Abstract: A method of treating ovarian cancer (OC) includes administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising vicrostatin and/or a protein substantially similar to vicrostatin. The administration is preferably performed intraperitoneally. The methods may include concurrently or sequentially administering to the patient one or more additional treatments for ovarian cancer. A pharmaceutical composition used in connection with the methods of the present invention comprise vicrostatin loaded in a viscoelastic gel comprising polyethylene oxide (PEO) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC).

Abstract: The invention provides a biocompatible silicone implant that can be securely affixed to living tissue through interaction with integral membrane proteins (integrins). A silicone article containing a laser-activated surface is utilized to make the implant. One example is an implantable prosthesis to treat blindness caused by outer retinal degenerative diseases. The device bypasses damaged photoreceptors and electrically stimulates the undamaged neurons of the retina. Electrical stimulation is achieved using a silicone microelectrode array (MEA). A safe, protein adhesive is used in attaching the MEA to the retinal surface and assist in alleviating focal pressure effects. Methods of making and attaching such implants are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a biocompatible silicone implant that can be securely affixed to living tissue through interaction with integral membrane proteins (integrins). A silicone article containing a laser-activated surface is utilized to make the implant. One example is an implantable prosthesis to treat blindness caused by outer retinal degenerative diseases. The device bypasses damaged photoreceptors and electrically stimulates the undamaged neurons of the retina. Electrical stimulation is achieved using a silicone microelectrode array (MEA). A safe, protein adhesive is used in attaching the MEA to the retinal surface and assist in alleviating focal pressure effects. Methods of making and attaching such implants are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for expressing proteins with disulfide bridges such as Vicrostatin (VCN), a chimeric variant of native snake venom disintegrin Contortrostatin (CN). The methods include what is believed to be a more efficient natural selection process that results in generating increased amounts of correctly-folded active conformers of proteins with disulfide bridges. In an aspect, this is achieved by growing Origami B cells in a more optimal redox environment during the induction of heterologous recombinant protein production.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of expressing eukaryotic proteins in prokaryotic hosts, particularly eukaryotic proteins that require formation of disulfide bridges for biological activity. Various approaches are used including fusion to thioredoxin, cytoplasmic expression of disulfide isomerases, deficiencies in thioredoxin and/or glutathione reductases, deficiencies in proteases, and the like. The method is applicable to express monomeric and dimeric forms of the eukaryotic protein with biological activity such as monomeric and dimeric forms of a disintegrin or a disintegrin domain. Included are the vectors, host cells expressing the proteins, the expressed proteins and methods of using the proteins.

Abstract: Modified ADAM (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase) Polypeptides (MAPs) are provided. Methods are provided for administering MAPs for anti-angiogenesis and anti-tumor growth activity. Compositions of the invention are also useful for treating endothelial cell dysfunction and for diagnosis of integrin-related conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of inhibiting binding between a cell expressing integrin receptors specific for one or more integrins selected from the group consisting of ?IIb?3, ?v?3, ?v?5, or ?5?1, said method comprising contacting the cell with a monomeric disintegrin or monomeric disintegrin domain which comprises a C-terminal sequence non-native to the disintegrin or disintegrin domain, said C-terminal sequence encoding a functional integrin-binding loop.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of inhibiting binding between a cell expressing integrin receptors specific for one or more integrins selected from the group consisting of ?IIb?3, ?v?3, ?v?5, or ?5?1, said method comprising contacting the cell with a monomeric disintegrin or monomeric disintegrin domain which comprises a C-terminal sequence non-native to the disintegrin or disintegrin domain, said C-terminal sequence encoding a functional integrin-binding loop.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of expressing eukaryotic proteins in prokaryotic hosts, particularly eukaryotic proteins that require formation of disulfide bridges for biological activity. Various approaches are used including fusion to thioredoxin, cytoplasmic expression of disulfide isomerases, deficiencies in thioredoxin and/or glutathione reductases, deficiencies in proteases, and the like. The method is applicable to express monomeric and dimeric forms of the eukaryotic protein with biological activity such as monomeric and dimeric forms of a disintegrin or a disintegrin domain. Included are the vectors, host cells expressing the proteins, the expressed proteins and methods of using the proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for treating diseases. In particular aspects, the invention relates to administering a combination of a disintegrin with a microtubule stabilizing agent useful for treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for expressing proteins with disulfide bridges such as Vicrostatin (VCN), a chimeric variant of native snake venom disintegrin Contortrostatin (CN). The methods include what is believed to be a more efficient natural selection process that results in generating increased amounts of correctly-folded active conformers of proteins with disulfide bridges. In an aspect, this is achieved by growing Origami B cells in a more optimal redox environment during the induction of heterologous recombinant protein production.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for treating diseases. In particular aspects, the invention relates to administering a combination of a disintegrin with a microtubule stabilizing agent useful for treatment of cancer.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of expressing eukaryotic proteins in prokaryotic hosts, particularly eukaryotic proteins that require formation of disulfide bridges for biological activity. Various approaches are used including fusion to thioredoxin, cytoplasmic expression of disulfide isomerases, deficiencies in thioredoxin and/or glutathione reductases, deficiencies in proteases, and the like. The method is applicable to express monomeric and dimeric forms of the eukaryotic protein with biological activity such as monomeric and dimeric forms of a disintegrin or a disintegrin domain. Included are the vectors, host cells expressing the proteins, the expressed proteins and methods of using the proteins.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of expressing eukaryotic proteins in prokaryotic hosts, particularly eukaryotic proteins that require formation of disulfide bridges for biological activity. Various approaches are used including fusion to thioredoxin, cytoplasmic expression of disulfide isomerases, deficiencies in thioredoxin and/or glutathione reductases, deficiencies in proteases, and the like. The method is applicable to express monomeric and dimeric forms of the eukaryotic protein with biological activity such as monomeric and dimeric forms of a disintegrin or a disintegrin domain. Included are the vectors, host cells expressing the proteins, the expressed proteins and methods of using the proteins.

Abstract: Contortrostatin, a homodimeric disintegrin, modulates the adhesion, motility, and invasiveness of integrin expressing tumor cells. When formulated as a pharmaceutically acceptable composition, the proteins can be used to treat patients by inhibiting or disrupting disease processes associated with an integrin binding to an ?v?3 or ?v?5 integrin.

Abstract: Contortrostatin, a homodimeric disintegrin, modulates the adhesion, motility, and invasiveness of integrin expressing tumor cells. When formulated as a pharmaceutically acceptable composition, the proteins can be used to treat patients by inhibiting or disrupting disease processes associated with an integrin binding to an ?v?3 or ?v?5 integrin.

Abstract: The amino acid sequence of native contortrostatin was used in a cloning strategy to obtain full-length cDNA and deduced amino acid sequences for a contortrostatin precursor. The precursor includes pro-protein, metalloproteinase, and disintegrin (contortrostatin) regions of the multidomain protein. The sequences can be used produce recombinant DNA molecules which code on expression for contortrostatin proteins, including biologically active variants and fragments. When formulated as a pharmaceutically acceptable composition, the proteins can be used to treat patients by inhibiting disease processes associated with an integrin binding to an integrin receptor.

Abstract: This invention provides thrombolytic agents and methods for making and using thrombolytic agents. Specifically, the invention provides thrombolytic agents comprising a thrombolytic proteinase and a specific binding peptide that specifically binds at the site of blood clots and thrombi in vivo. The invention particularly provides chemically crosslinked conjugates of a thrombolytic proteinase and a plurality of specific binding peptide. Methods for producing such chemically crosslinked conjugates and methods for using such conjugates for eliminating thrombi in vivo to alleviate pathological conditions caused thereby are also provided. The preferred thrombolytic proteinase in the conjugate is fibrolase obtainable from Agkistrodon contortrix confortrix venom.

Abstract: A disintegrin is employed as an active agent for treatment of various conditions, particularly cancer to prevent metastasis. In a particular embodiment contortrostatin is employed to prevent metastasis in breast cancer patients.

Abstract: Contortrostatin is employed as active agent for treatment of thrombotic disease. Preferably, contortrostatin is employed in conjunction with at least one thrombolytic agent. In addition, contortrostatin is useful in compositions and methods for preventing metastases in carcinoma and melanoma patients, treating or preventing osteoporosis and promoting wound healing.