Abstract: Disclosed are TGF-&agr; polypeptides, related polypeptides, fragments and mimetics thereof useful in stimulating cell or precursor cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. The methods of the invention are useful to treat tissue injury as well as expand stem cell populations in, or obtained from, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, urogenital, neurological and cardiovascular tissues. The methods include ex vivo and in vivo applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides related to human TGF-&agr;, having TGF-&agr; biological activity, which are useful for many of the indications that full-length TGF-&agr; polypeptide is useful. Also provided are methods of use of such peptides, as well as human TGF-&agr; and biologically related polypeptides. For example, methods for treating or preventing cachexia in subjects are provided as well as methods for stimulating hematopoiesis in patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy. In addition, the use of TGF-&agr; related peptides to related neurodengenerative diseases is also provided. Methods of the invention also provide protection for patients undergoing cytotoxic therapy from side effects such as gastrointestinal (GI) mucositis.

Abstract: Disclosed are TGF-&agr; polypeptides, related polypeptides, fragments and mimetics thereof useful in stimulating stem cell or precursor cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. The methods of the invention are useful to treat tissue injury as well as expand stem cell populations in, or obtained from, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, urogenital, neurological and cardiovascular tissues. The methods include ex vivo and in vivo applications.