Abstract:
The invention provides diagnostic procedures wherein the presence or absence of a cell-proliferating disorder, e.g., a breast cancer, may be determined. The imaging agents of the invention include alpha-fetoprotein hydrophilic analogs which have been determined to target cancers, e.g., breast cancer, and are also anti-cell proliferating in nature. These modulators contain amino acid structures which are arranged as a hydrophilic analog of an alpha-fetoprotein. The modulator may be a peptide; a peptidomimetic; or may be in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable scaffold, such as a polycyclic hydrocarbon to which is attached the necessary amino acid structures. The imaging agents of the invention further comprise an imaging moiety that allows for the imaging of the area targeted by the imaging agent.
Abstract:
Novel fusion proteins comprising PP14 are disclosed. The fusion proteins retain the immunoregulatory function of native PP14, but offer significant advantages. Methods for using the fusion proteins, and sequence encoding the same, in the treatment of immune system diseases and disorders are therefore also disclosed, as are methods for recombinant production of the present fusion proteins.
Abstract:
Compositions and methods for the therapy and diagnosis of cancer, such as ovarian cancer, are disclosed. Compositions may comprise HPP14, an immunogenic portion or variant thereof or a polynucleotide that encodes such a polypeptide. Alternatively, a therapeutic composition may comprise an antigen presenting cell that expresses HPP14 (or a portion or other variant thereof), or a T cell that is specific for cells expressing such a protein. Such compositions may be used, for example, for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as ovarian cancer. Diagnostic methods based on the detection of HPP14 expression are also provided.
Abstract:
The invention features a process of expressing secreted recombinant human alpha-fetoprotein (rHuAFP) in the milk or urine of transgenic mammals.
Abstract:
This invention is the discovery that hypoxic mammalian fetal trophoblast cells are a valid model of abnormal maternal plancental function and of other invasive cell types. The trophoblast cells differentially express a number of proteins when grown under hypoxic conditions. These proteins are useful for determining the health of the trophoblasts, the condition of a maternal placental interface and the invasive properties of metastatic and other invasive cell types. The hypoxic cytotrophoblast cells provide a convenient means to isolate these proteins and develope assay kits based upon the presence or absence of the proteins in a human test sample.
Abstract:
A human glycoprotein can be used as a contraceptive agent. The oligosaccharides of the glycoprotein can also be used. The oligosaccharides can be conjugated to other polymers and substances for use in diagnostic and therapeutic methods regarding infertility.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the method of detecting rupture of the amniotic membranes in pregnant mammals including humans using an immunoassay and reagents useful in such an assay. The method describes how to prepare a suitable protein antigen form amniotic fluid, gives criteria for the selection of this protein from the mixture of proteins present in amniotic fluid using the techniques of protein purification, gives criteria for assessing a sufficient degree of antigen purity for raising antibodies to the antigen and shows how the resultant antibodies can be used in immunoassays to detect the presence of amniotic fluid in the vagina and consequently to detect rupture of the amniotic membranes. The method also relates to the detection of amniotic fluid in other situations.
Abstract:
In general, the invention features a method for producing human alpha-fetoprotein in prokaryotic cells. The method includes: providing a transformed prokaryotic cell including a recombinant DNA molecule encoding human alpha-fetoprotein operably linked to sequence elements capable of directing expression of alpha-fetoprotein, and permitting the transformed cell to express human alpha-fetoprotein.
Abstract:
New protein relating ot the recognition of gestation in mammals. Said protein, known as PSP60, is characterized in that it has the N-terminal sequence in amino acids as represented by formula (I). Applications: test for early diagnosis of gestation in mammals.
Abstract:
Cells which produce EPF are grown in a culture medium to produce a supernatant medium containing the EPF. To purify the EPF, the EPF is absorbed by a selective absorbent in a column, dialysed against a buffer solution, concentrated and gel-filtered. Selected fractions of the filtrate undergo reversed phase high performance liquid chromotography and the purified EPF is eluted from the chromotography column. Monoclonal antibodies to EPF can be produced to detect the presence of EPF in serum and provide a means for detecting pregnancy in female mammals.