University of Texas System

Other

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Board of Regents, University of Tx Systems

R Sanders Williams

Bruce W Stillman

Stephen Albert Johnston

John C Sanford

Beverly Rothermel

Sandra G McElligott

Juan R Mendez

Kang Li

The present invention relates to the polypeptides known as muscle calcineurin interacting proteins (MCIPs). These molecules binding to calcineurin and, in so doing, modulate its functions, which includes phosphate removal as part of a pathway coupling Cato cellular responses in muscle. MCIPs form a physical complex with the catalytic subunit of calcineurin, and increased levels of MCIPs correspond to a reduced ability of calcineurin to stimulate transcription of certain target genes. Methods to exploit these observation are provided and include screening for modulators of MCIP expression and binding to calcineurin, methods of diagnosis of MCIP defects, and methods for treating cardiomyopathies, including cardiac hypertrophy.

Methods relating to muscle selective calcineurin interacting protein (MCIP)

The invention pertains to novel genes which function in the regulation of DNA replication and/or entry of a cell into mitosis. Tile invention also pertains to novel proteins encoded by the genes described herein, antibodies which bind the encoded protein, and homologs of the novel genes which function in regulation of DNA replication and/or entry of a cell into mitosis find hybridize to the DNA sequence of the novel genes. The invention also includes methods for determining the presence of a proliferative disorder comprising determining the presence of level of hscdc6.

Methods of immunoassay for human CDC6

A method of transferring a gene to vertebrate cells is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing microprojectiles, the microprojectiles carrying polynucleic acid sequences, the sequences comprising, in the 5&prime; to 3&prime; direction, a regulatory sequence operable in the tissue cells and a gene positioned downstream of the regulatory sequence and under the transcriptional control thereof; and (b) accelerating the microprojectiles at the cells, with the microprojectiles contacting the cells at a speed sufficient to penetrate the cells and deposit the polynucleic acid sequences therein. Preferably, the target cells reside in situ in the animal subject when they are transformed. Preferred target cells are dermis or hypodermis cells, and preferred genes for insertion into the target cells are genes which code for proteins or peptides which produce a physiological response in the animal subject.

Particle-mediated bombardment of DNA sequences into tissue to induce an immune response

The invention pertains to novel genes which function in the regulation of DNA replication and/or entry of a cell into mitosis. The invention also pertains to novel proteins encoded by the genes described herein, antibodies which bind the encoded protein, and homologs of the novel genes which function in regulation of DNA replication and/or entry of a cell into mitosis and hybridize to the DNA sequence of the novel genes.

DNA replication-regulating genes

DNA Replication-regulating genes

The invention relates to small RNAs encoded within the nucleus of mammalian cells that specifically import to the mitochondria. The RNAs bind to several nucleolar peptides and thus provide potential carriers for import of biological molecules, including metabolites and proteins, into the mitochondrial compartment. Mitochondrial dysfunction in several maternally inherited human diseases may be correctable employing linkage of mitochondrial import signal to mitochondrial tRNA sequences expressed from nuclear trans-genes without requirement for direct genetic transformation of mitochondria.

Growing community of inventors

Dallas, TX, United States of America

R Sanders Williams