Abstract: There are provided, inter alia, methods and compositions useful for neuronal regeneration, including methods for increasing expression of a regeneration-associated marker gene, and methods for increasing neuronal growth.

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: 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? 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: Disclosed herein are methods for determining whether a subject possesses altered pain sensitivity an altered risk of developing acute or chronic pain, or diagnosing a tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4)-related disorder or a propensity thereto. These methods are based on the discovery of GCH1 and KCNS1 allelic variants that are associated with altered pain sensitivity and altered risk of developing acute or chronic pain, and the discovery that a GCH1 “pain protective haplotype” is associated with decreased upregulation of BH4 synthesis in treated leukocytes.

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: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences which are related to pain and which are differentially expressed during pain. The invention further relates to methods of identifying nucleic acid sequences which are differentially expressed during pain, microarrays comprising such differentially expressed sequences and methods of screening agents for the ability to regulate the expression of such differentially expressed sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences which are related to pain and which are differentially expressed during pain. The invention further relates to methods of identifying nucleic acid sequences which are differentially expressed during pain, microarrays comprising such differentially expressed sequences and methods of screening agents for the ability to regulate the expression of such differentially expressed sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the treatment or prevention of pain by administering to an animal an agent that decreases the activity of the complement cascade.

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: Disclosed herein is the use of chemical irritants, such as vanilloid receptor-1 agonists, in sustained/controlled release pharmaceutical preparations which also contain a drug typically having high abuse potential. Inclusion of the VR1 agonist in the pharmaceutical preparation interferes with illicit or inappropriate dosing without significantly interfering with the action of the therapeutic. Also disclosed are exemplary co-formulations of capsaicin (a VR1 agonist) and oxycodone (an opioid therapeutic having high abuse potential) in controlled release preparations.

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: The present invention features methods and compositions for preventing, reducing, or treating a traumatic, metabolic or toxic peripheral nerve lesion or pain including, for example, neuropathic pain, inflammatory and nociceptive pain by administering to a mammal in need thereof a compound that reduces the expression or activity of BH4. According to this invention, this reduction may be achieved by reducing the enzyme activity of any of the BH4 synthetic enzymes, such as GTP cyclohydrolase (GTPCH), sepiapterin reductase (SPR), or dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR); by antagonizing the cofactor function of BH4 on BH4-dependent enzymes; or by blocking BH4 binding to membrane bound receptors. The compounds of the invention may be administered alone or in combination with a second therapeutic agent. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing pain or a peripheral nerve lesion in a mammal by measuring the levels of BH4 or its metabolites in biological sample.