Abstract: Modified ciliary neurotrophic factors and methods for their production and therapeutic use, especially in the treatment of Huntington's disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a screen for a polypeptide ligand that can bind to the Tyro-10 (DDR-2) or NEP (DDR-1) receptor and that can promote a differential function and/or influence the phenotype, such as growth and/or proliferation, of cells that bear the receptor. The present invention also provides a method of screening for a molecule capable of competing with collagen for binding to the extracellular domain of a Tyro-10 (DDR-2) or NEP (DDR-1) receptor comprising contacting a sample suspected of containing the molecule with the extracellular domain of a Tyro-10 (DDR-2) or NEP (DDR-1) receptor in the presence of collagen under conditions in which the collagen is capable of binding to the extracellular domain and detecting binding of the molecule to the Tyro-10 (DDR-2) or NEP (DDR-1) receptor extracellular domain. The invention further contemplates the utilization of collagen to support the growth, survival, or differentiation of Tyro-10 (DDR-2) or NEP (DDR-1) expressing cells.

Abstract: Heteromeric proteins comprising a soluble .alpha. specificity determining cytokine receptor component and the extracellular domain of a .beta. receptor component function as cytokine antagonists.

Abstract: Infusions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin-3 or neurotrophin-4 are used to produce analgesia in mammals. In addition, these neurotrophins are used to treat other diseases or disorders mediated by serotonin.

Abstract: Novel ligands that bind Eph family receptors are identified, and methods for making the soluble ligands in biologically active form are described. cDNA clones encoding these novel proteins enable production of the recombinant proteins, which are useful to support neuronal and other receptor-bearing cell populations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treatment of a neuromuscular or muscle disorder resulting from the loss of axonal contact with the muscle comprising administering an effective amount of ciliary neurotrophic factor. The invention also relates to a method of treatment of a disorder of a type of tissue or cell resulting from the loss of axonal contact with the cell comprising administering an effective amount of ciliary neurotrophic factor in which the type of tissue or cell expresses a CNTF receptor protein.

Abstract: Infusion of neurotrophins, preferably brain-derived neurotrophic factor, are shown to be effective agents for use in the alleviation of symptoms of depression, as demonstrated by reduction of "despair" in the animal forced swim test. Alterations in serotonin levels brought about by neurotrophins suggest use of these factors for the treatment of other disorders caused by defects in serotonin activity.

Abstract: Modified ciliary neurotrophic factors and methods for their production and therapeutic use. Also described is a method of screening for novel therapeutic proteins by determining altered electrophoretic binding properties.