Abstract: The invention features methods of treatment and diagnosis using NRG-2 polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules, and antibodies. The invention also provides novel NRG-2 polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: The methods and uses described herein relate to the modulation of the immune system by modulation of Sema3F levels and/or activity, e.g. suppressing allograft rejection or inflammation by administering a Sema3F agonist or increasing an immune response by administering a Sema3F inhibitor.

Abstract: Provided herein are hemostatic compositions useful for treating wounds in a patient in need thereof. An exemplary hemostatic comprises gelatin or a derivative thereof and silicate nanoparticles. Methods of use, kits comprising the compositions, and a process of making the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of glaucoma, wherein the pharmaceutical composition includes angiogenin or a fragment thereof as an active ingredient. Angiogenin or a fragment thereof according to the present invention activates aqueous humor outflow due to NO generation increase, Schlemm's canal expansion, and intercellular interval widening, thereby reducing intraocular pressure. Accordingly, angiogenin and a fragment may be useful for the prevention and treatment of glaucoma.

Abstract: A method including treating a biological sample taken from a body with a composition including an acetal solvent. A method including contacting a fixed biological sample taken from a body with a composition including an acetal solvent as at least one a dehydrating, clearing and infiltration process.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treating diseases, disorders or injuries involving motor neuron survival and axonal growth, including amylotrophic lateral sclerosis, by the administration of a LINGO-2 antagonist. An exemplary method for promoting survival of a motor neuron, comprising contacting said motor neuron with an effective amount of a composition comprising a LINGO-2 antagonist selected from the group consisting of: (i) a soluble LINGO-2 polypeptide; (ii) a LINGO-2 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof; (iii) a LINGO-2 antagonist polynucleotide; (iv) a LINGO-2 aptamer; and (v) a combination of two or more of said LINGO-2 antagonists.

Abstract: A method of treating autism spectrum disorders using a therapeutic amount of a synthetic amino acid sequence corresponding to a portion of human ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). In particular, the synthetic amino acid sequence is VGDGGLFEKKL (SEQ ID NO: 1), referred to as Peptide 6. Peptide 6 was tested and shown to exert a neuroprotective effect by modulating CNTF/JAK/STAT pathway and LIF signaling and enhancing brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medicament for preventing or treating an ocular disease comprising cyclo-trans-4-L-hydroxyprolyl-L-serine as an active ingredient, a medicament for preventing or treating dry eye comprising the compound as an active ingredient, and, in particular, a medicament for preventing or treating dry eye having an action of enhancing mucin secretion and an action of enhancing repair of ocular tissue damage caused by dry eye.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic antibacterial peptides comprising a sequence at least 80% identical to a sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 or the diastereomer thereof with a sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3 or pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Also provided are methods for reducing the severity of microbe-induced inflammation and for stimulating wound healing via the synthetic antibacterial peptides. Further provided is a device having a surface with a coating comprising the synthetic antibacterial peptides.

Abstract: A light activated collagen-flavin composite layer incorporating riboflavin is applied as treatment for infected lesions. These composites have also been found to be strong tissue adheives that are effective in closing and sealing wounds, fixation of grafts/ implants and anastomoses. Advantages include speed of closure, reduced infection due to the elimination of foreign matter, evidence of accelerated wound healing and the ease of use in complex surgery, especially when watertight seals, limited access or small repair size are important factors. The riboflavin in the collagen layer is exposed to light (e.g., light having a wavelength between 360-375 nm or 440-480 nm), decomposing the riboflavin to form reactive oxygen species (ROS). Strong crosslinks between the collagen composite and tissue results. In addition, similar exposures eradicate pathogens in the wound.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a drug for promoting the regeneration of tendon-bone junction tissue or ligament-bone junction tissue.

Abstract: Engineered protein coatings are provided for medical implants to promote bone regeneration. The coating is an engineered protein containing an elastin-like structural domain (SEQ ID No: 2) and a cell-adhesive domain derived from an extended fibronectin RGD sequence. The surface of the medical implant is covalently and directly bonded to the coating via photoreactive crosslinking through an insertion and/or addition reaction. The engineered protein coating can be applied directly upon fabrication of the implant, which would eliminate applying the coating in the operating room. The engineered protein coating is also customizable and can include biologics to improve performance. Furthermore, the engineered protein coating could also be spatially patterned on the implant surface.

Abstract: Injectable collagen based graft compositions and grafts formed from the compositions for tissue regeneration. The compositions and grafts further include a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) to control matrix formation and remodeling.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to tissue differentiation factor (TDF) analogs. More specifically, the invention relates to structure-based methods and compositions useful in designing, identifying, and producing molecules which act as functional modulators of TDF-like receptors. The invention further relates to methods of detecting, preventing, and treating TDF-associated disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel class of self-assembling peptides, compositions thereof, methods for the preparation thereof and methods of use thereof. The invention also encompasses methods for tissue regeneration, increasing the production of extracellular matrix proteins, and methods of treatment comprising administering self-assembling peptides.

Abstract: The inventions provided herein relate to compositions, methods, delivery devices and kits for repairing or augmenting a tissue in a subject. The compositions described herein can be injectable such that they can be placed in a tissue to be treated with a minimally-invasive procedure (e.g., by injection). In some embodiments, the composition described herein comprises a compressed silk fibroin matrix, which can expand upon injection into the tissue and retain its original expanded volume within the tissue for a period of time. The compositions can be used as a filler to replace a tissue void, e.g., for tissue repair and/or augmentation, or as a scaffold to support tissue regeneration and/or reconstruction. In some embodiments, the compositions described herein can be used for soft tissue repair or augmentation.

Abstract: Apolipoprotein M forms a complex with sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and is the carrier of S1P in high density lipoprotein particles and mediates its endothelial protective effect. Increasing the concentration of the apoM/S1P complex by administering it, either alone or in HDL particles, can prevent or treat diseases caused by endothelial cell injury, including inflammatory diseases, sepsis, atherosclerosis and acute lung injury, ischemic heart disease, stroke, vital organ failure after ischemic stress.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inducing or inhibiting the angiogenic process and promoting vessel growth or stabilization in an organ by modulating the trk receptor pathway. The present invention also relates to a method for treating a pathological disorder in a patient which includes administering a trk receptor ligand or an inhibitor or expression or activity of a trk receptor ligand. The present invention also relates to a method of screening for a modulator of angiogenesis, vessel growth, or vessel stabilization. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of diagnosing or monitoring a pathological disorder in a patient which includes determining the presence or amount of a trk receptor ligand or activation of a trk receptor ligand in a biological sample.

Abstract: This document relates to compositions containing cardiogenic factors, to methods to obtain cells by culturing initial cells in the presence of such factors; and methods of administering the obtained cells to heart tissue.

Abstract: Peptide compositions are disclosed that include fragments of surfactant protein-A, or a derivative thereof, wherein the fragment binds to TLR4. Methods of producing and using the peptide compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides, among other aspects, compositions and methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing diseases or conditions associated with an abnormal level or activity of biglycan; diseases or conditions associated with an abnormal level or activity of collagen VI; disorders associated with an unstable cytoplasmic membrane, due, e.g., to an unstable dystrophin associated protein complex (DAPC); and disorders associated with abnormal synapses or neuromuscular junctions, including those resulting from an abnormal MuSK activation or acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregation.

Abstract: Methods for identifying a subset of CD8 T cells that is resistant to an inhibitor, specifically cyclosporine, rapamycin and/or tacrolimus, by detecting expression levels of human biomarkers are disclosed. The methods include determining whether a subset of certain CD8 T cells expresses elevated levels of Scin and/or Pla2g4a, with an elevated level indicative of proliferation of the identified CD8 T cells. Also disclosed are methods of diagnosing, monitoring and treating rheumatoid arthritis and transplant rejection, including determining and/or monitoring the expansion of a subset of CD8 T cells by measuring the level of expression of a biomarker in the population of the CD8 T cell subset.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treatment methods and methods for sustained delivery of one or more exogenous factors to desired nervous system sites. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to the use of biodegradable microspheres to deliver exogenous factors, such as the morphogenic factor, sonic hedgehog (Shh), to the site of spinal cord injury. In certain embodiments, the Shh-releasing microspheres are administered together with stem cells, which may be spinal cord neural stem cells. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to regrowth of neural cells in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Abstract: (Objective) An objective of the present invention is to provide therapeutic agents that, in association with stimulation of PDGFR?-positive cells such as bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, promote their mobilization into blood and accumulation in a damaged tissue, and induce tissue regeneration in a living body. (Means for solution) Multiple peptides were synthesized, and the migration-promoting activity of each peptide was evaluated. As a result, the present inventors successfully identified multiple peptides that have migration-promoting activity on a PDGFR?-positive bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell line (MSC-1). Further, the present inventors confirmed that the identified peptides also have migration-promoting activity on skin fibroblasts, which are PDGFR?-positive cells.

Abstract: Neural outgrowth in the central nervous system is achieved by administering chondroitinase AC and/or chondroitinase B to degrade chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans that inhibit or contribute to the inhibition of nervous tissue regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for treating an ocular disease, disorder or condition in a mammal. The invention includes a population of mesenchymal stromal cells that possess anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, immune modulatory and anti-tumorigenic properties. The invention includes administration of TSG-6, STC-1, or a combination thereof to the ocular as a treatment for an ocular disease, disorder or condition in a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention features methods for treating or ameliorating tissue damage using intravenous administration of compositions that include stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) peptides or mutant SDF-1 peptides that have been mutated to make them resistant to protease digestion, but which retain chemoattractant activity. Systemic delivery, and specifically intravenous (“IV”) delivery, of SDF-1 and protease resistant SDF-1 mutants is very effective for the treatment of tissue damage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and uses thereof for treatment of damaged tissue comprising at least one essential amino acid in L form and at least one essential lipid; wherein the composition is administered to a mammal suffering from severe tissue damage. The invention further relates to a composition and uses thereof comprising the mixture of one or more free L-amino acids in which the molar ratio of the free L-amino acids corresponds to the molar ratio of amino components in a mammalian tissue protein; and at least one essential lipid.

Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutic and prophylactic compositions for use in treating and preventing disorders involving epithelial cell apoptosis, such as gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) in a subject, such as a human patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to prevention and treatment of vascular sclerosis, vascular calcification (VC) and neointimal hyperplasia using a morphogen.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the preparation of substantially purified agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof. The invention further relates to isolated agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof as well as their use in the treatment of X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and tooth agenesis. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising said isolated agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof and to a method of treating X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and tooth agenesis. Finally, the present invention concerns a pharmaceutical kit comprising said isolated agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof.

Abstract: The invention stems from the discovery that sFRP and fragments thereof can bind to members of the Wnt family of proteins and cause an increase in Wnt biological activity. Furthermore, fragments of sFRP that do not contain the CRD domain are shown to bind to Wnt proteins and modulate Wnt biological activity. Accordingly, the invention provides these sFRP fragments and variants of these fragments, as well as vectors and host cells containing nucleic acid sequences encoding the sFRP fragments and variants.

Abstract: A synthetic, flexible tissue matrix and methods for repairing hyaline cartilage defects in a joint using the flexible tissue matrix are described. The flexible tissue matrix includes a high molecular weight polycaprolactone polymer entangled with a polysaccharide such as hyaluronic acid. In the methods, autologous bone mesenchymal stem cells are introduced to a joint by a microfracturing technique, and a membrane made of the flexible matrix is applied to the joint. Cartilage which forms in the joint is hyaline cartilage rather than fibrocartilage.

Abstract: The invention relates to stabilized polypeptides having an IGF-1 sequence and an Ea peptide sequence, where the natural physiological cleavage of the Ea peptide from the IGF-1 is prevented.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for utilizing a peptide of thrombospondin-1 as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Abstract: Stem cells are mobilized from bone marrow by administering an amount of Phe-Pro-His-Phe-Asp-Leu-Ser-His-Gly-Ser-Ala-Gin-Val (SEQ ID NO: 1) effective to mobilize the stem cells. This method is useful for promoting preservation, repair, or regeneration of bodily tissue, or revascularization, in a patient in need of such treatment. Alternatively, the mobilized stem cells can be collected for transplant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and uses thereof for treatment of damaged tissue comprising at least one essential amino acid in L form and at least one essential lipid; wherein the composition is administered to a mammal suffering from severe tissue damage. The invention further relates to a composition and uses thereof comprising the mixture of one or more free L-amino acids in which the molar ratio of the free L-amino acids corresponds to the molar ratio of amino components in a mammalian tissue protein; and at least one essential lipid.

Abstract: The invention relates to tendon stem cells useful for treating a variety of diseases and condition, including tendon repair and attachment of tendon to bone. The invention is also directed to treatment and/or inhibition of bone formation by use of biglycan and/or fibromodulin.

Abstract: Diseases including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity or obesity-related diseases are due to impairment in glucose metabolism. The skeleton has been shown to regulate energy metabolism and play a role in glucose metabolism. The present invention relates to methods for treating or preventing diseases such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity or obesity-related by administering a therapeutically effective amount of osteoblast-expressed Lcn-2 or a biologically active fragment.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing diseases or conditions associated with an abnormal level or activity of biglycan; disorders associated with an unstable cytoplasmic membrane, due, e.g., to an unstable dystrophin associated protein complex (DAPC); disorders associated with abnormal synapses or neuromuscular junctions, including those resulting from an abnormal MuSK activation or acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregation. Examples of diseases include muscular dystrophies, such as Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, Becker's Muscular Dystrophy, neuromuscular disorders and neurological disorders.

Abstract: A method for regenerating pancreatic tissue using recombinant periostin protein, a nucleic acid encoding said periostin and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said periostin are disclosed. Isolation of a nucleic acid encoding a periostin isoform, panc, is also taught.

Abstract: Compositions that include isolated peptides that inhibit TLR-4 signaling pathways and inflammation are disclosed. Methods of producing and using the compositions to inhibit TLR-4 signaling and/or inflammation are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for contributing to the treatment of cancers, especially ovarian tumors, are disclosed. The methods and compositions utilize an endothelin B agonist (ETB) to enhance the delivery and resulting efficacy of chemotherapeutic agent(s) (e.g., cisplatin and/or cyclophosphamide).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that altered levels of D-DT (also known as MIF-2) are associated with disorders and diseases. Thus, the present invention relates to compositions and methods useful of the assessment, diagnosis, characterization, prevention and treatment of disorders and diseases associated with an elevated level of D-DT. The present invention also relates to compositions and methods useful of the assessment, diagnosis, characterization, prevention and treatment of disorders and diseases associated with a reduced level of D-DT.

Abstract: The present invention is directed stromal cell derived factor-1 peptides that have been mutated to make them resistant to digestion by the proteases dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) but which maintain the ability of native SDF-1 to attract T cells. The mutants may be attached to membranes formed by self-assembling peptides and then implanted at sites of tissue damage to help promote repair.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and kits are provided for modulating the trans-differentiation of cells for example muscle satellite cells. The compositions, methods and kits include a modulator of trans-differentiation of the muscle satellite cells selected from the group of: a transcription factor, a nucleic acid sequence or vector encoding expression of the transcription factor, and an agent that binds to the transcription factor. The transcription factor is selected for example from a homeodomain class transcription factor such as Nkx3.2 and a TATA binding protein class transcription factor such as Sox9, and includes at least one nucleotide binding-domain, so that the transcription factor modulates the process of trans-differentiation of the cells or tissue to form a phenotype selected from: cartilage, muscle, and bone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptide compounds of the general formula (I) R1-(AA)n-X1-X2-Arg-Glu-Met-Asn-Trp-X3-(AA)P-R2 modulating the survivin protein. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition, including at least one peptide of the general formula (I), in a physiologically acceptable medium as well as to the use thereof for preventing and/or treating the cutaneous signs of ageing and photo-ageing and for protecting the skin against external aggressions. In addition, the composition according to the invention can be used to prevent and/or limit hair loss and/or stimulate hair growth. Finally, the invention relates to a cosmetic treatment method for preventing and/or controlling the cutaneous signs of ageing or photo-ageing.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating myotonic dystrophy.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of molecular medicine. It provides antagonistic compounds for frizzled 1 and/or frizzled-2 receptors, which may be useful in molecular imaging of the wound healing process after myocardial infarction and in therapeutic intervention into wound healing after remodeling of the heart, thereby ameliorating the consequences of myocardial infarction. The invention provides a method for antagonizing frizzled-1 or frizzled-2 receptors, wherein the receptor is contacted with a composition comprising a linear fragment of Wnt3(a) or Wnt5a or a functional analogue thereof, which comprises at least one cysteine residue, one threonine residue, one aspartic acid residue and one glycine residue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a neurotrophic peptide having an amino acid sequence of VGDGGLFEKKL (SEQ ID NO:1), EDQQVHFTPTEG (SEQ ID NO:2) or IPENEADGMPATV (SEQ ID NO:3), and comprising an adamantyl group at the C- and/or N-terminal end.