Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising SGEF protein or gene as a therapeutic means to clinical or subclinical defects associated with anomalies of at least one from among the macula, corpus callosum, hippocampus, liver or immune system and diseases including a feverless response to infection, a cancer or vision loss. Methods of diagnosis of such disease and development anomalies are based on detection of mutations of the SGEF gene or altered levels of the SGEF mRNA or protein. A change of at least about 20% in the level of expression visa-vie a normal individual indicates an SGEF anomaly. The SGEF protein is also used as a preventive or curative treatment of atherosclerosis by local or systemic delivery. The invention also provides a composition comprising an inhibitor of the SGEF gene expression or SGEF protein concentration, as a therapeutic means for glaucoma, osteoarthritis, auto-inflammatory diseases, tumors or cancers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel peptide linkers and polypeptide compositions comprising the linkers (e.g., chimeric polypeptides) and methods of using the polypeptide compositions. The compositions and methods are particularly useful for targeting/delivering a polypeptide or protein of interest (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide) to a cell, tissue or organ of interest in order to treat various diseases or disorders (e.g., lysosomal storage disorders).

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for regulating body weight, in particular, for treating obesity and obesity-associate disorders. The present invention also provides methods of screening compounds that modulate activity of GDF3. The compositions and methods provided herein are also useful in treating diseases associated with abnormal activity of GDF3.

Abstract: Provided are soluble neutral active Hyaluronidase Glycoproteins (sHASEGP's), methods of manufacture, and their use to facilitate administration of other molecules or to alleviate glycosaminoglycan associated pathologies. Minimally active polypeptide domains of the soluble, neutral active sHASEGP domains are described that include asparagine-linked sugar moieties required for a functional neutral active hyaluronidase domain. Included are modified amino-terminal leader peptides that enhance secretion of sHASEGP. Sialated and pegylated forms of the sHASEGPs also are provided. Methods of treatment by administering sHASEGPs and modified forms thereof also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a molecular marker for a plant physiological process and more particularly for plant embryogenesis. The molecular marker is, in one form, a genetic sequence from a monocot plant such as but not limited to oil-palm plants. In another form, the molecular marker is a polypeptide encoded by said genetic sequence. More particularly, the molecular marker of the present invention enables embryogenic tissue to be detected in vitro. The early detection of embryogenic tissue enables non-embryogenic tissue to be discarded. The ability to detect embryogenesis facilitates maximization of embryogenic potential. The present invention further contemplates a molecular marker comprising in one form a sequence of nucleotides encoding an antioxidant or in another form a sequence of amino acids defining a polypeptide having antioxidant activity. The antioxidant according to this aspect of the present invention is particularly useful in tablet or cream form as an anti-aging agent.

Abstract: SP1 and modified SP1 variant polypeptides capable of forming reversible molecular associations with substances, compositions-of-matter comprising same, and uses thereof are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing and detecting diseases associated with colon. The present invention provides one or more proteins or fragments thereof, peptides or nucleic acid molecules differentially expressed in colon diseases (CCAT) and antibodies binds to CCAT. The present invention provides that CCAT is used as targets for screening agents that modulates the CCAT activities. Further the present invention provides methods for treating diseases associated with colon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, compositions and kits for preparing FVIII and employing same. Also provided are vWF polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding same.

Abstract: Chemokine binding activity of viral TNF receptors and related proteins. The invention relates to a C-terminal domain (CTD) of viral tumor necrosis factor receptors (vTNFRs) CrmB or CrmD or CTD homologues (CTD1, CTD2 and CTD3) from poxvirus and their functional homologues, including derivatives, and fragments, for use in binding chemokines and their analogues and/or to enhance the immunomodulatory properties of TNFRs or in blocking binding of chemokines to their corresponding cell surface receptors and/or to modulate chemokine biological activity.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods, compositions, and devices for treating an ocular disease, disorder or condition in a mammal. The invention includes polypeptides that possess anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, immune modulatory and anti-tumorigenic properties, and their application in the treatment of eye disease, particularly diseases of the retina. In particular aspects, the invention includes administration of a therapeutic polypeptide such as a stanniocalcin family member protein for the treatment of an eye disease. Also included are fusion proteins and cells stimulated or modified to express the therapeutic polypeptides as set forth herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides sustained release and long acting forms of peptide therapeutic, particularly Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), including multimeric forms of IL-1ra, including variants of IL-1ra which are capable of multimerising, and compositions comprising the long acting and multimeric forms of IL-1ra, and a process of preparation thereof. The present invention also provides compositions comprising the multimeric forms of IL-1ra, including IL-1raK, KIL-1ra and KIL-1raK, which are effective in inhibiting, treating and/or ameliorating rheumatoid disease, inflammatory diseases or disorders, autoinflammatory disorders or conditions resulting from adverse effects of Interleukin-1 (IL-1). Methods of treating a subject comprising administering the composition comprising the multimeric forms of IL-1ra are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of cancer diagnosis and treatment, and more particularly to compositions and methods that may be useful for eliminating cancer cells with stem-like characteristics. The disclosed compositions and methods may also be useful for managing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer or endometrial (uterine) cancer with metastases; and visualizing the cancer cells in patient's body. The compositions of the instant invention include human prolactin receptor antagonist G129R.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Volvox carteri-derived light-receiving channel rhodopsin with an improved expression efficiency on a cell membrane. Specifically disclosed is a modified Volvox carteri-derived light-receiving channel rhodopsin protein. The protein is modified to contain an N-terminal region of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii-derived channel rhodopsin-1 at the N-terminal of the Volvox carteri-derived light-receiving channel rhodopsin protein, wherein the N-terminal region is involved in cell membrane-localized expression and contains no transmembrane domain of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii-derived channel rhodopsin-1.

Abstract: A polypeptide comprising a preS1 region of hepatitis B virus (HBV), or a fragment thereof, and/or the preS2 region of HBV or a fragment thereof, and methods of use to inhibit virus infection are disclosed. A lentivirus comprising hepatitis B virus (HBV) envelope proteins, or a fragment thereof, and/or the L envelope protein of HBV and/or the M envelope protein of HBV or a fragment thereof, and/or the S envelope protein of HBV or a fragment thereof, and methods of use of this lentivirus HBV pseudovirus as a gene therapy to target hepatocytes for the administration of therapeutic agents are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are biologically active protein conjugates that comprise a biologically active polypeptide coupled via a peptide bond to a polypeptide comprising from 2 to about 500 units of a repeating peptide motif, wherein the biologically active protein conjugate exhibits a modified plasma half-life compared to the intrinsic half-life of the unconjugated biologically active polypeptide or protein. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the conjugated proteins, as well as methods for determining whether a given conjugate exhibits a modified half life relative to the intrinsic half life of the unconjugated polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides agents for inhibiting binding of a pro-neurotrophin to a Vps1 Op-domain receptor, in particular the binding of a pro-NGF or a pro-BDNF to a Sortilin receptor. The invention thus provides agents for the manufacture of a medicament, for treating and/or preventing disease or disorders such as but not limited to neurological, neuropsychiatric and ocular diseases, disorders, and degeneration as well as obesity, diabetes, pain and/or nociception in an individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an antisecretory protein or homologues thereof having the same properties, or certain fragments thereof in the manufacture of a medicament or a medical food for inducing improved rescue of injured or diseased nervous tissue, proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and/or migration of an embryonic stem cell, adult stem cell, progenitor cell and/or a cell derived from a stem cell or progenitor cell, for treating a condition characterized by or associated with loss and/or gain of cells. In a preferred embodiment, the condition is a neurotrauma or a condition or disease of the CNS and/or PNS and/or ANS, for example, Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Disclosed are cysteine variants of interleukin-11 (IL-11) and methods of making and using such proteins in therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Dominant negative (DN) variants of transcriptional enhancer factor 1-related (RTEF-1) are described. DN RTEF-1 polypeptides may be directly targeted to cells or delivered in nucleic acid expression vectors to alter cellular transcription. Methods for inhibiting VEGF production and thereby treating angiogenic disorders such as cancer are described. For example, in certain aspects, DN RTEF-1 may be used to treat angiogenic disorders of the eye such as age related macular degeneration (AMD).

Abstract: Use of a mutated antithrombin having substantially no activity, in particular no anticoagulant activity, possibly in association with an anticoagulant, for the preparation of a drug intended for the prevention or treatment of pathologies linked to or associated with coagulation disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for increasing transport of GDNF across the blood brain barrier while allowing its activity to remain substantially intact. The GDNF is transported across the blood brain barrier via one or more endogenous receptor-mediated transport systems.

Abstract: A biocompatible synthetic bone growth composition comprising a fibrillar collagen component and a calcium phosphate component. The composition is formed into particles, and then formed into a unitary article that may be provided at the site of a skeletal defect. An osteoinductive component may be further added, either before or after forming the unitary article. The composition may be formulated as a paste or putty and facilitates bone growth and/or repair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an EMMPRIN inhibitor for preventing and/or treating cardiac damage arising after an ischemic process followed by reperfusion. The authors of the present invention have observed that EMMPRIN expression increases in subjects who have suffered ischemia/reperfusion, ascertaining that an EMMPRIN inhibitor is capable of reducing the cardiac damage caused after ischemia followed by reperfusion, both in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of using HSS1 (Hematopoietic Signal peptide-containing Secreted 1), HSM1 (Hematopoietic Signal peptide-containing Membrane domain-containing 1), or a combination thereof in the treatment of various cancers, such as brain cancers.

Abstract: Red blood cells can be used as effective drug delivery systems when they contain proteins that do not readily diffuse out and which form affinity complexes with the desired drug.

Abstract: A method of treating, preventing, or delaying the progression of Type 1 diabetes mellitus by administering an effective amount of a fusion protein composition comprising a T-cell co-stimulation antagonist and a portion of an immunoglobulin molecule and an effective amount of a Type 1 diabetes autoantigen. The method includes, for example, administering a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) molecule and a Type 1 diabetes autoantigen. Pharmaceutical compositions are also provided herewith.

Abstract: The invention provides multivalent ligand binding agents (traps) for members of the TGF-? superfamily and polypeptide linkers and methods for making and using such constructs. The traps may be used as therapeutic or diagnostic (imaging or non-imaging) agents for diseases/disorders caused by over-production/activity of the target ligand. In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a multivalent binding agent with affinity for a member of the TGF-? superfamily, the agent having the general structure I: (<bd1>-linker1)k-[{<bd1>-linker2-<bd2>-linker3f-}n-(<bd3>)m-(linker4-<bd4>)d]h, where: n and h are independently greater than or equal to 1; d, f, m and k are independently equal to or greater than zero; bd's are polypeptide binding domains having an affinity for the same member of the TGF-? superfamily; and, linkers are unstructured polypeptide sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to consensus nucleotide and protein sequences for HIV-1 Clade A antigens, and to nucleotide and protein sequences for Clade A antigens from circulating HIV-1 field isolates wherein the antigen sequences are closely related to the these consensus sequences. Advantageously, the present invention relates to HIV-1 Clade A transgenes that are derived from such sequences, and that encode either HIV-1 Clade A Gag, Pol (RT and Int), and Nef (collectively “GRIN”), HIV-1 Clade A Gag, RT, and Nef (collectively “GRN”), or HIV-1 Clade A Env. The invention also relates to vectors containing such transgenes, including adenovirus vectors containing such transgenes. The invention also relates to immunogenic compositions comprising the HIV-1 Clade A antigens, nucleotide sequences, vectors, or transgenes of the invention, and to methods of generating an immune response against HIV in a subject by administering an effective amount of such immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: The claimed invention provides a fusion polypeptide comprising a fibrous protein domain and a mineralization domain. The fusion is used to form an organic-inorganic composite. These organic-inorganic composites can be constructed from the nano- to the macro-scale depending on the size of the fibrous protein fusion domain used. In one embodiment, the composites can also be loaded with other compounds (e.g., dyes, drugs, enzymes) depending on the goal for the materials, to further enhance function. This can be achieved during assembly of the material or during the mineralization step in materials formation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides conjugate structures (e.g., polypeptide conjugates) and hydrazinyl-indole compounds used to produce these conjugates. The disclosure also provides methods of production of such conjugates, as well as methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of a peptide comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3, or the encoding nucleic acid thereof, for manufacturing medicament for treatment of diseases associated with increased NF-?B activity. The peptide can interact with IKB and influence phosphorylation of IKB in the tyrosine at position 42, thereby inhibiting the signal pathway of NF-?B.

Abstract: Methods of treating inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, by modulating TWEAK and TNF-? are disclosed, as are other methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, compositions and methods for treatment of Friedrich's Ataxia based on effective targeting of a therapeutic moiety to mitochondria that can substitute for natural FXN protein activity or rescue one or more phenotypes or symptoms associated with frataxin-deficiency. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a targeted therapeutic comprising a therapeutic moiety, which is a polypeptide having an N-terminus and a C-terminus, a mitochondrial targeting sequence associated with the therapeutic moiety at the N-terminus, and a mitochondrial membrane-penetrating peptide associated with the therapeutic moiety at the C-terminus, wherein the therapeutic moiety is targeted to mitochondria upon cellular entry.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method for screening compounds that bind to and modulate the hair-specific G-protein coupled receptor, P2RY5. The invention farther provides for methods for controlling hair growth by administering a P2RY5 modulating compound to a subject.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods and compositions for treating medical disorders characterized by elevated levels or abnormal expression of TNF? by administering a TNF? antagonist, such as recombinant TNFR:Fc.

Abstract: The invention features methods of using serum factors such as Apolipoprotein A2 and Apolipoprotein C3 for reducing or preventing a chronic or acute inflammatory response (e.g., an inflammatory response due to an autoimmune disease or an injury).

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating autoimmune diseases, such as Sjogren's syndrome, by administering to a subject a CTLA4 molecule that block endogenous B7 molecules from binding their ligands.

Abstract: The present invention refers to novel dimeric proteins obtained from modified ubiquitin capable of binding targets with high affinity. The novel dimeric binding proteins comprise a combination of amino acid substitutions and at least one insertion of amino acids in one of the monomers. The invention is further directed to the use of said proteins in medical diagnosis or treatment methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel agents that are useful for treating hormone-dependent disorders. In particular, the present invention relates to A method of modulating a nuclear receptor in vivo comprising the step of administering to a subject in need thereof nuclear receptor modulating agent comprising a compound or composition capable of altering the endogenous levels of HLS-5 or its activity.

Abstract: Compositions and methods related to Wnt signaling regulation by Dickkopf (Dkk) polypeptides and Wnt-related diseases are disclosed. For example, compounds that bind a Dkk or LRP polypeptide are disclosed. Compounds that disrupt binding of a Dkk polypeptide to an LRP polypeptide are also disclosed. Methods for using the described compounds and compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treatment or prevention of a hemorrhagic condition in a patient by administering plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (“PAI-1”) and/or an inhibitor of deubiquitinating enzyme CYLD (“CYLD”) to a patient. Pharmaceutical compositions that include one or both of PAI-1 and an inhibitor of CYLD are also disclosed.

Abstract: miRNA-21 inhibitors and pharmaceutical compositions including an miRNA-21 inhibitor together with pharmaceutical excipients and carriers for use in the treatment of a muscular dystrophy and/or a muscular dystrophy-like myopathy. Particularly, the miRNA-21 inhibitors and pharmaceutical compositions including the same are for use in the regeneration of skeletal muscle in muscular dystrophy and/or a muscular dystrophy-like myopathy patients.

Abstract: Novel therapeutic compounds for use against Huntington's disease. More especially, an isolated peptide of size less than 100 amino acids and containing: a first sequence having at least 80% identity with sequence AASSG (SEQ ID NO: 1), or a second sequence having at least 80% identity with sequence XAGXDXXTEXPXS (SEQ ID NO: 2), where X designates any amino acid. The use of an isolated peptide of size less than 200 amino acids and containing the sequence(s) defined above, as a drug is also described.

Abstract: The present application relates to methods of producing exosomes. The application also provides a method for preparing a protein composition comprising culturing an exosome-producing cell expressing a Nef-fusion protein comprising a Nef-derived peptide fused to a protein of interest; isolating exosomes from the exosome-producing cell culture; and purifying the protein of interest from the isolated exosomes. The application further discloses compositions that comprise exosomes containing the Nef-fusion protein, as well as methods of using the Nef-fusion protein and exosomes containing the Nef-fusion protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel therapies for treatment of new and existing type 1 and type 2 diabetes, PreDiabetes, Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood, and diseases of insulin deficiency, beta cell deficiency, insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism. In particular, the present invention identifies common peptides within the human Reg1a, Reg1b, Reg3a and Reg4, as signaling peptides for beta cell generation acting through the human Reg Receptor on the surface of human pancreatic extra-islet tissue.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for inducing utrophin expression in muscle with an ActRIIB protein as therapy for muscular dystrophy. The present invention also provides methods of screening compounds that modulate activity of an ActRIIB protein and/or an ActRIIB ligand.

Abstract: Agonists to ICOS in combination with a blocking agent to a T cell inhibitory receptor (e.g., CTLA-4, PD-I, etc.) are demonstrated herein to be useful for the treatment of tumors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to binding proteins specific for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A), in particular to recombinant binding proteins comprising a polyethylene glycol moiety and a binding domain, which inhibits VEGF-Axxx (wherein xxx denotes the amino acid length of the VEGF-A mature protein) binding to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 (VEGFR-2). Examples of such recombinant binding proteins are proteins which comprise an ankyrin repeat domain with the desired binding specificity, and a polyethylene glycol moiety. The binding proteins are useful in the treatment of cancer and other pathological conditions, e.g. eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods related to human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTRT), the catalytic protein subunit of human telomerase. The polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention are useful for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of human diseases, for changing the proliferative capacity of cells and organisms, and for identification and screening of compounds and treatments useful for treatment of diseases such as cancers.

Abstract: The present invention compositions and methods of using at least a portions of an isolated and purified ?-crystallin polypeptide that includes one or more ?-pleated sheets and that prevents neurotoxicity and amyloidogenesis.