Abstract: The invention provides truncated GSK3 polypeptides capable of crystallization, including GSK3? and GSK3? polypeptides, and use of these polypeptides to identify and optimize GSK3 inhibitors. Also provided are GSK3 polypeptides having at least one substituted amino acid that differs from wild-type GSK3, wherein the substituted amino acid is incapable of being phosphorylated. The invention finds use in providing methods of identifying and optimizing compounds useful for treating diseases mediated by GSK3 activity, including Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation.

Abstract: Compounds having the general structure III are provided: where D is N or C; W is selected from Z1, Z2, and Z3 are independently selected from CR8 and N; and the other variables have the values described herein. Compounds of formula III have useful properties for controlling diseases related to MC4-R action in humans including obesity and type II diabetes.

Abstract: Organic compounds having the structural formula I are provided where the variables have the values described herein and R1 and R2 join together to form a 6 membered substituted or unsubstituted ring including at least one O, N, or S atom, and Z is an O, S, NH or NR group. Pharmaceutical formulations include the organic compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Organic compounds having the structure I are provided where the variables have the values described herein. Pharmaceutical formulations and medicaments include the organic compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and may be prepared by mixing the organic compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the organic compound with a carrier and water. A method of treating a patient includes administering a pharmaceutical formulation or medicament according to the invention to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: New carbocyclic compounds, compositions and methods of inhibiting the activity of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK3) in vitro and of treatment of GSK3 mediated disorders in vivo are provided. The methods, compounds and compositions of the invention may be employed alone, or in combination with other pharmacologically active agents in the treatment of disorders mediated by GSK3 activity, such as in the treatment of diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, other neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease, obesity, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, essential hypertension, polycystic ovary syndrome, syndrome X, ischemia, traumatic brain injury, bipolar disorder, immunodeficiency or cancer.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided lipid-conjugated polyamide compounds and related compositions and methods thereof. Lipid-conjugated polyamide compounds of the present invention are particularly useful as vehicles for delivering biologically active agents to a target site. In particular, the invention compounds are effective at facilitating the delivery of polynucleotides to cells. The present invention also provides a method for producing stable formulations of polynucleotides complexed with a delivery vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a therapeutic composition for epithelial wound repair that is a combination of PDGF and KGF. Further, the invention provides a composition for epithelial wound repair that is a therapeutic combination of PDGF, KGF, and IGF. Additionally, the invention provides a therapeutic composition of PDGF, KGF, IGF and IGFBP for epithelial wound repair.

Abstract: Stabilized pharmaceutical compositions comprising substantially monomeric interferon-beta (IFN-?) and methods useful in their preparation are provided. The compositions comprise the IFN-? solubilized in a low-ionic-strength formulation that maintains the composition at a pH of about 3.0 to about 5.0. Methods for preparing these compositions, and for increasing solubility of IFN-? in pharmaceutical compositions, are provided.

Abstract: Organic compounds having the formulas I and II are provided where the variables have the values described herein. Pharmaceutical formulations include the organic compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and may be prepared by mixing the organic compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the organic compounds with a carrier and water. A method of treating a patient includes administering a pharmaceutical formulation according to the invention to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: New bicyclic based compounds, compositions and methods of inhibiting the activity of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK3) in vitro and of treatment of GSK3 mediated disorders in vivo are provided. The methods, compounds and compositions of the invention may be employed alone, or in combination with other pharmacologically active agents in the treatment of disorders mediated by GSK3 activity, such as in the treatment of diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, obesity, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, essential hypertension, polycystic ovary syndrome, syndrome X, ischemia, traumatic brain injury, bipolar disorder, immunodeficiency or cancer.

Abstract: Organic compounds having the formulas I and II are provided where the variables have the values described herein. Pharmaceutical formulations include the organic compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and may be prepared by mixing the organic compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the organic compounds with a carrier and water. A method of treating a patient includes administering a pharmaceutical formulation according to the invention to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: Organic compounds having the formulas I and II are provided where the variables have the values described herein. Pharmaceutical formulations include the organic compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and may be prepared by mixing the organic compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the organic compounds with a carrier and water. A method of treating a patient includes administering a pharmaceutical formulation according to the invention to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: Organic compounds having the structural formulas I, II, and III are provided where the variables have the values described herein and R1 and R2 in structure I join together to form a 5 to 7 membered substituted or unsubstituted ring including at least one O, N, or S atom, and Z is an O, S, NH or NR group in structures I and II. Pharmaceutical formulations include the organic compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A method of treating a patient includes administering a pharmaceutical formulation according to the invention to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: Organi c compounds having the structural formulas I, II, and III are provided where the variables have the values described herein and R1 and R2 in structure I join together to form a 5 to 7 membered substituted or unsubstituted ring including at least one O, N, or S atom, and Z is an O, S, NH or NR group in structures I and II. Pharmaceutical formulations include the organic compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A method of treating a patient includes administering a pharmaceutical formulation according to the invention to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides truncated GSK3 polypeptides capable of crystallization, including GSK3&agr; and GSK3&bgr; polypeptides, and use of these polypeptides to identify and optimize GSK3 inhibitors. Also provided are GSK3 polypeptides having at least one substituted amino acid that differs from wild-type GSK3, wherein the substituted amino acid is incapable of being phosphorylated. The invention finds use in providing methods of identifying and optimizing compounds useful for treating diseases mediated by GSK3 activity, including Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation.

Abstract: Assay devices, kits, and methods for detection of one or more analytes in a sample are provided. The assay device features the controlled release of reagents and hence is particularly suitable for binding assays such as immunoassays. The assay device achieves greater sensitivity than conventional rapid test assays, leading to stronger visual signals than those produced by conventional devices, easier interpretation of results, and reduced occurrence of indeterminate results. The device can be used for detecting analyte in a variety of biological samples without the need for conventional sample filtration techniques, and thus is suitable for use by untrained personnel without specialized equipment. In addition, the device can be used to simultaneously analyze a number of analytes using a single sample.