Abstract: Chondroitin sulfate polysaccharides with defined sulfation patterns can be synthesized. These chondroitin polysaccharides can be used to identify chondroitin sulfate binding proteins. Further, compounds that modulate the activity of chondroitin sulfate binding proteins can be identified. For example, TNF-? was found to bind specifically to CS-E and CS-E can be used to modulate the interaction of TNF-? with the TNF receptor.

Abstract: Fucose galactose carbohydrates have been shown to induce neuronal outgrowth. The invention includes methods of inducing neuronal outgrowth using carbohydrates, assemblies, and polymers bearing fucose-galactose moieties, as well as associated proteins. Cell growth can be stimulated in cells in culture or in cells within an animal or patient. Growth stimulation has application to understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases including, for example, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis and conditions such as stroke, brain injury and spinal cord injury. Such compounds, polymers, and assemblies also can be used to increase neural stem or progenitor cells in culture or in an animal, and to enervate engineered tissue.

Abstract: Provided herein are small molecule stimulators of neuronal growth, their preparation, and their use for treatment of neurological disorders. In one embodiment, provided herein are methods of treatment, prevention, or amelioration of a variety of medical conditions associated with neurological disorders using the compounds and compositions provided herein.