Abstract:
A combination of retroviral and adenoviral vectors are used for high efficiency gene transfer into hepatocytes, resulting in long term gene expression. Hepatocytes are transduced in vivo with a recombinant adenovirus vector that expresses a molecule capable of inducing hepatocyte regeneration, such as urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) or tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), resulting in a high rate of liver regeneration. During the regenerative phase, ex vivo or in vivo retroviral-mediated gene transfer into hepatocytes results in greater transduction efficiencies. The compositions and methods thus provide new means for gene therapy, and transgenic non-human animals useful in developing new therapeutic and preventative agents. The vectors can be used for high efficiency transduction of ribozymes specific for hepatitis C virus RNA.
Abstract:
The present invention provides two novel polypeptides, referred to as the "N" and "C" fragments of hedgehog, or N-terminal and C-terminal fragments, respectively, which are derived after specific cleavage at a G CF site recognized by the autoproteolytic domain in the native protein. Also provided are methods of use of the N and C fragments.
Abstract:
A droplet flow cytometer system which includes a system to optimize the droplet formation time delay based on conditions actually experienced includes an automatic droplet sample (73) which rapidly moves a plurality of containers (75) stepwise through the droplet stream while simultaneously adjusting the droplet time delay. Through the system sampling of an actual substance to be processed can be used to minimize the effect of the substances variations or the determination of which time delay is optimal. Analysis such as cell counting and the like may be conducted manually or automatically and input to a time delay adjustement which may then act with analysis equipement to revise the time delay estimate actually applied during processing. The automatic sample (73) can be controlled through a microprocessor and approriate programming to bracket an inital droplet formation time delay estimate. When maximization counts through volume, weight, or other types of analysis exists in the containers, the increment may then be reduced for a more accurate ultimate setting. This may be accomplished while actually processing the sample without interruption.
Abstract:
An advancing freeze front is established in a porous region (16) adjacent to or within contaminated earth (12). A flow of contaminated liquid phase water migrates toward the freeze front and a concentration of impurities is established in front of the advancing freeze front. When the freeze front reaches a collection zone, at least a portion is melted and the resultant water bearing concentrated impurities is collected and removed. This process may be repetitively performed.
Abstract:
Vascular grafts are used in gene therapy to implant autologous vascular smooth muscle cells that have been transduced with the gene of interest. The smooth muscle cells are immobilized within the pores and upon the interior surface of the wall of the graft, which is then coated with vascular endothelial cells and implanted into a patient's vascular system. The grafting device can be used in methods of treatment, such as supplying erythropoietin to a patient, and can be removed easily and replenished as necessary. The process is readily controlled and significantly reduces the risk of a viral gene vector spreading beyond a target cell population.
Abstract:
Hematopoietic proteins and polypeptide fragments thereof are provided, including proteins and polypeptides from mice and humans. Also provided are DNA molecules encoding the proteins and polypeptides, as well as vectors and cells useful in their production. Antibodies that bind to an epitope on the proteins are also provided. The proteins and polypeptides are useful for in vivo and ex vivo therapy, and as reagents for cell culture and investigation of cell proliferation and development.
Abstract:
Isolated polynucleotide molecules encoding mammalian phospholipid transfer proteins (PLTP) and phospholipid transfer protein polypeptides are disclosed. The DNA molecules are transformed or transfected into host cells and the cells cultured to produce recombinant PLTP and PLTP polypeptides. PLTP and PLTP polypeptides may be combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and administered to patients to regulate phospholipid transfer activity and thereby obtain a more favorable lipoprotein profile in the blood. The proteins and polypeptides may also be used within methods to measure phospholipid transfer activity or identify inhibitors of phospholipid transfer activity.
Abstract:
Derivatized calcitonin molecules, pharmaceutical compositions comprising derivatized calcitonins, and methods of reducing serum calcium in a patient using the derivatized calcitonins are disclosed. The molecules are characterized by a derivatized amino terminus formed by combining a calcitonin with a cyclic, polycyclic or heterocyclic moiety. Multimeric forms of the molecules are also disclosed.
Abstract:
The invention provides methods of using anticoagulants to retard the coagulation of blood, so that properties and functions of blood, plasma, and blood cells may be determined analytically. The methods do not interfere with electrochemichal techniques use to detect divalent cations and permit accurate analysis of many analytes within a single blood sample, which currently require separately anticoagulated blood samples. The serine protease inhibitors used may be combined with each other or blood cell activation, aggregation, and adhesion inhibitors in mixtures that provide anticoagulant activity. The methods permit, for the first time, the possibility of using a single blood sample to perform a full range of blood, plasma, and blood cell analyses.