Abstract: This application generally relates to stable peptide compositions and kits comprising low levels of buffering and chelating agents, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for regenerating pancreatic islet viability and/or cell proliferation in vitro, ex vivo, and/or in vivo; and/or for regenerating glucose-stimulated insulin secretion; and/or for regenerating viability and/or cell proliferation of a transplanted pancreatic islets; and/or for preventing and/or inhibiting rejection of a transplanted islets; and/or for pancreatic islet transplantation; and/or for treating a symptom of a condition, disorder, or disease associated with abnormal insulin responsiveness to glucose are provided. In some embodiments, the compositions include a peptide and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and/or a biologically active fragment, analog, or derivative thereof, wherein the peptide, the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and/or the biologically active fragment, analog, or derivative thereof has an amino acid sequence of any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-60, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for identifying subjects suffering from dry eye that can be treated by topical administration of a composition comprising lacritin or a bioactive fragment thereof. The application discloses in part that a ˜90 KDa deglycanated form of syndecan-1 is abundant in tears of normal individuals but not individuals suffering from dry eye, whereas a ˜25 kDa syndecan-1 fragment is detectable in dry, but not normal tears.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for identifying subjects suffering from dry eye that can be treated by topical administration of a composition comprising lacritin or a bioactive fragment thereof. The application discloses in part that a ˜90 KDa deglycanated form of syndecan-1 is abundant in tears of normal individuals but not individuals suffering from dry eye, whereas a ˜25 kDa syndecan-1 fragment is detectable in dry, but not normal tears.

Abstract: This application generally relates to stable peptide compositions and kits comprising low levels of buffering and chelating agents, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for identifying subjects suffering from dry eye that can be treated by topical administration of a composition comprising lacritin or a bioactive fragment thereof. The application discloses in part that a ˜90 KDa deglycanated form of syndecan-1 is abundant in tears of normal individuals but not individuals suffering from dry eye, whereas a ˜25 kDa syndecan-1 fragment is detectable in dry, but not normal tears.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for identifying subjects suffering from dry eye that can be treated by topical administration of a composition comprising lacritin or a bioactive fragment thereof. The application discloses in part that a ˜90 KDa deglycanated form of syndecan-1 is abundant in tears of normal individuals but not individuals suffering from dry eye, whereas a ˜25 kDa syndecan-1 fragment is detectable in dry, but no normal tears.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel methods and compositions for targeting ocular diseases. One aspect relates to a contact lens comprising an elastin-like peptide (ELP) component and optionally a therapeutic agent. Also provided are methods for treating ocular diseases comprising administering a contact lens of the disclosure to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for identifying subjects suffering from dry eye that can be treated by topical administration of a composition comprising lacritin or a bioactive fragment thereof. The application discloses in part that a ˜90 KDa deglycanated form of syndecan-1 is abundant in tears of normal individuals but not individuals suffering from dry eye, whereas a ˜25 kDa syndecan-1 fragment is detectable in dry, but not normal tears.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for identifying subjects suffering from dry eye that can be treated by topical administration of a composition comprising lacritin or a bioactive fragment thereof. The application discloses in part that a ˜90 KDa deglycanated form of syndecan-1 is abundant in tears of normal individuals but not individuals suffering from dry eye, whereas a ˜25 kDa syndecan-1 fragment is detectable in dry, but not normal tears.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for identifying subjects suffering from dry eye that can be treated by topical administration of a composition comprising lacritin or a bioactive fragment thereof. The application discloses in part that a ˜90 KDa deglycanated form of syndecan-1 is abundant in tears of normal individuals but not individuals suffering from dry eye, whereas a ˜25 kDa syndecan-1 fragment is detectable in dry, but no normal tears.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions useful for the regulation of lacritin, syndecan, and lacritin-syndecan interactions and the signaling pathway downstream of lacritin-syndecan interactions. The invention also relates to regulating lacritin-syndecan interaction to regulate ocular cell survival in response to an insult or injury, in protecting against ocular inflammation, and in promoting ocular wound repair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions useful for the regulation of lacritin, syndecan, and lacritin-syndecan interactions and the signaling pathway downstream of lacritin-syndecan interactions. The invention also relates to regulating lacritin-syndecan interaction to regulate ocular cell survival in response to an insult or injury, in protecting against ocular inflammation, and in promoting ocular wound repair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of lacritin, and fragments, derivatives, and homologs thereof, and nucleic acid sequences encoding that protein. The invention relates to the use of lacritin as a growth factor human corneal epithelial cells and other select epithelial cells. The invention also relates to the use of lacritin in promoting ocular cell survival in response to an insult or injury, in protecting against ocular inflammation, and in promoting ocular wound repair.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant proteins with antimicrobial activity and methods for treating animals including humans by administering the novel recombinant proteins. In particular, the invention provides methods for treating and/or preventing microbial diseases and infections using lacritin and homologs, fragments, modifications, and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel lacrimal gland protein (designated lacritin) and the nucleic acid sequences encoding that protein. Lacritin has activity as a growth factor on both human corneal epithelial cells and on the lacrimal acinar cells that produce it. Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to the use of lacritin to treat Dry Eye and other disorders requiring the wetting of the eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel lacrimal gland protein (designated lacritin) and the nucleic acid sequences encoding that protein. Lacritin has activity as a growth factor on both human corneal epithelial cells and on the lacrimal acinar cells that produce it. Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to the use of lacritin to treat Dry Eye and other disorders requiring the wetting of the eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel lacrimal gland protein (designated lacritin) and the nucleic acid sequences encoding that protein. Lacritin has activity as a growth factor on both human corneal epithelial cells and on the lacrimal acinar cells that produce it Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to the use of lacritin to treat Dry Eye and other disorders requiring the wetting of the eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel polypeptide which has secretion enhancing activity on lacrimal and parotid gland cells, monoclonal antibodies thereto, and methods of diagnosising Sjorgren's syndrome using these antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel cell adhesion peptides.