Abstract: A novel antiproliferative factor comprising a glycopeptide is disclosed. In specific embodiments, the novel antiproliferative factor is associated with the bladder. Compositions, diagnostic kits and reagents, and methods of using the compounds for identifying and/or treating interstitial cystitis and cancer are disclosed.

Abstract: Derivatives of a novel antiproliferative factor comprising a glycopeptide is disclosed. In specific embodiments, the novel antiproliferative factor is associated with the bladder. Compositions, diagnostic kits and reagents, and methods of using the compounds for identifying and/or treating interstitial cystitis and cancer are disclosed. In particular embodiments, the glycopeptide comprises D-proline.

Abstract: Derivatives of bladder epithelial antiproliferative factor and methods of using them are disclosed. In specific embodiments, the glycopeptide compositions are useful for the treatment and/or prevention of medical conditions, including cancer. In other embodiments, there are compositions and methods related to treatment of bladder conditions. In particular embodiments, the glycopeptide comprises D-pipecolic acid or L-pipecolic acid.

Abstract: A novel antiproliferative factor comprising a glycopeptide is disclosed. In specific embodiments, the novel antiproliferative factor is associated with the bladder. Compositions, diagnostic kits and reagents, and methods of using the compounds for identifying and/or treating interstitial cystitis and cancer are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention generally concerns inhibition of a molecule that has a role in post-translational modification of a receptor for antiproliferative factor (APF) of bladder epithelial cells, thereby modulating the APF. In particular, inhibition of DHHC2 activity and/or ZDHHC2 expression results in modulation of APF receptor activity, and in specific aspects such modulation is therapeutic and/or preventative for a bladder condition, such as interstitial cystitis. In addition, inhibition of CKAP4 palmitoylation in certain cases also decreases its activity as a tPA receptor on smooth muscle cells or surfactant A on type II pneumocytes, and/or generally inhibits its function as a cell membrane receptor, cell chaperone molecule, and/or membrane trafficking agent.

Abstract: Derivatives of bladder epithelial antiproliferative factor and methods of using them are disclosed. In specific embodiments, the glycopeptide compositions are useful for the treatment and/or prevention of medical conditions, including cancer. In other embodiments, there are compositions and methods related to treatment of bladder conditions. In particular embodiments, the glycopeptide comprises D-pipecolic acid or L-pipecolic acid.

Abstract: The invention generally concerns inhibition of a molecule that has a role in post-translational modification of a receptor for antiproliferative factor (APF) of bladder epithelial cells, thereby modulating the APF. In particular, inhibition of DHHC2 activity and/or ZDHHC2 expression results in modulation of APF receptor activity, and in specific aspects such modulation is therapeutic and/or preventative for a bladder condition, such as interstitial cystitis. In addition, inhibition of CKAP4 palmitoylation in certain cases also decreases its activity as a tPA receptor on smooth muscle cells or surfactant A on type II pneumocytes, and/or generally inhibits its function as a cell membrane receptor, cell chaperone molecule, and/or membrane trafficking agent.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the receptor for antiproliferative factor (APF) from bladder epithelial cells. In particular, there are compositions and methods for modulating APF, APF receptor, and/or the binding of APF to APF receptor. Agents that interfere with the binding of APF to its receptor or agents that enhance the binding of APF to its receptor are contemplated. In specific aspects, certain compositions are employed for a therapeutic purpose, such as interstitial cystitis or cancer, for example.

Abstract: Derivatives of a novel antiproliferative factor comprising a glycopeptide is disclosed. In specific embodiments, the novel antiproliferative factor is associated with the bladder. Compositions, diagnostic kits and reagents, and methods of using the compounds for identifying and/or treating interstitial cystitis and cancer are disclosed. In particular embodiments, the glycopeptide comprises D-proline.

Abstract: A novel antiproliferative factor comprising a glycopeptide is disclosed. In specific embodiments, the novel antiproliferative factor is associated with the bladder. Compositions, diagnostic kits and reagents, and methods of using the compounds for identifying and/or treating interstitial cystitis and cancer are disclosed.

Abstract: Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic bladder disease for which the exact etiology is unknown and for which there is no reliably effective treatment. However, it is known that the bladder epithelium is often abnormal in IC. We discovered that normal, adult, human bladder epithelial cells are inhibited from proliferating by an anti-proliferative factor (APF) present in IC urine specimens. Inhibited proliferation may cause epithelial abnormalities characteristic of IC such as ulcerations and multiple tears in the bladder epithelium. We further discovered that levels of heparin binding—epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF), a factor known be important for epithelial cell proliferation and wound healing in other tissues, are abnormally low in the urine of patients suffering from IC as compared to asymptomatic controls or patients with acute bacterial cystitis. The invention herein is directed to the use of urine levels of HB-EGF as a diagnostic marker for IC.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel antiproliferative factor (APF) present in urine of patients with interstitial cystitis (IC). APF is useful as a marker for disease activity and its antagonists are useful as therapeutic medicaments for IC and other conditions associated with elevated APF. APF and its agonists are useful in the treatment of diseases associated with cell proliferation, such as bladder cancer.

Abstract: Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic bladder disease for which the exact etiology is unknown and for which there is no reliably effective treatment. However, it is known that the bladder epithelium is often abnormal in IC. We discovered that normal, adult, human bladder epithelial cells are inhibited from proliferating by an anti-proliferative fact (APF) present in IC urine specimens. Inhibited proliferation may cause epthelial abnormalities characteristic of IC such as ulcerations and multiple tears in the bladder epithelium. We further discovered that levels of heparin binding--epidermal growth factor-like growth fact (HB-EGF), a factor known be important for epithelial cell proliferation and wound healing in other tissues, are abnormally low in the urine of patients suffering from IC as compared to asymptomatic controls or patients with acute bacterial cystitis. The invention herein is directed to the use of urine levels of HB-EGF as a diagnostic marker for IC.