Abstract: The present invention discloses novel complex molecules useful as anti-allergic agents. These complex molecules include in particular, peptidic or peptidomimetic molecules, having a first segment which is competent for cell penetration and a second segment which is able to reduce or abolish mast cell degranulation, and in particular to reduce or abolish allergy mediators such as histamine secretion from mast cells. Specific examples of peptides with the desired activity are disclosed.

Abstract: Peptides able to inhibit or activate the translocation or function of ?PKC are identified. Administration of the peptides for protection or enhancement of cell damage due to ischemia is described. Therapeutic methods to reduce damage to cells or to enhance damage to cells due to ischemia are also described, as well as methods for screening test compounds for ?PKC-selective agonists and antagonists.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for diagnosing tuberculosis or for inducing protective immunity against tuberculosis are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one immunogenic portion of one or more Mycobacterium proteins and DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides. Diagnostic kits containing such polypeptides or DNA sequences and a suitable detection reagent may be used for the detection of Mycobacterium infection in patients and biological samples. Antibodies directed against such polypeptides are also provided. In addition, such compounds may be formulated into vaccines and/or pharmaceutical compositions for immunization against Mycobacterium infection.

Abstract: A molecule has a first isolated peptide as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or part thereof or a peptide having at least 78% homology to SEQ ID NO:1 conjugated to a second peptide. The second peptide is an amphipatic peptide with an alpha-helical structure or a linear cationic peptide and the first and second peptides have a length of from about 5 to 100 amino acid residues. The molecule is used in medicine as well as for the manufacturing of a medicament for the treatment of a mammal in need thereof, such as for the treatment of a bacterial disease or disorder.

Abstract: A peptide fragment or a series of peptide fragments containing one or more selenocysteine that has a lowered toxicity than selenocystine and that exhibits a cytotoxicity-inhibitory activity. The peptide fragment or a series of peptide fragments according to the present invention has preferably the amino acid sequence from 260th to 362nd amino acid residues from the C-terminal of selenoprotein P, or said amino acid sequence with one or several amino acid residues therein being deleted, substituted or added, or a partial sequence of either of the above amino acid sequences, or an amino acid sequence comprising as a part any of the above amino acid sequences. A screening method for a peptide fragment having the cytotoxicity-inhibitory activity is also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides: novel protein homologous of a Kunitz domain, which are capable of binding kallikrein; polynucleotides that encode such novel proteins; and vectors and transformed host cells containing these polynucleotides.

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: The present invention relates to the use of a protein, GASP1, comprising at least one follistatin domain to modulate the level or activity of growth and differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8). More particularly, the invention relates to the use of GASP1 for treating disorders that are related to modulation of the level or activity of GDF-8. The invention is useful for treating muscular diseases and disorders, particularly those in which an increase in muscle tissue would be therapeutically beneficial. The invention is also useful for treating diseases and disorders related to metabolism, adipose tissue, and bone degeneration.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods to prevent and treat cardiovascular disorders, hi certain aspects the methods are drawn to releasing endogenous calcitonin-gene related peptide from intrinsic cardiac adrenergic cells within the heart. In further aspects, a combination of a ?2 adrenergic receptor agonist ?2-AR agonist) and a vasodilator can be used in treating reperfusion injury.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating fatty liver disease by administering an antagonist of an ActRIIB signaling pathway. Examples of such antagonists include ActRIIB polypeptides, anti-ActRIIB antibodies, anti-myostatin antibodies, anti-GDF3 antibodies and anti-activin A or B antibodies. A variety of hepatic and metabolic disorders may be improved by treating fatty liver disease.

Abstract: Multi-arm amine compounds and compositions for enhancing intracellular, in vitro, and in vivo delivery of drug, active, and therapeutic substances including ribonucleic acids. This disclosure provides novel compounds and compositions for making and using delivery materials and carriers which increase the efficiency of delivery of biologically active and pharmacologically active molecules. Embodiments of this disclosure may further provide delivery of various therapeutic agents including nucleic acid therapeutics such as regulatory RNA, interfering RNA, and agents for RNAi, as well as other protein and peptide therapeutics. In some aspects, this disclosure provides multi-arm amine compounds and compositions which can enhance permeation of a drug substance.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method for modulating the growth state of an lung tissue, or a cell thereof, e.g., by ectopically contacting the tissue, in vitro or in vivo, with a hedgehog therapeutic, a ptc therapeutic, or an FGF-10 therapeutic in an amount effective to alter the rate (promote or inhibit) of proliferation of cells in the lung tissue, e.g., relative to the absence of administration of the hedgehog therapeutic or ptc therapeutic. The subject method can be used, for example, to modulate the growth state of epithelial and/or mesenchymal cells of a lung tissue, such as may be useful as part of a regimen for prevention of a disease state, or in the treatment of an existing disease state or other damage to the lung tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides which are formulated or engineered to prevent or reduce the formation of dimers.

Abstract: Novel compounds which are antagonists or inverse agonists at one or more of the opioid receptors, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, to processes for their preparation.

Abstract: The present invention reveals a nucleic acid sequence from Nicotiana megalosiphon encoding for an anti-pathogenic protein. The invention comprises the use of this nucleic acid molecule in transgenic plants of agricultural interest to confer resistance to pathogens. The invention also includes a bioproduct that comprises this anti-pathogenic protein to control plant pathogen agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for modulating the activity of Rac1, comprising modifying the phosphorylation state of Ser179 in syndecan-4 through influencing the interaction between syndecan-4 and the guanin nucleotide exchange factor of Rac1 (RacGEF) named Tiam1 in a GTP-dependent manner. In particular, methods are provided for enhancing the epithelial phenotype of a cell and for initiating the polarization of a cell by increasing the de-phosphorylation of said Ser179 of syndecan-4, and for enhancing the migratory phenotype of a cell and for initiating the neuronal differentiation of a cell by increasing the phosphorylation of said Ser179 of syndecan-4. Polypeptides for use in modulating the activity of the small GTPase Rac are also provided, as well as a method for identifying an agent capable of indirectly modulating the activity of the small GTPase Rac 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel polypeptide having anti-tumor activity through inducing apoptosis of endothelial cell and use thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for inducing apoptosis of endothelial cell, and for preventing or treating cancer, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of (a) an isolated polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9 or the amino acid sequence having at least 90% sequence homology to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9; or (b) an isolated polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide of (a).

Abstract: Peptides characterized by: a) a sequence selected from the group consisting of the sequence SEQ ID NO: 2, and the derived variants having at least 70% identity or 80% similarity with the entire sequence SEQ ID NO: 2, b) a three-finger structure including eight cysteine residues linked by four disulfide bridges, respectively between the first and the third cysteine, the second and the fourth cysteine, the fifth and the sixth cysteine, and the seventh and the eighth cysteine, and c) an activity of an allosteric antagonist selective for the alpha 1a adrenergic receptor, and therapeutic and pharmacological uses thereof.

Abstract: A method for improving myocardial infarction by intramyocardial or transendocardial injection of peptide nanofibers is disclosed. The method firstly provides a pharmaceutical composition having a biologically compatible peptide hydrogel formed by a plurality of self-assembling peptide nanofibers and selectively having at least one type of autologous stem cells mixed with the self-assembling peptide nanofibers, and then the pharmaceutical composition is administered to an entire infarcted area of myocardium tissue with myocardial infarction by intramyocardial or transendocardial injection. Thus, adverse cardiac remodeling and dysfunction after acute infraction can be attenuated, while the therapeutic myocardial angiogenesis, the myocardial capillary density and potential myogenesis can be enhanced.

Abstract: Disintegrin variants and pharmaceutical uses thereof are disclosed. The disintegrin variant includes an isolated polypeptide that has integrin ?v?3 receptor-antagonist activity and substantially reduced integrin ?llb?3 and/or ?5?1 receptor-blocking activity as compared to a wild-type disintegrin. The variant is encoded by a modified disintegrin nucleotide sequence that encodes a modified amino acid sequence, resulting in a polypeptide having substantially reduced affinity to integrin ?llb?3 and/or ?5?1 as compared to a wild-type disintegrin. The variant is useful for treatment and/or prevention of ?v?3 integrin-associated diseases in a mammal, which include osteoporosis, bone tumor or cancer growth, angiogenesis-related tumor growth and metastasis, tumor metastasis in bone, malignancy-induced hypercalcemia, angiogenesis-related eye diseases, Paget's disease, rheumatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of useful polypeptides. In particular, a polypeptide comprising the same or substantially the same amino acid sequence as the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3, its amide, or a salt thereof can be used as an agent for preventing/treating hypotension; an agent for preventing/treating obesity, hyperphagia, etc.; an agent for preventing/treating lethargy, time-zone change syndrome (jet lag), etc.; an agent for preventing/treating sterility, etc. A compound or its salt that promotes the activity of a polypeptide comprising the same or substantially the same amino acid sequence as the amino acid sequence represented by any of SEQ ID NOS: 7 to 12 and 37 to 42, its partial peptide, or a salt thereof is useful as an agent for preventing/treating, e.g., menopausal symptoms or hyperthyroidism. A compound or its salt that inhibits the activity of said polypeptide is useful as an agent for preventing/treating, e.g.

Abstract: The invention provides cell-permeable peptides that selectively block the branch of the JNK signaling pathway controlled by the islet-brain (IB) proteins. The provided cell-permeable peptides block the binding of intermediate kinases in the c-Jun amino terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway, thereby decreasing the downstream effects of c-Jun amino terminal kinase (JNK).

Abstract: The invention relates peptide entry inhibitors and methods of determining such inhibitors that are bindable to regions of viruses having class II E proteins, such as the dengue virus E protein, as candidates for in vivo anti-viral compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel family of homologous cell attachment chimeric peptides. In particular, the present invention relates to chimeric peptides, each comprising synthetic peptides comprising (a) an M-tide comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% homologous to the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:1, 2 and 37; and (b) a core haptide comprising an amino acid sequence homologous to amino acid sequences at the carboxy termini of the and E chains of fibrinogen or other proteins comprising C-termini that are homologous to said fibrinogen sequences, wherein the M-tide and the core haptide originate from the same protein. The synthetic peptides are linked to one another thereby providing the chimeric peptides of the invention which does not occur in the native protein as a continuous sequence. The present invention further discloses pharmaceutical compositions comprising said chimeric peptides and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates, at least in part, to compositions, and related methods, comprising MHC II binding peptides. In one embodiment, the MHC II binding peptides comprise a peptide having at least 70% identity to a natural HLA-DP binding peptide, HLA-DQ binding peptide, or HLA-DR binding peptide.

Abstract: The present disclosure teaches analogs of human chemokines and methods of using them in the prevention, treatment, and ameliorization of diseases that can benefit from therapeutic angiogenesis. The teachings are generally directed to compositions comprising SDF-1 mimetics, as well as methods that include the use of SDF-1 mimetics to induce neo-vessel formation. The disclosure also teaches articles of manufacture that can be useful in practicing the methods taught herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to the modulation of gene expression in a cell, also called gene control, in particular in relation to the treatment of a variety of diseases. The invention provides a method for modulating expression of a gene in a cell comprising providing the cell with a signalling molecule comprising a peptide or functional analogue thereof. Furthermore, the invention provides a method for identifying or obtaining a signalling molecule comprising a peptide or functional derivative or analogue thereof capable of modulating expression of a gene in a cell comprising providing the cell with a peptide or derivative or analogue thereof and determining the activity and/or nuclear translocation of a gene transcription factor.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and compositions useful for treating claudin-4 associated disorders including cell proliferative disorders. The disclosure also provide claudin-family binding peptides useful in the methods of the disclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating an autoimmune and/or complement mediated disease or condition in a subject. The methods include administering to the subject a compound which inhibits the subject's classical complement pathway. The methods include administering to the subject a compound which inhibits the subject's classical complement pathway. Compositions which include inhibitors of C1q, C1r, C1s, C2 or C4 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient are also described.

Abstract: Glucagon analogs are disclosed that exhibit both glucagon antagonist and GLP-1 agonist activity. In one embodiment, the glucagon antagonist/GLP-1 agonist comprises a modified amino acid sequence of native glucagon, in which the first one to five N-terminal amino acids of native glucagon is deleted and in which the alpha helix is stabilized.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of expressing eukaryotic proteins in prokaryotic hosts, particularly eukaryotic proteins that require formation of disulfide bridges for biological activity. Various approaches are used including fusion to thioredoxin, cytoplasmic expression of disulfide isomerases, deficiencies in thioredoxin and/or glutathione reductases, deficiencies in proteases, and the like. The method is applicable to express monomeric and dimeric forms of the eukaryotic protein with biological activity such as monomeric and dimeric forms of a disintegrin or a disintegrin domain. Included are the vectors, host cells expressing the proteins, the expressed proteins and methods of using the proteins.

Abstract: A novel cytokine, U83A, is described, as are variant forms of the cytokine, having a wide range of agonistic and antagonistic activity against chemokine receptors. Uses of the chemokine in treatment of a range of diseases, including cancers and HIV/AIDS, are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of improving the oral delivery of a parent peptide, comprising the step of linking the parent peptide to an added peptide to form a conjugate which has greater oral bioavailability than the parent molecule alone, the added peptide comprising a balance of hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues as defined herein. Conjugates for use in the method are also provided, as are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the conjugate and methods of treatment using the conjugate or pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: Modified oxyntomodulin derivatives. Such derivatives can be used for the treatment of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

Abstract: The present invention describes a polypeptide, comprising the amino acid sequence APAHRSSTFPKWVTKTERGRQPLRS (Seq. ID. No.1) or a fragment thereof, said fragment comprising at least 7 consecutive amino acid residues of Seq. ID. No.1.

Abstract: Combinatorially generated peptides are provided that have binding affinity for polypropylene (PP). The peptides may be used to deliver benefit agents to various PP surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing susceptibility for a myocardial and/or immunological disorder, a kit and a therapeutic agent comprising a peptide of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Amylin Family Polypeptide-6 (AFP-6) analogs, which include derivatives and fragments, related nucleic acids, expression constructs, host cells, and processes for recombinant production of the AFP-6 analogs. The AFP-6 analogs of the invention include one or more amino acid sequence modifications. In addition, methods and compositions are disclosed to treat and prevent conditions such as metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, e.g., obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, myocardial ischemia, and increased cardiovascular risk.

Abstract: The current invention provides Progastrin peptides that specifically bind Annexin A2 overexpressed by epithelial cancers. The invention includes isolated homing Progastrin peptides conjugated to an imaging agent and methods of using the same for the diagnosis of epithelial cancers. Also encompassed are Progastrin peptides conjugated to cytotoxic agents such as Camptothecin, Doxorubicin, Paclitaxel and derivatives thereof, and methods of treating epithelial cancer using the same.

Abstract: The present invention discloses peptides isolated from the extracellular domain of OX40 Ligand (OX40L) capable of binding OX40 Receptor (OX40R) and inhibiting OX40R-OX40L interaction. Such peptides, fusion proteins comprising them, as well as peptides and other molecules designed on their sequences, can be used as OX40R binding agents competing with natural OX40L for blocking OX40R-mediated cell signaling in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of diseases related to activated T cells.

Abstract: A wound healing composition comprising a class of polypeptide compounds having a polypeptide chain with 5 to 120 amino acid units per chain. The composition includes a pharmaceutical medium to carry the polypeptide compound, such as an aqueous solution, suspension, dispersion, salve, ointment, gel, cream, lotion, spray or paste. Additionally, a method of applying a wound healing composition comprising a class of polypeptide compounds having a polypeptide chain with 5 to 120 amino acid units per chain in a concentration of from about 1 pg/ml to about 100 ?g/ml for a time sufficient to heal the wound is disclosed.

Abstract: Cell-permeable caPCNA-derived peptides and their variants serve as therapeutic compositions to reduce the proliferation of cancerous cells and also augment cytotoxic effects of chemotherapeutics.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of assays for compounds that interact with the binding of a PTB-containing protein, i.e. APPL (Adaptor protein containing PH domain, PTB domain and Leucine zipper motif) with histone deacetylase, in particular HDAC1. Compounds identified using said assays are useful in inhibiting HDAC activity and as a medicine, in particular in the manufacture of a medicament to inhibit proliferative conditions, such as cancer and psoriasis.

Abstract: Methods of suppressing the activation of microglial cells in the Central Nervous System (CNS), methods of ameliorating or treating the neurological effects of cerebral ischemia or cerebral inflammation, and methods of combating specific diseases that affect the CNS by administering a compound that binds to microglial receptors and prevents or reduces microglial activation are described. Also described are methods of screening compounds for the ability to suppress or reduce microglial activation.

Abstract: A compressed chewing gum tablet includes at least one compressed chewing gum module, the at least one compressed chewing gum module including a compressed particulate chewing gum composition, which compressed particulate chewing gum composition includes compressed chewing gum particles containing gum base. The content of gum base is at least 5% by weight of the tablet, the chewing gum tablet is provided with a film coating, and the film coating includes liquid flavoring.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that suppressing the activity of the Nogo receptor (NgR) alone does not result in extensive axon regeneration unless the intrinsic growth program of neurons is also activated. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to methods of stimulating axon regeneration using a combination therapy wherein agents that inhibit NgR activity or downstream pathways activated by inhibitory signals are combined with agents that activate the growth pathway of neurons (e.g. polypeptide growth factors, activators of macrophages, purine nucleosides, or hexoses).

Abstract: The invention includes an isolated peptide comprising all or part of the amino acid sequence: EGKLSSNDTE GGLCKEFLHP SKVDLPR (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein the peptide inhibits calcium channel activity. The peptides of the invention are useful for preventing or treating cancer.

Abstract: Novel exendin agonist compounds are provided. These compounds are useful in treating Type I and II diabetes and conditions which would benefit by lower plasma glucose and delaying and/or slowing gastric emptying.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition of matter comprising an OSK1 peptide analog, and in some embodiments, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A pharmaceutical composition comprises the composition and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Also disclosed are DNAs encoding the inventive composition of matter, an expression vector comprising the DNA, and host cells comprising the expression vector. Methods of treating an autoimmune disorder and of preventing or mitigating a relapse of a symptom of multiple sclerosis are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to relatively short peptides (termed J-Superfamily conotoxin peptides, J-conotoxins or J-conotoxin peptides herein), about 25 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. The J-conotoxins are useful for treating disorders involving voltage gated ion channels and/or receptors.