Abstract: Disclosed herein are circular zymogens of RNase 1 that have a proteolytic cleavage site and are activated by a specific protease. These circular zymogens are useful for treatment of disorders that are characterized by a specific protease (e.g., HIV-1 protease).

Abstract: Methods and catalyst compositions for formation of furans from carbohydrates. A carbohydrate substrate is heating in the presence of a 2-substituted phenylboronic acid (or salt or hydrate thereof) and optionally a magnesium or calcium halide salt. The reaction is carried out in a polar aprotic solvent other than an ionic liquid, an ionic liquid or a mixture thereof. Additional of a selected amount of water to the reaction can enhance the yield of furans.

Abstract: This invention relates to altered forms of members of the RNase A superfamily. An RNase A can be modified to be cytotoxic by altering its amino acid sequence so that it is not bound easily by the ribonuclease inhibitor while still retaining catalytic properties. While earlier work had identified some modifications to RNase A that would result in cytotoxicity, the use of the FADE algorithm for molecular interaction analysis has led to several other locations that were candidates for modification. Some of those modifications did result in RNase A variants with increase cytotoxicity.

Abstract: Methods and catalyst compositions for formation of furans from carbohydrates. A carbohydrate substrate is heating in the presence of a 2-substituted phenylboronic acid (or salt or hydrate thereof) and optionally a magnesium or calcium halide salt. The reaction is carried out in a polar aprotic solvent other than an ionic liquid, an ionic liquid or a mixture thereof. Additional of a selected amount of water to the reaction can enhance the yield of furans.

Abstract: Polymeric chelating agents and metal chelates, particularly those of lanthanide metals and more specifically those of Gd(III), useful as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for therapeutic and diagnostic applications as well as clinical and biomedical research applications. The polymeric chelates are generated using ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Polymers can have multiple sites for functionalization allowing for the synthesis of multimodal and targeted contrast agents. Hydroxypyridonate (HOPO)-based chelating moieties are integrated into a ROMP-derived polymer. More specifically, the HOPO-based chelating moiety is integrated into a benzonorbornadiene unit that constitutes the backbone of the polymer. The ROMP-derived polymer chelators can comprise multiple metal ions, particularly Gd(III) ions, in polymers of varying lengths to provide a series of agents with controlled relaxivites. Polymer chelates include those that are water-soluble.

Abstract: Novel collagen mimics are disclosed with a tripeptide unit having the formula (Xaa-Yaa-Gly)n, where one of the positions Xaa or Yaa is a bulky, non-electron withdrawing proline derivative. By substituting a proline derivative at either the Xaa or Yaa position in the native collagen helix, the stability of the helix is increased due solely to steric effects relative to prior known collagen-related triple helices. Methods are also disclosed for making the novel collagen mimics.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for designing novel fluorescent proteins, preferably to a green fluorescent proteins (GFP). The engineered GFPs are modified by substituting negatively charged amino acids with positively charged amino acids on the exterior of the protein making the protein cell permeable. The ability of the engineered fluorescent proteins to permeate cells obviates the need for transfections, allowing these novel proteins to be used in numerous biological applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to altered forms of members of the RNase A superfamily. An RNase A can be modified to be cytotoxic by altering its amino acid sequence so that it is not bound easily by the ribonuclease inhibitor while still retaining catalytic properties. While earlier work had identified some modifications to RNase A that would result in cytotoxicity, the use of the FADE algorithm for molecular interaction analysis has led to several other locations that were candidates for modification. Some of those modifications did result in RNase A variants with increase cytotoxicity.

Abstract: This invention relates to cytotoxic variants of human ribonuclease 1 (RNase 1) identified through analysis of the interaction between RNase 1 and the human ribonuclease inhibitor (hRI) as defined by the three dimensional (3-D) atomic structure of the RNase 1 hRI complex. Also disclosed is the 3-D structure of the hRI.RNase 1 complex and methods for designing the RNase 1 variants.

Abstract: Methods and compositions involving a class of boron-protected phenylphosphine agents having increased cell permeability and having improved chemical stability for treating or for preventing neuronal cell death-related diseases or conditions in a human or a non-human animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for synthesis of phosphinothiol reagents, as well as novel protected reagents, for use in formation of amide bonds, and particularly, for peptide ligation. The invention provides phosphine-borane complexes useful as reagents in the formation of amide bonds, particularly for the formation of an amide bond between any two of an amino acid, a peptide, or a protein.

Abstract: A class of anionic oligomers and polymers that function for inhibition of nucleases, particularly RNase. Specific inhibitors include mixtures of oligomers of vinyl sulfate. Methods for inhibition or inactivation of one or more nucleases in vitro which comprises the step of contacting the one or more nucleases in a biological medium with one or more of the anionic oligomeric or polymeric inhibitors of this invention. Kits for carrying out a biological procedure, biological reaction and/or a biological assay containing one or more inhibitors of this invention. The use of oligomers and/or polymers of this invention as additives in buffers or reagents. The inhibitors of the invention can also be attached to surfaces to provide for removal of nucleases from media, solutions or other liquids in contact with the solid.

Abstract: Latent fluorescent compounds, comprising a fluorescent molecule with one or more blocking groups attached and optionally one or more urea-containing groups are provided. The urea-containing group can be used to further attach one or more molecules of interest, such as proteins, peptides or nucleic acids. The blocking group(s) is released from the latent fluorescent compound by reaction with a trigger, forming the fluorescent molecule which can be detected. Also provided herein are methods of using latent fluorescent compounds to detect triggers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recognition that an analog of ?KG can increase glucose-induced insulin secretion in vitro and in vivo in animals, particularly in mammals, and more particularly in humans and in rodents. By employing the methods of the invention, insulin secretion can be increased.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for a covalent ligation of one or more molecules to one or more surfaces, that is site-specific and both rapid and high yielding. The covalent ligation to the surface is based on the reaction of an azide and a phosphinothioester to form an amide bond. The method of the invention is particularly well-suited to the immobilization of peptides, proteins or protein fragments to surfaces.

Abstract: A novel collagen mimic comprising a tripeptide unit having the formula (flpYaaGly)n, where flp is 4(S)-fluoro-L-proline, is disclosed. The collagen mimic has increased stability relative to the collagen-related triple helices (ProYaaGly)n, (hypYaaGly)n, and (HypYaaGly)n.