Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders. The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated DGAT2 family member nucleic acid molecules, which encode diacylglycerol acyltransferase family members. The invention also provides recombinant expression vectors containing DGAT2 family member nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a DGAT2 family member gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated DGAT2 family member proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-DGAT2 family member antibodies. Methods of use of the provided DGAT2 family member compositions for screening, diagnostic and therapeutic methods in connection with obesity disorders are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to Tango-73, Tango-74, Tango-76, Tango-78, and Tango-83 polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules encoding Tango-73, Tango-74, Tango-76, Tango-78, and Tango-83, and uses thereof. The invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding a variety of proteins having diagnostic, preventive, therapeutic, and other uses. These nucleic and proteins are useful for diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of a number of human and other animal disorders. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, expression vectors containing the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and non-human transgenic animals in which a nucleic acid molecule of the invention has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated polypeptides, fusion polypeptides, antigenic peptides and antibodies. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods using compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Novel ITALY, LOR-2, STRIFE, TRASH, BDSF, LRSG, and STMST polypeptides, proteins, and nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. In addition to isolated, full-length ITALY, LOR-2, STRIFE, TRASH, BDSF, LRSG, and STMST proteins, the invention further provides isolated ITALY, LOR-2, STRIFE, TRASH, BDSF, LRSG, and STMST fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti- ITALY, LOR-2, STRIFE, TRASH, BDSF, LRSG, and STMST antibodies. The invention also provides ITALY, LOR-2, STRIFE, TRASH, BDSF, LRSG, and STMST nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced and non-human transgenic animals in which an ITALY, LOR-2, STRIFE, TRASH, BDSF, LRSG, and STMST gene has been introduced or disrupted. Diagnostic, screening and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 27875, 22025, 27420, 16319, 55092 and 10218 nucleic acid molecules. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 27875, 22025, 27420, 16319, 55092 and 10218 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 27875, 22025, 27420, 16319, 55092 and 10218 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 27875, 22025, 27420, 17906, 16319, 55092 or 10218 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-27875, 22025, 27420, 17906, 16319, 55092 or 10218 antibodies. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A recombinant expression system for the expression of a poly amino acid, peptide or protein is provided. The poly amino acid of interest is expressed as a fusion protein that includes an amino acid sequence recognized and cleaved by a Ulp1 protease. The amino acid sequence joined to the poly amino acid of interest is preferably from a SUMO (small ubiquitin-like molecule) protein. This sequence imparts favorable solubility and refolding properties to the fusion protein. A purification tag may also be incorporated into the fusion protein for ease of isolation. The Ulp1 protease used to cleave the fusion protein may be the Ulp1 protease or the active Ulp1 protease fragment, Ulp1(403-621). The Ulp1 protease rapidly and specifically cleaves the fusion proteins of the invention at the Ulp1 cleavage site. The amino acid sequence recognized by a Ulp1 protease is cleaved asymetrically to leave only an N-terminal serine joined to the poly amino acid of interest.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 16051a, 16051b, 58199, 57805, 56739, 39362, and 23228 nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel human membrane-associated protein family members, and human cell surface protein family members. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 16051a, 16051b, 58199, 57805, 56739, 39362, or 23228 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 16051a, 16051b, 58199, 57805, 56739, 39362, or 23228 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 16051a, 16051b, 58199, 57805, 56739, 39362, or 23228 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-16051a, 16051b, 58199, 57805, 56739, 39362, or 23228 antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 15571, 2465, 14266, 2882, 52871, 8203 or 16852 nucleic acid molecules. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 15571, 2465, 14266, 2882, 52871, 8203 or 16852 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 15571, 2465, 14266, 2882, 52871, 8203 or 16852 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 15571, 2465, 14266, 2882, 52871, 8203 or 16852 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-15571, 2465, 14266, 2882, 52871, 8203 or 16852 antibodies. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a novel protein, SKAP55, that interacts with the protein tyrosine kinase Fyn, are disclosed. SKAP55 protein has an apparent native molecular weight of 55 kDa, an isoelectric point of 4.3 and contains a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain and a src homology 3 (SH3) domain. In addition to isolated nucleic acids molecules encoding SKAP55 protein, the invention provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced and non-human transgenic animals carrying a SKAP55 transgene. The invention further provides isolated SKAP55 proteins and peptides, SKAP55 fusion proteins and anti-SKAP55 antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding I&kgr;B kinase (IKK) catalytic subunit polypeptides, which are associated with an IKK serine protein kinase that phosphorylates a protein (I&kgr;B) that inhibits the activity of the NF-&kgr;B transcription factor, vectors comprising such nucleic acid molecules and host cells containing such vectors. In addition, the invention provides nucleotide sequences that can bind to a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, such nucleotide sequences being useful as probes or as antisense molecules. The invention also provides isolated IKK catalytic subunits, which can phosphorylate an I&kgr;B protein, and peptide portions of such IKK subunit. In addition, the invention provides anti-IKK antibodies, which specifically bind to an IKK complex or an IKK catalytic subunit, and IKK-binding fragments of such antibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 33312, 33303, 32579, 21509, 33770, 46638, and 50090 nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel G protein-coupled receptor family members, human thioredoxin family members, human leucine-rich repeat family members, and human ringfinger family member. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 33312, 33303, 32579, 21509, 33770, 46638, or 50090 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 33312, 33303, 32579, 21509, 33770, 46638, or 50090 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 33312, 33303, 32579, 21509, 33770, 46638, or 50090 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-33312, 33303, 32579, 21509, 33770, 46638, or 50090 antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 33877, 47179, 26886, 46743, 27417, 32252, and 53320 nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel human transferase family members. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 33877, 47179, 26886, 46743, 27417, 32252, or 53320 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 33877, 47179, 26886, 46743, 27417, 32252, or 53320 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 33877, 47179, 26886, 46743, 27417, 32252, or 53320 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-33877, 47179, 26886, 46743, 27417, 32252, or 53320 antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are provided for specifically targeting biologically active compounds such as antiviral and antimicrobial drugs, or prodrugs containing the biologically active compound to specific sites such as specific organelles in phagocytic mammalian cells. The biologically active compound or prodrug is linked to a microparticle with a linker that is non-specifically or specifically cleaved inside a phagocytic mammalian cell. Alternatively, the biologically active compound or prodrug is impregnated into a porous microparticle or coated on a nonporous microparticle, and then coated with a coating material that is non-specifically or specifically degraded inside a phagocytic mammalian cell. The prodrug contains the biologically active compound linked to a polar lipid such as ceramide with a specific linker such as a peptide that is specifically cleaved to activate the prodrug in a phagocytic mammalian cell infected with a microorganism.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated PR Family Member (PFM) nucleic acid molecule that contains a PFM PR domain nucleotide sequence, a PFM ZF domain nucleotide sequence, or a modification thereof. The invention also provides an isolated PFM nucleic acid molecule that contains a nucleotide sequence that encodes a PFM PR domain polypeptide, or that encodes a PFM ZF domain polypeptide, or that encodes an immunologically equivalent modification thereof. Also provided are isolated PFM oligonucleotides. The invention also provides methods for detecting a PFM nucleic acid molecule in a sample. Further provided is a method of modulating cell growth by expressing an encoded PFM polypeptide in the cell. Also provided is an isolated PFM polypeptide, containing a PFM PR domain amino acid sequence, or a PFM ZF domain amino acid sequence, or a modification thereof. The invention also provides an isolated PFM peptide, containing at least 8 contiguous amino acids of a PFM polypeptide.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid which encodes a diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT); a vector comprising the isolated nucleic acid which encodes a diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT); and a purified poly-peptide which is a diacylglycerol acyltransferase. This invention also provides an in vitro method of detecting a diacylglycerol acyltransferase binding site of an enzyme. This invention provides a method for determining whether a subject known to have an imbalance in trigliceride has the imbalance due to a defect in esterification of diacylglycerol to produce triglyceride. This invention also provides a method for treating a subject who has an imbalance in triglyceride levels due to a defect in esterification of diglycerol which comprises introducing the isolated nucleic acid which encodes a diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) into the subject under conditions such that the nucleic acid expresses a wildtype diacylglycerol acyltransferase, so as to thereby treat the subject.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods for promoting or inhibiting angiogenesis, and screening methods for identifying compounds are disclosed. The compounds bind to F1 ATP synthase, particularly to the alpha and/or beta subunits of F1 ATP synthase. When bound to these subunits, they can function as angiostatin agonists, antagonists, partial agonists, inverse agonists, or allosteric modulators. When the compounds mimic or enhance the activity of angiostatin, they inhibit angiogenesis. When the compounds inhibit the ability of angiostatin to bind F1 ATP synthase and are either inactive at inhibiting angiogenesis or directly promote angiogenesis, or if they inhibit the activity of angiostatin, they promote angiogenesis. The compounds can be, for example, antibodies, antibody fragments, enzymes, peptides, nucleic acids such as oligonucleotides, or small molecules. The antibodies can be monoclonal, humanized, or polyclonal antibodies.

Abstract: A polypeptide consisting essentially of the NAB and linking region of an .alpha.-subunit of Shaker-like potassium ion channel which binds to a core region of a .beta.-subunit of said Shaker-like potassium ion channel. A related polypeptide is also provided and consists essentially of the core region of a .beta.-subunit of a Shaker-like potassium ion channel which binds to the NAB and linking region of an .alpha.-subunit of said Shaker-like channel. Nucleic acid sequences which encode these polypeptides, vectors containing those sequences, expression systems, hosts cells containing the aforesaid polypeptides, and pharmaceutical formulations of the peptides are also provided.Other aspects of the invention include methods of modulating the flow of potassium ions through a cell membrane surrounding a cytoplasm by introducing either of the aforesaid polypeptides or exogenous Kv.beta.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the treatment and diagnosis of conditions, disorders, or diseases involving cell death. The invention encompasses protective nucleic acids which, when introduced into a cell predisposed to undergo cell death or in the process of undergoing cell death, prevent, delay, or rescue the cell from death relative to a corresponding cell into which no exogenous nucleic acids have been introduced. The invention encompasses nucleic acids of the protective sequence, host cell expression systems of the protective sequence, and hosts that have been transformed by these expression systems, including transgenic animals. The invention also encompasses novel protective sequence products, including proteins, polypeptides and peptides containing amino acid sequences of the proteins, fusion proteins of proteins, polypeptides and peptides, and antibodies directed against such gene products.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 18636, 2466, 43238, 1983, 52881, 2398, 45449, 50289, 52872 and 26908 nucleic acid molecules. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 18636, 2466, 43238, 1983, 52881, 2398, 45449, 50289, 52872 and 26908 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 18636, 2466, 43238, 1983, 52881, 2398, 45449, 50289, 52872 or 26908 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 18636, 2466, 43238, 1983, 52881, 2398, 45449, 50289, 52872 or 26908 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-18636, 2466, 43238, 1983, 52881, 2398, 45449, 50289, 52872 or 26908 antibodies. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding human pancreatic islet-specific glucose-6-phosphatase proteins and nucleic acids having diagnostic, preventive, therapeutic, and other uses. These nucleic acids and proteins are useful for diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of a number of human and other animal disorders. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, expression vectors containing the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and non-human transgenic animals in which a nucleic acid molecule of the invention has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated polypeptides, fusion polypeptides, antigenic peptides, and antibodies. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Novel microbial peptides called clavanins are of the formulaX'.sub.1 X.sub.2 B'.sub.3 X.sub.4 X.sub.5 U.sub.6 B.sub.7 X.sub.8 X.sub.9 B.sub.10 B.sub.11 X.sub.12 U.sub.13 Z.sub.14 X.sub.15 X.sub.16 B*.sub.17 U.sub.18 X.sub.19 U.sub.20 B.sub.21 X.sub.22 X.sub.23 ( 1)(SEQ ID NO: 1)including the salts, esters, amides and acylated forms thereofwherein X is a hydrophobic amino acid residue or modified form thereof;X' is a small or a hydrophobic amino acid residue or a modified form thereof;B is a basic amino acid residue or modified form thereof;B' is basic or a polar/large amino acid residue or modified form thereof; andB* is a basic or a hydrophobic amino acid residue or a modified form thereof;U is a small amino acid residue or modified form thereof;Z is a polar/large amino acid residue or modified form thereof.