A Strategy Combining Differential Low-Throughput Screening and Virtual Screening (DLS-VS) Accelerating the Discovery of new Modulators for the Orphan GPR34 Receptor.

The DLS-VS strategy was developed as an integrated method for identifying chemical modulators for orphan GPCRs. It combines differential low-throughput screening (DLS) and virtual screening (VS). The two cascaded techniques offer complementary advantages and allow the experimental testing of a minimal number of compounds.

High-level synthesis of human prolactin in Chinese-Hamster ovary cells.

Two eukaryotic human prolactin (hPRL) expression vectors, based on a selectable dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) marker, were used to transfect dhfr(-) Chinese- hamster ovary (CHO) cells. One vector, p658-hPRL, contains the hepatitis-B virus-X cDNA coding for a viral transactivator and sequences mediating dhfr mRNA degradation. The other, pEDdc-hPRL, carries the encephalomyocarditis virus leader sequence coupled to hPRL cDNA to provide high-level protein expression, possibly via a mechanism of internal translation initiation in dicistronic mRNA.

Cloning of the human IL-13R alpha1 chain and reconstitution with the IL4R alpha of a functional IL-4/IL-13 receptor complex.

The human homologue of the recently cloned murine IL-13 binding protein (IL-13R alpha1) was cloned from a cDNA library derived from the carcinoma cell line CAKI-1. The cloned cDNA encodes a 427 amino acid protein with two consensus patterns characteristic of the hematopoietic cytokine receptor family and a short cytoplasmic tail. The human protein is 74% identical to the murine IL-13R alpha1, and 27% identical to the human IL-13R alpha2.

Experimental gene therapy of cancer using tumor cells engineered to secrete interleukin-13.

Cytokines locally delivered to the site of a tumor boost both specific and nonspecific host anti-tumor defenses. Interleukin (IL)-13 is a recently described cytokine produced by mouse type 2 helper T lymphocytes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibition of tumor growth induced by IL-13 delivered locally within or around transplanted tumor cells in mice.

SR 142801, the first potent non-peptide antagonist of the tachykinin NK3 receptor.

SR 142801 is the first potent and selective non-peptide antagonist of the tachykinin NK3 receptor. It inhibited [MePhe7]NKB binding to its receptor from various species, including humans. SR 142801 was a competitive antagonist of [MePhe7]NKB-mediated contractions of guinea-pig ileum and inhibited the acetylcholine release following the activation of the guinea-pig ileum tachykinin NK3 receptor.