Abstract: C1q is shown to be expressed in neurons, where it acts as a signal for synapse elimination. Methods are provided for protecting or treating an individual suffering from adverse effects of synapse loss. These findings have broad implications for a variety of clinical conditions, including Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: A generic structure for the peptides of the present invention includes A-X-B-C, where C is a cargo moiety, the B portion includes basic amino acids, X is a cleavable linker sequence, and the A portion includes acidic amino acids. The intact structure is not significantly taken up by cells; however, upon extracellular cleavage of X, the B-C portion is taken up, delivering the cargo to targeted cells. Cargo may be, for example, a contrast agent for diagnostic imaging, a chemotherapeutic drug, or a radiation-sensitizer for therapy. Cleavage of X allows separation of A from B, unmasking the normal ability of the basic amino acids in B to drag cargo C into cells near the cleavage event. X is cleaved extracellularly, preferably under physiological conditions. D-amino acids are preferred for the A and B portions, to minimize immunogenicity and nonspecific cleavage by background peptidases or proteases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the methods of treating endocrine-regulated cancers, including hormone resistant cancers, for example. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of increasing the sensitivity of hormone resistant cancers to hormonal therapeutic agents. In particular embodiments, the present invention concerns delivery of a histone deacetylase inhibitor and a hormone targeted drug to an individual with cancer. In specific embodiments, the histone deacetylase inhibitor and the hormone targeted drug act synergistically to treat the cancer, including by overcoming resistance to a cancer therapy.

Abstract: It was shown that bombesin 2 (BB2) receptor antagonists typified by RC-3095 are therapeutic agents for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and show excellent efficacy in treating both an abdominal symptom and bowel movement disorder. Thus, the present invention provides a therapeutic agent for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which comprises, as an active ingredient, a bombesin 2 (BB2) receptor antagonist as well as a method for treating IBS.

Abstract: The invention features peptides for the treatment or prevention of obesity, diabetes or co-morbidities of obesity; for reduction of appetite, food intake, calorie intake, body weight, or body weight gain; and for increase of energy expenditure in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations of a lipid based controlled-release matrix, a polyhydroxy component and a bioactive agent. Such formulation are useful in the delivery of the bioactive compounds. The invention also relates to the use of a polyhydroxy component for increasing the solubility of a bioactive compound, especially a peptide in a lipid-based controlled-release matrix.

Abstract: Peptide-based compounds including heteroatom-containing, three-membered rings efficiently and selectively inhibit specific activities of N-terminal nucleophile (Ntn) hydrolases. The activities of those Ntn having multiple activities can be differentially inhibited by the compounds described. For example, the chymotrypsinlike activity of the 20S proteasome may be selectively inhibited with the inventive compounds. The peptide-based compounds include an epoxide or aziridine, and functionalization at the N-terminus. Among other therapeutic utilities, the peptide-based compounds are expected to display anti-inflammatory properties and inhibition of cell proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gold binding peptides and shape- and size-tunable synthesis of gold nanostructures. The present inventions are very useful for the production of well-designed, gold-based architectures. The size- and shape-specific gold nanostructure materials prepared by the present invention may find use as: highly conductive interconnections for single-electron transistors, catalysts for the oxidation of carbon monoxide; biological and chemical sensors; and as contrasting agents for electron microscopic and medical imaging applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel pharmaceutical formulations based on stable, fluid aqueous colloidal suspensions for the prolonged release of active principle(s), particularly protein active principle(s), and to the applications, especially therapeutic applications, of these formulations. The object of the invention is to propose a fluid pharmaceutical formulation for the prolonged release of active principle(s) that makes it possible, after parenteral injection, to increase significantly the in vivo release time of a therapeutic protein while at the same time reducing the plasma concentration peak of the active protein, said formulation furthermore being stable on storage and also being biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic and non-immunogenic and having a good local tolerance.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel method for producing a peptide thioester. In the present invention, general peptide synthesis is performed on a solid-phase resin, carboxylic acid obtained after cutout is allowed to react with p-toluenesulfonyl isocyanate, and then the reaction product is alkylated, and is reacted with thiol. Thus, peptide thioester is simply synthesized under mild conditions.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides tetrapeptides with the amino acid sequence proline-glutamine-glutamate-X (P-Q-E-X), where X can be either lysine (K) or isoleucine (I). These tetrapeptides inhibit ultraviolet light (UV)-induced expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) by skin epithelial cells and fibroblasts. Furthermore, the tetrapeptides repress the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) by skin fibroblasts induced by either direct exposure to UV rays or treatment with media conditioned by UV-treated keratinocytes. The small size and bio-activity of the tetrapeptides render them suitable for use in therapies directed to inflammatory skin disorders and as active ingredients in skin care products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel tissue protective peptides. The tissue protective peptides of the invention may bind to a tissue protective receptor complex. In particular, the present invention is drawn to tissue protective peptides derived from or sharing consensus sequences with portions of cytokine receptor ligands, including Erythropoietin (EPO), that are not involved in the binding of the ligand to the receptor complex, e.g., to the EPO receptor homodimer. Accordingly, the tissue protective peptides of the invention are derived from the amino acid sequences of regions of cytokine receptor ligands that are generally located on or within the region of the ligand protein that is opposite of the receptor complex, i.e., are generally derived from amino acid sequences of regions of the ligand protein that face away from the receptor complex while the ligand is bound to the receptor.

Abstract: Method and peptide for regulating cellular activity includes a panel of synthesized peptides that have biological effects on inhibiting or enhancing cellular activity. Selected peptides can be used as therapy to reduce and/or inhibit, or initiate and/or enhance, an inflammatory response in a subject.

Abstract: A delivery system is provided. The delivery system includes a carrier or an active compound and a glutathione or a glutathione derivative grafted thereon. The invention also provides a compound including a moiety comprising a vitamin E derivative or a phospholipid derivative, a polyethylene glycol (PEG) or a polyethylene glycol derivative bonded thereto, and a glutathione (GSH) or a glutathione derivative bonded to the polyethylene glycol or the polyethylene glycol derivative.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for in vivo and in vitro targeting. A large number of targeting peptides directed towards human organs, tissues or cell types are disclosed. The peptides are of use for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, including but not limited to gene therapy vectors. A novel class of gene therapy vectors is disclosed. Certain of the disclosed peptides have therapeutic use for inhibiting angiogenesis, inhibiting tumor growth, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting pregnancy or inducing weight loss. Methods of identifying novel targeting peptides in humans, as well as identifying endogenous receptor-ligand pairs are disclosed. Methods of identifying novel infectious agents that are causal for human disease states are also disclosed. A novel mechanism for inducing apoptosis is further disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for transdermal administration comprising a conjugate of methotrexate and PTD (protein transduction domain). In accordance with the present invention, the methotrexate, which is widely used for the treatment of psoriasis, rheumatoid and inflammation, etc., can be delivered transdermally to a local part of a patient body, in order to minimize the side effect of the methotrexate.

Abstract: The embodiments include methods of treating conditions requiring removal or destruction of cellular elements, such as benign or malignant tumors in humans, using compounds based on small peptides. The method includes, but is not limited to, administering the compounds intramuscularly, orally, intravenously, intrathecally, intratumorally, intranasally, topically, transdermally, etc., either alone or conjugated to a carrier.

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 present invention provides compounds that have motifs that target the compounds to cells that express integrins. In particular, the compounds have peptides with one or more RD motifs conjugated to an agent selected from an imaging agent and a targeting agent. The compounds may be used to detect, monitor and treat a variety of disorders mediated by integrins.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds having the structure: wherein R1a and R1b are independently H, alkyl, F, or fluoroalkyl; wherein R2a, R2b, R2a?, and R2b? are independently H, alkyl, F, fluoroalkyl, aryl, or alkenyl; wherein R3 is OH, alkoxyl, NH2, alkylamino, or dialkylamino; wherein R4a and R4b are independently H, alkyl, acyl, or alkyloxycarbonyl; wherein R11, R12, R13, R21, R22, and R23 are independently H, alkyl, F, or fluoroalkyl; and wherein C0, C1, C2 and C2? are independently chiral or achiral. Also disclosed are processes for making a fluorinated ?-amino acid comprising the steps of: providing a diol; treating the diol with a thionyl halide with oxidative workup; reacting the product with an azide salt to yield an azido group; oxidizing the product to yield a carboxyl group; and reducing the azido group to yield an amino group.