Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to a composition comprising a biomaterial. A biomaterial may comprise, for example, one or more molecules capable of self-association and/or self-assembly. In some embodiments, a biomaterial may comprise one or more polypeptides and/or proteins. A biomaterial may comprise, for example, two or more self-assembled Ultrabithorax (Ubx) protein molecules. A Ubx protein, in some embodiments, may be any wild type Drosophila melanogaster Ultrabithorax protein, including any natural or non-natural isoforms (e.g., alternative splicing isoforms). The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to a method of making a biomaterial comprising contacting two or more Ubx protein molecules under conditions that permit self-assembly to form a first fibril and contacting the first fibril to a second fibril.

Abstract: In vitro and in vivo methods of removing carbon monoxide from hemoglobin in blood or animal tissue are described. Methods of treating carboxyhemoglobinemia (carbon monoxide poisoning) in a subject are also described. The methods include administering natural or artificial oxygen carriers that are in their reduced form. Methods of producing a reduced oxygen carrier are further described. Methods of treating cyanide poisoning or hydrogen sulfide poisoning with oxygen carriers are also described.

Abstract: Provided herein are peptide amphiphiles (PAs). In some embodiments, provided herein are targeting PAs comprising a PA backbone and a targeting moiety. In some embodiments, the peptide amphiphiles are assembled into nanofibers. In some embodiments, provided herein are cells coated with a targeting PA or a nanofiber comprising the same, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides hepcidin analogues with improved in vivo half lives, and related pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present-disclosure provides methods of treating cancer with certain co-activator of activator protein-1 and estrogen receptor (CAPER)-based polypeptides. In certain embodiments, the methods of the-disclosure target only cancerous cells without adversely affecting non-cancerous cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP)-derived peptide analogues which are antagonists of the GIP receptor. These GIP peptide analogues are modified by comprising one or more individual amino acid substitutions and are fatty acid conjugated with/without a linker, so to have improved antagonistic activity and improved pharmacokinetic profile.

Abstract: A class of proteins that inhibit thrombin, particularly direct inhibitor of thrombin modified from sculptin, identified in the transcriptomics analysis of the salivary glands of ticks, as well as fragments and recombinant protein thereof, which can be used as anticoagulant agents and for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of thromboembolic diseases. These proteins fall within the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, pharmacy and medicinal chemistry, being related to biochemical and metabolic processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: a photothermal agent which includes a mussel adhesive protein; and photothermal-responsive nanoparticles that generate a biocompatible gas by means of light and heat and release a drug. Nanoparticles according to the present invention exhibit a photothermal effect when near-infrared rays are applied thereto, and may be applied to trimodality therapy in which a biocompatible gas is generated by means of light and heat to induce the release of a drug.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention is directed to mutant NGAL proteins that have the ability to bind to siderophores, such as enterochelin, and to chelate and transport iron, and that are excreted in the urine. Such NGAL mutants, and complexes thereof with siderophores, can be used to clear excess iron from the body, for example in the treatment of iron overload. The NGAL mutants of the invention also have antibacterial activity and can be used in the treatment of bacterial infections, such as those of the urinary tract.

Abstract: Peptides are provided consisting of L- and/or D-amino acids and combinations thereof, which affect myeloid cells by action on the triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells (TREMs), including TREM-1 and TREM-2. The peptides act on the TREM/DAP-12 signaling complex. Also provided are lipid and sugar conjugated peptides comprising L- or D-amino acids. A method is provided of designing the peptides and lipid- and/or sugar-conjugated peptides comprising L- or D-amino acids. The disclosure relates to the therapy of various myeloid cell-related disease states involving the use of these peptides and compounds. The peptides and compounds are useful in the treatment and/or prevention of a disease or condition where myeloid cells are involved or recruited. The peptides of the present invention also are useful in the production of medical devices comprising peptide matrices (for example, medical implants and implantable devices).

Abstract: Fusion Protein compositions comprising masked IFNs and methods of making masked IFNs are disclosed herein. Consequently, the masked IFNs can be fused to a Mab or binding fragment thereof and be administered to patients as a therapeutic modality and provide a method of treating cancer, immunological disorders and other disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to novel peptide antagonists that inhibit binding of melanocyte stimulating hormone to the melanocortin 1 receptor. The peptide antagonists of the disclosure are useful in cosmetic compositions that prevent or reduce the appearance of skin discoloration caused by pigmentation. The disclosure further relates to cosmetic compositions comprising a peptide antagonist of the disclosure, and methods for their use for preventing or reducing the appearance of skin discoloration in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an engineered collagen composition comprising collagen, wherein the collagen composition is compressed to form a gradient of at least one physical property. Methods of using and of manufacturing the engineered collagen compositions of the present disclosure are also provided.

Abstract: The invention features a compound including a mutant KRAS sequence and a lipid, where the mutant KRAS sequence is conjugated to the lipid by a linker, and (i) the linker includes one or more polyethylene glycol blocks, (ii) the lipid is 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DSPE), and (iii) the mutant KRAS sequence comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-7 and 22-30. The invention features a composition including one or more compounds of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The invention also features a method of treating a cancer in a human patient, the method including administering the composition to the patient. Further, the invention features a kit comprising the compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides comprising or consisting of an amino acid sequence derived from collagen type VI or a fragment, variant, fusion or derivative thereof, or a fusion of said fragment, variant of derivative thereof, wherein the polypeptide, fragment, variant, fusion or derivative is capable of killing or attenuating the growth of microorganisms. Related aspects of the invention provide corresponding isolated nucleic acid molecules, vectors and host cells for making the same. Additionally provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a polypeptide of the invention, as well as methods of use of the same in the treatment and/or prevention of microbial infections and in wound care. Also provided are a method of killing microorganisms in vitro and a medical device associated with the pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for alleviating and/or treating a coronavirus disease in a subject in need thereof, including administering an effective amount of Ganoderma immunomodulatory protein, a recombinant thereof or a fragment thereof to the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, are decoy peptides or polypeptides capable of inhibiting binding of 5-HT2A autoantibodies to a second extracellular loop region of the 5-HT2A receptor, and a pharmaceutical composition containing the decoy peptides or polypeptides and methods of use.

Abstract: Provided herein are treatment methods, including methods of treating nerve damage, methods of neuroprotection, methods of treating glaucoma and methods of lowering LDL levels. The methods generally involve administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of a CGRP receptor antagonist peptide or composition.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an anticancer composition containing IF1 (ATPase inhibitory factor 1). The IF1 (ATPase inhibitory factor 1) according to the present invention has the effect of releasing extracellular ATP, induces cytotoxicity in various cancer cells and exhibits anticancer efficacy, and is thus very useful as an active ingredient of a powerful anticancer agent.

Abstract: Antimicrobial peptides of general formula X0X1X2CX3X4X5CX6X7X8X9CYX10X11CX12X13 (SEQ ID NO: 12) are provided. Also provided are certain formulations containing these peptides and methods of using these peptides for treating skin infections in an animal in need thereof.