Abstract: This invention provides methods of treatment using retro-inverso peptides derived from interleukin-6 (IL-6) having between 15 and about 40 amino acids, and including the sequence that is retro-inverso with respect to SEQ ID NO 1, i.e. wherein said peptide comprises the sequence D-Glu-D-Ala-D-Met-D-Lys-D-Pro-D-Leu-D-Asn-D-Leu-D-Asn-D-Asn-D-Glu-D-Ala-D-Leu-D-Ala-D-Glu. The peptides of the invention have the same activity as native IL-6 and also have neurotrophic activity. The peptides of the invention are also less susceptible to proteolytic degradation in vivo because of their D-amino acid linkage.

Abstract: Prosaposin, saposin C and various peptide fragments of saposin C stimulate neurite outgrowth in vitro. In addition, prosaposin and saposin C promote increased myelination ex vivo. Prosaposin is present in large neurons of the brain, including both upper and lower motor neurons.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of treatment using retro-inverso peptides derived from interleukin-6 (IL-6) having between 15 and about 40 amino acids, and including the sequence that is retro-inverso with respect to SEQ ID NO: 1, i.e. wherein said peptide comprises the sequence D-Glu-D-Ala-D-Met-D-Lys-D-Pro-D-Leu-D-Asn-D-Leu-D-Asn-D-Asn-D-Glu-D-Ala-D-Leu-D-Ala-D-Glu. The peptides of the invention have the same activity as native IL-6 and also have neurotrophic activity. The peptides of the invention are also less susceptible to proteolytic degradation in vivo because of their D-amino acid linkage.

Abstract: Prosaposin, saposin C and various peptide fragments of saposin C stimulate neurite outgrowth in vitro. In addition, prosaposin and saposin C promote increased myelination ex vivo. Prosaposin is present in large neurons of the brain, including both upper and lower motor neurons.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treatment using retro-inverso peptides derived from interleukin-3 (IL-3) having between 12 and about 40 amino acids and including the sequence that is retro-inverso with respect to SEQ ID NO: 1. The peptides of the invention have the same activity as native IL-3 and also have neurotrophic activity. The peptides of the invention are also less susceptible to proteolytic degradation in vivo because of their D-amino acid linkage.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of treatment using retro-inverso peptides derived from interleukin-6 (IL-6) having between 15 and about 40 amino acids, and including the sequence that is retro-inverso with respect to SEQ ID NO: 1, i.e. wherein said peptide comprises the sequence D-Glu-D-Ala-D-Met-D-Lys-D-Pro-D-Leu-D-Asn-D-Leu-D-Asn-D-Asn-D-Glu-D-Ala-D-Leu-D-Ala-D-Glu. The peptides of the invention have the same activity as native IL-6 and also have neurotrophic activity. The peptides of the invention are also less susceptible to proteolytic degradation in vivo because of their D-amino acid linkage.

Abstract: A method for stimulating prosaposin receptor activity in a cell by transfecting the cell with a DNA or RNA molecule encoding prosaposin or a prosaposin receptor agonist. The DNA or RNA molecule is administered either in vivo or used to transfect neural cells or neural stem cells ex vivo followed by reintroduction of the cells into an individual.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of treatment using retro-inverso peptides derived from interleukin-6 (IL-6) having between 15 and about 40 amino acids, and including the sequence that is retro-inverso with respect to SEQ ID NO: 1, i.e. wherein said peptide comprises the sequence D-Glu-D-Ala-D-Met-D-Lys-D-Pro-D-Leu-D-Asn-D-Leu-D-Asn-D-Asn-D-Glu-D-Ala-D-Leu-D-Ala-D-Glu. The peptides of the invention have the same activity as native IL-6 and also have neurotrophic activity. The peptides of the invention are also less susceptible to proteolytic degradation in vivo because of their D-amino acid linkage.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treatment using retro-inverso peptides derived from leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) having between 18 and about 40 amino acids and including the sequence that is retro-inverso with respect to SEQ ID NO: 1. The peptides of the invention have the same activity as native LIF and also have neurotrophic activity. The peptides of the invention are also less susceptible to proteolytic degradation in vivo because of their D-amino acid linkage.

Abstract: Prosaposin, saposin C and various peptide fragments of saposin C stimulate neurite outgrowth in vitro. In addition, prosaposin and saposin C promote increased myelination ex vivo. Prosaposin is present in large neurons of the brain, including both upper and lower motor neurons.

Abstract: Retro-inverso peptides derived from interleukin-6 (IL-6) having between 17 and about 40 amino acids and including the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1. These peptides have the same activity as native IL-6 and also have neurotrophic activity. Because of the D-amino acid linkage in the peptides, they are less susceptible to proteolytic degradation in vivo.

Abstract: Retro-inverso peptides derived from interleukin-3 (IL-3) having between 12 and about 40 amino acids and including the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1. These peptides have the same activity as native IL-3 and also have neurotrophic activity. Because of the D-amino acid linkage in the peptides, they are less susceptible to proteolytic degradation in vivo.

Abstract: Retro-inverso peptides derived from leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) having between 18 and about 40 amino acids and including the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1. These peptides have the same activity as native LIF and also have neurotrophic activity. Because of the D-amino acid linkage in the peptides, they are less susceptible to proteolytic degradation in vivo.

Abstract: Prosaposin, saposin C and various peptide fragments of saposin C stimulate neurite outgrowth in vitro. In addition, prosaposin and saposin C promote increased myelination ex vivo. Prosaposin is present in large neurons of the brain, including both upper and lower motor neurons.

Abstract: Prosaposin, saposin C and various peptide fragments of saposin C stimulate neurite outgrowth in vitro. In addition, prosaposin and saposin C promote increased myelination ex vivo. Prosaposin is present in large neurons of the brain, including both upper and lower motor neurons.

Abstract: Retro-inverso peptide analogs derived from the active neurotrophic region of saposin C. The saposin C-derived peptides (prosaptides) induce neurite outgrowth in vitro, prevent programmed cell death, induce myelination and have an analgesic effect. They are useful in the treatment of central and peripheral nervous system disorders and pain management. The retro-inverso peptides are significantly more resistant to metabolic degradation than the corresponding non-inverted peptides.

Abstract: Prosaposin, saposin C and various peptide fragments of saposin C stimulate neurite outgrowth in vitro. In addition, prosaposin and saposin C promote increased myelination exvivo. Prosaposin is present in large neurons of the brain, including both upper and lower motor neurons.

Abstract: Prosaposin, saposin C and various peptide fragments of saposin C stimulate neurite outgrowth in vitro. In addition, prosaposin and saposin C promote increased myelination ex vivo. Prosaposin is present in large neurons of the brain, including both upper and lower motor neurons.