Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating diseases and disorders of the muscle tissues in a vertebrate by the administration of compounds which bind the p185erbB2 receptor. These compounds are found to cause increased differentiation and survival of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle.

Abstract: Disclosed is the characterization and purification of DNA encoding a numerous polypeptides useful for the stimulation of glial cell (particularly, Schwann cell) mitogenesis and treating glial cell tumors. Also disclosed are DNA sequences encoding novel polypeptides which may have use in stimulating glial cell mitogenesis and treating glial cell tumors. Methods for the synthesis, purification and testing of both known and novel polypeptides for their use as both therapeutic and diagnostic aids in the treatment of diseases involving glial cells are also provided. Also included is the mature GGF peptide and the DNA encoding said peptide, exclusive of the N-terminal signal sequence. The mature GGF peptide and DNA encoding the same are also useful for treatment of conditions of the central nervous system. Methods are also provided for the use of these polypeptides for the preparation of antibody probes useful for both diagnostic and therapeutic use in diseases involving glial cells.

Abstract: The invention features methods of treating or preventing congestive heart failure by administering a polypeptide containing an epidermal growth factor-like domain encoded by a neuregulin gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating diseases and disorders of the muscle tissues in a vertebrate by the administration of compounds which bind the p185erbB2 receptor. These compounds are found to cause increased differentiation and survival of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating diseases and disorders of the muscle tissues in a vertebrate by the administration of compounds which bind the p185erbB2 receptor. These compounds are found to cause increased differentiation and survival of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle.

Abstract: The invention features methods of treatment and diagnosis using NRG-2 polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules, and antibodies. The invention also provides novel NRG-2 polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: The invention features methods of treatment and diagnosis using NRG-2 polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules, and antibodies. The invention also provides novel NRG-2 polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treatment of nerve cell death (degeneration) and neurodegenerative diseases. Methods of the invention include administering, an effective amount of GDF-1 alone or in combination with neurotrophin-3, to a patient in need of such treatment such as a person suffering from stroke or traumatic brain injury or a neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides methods for promoting the function of retinal cells using neuregulins. A novel aspect of the invention involves the use of neuregulins as growth factors tp promote survival of retinal cells. Treating of the retinal cells to provide these effects may be achieved by contacting retinal cells with a polypeptide described herein. The treatments may be provided to slow or halt net cell loss or to increase the amount or quality of retinal tissue present in the vertebrate.

Abstract: The invention features methods of treating or preventing congestive heart failure by administering a polypeptide containing an epidermal growth factor-like domain encoded by a neuregulin gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treatment of nerve cell death (degeneration) and neurodegenerative diseases. Methods of the invention include administering, an effective amount of GDF-1 alone or in combination with neurotrophin-3, to a patient in need of such treatment such as a person suffering from stroke or traumatic brain injury or a neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of affecting cellular communication in a vertebrate. The communication is affected by the administration of a neuregulin to a vertebrate, where the neuregulin interacts with a first cell type which results in the production of a product (i.e., Product A). This product, in turn, affects the function of a second cell type. Methods are disclosed in which the affect in function of the second cell type, described above, results in the production of a second product (i.e., Product B) which, in turn, can affect the function of the first cell type or a third cell type. Additional methods are included for treatment of disorders involving an altered or inadequate level of production of a product involved in cellular communication.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating diseases and disorders of the muscle tissues in a vertebrate by the administration of compounds which bind the p185erbB2 receptor. These compounds are found to cause increased differentiation and survival of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle.

Abstract: The invention features methods of treatment and diagnosis using NRG-2 polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules, and antibodies. The invention also provides novel NRG-2 polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating pathophysiological conditions of the mammalian nervous system. The methods involve administering an effective amount of a polypeptide comprising amino acids 51 to 422 of human GGF2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of affecting cellular communication in a vertebrate. The communication is affected by the administration of a neuregulin to a vertebrate, where the neuregulin interacts with a first cell type which results in the production of a product (i.e., Product A). This product, in turn, affects the function of a second cell type. Methods are disclosed in which the affect in function of the second cell type, described above, results in the production of a second product (i.e., Product B) which, in turn, can affect the function of the first cell type or a third cell type. Additional methods are included for treatment of disorders involving an altered or inadequate level of production of a product involved in cellular communication.

Abstract: Disclosed is the characterization and purification of DNA encoding numerous polypeptides factors useful for the inhibition of cell (particularly, Schwann cell) proliferation. These factors are useful for the treatment of neural tumors. Also disclosed are the DNA sequences encoding novel polypeptides which may have use as agents which inhibit cell proliferation. Methods for the synthesis, purification, and testing of both known and novel polypeptides for their use as therapeutic and diagnostic aids in the treatment of diseases are also provided. Methods are also provided for the use of these polypeptides for the preparation of antibody probes. Such probes have diagnostic and therapeutic use in diseases involving neural and glial cells.

Abstract: The invention involves secretable glial growth factors.