Abstract: The invention relates to a simple detection probe containing luminescent inorganic doped nanoparticles (l.i.d nanoparticles) which can be detected after excitement by a source of radiation by their absorption and/or scattering and/or diffraction of the excitement radiation or by emission of fluorescent light, and whose surface is prepared in such a way that affinity molecules for detecting a biological or other organic substance can couple with this prepared surface.

Abstract: Methods for forming repeat protein polymers and utilizing the repeat protein polymers to form inorganic structures are provided. The inorganic structures may have features on the nanoscale, and the structures generally do not have the repeat protein polymers incorporated therein. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that is will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment or alleviation of Alzheimer's disease and of other conditions related to abnormal protein aggregation. In particular, the invention relates to methods and compositions for the immunotherapy of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cataract. In one aspect the invention provides a method of prophylaxis, treatment or alleviation of a condition characterized by pathological aggregation and accumulation of a specific protein associated with an immunizing-effective dose of one or more tyrosine cross-linked compounds, and optionally also comprising copper ions complexed to the compound. Alternatively passive immunization against a tyrosine cross-linked compound may be used. Prophylactic or therapeutic compositions and diagnostic methods are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: An isolated ferritin fusion protein is provided in which ferritin is fused with a protein or peptide capable of being fused to ferritin without interfering with the polymeric self-assembly of the resulting fusion protein, and the protein may be of the endocapsid form when fused at the C terminus or an exocapsid form when fused at the N terminus. These fusion proteins may self-assemble into a variety of useful higher polymeric forms, e.g., capsid or other polymeric aggregate, and they are advantageous in that they are useful in a variety of applications, including human and veterinary vaccines and therapeutics, blood substitutes, image contrast agents, metal chelating agents, gelling agents, protein purification platforms, and therapeutic receptor-binding proteins.

Abstract: Methods and systems of applying mass spectrometry to the analysis of peptides and amino acids, especially in the proteome setting. More particularly, the invention relates to a mass spectrometry-based method for detection of amino acid modifications, such as phosphorylation.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a recombinant nucleotide sequence containing a cDNA coding for a lactoferrin, in particular human lactoferrin, or the derived proteins, and elements enabling a plant cell or produce lactoferrin or the derived proteins, coded by said cDNA, in particular a transcription promoter and terminator identified by the plant cell transcription machinery, to transform plant cells in order to obtain, from these cells, or plants obtained therefrom, lactoferrin or derived proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides lanthanide binding tags (LBT) that selectively complex trivalent lanthanide (Ln) ions and afford stable complexes with desirable physical properties, including at least one of fluorescence and anomalous x-ray scattering.

Abstract: An intramolecularly-quenched, near infrared fluorescence probe that emits substantial fluorescence only after interaction with a target tissue (i.e., activation) is disclosed. The probe includes a polymeric backbone and a plurality of near infrared fluorochromes covalently linked to the backbone at fluorescence-quenching interaction-permissive positions separable by enzymatic cleavage at fluorescence activation sites. The probe optionally includes protective chains or fluorochrome spacers, or both. Also disclosed are methods of using the intramolecularly-quenched, near infrared fluorescence probes for in vivo optical imaging.

Abstract: Modified fusion proteins of transferrin and therapeutic proteins or peptides including soluble toxin receptors, with increased serum half-life or serum stability are disclosed. Preferred fusion proteins include those modified so that the transferrin moiety exhibits no or reduced glycosylation, binding to iron and/or binding to the transferrin receptor.

Abstract: Streptavidin-metallothionein chimeric proteins with biological recognition specificity in which the streptavidin moiety provides high affinity biotin binding and the metallothionein moiety provides a high affinity metal binding. The binding affinity of the streptavidin-metallothionein chimeric protein both for biotin and heavy metal ions allows specific incorporation into, conjugation with, or labelling of any biological material containing biotin with various heavy metal ions.

Abstract: A biologically active peptide selected from growth factors, peptide hormones, interferons and cytokines and analogues and derivatives thereof, and bearing at least one chelating group linked to an amino group of said peptide, the chelating group being capable of complexing a detectable element and such amino group having no significant binding affinity to target receptors, are complexed with a detectable element and are useful as a pharmaceutical, e.g. a radiopharmaceutical for in vivo imaging of target tissues or for therapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents and methods of detecting physiological signals or substances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cartilage extracts and to a method of producing the same. Shark cartilage extracts having anti-angiogenic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-collagenolytic activities have been obtained by an improved process. The process comprises the steps of obtaining a crude cartilage extract in an aqueous solution, this crude extract being fractionated to recover molecules of a molecular weight less than about 500 kDa. Some of the biologically active components of the extract are prepared by further fractionation. The cartilage extract can be used for treating diseases or conditions having etiological components selected from the group consisting of tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, inflammation, metalloprotease activity and collagenolysis. Several cosmetic applications based on the capacity of the liquid extract to improve skin conditions are also disclosed. A simple and efficient process for the preparation of cartilage extracts is also disclosed.

Abstract: Theres is disclosed a magnetic recording medium which includes a magnetizable layer thereon, wherein said magnetizable layer comprises a plurality of ferri- or ferromagnetic particles each having a largest dimension no greater than 100 nm, and each of which particles represents a separate ferromagnetic domain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating allergic disorders characterized by a local immune response including inflammatory skin reactions, asthma, and arthritis.

Abstract: Neisserial iron uptake proteins including transferrin binding protein A (TbpA) and B (TbpB) in both full length form and as immunogenic fragments are made recombinantly. A non-neisserial cell expresses a TbpA which is extracted from the cell under mild conditions and retains substantially the antigenicity of native TbpA on its surface. TbpB is also made recombinantly and both TbpA and TbpB are included in vaccine compositions.

Abstract: Peptides and peptide-targeted multimeric contrast agents are described, as well as methods of making and using the contrast agents.

Abstract: A method and compositions are described for labeling a targeting agent with Ga-68, in which eluate from an acid-eluted Ge-68/Ga-68 generator is combined with a macrocycle-containing targetable agent. The labeling method and compositions disclosed ensure that a simple elution of gallium-68, taken directly from a generator, can be used without further manipulation to quantitatively label a macrocycle-containing targetable agent. The Ga-68 labeled targeting agent so produced is useful with specific targeting agents, and is most especially useful in a pretargeting method for positron emission tomographic detection.

Abstract: Disclosed are libraries of chimeric zinc finger domains. The libraries can include two or more zinc finger domains from naturally occurring proteins, e.g., mammalian proteins and particularly human proteins. Useful chimeric zinc finger domains can be identified from the library. Also disclosed are the amino acid sequences of zinc finger domains that recognize particular sites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human transferrin polypeptides and isolated nucleic acids containing the coding regions of the genes encoding such polypeptides. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing human transferrin polypeptides. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating disorders related to these novel human transferrin polypeptides.

Abstract: Metal binding proteins, associated compositions and methods for their production and use are disclosed. The metal binding proteins include have amino acid sequences analogous to at least one metal binding protein, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof from a brine shrimp (Artemia). Also provided are the associated nucleic acid sequences encoding metal binding proteins.

Abstract: A method for the separation of a target molecule from a mixture is described. The method employs oil bodies and their associated proteins as affinity matrices for the selective, non-covalent binding of desired target molecules. The oil body proteins may be genetically fused to a ligand having specificity for the desired target molecule. Native oil body proteins can also be used in conjunction with an oil body protein specific ligand such as an antibody or an oil body binding protein. The method allows the separation and recovery of the desired target molecules due to the difference in densities between oil bodies and aqueous solutions.

Abstract: A human ADAMTS-1 protein, a gene encoding the same, a pharmaceutical composition containing the protein as an active ingredient, and a method for immunologically analyzing the human ADAMTS-1 protein are disclosed. The protein can decrease the number of leukocytes and platelets, and at the same time, increase the number of erythrocytes.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the solubility of iron amino acid chelates and iron proteinates is disclosed. This is accomplished by mixing an effective amount of an organic acid solubilizing agent into existing iron amino acid chelates or iron proteinates. The iron amino acid chelates and iron proteinates may have a ligand to metal molar ratio from about 1:1 to 4:1, preferably 2:1 to 3:1.

Abstract: Zinc finger proteins of the Cys2His2 type represent a class of malleable DNA binding proteins which may be selected to bind diverse sequences. Typically, zinc finger proteins containing three zinc finger domains, like the murine transcription factor Zif268 and the human transcription factor Sp1, bind nine contiguous base pairs (bp). To create a class of proteins which would be generally applicable to target unique sites within complex genomes, the present invention provides a polypeptide linker that fuses two three-finger proteins. Two six-fingered proteins were created and demonstrated to bind 18 contiguous bp of DNA in a sequence specific fashion. Expression of these proteins as fusions to activation or repression domains allows transcription to be specifically up or down modulated within cells. Polydactyl zinc finger proteins are broadly applicable as genome-specific transcriptional switches in gene therapy strategies and the development of novel transgenic plants and animals.

Abstract: Folic acid and/or vitamin B12 and lactoferrin are mixed to produce a folic acid and/or vitamin B12-lactoferrin complex. The complex can be used for enriching foods or drink.

Abstract: A molecular conjugate is provided having the formula: 1

Abstract: The present invention relates to photosensitizer immunoconjugate compositions and combination therapies for use in cancer related photodynamic treatments and diagnostic methods. Photosensitizer immunoconjugates comprising a photosensitizer conjugated to a tumor-specific and/or tumoricidial antibody and processes for the preparation thereof are described. The use of photosensitizer immunoconjugates (PICs) offers improved photosensitizer delivery specificity for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Combination therapies to co-localize activated photosensitizer compounds and tumoricidal antibodies in tumor tissues are also described.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an aqueous solution of lactoferrin which can be preserved for a long period of time. The aqueous preparation according to the present invention is an aqueous preparation which is characterized by containing a polyvalent inorganic or organic acid or a salt thereof whereby stability of lactoferrin is improved and is an aqueous preparation in which concentration of the polyvalent inorganic or organic acid or a salt thereof is 0.005% (w/v) or more. In the case of ophthalmic solutions, for example, the polyvalent inorganic or organic acid or a salt thereof is preferably 0.01-3.0% (w/v), particularly preferably 0.1-1.0% (w/v).

Abstract: Described are short peptide sequences, termed recombinant peptide chelates (RPCs), and the imaging marker genes that encode them. The RPCs can be expressed in parallel with the expression of any other desired gene (e.g., a therapeutic gene), and used to easily confirm the expression of the therapeutic gene product. The RPCs are expressed in the cell or on the cell surface concurrently with the therapeutic gene product, and can be assayed by standard imaging techniques.

Abstract: The invention describes the synthesis and proposed usage of a tumor-specific, site-specific tumor cell-killing agent. The agent binds to tumor cells with high affinity and at the same time will bind minimally to surrounding normal cells. The agent has conjugated to it a porphyrin, which when exposed to light, generates cell-killing reactive oxygen species. Thus, in areas which can be irradiated by light, a site-specific, tumor-specific cell killing can occur. The agent consists of the iron-transport protein transferrin (Tf) which is conjugated with the porphyrin chorin e6 (Ce6). For this patent, a novel method of conjugation was developed as conventional methods of conjugation of chlorin e6 to the protein resulted in the loss of transferrin's biological activity. The new conjugation procedure results in the covalent attachment of chlorin e6 to transferrin and yet maintains the natural activity of the protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for lipid matrix-assisted chemical ligation and synthesis of membrane polypeptides that are incorporated in a lipid matrix. The invention is exemplified in production of a prefolded membrane polypeptide embedded within a lipid matrix via stepwise chemoselective chemical ligation of unprotected peptide segments, where at least one peptide segment is embedded in a lipid matrix. Any chemoselective reaction chemistry amenable for ligation of unprotected peptide segments can be employed. Suitable lipid matrices include liposomes, micelles, cell membrane patches and optically isotropic cubic lipidic phase matrices. Prefolded synthetic and semi-synthetic membrane polypeptides synthesized according to the methods and compositions of the invention also permit site-specific incorporation of one or more detectable moieties, such as a chromophore, which can be conveniently introduced during synthesis.

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 relates to cartilage extracts and to a method of producing the same. Shark cartilage extracts having anti-angiogenic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-collagenolytic activities have been obtained by an improved process. The process comprises the steps of obtaining a crude cartilage extract in an aqueous solution, this crude extract being fractionated to recover molecules of a molecular weight less than about 500 kDa. Some of the biologically active components of the extract are prepared by further fractionation. The cartilage extract can be used for treating diseases or conditions having etiological components selected from the group consisting of tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, inflammation, metalloprotease activity and collagenolysis. Several cosmetic applications based on the capacity of the liquid extract to improve skin conditions are also disclosed. A simple and efficient process for the preparation of cartilage extracts is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for obtaining an angiogenesis inhibitor and an angiogenesis activator from shark cartilage comprising, as the key step, the aqueous extraction of dried shark cartilage. The angiogenesis inhibitor obtained is more potent than shark cartilage not subjected to the extraction step. The angiogenesis inhibitor is particularly useful for the prevention or treatment of cancer. The angiogenesis activator is particularly useful for stimulating wound healing.

Abstract: A leather hydrolysate metal proteinate to be used as a metal nutrient for an animal feed. Chrome tanned leather scrap and shavings are heated in an aqueous solution with an alkali material to produce a water soluble, low molecular weight protein hydrolysate and insoluble chromium compounds which are subsequently separated from the hydrolysate. The hydrolysate is then oxidized to remove any objectionable trace organic residuals from the tanning process, and a di- or tri-valent water soluble metal salt is mixed with the hydrolysate to provide a metal proteinate. The metal proteinate, either as a liquid or a dried powder, can be used as animal or aquaculture diets.

Abstract: The invention pertains to eutrophic drug composition containing transferrins, particularly human transferrins. This composition allows the toxic effects of cytotoxic drugs such as cyclosporin when used at high dosages or over a prolonged period of time to be alleviated or suppressed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved method of preparing fetuin by using a chelating agent to remove inorganic ions, such as zinc, calcium, and barium, from fetuin. Then, reloading the “naked” fetuin with Zinc Acetate to form a product that is mainly Fetuin-Zinc. This improved method of preparing Fetuin-Zinc or supercharged zinc fetuin increases the effectiveness of inducing apoptosis in cancer cells by three to four times.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for the identification of nucleotide sequences which encode selenoproteins. Nucleotide sequences are translated in all potential reading frames, those with a relatively large number of UGA or TGA codons are noted, and frameshift-dependent open reading frames and SECIS elements are identified as associated with selenoprotein coding sequences, especially those within or overlapping known open reading frames. Further provided are selenoprotein coding sequences which are associated with certain viruses (e.g., HIV and Ebola), cancer-related genes and coding sequences related to normal functioning of the immune system.

Abstract: Nine efficient aldolase antibodies were generated using hapten 2. This hapten combines, in a single molecule, structural components employed for reactive immunization with structural components employed for forming a transition state analog of the aldol reaction. Characterization of two of these antibodies reveals that they are highly proficient (up to 1000-fold better than any other antibody catalyst) and enantioselective catalysts for aldol and retro-aldol reactions and exhibit enantio- and diastereo-selectivities opposite that of antibody 38C2.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses an SH3 domain-containing TADG5 protein (SEQ ID No. 1), allelic variants or functional fragments thereof, a novel TADG5 DNA segment coding for the TADG5 protein (SEQ ID No. 2), allelic variants or functional fragments thereof, chimeric cells comprising the TADG5 DNA segment, expression vectors and plasmids comprising the TADG5 DNA segment and methods for producing the TADG5 protein. The present invention further encompasses methods of using the TADG5 protein (e.g., for gene regulation, etc.).

Abstract: Disclosed is human lactoferrin expressed using recombinant DNA, its method of production and purification.

Abstract: A method for controlling immune reactions to a foreign tissue or a foreign cell in a recipient host mammal to enhance tolerance of the recipient host mammal towards a grafted foreign tissue or a grafted foreign cell. This method involves administering a transferrin and a foreign tissue or a foreign cell antigen from the same genetic donor to a previously immunosuppressed recipient host mammal.

Abstract: Diagnostic and therapeutic compositions in the form of complexes for enhancing transmembrane transport of a diagnostic or therapeutic agent and methods for their use. The complexes contain the &agr;, &ggr;, or bis isomers of folate receptor-binding analogs of folate, a metal chelated by a ligand, and in one embodiment, a chemotherapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides zinc finger nucleotide binding polypeptide variants that have at least two zinc finger modules that bind to a target cellular nucleotide sequence and modulate the transcriptional function of the cellular nucleotide sequence. Also provided are methods of use of such zinc finger nucleotide binding polypeptide variants and methods for isolating the same using expression libraries encoding the polypeptide variants containing randomized substitutions of amino acids. Exemplary zinc finger nucleotide binding polypeptide variants of the invention include two cysteines and two histidines whereby both cysteines are amino proximal to both histidines.

Abstract: The verified cDNA sequences for human, bovine and porcine lactoferrin protein have been used to prepare recombinant lactoferrin for therapeutic and nutritional applications. Regions of the cDNA such as the Fe binding sites can be used to make an hLF polypeptide product. The present invention provides novel plasmids, transfected eucaryotic cells and methods of producing these plasmids and transfected eucaryotic cells. The novel plasmid contains the cDNA for lactoferrin protein. Methods for the production of lactoferrin protein in fungi and bacteria are also provided. Thus, the present invention provides an efficient and economical means for the production of recombinant lactoferrin protein and lactoferrin related polypeptides.

Abstract: A novel protein which is useful as a diagnostic means for studies relating to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer (detection of cancer cells, estimation of the malignity, etc.) and for other medicinal and physiological purposes; a gene encoding the same; and an antibody, in particular, a monoclonal antibody specific to the protein. MT-MMP-3, which is a pro MMP-2 activator having the ability to activate pro MMP-2 which is under expression specifically on the surface layer of a human cancer cell and falling within the category of MMP but being different from MT-MMP-1; a DNA containing the base sequence encoding the same; host cells transformed by the DNA; a process for producing a matrix metalloproteinase protein by using the host cells; a monoclonal antibody binding specifically to the matrix metalloproteinase protein; and use of the protein and antibody.

Abstract: DNA molecules which encode pseudodimeric globin-like polypeptides with an asymmetric cysteine mutation suitable for crosslinking two tetramers, or which encode pseudooligomeric globin-like polypeptides comprising four or more globin-like domains, are useful in the preparation of multimeric hemoglobin-like proteins.

Abstract: This invention provides carbonic acid- and/or hydrogencarbonic acid-iron-hydrolyzates of casein complexes containing a large amount of iron, without causing precipitation after heating their aqueous solution or astringent taste and the processes for production thereof. The complexes of the present invention are prepared by (1) partial hydrolysis of carbonic acid- and/or hydrogencarbonic acid-iron-casein complexes with a protease or (2) mixing carbonic acid and/or hydrogencarbonic acid, iron and partial hydrolyzates of casein with a protease. These complexes are used favorably as food additives, raw materials of medicines or feed components due to their lack of precipitation by heating their aqueous solution, or astringent taste.

Abstract: Zinc finger proteins of the Cys.sub.2 His.sub.2 type represent a class of malleable DNA binding proteins which may be selected to bind diverse sequences. Typically, zinc finger proteins containing three zinc finger domains, like the murine transcription factor Zif268 and the human transcription factor Sp1, bind nine contiguous base pairs (bp). To create a class of proteins which would be generally applicable to target unique sites within complex genomes, the present invention provides a polypeptide linker that fuses two three-finger proteins. Two six-fingered proteins were created and demonstrated to bind 18 contiguous bp of DNA in a sequence specific fashion. Expression of these proteins as fusions to activation or repression domains allows transcription to be specifically up or down modulated within cells. Polydactyl zinc finger proteins are broadly applicable as genome-specific transcriptional switches in gene therapy strategies and the development of novel transgenic plants and animals.