Abstract: Conjugates of porphyrin, chlorophyll and bacteriochlorophyll photosensitizers with RGD-containing peptides or RGD peptidomimetics are provided that are useful for photodynamic therapy (PDT), particularly vascular-targeted PDT (VTP), of tumors and nonneoplastic vascular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, and for diagnosis of tumors by different techniques.

Abstract: A genetically modified polypeptide is disclosed which comprises an amino acid sequence of phosphotriesterase (PTE) having at least twice the catalytic efficiency for a V-type nerve agent as a polypeptide which consists of the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, when assayed under identical conditions.

Abstract: A method of conditioning a subject in need of transplantation of progenitor cells in suspension of a tissue of interest is disclosed. The method comprising: (a) administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of an agent capable of inducing damage to the tissue of interest, wherein the damage results in proliferation of resident stem cells in the tissue; and subsequently (b) subjecting the subject to an agent which ablates the resident stem cells in the tissue. A method of transplanting progenitor cells in suspension of a tissue of interest to a subject in need thereof is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are alpha2-selective Na,K-ATPase inhibitors and prodrugs thereof, characterized by having a cyclic moiety attached to a digoxin or digitoxin derivative, as well as uses thereof in lowering intraocular pressure and in treating glaucoma and heart conditions.

Abstract: A method for constructing a library of amino-acid sequences having a common structural fold, and a method for designing and selecting an amino-acid sequence having a desired affinity to a molecular surface of interest of a molecular entity, using the library, are provided herein. The methods are based on a stochastic sampling of backbone conformations and amino acid conservation patterns observed in experimentally available protein structures having the common structural fold.

Abstract: Methods of diagnosing cancer are provided. Accordingly there is provided a method of diagnosing cancer in a subject, the method comprising determining a level of urea and/or a pyrimidine synthesis metabolite in a biological sample of the subject, wherein a level of urea below a predetermined threshold; and/or a said level of pyrimidine synthesis metabolite above a predetermined threshold; is indicative of cancer. Also provided are methods of prognosing and treating cancer.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a pharmaceutical composition comprising an active agent that causes reduction of the level of systemic immunosuppression in an individual for use in treating a disease, disorder, condition or injury of the CNS. The pharmaceutical composition is administered by a dosage regimen comprising at least one course of therapy, each course of therapy comprising in sequence a treatment session followed by an interval session of non-treatment.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a pharmaceutical composition comprising an active agent that causes reduction of the level of systemic immunosuppression in an individual for use in treating a disease, disorder, condition or injury of the CNS. The pharmaceutical composition is administered by a dosage regimen comprising at least one course of therapy, each course of therapy comprising in sequence a treatment session followed by an interval session of non-treatment.

Abstract: An Agrin peptide which induces proliferation of cardiomyocytes for treating a heart disease is provided.

Abstract: A method of determining the suitability of a subject to a treatment with an anti-amphiregulin antibody, wherein the subject has a cancer selected from the group consisting of ovarian cancer, head and neck cancer and pancreatic cancer exhibiting resistance to chemotherapy, is provided. The method comprising analyzing in a biological sample of the subject expression level of amphiregulin, transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) and heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF), wherein a level of expression of the amphiregulin above a predetermined threshold and no expression of the TGF-alpha and/or the HB-EGF or an expression below a predetermined level of the TGF-alpha and/or the HB-EGF is indicative of the suitability of the subject to treatment with the anti-amphiregulin antibody. Methods for treating cancer are also provided, as well as antibodies and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A composition-of-matter comprising a crystallized form of a large ribosomal (50S) subunit of a pathogenic bacterium, and the atomic coordinates of the three-dimensional structure thereof are provided herein, as well as methods for crystallizing the same, and using the atomic coordinates of the same to design de novo ligands with high specificity thereto.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method used to remove gases from industrial exhaust streams, and in particular, to a method for removing sulfur dioxide from flue gases, with molten carbonate and treating the resulting molten mixture with a natural gas and optionally with an oxidant.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a pharmaceutical composition comprising an active agent that causes reduction of the level of systemic immunosuppression in an individual for use in treating a disease, disorder, condition or injury of the CNS. The pharmaceutical composition is administered by a dosage regimen comprising at least one course of therapy, each course of therapy comprising in sequence a treatment session followed by an interval session of non-treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are microbial defense systems, which provide cells protection against phage infection and plasmid transformation. Methods of use of these defense systems for protecting cells from phage infection and plasmid transformation are also disclosed, wherein defense systems may be used individually or in combination. In addition, disclosed herein are methods of making cells that express these defense systems.

Abstract: A method for MRI imaging of a subject includes spatially encoding spins in a slice of the subject in orthogonal first and second directions. The encoding includes applying a chirped radiofrequency (RF) pulse concurrently with application of a magnetic field gradient pulse along the first direction. After applying of the RF pulse, a second chirped RF pulse is applied concurrently with application of a second magnetic field gradient pulse, with polarity opposite that of the first gradient pulse. An encoding magnetic field gradient, constant from applying the first RF pulse until the end of applying the second RF pulse, is concurrently applied along the second direction. Following the encoding, a spin signal is measured concurrently with application of a constant readout magnetic field gradient.

Abstract: An isolated antibody comprising an antigen recognition domain which specifically binds CD84 and (i) down regulates the anti-apoptotic activity of stromal cells on chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells; and/or (ii) induces mobilization of CLL cells from the bone marrow. Also provided are antibodies comprising antigen recognition domains comprising complementarity determining regions as indicated and uses thereof.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing a disease associated with a secondary infection in a subject infected with a pathogen is provided. The method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-pathogenic agent directed towards the pathogen and a therapeutically effective amount of an agent which down-regulates at least one extracellular matrix-associated polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention provides peptides that can reactivate p53 mutants efficiently and specifically, as well as methods that allow the identification, selection and isolation of such peptides, in a precise, cost and time effective manner. In particular, there are provided mutant p53 reactivating peptides that can restore the native wild type p53 folding, and hence the tumor suppressor activity, to the mutant p53 protein. Such peptides are useful for treating various conditions and diseases in which p53 is mutated.

Abstract: An Agrin peptide which induces proliferation of cardiomyocytes for treating a heart disease is provided.

Abstract: A method of analyzing DNA which, in a cell, is bound to a DNA binding moiety, the method comprising: (a) obtaining at least two samples of complexes of DNA bound to a DNA binding moiety; (b) isolating the complexes on a solid support; (c) labeling the DNA of the complexes, wherein the labeling distinguishes between the complexes of the first of the at least two samples and the complexes of the second of the at least two samples; (d) pooling the at least two samples of complexes; and (e) isolating the complexes using an agent which specifically binds to the DNA binding moiety; and (f) analyzing the DNA of the complexes.