Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for treating endometriosis in an individual, and the pain associated with endometriosis. Aspects of the methods include administering to the individual an agent that promotes ALDH activity.

Abstract: Methods of modulating the interaction between calcineurin and a calcineurin-binding protein partner are provided. Aspects of the methods include contacting a cell with a peptidic agent that modulates the interaction between calcineurin and a TRPV channel. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions that comprise a peptidic agent that selectively modulates the interaction between calcineurin and a calcineurin-binding protein partner. Also provided are methods of treating a condition in a subject by selectively modulating the interaction between calcineurin and a calcineurin-binding TRPV channel. Also provided are screening methods to identify candidate agents that modulate calcineurin protein-protein interactions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides peptides and constructs that inhibit mitochondrial fission, and compositions comprising the peptides or constructs. The present disclosure provides methods of reducing abnormal mitochondrial fission in a cell. Also provided are methods for designing and validating mitochondrial fission inhibitor constructs and peptides, including but not limited to, evaluating the effects of the constructs and peptides on binding of dynamin-1-related protein (Drp1) GTPase activity, Drp1 to mitochondrial fission 1 protein (Fis1), reduction of mitochondrial damage, reduction in cell death, inhibition of mitochondrial fragmentation in a cell under pathological conditions, and reduced loss of neurites in primary dopaminergic neurons in a Parkinsonism cell culture.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include G6PD-modulating agents and methods for modulating a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in a sample using such agents. A G6PD-modulating agent can be dimeric and include two terminal carbocyclic or heterocyclic groups connected via a linker. In some instances, the agent includes a diamino-containing linker. In certain cases, the agent includes two amino substituents. Also provided are methods for treating a subject for a G6PD deficiency-associated condition, that include administering to a subject an effective amount of a G6PD-modulating agent to selectively activate a mutant G6PD and treat the subject. Kits and compositions for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for treating endometriosis in an individual, and the pain associated with endometriosis. Aspects of the methods include administering to the individual an agent that promotes ALDH activity.

Abstract: Mitofusin modulatory peptides are described which may function as activators or inhibitors of mitochondrial fusion. The sequences and compositions comprising the sequences are useful for treating diseases or disorders associated with mitofusin 1 (Mfn1) and/or mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) and mitochondrial dysfunction. Methods of treatment, pharmaceutical formulations and methods of identifying compounds that mimic the activity of the peptides for use in screening assays are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of increasing proliferation of adult salivary stem cells. The methods include contacting adult salivary stem cells in vivo, in vitro, or ex vivo with an aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) agonist. Increasing proliferation of adult salivary stem cells can be carried out to provide for an increase in the number of adult salivary stem cells in an individual undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

Abstract: The diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease or the response of a patient with a neurodegenerative disease to therapy, in a clinical trial setting or in a long-term disease management setting, is assessed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides peptides and constructs that inhibit mitochondrial fission, and compositions comprising the peptides or constructs. The present disclosure provides methods of reducing abnormal mitochondrial fission in a cell. Also provided are methods for designing and validating mitochondrial fission inhibitor constructs and peptides, including but not limited to, evaluating the effects of the constructs and peptides on binding of dynamin-1-related protein (Drp1) GTPase activity, Drp1 to mitochondrial fission 1 protein (Fis1), reduction of mitochondrial damage, reduction in cell death, inhibition of mitochondrial fragmentation in a cell under pathological conditions, and reduced loss of neurites in primary dopaminergic neurons in a Parkinsonism cell culture.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of protecting and expanding hematopoietic cells. The present disclosure also provides methods of increasing the potency of hematopoietic cells. Aspects of the methods include contacting a starting population of hematopoietic cells with a therapeutically effective amount of at least one ALDH2 agonist. Aspects include in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo methods of protecting, expanding and increasing the potency of hematopoietic cells. Aspects of the methods include treating an individual who is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer, has been exposed to damaging toxins, has a genetic disease that leads to HSC damage, bone marrow failure, an autoimmune disease, or development of hematologic malignancies. Aspects of the methods also include treating a healthy individual who is a stem cell transplant donor.

Abstract: Methods of modulating the interaction between calcineurin and a calcineurin-binding protein partner are provided. Aspects of the methods include contacting a cell with a peptidic agent that modulates the interaction between calcineurin and a TRPV channel. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions that comprise a peptidic agent that selectively modulates the interaction between calcineurin and a calcineurin-binding protein partner. Also provided are methods of treating a condition in a subject by selectively modulating the interaction between calcineurin and a calcineurin-binding TRPV channel. Also provided are screening methods to identify candidate agents that modulate calcineurin protein-protein interactions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compounds of formula (I) that function as modulators of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) activity, and methods of preparing these compounds.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of increasing proliferation of adult salivary stem cells, methods of protecting adult salivary stem cells and improving salivary gland function. The methods include contacting adult salivary stem cells in vivo, in vitro, or ex vivo with a therapeutically effective amount of at least one isolated monoterpene and subjecting the adult salivary stem cells to radiation treatment. Increasing proliferation of adult salivary stem cells can be carried out to provide for an increase in the number of adult salivary stem cells and improve salivary gland function in an individual undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. The methods also include treating an individual with dry eye with a therapeutically effective amount of at least one isolated monoterpene.

Abstract: A peptide composition is provided which specifically inhibits the ability of ?-protein kinase C (?PKC) to phosphorylate pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) under ischemic conditions. The peptide composition is useful for treating or reducing tissue damage resulting from ischemia and/or reperfusion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides peptides and constructs that inhibit mitochondrial fission, and compositions comprising the peptides or constructs. The present disclosure provides methods of reducing abnormal mitochondrial fission in a cell. Also provided are methods for designing and validating mitochondrial fission inhibitor constructs and peptides, including but not limited to, evaluating the effects of the constructs and peptides on binding of dynamin-1-related protein (Drp1) GTPase activity, Drp1 to mitochondrial fission 1 protein (Fis1), reduction of mitochondrial damage, reduction in cell death, inhibition of mitochondrial fragmentation in a cell under pathological conditions, and reduced loss of neurites in primary dopaminergic neurons in a Parkinsonism cell culture.

Abstract: Mitofusin modulatory peptides are described which may function as activators or inhibitors of mitochondrial fusion. The sequences and compositions comprising the sequences are useful for treating diseases or disorders associated with mitofusin 1 (Mfn1) and/or mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) and mitochondrial dysfunction. Methods of treatment, pharmaceutical formulations and methods of identifying compounds that mimic the activity of the peptides for use in screening assays are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compounds of formula (I) that function as modulators of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) activity, and methods of preparing these compounds.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides peptides and constructs that inhibit mitochondrial fission, and compositions comprising the peptides or constructs. The present disclosure provides methods of reducing abnormal mitochondrial fission in a cell. Also provided are methods for designing and validating mitochondrial fission inhibitor constructs and peptides, including but not limited to, evaluating the effects of the constructs and peptides on binding of dynamin-1-related protein (Drp1) GTPase activity, Drp1 to mitochondrial fission 1 protein (Fis1), reduction of mitochondrial damage, reduction in cell death, inhibition of mitochondrial fragmentation in a cell under pathological conditions, and reduced loss of neurites in primary dopaminergic neurons in a Parkinsonism cell culture.

Abstract: A method for protection of tissues subject to ischemic and/or reperfusion damage is provided. The method includes administering to the tissue a composition comprising nanodevices. The nanodevices can take the form of, for example, polymeric nanoparticles or lipidic nanoparticles. The nanodevices also find use in methods for reducing ischemic injury in tissue at risk of such injury, such as heart and brain tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides peptides and constructs that inhibit mitochondrial fission, and compositions comprising the peptides or constructs. The present disclosure provides methods of reducing abnormal mitochondrial fission in a cell. Also provided are methods for designing and validating mitochondrial fission inhibitor constructs and peptides, including but not limited to, evaluating the effects of the constructs and peptides on binding of dynamin-1-related protein (Drp1) GTPase activity, Drp1 to mitochondrial fission 1 protein (Fis1), reduction of mitochondrial damage, reduction in cell death, inhibition of mitochondrial fragmentation in a cell under pathological conditions, and reduced loss of neurites in primary dopaminergic neurons in a Parkinsonism cell culture.