Abstract: The present invention provides isolated laminin 10, methods for making recombinant laminin 10, host cells that express recombinant laminin 10, and methods for using the recombinant laminin 10 to accelerate the healing of injuries to vascular tissue, and to promote cell attachment and migration.

Abstract: A body filling agent is formed of a collagen in the form of powder, fiber or gel, and at least one kind of implantable particles selected from a group consisting of implantable polymer and pericardium. A mixture of the collagen and the implantable particles forming the body filling agent is deposited in a body. The collagen is absorbed into the body, but the implantable particles remain in the body as a part of the body.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding the cocoon silk protein from the black fly, Simulium vittatum. Also provided are the amino acid sequence derived from the cocoon silk, primers used to screen cDNA libraries to promote the building of a complimentary strand of DNA encoding the cocoon silk protein, a transformed microorganism containing cDNA which codes for cocoon silk protein, the amino acid sequence translated from the isolated gene of the cocoon silk (deduced from nucleotide sequence), primers for constructing a segment of recombinant DNA.

Abstract: A polypeptide is provided that has a secondary structure characterized by at least three beta-sheet/beta-turn structures, and that is not a naturally occurring fibrous protein. Such polypeptides, illustrated by one modeled on elastin, are useful in prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for establishing an expression system of spider dragline silk gene in Bombyx mori. The rate of transformation is about 0.5-1%. In the silk protein produced by the transgenic Bombyx mori obtained by the method of the present invention, the spider dragline silk gene product account for 30% of the total silk proteins.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods and kits for inhibiting angiogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis, and endothelial cell interactions with the extracellular matrix, involving contacting the tumor or animal tissue with at least one isolated type IV collagen NC1 a chain monomer. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the isolated domain of type IV collagen comprises the NC1 (&agr;1), (&agr;2), (&agr;3), or (&agr;6) chain monomer, or protein constructs having substantially the same structure as the NC1 (&agr;1), (&agr;2), (&agr;3), or (&agr;6) chain monomer.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods and kits for inhibiting angiogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis, and endothelial cell interactions with the extracellular matrix, involving contacting the tumor or animal tissue with at least one isolated type IV collagen NC1 &agr; chain monomer. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the isolated domain of type IV collagen comprises the NC1 (&agr;1), (&agr;2), (&agr;3), or (&agr;6) chain monomer, or protein constructs having substantially the same structure as the NC1 (&agr;1), (&agr;2), (&agr;3), or (&agr;6) chain monomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polynucleotide which identifies and encodes a novel human SQM2. The invention provides for genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding human SQM2. The invention also provides for the use of purified SQM2 and its agonists in the production of recombinant proteins and in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of SQM2. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of SQM2 antagonists and inhibitors, including antisense molecules to SQM2 polynucleotides (i.e., gene sequences) in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of SQM2. The invention also describes diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide to hybridize with the transcripts and/or genomic DNA encoding SQM2 and anti-human SQM2 antibodies which specifically bind to SQM2.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for preparing a hydrophilic porous polymeric material comprising the step of mixing a hydrophilic polymeric material with a hydrophobic material; solvent sintering the surface of the hydrophilic polymeric material with water or an aqueous solution; and removing the hydrophobic material contained within the hydrophilic polymeric material with a massive organic solvent. Thus, the hydrophilic porous polymeric material with high porosity and stable structure is rapidly mass produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method for extraction and purification of cartilage type proteoglycan, and is to provide a method for extraction of crude proteoglycan characterizing to use acid as eluting solvent of cartilage.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing elastin or elastin-based materials or tropoelastin materials which have a substantially reduced level of calcification. These materials are typically capable of being formed into a fused layer. The subject method comprises providing unreacted elastin or elastin-based biomaterials or tropoelastin materials, and pretreating the unreacted elastin or elastin-based biomaterials or tropoelastin materials with an aliphatic alcohol prior to reaction thereof. In this way, when the pretreated unreacted elastin or elastin-based biomaterials or tropoelastin materials is reacted subsequently, elastin or elastin-based materials or tropoelastin materials are produced which have a substantially reduced level of calcification as compared with elastin or elastin-based materials or tropoelastin materials produced from non-pretreated counterpart unreacted elastin or elastin-based biomaterials or tropoelastin materials.

Abstract: The invention provides two human extracellular matrix proteins (ECMP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode ECMP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of ECMP.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods and kits for inhibiting angiogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis, and endothelial cell interactions with the extracellular matrix, involving contacting the tumor or animal tissue with at least one isolated type IV collagen NC1 &agr; chain monomer. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the isolated domain of type IV collagen comprises the NC1 (&agr;1), (&agr;2), (&agr;3), or (&agr;6) chain monomer, or protein constructs having substantially the same structure as the NC1 (&agr;1), (&agr;2), (&agr;3), or (&agr;6) chain monomer.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods and kits for inhibiting angiogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis, and endothelial cell interactions with the extracellular matrix, involving contacting the tumor or animal tissue with at least one isolated type IV collagen NC1 &agr; chain monomer. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the isolated domain of type IV collagen comprises the NC1 (&agr;1), (&agr;2), (&agr;3), or (&agr;6) chain monomer, or protein constructs having substantially the same structure as the NC1 (&agr;1), (&agr;2), (&agr;3), or (&agr;6) chain monomer.

Abstract: Novel synthetic lytic and proliferative peptides were designed and constructed to encompass the structural features associated with lytic and proliferative activity. These compounds, along with the human &bgr; fibrin signal peptide share structural and functional properties of the known lytic peptides. These peptides are effective agents in the treatment of microbial infections including gram negative and gram positive bacteria, fungus, virus, yeast, and protozoa, in the lysis of cancer cells, and in the proliferation of fibroblasts and lymphocytes. Additional functions include synergy and use as general adjuvants and in the enhancement of wound healing.

Abstract: The present invention provides high throughput screening systems for identifying compounds that modulate the biological activity of a biochemically functional sarcomere. The method can be performed in plurality simultaneously with fluorescence or absorbance readouts.

Abstract: A method which enable to provide sufficient amount of insect OBP, and moreover, to produce on a large scale under the condition of physiological activation is proposed. The functional expression of pheromone binding protein from B. mori, whereby it is expressed with Escherichia coli by the pET-22b vector which contains the pe1B signal peptide.

Abstract: Apoptosis-related antigenic compounds comprising an exposed antigenic site having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 1:   Glu Asp Phe Asn Leu Gly Asp Ala Leu Asp   1               5                    10 or a functionally equivalent sequence comprising at least the sequence Ala Leu Asp are disclosed.

Abstract: The biologically active peptide of the invention has a number of amino acids of 30 or less, comprises an amino acid sequence described as SEQ ID NO:13 (Tyr Thr Ile Tyr Val Ile Ala Leu) in the sequence listing and has cell adhesion inhibition activity. The peptide of the invention has short length and, therefore, synthesis and handling of the peptide are easy.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel spider silk protein analogs derived from the amino acid consensus sequence of repeating units found in the natural spider dragline of Nephila clavipes. More specifically, synthetic spider dragline has been produced from E. coli and Bacillus subtilis recombinant expression systems wherein expressions from E. coli is at levels greater than 1 mg full-length polypeptide per gram of cell mass.

Abstract: A method for modifying a protein or polypeptide is disclosed which includes the steps of dispersing a protein or polypeptide in an essentially non-aqueous medium and peracylating the protein or polypeptide with a cyclic anhydride having a carbon chain substituent selected from the group consisting of alkyl and alkenyl groups. Most preferably, the cyclic anhydride is succinic anhydride, although glutaric anhydride may also be employed. Preferably, the step of peracylating the protein or polypeptide is performed in the presence of an acid catalyst, most preferably &rgr;-toluene sulfonic acid. The resultant modified protein or polypeptide may be employed in numerous applications including drug delivery, absorbable sutures, and thermoplastic films and molded articles.

Abstract: Recombinant tropoelastins and variants of recombinant tropoelastins produced from synthetic polynucleotides, as well as the synthetic polynucleotides themselves are provided. Also provided are cross-linked elastins or elastin-like products prepared from the tropoelastins or variants.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process by which organic solvent-containing solutions are used in lieu of pure water for the preparation of cartilage extracts and fractions thereof. Different organic solvents have been tested for the preparation of extracts containing biologically active components possessing at least an activity against a matrix metalloprotease (anti-MMP). This invention also relates to a process by which a total liquid extract of shark cartilage composed of molecules having molecular weights less than about 500kDa (0-500 fraction) is purified into two well separated fractions composed of molecules having molecular weights less than about 1 kDa (0-1 fraction) and between about 1 to 500 kDa (1-500 fraction). In order to prevent the formation of aggregates, to improve the dissolution and the stability of active components, sucrose or other stabilizing agents can be added.

Abstract: Novel polymers are provided which are produced by recombinant techniques. The polymers are characterized by having a small repeating sequence which provides for strands capable of associating, resulting in useful structural characteristics, where the strands are joined by turns or loops which are flexible and available for interaction with the environment. Specifically, repeating groups of naturally occurring proteins such as silk are modified by introduction of an amino-acid sequence at a site which provides for a turn between strands to provide for readily available oligopeptides capable of interacting with molecules in the environment.

Abstract: There is disclosed molecules comprising at least a first moiety having the activity of a procollagen C-propeptide and a second moiety selected from any one of the group of an alien collagen &agr;-chain and non-collagen materials, the first moiety being attached to the second moiety. Also disclosed are collagen molecules, fibrils and fibres comprising a non-natural combination of collagen &agr;-chains, DNA encoding same, expression hosts transformed or transfected with same, transgenic animals and methods of producing a non-natural collagen.

Abstract: Novel polymers are provided which are produced by recombinant techniques. The polymers are characterized by having a small repeating sequence which provides for strands capable of associating, resulting in useful structural characteristics, where the strands are joined by turns or loops which are flexible and available for interaction with the environment. Specifically, repeating groups of naturally occurring proteins such as silk are modified by introduction of an amino-acid sequence at a site which provides for a turn between strands to provide for readily available oligopeptides capable of interacting with molecules in the environment.

Abstract: An animal collagen or gelatin based crumble, and processes for the preparation of the particulate crumble, are useful in the preparation of collagen or gelatin based compositions. The crumble is prepared by extracting animal collagen from an animal tissue source and combining the collagen with sufficient water to form a composition comprising about 15-45 wt % animal collagen and about 0.01-5 wt % of a stabilizer or preservative. Such a combination of materials can be solidified and then processed into a large particulate format. The large particulate comprises a, regular or amorphous shaped, roughly crumbled or roughly divided, crumble product. The typical particle size of a majority of the crumble is about 0.2-5 cm. The crumble is easily manufactured, packaged, stored, handled and distributed. The crumble can be easily used as is. The material melts easily into a use locus.

Abstract: Highly repetitive proteins which are relatively insoluble in water are chemically modified to increase solubility. The protein is reacted with a functionalizing agent to introduce additional polar functionalities and disrupt the order of the protein. The solubility of the protein in water is increased by the chemical modification, while adhesive and surfactant properties are retained.

Abstract: An animal collagen or gelatin based crumble, and processes for the preparation of the particulate crumble, are useful in the preparation of collagen or gelatin based compositions. The crumble is prepared by extracting animal collagen from an animal tissue source and combining the collagen with sufficient water to form a composition comprising about 15-45 wt % animal collagen and about 0.01-5 wt % of a stabilizer or preservative. Such a combination of materials can be solidified and then processed into a large particulate format. The large particulate comprises a, regular or amorphous shaped, roughly crumbled or roughly divided, crumble product. The typical particle size of a majority of the crumble is about 0.2-5 cm. The crumble is easily manufactured, packaged, stored, handled and distributed. The crumble can be easily used as is. The material melts easily into a use locus.

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising repetitive units of amino acids, as well as synthetic genes encoding the subject polypeptides are provided. The subject polypeptides are characterized by comprising repetitive units of amino acids, where the repetitive units are present in naturally occurring proteins, particularly naturally occurring structural proteins. The subject polypeptides find use in a variety of applications, such as structural components of prosthetic devices, synthetic fibers, and the like.

Abstract: Link protein and cartilage matrix protein, which are two major components of the extracellular cartilage matrix, have been found to bind to each other. Polypeptide fragments of cartilage matrix protein and link protein are produced. A recombinant fusion polypeptide is prepared containing a fragment of cartilage matrix protein that binds to link protein and a fragment of link protein that binds to cartilage matrix protein. The cartilage matrix protein fragment may bind to collagen and contain the CMP-1 or CMP-2 domain, and the link protein may bind to a complex of hyaluronic acid and proteoglycan. The fragments or fusion polypeptide can be administered for repair of diseased or injured cartilaginous and non-cartilaginous tissue by promoting binding of a complex of proteoglycan and hyaluronic acid to collagen. The fragments or fusion polypeptide can be anchored to the surface of a prosthetic device, implant or tissue graft to promote adherence of tissue and biocompatibility.

Abstract: A polypeptide is provided that has a secondary structure characterized by at least three beta-sheet/beta-turn structures, and that is not a naturally occurring fibrous protein. Such polypeptides, illustrated by one modeled on elastin, are useful in prosthesis.

Abstract: A conjugate of a synthetic polypeptide containing RGD or (dR) GD and a biodegradable polymer, such as hyaluronic acid or chondroitin sulfate is disclosed. Methods of making the conjugate and using it to aid wound healing by providing a temporary matrix are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to purified and isolated polynucleotides encoding a polypeptide which specifically bind to a cytoplasmic portion of an integrin. Specifically, the invention provides a FLP-1-encoding polynucleotide and the polypeptide product of the gene. Expression vectors comprising the polynucleotide, antibodies which recognize the polypeptide, hybridomas which secrete the antibodies, and method to identify modulators of interaction of the polypeptide with .beta..sub.7 subunits sequences are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a morphogenic protein stimulatory factor (MPSF) for improving the tissue inductive activity of morphogenic proteins, particularly those belonging to the BMP protein family. Methods for improving the tissue inductive activity of a morphogenic protein in a mammal using those compositions are provided. This invention also provides implantable morphogenic devices comprising a morphogenic protein and a MPSF disposed within a carrier, that are capable of inducing tissue formation in allogeneic and xenogeneic implants. Methods for inducing local tissue formation from a progenitor cell in a mammal using those devices are also provided. A method for accelerating allograft repair in a mammal using morphogenic devices is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to purified and isolated polynucleotides encoding a polypeptide which specifically bind to a cytoplasmic portion of an integrin. Specifically, the invention provides a FLP-1-encoding polynucleotide and the polypeptide product of the gene. Expression vectors comprising the polynucleotide, antibodies which recognize the polypeptide, hybridomas which secrete the antibodies, and method to identify modulators of interaction of the polypeptide with .beta..sub.7 subunits sequences are also provided.

Abstract: Recombinant laminin B1k and fragments thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. More specifically, this invention relates to an assay for detecting antigen(s) associated with multiple sclerosis. The present invention also relates to the generation of hybridomas which produce monoclonal antibodies which are specific for the multiple sclerosis-associated antigens. The present invention's use is in diagnosing multiple sclerosis and in routine follow-up monitoring of multiple sclerosis patients as to disease progression or response to therapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel recombinant substrates for aggrecanase. In one embodiment, this substrate comprises the signal sequence of CD5, the FLAG-epitope for M1 monoclonal antibody detection, the interglobular domain of human aggrecan, the hinge region of human IgG1, the CH2 region of human IgG1 and the CH3 region of human IgG1. DNA sequences encoding the recombinant substrate are also provided, as are vectors and host cells containing said DNA. Various methods are provided for: monitoring aggrecanase activity, detecting new enzymatic cleavage sites, purifying aggrecanase chromatographically, and cloning the aggrecanase cDNA, screening for aggrecanase inhibitors; and for monitoring the onset or progression of osteoarthritis. A diagnostic aid containing the recombinant substrate is also provided.

Abstract: Substances of polypeptide nature are obtainable by extraction with HClO.sub.4 and 3M KCl from animal tissue homogenates. The substances have the characteristics of (a) molecular weights ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 daltons (by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis); (b) are capable of inducing the formation of antibodies which specifically bind in vivo or in vitro antigens which are present in human tumoral cells, when administered to different animal species; (c) are capable of decreasing or inhibiting pain; (d) induce an effect of cell lysis; and (e) inhibit or slow tumor growth, when administered to humans affected by malignant tumors of different kinds.

Abstract: Polymers are provided comprising protein polymers comprising blocks of repeating units and sequences comprising amino acids, individually or in defined sequences, capable of enzyme catalyzed covalent bond formation for cross-linking, as exemplified by glutamine and/or lysine reactive for FXIII catalyzed isopeptide formation or non-amino acid polymers having side chains comprising such amino acids or sequences, which may be used for preparation of articles of manufacture, particularly cross-linkable compositions. By appropriate choice of the polymer, resorbable implantable polymers may be used in internal applications for mammals as formed objects or depots.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides comprising repetitive units of amino acids, as well as synthetic genes encoding the subject polypeptides are provided. The subject polypeptides are characterized by comprising repetitive units of amino acids, where the repetitive units are present in naturally occurring proteins, particularly naturally occurring structural proteins. The subject polypeptides find use in a variety of applications, such as structural components of prosthetic devices, synthetic fibers, and the like.

Abstract: A process for the production of a solubilized protein is disclosed, which is obtained by reducing disulfide bonds in a disulfide bond-containing water-insoluble protein material into mercapto groups and subsequently converting a part or an entire portion thereof into carboxymethyldisulfide groups. In particular, the disclosed process for the production of a solubilized protein which comprises (a) treating a disulfide bond-containing water-insoluble protein material with an aqueous alkaline solution of a reducing agent, and (b) reacting the protein treated by step (a) with thioglycolic acid in the presence of an oxidizing agent under a weakly acidic to a weakly alkaline condition. A process for the production of regenerated protein products, which comprises regenerating disulfide bonds in the solubilized protein, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Highly repetitive proteins which are relatively insoluble in water are chemically modified to increase solubility. The protein is reacted with a functionalizing agent to introduce additional polar functionalities and disrupt the order of the protein. The solubility of the protein in water is increased by the chemical modification, while adhesive and surfactant properties are retained.

Abstract: cDNA clones encoding minor ampullate spidroin proteins (MiSP) are described. The translated amino acid sequence of the cloned cDNA shows that the MiSPs have a structure which exhibits an amino proximal nonrepetitive region, a repetitive portion and a carboxy-proximal nonrepetitive portion. The repetitive portion of the sequence is describable by a generic repeat formula. Comparison of the amino acid sequences derived from the translation with the sequences of short peptides obtained from solubilized minor ampullate spider silk suggests that the nonrepetitive portions of the protein are cleaved from the protein during secretion from the cells synthesizing the spidroins. This comparison also suggests that the minor ampullate spider silk is composed of at least three polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated cDNA which codes for spider silk protein or a fragment or variant thereof, a replicable vector containing cDNA which codes for spider silk protein and which is capable of expressing spider silk protein, a transformed cell or microorganism containing cDNA which codes for spider silk protein or a fragment thereof which is capable of expressing spider silk protein and products, such as fibers, which may be manufactured utilizing the recombinant protein of the present invention.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition including a non naturally-occurring extracellular matrix protein in combination with a cosmetic carrier is described. The protein is preferably of human origin and has not been previously cross-linked. The protein is most preferably selected from the group consisting of soluble human procollagen and soluble human tropoelastin. The protein may include at least one additional non-naturally occurring amino acid sequence moiety, the amino acid sequence moiety selected from the group consisting of a hydrophobic sequence, a hydrophilic sequence, and a lysine-rich sequence.A cosmetic composition in which the non naturally-occurring extracellular matrix protein is an isomorphic form of the protein is also described. The isomorph of the protein is preferably selected from the group consisting of elastin isomorphs, collagen isomorphs and fibronectin isomorphs. Most preferably, the isomorphs are of human origin and have not been previously cross-linked.

Abstract: Injectable implant compositions for soft tissue augmentation comprise elastin and collagen and a biocompatible carrier. An injectable implant composition for soft tissue augmentation is derived from the ligamentum nuchae which has been treated to remove non-collagenous and non-elastinous proteins. Methods of making an injectable implant composition for soft tissue augmentation from the ligamentum nuchae are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of insoluble cytoskeletal proteins, or fragments thereof, which are characteristic of the origin of the tissue. The invention relates as well to the method for detecting such proteins by breaking down and solubilizing the protein for immunological detection and quantitation. The method allows detection of tissue lesions or other pathological foci and metastases.

Abstract: A composition and method for controlled release of water-soluble proteins comprising a surface-eroding polymer matrix and water-soluble bioactive factors is described. The composition bioerodes in the biological environment of the subject at a controlled rate, thereby releasing the water soluble proteins at a rate which allows them to interact with local cell populations.