Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include methods for generating skeletal muscle by targeting the Hippo pathway. In particular embodiments, an individual with a need for skeletal muscle generation is provided an effective amount of a shRNA molecule that targets the SAV1 gene. Particular shRNA sequences are disclosed.

Abstract: An effective amount of a composition comprising a stem cell, a stem cell engraftment enhancer, and a carrier fluid, for use in the treatment of an individual having a disease or at risk of developing a disease, wherein the disease is a vascular-associated disease and/or a muscular disease. A composition comprising PGI2-overexpressing human mesenchymal stem cells (PGI2-hMSCs), and a carrier fluid; wherein an effective amount of the composition is administered via a single treatment stream as an intramuscular injection to an individual having a disease or at risk of developing a disease, wherein the disease is a vascular-associated disease and/or a muscular disease, and wherein stem cell engraftment is enhanced in said individual by greater than about 200%, when compared to stem cell engraftment in an individual treated with a composition lacking the stem cell engraftment enhancer.

Abstract: An effective amount of a composition comprising (i) a plasmid having a cyclooxygenase-prostacyclin synthase fusion gene, and (ii) a carrier fluid for use in treating an individual having a vascular disease or at risk of developing a vascular disease. A composition comprising a carrier fluid; and a DNA sequence encoding for a triple catalytic enzyme, a cDNA sequence encoding for a triple catalytic enzyme, a plasmid comprising a DNA sequence encoding for a triple catalytic enzyme, a fusion gene encoding for a triple catalytic enzyme, a cyclooxygenase-prostacyclin synthase fusion gene, or combinations thereof, for use in treating an individual having a vascular disease or at risk of developing a vascular disease.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treatment of an interstitial lung disease (ILD) by administering an endothelin antagonist, such as sitaxsentan or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: A method for protecting a mammalian organ, tissue or cell from damage during isolation from the circulatory system by contacting a mammalian organ, tissue or cell with a solution containing at least one selectin antagonist in an amount sufficient to inhibit selectin binding and/or cell signaling is disclosed. The selectin antagonist is a small molecule inhibitor of the selectin family of adhesion molecules. A composition for preservation or maintenance of a mammalian organ, tissue or cell containing such selectin antagonists is also disclosed. A presently preferred selectin antagonist is bimosiamose disodium.

Abstract: Purified plasminogen activator proteins obtained or derived from the vampire bat Desmodus rotundus saliva and salivary glands, methods for purifying the proteins, DNA sequences encoding these proteins, means for producing them using recombinant DNA technology, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these proteins and methods of treatment utilizing these proteins are provided.

Abstract: An 18kD protein (FLAP) has been isolated from rat and human cells which is necessary for production of leukotrienes from arachidonic acid in mammalian cells containing 5-lipoxygenase. The gene (cDNA) encoding for FLAP has also been produced.