Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for producing monoclonal antibodies by means of genetic immunization with several nucleic acids coding several polypeptides such that antibodies against different polypeptides are produced at the same time. The inventive method allows a plurality of monoclonal antibodies having a defined specificity against any number of target molecules to be produced at a high throughput. Said method especially allows antibodies against polypeptides to be produced, which are provided only with low immunogenic properties when being solely immunized, i.e. which are normally not suitable for producing antibodies. Moreover, it is possible to induce antibodies against polypeptide complexes consisting of several individual polypeptides, which can be done only because according to the inventive method, the DNA coding for all subunits of the polypeptide complex are introduced into one and the same cell.
Abstract:
The present invention involves the use of a combination of preparatory steps in conjunction with mass spectroscopy and time-of-flight detection procedures to maximize the diversity of biopolymers which are verifiable within a particular sample. The cohort of biopolymers verified within such a sample is then viewed with reference to their ability to evidence at least one particular disease state; thereby enabling a diagnostician to gain the ability to characterize either the presence or absence of said at least one disease state relative to recognition of the presence and/or the absence of said biopolymer, predict disease risk assessment, and develop therapeutic strategies against said disease.
Abstract:
Peptides form the human kininogen D5 domain and fusion peptides thereof having angiogenesis-inhibitory activity. These peptides are used in diagnosis and therapy of diseases associated with endothelial cell migration and proliferation, e.g., the treatment of cancer. The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding said peptides, antibodies to the said peptides and methods for isolating said peptides and cells expressing them.
Abstract:
Mammalian Cystatin-8 (Zcys8) polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, antibodies that specifically bind to the polypeptides, expression vectors comprised of the polynucleotides, and host cells transformed with the expression vectors.
Abstract:
The cystatin superfamily includes inhibitors of cysteine proteinases, which function in a protective role with regard to various pathological actions of endogenous proteinases. Zcys7 is a new member of this superfamily.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to novel human KTPI 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 KTPI polypeptides. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating disorders related to these novel human KTPI polypeptides.
Abstract:
A method for diagnosing or prognosing age-related macular degeneration in a subject, or determining whether a subject is at increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration or monitoring the progression of age-related macular degeneration in a subject, comprising: determining a level, or an activity, or both said level and said activity, of at least one substance which is selected from the group consisting of a transcription product of a Cystatin C gene, a translation product of a Cystatin C gene, a fragment of said translation product, an amyloid protein, and a transcription product of a gene coding for an amyloid protein in a sample from said subject; and comparing said level, or said activity, or both said level and said activity, of at least one of said substances to a reference value representing a known disease or health status, thereby diagnosing or prognosing said age-related macular degeneration in said subject, or determining whether said subject is at increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration or monitoring the progression of said age-related macular degeneration in said subject.
Abstract:
Members of the serine protease family play a role in carefully controlled processes, such as blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, complement activation, fertilization, and hormone production. The enzymatic activity of the serine protease is regulated in part by protease inhibitors that comprise a Kunitz domain. Zkun11 is a new member of the Kunitz domain protein family.
Abstract:
Members of the serine protease family play a role in carefully controlled processes, such as blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, complement activation, fertilization, and hormone production. The enzymatic activity of the serine proteases is regulated in part by serpins, serine protease inhibitors. Serpin dysfunction is associated with various disorders, including emphysema, blood clotting disorders, cirrhosis, Alzheimer disease, and Parkinson disease. Zserp 11 is a new member of the serine protease inhibitor family.
Abstract:
Compositions and methods are disclosed for stimulating or inhibiting angiogenesis and/or cardiovascularization in mammals, including humans. Pharmaceutical compositions are based on polypeptides or antagonists thereto that have been identified for one or more of these uses. Disorders that can be diagnosed, prevented, or treated by the compositions herein include trauma such as wounds, various cancers, and disorders of the vessels including atherosclerosis and cardiac hypertrophy. In addition, the present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.