Abstract: A recombinant galectin 9 (rGal 9) is provided which exhibits an immune system-mediated action and a direct action on tumor cells (i.e., activity of inducing the intercellular adhesion and apoptosis of the tumor cells), thereby potent in inducing the inhibition of cancer metastasis and reduction. Moreover, the rGal 9 exerts no efficacy on non-activated lymphocytes but can induce apoptosis in activated T cells, in particular, CD4-positive T cells causing an excessive immune response.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are improved osteogenic devices and methods of use thereof for repair of bone and cartilage defects. The devices and methods promote accelerated formation of repair tissue with enhanced stability using less osteogenic protein than devices in the art. Defects susceptible to repair with the instant invention include, but are not limited to: critical size defects, non-critical size defects, non-union fractures, fractures, osteochondral defects, subchondral defects, and defects resulting from degenerative diseases such as osteochondritis dessicans.

Abstract: This invention relates to molecules, particularly polypeptides, more particularly fusion proteins that include a serpin polypeptide or an amino acid sequence that is derived from a serpin and second polypeptide comprising of at least one the following: an Fc polypeptide or an amino acid sequence that is derived from an Fc polypeptide; a cytokine targeting polypeptide or a sequence derived from a cytokine targeting polypeptide; a WAP domain containing polypeptide or a sequence derived from a WAP containing polypeptide; and an albumin polypeptide or an amino acid sequence that is derived from a serum albumin polypeptide. This invention also relates to methods of using such molecules in a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic indications, as well as methods of producing such molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic composition, and method of use thereof, for improving bone mass, rigidity, or strength, or preventing and treating bone loss via modulation of the RANK signaling pathway. The therapeutic composition of the present invention comprises a RYBP peptide, or fragments thereof, that specifically interact with a motif of RANK to regulate osteoclastogenesis. The present invention further provides a composition, and method of use thereof, comprising a modulator that is capable of modulating the RYBP-RANK interaction, or modulating an effector in the RANK signaling pathway through the RYBP-RANK interaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for use in osteodistraction procedures. In one embodiment, a method of stimulating osteogenesis during and/or following bone distraction comprises providing a composition comprising a PDGF solution disposed in a biocompatible matrix and applying the composition to at least one site of bone distraction.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides that home to a joint of an animal, wherein said peptide comprises an amino acid motif selected from the group consisting of NQR and ADK. Also provided are methods of treating a subject having an arthritic joint, comprising the step of administering to said subject a pharmacologically effective dose of a composition provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new IL-17 inhibiting polypeptides, corresponding fusion proteins, compositions and medical uses thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of bone diseases, bone fractures, bone injuries and other bone abnormalities involving the use of Dkk protein, a Wnt antagonist, a Wnt inhibitor, or any other related protein for the stimulation or enhancement of mineralization and for stimulating the renewal of cells. One Dkk protein, Dickkopf-2 (Dkk-2), acts to stimulate bone formation independently of Wnt proteins which may be inhibited and/or antagonized by Dkk-2. Dkk-2 displayed enhanced specific targeting ability and enhanced biological activity in stimulating or enhancing mineralization. Dkk-2 also played a role in the differentiation and self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells, particularly in osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating osteoporosis and other bone disorders by inhibiting Notch signaling.

Abstract: This invention relates to the inhibition of intercellular adhesion mediated by L-selectin by administering a newly identified L-selectin ligand, CD34. More particularly, the invention concerns a method for inhibiting leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells by administering an effective amount of an isolated, purified CD34 polypeptide or an antibody capable of binding native CD34.

Abstract: The present invention provides moieties that bind to the asymmetric contact interface of a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), wherein the moieties inhibit ligand induced trans autophosphorylation of the RTK. The present invention also provides methods of treating or preventing an RTK-associated disease and methods for identifying moieties that bind to an asymmetric contact interface of an RTK.

Abstract: The present invention provides anti-inflammatory compounds, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of use thereof for treating inflammatory disorders. The present invention also provides methods of identifying anti-inflammatory compounds and methods of inhibiting NF-?B-dependent target gene expression in a cell.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of accelerating bone fracture healing in a subject. Also provided herein are methods of treating or preventing osteoporosis in a subject. Further provided are methods of screening for an agent that accelerates bone fracture healing or treats or prevents osteoporosis.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for promoting bone growth and increasing bone density and strength. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides ALK3 polypeptides, including ALK3-Fc fusion proteins.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a peptide motif and proteins containing the motif that are capable of binding to secreted Frizzled-related protein family members. Accordingly, the disclosure also includes methods of regulating the interaction of sFRP-1 with proteins containing the motif.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an osteopenia animal model by RANKL administration and an osteopenia animal model. Also, a method for producing an osteopenia animal model, comprising administering soluble RANKL or a fused protein of soluble RANKL with an epitope tag to a non-human animal so as to promote vivo osteoclast differentiation and activation in the non-human animal, and an osteopenia animal model produced by the method are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to oligopeptides applicable to a dental implant, which are selected from the group consisting of PEP7 (SEQ ID NO:1), PEP71 (SEQ ID NO:2), EP72 (SEQ ID NO:3), PEP73 (SEQ ID NO:4), PEP74 (SEQ ID NO:5), PEP75 (SEQ ID NO:6) and PEP76 (SEQ ID NO:7). The oligopeptides have very high reactivity for a BMP-specific receptor to increase osteoblastic differentiation and calcification, thereby showing improved osteointegration and osteogenesis.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical, dental and/or cosmetic composition consisting of purified Enamel Matrix Derivative (EMD) proteins which have a molecular weight between 1 and 55 kDa, formulated in a suitable pharmaceutical carrier. The composition is depleted of proteins which have a molecular weight between 56 and 160 kDa and an iso-electric point between 3-10. The purified Enamel Matrix Derivative (EMD) proteins are depleted of proteinase inhibitors, such as ?1-antichymotrypsin and/or Fetuin A. The composition is preferably used for promoting and/or inducing regeneration of hard tissue, tissue mineralization, bone growth and/or bone regrowth, regeneration of dentin, cementogenesis, and/or binding between parts of living mineralized tissue, for bonding of a piece of living mineralized tissue to a bonding site on a piece of other living tissue, for endorsing binding between hard tissues, and/or for filling a mineralized wound cavity and/or tissue defect following from a procedure and/or trauma.

Abstract: Disclosed are a peptide for promoting osteogenesis and vascularization, and the use thereof. The peptide has a low molecular weight so that it can be economically produced. In addition, it promotes osteoblastic differentiation, thus inducing osteogenesis. Further, the peptide can promote the expression of VEGF, resulting in vascularization. Accordingly, the peptide is useful for the prophylaxis or therapy of ischemic diseases.

Abstract: A method of local treatment of specific bone defects such as osteoporosis or bone cysts comprises the step of local administration of a formulation comprising a fusion peptide containing a first domain comprising PTH or BMP 2 or BMP 7, and a second domain comprising a covalently crosslinkable substrate domain; and a material suitable of forming a biodegradable matrix suitable for cellular growth or in-growth, wherein the fusion peptide is covalently linked to the matrix. In one embodiment, the matrix contains one or more contrast agents, and is preferably formed in the absence of a growth factor. The matrix may be used in the treatment of fluid-filled cysts such as Tarlov cysts, ovarian cysts, arachnoid cysts, aneurysmal bone cysts or hepatic cysts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of plasminogen/plasmin and its derivatives as agents for enhancing host defense against infection or other infectious diseases. The invention also relates to a method for screening of compounds which enhance host defense against infection by evaluating the host defense against bacterial arthritis and spontaneous otitis media in an animal model.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a composite biomaterial comprising an inorganic material and an organic material, the process comprising: (a) providing a first slurry composition comprising a liquid carrier, an inorganic material and an organic material; (b) providing a mould for the slurry; (c) depositing the slurry in the mould; (d) cooling the slurry deposited in the mould to a temperature at which the liquid carrier transforms into a plurality of solid crystals or particles; (e) removing at least some of the plurality of solid crystals or particles by sublimation and/or evaporation to leave a porous composite material comprising an inorganic material and an organic material; and (f) removing the material from the mould.

Abstract: A compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, of formula I: X—W wherein X is a caspase-selective structure and W has the structure of —NH—CH(Y)(Z) wherein Y is a structure that can form a reversible covalent bond with a caspase; and Z is selected from a carboxyl moiety or a carboxylic acid mimetic.

Abstract: A method for treating and/or preventing cell necrosis and diseases associated therewith, comprising the inhibition of one or more elastase enzymes within said cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spacer, such as a polymeric spacer, for use with an implant device, e.g., a bone plate, for splinting a fracture of a bone. The spacer includes a body defining a bone healing surface, wherein at least a portion of the bone healing surface has a coating which includes a therapeutic agent, a polymeric carrier, and a buffer medium to stimulate bone growth and/or promote fracture healing. A kit is also disclosed which includes one or more of the spacers, at least one bone plate, and optionally one or more bone screws for securing the bone plate to bone. A method for promoting fracture healing in bone is further disclosed which includes securely situating a coated portion of the spacer adjacent bone.

Abstract: Bioactive molecules are entrapped within a matrix for the controlled delivery of these compounds for therapeutic healing applications. The matrix may be formed of natural or synthetic compounds. The primary method of entrapment of the bioactive molecule is through precipitation of the bioactive molecule during gelation of the matrix, either in vitro or in vivo. The bioactive molecule may be modified to reduce its effective solubility in the matrix to retain it more effectively within the matrix, such as through the deglycosylation of members within the cystine knot growth factor superfamily and particularly within the TGF? superfamily. The matrix may be modified to include sites with binding affinity for different bioactive molecules, for example, for heparin binding.

Abstract: Provided are methods for the treatment of disease and promotion of healing that include providing a therapeutically effective amount of a mammalian antimicrobial peptide (AMP) or analog thereof, in particular a cathelicidin or cathelicidin fragment or cathelicidin analog, thereby treating the disease in the subject in need thereof. Also provided are specific analogs or fragments of cathelicidin that function as agonists, as do endogenous cathelicidins, or as either dominant negatives or as inhibitors to endogenous cathelicidin or to other endogenous AMPs or that compete with pro-inflammatory agents or fragments of AMPs on cognate receptors without inducing disease.

Abstract: Provided is a modified human tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 polypeptide or a fragment thereof that binds to a tumor necrosis factor in vivo or ex vivo. The modified human tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 polypeptide or fragment exhibits improved ability to bind tumor necrosis factor and resistance to proteases.

Abstract: Methods of treating, preventing, or managing autoimmune inflammatory diseases and disorders including but not limited to spondylitis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and rheumatoid arthritis by the administration of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors in combination with other therapeutics are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions, dosage forms, and kits suitable for use in methods of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described are methods of inhibiting heterotopic ossification (HO) in a subject in need thereof. The methods involve administering an effective amount of a proprioception inhibitor to the subject, whereby HO is inhibited or prevented. The present invention also relates to a method of treating a subject with bone trauma. This involves administering a proprioception inhibitor to the subject under conditions effective to treat the bone trauma, where the proprioception inhibitor prevents or inhibits HO.

Abstract: A carrier matrix may be delivered to a target position within a patient in a minimally invasive manner by first cutting a collagen sponge sheet into a plurality of relatively small pieces. These pieces are sized so that, when wet, they are capable of flowing through a cannula and/or reduced-diameter syringe tip. The pieces are placed into a syringe and wetted, say with a morphogenic solution, and optionally mixed with a bulking material, which is similarly sized to fit through the cannula. The thoroughly mixed and wetted product forms a viscous aggregate which may then be injected into the patient at the target site.

Abstract: Provided herein are tissue protective peptides derived from or sharing consensus sequences with portions of cytokine receptor ligands, including Erythropoietin (EPO), that are generally located on or within the region of the cytokine receptor ligand that faces away from a receptor complex while the ligand is bound to the receptor. Also provide herein are fragments, chimeras, as well as peptides designed to mimic the spatial localization of key amino acid residues within the tissue protective receptor ligands, e.g., EPO; methods for treating or preventing a disease or disorder using tissue protective peptides; and methods for enhancing excitable tissue function using tissue protective peptides.

Abstract: An antioxidant compound is disclosed, along with pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment which utilize said compound. The compound is characterized by a peptide including at least three amino acid residues of which at least two are cysteine residues, and a first hydrophobic or non-charged moiety being attached to an amino terminal of the peptide via a first bond and a second hydrophobic or non-charged moiety being attached to a carboxy terminal of the peptide via a second bond, as described herein. Cleavage of the peptide by an intracellular peptidase results in generation of a plurality of antioxidant species, each including one of the cysteine residues, thereby providing for a plurality of different antioxidant species acting in synergy in exerting antioxidation.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a sterile formable implant composition for application to a bone defect site comprising bioactive glass particles in an aqueous carrier solution, the bioactive glass particles being added to a viscous carrier at a concentration ranging from about 68% to about 76% (w/w), the carrier comprising a mixture of glycerol and polyethylene glycol ranging from 24% to 32% (w/w) with the ratio of glycerol to polyethylene glycol ranging from about 45:55 to about 65:35.

Abstract: Endosseous implant to be applied to a human or animal bone, wherein the surface of the implant is made from titanium or a titanium alloy, said implant having a smooth or rough surface texture, which is characterized in that said surface has been treated with at least one selected organic phosphonate compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester or an amide thereof; process for producing said implants.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions, methods, compounds, conjugates, and kits for use in targeted drug delivery using drug delivery conjugates containing hydrophilic spacer linkers for use in treating disease states caused by pathogenic cell populations, such as inflammatory cells.

Abstract: It was revealed that the intravenous administration of HMGB-1 and S100A8 promoted the healing of skin ulcer by recruiting bone marrow-derived cells to the site of skin ulcer. Furthermore, when HMGB-1 was intravenously administered to cerebral infarction model mice after creation of cerebral infarction, bone marrow-derived cells expressing nerve cell markers were detected in their brain. A marked cerebral infarct-reducing effect was observed in mice intravenously administered with HMGB-1 as compared to the control. The post-cerebral infarction survival rate was increased in the intravenous HMGB-1 administration group. The involvement of bone marrow pluripotent stem cells in the process of bone fracture healing was assessed using mice, and the result demonstrated that bone marrow-derived cells distant from the damaged site migrated to the bone fracture site to repair the damaged tissue.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and related methods useful for accelerating bone healing and growth. The compounds comprise a nitroxide-containing group attached to a mitochondria-targeting group. The compounds can be cross-linked into dimers without loss of activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a WNT10-derived peptide, a composition for improving hair loss and skin conditions using the same, and a composition for treating a WNT10 signal transduction pathway-related disorder and DKK-1 protein-induced disorder using the same. WNT10-derived peptide of the present invention possesses identical or similar activities to natural-occurring WNT10, and has much higher stability and skin penetration potency than natural-occurring WNT10. Therefore, the composition containing the present peptide not only shows excellent effects on improvement in hair loss (for example, promotion of hair growth or production of hair), but also has superior efficacies on treatment of a WNT10 signal transduction pathway-related disorder and a DKK-1 protein-induced disorder. In addition, the outstanding activity and stability of the present peptide described above may be greatly advantageous in application to pharmaceutical compositions, quasi-drugs and cosmetics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides and polypeptides having the sequence SAVTFAVCAL or variants thereof, capable of binding to Calcineurin and/or to NS5A-TP2 and to their use in therapy, as well as to nucleic acid sequences and vectors encoding these peptides and polypeptides, and to cells comprising said polypeptides, nucleic acid sequences or vectors. The invention further relates to the use of the peptides, polypeptides or their derivatives to bring about phenotypic changes in mammalian cells, particularly to up-regulate calcineurin activity. The invention finally relates to a method for intracellular identification of substances which bind to calcineurin and which modulate the physiological effects of calcineurin.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of an aquaprin-9 (AQP-9) modulator for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing a pathological condition associates with unbalanced osteoclast differentiation. In accordance with one embodiment, the modulator is an AQP-9 inhibitor. An example of an inhibitor is phloretin which was shown to inhibit osteoclast differentiation following induction of bone marrow cells with RANKL. The invention also concerns methods for modulating osteoclast differentiation, methods for treating pathological conditions associated with unbalanced osteoclast differentiation as well as pharmaceutical composition comprising such modulators.

Abstract: Biomarkers and therapies against autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are described herein. The present invention is based on the discovery of B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and BCMA variant expression on SLE monocytes that can be directly associated with disease activity. The findings of the present invention enable the design of monoclonal antibodies or recombinant proteins that can block BCMA and BCMA variants as well as BCMA-bound APRIL.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the mitochondrial protein, voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), polynucleotides encoding same and variants thereof, as well as peptide fragments, peptide derivatives and analogs. In particular, the present invention is directed to VDAC1 and specific amino acid and polynucleotide sequences thereof useful in inducing or regulating apoptosis and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising same useful in the treatment of diseases associated with aberrant apoptosis.

Abstract: An implant for deployment in select locations or select tissue for regeneration of tissue is disclosed. The implant includes collagen and or other bio-resorbable materials, where the implant may also be used for therapy delivery. Additionally, the implant may be “matched” to provide the implant with similar physical and/or chemical properties as the host tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of gelsolin to treat inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) and to the use of gelsolin to diagnose, monitor, and evaluate therapies of inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis).

Abstract: Implantable, injectable, insertable, or otherwise administrable compositions that form hydrogels when implanted, injected, inserted, or administered into or onto living tissues comprise a pharmaceutically effective compound wherein the pharmaceutically effective compound is a codrug, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof in admixture with a hydrogel-forming compound. The pharmaceutically effective compound may be any compound that is soluble in bodily fluids, or that forms bodily fluid-soluble adducts when exposed to bodily fluids. Exemplary compounds include analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic compounds. The hydrogel-forming compound is a biologically tolerated substance that forms a hydrogel upon exposure to bodily fluids, such as the interstitial fluid surrounding or within a joint.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating bone resorption disorders with antagonists of MDL-1.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods and compositions for treating or preventing arthritis and joint injury.

Abstract: The Wnt signaling pathways are involved in embryo development as well as in tumorigenesis. Dishevelled (Dvl) tranduces Wnt signals from the receptor Frizzled (Fz) to downstream components in canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways, and the Dvl PDZ domain plays an essential role in both pathways, and the Dvl PDZ domain binds directly to Fz receptors. In the present invention using NMR-assisted virtual ligand screening, several compounds were identified and were found to bind to the Dvl PDZ domain. Molecular dynamics simulation was used to analyze the binding between the PDZ domain and these compounds in detail. These compounds provide a basis for rational design of high-affinity inhibitors of the PDZ domain, which can block Wnt signaling by interrupting the Fz-Dvl interaction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses proteinaceous compounds that comprise at least a biologically active portion of a taipan natriuretic peptide (TNP) or a variant or derivative thereof. The invention also relates to the use of these compounds in methods for stimulating vasodilation, natriuresis, diuresis, renin-suppression, bactericidal activity, weight-loss or bone growth in a mammalian host. In specific embodiments, the compounds are useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure.