Abstract: Provided are methods, kits and arrays for use in determining whether a scar of interest is keloid or non-keloid in nature. These determine keloid or non-keloid nature based on comparison of gene expression in the scar of interest with expression in a control sample. If expression of at least one gene, selected from the group of genes set out in Table 1, is decreased in a sample representative of gene expression in the scar of interest compared to expression of the same gene (or genes) in the control sample this indicates that the scar of interest comprises a keloid.

Abstract: Provided are methods, kits and arrays for use in determining whether a scar of interest is keloid or non-keloid in nature. These determine keloid or non-keloid nature based on comparison of gene expression in the scar of interest with expression in a control sample. If expression of at least one gene, selected from the group of genes set out in Table 1, is increased in a sample representative of gene expression in the scar of interest compared to expression of the same gene (or genes) in the control sample this indicates that the scar of interest comprises a keloid.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for folding a Transforming Growth Factor Beta, or a functional analogue thereof, into a dimeric, biologically active form. The method involves adding solubilized, unfolded monomeric growth factor to a solution containing 2-(cyclohexylamino)-ethanesulfonic acid (CHES) or a functional analogue thereof and a low molecular weight sulfhydryl/disulfide redox system. The solution is then incubated under conditions suitable for generating dimeric biologically active Transforming Growth Factor Beta.

Abstract: A method for storing data in a database. The method uses configuration data defining an entity and a condition associated with the entity. The method comprises processing a plurality of data items, said processing including determining for each data item whether said condition is satisfied by one of said plurality of data items. If said condition is satisfied by one of said plurality of data items, creating an instance of said entity, said entity being associated with said one data item.

Abstract: There is provided the use of monomeric TGF-?s, or there fragments or derivatives, as medicaments. These medicaments preferably comprise monomeric TGF-?3, or fragments or derivatives thereof. The medicaments provided may be used in the acceleration of wounding and/or the inhibition of scarring, in the promotion of epithelial regeneration, or in the prevention and/or treatment of fibrotic disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides TGF-?3s, or fragments or derivatives thereof, wherein the alpha-helix-forming domain between amino acid residues (58) and (67) of full-length wild type TGF-?3 comprises at least one alpha-helix-stabilising substitution. The invention also provides TGF-?3s, or fragments or derivatives thereof, wherein the Glycine residue at position (63) of full-length wild type TGF-?3 is replaced with Proline. Further still, the invention provides TGF-?3s, or fragments or derivatives thereof, comprising a substitution of the Glutamic acid residue at position (12) of full-length wild type TGF-?3 and/or the Arginine residue at position (52) of full-length wild type TGF-?3. The invention also provides medicaments and methods of treatment using such TGF-?3s.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of an antagonist of CXCL 13 or CXCR5 activity in the preparation of a medicament for the prevention and/or inhibition of pathological scarring; as well as the use of such antagonists in the preparation of a medicament for the prevention and/or inhibition of fibrotic disorders; and the use of such antagonists in the preparation of a medicament for the prevention and/or treatment of a chronic wound. Medicaments or methods of the invention are particularly suitable for use in keloids or venous ulcers. Suitable antagonists of CXCL13 or CXCR5 activity may be any compound capable of inhibiting the CXCL13/CXCR5 signalling pathway. The invention also provides a model of aberrant wound healing, which may lead to pathological scar formation, or to chronic wound formation.

Abstract: A method and system of collecting information relating to an image. The method comprises presenting the image from a first computer. A plurality of second computers is connected to the first computer, and these second computers generate a plurality of data items relating to said image. Each of said data items are transmitted from a respective one of the plurality of second computers to the first computer, and each data item is received at the first computer. Said data items are associated with an identifier identifying said image, and each data item is stored together with the associated identifier in a database.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for diagnosing or detecting a predisposition to a condition at least partially characterised by inappropriate fibrosis or scarring (e.g. Dupuytren's Disease). The method comprises examining the ZF9 gene, and regulatory elements thereof, derived from a subject of interest to detect the presence of a genetic poylmorphism or mutation in said gene which is linked with the condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for promoting the healing of wounds or fibrotic disorders with reduced scarring, comprising inhibitors and inhibiting IFN-?, together with compositions and methods for promoting the healing of chronic wounds, comprising stimulating and stimulators of IFN-?.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for promoting the healing of wounds or fibrotic disorders with reduced scarring, comprising inhibitors and inhibiting IFN-&ggr;, together with compositions and methods for promoting the healing of chronic wounds, comprising stimulating and stimulators of IFN-&ggr;.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for diagnosing or detecting a predisposition to a condition at least partially characterised by inappropriate fibrosis or scarring (e.g. Dupuytren's Disease). The method comprises examining the ZF9 gene, and regulatory elements thereof, derived from a subject of interest to detect the presence of a genetic poylmorphism or mutation in said gene which is linked with the condition.

Abstract: The present invention concerns analogues of M6P for use in promoting the healing of wounds or fibrotic disorders with reduced scarring, together with methods for doing same.

Abstract: A composition for use in the treatment of wounds to inhibit scar tissue formation during healing is disclosed, comprising an effective activity-inhibiting amount of a growth factor neutralising agent or agents specific against only fibrotic growth factors together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The method of preparation of said composition and method of administering the composition to a host suffering from tissue wounding is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for promoting the healing of wounds or fibrotic disorders with reduced scarring, comprising inhibitors and inhibiting IFN-&ggr;, together with compositions and methods for promoting the healing of chronic wounds, comprising stimulating and stimulators of IFN-&ggr;.

Abstract: A healing composition containing at least one non-fibrotic growth factor in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is disclosed. A method of preparation of the composition and method of treating a host, suffering from a wound or fibrotic condition, disease, disorder with the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns analogues of mannose-6-phosphate for use in promoting the healing of wounds or fibrotic disorders with reduced scarring, and methods for doing same.

Abstract: Mannose-6-phosphate is formulated by pH adjustment as a suspension or solution at pH 6 to 8, preferably 6.5 to 7.5 and preferably at a concentration of 65 to 300 mM. Suspensions can be made in viscous hyaluronic acid gels. These compositions are useful in wound healing, particularly to prevent or mitigate scar formation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns soluble betaglycan for use in promoting the healing of wounds or fibrotic disorders with reduced scarring, together with methods for same.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions for promoting the healing of wounds or fibrotic disorders comprising at least one agent specific to either a growth factor or a protein associated therewith in a system and which affects the quantity of active growth factor in the system, in combination with a pharmaceuticlly acceptable carrier, diuluent or excipient.