Abstract: Compounds of Formula (I) or (X) are provided including for treatment of disorders such as a disorder or symptom associated with neuronal cell death. In one aspect, compounds which are selective inhibitors of calpain-2 are provided. Preferred compounds can be useful to treat acute neurodegeneration.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula (I) are provided including for treatment of disorders such as glaucoma.

Abstract: Accumulating evidence indicates that the lysosomal Ragulator complex is essential for full activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Abnormal mTORC1 activation has been implicated in several developmental neurological disorders, including Angelman syndrome (AS), which is caused by maternal deficiency of the ubiquitin E3 ligase UBE3A. Here, it is reported that Ube3a regulates mTORC1 signaling by targeting p18, a subunit of the Ragulator. Ube3a ubiquinates p18, resulting in its proteasomal degradation, and Ube3a deficiency in the hippocampus of AS mice induces increased lysosomal localization of p18 and other members of the Ragulator-Rag complex, and increased mTORC1 activity. p18 knockdown in hippocampal CA1 neurons of AS mice reduces elevated mTORC1 activity and improves dendritic spine maturation, long-term potentiation (LTP), as well as learning performance.

Abstract: Molecules that selectively inhibit or stimulate the activity of isoforms of calpains are presented. Methods for screening and characterizing such molecules are also presented. Specific functions of calpain-1 calpain-2 in long term potentiation (LTP), learning and memory, neurodegeneration and diseases of synaptic dysfunction are characterized using novel calpain inhibitors, substrates and related methods. The compounds, compositions, and methods described herein are expected to be useful, for treating neurodegenerative diseases and other diseases of synaptic function, and for modulating cognition in patients in need thereof.

Abstract: A composition comprising a peptide or a peptidomimetic thereof that inhibits the C-terminal domain truncation of mGluR1? by calpain, wherein the peptide is 10-30 amino acids in length and contains a sequence that is at least 70% homologous to VIKPLTKSYQGSGK. Also disclosed are methods of detecting the C-terminal domain truncation of mGluR1? by calpain, methods of inhibiting the C-terminal domain truncation of mGluR1? in a neuron, and methods of identifying a compound that inhibits the C-terminal domain truncation of mGluR1?.

Abstract: A composition comprising a peptide or a peptidomimetic thereof that inhibits the C-terminal domain truncation of mGluR1? by calpain, wherein the peptide is 10-30 amino acids in length and contains a sequence that is at least 70% homologous to VIKPLTKSYQGSGK. Also disclosed are methods of detecting the C-terminal domain truncation of mGluR1? by calpain, methods of inhibiting the C-terminal domain truncation of mGluR1? in a neuron, and methods of identifying a compound that inhibits the C-terminal domain truncation of mGluR1?.

Abstract: Compositions for enhancing memory of a subject comprising a combination of a positive modulator of an AMPA receptor and a positive modulator of an NMDA receptor are provided, wherein each modulator of the combination is present at a subtherapeutic dose for effecting memory enhancement. Methods for using such compositions in the treatment of cognitive impairment associated with aging, age-related diseases, and CNS disorders, for example, are provided. New fusion molecules are also provided that combine the positive modulator functionalities into one molecule.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reliable protease activity assay system for determination of cleavage of more than one recognition/cleavage site in a single assay. The assay relies on use of a fluorescent fusion substrate which comprises a purification module (PM), a first fluorescent protein (FP1), a specific protease recognition/scission site (SPSS), a second fluorescent protein (FP2) and a matrix binding module (BM).

Abstract: The invention provides antioxidant salen-metal complexes in a form suitable for pharmaceutical administration to treat or prevent a disease associated with cell or tissue damage produced by free radicals such as superoxide.