Abstract: This invention features methods and compositions for treating cancer and modulating signal transduction and metabolism pathways. For example, the methods and compositions of the invention can be used to kill or inhibit the growth or spread of cancer cells. The invention also features a method of identifying a compound that modulates a signal transduction or metabolic pathway.

Abstract: This invention features methods and compositions useful for treating and diseases caused by a dysregulation of the BMP/GDF branch of the TGF-? signaling pathway. Also disclosed are methods for identifying compounds useful for such therapy.

Abstract: The invention features a method for inhibiting one or more voltage-gated ion channels in a cell by contacting the cell with (i) a first compound that activates a channel-forming receptor that is present on nociceptors and/or pruriceptors; and (ii) a second compound that inhibits one or more voltage-gated ion channels when applied to the internal face of the channels but does not substantially inhibit said channels when applied to the external face of the channels, wherein the second compound is capable of entering nociceptors or pruriceptors through the channel-forming receptor when the receptor is activated. The invention also features a quarternary amine derivative or other permanently or transiently charged derivative of a compound that inhibits one or more voltage-gated ion channels when applied to the internal face of the channels but does not substantially inhibit said channels when applied to the external face of the channels.

Abstract: This invention features methods and compositions useful for treating and diagnosing diseases of the nervous system, retina, skin, muscle, joint, and cartilage using a Dragon family protein. Protein and nucleic acid sequences of human, murine, zebrafish, and C. elegans Dragon family members are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention features methods and compositions useful for treating and diagnosing diseases of the nervous system, retina, skin, muscle, joint, and cartilage using a Dragon family protein. Protein and nucleic acid sequences of human, murine, zebrafish, and C. elegans Dragon family members are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention features methods and compositions useful for treating and diagnosing diseases of the nervous system, retina, skin, muscle, joint, and cartilage using a Dragon family protein. Protein and nucleic acid sequences of human, murine, zebrafish, and C. elegans Dragon family members are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention features methods and compositions useful for treating and diagnosing diseases of the nervous system, retina, skin, muscle, joint, and cartilage using a Dragon family protein. Protein and nucleic acid sequences of human, murine, zebrafish, and C. elegans Dragon family members are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provides for identifying candidate agents for use in inhibiting expression of certain receptors and ion channels in nociceptors. Also provided are methods for identifying candidates agents for use in inhibiting neurophathic and other types of pain.

Abstract: The present invention provides new systems and strategies for the regulation of iron metabolism in mammals. In particular, methods of using agonists and antagonists of TGF-? superfamily members to modulate the expression or activity of hepcidin, a key regulator of iron metabolism, are described. The inventive methods find applications in the treatment of diseases associated with iron overload, such as juvenile hemochromatosis and adult hemochromatosis, and in the treatment of diseases associated with iron deficiency, such as anemia of chronic disease and EPO resistant anemia in end-stage of renal disease. The present invention also relates to screening tools and methods for the development of novel drugs and therapies for treating iron metabolism disorders.

Abstract: This invention features methods and compositions useful for treating and diagnosing diseases of the nervous system, retina, skin, muscle, joint, and cartilage using a Dragon family protein. Protein and nucleic acid sequences of human, murine, zebrafish, and C. elegans Dragon family members are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting and/or reducing inflammation and/or pain in an individual is provided, as well as edema and macrophage infiltration associated with inflammation. The method comprises administration of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) to a cell or an individual in an amount effective to inhibit and/or reduce inflammation and/or pain.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the treatment or prevention of pain. The invention also provides screening methods for determining whether a compound inhibits IL-1&bgr; activity in the central nervous system of a mammal.

Abstract: This invention features methods and compositions useful for treating and diagnosing diseases of the nervous system, retina, skin, muscle, joint, and cartilage using a Dragon family protein. Protein and nucleic acid sequences of human, murine, zebrafish, and C. elegans Dragon family members are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and questionnaires are provided for assessing pain.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting and/or reducing inflammation and/or pain in an individual is provided. The method comprises administration of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) to a cell or an individual in an amount effective to inhibit and/or reduce inflammation and/or pain.