Abstract: Modified and stabilized propeptides of Growth Differentiation Factor proteins, such as GDF-8 and Bone Morphogenetic Protein-11, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the modified propeptides to prevent or treat human or animal disorders in which an increase in muscle tissue would be therapeutically beneficial. Such disorders include muscle or neuromuscular disorders (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, muscle atrophy, congestive obstructive pulmonary disease, muscle wasting syndrome, sarcopenia, or cachexia), metabolic diseases or disorders (such as such as type 2 diabetes, noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, or obesity), adipose tissue disorders (such as obesity), and bone degenerative diseases (such as osteoporosis).

Abstract: Truncated aggrecanase proteins and nucleotides sequences encoding them as well as processes for producing them are disclosed. Additionally, aggrecanases with amino acid mutations that lead to increased stability and expression levels in comparison with wild-type or native aggrecanases are also disclosed. Aggrecanases of the invention are especially useful for development of compositions for treatment of diseases such as osteoarthritis. Methods for developing inhibitors of the aggrecanase enzymes and antibodies to the enzymes for treatment of conditions characterized by the degradation of aggrecan are also disclosed.

Abstract: Modified and stabilized propeptides of Growth Differentiation Factor proteins, such as GDF-8 and Bone Morphogenetic Protein-11, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the modified propeptides to prevent or treat human or animal disorders in which an increase in muscle tissue would be therapeutically beneficial. Such disorders include muscle or neuromuscular disorders (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, muscle atrophy, congestive obstructive pulmonary disease, muscle wasting syndrome, sarcopenia, or cachexia), metabolic diseases or disorders (such as such as type 2 diabetes, noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, or obesity), adipose tissue disorders (such as obesity), and bone degenerative diseases (such as osteoporosis).

Abstract: Truncated aggrecanase proteins and nucleotides sequences encoding them as well as processes for producing them are disclosed. Additionally, aggrecanases with amino acid mutations that lead to increased stability and expression levels in comparison with wild-type or native aggrecanases are also disclosed. Aggrecanases of the invention are especially useful for development of compositions for treatment of diseases such as osteoarthritis. Methods for developing inhibitors of the aggrecanase enzymes and antibodies to the enzymes for treatment of conditions characterized by the degradation of aggrecan are also disclosed.

Abstract: Antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof that bind interleukin-22 (IL-22), in particular, human IL-22, and their uses in regulating IL-22-associated immune responses are disclosed. The antibodies disclosed herein are useful in diagnosing, preventing, or treating IL-22-associated immune disorders, e.g., autoimmune disorders (e.g., arthritis).

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, DNA sequences, vectors and cell lines useful for the rapid generation of stable mammalian cell lines expressing high levels of recombinant proteins.