Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the preparation and deletion mutants of chondroitinase proteins and their use in methods for promoting the diffusion of therapeutic composition into tissues and their use for neurological functional recovery after central nervous system (“CNS”) injury or disease.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of improving functional recovery following a central nervous system contusion injury. The method includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of glycosaminoglycan degrading enzyme. The glycosaminoglycan degrading enzyme may be dermatan sulfate or chondroitin sulfate degrading enzymes. The central nervous system contusion injury may include a traumatic brain injury or a spinal cord injury. The functional recovery may include autonomic functions, sensory functions, motor functions or the like.

Abstract: Star polymers of soft segment forming monomers are useful in forming surgical devices. The star polymers can be endcapped with diketene acetals, mixed with a filler and/or cross-linked. The polymer compositions are useful, for example, as fiber coatings, surgical adhesives or bone putty, or tissue growth substrate.

Abstract: Neural outgrowth in the central nervous system is achieved by administering chondroitinase AC and/or chondroitinase B to degrade chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans that inhibit or contribute to the inhibition of nervous tissue regeneration.

Abstract: Star polymers of soft segment forming monomers are useful in forming surgical devices. The star polymers can be endcapped with isocyanate, mixed with a filler and/or cross-linked. The polymer compositions are useful, for example, as fiber coatings, surgical adhesives or bone putty, or tissue growth substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the preparation and deletion mutants of chondroitinase proteins and their use in methods for promoting the diffusion of therapeutic composition into tissues and their use for neurological functional recovery after central nervous system (“CNS”) injury or disease.

Abstract: Star polymers of soft segment forming monomers are useful in forming surgical devices. The star polymers can be endcapped with isocyanate, mixed with a filler and/or cross-linked. The polymer compositions are useful, for example, as fiber coatings, surgical adhesives or bone putty, or tissue growth substrate.

Abstract: Incorporation of certain amino acid analogs into polypeptides produced by cells which do not-ordinarily provide polypeptides containing such amino acid analogs is accomplished by subjecting the cells to growth media containing such amino acid analogs. The degree of incorporation can be regulated by adjusting the concentration of amino acid analogs in the media and/or by adjusting osmolality of the media. Such incorporation allows the chemical and physical characteristics of polypeptides to be altered and studied. In addition, nucleic acid and corresponding proteins including a domain from a physiologically active peptide and a domain from an extracellular matrix protein which is capable of providing a self-aggregate are provided. Human extracellular matrix proteins capable of providing a self-aggregate collagen are provided which are produced by prokaryotic cells. Preferred codon usage is employed to produce extracellular matrix proteins in prokaryotics.

Abstract: A chimeric protein is disclosed for promoting repair and regeneration of neurons damaged by disease or physical injury wherein the chimeric protein is a combination of a first polypeptide possessing matrix modification activity and a second polypeptide possessing regenerating activity for neural cells.

Abstract: Star polymers of soft segment forming monomers are useful in forming surgical devices. The star polymers can be endcapped with isocyanate, mixed with a filler and/or cross-linked. The polymer compositions are useful, for example, as fiber coatings, surgical adhesives or bone putty, or tissue growth substrate.

Abstract: Incorporation of certain amino acid analogs into polypeptides produced by cells which do not ordinarily provide polypeptides containing such amino acid analogs is accomplished by subjecting the cells to growth media containing such amino acid analogs. The degree of incorporation can be regulated by adjusting the concentration of amino acid analogs in the media and/or by adjusting osmolality of the media. Such incorporation allows the chemical and physical characteristics of polypeptides to be altered and studied. In addition, nucleic acid and corresponding proteins including a domain from a physiologically active peptide and a domain from an extracellular matrix protein which is capable of providing a self-aggregate are provided. Human extracellular matrix proteins capable of providing a self-aggregate collagen are provided which are produced by prokaryotic cells. Preferred codon usage is employed to produce extracellular matrix proteins in prokaryotics.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for simplified recombinant production of fibrillar collagens. DNAs encoding fibrillar collagen monomers lacking the N propeptide, the C propeptide, or both propeptides are introduced into recombinant host cells and expressed. Trimeric collagen is recovered from the recombinant host cells.

Abstract: Incorporation of certain amino acid analogs into polypeptides produced by cells which do not ordinarily provide polypeptides containing such amino acid analogs is accomplished by subjecting the cells to growth media containing such amino acid analogs. The degree of incorporation can be regulated by adjusting the concentration of amino acid analogs in the media and/or by adjusting osmolality of the media. Such incorporation allows the chemical and physical characteristics of polypeptides to be altered and studied. In addition, nucleic acid and corresponding proteins including a domain from a physiologically active peptide and a domain from an extracellular matrix protein which is capable of providing a self-aggregate are provided. Human extracellular matrix proteins capable of providing a self-aggregate collagen are provided which are produced by prokaryotic cells. Preferred codon usage is employed to produce extracellular matrix proteins in prokaryotics.

Abstract: A method for modifying access of cells to extravascular spaces and regions comprising administering to a patient an enzyme that cleaves chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans is provided. It has been found that administration of an enzyme that cleaves chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans to a patient disrupts extravasation of cells from the blood stream into tissue. The present invention provides methods of reducing penetration of cells associated with inflammation into tissue of a patient. Several methods are also provided for the regulation and suppression of inflammation comprising administering enzymes that digest chondroitin sulfates. Also provided are methods of treating and preventing inflammation associated with infection, injury and disease.

Abstract: A method of reducing scar formation at a wound site includes contacting the wound site with an effective scar reducing amount of a cross-linked polysaccharide having a positive charge and thereby reducing scar formation as the wound site heals. Such polysaccharide include bioabsorbable cross-linked dextrans or alginates. The positive charge may be provided by diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) moieties. The cross-linked polysaccharide can be applied to the wound site as a powder or bead. The cross-linked polysaccharide may also be contained in a composition including a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Biocompatable surgical devices are provided with an effective scar reducing amount of a cross-linked polysaccharide having a positive charge which reduce scar formation at healing wound sites. A method of reducing TGF-&bgr; activity is also provided.

Abstract: A method of reducing scar formation at a wound site includes contacting the wound site with an effective scar reducing amount of a cross-linked polysaccharide having a positive charge and thereby reducing scar formation as the wound site heals. Such polysaccharide include bioabsorbable cross-linked dextrans or alginates. The positive charge may be provided by diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) moieties. The cross-linked polysaccharide can be applied to the wound site as a powder or bead. The cross-linked polysaccharide may also be contained in a composition including a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Biocompatable surgical devices are provided with an effective scar reducing amount of a cross-linked polysaccharide having a positive charge which reduce scar formation at healing wound sites. A method of reducing TGF-&bgr; activity is also provided.

Abstract: Incorporation of certain amino acid analogs into polypeptides produced by cells which do not ordinarily provide polypeptides containing such amino acid analogs is accomplished by subjecting the cells to growth media containing such amino acid analogs. The degree of incorporation can be regulated by adjusting the concentration of amino acid analogs in the media and/or by adjusting osmolality of the media. Such incorporation allows the chemical and physical characteristics of polypeptides to be altered and studied. In addition, nucleic acid and corresponding proteins including a domain from a physiologically active peptide and a domain from an extracellular matrix protein which is capable of providing a self-aggregate are provided. Human extracellular matrix proteins capable of providing a self-aggregate collagen are provided which are produced by prokaryotic cells. Preferred codon usage is employed to produce extracellular matrix proteins in prokaryotics.

Abstract: Star polymers of soft segment forming monomers are useful in forming surgical devices. The star polymers can be endcapped with isocyanate, mixed with a filler and/or cross-linked. The polymer compositions are useful, for example, as fiber coatings, surgical adhesives or bone putty, or tissue growth substrate.

Abstract: Methods of promoting angiogenesis are provided which include administering to a suitable locus a cross-linked polysaccharide having a positive charge. Preferred cross-linked polysaccharides are biodegradable beads. A positive charge may be provided by diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) groups associated with the polysaccharide.

Abstract: A method of reducing scar formation at a wound site includes contacting the wound site with an effective scar reducing amount of a cross-linked polysaccharide having a positive charge and thereby reducing scar formation as the wound site heals. Such polysaccharide include bioabsorbable cross-linked dextrans or alginates. The positive charge may be provided by diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) moieties. The cross-linked polysaccharide can be applied to the wound site as a powder or bead. The cross-linked polysaccharide may also be contained in a composition including a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Biocompatable surgical devices are provided with an effective scar reducing amount of a cross-linked polysaccharide having a positive charge which reduce scar formation at healing wound sites. A method of reducing TGF-&bgr; activity is also provided.