Abstract: Described herein are improved cell penetrating peptides and related compositions and methods for their enhanced functional delivery.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a method of isolating peptides having cell-penetrating function, wherein the peptides are detected as biotinylated molecules only following their translocation through the cell membrane. The disclosure also provides methods for validating the cell-penetrating function of the peptides, or that may be employed in their own right to isolate such peptides, wherein the peptides are detectable by virtue of their ability to transport a detectable cargo into the cytoplasm, such as a cargo toxin or a fragment of a green fluorescent protein (GFP) that is required for complementation of a functional GFP. The disclosure also provides non-canonical peptides having cell-penetrating function that differ structurally from known CPPs such as TAT, VP22, transportan and penetratin, and that are capable of translocating cell membranes and escaping the endosome. The disclosed peptides have utility in transporting cargo therapeutics and diagnostics into cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a topical composition comprising (i) an amount of an AP-1 signaling inhibitor sufficient to reduce, delay or prevent apoptosis and/or necrosis induced by dermal wounding and/or to induce and/or enhance proliferation of a cell; and (ii) a suitable carrier or excipient e.g., a topical carrier or excipient or other carrier or excipient for dermal application. For example, the AP-1 signaling inhibitor is a peptide analog comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 104. The present invention also provides a method of treating a dermal wound comprising topically administering said topical composition to a subject suffering from a dermal wound.

Abstract: The present invention provides AP-1 signaling inhibitory peptides of SEQ ID NOS:54-57, compositions of the peptides, and methods of treatment of neurological disorders by administration of the peptide(s) or compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides AP-1 signaling inhibitory peptides comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 28-31, 36-39, 45-48, 54-57 and 62-65, compositions comprising one or a plurality of said peptides, and methods of treatment of neurological disorders comprising the administration of the peptide(s) or compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a topical composition comprising (i) an amount of an AP-1 signaling inhibitor sufficient to reduce, delay or prevent apoptosis and/or necrosis induced by dermal wounding and/or to induce and/or enhance proliferation of a cell; and (ii) a suitable carrier or excipient e.g., a topical carrier or excipient or other carrier or excipient for dermal application. For example, the AP-1 signaling inhibitor is a peptide analog comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 104. The present invention also provides a method of treating a dermal wound comprising topically administering said topical composition to a subject suffering from a dermal wound.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved N-hybrid assays. In particular, the present invention provides an improved reverse N-hybrid assay comprising modulating the amount of a substrate of a reporter gene and/or the amount of a reporter gene thereby enhancing cell death in the absence of a peptide inhibitor of a DNA-protein or protein-protein interaction and/or enhancing cell survival in the presence of a peptide inhibitor of a DNA-protein or protein-protein interaction. Furthermore, the present invention provides an improved forward N-hybrid assay comprising modulating the amount of a reporter gene thereby enhancing cell death in the absence of a heterologous peptide or protein capable of binding to the DNA or protein in a cell and enhancing cell survival in the presence of a heterologous peptide or protein capable of binding to the DNA or protein in a cell.