Abstract: Secreted FXYD family proteins are expressed by intestinal mucosa and/or associated tissues to regulate cell production in intestinal crypts in response to tissue damage. Such tissue damage may arise from disease, exposure to injurious chemicals (e.g., due to poisoning, chemotherapy, chemical weapons), or exposure to injurious radiation (e.g., due to nuclear power accidents, radiological weapons, radiation therapy). Because these proteins are secreted in response to epithelial tissue damage, some of them are implicated in tissue repair response or an inflammatory response which prolongs or exacerbates the tissue damage. Examples of these proteins include FXYD 3, FXYD 4, and FXYD 5. Diagnostic methods based upon the role of the FXYD proteins in epithelial tissue damage are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for investigating the structural basis of the activation process of CRAC channels, which are essential for T-lymphocyte activation and adaptive immunity. The invention also provides compositions and methods to design, identify and evaluate agents that modulate calcium signaling by regulating the interaction between STIM and Orai proteins. The invention also provides therapeutic agents for cases of immunological disorders, compromised immune function, organ transplantation, or thrombosis.

Abstract: Analogs of ShK toxin and methods for using such ShK analogs. The ShK analogs generally comprise ShK toxin attached to a chemical entity (e.g. an atom, molecule, group, residue, compound, moiety, etc.) that has an anionic charge. The ShK analogs may be administered to human or non-human animal subjects to cause inhibition of potassium channels or to otherwise treat diseases or disorders. In some embodiments, the chemical entity to which the ShK toxin is attached may be chosen to provide selective inhibition of certain potassium channels (e.g., Kv1.3 channels) over other potassium channels (e.g., Kv1.1 channels). In come embodiments, the chemical entity to which the ShK toxin is attached may include a fluorophore and such fluorophore-tagged ShK analogs may be used in flow cytometry alone, or in conjunction with class II tetramers that can detect autoreactive cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synthetic regulator of glutamate receptor function, which regulator is a light-sensitive (photoreactive) regulator. The present invention further provides a light-regulated glutamate receptor that includes a subject synthetic regulator non-covalently associated with the glutamate receptor. Also provided are cells and membranes comprising a subject light-regulated glutamate receptor. The present invention further provides methods of modulating glutamate receptor function, involving use of light. The present invention further provides methods of identifying agents that modulate glutamate receptor function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds which inhibit or antagonize the binding of methylglyoxal (MG) and/or other reactive carbonyl species (RCS) to an arginine- or lysine- containing protein, preferably an arginine- or lysine-containing cellular protein, such as a sodium ion channel, e.g. the sodium ion channel Na(v)1.8. Preferred scavenger compounds are peptides comprising several or multiple repeats of the amino acid sequence motif Gly-Glu-X-Pro (GEXP), wherein X is Arg or Lys, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The present invention furthermore relates to the use of the compounds as scavenger or antagonists of methylglyoxal and/or related reactive carbonyl species (RCS). The present invention furthermore relates to the use of the compounds for the prevention and/or treatment of pain, hyperalgesia and pain related diseases, in particular pain and/or hyperalgesia caused by or associated with methylglyoxal and/or reactive carbonyl species (RCS).

Abstract: A novel 13-residue peptide Mo1659 is isolated from the venom of a the cone snail, Conus monile. HPLC fractions of the venom extract yielded an intense UV absorbing fraction with a mass of 1659 Da. De novo sequencing using matrix assisted laser desorption and ionization and electrospray MS/MS methods with analysis of proteolytic fragments yielded the amino acid sequence, FHGGSWYRFPWGY-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 1), confirmed by comparison with the chemically synthesized peptide and conventional Edman sequencing. Mo1659 has an unusual sequence with a preponderance of aromatic residues and absence of apolar, aliphatic residues like Ala, Val, Len, Ile. Mo1659 has no disulfide bridges, distinguishing it from the conotoxins and bears no sequence similarity with any of the acyclic peptides isolated thus far from cone snail venoms. Electrophysiological studies on the effect of Mo 1659 on measured currents in dorsal root ganglion neurons suggest that the peptide targets non-inactivating voltage dependent potassium channels.

Abstract: A peptide with the following sequence YCQKFLWTCDSERPCCEGLVCRLWCKIN (SEQ ID NO 1) or a derivative thereof, and nucleic acids coding for the peptide having the sequence (SEQ ID NO 1). Also the use of this peptide as an antagonist and/or reverse agonist of T-type calcium channels. A use of the peptide for preparing a drug, in particular an analgesic one.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the risk of or treating a disorder associated with fluid and/or salt retention in a patient are described. The methods include administering to the patient an agent selected from: a) an agent that reduces sodium absorption in the intestine; b) an agent that increases anion secretion in the intestine; or c) an agent that both reduces sodium absorption in the intestine and increases anion secretion in the intestine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synthetic regulator of protein function, which regulator is a light-sensitive regulator. The present invention further provides a light-regulated polypeptide that includes a subject synthetic regulator. Also provided are cells and membranes comprising a subject light-regulated polypeptide. The present invention further provides methods of modulating protein function, involving use of light. The present invention further provides methods of identifying agents that modulate protein function.

Abstract: The invention relates to relatively short peptides (termed ?-conotoxins herein), about 10-30 residues in length, which are naturally available in minute amounts in the venom of the cone snails or analogous to the naturally available peptides, and which preferably include two disulfide bonds.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of using scorpion venom peptide that is a ligand for ABC transporters. One aspect provides a peptide having at least 80% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. The peptide Is believed to have a molecular mass of about 3.7 kDa and specifically interacts with cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. Methods of treating a disorder or symptom of a disorder related to aberrant ABC transporter activity are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel conopeptides and/or novel uses of conopeptides. The conopeptides of the invention are analogs of ?-Conotoxin MII that are selective for ?6-containing nAChRs as described herein.

Abstract: Analogs of ShK toxin and methods for using such ShK analogs. The ShK analogs generally comprise ShK toxin attached to a chemical entity (e.g. an atom, molecule, group, residue, compound, moiety, etc.) that has an anionic charge. In some embodiments the chemical entity attached to the ShK toxin may comprise an amino acid residue. The ShK analogs may be administered to human or non-human animal subjects to cause inhibition of potassium channels or to otherwise treat diseases or disorders. In some embodiments, the chemical entity to which the ShK toxin is attached may be chosen to provide selective inhibition of certain potassium channels (e.g., Kv1.3 channels) over other potassium channels (e.g., Kv1.1 channels). In come embodiments, the chemical entity to which the ShK toxin is attached may include a fluorophore, thereby providing a fluorophore tagged ShK analog.

Abstract: Methods, compounds, compositions, kits and articles of manufacture comprising one or more gap junction modulating agents for treatment of wounds that do not heal at expected rates, including chronic wounds, delayed healing wounds, incompletely healing wounds, and dehiscent wounds in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions to treat CaV2 disorders. The invention also relates to methods treating CaV2 disorders. The invention further relates to kits for treating CaV2 disorders in a subject. The invention further relates to methods of identifying novel treatments for treating Cav2 disorders in a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed is the characterization and purification of DNA encoding a numerous polypeptides useful for the stimulation of glial cell (particularly, Schwann cell) mitogenesis and treating glial cell tumors. Also disclosed are DNA sequences encoding novel polypeptides which may have use in stimulating glial cell mitogenesis and treating glial cell tumors. Methods for the synthesis, purification and testing of both known and novel polypeptides for their use as both therapeutic and diagnostic aids in the treatment of diseases involving glial cells are also provided. Methods are also provided for the use of these polypeptides for the preparation of antibody probes useful for both diagnostic and therapeutic use in diseases involving glial cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of the peptide toxin APETx2 that blocks the ASIC3 cationic channels and that is derived from the Anthopleura elegantissima sea anemone, and to the use of the analogs and derivatives thereof as a drug, particularly as an analgesic pain associated with the activation of ASIC3 (Acid Sensing Ion Channel 3) channels, in particular pain occurring upon an inflammation and potentially upon any painful situation associated with tissue acidosis (ischemiae, fractures, hematoma, oedema, phlyctena, local infections, tissue lesions, ocular wounds, tumours, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, apparatus, and methods for improving the viability of cells, including, but not limited to, nonexcitable cells, and tissues expressing exogenous polynucleotides that encode membrane proteins that regulate that flow of ions across the cell membrane. The viability of the cells and tissues may be improved by contacting the cells or tissue with one or more ion channel blocking agents. Membrane proteins that regulate the flow of ions across the cell membrane include, but are not limited to, ion channels.

Abstract: Fluorescence based screening assays are provided that allow for the for identification of agents that selectively bind to a ligand-gated ion channel (LGIC) such as a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Also provided are methods for identifying agents that selectively bind to a neuronal-type nAChR by detecting binding of the agent to an Aplysia AChBP, which is representative of a neuronal-type nAChR. In addition, compositions and kits for performing such methods are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing memory in animals, including humans by the administration of an effective amount of an atypical form of protein kinase C such as protein kinase M zeta (PKM?) or protein kinase C iota/lambda.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a therapeutic composition for erectile dysfunction comprising as an active ingredient a gene functioning to inhibit expression of an ion channel involved in influx of ions into a tissue. When expressed, the gene inhibits the activity of the ion channel to effectively block calcium influx. Accordingly, the composition can be effective for treating erectile dysfunction without side effects.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel glucocorticoid receptor agonists of formula (I): and to processes and intermediates for their preparation. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, to their combination with one or more other therapeutic agents, as well as to their use for the treatment of a number of inflammatory and allergic diseases, disorders and conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel gene encoding a protein termed voltage gated calcium channels ? subunit anchoring regulator protein (VDCC BARP) or a peptide fragments thereof. The present invention also relates to the use of VDCC BARP in Modulation of voltage gated calcium channels via altering the concentration of VDCC BARP or a peptide fragments thereof.