Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, systems, and methods for extracting and detecting at least one HDL-associated protein (e.g., ApoA1) from a sample (e.g., plasma or serum sample). In certain embodiments, a strong organic acid and hydrophilic organic solvent are mixed with the sample; after centrifugation, the supernatant is transferred to a second container where it is mixed with a non-polar organic solvent; after centrifugation, the lower aqueous layer is transferred to a third container; and then at least a portion of the transferred aqueous layer is subjected to a detection assay such that at least one HDL-associated protein is detected.

Abstract: This invention relates to the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases by administering compositions that increase the activity of a small proline-rich repeat 1 A protein (Sprr1A), or derivative thereof to the brain. Specifically, the compositions may comprise a nucleic acid molecule encoding a Sprr1A protein or a biologically-active portion thereof. The neurodegenerative disease may be Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or traumatic brain injury.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, kits, and compositions for purifying HDL molecules from a sample (e.g., blood sample) using HDL tagging molecules comprising an HDL lipophilic core binding peptide (e.g., portion of ApoA1) and an affinity tag. The present invention also provides methods, kits, and compositions for detecting non-fragmented ApoA1 with mass spectrometry. The present invention further provides methods, kits, and compositions for tagging HDL molecules in a sample with detectably labeled ApoA1 molecules such that the ratio of detectably labeled ApoA1 molecules to native ApoA1 proteins may be determined.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, kits, and compositions for purifying HDL molecules from a sample (e.g., blood sample) using HDL tagging molecules comprising an HDL lipophilic core binding peptide (e.g., portion of ApoA1) and an affinity tag. The present invention also provides methods, kits, and compositions for detecting non-fragmented ApoA1 with mass spectrometry. The present invention further provides methods, kits, and compositions for tagging HDL molecules in a sample with detectably labeled ApoA1 molecules such that the ratio of detectably labeled ApoA1 molecules to native ApoA1 proteins may be determined.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, systems, and compositions for detecting one or more HDL-associated proteins (e.g., ApoC3; ApoC3 and ApoA1; ApoC3 and SAA1/2; or proteins in Biomarker Panels 1-30) in a sample from a subject with, or suspected of having, cardiovascular disease (CVD) or other HDL related disease. In certain embodiments, such methods, systems, and compositions are used to determine the approximate risk of CVD (or other disease) for a subject, and/or the approximate cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) of a sample.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, systems, and compositions for detecting one or more HDL-associated proteins (e.g., ApoC3; ApoC3 and ApoA1; ApoC3 and SAA1/2; or proteins in Biomarker Panels 1-30) in a sample from a subject with, or suspected of having, cardiovascular disease (CVD) or other HDL related disease. In certain embodiments, such methods, systems, and compositions are used to determine the approximate risk of CVD (or other disease) for a subject, and/or the approximate cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) of a sample.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, systems, and methods for extracting and detecting at least one HDL-associated protein (e.g., ApoA1) from a sample (e.g., plasma or serum sample). In certain embodiments, a strong organic acid and hydrophilic organic solvent are mixed with the sample; after centrifugation, the supernatant is transferred to a second container where it is mixed with a non-polar organic solvent; after centrifugation, the lower aqueous layer is transferred to a third container; and then at least a portion of the transferred aqueous layer is subjected to a detection assay such that at least one HDL-associated protein is detected.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, systems, and methods for extracting and detecting at least one HDL-associated protein (e.g., ApoA1) from a sample (e.g., plasma or serum sample). In certain embodiments, a strong organic acid and hydrophilic organic solvent are mixed with the sample; after centrifugation, the supernatant is transferred to a second container where it is mixed with a non-polar organic solvent; after centrifugation, the lower aqueous layer is transferred to a third container; and then at least a portion of the transferred aqueous layer is subjected to a detection assay such that at least one HDL-associated protein is detected.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, kits, and compositions for purifying HDL molecules from a sample (e.g., blood sample) using HDL tagging molecules comprising an HDL lipophilic core binding peptide (e.g., portion of ApoA1) and an affinity tag. The present invention also provides methods, kits, and compositions for detecting non-fragmented ApoA1 with mass spectrometry. The present invention further provides methods, kits, and compositions for tagging HDL molecules in a sample with detectably labeled ApoA1 molecules such that the ratio of detectably labeled ApoA1 molecules to native ApoA1 proteins may be determined.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, kits, and compositions for purifying HDL molecules from a sample (e.g., blood sample) using HDL tagging molecules comprising an HDL lipophilic core binding peptide (e.g., portion of ApoA1) and an affinity tag. The present invention also provides methods, kits, and compositions for detecting non-fragmented ApoA1 with mass spectrometry. The present invention further provides methods, kits, and compositions for tagging HDL molecules in a sample with detectably labeled ApoA1 molecules such that the ratio of detectably labeled ApoA1 molecules to native ApoA1 proteins may be determined.

Abstract: Methods of treating movement disorders by reducing the activity of Nurr1 are disclosed. These methods are particularly applicable to subjects suffering from Parkinson's disease who have either developed levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) or are at risk of developing LID. In some aspects, the invention relates to a method for treating a movement disorder in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition, wherein said composition reduces the activity of a nuclea receptor related 1 protein (“Nurr1”). In some embodiments, the movement disorder is a dyskinesia. The movement disorder may be a levodopa-induced dyskinesia.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, systems, and methods for extracting and detecting at least one HDL-associated protein (e.g., ApoA1) from a sample (e.g., plasma or serum sample). In certain embodiments, a strong organic acid and hydrophilic organic solvent are mixed with the sample; after centrifugation, the supernatant is transferred to a second container where it is mixed with a non-polar organic solvent; after centrifugation, the lower aqueous layer is transferred to a third container; and then at least a portion of the transferred aqueous layer is subjected to a detection assay such that at least one HDL-associated protein is detected.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, systems, and compositions for detecting one or more HDL-associated proteins (e.g., ApoC3; ApoC3 and ApoA1; ApoC3 and SAA1/2; or proteins in Biomarker Panels 1-30) in a sample from a subject with, or suspected of having, cardiovascular disease (CVD) or other HDL related disease. In certain embodiments, such methods, systems, and compositions are used to determine the approximate risk of CVD (or other disease) for a subject, and/or the approximate cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) of a sample.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, systems, and methods for extracting and detecting at least one HDL-associated protein (e.g., ApoA1) from a sample (e.g., plasma or serum sample). In certain embodiments, a strong organic acid and hydrophilic organic solvent are mixed with the sample; after centrifugation, the supernatant is transferred to a second container where it is mixed with a non-polar organic solvent; after centrifugation, the lower aqueous layer is transferred to a third container; and then at least a portion of the transferred aqueous layer is subjected to a detection assay such that at least one HDL-associated protein is detected.

Abstract: This invention relates to the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases by administering compositions that increase the activity of a small proline-rich repeat 1 A protein (Sprr1A), or derivative thereof to the brain. Specifically, the compositions may comprise a nucleic acid molecule encoding a Sprr1A protein or a biologically-active portion thereof. The neurodegenerative disease may be Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or traumatic brain injury.

Abstract: Methods of treating movement disorders by reducing the activity of Nurr1 are disclosed. These methods are particularly applicable to subjects suffering from Parkinson's disease who have either developed levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) or are at risk of developing LID. In some aspects, the invention relates to a method for treating a movement disorder in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition, wherein said composition reduces the activity of a nuclea receptor related 1 protein (“Nurr1”). In some embodiments, the movement disorder is a dyskinesia. The movement disorder may be a levodopa-induced dyskinesia.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, systems, and methods for extracting and detecting at least one HDL-associated protein (e.g., ApoA1) from a sample (e.g., plasma or serum sample). In certain embodiments, a strong organic acid and hydrophilic organic solvent are mixed with the sample; after centrifugation, the supernatant is transferred to a second container where it is mixed with a non-polar organic solvent; after centrifugation, the lower aqueous layer is transferred to a third container; and then at least a portion of the transferred aqueous layer is subjected to a detection assay such that at least one HDL-associated protein is detected.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, kits, and compositions for purifying HDL molecules from a sample (e.g., blood sample) using HDL tagging molecules comprising an HDL lipophilic core binding peptide (e.g., portion of ApoA1) and an affinity tag. The present invention also provides methods, kits, and compositions for detecting non-fragmented ApoA1 with mass spectrometry. The present invention further provides methods, kits, and compositions for tagging HDL molecules in a sample with detectably labeled ApoA1 molecules such that the ratio of detectably labeled ApoA1 molecules to native ApoA1 proteins may be determined.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for promoting neuron survival in patients by administering pleiotrophin, or nucleic acids encoding pleiotrophin. Uses of the invention include promoting neuron graft survival, preventing or reducing nervous system degeneration, and restoring the nervous system, in patients suffering from, or at risk for, neurodegenerative disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for promoting neuron survival in patients by administering pleiotrophin, or nucleic acids encoding pleiotrophin. Uses of the invention include promoting neuron graft survival, preventing or reducing nervous system degeneration, and restoring the nervous system, in patients suffering from, or at risk for, neurodegenerative disorders.