Abstract: The present invention provides isolated and purified polynucleotides, polypeptides, and antibodies related to mammalian (e.g., mouse and human) legumain and the novel legumain splice variant, ZB-1. The invention further relates to the use of these isolated and purified polynucleotides, polypeptides, and antibodies, as well as other legumain and ZB-1 agonists and antagonists, in modulating legumain and/or ZB-1 activity, expression, and/or secretion in a cell or cell population, e.g., monocytes, macrophages, foam cells, vascular endothelial cells, kidney proximal tubule cells, arterial endothelial cells, sites of inflammatory cell invasion into a vessel intima, and neointimal lesional areas of an artery. The invention also provides legumain and ZB-1 antagonists, e.g., antagonistic small molecules, antibodies and antibody fragments to legumain and ZB-1, legumain and ZB-1 inhibitory polypeptides, and legumain and ZB-1 inhibitory polynucleotides.

Abstract: An investment vehicle is formed according to novel selection methods which organize investment according to investor definitions of technology application. For example, healthcare companies can be organized according to their involvement with particular diagnostic or therapeutic modalities. The investment vehicle can then be used to back a structured note for use with a health savings account.

Abstract: Fusion proteins comprising a Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products Ligand Binding Element (RAGE-LBE) and an immunoglobulin element are disclosed. Also disclosed are fusion proteins comprising a RAGE-LBE and a dimerization domain. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding such fusion proteins and methods for using disclosed nucleic acids and proteins to, for example, treat RAGE-related disorders. Additional compositions and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying, designing, and optimizing therapeutics for R.A using as targets one or more genes (and/or their encoded gene products) that have been shown to be up- or down-regulated in cells of R.A. relative to normal counterpart cells. Methods and compositions for diagnostic assays for detecting R.A. are also provided.