Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for deriving novel stem cells from the mammalian early neural plate.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a dendritic cell-based vaccine against rh-?-Syn, ?-synuclein specific peptide antibodies and related vaccines, and methods of treating, preventing, and/or vaccinating against Parkinson's Disease (PD), or symptoms thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of variable domains of camelid heavy-chain antibodies (VHH domains) directed against an intracellular target and having an isoelectric point of at least 8.5, for targeting said intracellular target or for the preparation of a peptide vector. Particularly, it concerns VHH domains directed against a glial fibrillary acidic protein and uses thereof for preparing therapeutic or diagnostic agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other aspects, methods and compositions for treating a central nervous system (CNS) disorder by delivering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition of pooled human immunoglobulin G (IgG) to the brain via intranasal administration of the composition directly to the olfactory epithelium of the nasal cavity. In particular, methods and compositions for treating Alzheimer's disease are provided.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting aberrant valosin-containing protein (VCP) accumulation in the mitochondria of a nerve cell includes administering to the nerve cell a therapeutic agent that inhibits the binding or complexing of VCP with a polyglutamine protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition including neural cells and an elastin-like polypeptide for treating Parkinson's diseases. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composition for treating Parkinson's diseases, which can more effectively increase a survival rate and settling rate of neural cells transplanted to an acutely or chronically damaged nerve region for treatment of Parkinson's disease, by simultaneously administering an elastin-like polypeptide with neural cells.

Abstract: A combined therapy of human umbilical cord blood cells (hUCB) and G-CSF at the acute stage of TBI was tested as a therapeutic for progressive secondary effects of chronic TBI. Rats were treated with saline carrier, or therapeutic in carrier as follows; G-CSF, hUCB, or hUCB and G-CSF, 7-days after TBI. Eight weeks later, behavioral testing was performed and brains harvested to analyze hippocampal cell loss, neuroinflammatory response, and neurogenesis. Results revealed that the monotherapies partially suppressed neuroinflammation and reduced hippocampal cell loss. However, combined therapy of hUCB and G-CSF robustly dampened neuroinflammation, while enhancing endogenous neurogenesis and reducing hippocampal cell loss. Vigorous and long-lasting recovery of motor function accompanied the combined therapy, which was either moderately or short-lived in the monotherapy conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions and kits for the detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnostic biomarkers, for the diagnosis of AD, for the identification of a subject at risk for developing AD, and for the generation of patient-specific AD diagnostic biomarker profiles.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for the generation of neurotoxin-sensitive, neuronal differentiated cells comprising the steps of: a) cultivating tumor cells which are able to differentiate into neuronal cells in a culture medium under conditions and for a time which primes said tumor cells for neuronal differentiation; and b) cultivating the tumor cells primed for neuronal differentiation of a) in a differentiation medium having an osmolality of 100 to 270 mOsm/kg, and comprising (i) B27 supplement and/or (ii) N2 supplement, for at least 3 days, thereby obtaining neurotoxin-sensitive, neuronal differentiated cells. The invention further relates to neurotoxin-sensitive, neuronal differentiated cells obtainable by the method of the invention.

Abstract: Humanized antibodies specific to the protofibrillar form of the beta-amyloid peptide are provided. Methods of using antibodies specific to the protofibrillar form of the beta-amyloid peptide in the field of Alzheimer's disease are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptide variants of neuregulin-1? (NRG-1?) that have enhanced or decreased binding affinity to ErbB3 and/or ErbB4. The invention also provides methods of screening and producing polypeptide variants of NRG-1? and methods of using polypeptide variants of NRG-1? for treating diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated, synthetic or recombinant antibodies and fragments thereof specific for factor H. The invention further relates to the use of such antibodies and fragments for inhibiting complement activation and treatment of disorders associated with complement activation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the field of stem cell biology, and in particular relates to a method for producing an isolated bona fide population of mammalian stem cells, and uses of the stem cells thus produced. Human glioblastomas (hGBMs) have now been shown to contain a minor subset of cells bearing the defining features of somatic stem cells (SCs) and the ability to establish, expand and perpetuate these tumors. They are defined stem-like tumor propagating cells (TPCs). This has caused a paradigmatic shift in the way we interpret hGBM physiology, for it identifies TPCs as a major culprit to be tackled for the development of novel therapeutics. It also suggests that studying the regulatory mechanisms of normal neurogenesis may point to specific inhibitors of TPCs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the therapeutic and diagnostic use in the treatment of diseases and disorders which are caused by or associated with neurofibrillary tangles. In particular, the invention relates to antibodies, which specifically recognize and bind to phosphorylated pathological protein tau-conformers and to methods and compositions involving said antibodies for the therapeutic and diagnostic use in the treatment of tauopathies including Alzheimer's Disease (AD).

Abstract: The present invention relates to variable domains of a camelid heavy-chain antibodies directed against a phosphorylated tau protein and conjugates thereof. The present invention also relates to the use of these domains or conjugates for treating or diagnosing disorders mediated by neurofibrillary tangles, neuropil threads or dystrophic neurites, such as tauopathies.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for treating or reducing the likelihood of the development of epilepsy in an individual. The method comprises administering to the central nervous system of an individual in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of an agent capable of increasing the expression and/or activity of miR-128.

Abstract: Provided are novel human islet amyloid polypeptide, also known as amylin and IAPP and proIAPP respectively, specific antibodies as well as fragments, derivatives and variants thereof as well as methods related thereto. Assays, kits, and solid supports related to antibodies specific for IAPP and/or proIAPP are also disclosed. The antibody, immunoglobulin chain(s), as well as binding fragments, derivatives and variants thereof can be used in pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions for IAPP and/or proIAPP targeted immunotherapy and diagnostics, respectively.

Abstract: Stimulation of target cells using light, e.g., in vivo, is implemented using a variety of methods and devices. In one example, embodiments involve methods for stimulating target cells using a photosensitive protein that allows the target cells to be stimulated in response to light. In another specific example embodiment, target cells are stimulated using an implantable arrangement. The arrangement includes an electrical light-generation means for generating light and a biological portion. The biological portion has a photosensitive bio-molecular arrangement that responds to the generated light by stimulating target cells in vivo. Other aspects and embodiments are directed to systems and methods for screening chemicals based screening chemicals to identify their effects on cell membrane ion channels and pumps, and to systems and methods for controlling an action potential of neuron (e.g., in in vivo and in vitro environments).

Abstract: The present invention relates to amyloid-beta (A?) binding proteins. Antibodies of the invention have high affinity to ??(20-42) globulomer or any ?? form that comprises the globulomer epitope. Method of making and method of using the antibodies of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is based in part methods for treating neurodegenerative diseases and disorders. Specifically, the present invention disclose methods for treating neurodegenerative disorders suing neural stem cells (NSCs) and/or pluripotent stem cell (PSC) derived neurons or neuron precursor cells. The present invention also discloses methods to induce endogenous dopaminergic neurons to release dopamine and increase the levels of dopamine in a subject.