Abstract: Fluorescence based screening assays are provided that allow for the for identification of agents that selectively bind to a ligand-gated ion channel (LGIC) such as a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Also provided are methods for identifying agents that selectively bind to a neuronal-type nAChR by detecting binding of the agent to an Aplysia AChBP, which is representative of a neuronal-type nAChR. In addition, compositions and kits for performing such methods are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the discovery of a novel class of neural progenitor cells, which proliferate in response to platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and differentiate into neurons and oligodendrocytes but not astrocytes. Progeny of the progenitor cells can be obtained by culturing brain tissue in PDGF without serum, epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor 2, or transforming growth factor alpha. Upon subculturing into EGF-containing media, these progeny cells can proliferate and form neurospheres, whereas PDGF has no such effect.

Abstract: A method and system that is directed to the local delivery of growth factors to the mammalian CNS to treat CNS disorders associated with neuronal death and/or dysfunction is described.

Abstract: Disclosed are bispecific antibodies comprising a first antibody binding specificity which confers the ability of the bispecific antibody to cross the blood-brain barrier, and a second antibody specificity conferring the ability of the bispecific antibody to bind to a ?-amyloid epitope. Also disclosed are methods for inhibiting the formation of ?-amyloid plaques in the brain of a human, or promoting the disaggregation of a preformed ?-amyloid plaque. Such methods recite the administration of a bispecific antibody.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating a medical condition, disease, or disorder mediated by a misfolded form of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in a subject in need of treatment. The method optionally comprises administering to the subject a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and an agent selected from (1) an exogenous antibody or fragment thereof that binds selectively to the misfolded form of SOD, and/or (2) an immunogen that elicits production of an endogenous antibody that binds selectively to the misfolded form of SOD, and/or (3) a nucleic acid sequence encoding (1) or (2).

Abstract: Systems and methods provide a comprehensive high-throughput approach toward the sequential identification, prioritization, verification, and validation of etiologic factors in neuropsychiatric disorders, some of which can also be utilized as biomarkers for these illnesses. The systems and methods determine patterns of gene expression in various tissues from various samples under various experimental and non-experimental conditions, and uses the differences and similarities between the gene expression profiles observed under these conditions to delineate distinct gene expression profiles of risk and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition including an effective amount of at least one of an antimicrobial peptide and a substance having an antimicrobial peptide effect and an effective amount of a neurotrophin. The composition can also include an effective amount of at least one of a growth factor and a neuropeptide. The present invention also relates a method of treating an injury to a nervous system of an animal that includes the steps of identifying the injury to the nervous system and applying to the injury an effective amount of at least one of antimicrobial peptide and a substance having an antimicrobial peptide effect. The method can also include applying an effective amount of one or more trophic factors selected from the group consisting of a growth factor, a neurotrophin, and a neuropeptide to the injury.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for diagnosing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a subject, a method for assessing the effectiveness of a drug in treating ALS, and a method for determining the site of onset of ALS in a subject. Each method comprises (a) obtaining a sample from the subject, (b) analyzing the proteins in the sample by mass spectroscopy, and (c) determining a mass spectral profile for the sample. In some embodiments, the method comprises comparing the mass spectral profile of the sample to the mass spectral profile of a positive or a negative standard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Nephronophthisis, in particular to the NPHP6 protein (nephrocystin-6) and nucleic acids encoding the NPHP6 protein. The present invention also provides assays for the detection of NPHP6, and assays for detecting NPHP6 polymorphisms and mutations associated with disease states.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease (AD) by determining the level or function of insulin, insulin-like growth factors, their receptors and/or their downstream signaling molecules. The invention further relates to methods for the treatment of AD by administering an insulin agonist and an insulin-like growth factor agonist. The invention additionally provides an animal model of AD and methods of screening for agents useful in the treatment, amelioration, or prevention of AD.

Abstract: The present invention provides a segment of glycosylation-deficient HGF having mutation(s) introduced into an amino acid sequence so as to prevent glycosylation at at least one glycosylation site of a hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and a method of producing the same. The segment of glycosylation-deficient HGF of the present invention has the same activity as that of a segment of glycosylated HGF, therefore, it is useful as an alternate for a segment of glycosylated HGF.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inducing neuronal production in the brain, recruiting neurons to the brain, and treating a neurodegenerative condition by providing a nucleic acid construct encoding a neurotrophic factor, and injecting the nucleic acid construct intraventricularly into a subject's brain.

Abstract: The invention provides binding proteins that bind to misfolded or monomeric SOD1, and not to native homodimeric SOD1. The invention also includes methods of diagnosing, detecting or monitoring amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a subject. In addition, the invention provides methods of identifying substances for the treatment or prevention of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and kits using the binding proteins of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention establishes a link between altered aPKC function and nervous system disorders and cancers, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and neuroblastoma. Methods of using aPKC in diagnosis, drug screening and gene therapy in nervous system disorders and cancers are provided.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a method of treatment or prophylaxis of atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia or a cardiovascular disease associated with atherosclerosis, which method comprises administration of one or more Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides (GHRPs) to a patient in need of such treatment or prophylaxis. There are also provided methods of reducing blood plasma cholesterol levels, as well as methods of modulating the expression of the scavenger receptor CD36 and genes involved in cellular cholesterol efflux.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a role of CCN3 in diseases associated with the overexpression of CCN2, which include but are not limited to kidney disease, fibrosis, and cancer. The full length CCN3 protein or fragments thereof or isoforms (or combinations) of CCN3 are involved in these diseases. The isolated and purified CCN3 protein or its fragments or isoforms (or combinations) of CCN3 can be potentially used in the treatment or prevention of these diseases by regulating the expression and/or activity of the CCN2 protein. The level of CCN3 in tissue or body fluids can also be used to predict, diagnose and/or follow the progression of diseases as well as to determine the effectiveness of therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for preconditioning and/or providing neuroprotection to the animal central nervous system against the effects of neurological disorders involving ischemia, trauma, metal poisoning and neurodegeneration, including the associated cognitive, behavioral and physical impairments. In one embodiment, the method is accomplished by stimulating and/or stabilizing hypoxia-inducible factor-1? (HIF-1?). HIF-1? is known to provide a neuroprotective benefit under ischemic conditions. In another embodiment, the method is accomplished by differentially reducing, inhibiting or preventing the increased expression of selected genes caused by neurological disorders. Patients at risk for certain diseases or disorders that are associated with risk for cerebral ischemia may benefit, e.g., those at risk for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Wilson's disease, Huntington's disease, thalassemia or stroke, or those patients having head or spinal cord injury.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for eliciting an immune response in an animal to produce an antibody that binds selectively to an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-specific epitope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biologically active peptides derived from the neurite outgrowth-promoting domain of laminin-1, i.e. the ?1-chain of laminin-1. These peptides include the decapeptide RDIAEIIKDI (SEQ ID NO: 1) and the truncated peptides derived therefrom comprising the biologically active domain thereof, the tripeptide KDI. The invention is directed to the biologically active tripeptide motif KDI, and to its use in promoting regeneration of neuronal or non-neuronal tissues and, in specific, to its use in the treatment of spinal cord injuries.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and reagents for promoting the differentiation of oligodendrocytes from stem cells, by co-activating the Olig genes and the Nkx2.2 genes, and the use of the differentiated oligodendrocytes thus obtained in treating diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The invention also relates to the use of OLPs and oligodendrocytes thus obtained for drug screening.