Abstract: The present invention provides agents which are capable of regulating the function of a micro-RNA component which can be used to regulate an AChE-associated biological pathway. In addition, the present invention provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of various pathologies related to AChE-associated biological pathways such as apoptosis, aberrant cholinergic signaling, abnormal hematopoietic proliferation and/or differentiation, cellular stress, exposure to inflammatory response-inducing agents, and/or exposure to organophosphates or other AChE inhibitors.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antisense oligonucleotide targeted to the coding region of the human acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which selectively suppresses the AChE-R isoform of the enzyme. The antisense oligonucleotide is intended for use in the treatment and/or prevention of neuromuscular disorders, preferably myasthenia gravis. In addition, it can penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and destroy AChE-R within central nervous system neurons, while also serving as a carrier to transport molecules across the BBB.

Abstract: Compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for prevention and/or reversal of amyloid fibril formation and treating amyloid-related disorders are provided. Also provided a method of limiting and/or reducing inflammation.

Abstract: The invention provides methods/kits for assessing levels of trait or state anxiety in a subject by comparing genotypes and/or expression patterns at the ACHE, PON1 and/or BChE genes to the genotype and/or expression pattern of the genes in a reference population whose genotype and/or expression pattern of the genes is known or by correlating AChE levels activity to those of PON.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel use for AChE antisense oligonucleotides as anti-inflammatory agents, wherein said oligonucleotides are preferably as denoted by SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:7. Methods of treatment of inflammatory conditions, as well as fever, and particularly inflammation-associated neuropathies such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome, are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides agents which are capable of regulating the function of a micro-RNA component which can be used to regulate an AChE-associated biological pathway. In addition, the present invention provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of various pathologies related to AChE-associated biological pathways such as apoptosis, aberrant cholinergic signaling, abnormal hematopoietic proliferation and/or differentiation, cellular stress, exposure to inflammatory response-inducing agents, and/or exposure to organophosphates or other AChE inhibitors.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antisense oligonucleotide targeted to the coding region of the human acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which selectively suppresses the AChE-R isoform of the enzyme. The antisense oligonucleotide is intended for use in the treatment and/or prevention of neuromuscular disorders, preferably myasthenia gravis. In addition, it can penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and destroy AChE-R within central nervous system neurons, while also serving as a carrier to transport molecules across the BBB.

Abstract: The present invention provides agents which are capable of regulating the function of a micro-RNA component which can be used to regulate an ACHE-associated biological pathway. In addition, the present invention provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of various pathologies related to AChE-associated biological pathways such as apoptosis, aberrant cholinergic signaling, abnormal hematopoietic proliferation and/or differentiation, cellular stress, exposure to inflammatory response-inducing agents, and/or exposure to organophosphates or other AChE inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of an AChE-R-derived peptide, also known as ARP, as an inducer of hemopoietic cell differentiation and expansion, specifically for the granulocytic population. In addition, the use of ARP as an inducer of thrombopoietin and pro-inflammatory cytokines is also presented. ARP may further be used in the pre-transplant priming of hematopoietic stem cells. Other uses and methods utilizing ARP are also described herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell growth and/or differentiation regulatory peptide comprising a sequence of about 9 to about 150 amino acids derived from acetylcholinesterase amino acid sequence, preferably from the C-terminal region of acetylcholinesterase. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the peptides, particularly for use in promoting survival of stem cells, promoting differentiation of stem cells, promoting growth of stem cells and/or promoting the growth-enhancing effect of a growth factor on stem cells, alone, or in combination with other growth factors. Of particular interest is the use of the peptides in the treatment of thrombocytopenia, post-irradiation conditions, post-chemotherapy conditions, or conditions following massive blood loss and promotion of neural progenitors in use for cell therapies aimed at restoring neural functions in diseased individuals.

Abstract: The invention provides methods/kits for assessing levels of trait or state anxiety in a subject by comparing genotypes and/or expression patterns at the ACHE, PON1 and/or BChE genes to the genotype and/or expression pattern of the genes in a reference population whose genotype and/or expression pattern of the genes is known or by correlating AChE levels activity to those of PON.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antisense oligonucleotide targeted to the coding region of the human acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which selectively suppresses the AChE-R isoform of the enzyme. The antisense oligonucleotide is intended for use in the treatment and/or prevention of neuromuscular disorders, preferably myasthenia gravis. In addition, it can penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and destroy AChE-R within central nervous system neurons, while also serving as a carrier to transport molecules across the BBB.

Abstract: Specific PON1 and ACHE alleles segregate in linkage, forming an haplotype which directly correlates with higher susceptibility to develop Parkinson's Disease (PD). This PD-susceptibility haplotype is herein presented as a tool for predicting the risk of developing Parkinson's Disease and its severity, both for an individual and for the population in general. Thus, the present invention provides the use of said PD-susceptibility haplotype in diagnostic and screening methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antisense oligonucleotide targeted to the coding region of the human acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which selectively suppresses the AChE-R isoform of the enzyme. The antisense oligonucleotide is intended for use in the treatment and/or prevention of neuromuscular disorders, preferably myasthenia gravis. In addition, it can penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and destroy AChE-R within central nervous system neurons, while also serving as a carrier to transport molecules across the BBB.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell growth and/or differentiation regulatory peptide comprising a sequence of about 9 to about 150 amino acids derived from acetylcholinesterase amino acid sequence, preferably from the C-terminal region of acetylcholinesterase. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the peptides, particularly for use in promoting survival of stem cells, promoting differentiation of stem cells, promoting growth of stem cells and/or promoting the growth-enhancing effect of a growth factor on stem cells, alone, or in combination with other growth factors. Of particular interest is the use of the peptides in the treatment of thrombocytopenia, post-irradiation conditions, post-chemotherapy conditions, or conditions following massive blood loss and promotion of neural progenitors in use for cell therapies aimed at restoring neural functions in diseased individuals.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies recognizing acetylcholinesterase or a C-terminal peptide derived from acetyl-cholinesterase, useful in diagnosing central nervous system (CNS) stress, elevated glucocorticoid level, disruption of the blood-brain barrier or Alzheimer's disease. The invention also relates to methods for the diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) stress, elevated glucocorticoid level or disruption of the blood-brain barrier in a mammal, by use of the antibodies of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies recognizing acetylcholinesterase or a C-terminal peptide derived from acetyl-cholinesterase, useful in diagnosing central nervous system (CNS) stress, elevated glucocorticoid level, disruption of the blood-brain barrier or Alzheimer's disease. The invention also relates to methods for the diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) stress, elevated glucocorticoid level or disruption of the blood-brain barrier in a mammal, by use of the antibodies of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel use for AChE antisense oligonucleotides as anti-inflammatory agents, wherein said oligonucleotides are preferably as denoted by SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:7. Methods of treatment of inflammatory conditions, as well as fever, and particularly inflammation-associated neuropathies such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome, are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel alternative forms of human acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and nucleotide sequences encoding the same. The genes encoding the novel forms of human AChE have been identified in various malignant tumor cells. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a transgenic animal assay system for evaluating efficacy of drugs against cholinergic proteins, prior to or in the course of therapeutic treatment. Transgenic animals, preferably developing tadpole of Xenopus or mice which express human AChE, are used. The transgenic animal assay system is also useful for evaluating the toxicity of substances which potentially block human AChE (e.g. organophosphorous compounds).

Abstract: Briefly stated, the invention includes a method of making a transgenic plant that is capable of expressing a physiologically active human acetylcholinesterase, comprising the steps of introducing into at least one plant cell a polynucleotide that encodes a human acetylcholinesterase, and regenerating from the plant cell a transgenic plant that is capable of expressing a physiologically active human acetylcholinesterase in at least one tissue type of the transgenic plant.