Abstract: Described herein are peptide analogs of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) that retain agonist activity, but are more resistant to proteolytic degradation than native GLP-1. In the analogs, at least one ?-amino acid found in the native GLP-1 is replaced with a ?-amino acid residue, which may or may not be cyclically constrained. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the analogs are described, as are methods to treat diabetes, and methods to make proteolytically resistant GLP-1 analogs.

Abstract: Methods and microorganisms for systemically introducing a polypeptide in the bloodstream of a subject. The methods of the invention include administering into the gastrointestinal tract of a subject a bacterium configured to express and produce and release the polypeptide. The bacterium is administered in an amount effective to introduce the polypeptide in the bloodstream of the subject, preferably in a detectable amount. The microorganisms of the invention include lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactobacillus reuteri, that comprise a recombinant gene configured to express a polypeptide to be systemically introduced.

Abstract: Methods and microorganisms for systemically introducing a polypeptide in the bloodstream of a subject. The methods of the invention include administering into the gastrointestinal tract of a subject a bacterium configured to express and produce and release the polypeptide. The bacterium is administered in an amount effective to introduce the polypeptide in the bloodstream of the subject, preferably in a detectable amount. The microorganisms of the invention include lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactobacillus reuteri, that comprise a recombinant gene configured to express a polypeptide to be systemically introduced.

Abstract: Described herein are peptide analogs of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) that retain agonist activity, but are more resistant to proteolytic degradation than native GLP-1. In the analogs, at least one ?-amino acid found in the native GLP-1 is replaced with a ?-amino acid residue, which may or may not be cyclically constrained. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the analogs are described, as are methods to treat diabetes, and methods to make proteolytically resistant GLP-1 analogs.

Abstract: Described herein are peptide analogs of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) that retain agonist activity, but are more resistant to proteolytic degradation than native GLP-1. In the analogs, at least one ?-amino acid found in the native GLP-1 is replaced with a ?-amino acid residue, which may or may not be cyclically constrained. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the analogs are described, as are methods to treat diabetes, and methods to make proteolytically resistant GLP-1 analogs.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for increasing insulin secretion from beta cells. Also provide herein are methods comprising administering to a subject in need of increased insulin secretion a composition comprising a compound that directly or indirectly activates adenylate cyclase and an E prostanoid 3 (EP3) receptor antagonist that attenuates G alpha-i-subfamily (GSIS)-mediated adenylate cyclase inhibition.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for increasing insulin secretion from beta cells. Also provide herein are methods comprising administering to a subject in need of increased insulin secretion a composition comprising a compound that directly or indirectly activates adenylate cyclase and an E prostanoid 3 (EP3) receptor antagonist that attenuates G alpha-i-subfamily (GSIS)-mediated adenylate cyclase inhibition.

Abstract: Described herein are peptide analogs of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) that retain agonist activity, but are more resistant to proteolytic degradation than native GLP-1. In the analogs, at least one ?-amino acid found in the native GLP-1 is replaced with a ?-amino acid residue, which may or may not be cyclically constrained. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the analogs are described, as are methods to treat diabetes, and methods to make proteolytically resistant GLP-1 analogs.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for increasing insulin secretion from beta cells. Also provide herein are methods comprising administering to a subject in need of increased insulin secretion a composition comprising a compound that directly or indirectly activates adenylate cyclase and an E prostanoid 3 (EP3) receptor antagonist that attenuates G alpha-i-subfamily (GSIS)-mediated adenylate cyclase inhibition.

Abstract: Methods and compounds are disclosed for lowering serum LDL levels or serum cholesterol levels, or for reducing the transport of cholesterol from the gut to the blood or the lymph, based on the observation that a gene known as ABC1 is necessary in order for cholesterol to be transported from the intestinal lumen into the bloodstream. A mutant chicken phenotype, known as the WHAM chicken, characterized by low levels of serum LDL and reduced transport of cholesterol, facilitated the discovery of this function of the ABC1 gene. Techniques which act to inhibit ABC1 activity in the cells of the intestinal wall will result in lower serum cholesterol.

Abstract: The invention provides an assay for identifying agents that can prevent and treat diabetes. Specifically, the assay is a novel tool for identifying agents that can up regulate cholecystokinin (CCK) expression in pancreatic islets of mammals. The increased expression of CCK triggers an increase in pancreatic ?-cell mass and plasma insulin levels, which have been found to protect against the onset of diabetes. Also, disclosed are representative therapeutic agents identified through the assay of the invention. The methods of the invention are efficient and readily amenable to high-throughput drug screening protocols.

Abstract: The use of screening assays based on the role of human stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (“hSCD1”) in human diseases, disorders or conditions relating to serum levels of triglyceride, VLDL, HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, or production of secretions from mucous membranes, monounsaturated fatty acids, wax esters, and the like, is disclosed. Also disclosed are conventions useful in the prevention and/or treatment of such diseases.

Abstract: The use of screening assays based on the role of human stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (“hSCD1”) in human diseases, disorders or conditions relating to serum levels of triglyceride, VLDL, HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, or production of secretions from mucous membranes, monounsaturated fatty acids, wax esters, and the like, is disclosed. Also disclosed are conventions useful in the prevention and/or treatment of such diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recognition that an analog of ?KG can increase glucose-induced insulin secretion in vitro and in vivo in animals, particularly in mammals, and more particularly in humans and in rodents. By employing the methods of the invention, insulin secretion can be increased.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the production of a transgenic bovine. In particular, the present invention provides methods for generating transgenic bovines with transgenes that enhance the ability of the bovines to metabolize lipids. The present invention thus provides bovines resistant to fatty liver disease. The compositions and methods of the present invention provide a solution to costly disease.