Abstract: The present invention provides anti-inflammatory compounds, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of use thereof for treating inflammatory disorders. The present invention also provides methods of identifying anti-inflammatory compounds and methods of inhibiting NF-&kgr;B-dependent target gene expression in a cell.

Abstract: Compounds that modulate natural &bgr; amyloid peptide aggregation are provided. The modulators of the invention comprise a peptide, preferably based on a &bgr; amyloid peptide, that is comprised entirely of D-amino acids. Preferably, the peptide comprises 3-5 D-amino acid residues and includes at least two D-amino acid residues independently selected from the group consisting of D-leucine, D-phenylalanine and D-valine. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the peptide is a retro-inverso isomer of a &bgr; amyloid peptide, preferably a retro-inverso isomer of A&bgr;17-21. In certain embodiments, the peptide is modified at the amino-terminus, the carboxy-terminus, or both. Preferred amino-terminal modifying groups alkyl groups. Preferred carboxy-terminal modifying groups include an amide group, an acetate group, an alkyl amide group, an aryl amide group or a hydroxy group.

Abstract: Improved methods for detecting lesions in dense breast tissue are disclosed. The methods of the invention generally feature administration to a subject of an LHRH antagonist in an amount and for a period of time sufficient to reduce the density of breast tissue prior to generating an image of the breast tissue, for example by mammography, to detect a lesion in the breast tissue. Packaged formulations for reducing breast density in a subject prior to generating an image of the subject's breast tissue, comprising an LHRH antagonist packaged with instructions for using the LHRH antagonist to reduce breast density in a subject prior to imaging the breast tissue, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of imaging apoptosis in vivo, using radiolabeled annexin, is described. Methods for tumor radiotherapy are also provided.

Abstract: Methods to inhibit hot flashes or gynaecomastia in a subject are provided. In the methods of the invention, an LHRH antagonist is administered to a subject in need of treatment for hot flashes or gynaecomastia such that hot flashes or gynaecomastia are inhibited in the subject. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the invention provides a method for inhibiting menopause-related hot flashes in which an LHRH antagonist is administered to a subject in need of treatment for menopause-related hot flashes such that the hot flashes are inhibited in the subject.

Abstract: Sustained delivery formulations comprising a water-insoluble complex of a peptide and a carrier macromolecule are disclosed. The formulations of the invention allow for loading of high concentrations of peptide in a small volume and for delivery of a pharmaceutically active peptide for prolonged periods, e.g., one month, after administration of the complex. The complexes of the invention can be milled or crushed to a fine powder. In powdered form, the complexes form stable aqueous suspensions and dispersions, suitable for injection. In a preferred embodiment, the peptide of the complex is an LHRH analogue, preferably an LHRH antagonist, and the carrier macromolecule is an anionic polymer, preferably carboxymethylcellulose. Methods of making the complexes of the invention, and methods of using LHRH-analogue-containing complexes to treat conditions treatable with an LHRH analogue, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds that modulate natural &bgr; amyloid peptide aggregation are provided. The modulators of the invention comprise a peptide, preferably based on a &bgr; amyloid peptide, that is comprised entirely of D-amino acids. Preferably, the peptide comprises 3-5 D-amino acid residues and includes at least two D-amino acid residues independently selected from the group consisting of D-leucine, D-phenylalanine and D-valine. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the peptide is a retro-inverso isomer of a &bgr; amyloid peptide, preferably a retro-inverso isomer of A&bgr;17-21. In certain embodiments, the peptide is modified at the amino-terminus, the carboxy-terminus, or both. Preferred amino-terminal modifying groups include cyclic, heterocyclic, polycyclic and branched alkyl groups. Preferred carboxy-terminal modifying groups include an amide group, an alkyl amide group, an aryl amide group or a hydroxy group.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated PCIP nucleic acid molecules, which encode proteins that bind potassium channels and modulate potassium channel mediated activities. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing PCIP nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a PCIP gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated PCIP proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-PCIP antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention features methods and compositions for transdermal administration. In one embodiment, the invention features methods and compositions for transdermal administration of an amine containing compound having biphasic solubility and/or an agent which enhances the activity of the amine containing compound having biphasic solubility, e.g., a muscle relaxant, to relieve pain.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules, designated DHY nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel DHY-related dehydratase molecules. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing DHY nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a DHY gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated DHY proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-DHY antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: GDF promoters (e.g., GDF-8 promoters) are described. Also described are methods of using the GDF promoters to regulate tissue-specific gene expression, and to identify compounds which regulate GDF expression.

Abstract: The present invention provides angiogenesis inhibitor compounds comprising a MetAP-2 inhibitory core coupled to a peptide, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising the angiogenesis inhibitor compounds and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention also provides methods of treating an angiogenic disease, e.g., cancer, in a subject by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of one or more of the angiogenesis inhibitor compounds of the invention.

Abstract: Improved methods for detecting lesions in dense breast tissue are disclosed. The methods of the invention generally feature administration to a subject of an LHRH antagonist in an amount and for a period of time sufficient to reduce the density of breast tissue prior to generating an image of the breast tissue, for example by mammography, to detect a lesion in the breast tissue. Packaged formulations for reducing breast density in a subject prior to generating an image of the subject's breast tissue, comprising an LHRH antagonist packaged with instructions for using the LHRH antagonist to reduce breast density in a subject prior to imaging the breast tissue, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated HATF-1 and HRP-1 nucleic acid molecules, which are differentially expressed in hypertensive humans, rats, and mice. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing HATF-1 or HRP-1 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which an HATF-1 or HRP-1 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated HATF-1 and HRP-1 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-HATF-1 and anti-HRP-1 antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated DHDR nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel DHDR-related dehydrogenase molecules. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing DHDR nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a DHDR gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated DHDR proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-DHDR antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: An anchor library is described. A collection of recombinant vectors having a nucleic acid encoding a displayed peptide sequence is provided. The displayed peptide sequence of each of the vectors comprises X1(Y1)c1X2(Y2)c2X3(Y3)c3X4, wherein each X1, X2, X3 and X4 is an amino acid residue and any of X1, X2, X3 and X4 can be the same or different from any one other, wherein each Y1, Y2 and Y3 is alanine or glycine or a combination of alanine and glycine that is respectively c1, c2 and c3 amino acid residues long and any of Y1, Y2 and Y3 if present can be the same or different from any one other, wherein each of c1, c2 and c3 is 0 to about 20, wherein X1 and X4 are each attached to an amino acid residue that flanks the displayed peptide sequence. Preferably, at least about 105 to about 108 permutations of all possible permutations of the displayed peptide sequence are present in the anchor library.

Abstract: Methods of modulating calcium independent smooth muscle contraction, and of modulating cardiac muscle contraction, by the administration of a PAK modulating agent are described. A method of treating a subject having a state characterized by smooth muscle contraction, (e.g., hypertension, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, incontinence and menstrual cramps) or cardiac contractile dysfunction (e.g., heart failure and myocardial stunning) is also described. The method involves the administration, to a subject, of a therapeutically effective amount of a PAK modulating agent, e.g., a PAK inhibitor or stimulator. Assays, e.g., screening tests, to identify PAK modulating agents or agents that modulate muscle contraction are also provided.