Abstract: The present invention identifies biomarkers that are diagnostic of nerve cell injury and/or neuronal disorders. Detection of different biomarkers of the invention are also diagnostic of the degree of severity of nerve injury, the cell(s) involved in the injury, and the subcellular localization of the injury.

Abstract: Polynucleotides (sense and antisense) and polypeptides of a novel caspase-3 splicing variant, termed caspase-3s, are described as research reagents, antiapoptotic agents, neuroprotective agents, pharmaceutical compositions, antitumor agents and agents that protect neuronal cells from apoptotic cell death.

Abstract: The invention covers a novel series of .alpha.-mercaptoacrylic acid derivatives that inhibit both calpain I and calpain II with a high affinity and selectivity. The compounds are useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders including cerebrovascular disorders, brain injury, spinal cord, and peripheral nerve injury, cardiac infarction, cataracts, inflammation, restenosis, muscular dystrophy, and platelet aggregation. Pharmaceutical compositions, methods of using processes for preparing and novel intermediates useful in the processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention covers a novel series of .alpha.-substituted hydrazides that inhibit both calpain I and calpain II. They are non-peptide irreversible active site inhibitors of calpain. The compounds are useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders including cerebrovascular disorders, brain injury, spinal cord, and peripheral nerve injury, cardiac infarction, cataracts, inflammation, restenosis, muscular dystrophy, and platelet aggregation. Pharmaceutical compositions, methods of using processes for preparing and novel intermediates useful in the processes are also disclosed.