A monoclonal antibody that binds to an extracellular domain of human receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase σ (human PTPRS), or a fragment including an antigen-binding region thereof.

A composition comprising a novel Ca.sup.2+-activated, [ATP].sub.i-sensitive nonspecific cation (NC.sub.Ca-ATP) channel is described. The channel is found in mammalian neural cells and exhibits a different sensitivity to block by various adenine nucleotides, and is activated by submicromolar [Ca].sub.i. The NC.sub.Ca-ATP channel is activated under conditions of ATP depletion, which causes severe cell depolarization, followed by cell swelling. The NC.sub.Ca-ATP channel is regulated by a sulfonylurea receptor and is inhibited by sulfonylurea compounds glibenclamide and tolbutamide. Methods employing compositions comprising the NC.sub.Ca-ATP channel to screen for compounds that block the channel and the use of such antagonists as therapeutics in preventing brain swelling and damage are described. In addition, methods employing compositions comprising the Kir2.3 channel to screen for compounds that open the channel and the use of such antagonists as therapeutics in preventing brain swelling and damage are described.

In general, the invention features substantially purified MANF and substantially purified nucleic acids encoding the same. The invention also features a pharmaceutical composition that includes MANF and a pharmaceutically-acceptable excipient, methods for treatment of a neurodegenerative disease, methods for improving dopaminergic neuronal survival during or following cell transplantation, methods for production of neurons for transplantation, and methods for identifying compounds that modulate or mimic MANF's biological activity.

The invention relates to benzimidazole-carboxamide 5-HT.sub.4 receptor agonist compounds of formula (I) ##STR00001##
wherein R.sup.1 and X are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds to treat diseases associated with 5-HT.sub.4 receptor activity, and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.

A biosensor for detecting trinitrotoluene (TNT) is disclosed. The biosensor has cells, such as olfactory sensory neurons (or cilia derived therefrom), that preferentially express a TNT-responsive odorant receptor protein.

Provided herein are screening methods for identifying compounds for use as an arthropod repellent based on the masking or inhibition of the detection of the skin odor by a cpA neuron. Provided herein are also screening methods for identifying compounds for use as an arthropod attractant based on activation of the cpA neuron. Further provided are one or more compounds identified using the screening methods described herein, and compositions containing such compounds.

The invention relates to methods of assessing communication between cells. Methods of the invention use optical reporters of cellular electrical activity to evaluate signal propagation between cells and can be used to study an individual synapse or a complex network of interconnected cells. Aspects of the invention provide a method for characterizing signal propagation between cells. The method includes providing a first cell containing a light-generating reporter and a second cell, in which the first cell and the second cell are in communication. The second cell may contain an optical actuator of cellular electrical activity. The second cell is exposed to a stimulus and an optical signal from the first cell is detected.

The present invention relates to a novel method for identifying pairs of receptors/ligands, transgenic animals useful for carrying out said method, and the use of ligands and/or modulators of the interaction between a ligand and its receptor in the food industry, fragrance industry, and health industry, for instance.

The invention, in some aspects, relates to polypeptide molecules and their encoding nucleic acid molecules and use of such molecules to direct and localize sensor molecules in the soma of cells in which they are expressed. Compositions of the invention may be delivered to cells and subjects and used in methods to determine activity in cells in which they are expressed.

The present invention relates to the manufacture of a platform for forming a neuronal spheroid and, more specifically, to the manufacture of a structure capable of simultaneously forming a test-tube three-dimensional neuronal spheroid and generating a neurite by forming a three-dimensional neuronal spheroid with a micro-platform and forming a neurite between the neuronal spheroid and the micro-platform so as to enable signal transduction, which is an essential function of a nerve cell.