Abstract:
This invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of tumors. In particular, the invention relates to methods and agents for the treatment of tumors expressing a tumor-antigen [also known as a tumor-associated antigen TAA , lineage specific, differentiation, or self-antigens], and more specifically to methods and agents for the treatment of melanomas expressing the Melan-A/MART-1 antigen. The invention also relates to methods for identifying agents that regulate expression of tumor-antigens .
Abstract:
A method of identifying a compound useful in the treatment of a disease characterized by the presence of mutant huntingtin by: (a) providing a cell which expresses mutant huntingtin; (b) contacting the cell with a test compound; and (c) determining whether the level of clathrin-mediated endocytosis is increased in the presence of the test compound, compared to the level in the absence of the test compound. An increase in clathrin-mediated endocytosis is an indication that the test compound is useful in treating the disease.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a method for modulating wound healing in a mammal. The method includes the steps of: (a) administering a photosensitizer to a mammal that has an unhealed or partially-healed wound; (b) waiting for the photosensitizer to reach an effective tissue concentration at the wound site; (c) photoactivating the photosensitizer by delivering specifically to the wound site light of an effective wavelength and intensity, for an effective length of time. The modulation of wound healing can include hastening healing by administering a low dose of photodynamic therapy. Alternatively, the modulation can include inhibiting fibrosis by administering a high dose of photodynamic therapy. The photosensitizer can be targeted, for example, to macrophages or myofibroblasts. Targeting can be by conjugation to a targeting moiety such as a protein, peptide or microparticle.
Abstract:
Disclosed are DNAs encoding melatonin 1a receptor gene promoter regions, recombinant polypeptides expressed from such DNAs, and methods of using such expression constructs to screen for promoter activators or inhibitors. Transcriptional activators are useful as therapeutics to reentrain endogenous melatonin rhythms as a means of treating circadian rhythm disorders in humans and control reproductive cycles in seasonally breeding animals. Transcriptional inhibitors are useful as therapeutics to control the initiation or timing of puberty in humans.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a gene therapy method for inducing pulmonary vasodilation. More specifically, this invention involves introducing the nitric oxide synthase gene into lungs resulting in pulmonary vasodilation. This results in a hypotensive effect in the pulmonary circulation which does not significantly affect systemic blood pressure or cardiac index. This method is useful to treat primary pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary hypertension secondary to various disease states.
Abstract:
A microprocessor controlled ventilator (10) controls a patient's breathing selectively. The ventilator utilizes an intratracheal pulmonary ventilation using a reverse thrust catheter (12) for inspiration, and a microprocessor (22) for selectively controlling the ventilation parameters.
Abstract:
An integrated optical biopsy forceps device (10) and a method for tissue identification by optical analysis and biopsy sampling at a site within the body. The device includes an elongated catheter body for introduction into the body and navigation to an area of interest. An optical fiber (50) extends through the device, from the proximal end, where it may be connected to electro-optical spectral analysis equipment, to a distal tip for illuminating and receiving light energy from tissue at the location of the tip. The distal end of the device has a pair of cutting jaws (80, 81) pivotally mounted at the distal end of the catheter body and controlled by control wires (40, 41) extending through the catheter body to a control handle at the proximal end, or by the optical fiber. The device may be spectroscopically guided to a site of interest within the body. The fiber tip (50) is positioned coaxially with the jaws at the zone of contact and cutting of the jaws, and is retracted as the jaws close, so that the biopsy sample is taken exactly at the spot being viewed by the optical fiber.
Abstract:
A method of modulating the development of a cutaneous appendage, consisting of modulating FGF-2 activity in one or both of the dermis and epidermis.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the treatment of central nervous system injuries by intracisternal or intravenous administration of polypeptide growth factors, such as basic fibroblast growth factor. This method provides significant benefits because administration can occur a substantial amount of time following an injury.