Abstract: Disclosed is a method of identifying the origin of adipose-derived stem cells, comprising detecting at least one cell-surface marker selected from a group consisting of CD 10, CD141, CD 142 and CD200. Also disclosed are methods of determining adipogenic capability of a cell capable of adipogenesis by determining the presence of CD 10 or CD200.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes to a method of treating a metabolic disease in a subject, wherein the method comprises administration of dermatopontin to a subject, wherein the dermatopontin is recombinant dermatopontin and the metabolic disease is selected from a group consisting of weight gain, diet-induced weight gain, obesity, morbid obesity, metabolic syndrome, glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance, type I diabetes, type if diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: Disclosed are two methods of treating or preventing a proliferative disease as characterized and/or diagnosed by at least one selected from an accumulation of branched-chain amino acid(s) (BCAA), suppression of activity or transcripts level of BCAA catabolic enzyme(s) and a decrease in acylcarnitine level (C5:1), one comprising the administration of a BCAA catabolism enhancer and/or branched chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex (BCKDC) kinase inhibitor and the other comprising administration of a meal replacement with low BCAA levels. In three separate embodiments, methods of diagnosis or prognosis are disclosed, each comprising the measurement of the levels of a different marker, i.e. BCAA, BCAA catabolic enzymes or acylcarnitine (C5:1). In preferred embodiments, the proliferative disease is cancer. Also disclosed is a kit or microarray chip useful for methods thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of identifying the origin of adipose-derived stem cells, comprising detecting at least one cell-surface marker selected from a group consisting of CD 10, CD141, CD 142 and CD200. Also disclosed are methods of determining adipogenic capability of a cell capable of adipogenesis by determining the presence of CD 10 or CD200.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an antagonist of PYCR1 for the treatment and/or prevention of a neoplastic disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes to a method of treating a metabolic disease in a subject, wherein the method comprises administration of dermatopontin to a subject, wherein the dermatopontin is recombinant dermatopontin and the metabolic disease is selected from a group consisting of weight gain, diet-induced weight gain, obesity, morbid obesity, metabolic syndrome, glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance, type I diabetes, type if diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of identifying the origin of adipose-derived stem cells, comprising detecting at least one cell-surface marker selected from a group consisting of CD 10, CD141, CD 142 and CD200. Also disclosed are methods of determining adipogenic capability of a cell capable of adipogenesis by determining the presence of CD 10 or CD200.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for identifying compounds which modulate the interaction between STAT3 an SP1. A peptide is provided which is able to bind STAT3 and interfere with the interaction of STAT3 and SP1. The invention provides methods for identifying compounds which are capable of binding to the peptide and thus release interference with the interaction between STAT3 and SP1, as well as methods for identifying inhibitors and enhancers of the STAT3 SP1 interaction. Compounds identified by the methods of the invention are useful in the repression or stimulation of appetite in a patient, useful for the treatment of leptin resistance, obesity and anorexia.

Abstract: A transgenic non-human animal is disclosed, the animal having a nucleic acid inserted in its genome, wherein the presence of the inserted nucleic acid in the genome of the animal results in expression of an agent, which agent is encoded by a nucleotide sequence in the genome of the animal, and wherein the agent inhibits the ability of a leptin to activate an Ob-Rb receptor. Uses of the animal and methods of identifying compounds using the animal are also disclosed.