Abstract: Biodegradable nanofiber conical conduits for nerve repair and methods of using same are disclosed. The biodegradable nanofiber conical conduits for nerve repair and methods provide a saturable conduit having a conical shape/geometry including a larger proximal aperture and smaller distal aperture to mechanically guide the regenerating axons across the mismatched repair and thereby prevent axonal escape and neuroma formation. The biodegradable nanofiber conical conduits for nerve repair may include, but are not limited to, a conical conduit that tapers substantially linearly; a conical conduit including a conical concave shape, a conical conduit including a conical convex shape, a conical conduit including proximal and/or distal extensions, a conical conduit including an arrangement of lateral or radial ridges for crimping action, and a conical conduit filled with hydrogel for inhibiting excessive axonal growth.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods for immortalizing cells. The invention further provides immortalized cell lines, e.g., neuronal cell lines, and methods of using these cell lines in screening assays.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods for immortalizing cells. The invention further provides immortalized cell lines, e.g., neuronal cell lines, and methods of using these cell lines in screening assays.

Abstract: The instant invention provides electrospun fiber compositions comprising one or more polymers and one or more biologically active agents. In specific embodiments, the biologically active agents are nerve growth factors. In certain embodiments, the electrospun fiber compositions comprising one or more biologically active agents are on the surface of a film, or a tube. The tubes comprising the electrospun fiber compositions of the invention can be used, for example, as nerve guide conduits.

Abstract: The instant invention provides electrospun fiber compositions comprising one or more polymers and one or more biologically active agents. In specific embodiments, the biologically active agents are nerve growth factors. In certain embodiments, the electrospun fiber compositions comprising one or more biologically active agents are on the surface of a film, or a tube. The tubes comprising the electrospun fiber compositions of the invention can be used, for example, as nerve guide conduits.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the compositions and methods of preparing hydrogel-grafted nerve guides for peripheral nerve regeneration. Particularly, the present invention describes the nerve guides and methods for preparation of hydrogel-grafted nerve guides with encapsulated neurotrophic factors and a nanofiber mesh lining the inner surface of the guide. The present invention also provides methods for peripheral nerve repair using these hydrogel-grafted nerve guides.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the compositions and methods of preparing hydrogel-grafted nerve guides for peripheral nerve regeneration. Particularly, the present invention describes the nerve guides and methods for preparation of hydrogel-grafted nerve guides with encapsulated neurotrophic factors and a nanofiber mesh lining the inner surface of the guide. The present invention also provides methods for peripheral nerve repair using these hydrogel-grafted nerve guides.

Abstract: The instant invention provides compositions and methods for promoting the repair and/or growth of biological tissue, e.g., tubular biological tissue such as nerves. Specifically, the instant invention provides tissue connection devices and tissue repair devices and methods for using these devices.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for treating or preventing a neurodegenerative disease, disorder or condition associated with the overall activity of hsp90 but not with the ATPase activity of hsp90, including peripheral neuropathy, such as peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy or diabetes, disorders 5 of the central nervous system, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinsons disease, and motor neuron diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), in a subject are provided.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods for immortalizing cells. The invention further provides immortalized cell lines, e.g., neuronal cell lines, and methods of using these cell lines in screening assays.

Abstract: The instant invention provides electrospun fiber compositions comprising one or more polymers and one or more biologically active agents. In specific embodiments, the biologically active agents are nerve growth factors. In certain embodiments, the electrospun fiber compositions comprising one or more biologically active agents are on the surface of a film, or a tube. The tubes comprising the electrospun fiber compositions of the invention can be used, for example, as nerve guide conduits.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for treating or preventing a neurodegenerative disease, disorder or condition associated with the overall activity of hsp90 but not with the ATPase activity of hsp90, including peripheral neuropathy, such as peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy or diabetes, disorders 5 of the central nervous system, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinsons disease, and motor neuron diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), in a subject are provided.

Abstract: The instant invention provides electrospun fiber compositions comprising one or more polymers and one or more biologically active agents. In specific embodiments, the biologically active agents are nerve growth factors. In certain embodiments, the electrospun fiber compositions comprising one or more biologically active agents are on the surface of a film, or a tube. The tubes comprising the electrospun fiber compositions of the invention can be used, for example, as nerve guide conduits.

Abstract: The instant invention provides compositions and methods for promoting the repair and/or growth of biological tissue, e.g., tubular biological tissue such as nerves. Specifically, the instant invention provides tissue connection devices and tissue repair devices and methods for using these devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the compositions and methods of preparing hydrogel-grafted nerve guides for peripheral nerve regeneration. Particularly, the present invention describes the nerve guides and methods for preparation of hydrogel-grafted nerve guides with encapsulated neurotrophic factors and a nanofiber mesh lining the inner surface of the guide. The present invention also provides methods for peripheral nerve repair using these hydrogel-grafted nerve guides.

Abstract: The instant invention provides compositions and methods for promoting the repair and/or growth of biological tissue, e.g., tubular biological tissue such as nerves. Specifically, the instant invention provides tissue connection devices and tissue repair devices and methods for using these devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the compositions and methods of preparing hydrogel-grafted nerve guides for peripheral nerve regeneration. Particularly, the present invention describes the nerve guides and methods for preparation of hydrogel-grafted nerve guides with encapsulated neurotrophic factors and a nanofiber mesh lining the inner surface of the guide. The present invention also provides methods for peripheral nerve repair using these hydrogel-grafted nerve guides.

Abstract: The instant invention provides electrospun fiber compositions comprising one or more polymers and one or more biologically active agents. In specific embodiments, the biologically active agents are nerve growth factors. In certain embodiments, the electrospun fiber compositions comprising one or more biologically active agents are on the surface of a film, or a tube. The tubes comprising the electrospun fiber compositions of the invention can be used, for example, as nerve guide conduits.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods for immortalizing cells. The invention further provides immortalized cell lines, e.g., neuronal cell lines, and methods of using these cell lines in screening assays.

Abstract: Pleiotrophin is used to treat various conditions, disorders, and diseases which involve damage to the peripheral nervous system. Such conditions include traumatic nerve damage, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinobulbar muscular atrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, diabetic neuropathy, and uremic neuropathy. Pleiotrophin can be provided as a protein or as a gene therapy to a patient in need thereof.