Abstract: Compounds that modulate the aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins or peptides are disclosed. The modulators of the invention can promote amyloid aggregation or, more preferably, can inhibit natural amyloid aggregation. In a preferred embodiment, the compounds modulate the aggregation of natural ? amyloid peptides (?-AP). In a preferred embodiment, the ? amyloid modulator compounds of the invention are comprised of an A? aggregation core domain and a modifying group coupled thereto such that the compound alters the aggregation or inhibits the neurotoxicity of natural ? amyloid peptides when contacted with the peptides. Furthermore, the modulators are capable of altering natural ?-AP aggregation when the natural ?-APs are in a molar excess amount relative to the modulators. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention, and diagnostic and treatment methods for amyloidogenic diseases using the compounds of the invention, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds that modulate the aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins or peptides are disclosed. The modulators of the invention can promote amyloid aggregation or, more preferably, can inhibit natural amyloid aggregation. In a preferred embodiment, the compounds modulate the aggregation of natural ? amyloid peptides (?-AP). In a preferred embodiment, the ? amyloid modulator compounds of the invention are comprised of an A? aggregation core domain and a modifying group coupled thereto such that the compound alters the aggregation or inhibits the neurotoxicity of natural ? amyloid peptides when contacted with the peptides. Furthermore, the modulators are capable of altering natural ?-AP aggregation when the natural ?-APs are in a molar excess amount relative to the modulators. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention, and diagnostic and treatment methods for amyloidogenic diseases using the compounds of the invention, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds that modulate natural ? amyloid peptide aggregation are provided. The modulators of the invention comprise a peptide, preferably based on a ? amyloid peptide, that is comprised entirely of D-amino acids. Preferably, the peptide comprises 3–5 D-amino acid residues and includes at least two D-amino acid residues independently selected from the group consisting of D-leucine, D-phenylalanine and D-valine. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the peptide is a retro-inverso isomer of a ? amyloid peptide, preferably a retro-inverso isomer of A?17-21. In certain embodiments, the peptide is modified at the amino-terminus, the carboxy-terminus, or both. Preferred amino-terminal modifying groups include cyclic, heterocyclic, polycyclic and branched alkyl groups. Preferred carboxy-terminal modifying groups include an amide group, an alkyl amide group, an aryl amide group or a hydroxy group.

Abstract: Methods for identifying a compound that binds to a target are described. In general, the methods involve forming a first library comprising a multiplicity of peptides, identifying one or more peptides that bind to the target and determining a peptide motif therefrom, forming a second library comprising a multiplicity of compounds designed based on the peptide motif, selecting from the second library at least one compound that binds to the target, and determining the structure or structures of the at least one compound that binds to the target. Libraries of compounds based on a peptide motif and compounds identified by the methods of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds that modulate natural &bgr; amyloid peptide aggregation are provided. The modulators of the invention comprise a peptide, preferably based on a &bgr; amyloid peptide, that is comprised entirely of D-amino acids. Preferably, the peptide comprises 3-5 D-amino acid residues and includes at least two D-amino acid residues independently selected from the group consisting of D-leucine, D-phenylalanine and D-valine. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the peptide is a retro-inverso isomer of a &bgr; amyloid peptide, preferably a retro-inverso isomer of A&bgr;17-21. In certain embodiments, the peptide is modified at the amino-terminus, the carboxy-terminus, or both. Preferred amino-terminal modifying groups include cyclic, heterocyclic, polycyclic and branched alkyl groups. Preferred carboxy-terminal modifying groups include an amide group, an alkyl amide group, an aryl amide group or a hydroxy group.

Abstract: Compounds that modulate the aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins or peptides are disclosed. The modulators of the invention can promote amyloid aggregation or, more preferably, can inhibit natural amyloid aggregation. In a preferred embodiment, the compounds modulate the aggregation of natural &bgr; amyloid peptides (&bgr;-AP). In a preferred embodiment, the &bgr; amyloid modulator compounds of the invention are comprised of an A&bgr; aggregation core domain and a modifying group coupled thereto such that the compound alters the aggregation or inhibits the neurotoxicity of natural &bgr; amyloid peptides when contacted with the peptides. Furthermore, the modulators are capable of altering natural &bgr;-AP aggregation when the natural &bgr;-APs are in a molar excess amount relative to the modulators. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention, and diagnostic and treatment methods for amyloidogenic diseases using the compounds of the invention, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The subject application provides methods and materials useful for the transformation of eukaryotic cells, particularly plant cells. More specifically, the subject invention provides materials and methods for eliminating selectable marker genes from transformed cells. In a preferred embodiment the subject invention provides methods for removing both positive and negative selectable marker genes from plant cells after a gene of interest has been introduced into the plant cells. The methods of the subject invention are applicable to any gene of interest, in any plant species that can be transformed.

Abstract: Methods for identifying a compound that binds to a target are described. In general, the methods involve forming a first library comprising a multiplicity of peptides, identifying one or more peptides that bind to the target and determining a peptide motif therefrom, forming a second library comprising a multiplicity of compounds designed based on the peptide motif, selecting from the second library at least one compound that binds to the target, and determining the structure or structures of the at least one compound that binds to the target. Libraries of compounds based on a peptide motif and compounds identified by the methods of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds that modulate natural &bgr; amyloid peptide aggregation are provided. The modulators of the invention comprise a peptide, preferably based on a &bgr; amyloid peptide, that is comprised entirely of D-amino acids. Preferably, the peptide comprises 3-5 D-amino acid residues and includes at least two D-amino acid residues independently selected from the group consisting of D-leucine, D-phenylalanine and D-valine. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the peptide is a retro-inverso isomer of a &bgr; amyloid peptide, preferably a retro-inverso isomer of A&bgr;17-21. In certain embodiments, the peptide is modified at the amino-terminus, the carboxy-terminus, or both. Preferred amino-terminal modifying groups include cyclic, heterocyclic, polycyclic and branched alkyl groups. Preferred carboxy-terminal modifying groups include an amide group, an alkyl amide group, an aryl amide group or a hydroxy group.

Abstract: Compounds that modulate the aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins or peptides are disclosed. The modulators of the invention can promote amyloid aggregation or, more preferably, can inhibit natural amyloid aggregation. In a preferred embodiment, the compounds modulate the aggregation of natural &bgr; amyloid peptides (&bgr;-AP). In a preferred embodiment, the &bgr; amyloid modulator compounds of the invention are comprised of an A&bgr; aggregation core domain and a modifying group coupled thereto such that the compound alters the aggregation or inhibits the neurotoxicity of natural &bgr; amyloid peptides when contacted with the peptides. Furthermore, the modulators are capable of altering natural &bgr;-AP aggregation when the natural &bgr;-APs are in a molar excess amount relative to the modulators. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention, and diagnostic and treatment methods for amyloidogenic diseases using the compounds of the invention, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds that modulate the aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins or peptides are disclosed. The modulators of the invention can promote amyloid aggregation or, more preferably, can inhibit natural amyloid aggregation. In a preferred embodiment, the compounds modulate the aggregation of natural &bgr; amyloid peptides (&bgr;-AP). In a preferred embodiment, the &bgr; amyloid modulator compounds of the invention are comprised of an A&bgr; aggregation core domain and a modifying group coupled thereto such that the compound alters the aggregation or inhibits the neurotoxicity of natural &bgr; amyloid peptides when contacted with the peptides. Furthermore, the modulators are capable of altering natural &bgr;-AP aggregation when the natural &bgr;-APs are in a molar excess amount relative to the modulators. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention, and diagnostic and treatment methods for amyloidogenic diseases using the compounds of the invention, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds that modulate natural &bgr; amyloid peptide aggregation are provided. The modulators of the invention comprise a peptide, preferably based on a &bgr; amyloid peptide, that is comprised entirely of D-amino acids. Preferably, the peptide comprises 3-5 D-amino acid residues and includes at least two D-amino acid residues independently selected from the group consisting of D-leucine, D-phenylalanine and D-valine. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the peptide is a retro-inverso isomer of a &bgr; amyloid peptide, preferably a retro-inverso isomer of A&bgr;17-21. In certain embodiments, the peptide is modified at the amino-terminus, the carboxy-terminus, or both. Preferred amino-terminal modifying groups include cyclic, heterocyclic, polycyclic and branched alkyl groups. Preferred carboxy-terminal modifying groups include an amide group, an alkyl amide group, an aryl amide group or a hydroxy group.

Abstract: Compounds that modulate natural &bgr; amyloid peptide aggregation are provided. The modulators of the invention comprise a peptide, preferably based on a &bgr; amyloid peptide, that is comprised entirely of D-amino acids. Preferably, the peptide comprises 3-5 D-amino acid residues and includes at least two D-amino acid residues independently selected from the group consisting of D-leucine, D-phenylalanine and D-valine. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the peptide is a retro-inverso isomer of a &bgr; amyloid peptide, preferably a retro-inverso isomer of A&bgr;17-21. In certain embodiments, the peptide is modified at the amino-terminus, the carboxy-terminus, or both. Preferred amino-terminal modifying groups include cyclic, heterocyclic, polycyclic and branched alkyl groups. Preferred carboxy-terminal modifying groups include an amide group, an alkyl amide group, an aryl amide group or a hydroxy group.

Abstract: Methods for identifying a compound that binds to a target are described. In general, the methods involve forming a first library comprising a multiplicity of peptides, identifying one or more peptides that bind to the target and determining a peptide motif therefrom, forming a second library comprising a multiplicity of compounds designed based on the peptide motif, selecting from the second library at least one compound that binds to the target, and determining the structure or structures of the at least one compound that binds to the target. Libraries of compounds based on a peptide motif and compounds identified by the methods of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides peptide compounds that bind to either a fibroblast growth factor (FGF) or a fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) and, accordingly, are useful for modulating FGFR activity. Preferably, the FGFR is FGFR2-IIIC. Preferably, the FGF is basic FGF. Preferably the peptide compound comprises an amino acid sequence: (Y/F)-(L/F/I)-(R/D/E/S/Y/G)-(Q/L/Y)-Y-(M/L/K/R)-(L/M/D/E/N/S)-(R/L/S/T)-(L/F/M/V) (SEQ ID NO: 1). The invention further comprises pharmaceutical compositions comprising the peptide compounds of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The invention still further provides methods of modulating FGFR activity using the peptide compounds of the invention.

Abstract: Compounds that modulate natural .beta. amyloid peptide aggregation are provided. The modulators of the invention comprise a peptide, preferably based on a .beta. amyloid peptide, that is comprised entirely of D-amino acids. Preferably, the peptide comprises 3-5 D-amino acid residues and includes at least two D-amino acid residues independently selected from the group consisting of D-leucine, D-phenylalanine and D-valine. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the peptide is a retro-inverso isomer of a .beta. amyloid peptide, preferably a retro-inverso isomer of A.beta..sub.17-21. In certain embodiments, the peptide is modified at the amino-terminus, the carboxy-terminus, or both. Preferred amino-terminal modifying groups include cyclic, heterocyclic, polycyclic and branched alkyl groups. Preferred carboxy-terminal modifying groups include an amide group, an alkyl amide group, an aryl amide group or a hydroxy group.

Abstract: Compounds that modulate the aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins or peptides are disclosed. The modulators of the invention can promote amyloid aggregation or, more preferably, can inhibit natural amyloid aggregation. In a preferred embodiment, the compounds modulate the aggregation of natural .beta. amyloid peptides (.beta.-AP). In a preferred embodiment, the .beta. amyloid modulator compounds of the invention are comprised of an A.beta. aggregation core domain and a modifying group coupled thereto such that the compound alters the aggregation or inhibits the neurotoxicity of natural .beta. amyloid peptides when contacted with the peptides. Furthermore, the modulators are capable of altering natural .beta.-AP aggregation when the natural .beta.-APs are in a molar excess amount relative to the modulators. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention, and diagnostic and treatment methods for amyloidogenic diseases using the compounds of the invention, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds that act to modulate the aggregation of natural .beta. amyloid peptides (.beta.-AP) are disclosed. The .beta. amyloid modulators of the invention can promote .beta.-AP aggregation or, more preferably, can inhibit natural .beta.-AP aggregation. Furthermore, the modulators are capable of altering natural .beta.-AP aggregation when the natural .beta.-APs are in a molar excess amount relative to the modulators. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention, and methods of altering natural .beta.-AP aggregation using the compounds of the invention, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds that act to modulate the aggregation of natural .beta. amyloid peptides (.beta.-AP) are disclosed. The .beta. amyloid modulators of the invention can promote .beta.-AP aggregation or, more preferably, can inhibit natural .beta.-AP aggregation. Furthermore, the modulators are capable of altering natural .beta.-AP aggregation when the natural .beta.-APs are in a molar excess amount relative to the modulators. Preferred .beta. amyloid modulators comprise amino-terminally biotinylated .beta. amyloid peptide compounds. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention, and methods of altering natural .beta.-AP aggregation using the compounds of the invention, are also disclosed.