Abstract:
Compositions and methods for modulating activity of store-operated calcium entry in cells or tissues are provided. The compositions comprise the P311 protein, fused to a cell -penetrating peptide and formulated for delivery to tissues and cells. This protein has been shown to increase the levels of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) in gingival cells, skeletal muscle cells, and prostate epithelial cells. Also provided are methods for preventing and treating diseases that involve administration of the P311 fusion protein, as well as methods for increasing levels of SOCE in cells.
Abstract:
A method for improving the cytotoxic effect of Ecteinascidin-743 (ET-743) or an analog thereof on a tumor cell population in a patient the method including administering to the patient, sequentially or simultaneously, a therapeutically effective combination of a composition including ET-743 and an amount of a composition including a PARP-I inhibitor effective to increase the cytotoxic effect of ET-743 on the tumor cell population. Anti-tumor compositions containing a therapeutically effective amount of ET-743 and an amount of a PARP-I inhibitor effective to increase the tumor cytotoxicity of the ET-743 are also presented.
Abstract:
Ribonucleases, antibiotics, bacterial toxins and viruses inhibit protein synthesis, which results in apoptosis in mammalian cells. How the BCL-2 family of proteins regulates apoptosis in response to shutoff of protein synthesis is not known. According to the present invention, an Escherichia coli toxin MazF inhibited protein synthesis by cleavage of cellular mRNA, and induced apoptosis in mammalian cells. MazF-induced apoptosis required proapoptotic BAK and its upstream regulator, the proapoptotic BH3-only protein NBK/BIK, but not BIM, PUMA or NOXA. Furthermore, NBK/BIK- or BAK-deficient cells were resistant to cell death induced by pharmacologic inhibition of translation and by virus-mediated shutoff of protein synthesis. Thus, the BH3-only protein NBK/BIK is the apical regulator of a BAK-dependent apoptotic pathway in response to shutoff of protein synthesis. Although NBK/BIK is dispensable for development, it is the BH3-only protein targeted for inactivation by viruses, suggesting that it plays a role in pathogen/toxin response through apoptosis activation.
Abstract:
Serum antibody assays capable of distinguishing cases of inactive TB from cases of active TB include a combination at least three M. tuberculosis protein antigens, at least one for which a positive response is consistent with inactive TB and antigens, and at least one for which a negative response is consistent with inactive TB. Preferred assays further distinguish other TB classes. Also, antigen kits for performing such assays.
Abstract:
The present inventions relates to kits and methods for diagnosing and monitoring breast cancer. An increase in the level or activity of proteins of the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway, and ancillary proteins thereof, as compared to normal control or benign tissue is indicative of breast cancer.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a method of inhibiting the generation of infectious viral progeny which comprises interrupting the eIF5A-dependent cellular pathway essential for cellular proliferation by contacting a virally infected cell with a hydrophobic anchor-containing pharmacological inhibitor of said cellular pathway, incapacitating said cellular pathway and obtaining a suppressive effect on the generation of infectious progeny, in particular relating to anti-retroviral and anti-cancer activity.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to methods and compositions pertaining to conjugates composed of a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) moiety and a neamine derivative moiety. Methods for using such conjugates for modulating the activity of a target nucleic acid molecule and for preventing or treating a disease associated with an aberrant nucleic acid molecule are also provided.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to the discovery of a novel family of enzymes designated herein as mRNA interferases that exhibit endoribonuclease activity. The novel finding of the present inventors, therefore, presents new applications for which mRNA interferase nucleic and amino acid sequences, and compositions thereof may be used to advantage. The invention also encompasses screening methods to identify compounds/agents capable of modulating mRNA interferase activity and methods for using such compounds/agents. Also provided is a kit comprising mRNA interferase nucleic and/or amino acid sequences, mRNA interferase activity compatible buffers, and instruction materials.
Abstract:
Disclose are novel methods for making cochleates and cochleate compositions that include introducing a cargo moiety to a liposome in the presence of a solvent. Also disclosed are cochleates and cochleate compositions that include an aggregation inhibitor, and optionally, a cargo moiety. Additionally, anhydrous cochleates that include a protonized cargo moiety, a divalent metal cation and a negatively charge lipid are disclosed. Methods of using the cochleate compositions of the invention, including methods of administration, are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Method and kits for detecting a single nucleotide polymorphism in an organism via hairpin shaped primers that discriminate between different alleles by situating the 3’ nucleotide at the location of a single nucleotide polymorphism are provided.