Abstract: Modulators of the immune system can be identified by determining the ability of candidate substances to affect the interaction of PKC-theta or a fragment thereof with its cognate. The interaction can be measured using binding of the cognate as an index, or can be measured using a physiological response.

Abstract: Assays and kits for identifying fertile sperm samples (e.g. for use in an assisted reproductive technology or as an indication of an ineffective male contraception (vasectomy)) and sub-fertile sperm samples (e.g. as an indication of a potentially infertile male donor or an effective male contraception) are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel mammalian amino acid transporter proteins and the genes that encode such proteins. The invention is directed toward the isolation, characterization and pharmacological use of the human amino acid transporter proteins EAAT1, EAAT2, EAAT3 and ASCT1. The invention specifically provides isolated complementary DNA copies of mRNA corresponding to each of these transporter genes. Also provided are recombinant expression constructs capable of expressing each of the amino acid transporter genes of the invention in cultures of transformed prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as such cultures of transformed cells that synthesize the human amino acid transporter proteins encoded therein. The invention also provides methods for screening in vitro compounds having transport-modulating properties using preparations of transporter proteins from such cultures of cells transformed with recombinant expression constructs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compound 0406TP-1 represented by the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein Ac represents an acetyl group and Me represents a methyl group, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, having excellent antitumor activity and immunosuppressive activity.

Abstract: The invention describes compositions comprising adding granulocyte-macrope colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-3 (IL-3), or a combination thereof useful for stimulating the release of antibody by B cells. Methods of using the compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, vaccines, and vaccines adjuvants are also described. In addition, this invention describes an assay system useful for identifying compounds capable of stimulating the release of antibody by B cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of purifying shiga-like toxins (SLTs) from Polymyxin B sulfate extracts of Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli. The methods are facile, efficient and reproducible. In another aspect, the toxin is inactivated for use in a vaccine against SLT mediated disease conditions.

Abstract: Methodology which avoids the problems associated with interference from whole blood is provided for instrumented determination of platelet binding function. Particularly, small particles to which fibrinogen is bound, and which contain an infrared light absorbing dye, are used to determine the binding of platelets in a whole blood sample to the fibrinogen. Agglutination of the platelets with the coated particles is determined by a change in infrared light absorption characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel mammalian amino acid transporter proteins and the genes that encode such proteins. The invention is directed toward the isolation, characterization and pharmacological use of the human amino acid transporter proteins EAAT1, EAAT2, EAAT3 and ASCT1. The invention specifically provides isolated complementary DNA copies of mRNA corresponding to each of these transporter genes. Also provided are recombinant expression constructs capable of expressing each of the amino acid transporter genes of the invention in cultures of transformed prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as such cultures of transformed cells that synthesize the human amino acid transporter proteins encoded therein. The invention also provides methods for screening in vitro compounds having transport-modulating properties using preparations of transporter proteins from such cultures of cells transformed with recombinant expression constructs.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid encoding human smooth muscle cell-derived migration factor, protein obtainable from the nucleic acid, recombinant host cells transformed with the nucleic acid and use of the protein and nucleic acid sequence are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a method of detecting a chemical released by perspiration, typically through sweat and broadcasting the detection to a receiver. The chemical may be a drug of abuse. The device which is attached to the skin of a subject contains labeled antibodies or label containing microspheres attached to antibodies. The labeled antibodies are bound to solid phase drug via antigen-antibody interaction. These labeled antibodies are displaced from the solid phase support to which they are bound by free drug molecules in the perspiration. These labeled antibodies then migrate through a spacer layer and are trapped by a layer containing a suitable selective binding material. The label is illuminated or excited by a light source and detected by a photodetector. The signal can be recorded, or transmitted to a remote radio monitor.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the determination of an analyte in a sample liquid using a metal complex capable of luminescence as an analyte-specific marker group for the production of a measuring signal in which an unspecific metal complex is additionally added as an interference elimination reagent which has a structure that is chemically related to the marker group.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of purifying shiga-like toxins (SLTs) from Polymyxin B sulfate extracts of Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli. The methods are facile, efficient and reproducible. In another aspect, the toxin is inactivated for use in a vaccine against SLT mediated disease conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy homeostasis peptide hormone receptor, and in particular, a second common PACAP/VIP receptor (PACAP/VIP R-2 or R-2B) cDNA expressed in human adipocytes. Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) are two structurally related peptides with multiple physiological effects. The present receptor recognizes PACAP-38 and VIP with similar affinity and is coupled to the cAMP-mediated signal transduction pathway. Transcripts of the second common PACAP/VIP R-2 receptor are also found in human brain and in a number of peripheral tissues, such as pancreas, muscle, heart, lung, kidney, stomach and at low levels in the liver, while transcripts of PACAP/VIP R-2B are not found in pancreas, stomach or kidney.

Abstract: Water soluble glycoconjugated fluorescent labeling reagents comprised of a fluorescent dye, one or more sugar or carbohydrate residues that impart water solubility, and a reactive group that allows covalent attachment of the reagent to a substrate are disclosed. Glycoconjugated fluorescent labeling reagents are depicted as follows: ##STR1## These glycoconjugates are highly water soluble because of the sugar residues. This property is expected to lower nonspecific binding to cellular matter, reduce precipitation of labeled substrates, inhibit quenching of fluorescence, and unlike many prior fluorescent labeling reagents, that are soluble only in organic solvents, render the glycoconjugates usable in wholly aqueous solution.

Abstract: Combinations, called matrices with memories, of matrix materials with remotely addressable or remotely programmable recording devices that contain at least one data storage unit are provided. The matrix materials are those that are used in as supports in solid phase chemical and biochemical syntheses, immunoassays and hybridization reactions. The data storage units are non-volatile antifuse memories or volatile memories, such as EEPROMS, DRAMS or flash memory. By virtue of this combination, molecules and biological particles, such as phage and viral particles and cells, that are in proximity or in physical contact with the matrix combination can be labeled by programming the memory with identifying information and can be identified by retrieving the stored information. Combinations of matrix materials, memories, and linked molecules and biological materials are also provided.

Abstract: A TRAF2 (Tumor Necrosis Factor receptor Associated Factor-2) kinase and DNA encoding it are described. The invention provides assays employing the TRAF2 kinase which are useful to identify candidate modulators of TRAF2-dependent signaling pathways.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for the identification, concentration and isolation of a chemical compound from a mixture of compounds on the basis of the binding affinity of the chemical compound to a macromolecule or complex thereof, that is, to a receptor. Both the compounds to be assayed, and the macromolecules to which the compounds may bind, are free in solution. The method comprises contacting a mixture of compounds in solution with a solution of macromolecules or complexes thereof in a device possessing an ultrafiltration membrane to retain the receptor and bound compound receptor complex; washing through the device non-bound compounds; and releasing a bolus of the bound compound which passes through the ultrafiltration membrane where it may be analyzed chemically and/or spectrally (e.g. mass spectrometry) and/or bioassayed. The device includes a barrier such as an ultrafiltration membrane separating a binding chamber and an effluent chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutants of D-N-.alpha.-carbamylase wherein at least one of the cysteines in position 243, 250 and 279 of the amino acid sequence of the wild type enzyme is substituted with a different residue selected from natural amino acids; a recombinant plasmid comprising a nucleotidic sequence which encodes for at least one of the mutants of D-N-.alpha.-carbamylase, host microorganisms transformed with said plasmid and a process for the preparation of these mutants by the culture of said microorganisms. The mutants of D-N-.alpha.-carbamylase have a higher enzymatic stability than that of the wild type enzyme and are particularly useful in the preparation of D-.alpha.-amino acids providing an improvement in the production yields.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a simple way of identifying the tendency towards allergy or allergy already broken out, and showing the probability of allergy in a patient, by measuring the receptor expression of the phagocytic cells of peripheral blood. With a logistic regression model a combination of variables were found which best describe the probability of allergy. Thus the invention relates to a method for detecting allergy and a test kit for accomplishing the method. The invention also relates to a sensitive and specific logistic model for determining the probability of allergy.

Abstract: In vivo and in vitro methods of increasing amyloid deposition using amyloid-enhancing compounds are described. Methods of forming amyloid fibrils and screening for agents useful in treating amyloidosis are also described. Animals having non-naturally occurring amyloid deposits produced using the amyloid-enhancing compounds even further are described.

Abstract: A novel expression cloning method is provided for the detection, identification and purification of target proteins capable of binding at least to a tryosine-phosphorylated domain of a eukaryotic tyrosine kinase using novel peptide probes comprising an amino acid sequence substantially corresponding to a portion of a tyrosine-phosphorylated domain of a tyrosine kinase. The probe has at least one phosphorlated tyrosine residue and may be detectably labeled. Also disclosed is a method for preparing the probe, a method for mapping to a chormosome a gene encoding a protein capable of binding to tyrosine-phosphorylated domains of tyrosine kinases, and a method for purifiying such a protein with the probe. Non-limiting examples of novel proteins discovered using the above cloning method include GRB-1, GRB-2, GRB-3, GRB-4 and GRB-7, as well as nucleic acid encoding these proteins, and methods for detecting these proteins are also provided.

Abstract: A lawn assay is described for determining compounds that affect enzyme activity or that bind to target molecules. Compounds to be screened are cleaved, and diffused from solid supports into a colloidal matrix. Enzymatic catalysis or binding to target molecules by the compounds is carried out in the matrix. Active compounds are found by monitoring a photometrically detectable change in a substrate, coenzyme, or cofactor involved in the enzymatic reaction, or in a labeled ligand bound to the target molecule, that produces a zone of activity associated with the compounds.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for regulating surface membrane receptor responses by modulating interaction between MHC Class I antigen and the surface membrane receptor. Various techniques may be employed for enhancing or reducing the interaction between the MHC Class I antigen and surface membrane receptor (e.g., enhancing surface expression of the MHC Class I antigen or employing agents which affect interaction between MHC Class I antigen and surface receptors). The aggregative characteristics of oligopeptides which act as agents in affecting interaction between MHC Class I antigen and surface receptors may be employed in a screening assay for determining drugs which affect interaction between Class I antigen and surface receptors. Active peptide aggregative characteristics may also be employed in a method of administration of effectors of surface receptor response modulation.

Abstract: A method for detecting an analyte of interest present in a mixture at an ultralow concentration includes selecting a radioactive derivatizing agent comprising a multiphoton-emitting radioisotope moiety and a moiety reactive with the analyte of interest, the radioisotope moeity being bound to the derivatizing agent by a bond that is stable under the conditions employed in the other steps of the method, derivatizing the analyte of interest with the derivatizing agent, separating the analyte of interest from other components of the mixture by chromatography, and detecting the analyte of interest using multiphoton detection. The derivatizing step may be performed before or after fractionation. A radiophore for multiphoton emission enhanced chromatography has a first moeity bound to a multiphoton-emitting radioisotope, and a second moiety that is reactive with a functional group of an analyte of interest.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions relating to a novel kinase, NIK, involved in NF.kappa.B activation. The polypeptides may be produced recombinantly from transformed host cells from the disclosed NIK encoding nucleic acids or purified from human cells. The invention provides isolated NIK hybridization probes and primers capable of specifically hybridizing with the disclosed NIK genes, NIK-specific binding agents such as specific antibodies, and methods of making and using the subject compositions in diagnosis, therapy and in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting the presence of or determining the amount of a ligand in a fluid sample. The methods comprise providing a first reagent comprising a sol particle having a detectable physical property bound to the ligand or ligand analogue (in a competitive format) or a substance capable of specifically coupling with the ligand (in a sandwich format), providing a second reagent having a detectable physical property comprising a sol particle bound to a substance capable of specifically coupling with the ligand and/or ligand analogue, if present, combining the first reagent, second reagent and the fluid sample and detecting before, during or after the reaction, a change in the physical property of the sol particles, which provides a qualitative or quantitative indication of the ligand in the fluid sample.

Abstract: The invention describes useful conjugates of sulforhodamine, wherein the conjugated substance and the fluorophore are separated by an alkanoic acid spacer that is attached to the fluorophore via a sulfonamide bond. The increased length of the covalent linkage due to the spacer results in dye-conjugates having a number of surprisingly advantageous properties relative to previous sulforhodamine-labeled conjugates, including increased fluorescence.

Abstract: A method of determining the proliferative status of a carcinoma is disclosed. One obtains a patient sample and then quantitatively analyzes the sample for NGAL gene expression product. The amount of NGAL expression product is compared with a standard curve to determine the S-phase value. The sample can be breast tissue or breast fluid aspirate. Alternatively, blood can by analyzed for this marker to diagnose metastasis.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the use of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F extracts and purified components thereof in the treatment of inflammation or an immune disorder with concomitant lack of steroidal effect. Extracts of this plant (T2) bound to the glucocorticoid receptor and competitively inhibited glucocorticoid mediated cellular processes, such as dexamethasone binding to the glucocorticoid receptor, glucocorticoid mediated activation of target genes, dexamethasone dependent cellular growth, with concomitant inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 induction and inflammatory processes such as the production of prostaglandin E.sub.2. The T2 extract components triptolide and tripdiolide were effective inhibitors. The particular advantage provided by the methods herein is the treatment or prevention of inflammation and the concomitant lack of steroidal agonist effects and NSAID side effects. Conditions treatable by the present methods include inflammation and immune disorders including autoimmune disease.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for facilitating the transport of a membrane-impermeable extracellular agent having an intracellular activity across the membrane of a cell are provided. The methods involve covalently coupling an amino terminal blocking group to a transport-mediating peptide to form a carrier molecule. The carrier molecule is covalently coupled to the extracellular agent to form a membrane-permeable prodrug. The transport-mediating peptides are highly basic and bind to polyphosphoinositides.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel purified human immunoglobulin E binding factors (IgE-BFs), its individual optionally glycosylated proteins, and fragments thereof, processes for the purification of IgE-BFs, novel monoclonal antibodies to lymphocyte cellular receptors for IgE (Fc.sub..epsilon. R) crossreacting with IgE-BFs, derivatives thereof, processes for the preparation of these antibodies and their derivatives, hybridoma cell lines that produce these antibodies, processes for the preparation of said hybridoma cell lines, the use of the monoclonal antibodies and their derivatives for the qualitative and quantitative determination of IgE-BFs, test kits containing the monoclonal antibodies and/or their derivatives, the use of the monoclonal antibodies for the purification of IgE-BFs, the use of purified IgE-BFs, its individual optionally glycosylated proteins and/or fragments thereof for the prevention and/or treatment of allergy, and to pharmaceutical preparations containing them.

Abstract: A novel conserved amino acid motif ("PAS") which provides a binding site for homo and hetero protein interactions has been found in mammalian and insect proteins. Abnormalities in these protein interactions are believed to be responsible for a variety of human diseases or conditions, including behavioral disorders and epithelial tissue cancers. Methods for identifying persons who have a disposition towards these behavioral disorders or epithelial tissue cancers are described. Methods are also described for identifying agonists and antagonists of proteins or related peptides containing PAS domains. Screening such agents involves assessing the ability of candidate compounds to promote or interfere with the binding of certain biologic preparations comprised of PAS-containing proteins. Successful agonists or antagonists should be useful in modifying the effects of human behavioral disorders, as well as certain epithelial cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel mammalian amino acid transporter proteins and the genes that encode such proteins. The invention is directed toward the isolation, characterization and pharmacological use of the human amino acid transporter proteins EAAT1, EAAT2, EAAT3 and ASCT1 The invention specifically provides isolated complementary DNA copies of mRNA corresponding to each of these transporter genes. Also provided are recombinant expression constructs capable of expressing each of the amino acid transporter genes of the invention in cultures of transformed prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as such cultures of transformed cells that synthesize the human amino acid transporter proteins encoded therein. The invention also provides methods for screening in vitro compounds having transport-modulating properties using preparations of transporter proteins from such cultures of cells transformed with recombinant expression constructs.

Abstract: Medicaments and methods of using the same are disclosed for treating or preventing diseases resulting from undesirable cell adhesion of IL-1 receptor positive cells to biological materials, particular to endothelial cells, or autoimmune related diseases, preferably graft versus host disease, or IL-1 dependent cancers.

Abstract: Methods to identify modulators of .alpha..sub.d binding to VCAM-1 are disclosed.

Abstract: A tissue culture screening system to monitor a transcriptional response treated by a chemical signal interacting with a plasma membrane receptor is provided. The tissue culture screening system includes a cell line containing a membrane receptor, a target gene and a specific receptor selected from the group consisting of a steroid receptor, a vitamin receptor and an orphan receptor. The specific receptor regulates transcription of the target gene. Any of the target gene membrane receptor or specific receptor can be introduced into the cell by an expression vector. In addition to the screening system there is also provided assays for identifying test compounds and chemical signals that regulate transcription or are potential agonist or antagonist neurotransmitters or which regulate indirectly by a membrane receptor binding or regulate transcription in the absence of a steroid, vitamin or orphan ligand. There is further provided kits for the assays.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assaying for the presence of a substance that modulates a cytokine of the TGF.beta. superfamily. A substance which is suspected of modulating a cytokine of the TGF.beta. superfamily and a TGF.beta. binding compound which is not a TGF.beta. receptor and which contains a TRH1 domain, or a portion or mimetic thereof, is reacted with a cytokine of the TGF.beta. superfamily under conditions where the compound, portion or mimetic thereof, and the cytokine are capable of forming a complex. Complexes, free compound and/or cytokine are assayed and compared with a control. The invention also relates to a composition comprising at least one compound which is not a TGF.beta. receptor and which contains the TRH1 domain or a portion, or a mimetic thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, auxiliary or excipient and to methods of treatment using the composition. Further the invention relates to a method of enhancing the activity of growth factors.

Abstract: A method and system for separating a selected molecule from a heterogeneous mixture of molecules in aqueous solution are described. The method comprises (a) providing a separation device comprising a loading reservoir and a receiving reservoir coupled by a channel bearing immobilized microtubules aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof the channel; (b) placing an aqueous solution containing the heterogeneous mixture of molecules in the loading reservoir; (c) adding a motor-ligand composition and ATP to the aqueous solution, wherein the motor-ligand composition comprises a motor protein for attaching to microtubules and moving therealong in the presence of ATP and the ligand is capable of binding the selected molecule, such that the ligand binds the selected molecule to form a complex and the complex moves along the immobilized microtubules to the receiving reservoir; and (d) removing the selected molecule from the receiving chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sandwich immunoassay for rapidly and readily measuring N-peptide using two kinds of monoclonal antibodies recognizing different portions of the N-peptide. The method for measuring N-peptide or a precursor thereof includes the steps of: incubating a mixture containing a sample and a first monoclonal antibody recognizing a portion of N-peptide; adding a labelled second monoclonal antibody recognizing a portion of N-peptide to the mixture, followed by further incubation; and detecting the resulting antigen-antibody complex in the mixture. Alternatively, the method includes the steps of: incubating a mixture containing a sample, a first monoclonal antibody recognizing a portion of N-peptide, and a labelled second monoclonal antibody recognizing another portion of N-peptide; and detecting the resulting antigen-antibody complex.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for identifying a cellular protein capable of specifically binding to an activated antibody receptor, whose cytoplasmic domain comprising an ARH1 motif, comprising (a) obtaining cells comprising receptors having the ARH1 motif; (b) lysing the cells under conditions whereby the native complex of the receptor having the ARH1 motif and the cellular protein is preserved;(c) isolating the complex; and (d) testing the associated receptor and the protein for biochemical activities, thereby identifying the cellular protein capable of specifically binding to an activated antibody receptor, whose cytoplasmic domain comprising an ARH1 motif.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid compounds encoding the glycosyltransferase protein GtfD of Amycolatopsis orientalis. Also provided are vectors carrying the gtfD gene, transformed heterologous host cells for expressing the GtfD protein, and methods for producing glycopeptide compounds using the cloned gtfD gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a complex comprising nerve growth factor (NGF) and trk-proto-oncogene protein. The present invention also relates to methods for detecting the presence of NGF and trk-proto-oncogene receptor. The present invention further relates to methods that can be used in diagnostics and therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's by detecting NGF-trk receptor pairs and the phosphorylation of trk protein.

Abstract: A method for assaying a medium for the presence of a substance that affects an SH2-phosphorylated ligand regulatory system. The method employs an SH2-like domain or a subdomain thereof and a phosphorylated ligand. The phosphophorylated ligand is capable of interacting with the SH2-like domain or a subdomain thereof to form an SH2-phosphorylated ligand complex. The SH2-like domain or subdomain and/or the phosphorylated ligand are present in a known concentration. The SH2-like domain or a subdomain thereof and the phosphorylated ligand are incubated with a substance which is suspected of affecting an SH2-phosphorylated ligand regulatory system. The method is carried out under conditions which permit the formation of the SH2-phosphorylated ligand complex. SH2-phosphorylated ligand complex, free SH2-like domain or subdomains thereof, or non-complexed phosphorylated ligand are assayed.

Abstract: A homogenous affinity assay method, and sensor using such method, for the detection and measurement of analytes that uses an unmodified polyvalent receptor-bearing molecule and having a receptor with at least two binding sites that has an affinity for an analyte of interest, and two groups of molecules wherein one group of molecules is labeled with a molecule capable of generating a measurable response when in close proximity to a label molecule on the other group of molecules. In one embodiment, the groups of molecules also have grafted on them an analog to the analyte of interest. In the absence of the analyte of interest, members of the molecule groups are brought in close proximity to each other through affinity binding to receptor-bearing molecule. This affinity binding results in the formation of a binding complex consisting of members of the first and second groups of molecules and receptors and which results in a response between the labels on the molecules which is capable of measurement.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for determining an analyte in a medium suspected of containing the analyte. One method comprises treating a medium suspected of containing an analyte under conditions such that the analyte, if present, causes a photosensitizer and a photoactive indicator precursor molecule to come into close proximity. The photosensitizer generates singlet oxygen which activates the photoactive indicator precursor to generate a photoactive indicator molecule. Upon irradiation with light the photoactive indicator molecule produces light, which is measured. The amount of light produced by the photoactive indicator is related to the amount of analyte in the medium. Compositions, kits, and compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided nucleic acids encoding human metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes and the proteins encoded thereby. In a particular embodiment, the invention nucleic acids encode mGluR1, mGluR2, mGluR3 and mGluR5 subtypes of human metabotropic glutamate receptors. In addition to being useful for the production of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes, these nucleic acids are also useful as probes, thus enabling those skilled in the art, without undue experimentation, to identify and isolate related human receptor subunits. In addition to disclosing novel metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes, the present invention also comprises methods for using such receptor subtypes to identify and characterize compounds which affect the function of such receptors, e.g., agonists, antagonists, and modulators of glutamate receptor function.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for screening for possible prostate cancer presence. The method calls for assaying apolipoprotein D ("ApoD") levels in body fluids, such as serum. Assays for ApoD can be used prognostically, as well as diagnostically.

Abstract: Plasma EPCR has been isolated, characterized and shown to block cellular protein C activation and APC anticoagulant activity. Plasma EPCR appears to be about 43,000 daltons and circulates at approximately 100 ng/ml (98.4.+-.27.8 ng/ml, n=22). Plasma EPCR bound activated protein C with an affinity similar to that of recombinant soluble EPCR (Kd.sub.app approximately 30 nM), and inhibits both protein C activation on an endothelial cell line and APC anticoagulant activity in a one-stage factor Xa clotting assay. Soluble plasma EPCR appears to attenuate the membrane-bound EPCR augmentation of protein C activation and the anticoagulant function of activated protein C. Soluble EPCR has also been detected in urine. Levels of soluble EPCR can rise in inflammatory disease associated with vascular injury and appear to be correlated with inflammation and disease states associated with abnormal coagulation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of isolating a ligand from a sample, the method including: providing a hybrid molecule including the receptor for the ligand covalently bonded to the first member of a specific binding pair; contacting sample with the hybrid molecule to form an affinity complex between the ligand and the hybrid molecule; and isolating the affinity complex using the second member of the specific binding pair. Also disclosed is a c-kit ligand, nucleic acid encoding such a ligand, and recombinant cells containing such nucleic acid. The c-kit ligand may be used to stimulate hematopoietic cell growth.

Abstract: Panels which consist of individual members, said members comprising proteins, wherein at least one of the members of the panel is a protein other than an immunoglobulin (Ig) or fragment thereof and wherein the presence of said non-Ig protein enriches the panel are described herein. These panels can be tested for reactivity with an analyte to create a profile. Such profiles can be used in pattern matching, analysis of samples and other analyses. Illustrated herein using such panels is a method to determine reactivity of a candidate compound with a target "receptor" which method does not require the physical presence of the receptor. By providing a formula for treating data obtained from a reference panel of this type which is predictive of reactivity with the target receptor, the compound to be tested can be physically assessed with respect to the reference panel, the formula applied, and reactivity with the actual target receptor may be predicted.