expressing the polynucleotides, and agonists and antagonists of the polypeptides. The invention further relates to methods for utilizing such polynucleotides, polypeptides, agonists and antagonists for applications, which relate, in part, to research, diagnostic and clinical arts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel gene from E. faecalis, EF040, and the encoded polypeptides. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies and methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of E. faecalis EF040 polypeptide activity. The invention additionally relates to diagnostic methods for detecting Enterococcus EF040 nucleic acids, encoded polypeptides and anti-EF040 antibodies in a biological sample. The present invention further relates to novel vaccines for the prevention or attenuation of infection by Enterococcus.

Abstract: A hybrid fusion protein comprising a first antigenic amino acid sequence fused to a second amino acid sequence substantially homologous to B2M or a fragment thereof.

Abstract: Live Brucella vaccines and methods for preparing the live vaccines protective against brucellosis are described. The vaccines are prepared by introducing a deletion in the rfbU gene of a strain of Brucella which results in attenuation of the strain while retaining the desired immunogenicity to initiate a protective immunogenic response. Other strains with varying levels of attenuation are described.

Abstract: Novel nucleic acid molecules encoding proteins involved in the synthesis and assembly of core lipopolysaccharide in P. aeruginosa; and novel proteins encoded by the nucleic acid molecules are described. Methods are disclosed for detecting P.aeruginosa in a sample by determining the presence of the proteins or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the proteins in the sample.

Abstract: A gene from a strain of Mycobacterium encoding a protein of molecular weight between about 45 to about 60 kDa and associated with cell binding and cell entry was cloned. The genes and encoded protein have utility in immunogenic preparations or diagnostic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid sequences coding Cyn dI, or at least one fragment thereof or the functional equivalent of such nucleic acid sequences. The present invention also provides expression vectors comprising such nucleic acid sequences and host cells transformed therewith. The present invention further provides isolated Bermuda grass pollen protein allergen Cyn dI or fragments thereof. Isolated Bermuda grass pollen protein allergens or antigenic or allergenic fragments thereof are useful for diagnosing and treating sensitivity in an individual to Bermuda grass pollen allergens.

Abstract: Purified and isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided which encode transferrin receptor proteins of Moraxella, such as M. catarrhalis or a fragment or an analog of the transferrin receptor protein. The nucleic acid sequence may be used to produce recombinant transferrin receptor proteins Tbp1 and Tbp2 of the strain of Moraxella free of other proteins of the Moraxella strain for purposes of diagnostics and medical treatment. Furthermore, the nucleic acid molecule may be used in the diagnosis of infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cyclic lipopeptide acylase which may effectively deacylate the acyl side chain of a cyclic lipopeptide compound, specifically FR901379 Substance or its analog thereof shown by the following general formula [I], and a process for production of a cyclic peptide compound which comprises the use of said acylase.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for stabilizing proteins, preventing protein aggregation, renaturation of previously-denatured proteins, reactivating a protein that has been inactivated by denaturation, preserving enzyme activities under conditions of elevated temperatures, inducing thermotolerance in bacteria, increasing the temperature optimum for the activity of an enzyme, and preventing formation of inclusion bodies by bacterially-expressed recombinant proteins.

Abstract: Prokayrotic FAB I polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such FAB I and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such FAB I for the treatment of infection, such as bacterial infections. Antagonists against such FAB I and their use as a therapeutic to treat infections, such asstaphylococcal infections are also disclosed. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting diseases related to the presence of FAB I nucleic acid sequences and the polypeptides in a host. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting polynucleotides encoding FAB I and for detecting the polypeptide in a host.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a human TIE-2 ligand. In addition, the invention provides for a receptor body, which specifically binds a human TIE-2 ligand. The invention also provides an antibody that specifically binds a human TIE-2 ligand. The invention further provides for an antagonist of human TIE-2. The invention also provides for therapeutic compositions as well as a method of blocking blood vessel growth, a method of promoting neovascularization, a method of promoting the growth or differentiation of a cell expressing the TIE-2 receptor, a method of blocking the growth or differentiation of a cell expressing the TIE-2 receptor and a method of attenuating or preventing tumor growth in a human.

Abstract: Genes encoding opioid receptors (including opioid-like receptor (ORL) proteins) can be retrieved from vertebrate libraries using the murine probe disclosed herein under low-stringency conditions. The DNA sequence shown in FIG. 5 or its complement can be used to obtain the human delta, kappa and mu genes as well as the murine mu gene and human ORL-1. The probe provided encodes the murine delta opioid receptor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides, nucleic acids and related molecules which have an effect on or are related to the cell cycle. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention. Further provided by the present invention are methods for identifying novel compositions which mediate cell cycle bioactivity, and the use of such compositions in diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Abstract: h-TRAAK polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing h-TRAAK polypeptides and polynucleotides in diagnostic assays.

Abstract: Cell encapsulating devices capable of maintaining large numbers of viable cells are provided containing an inert, substantially cell-free core that displaces cells, a permeable membrane and a zone for maintaining cells. The permeable membrane surrounds the core such that the zone of cells is bounded by the core and the permeable membrane. A preferred device contains a polytetrafluoroethylene permeable membrane and a flexible polymer core having a plurality of ridges and valleys running lengthwise along the core. The cell zone may contain support means for cell attachment and the core may have an outer boundary containing a material that promotes cell adhesion. Preferably, the cell zone has a thickness such that at least about 10% of the cells, more preferably at least about 50% or 80%, in a cell layer located closest to the outer boundary of the core remain viable. The thickness is preferably less than 500 microns such as 25 to 250 microns or 50 to 100 microns.

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant nucleic acid vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide of 112 amino acids having the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 29 beginning with alanine at position 1 and ending with serine at position 112. The sequence of FIG. 29 represents a member of the TGF-&bgr; family of tumor growth factors. The invention also provides a method for producing a protein which comprises culturing the host cell under conditions suitable to express the protein in the host cell and recovering the protein so produced.

Abstract: The present invention concerns isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the novel TIE ligands NL1, NL5 and NL8, the proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, as well as methods and means for making and using such nucleic acid and protein molecules.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided isolated mammalian TRAIL receptor proteins, antibodies thereto, therapeutic compositions, and nucleic acids encoding such. Bioassays and therapeutic methods employing invention DR5 and TRAIL-R3 proteins are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding mammalian SNORF36 receptors, purified mammalian SNORF36 receptors, vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF36 receptors, cells comprising such vectors, antibodies directed to mammalian SNORF36 receptors, nucleic acid probes useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF36 receptors, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to unique sequences of nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF36 receptors, transgenic, nonhuman animals which express DNA encoding normal or mutant mammalian SNORF36 receptors, methods of isolating mammalian SNORF36 receptors, methods of treating an abnormality that is linked to the activity of the mammalian SNORF36 receptors, as well as methods of determining binding of compounds to mammalian SNORF36 receptors, methods of identifying agonists and antagonists of SNORF36 receptors, and agonists and antagonists so identified.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a gene, designated as musk, that encodes a novel tyrosine kinase receptor expressed in high levels in denervated muscle. The invention also provides for an isolated polypeptide which activates MuSK receptor. The invention further provides for a polypeptide which is functionally equivalent to the MuSK activating polypeptide. The invention also provides assay systems that may be used to detect and/or measure ligands that bind the musk gene product. The present invention also provides for diagnostic and therapeutic methods based on molecules that activate MuSK.