Abstract:
Disclosed is a 178 kDa glucose-inducible human fatty acid synthase (FAS) mRNA binding protein which has been purified to homogeneity and its binding element characterized. This large phosphoprotein binds to a novel repetitive element in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of the FAS mRNA. In particular, the binding has been mapped to a 37 nucleotide stretch within the first 65 bases of the 3′ UTR of mRNA. The binding protein is useful for mediating FAS expression, for regulating lipoprotein secretion and cell growth and for screening of test compounds for activity as inhibitors of FAS.
Abstract:
Nucleic acid from which a polypeptide with utrophin function can be expressed, especially mini-genes and chimaeric constructs. Expression significantly decreases the severity of the dystrophic muscle phenotype in an animal model, indicating usefulness in treatment of muscular dystrophy. The nucleic acid and encoded polypeptides are also useful in screening for substances to modulate utrophin binding to actin and/or the dystrophin protein complex.
Abstract:
The invention relates to genetic approaches to supply nucleotide sequences encoding modified forms of the native forms of apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I): mature ApoA-I, preproApoA-I and proApoA-I; including native ApoA-I modified to contain ApoA-I agonists, peptides which mimic the activity of ApoA-I; ApoA-I superagonists, peptides which exceed the activity of native ApoA-I; and modified native ApoA-I having one or more amphipathic helices replaced by the nucleotide sequences of one or more ApoA-I agonists; for the treatment of disorders associated with dyslipoproteinemia, including cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, restenosis, hyperlipidemia, and other disorders such as septic shock.
Abstract:
A method for isolating a polynucleotide of interest that is present in the genome of a first mycobacterium strain and/or is expressed by the first mycobacterium strain, where the polynucleotide of interest is also absent or altered in the genome of a second mycobacterium strain and/or is not expressed in the second mycobacterium. The method includes (a) contacting the genomic DNA of the first mycobacterium strain under hybridizing conditions with the DNA of a least one clone that belongs to a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) genomic DNA library of the second mycobacterium strain, and (b) isolating the polynucleotide of interest that does not form a hybrid with the DNA of the second mycobacterium strain. This invention further pertains to a Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain H37Rv genomic DNA library, as well as a Mycobactetium bovis BCG strain Pasteur genomic DNA library, and the recombinant BAC vectors that belong to those genomic DNA libraries. This invention also relates to mycobacterial nucleic acids, and methods and kits for using these nucleic acids to detect mycobacteria in a biological sample.
Abstract:
A nucleic acid sequence encoding Mammastatin, a specific mammary cell growth inhibitor. Mammastatin is encoded by a single nucleic acid sequence and has an approximate molecular weight of 44 kDa in its inactive, non-phosphorylated form. Normal mammary cells express functional phosphorylated forms having approximate molecular weights of 53 kDa and 49 kDa. Metastatic mammary cells either do not express Mammastatin at all, or do not express the 53 kDa or 49 kDa, phosphorylated forms. Mammary cancer cells are inhibited in their growth by the administration of phosphorylated Mammastatin.
Abstract:
Methods and compositions are provided for analyzing differences in the RNA profiles between a plurality of different physiological samples. In the subject methods, a set of a representational number of distinct gene specific primers is used to generate labeled nucleic acids from each of the different physiological samples. The labeled nucleic acids are then compared to each other and differences in the RNA profiles are determined. The subject methods find use in methods of identifying differential gene expression.
Abstract:
Novel nucleotide triphosphates, methods of synthesis and process of incorporating these nucleotide triphosphates into oligonucleotides, and isolation of novel nucleic acid catalysts (e.g., ribozymes) are disclosed.
Abstract:
The present invention discloses synthetic oligonucleotides complementary to a nucleic acid spanning the translational start site of human papillomavirus gene E1, and including at least 15 nucleotides. Also disclosed are methods and kits for inhibiting the replication of HPV, for inhibiting the expression of HPV nucleic acid and protein, for detection of HPV, and for treating HPV infections.
Abstract:
Isolated novel cDNA sequences encoding a human C-type lectin and three homologues are provided. They are referred to herein as “CLAX” (C-type Lectin, Activation Expressed) proteins. The invention also includes methods of using the nucleic acid sequences, polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid sequences disclosed herein, fusion proteins having all or a portion (e.g., an extracellular region) of the CLAX proteins, antibodies specific for the novel CLAXs, ligands and inhibitors for the novel CLAXs. The genes of CLAX are specifically expressed in lymphoid tissues and activated T lymphocytes but not resting T lymphocytes. The invention concerns the utility in pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention and treatment of infectious, inflammatory and allergic diseases.
Abstract:
Compositions and methods based on quantification of extramitochondrial DNA (exmtDNA) sequences are provided that are useful for detecting the presence of or risk for having a disease associated with altered mitochondrial function, and for identifying agents suitable for treating such diseases. The exmtDNA sequences have strong homology to authentic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences.