Abstract: Described herein is a system which uses a gene therapy particle that includes at least one gene, cDNA, fragment or analogue of at least one neurotropin that binds to the trkB receptor or the trkB receptor itself. The gene therapy particle is capable of being delivered to a subject in need thereof for therapy of a metabolic disorder. In a particular aspect, this invention is directed to an inventive method that demonstrates a remarkable efficacy on lowering body weight.

Abstract: A fluid infusion device and a method of using the same. The device includes an outer, flexible guide catheter having a distal end for introduction beneath the skull of a patient and a proximal end remaining external of the patient. A flexible infusion fiber is located within the guide catheter and has a distal end extending outwardly from the guide catheter to be located in a target area within the patient's brain. The infusion fiber can be fixed or axially movable within the guide catheter. In the latter embodiment, the proximal end of the infusion fiber extending outwardly from the guide catheter can be manipulated to locate the distal end of the infusion fiber in the target area. An infusion pump is connected to the proximal end of the infusion fiber to infuse a minute quantity of fluid at an extremely low flow rate into the brain of the patient.

Abstract: Described herein is a system which uses a gene therapy particle that includes at least one gene, cDNA, fragment or analogue of at least one neurotropin that binds to the trkB receptor or the trkB receptor itself. The gene therapy particle is capable of being delivered to a subject in need thereof for therapy of a metabolic disorder. In a particular aspect, this invention is directed to an inventive method that demonstrates a remarkable efficacy on lowering body weight.

Abstract: Methods for treating tumor associated diseases by administering a nucleic acid sequence encoding brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) where the expression reduces the symptoms of the disease and compositions for mediation of enrichment-induced tumor resistance having brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of identifying inducible genetic regulatory sequences that can control the transcription of specific gene transcripts. Methods of using inducible genetic regulatory sequences are also discussed. In particular, the genetic regulatory sequences of the present invention can modulate the transcription of a nucleic acid transcript in vivo.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing development of a neurological disorder has been developed wherein a subject with the disorder, or at risk of developing a disorder, is vaccinated against a brain protein or antigen. Alternatively, the antibodies can be directly administered to the individual in need of treatment thereof. Animal studies demonstrate potent efficacy in the treatment of epilepsy, stroke and cognition in animal models vaccinated against the NMDA receptor.

Abstract: The present disclosure contemplates compositions and methods for skin care. In some embodiments, the compositions may comprise delta opioid receptor agonists. The skin care composition may comprise peptide delta opioid receptor agonists, non-peptide delta opioid receptor agonists, or combinations thereof. In further embodiments, the peptide delta opioid receptor agonists may be chosen from enkephalins and/or deltorphins. In yet other embodiments, the delta opioid receptor agonists may be conjugated to another molecule. For example, the delta opioid receptor agonist may be conjugated to a lipid in order to facilitate entry across the stratum corneum. Further disclosed herein is the cosmetic use of at least one combination as described above, in a composition suitable for topical application to the skin, as an agent for smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines, such as expression wrinkles.

Abstract: A fluid infusion device and a method of using the same. The device includes an outer, flexible guide catheter having a distal end for introduction beneath the skull of a patient and a proximal end remaining external of the patient. A flexible infusion fiber is located within the guide catheter and has a distal end extending outwardly from the guide catheter to be located in a target area within the patient's brain. The infusion fiber can be fixed or axially movable within the guide catheter. In the latter embodiment, the proximal end of the infusion fiber extending outwardly from the guide catheter can be manipulated to locate the distal end of the infusion fiber in the target area. An infusion pump is connected to the proximal end of the infusion fiber to infuse a minute quantity of fluid at an extremely low flow rate into the brain of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for delivering a nucleic acid sequence encoding neuropeptide Y, or a derivative or functional fragment thereof, to a mammalian nervous system target cell. The expression of exogenous NPY, or a derivative or a functional fragment thereof in the target cell(s) provides therapeutic benefit for subjects afflicted with a neurological disorder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for delivering a nucleic acid sequence encoding neuropeptide Y, or a derivative or functional fragment thereof, to a mammalian nervous system target cell. The expression of exogenous NPY, or a derivative or a functional fragment thereof in the target cell(s) provides therapeutic benefit for subjects afflicted with a neurological disorder.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for ameliorating neurological, attention, or memory disorders and improving learning and cognition through the delivery of insulin A-chain and analogs thereof to a subject. Insulin A-chain, peptides comprising the 21 amino acid sequence GIVEQ CCASV CSLYQ LENYC N (SEQ ID NO:1), and functional analogs thereof are disclosed to modulate neurological activity when administered to a subject. The methods of the invention can be used to prevent or treat neurological disorders as well as improve memory retention and acquisition. The invention includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of insulin A-chain peptide or a functional analogs thereof.

Abstract: The invention provide methods and compositions for localized delivery of a vector comprising a therapeutic agent to a specific region of the brain that is overstimulated in neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, the invention provides methods and compositions used to deliver an adeno-associated virus vector (AAV) comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) to cells in the subthalmic nucleus of the basal ganglia, mesaphilia and thalmus.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing development of a neurological disorder has been developed wherein a subject with the disorder, or at risk of developing a disorder, is vaccinated against a brain protein or antigen. Alternatively, the antibodies can be directly administered to the individual in need of treatment thereof. Animal studies demonstrate potent efficacy in the treatment of epilepsy, stroke and cognition in animal models vaccinated against the NMDA receptor.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for ameliorating neurological or memory disorders and improving learning and cognition through the increase of cyclic AMP. Gilatides, peptides comprising the nine amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1), and functional analogs thereof are disclosed to modulate neurological activity when administered to a subject. The methods of the invention can be used to prevent or treat neurological disorders as well as improve memory retention and acquisition. The invention includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of a Gilatide peptide or a functional analog thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for ameliorating neurological, attention, or memory disorders and improving learning and cognition through the delivery of insulin A-chain and analogs thereof to a subject. Insulin A-chain, peptides comprising the 21 amino acid sequence GIVEQ CCASV CSLYQ LENYC N (SEQ ID NO:1), and functional analogs thereof are disclosed to modulate neurological activity when administered to a subject. The methods of the invention can be used to prevent or treat neurological disorders as well as improve memory retention and acquisition. The invention includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of insulin A-chain peptide or a functional analogs thereof.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of identifying inducible genetic regulatory sequences that can control the transcription of specific gene transcripts. Methods of using inducible genetic regulatory sequences are also discussed. In particular, the genetic regulatory sequences of the present invention can modulate the transcription of a nucleic acid transcript in vivo.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of delivering exogenous DNA to a target cell of the mammalian central nervous system using an adeno-associated virus (AAV)-derived vector. Also included in the invention are the AAV-derived vectors containing exogenous DNA which encodes a protein or proteins which prevent or treat nervous system disease, and a method of prevent or treating such disease.

Abstract: The invention provide methods and compositions for targeting endocrine cells capable of converting an immature expressed protein into a mature protein, and secreting the expressed protein into the systemic circulation. In particular, the invention features methods and compositions for treating disorders, such as diabetes by orally administering a vector expressing insulin to target cells which can subsequently secrete the expressed insulin into the blood circulation.

Abstract: A gene delivery system which. is both safe and results in long-term expression throughout the brain has been developed. A lipid-entrapped, polycation-condensed DNA (LPD) system has been developed for brain gene delivery, using an adeno-associated vial. (“AAV”) vector in which the transcription unit is flanked by the 145 bp inverted terminal repeats (ITR) of the adeno-associated virus. This AAV plasmid is more effective than a non-ITR containing plasmid in vivo. The results show that the LPD-AAV plasmid complexes efficiently transduce neurons and that gene expression can persist for over 10 months in the brain. Furthermore, the intraventricular delivery method with systemic hyperosmolality results in global gene delivery. The examples show that expression of the human aspartoacyclase (“ASPA”) gene in children with this metabolic disorder can be obtained over a period of many months to a year, with functional activity.

Abstract: The invention provide methods and compositions for localized delivery of a vector comprising a therapeutic agent to a specific region of the brain that is overstimulated in neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, the invention provides methods and compositions used to deliver an adeno-associated virus vector (AAV) comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) to cells in the subthalmic nucleus of the basal ganglia, mesaphilia and thalmus.