Abstract: This invention provides a method of treating a disorder of a subject's heart involving loss of cardiomyocytes which comprises administering to the subject a composition comprising an amount of a human stromal derived factor-1 and an amount of a human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, the composition being administered in an amount effective to cause proliferation of cardiomyocytes within the subject's heart so as to thereby treat the disorder. This invention also provides a method of treating a subject suffering from a disorder of a tissue involving loss and/or apoptosis of cells of the tissue which comprises administering to the subject a composition comprising an amount of an agent which induces phosphorylation and/or activation of protein kinase B, or an agent which induces phosphorylation and/or activation of an extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase, or an agent which induces activation of CXCR4.

Abstract: The invention provides cell-permeable peptides that bind to JNK proteins and inhibit JNK-mediated effects in JNK-expressing cells.

Abstract: Controlled studies demonstrate that products and related methods using soy related peptides lower total and LDL cholesterol levels in individuals. In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a product containing an effective amount of lunasin peptides that lowers cholesterol levels in an individual that consumes the lunasin peptides is provided. In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a composition containing an effective amount of lunasin peptides or lunasin peptide derivatives and one or more enzyme inhibitors is provided. In a related exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for lowering or reducing cholesterol levels in an individual is provided where a product containing an effective amount of lunasin peptides to an individual is provided and a claim that the product lowers or reduces cholesterol, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol or lipid levels in an individual that consumes the composition is made.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and materials for delivering a cargo compound into a brain cancer cell and/or across the blood-brain barrier. Delivery of the cargo compound is accomplished by the use of protein transport peptides derived from Neisseria outer membrane proteins, such as Laz. The invention also provides synthetic transit peptides comprised of the pentapeptide AAEAP. The invention further discloses methods for treating cancer, and specifically brain cancer, as well as other brain-related conditions. Further, the invention provides methods of imaging and diagnosing cancer, particular brain cancer.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of asthma and inflammatory ocular disorders are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing analgesia in a mammalian subject. The method includes administering to the subject an omega conopeptide, preferably ziconotide, in combination with an analgesic selected from the group consisting of morphine, bupivacaine, clonidine, hydromorphone, baclofen, fentanyl, buprenorphine, and sufentanil, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the ?-conopeptide retains its potency and is physically and chemically compatible with the analgesic compound. A preferred route of administration is intrathecal administration, particularly continuous intrathecal infusion. The present invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical formulation comprising an omega conopeptide, preferably ziconotide, an antioxidant, in combination with an analgesic selected from the group consisting of morphine, bupivacaine, clonidine, hydromorphone, baclofen, fentanyl, buprenorphine, and sufentanil.

Abstract: Compositions that include isolated peptides that inhibit TLR-4 signaling pathways and inflammation are disclosed. Methods of producing and using the compositions to inhibit TLR-4 signaling and/or inflammation are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polypeptides, methods for their synthesis, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the novel polypeptides as well as their use in medicaments for therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel regulatory T cell proteins. One protein, designated PD-L3, resembles members of the PD-L1 family, and co-stimulates ?CD3 proliferation of T cells in vitro. A second, TNF-like, protein has also been identified as being upregulated upon ?CD3/?GITR stimulation. This protein has been designated Treg-sTNF. Proteins, antibodies, activated T cells and methods for using the same are disclosed. In particular methods of using these proteins and compounds, preferably antibodies, which bind or modulate (agonize or antagonize) the activity of these proteins, as immune modulators and for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune disease, allergy, infection and inflammatory conditions, e.g.

Abstract: Methods of detecting a first species' Ig-CTF in a biological sample comprising exposing the biological sample to a first antibody of a second species that preferentially binds the first species' Ig-CTF or an antigen binding fragment of the antibody, forming a mixture, exposing the mixture to a second antibody or antigen-binding fragment of a third species that preferentially binds the first species' Ig, and detecting the Ig-CTF in the biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cGMP protein kinase (PKG) and regulatory domains and methods of use thereof. The structural determination of PKG domains is also described. cGMP independent PKG activators and uses thereof are also described.

Abstract: A generic structure for the peptides of the present invention includes A-X-B-C, where C is a cargo moiety, the B portion includes basic amino acids, X is a cleavable linker sequence, and the A portion includes acidic amino acids. The intact structure is not significantly taken up by cells; however, upon extracellular cleavage of X, the B-C portion is taken up, delivering the cargo to targeted cells. Cargo may be, for example, a contrast agent for diagnostic imaging, a chemotherapeutic drug, or a radiation-sensitizer for therapy. Cleavage of X allows separation of A from B, unmasking the normal ability of the basic amino acids in B to drag cargo C into cells near the cleavage event. X is cleaved extracellularly, preferably under physiological conditions. D-amino acids are preferred for the A and B portions, to minimize immunogenicity and nonspecific cleavage by background peptidases or proteases.

Abstract: This invention relates to the finding that collagen peptides bind to the osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) and stimulate the activation and/or differentiation of OSCAR expressing cells, such as osteoclasts and osteoclast precursor cells. Collagen peptides are described which may be useful in the modulation of the differentiation and/or activation of OSCAR expressing cells, for example in the treatment of bone defects and disorders characterized by altered differentiation and/or activation of OS-CAR expressing cells.

Abstract: The disclosure provides N-terminus conformationally constrained compounds, which may comprise peptide mimetics and/or amino acid substitutions, which may be used in peptides, such as GLP-1 receptor agonist compounds, to induce a ?-turn secondary structure at the N-terminus. The N-terminus conformationally constrained compounds may be used for research purposes; to produce GLP-1 receptor agonist compounds having improved GLP-1 receptor binding activity, enzymatic stability, or in vivo glucose lowering activity; and to develop GLP-1 receptor agonist compounds which have fewer amino acid residues. The disclosure also provides GLP-1 receptor agonist compounds, such as exendins, exendin analogs, GLP-1 (7-37), GLP-1 (7-37) analogs, comprising the N-terminus conformationally constrained compounds. The compounds are useful for treating various diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. The disclosure also provides methods for chemically synthesizing the N-terminus conformationally constrained compounds.

Abstract: Methods, systems and compositions comprising novel peptidomimetics are disclosed that can be used to inhibit calpain and, more specifically, to treat tissue damage caused by pathologic activation of calpains.

Abstract: Provided is the composition of a peptide and its mutagenic version, or other derivatives with the same 3-D structure with activity to bind the extracellular domain of PDGFR-?, or -?, but does not dimerize by itself, wherein said peptide comprises the sequence shown as SEQ ID NO: 1, 2 or 3. Also provided is the composition of the nucleotide sequence encoding said peptide and its derivatives, and the usage of said peptide and derivatives of the peptide in preparation of medicine for the prevention and treatment of fibrosis diseases, such as liver, kidney, and lung fibrosis, primary cancer, and cancer metastasis, especially stomach cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to water-soluble membrane proteins, methods for the preparation thereof and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The outcome of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) of a woman in terms of chances of successful pregnancy or the fertility status of a woman is predicted based on nucleotide analysis of the histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) gene or protein analysis of HRG. The proline isoform of HRG or an amino acid fragment thereof can further be used to increases the success of pregnancy of a woman.

Abstract: Novel peptides referred to as small humanin-like peptides (SHLPs) are provided herein along with nucleic acids encoding SHLPs and probes that selectively bind SHLPs. SHLPs have wide-ranging activity, including neuroprotective activity, anticancer activity, and cell survival activity. Also provided herein are therapeutic methods comprising administering an effective amount of an SHLP to a subject in need of treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transdermally delivering a biologically active agent comprising a delivery system having a microprojection member (or system) that includes a plurality of microprojections (or array thereof) that are adapted to pierce through the stratum corneum into the underlying epidermis layer, or epidermis and dermis layers. In one embodiment, the PTH-based agent is contained in a biocompatible coating that is applied to the microprojection member.

Abstract: The invention comprises peptidyl analogs that possess agonist or antagonist ghrelin activity, along with therapeutic and non-therapeutic uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the identification of synaptic vessel glycoprotein SV2 as the BoNT/A receptor and the further identification of various BoNT/A-binding fragments of SV2. The disclosure here provides new tools for diagnosing and treating botulism.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence which is an analogue of pramlintide, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these polypeptides, and these polypeptides for use as medicaments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic tool against intimal hyperplasia consisting of the use of Kv1.3 channel blocking substances, able to selectively stop cell migration and multiplication of VSMCs.

Abstract: The invention provides for peptides from syndecan 4 and methods of use therefor. These peptides can inhibit ?6?4 integrin interaction with EGFR, thereby preventing tumor cell growth and tissue invasion.

Abstract: The invention provides for peptides from syndecan 1 and methods of use therefor. These peptides can inhibit ?4?6 interaction with HER2, thereby preventing tumor cell growth and tissue invasion.

Abstract: The present invention provides antimicrobial peptides that exhibit a broad range of antimicrobial activity to gram positive and gram negative bacteria, as well as fungi, mold, and virus. The antimicrobial peptide of the invention is a cationic peptide, and may contain an HIV-TAT or reverse HIV-TAT sequence, or derivative thereof. The present invention further provides antimicrobial compositions containing the cationic peptide. Such compositions are especially useful for topical application to the skin, hair, nail, vagina, urethra, ear, oral cavity, nasal passage, respiratory system, opthalmic region, and various mucosal regions. The compositions of the present invention improve the condition and/or appearance of the treated region, and are suited for long-term and/or routine use to, for example, prevent or prevent the recurrence of microbial infection. The present invention further provides kits for use in improving the condition or appearance of skin, nail, or treated area.

Abstract: Compositions that include isolated peptides that inhibit TLR-4 signaling pathways and inflammation are disclosed. Methods of producing and using the compositions to inhibit TLR-4 signaling and/or inflammation are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a safe and effective method for enhancing an immune response and a medicament for preventing or treating Alzheimer disease comprising amyloid ? peptide that induces an enhanced immune response. An amyloid ? peptide or a portion thereof with addition or insertion of cysteine and a method for enhancing an immune response using the peptide or a method for enhancing an immune response using the peptide together with an adjuvant. A medicament for preventing or treating Alzheimer disease comprising an amyloid ? peptide or a portion thereof that induces an enhanced immune response. A DNA vaccine, that may have the same effect, comprising the gene encoding an amyloid ? peptide or a portion thereof that induces an enhanced immune response with addition or insertion of cysteine.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for enhancing delivery of drugs and other agents across epithelial tissues, including the skin, gastrointestinal tract, pulmonary epithelium, ocular tissues and the like. The compositions and methods are also useful for delivery across endothelial tissues, including the blood brain barrier. The compositions and methods employ a delivery enhancing transporter that has sufficient guanidino or amidino sidechain moieties to enhance delivery of a compound conjugated to the reagent across one or more layers of the tissue, compared to the non-conjugated compound. The delivery-enhancing polymers include, for example, poly-arginine molecules that are preferably between about 6 and 25 residues in length.

Abstract: Methods for treating muscular wasting diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy are disclosed. Specifically, the methods include administering to a subject in need of treatment for a muscular wasting disease, an NF-?B activation inhibitor capable of blocking the activation of NF-?B.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptide ligands for G-protein coupled receptors that are useful for treating disorders associated with G-protein coupled receptor activation.

Abstract: A naive WW domain peptide library derived from a WW domain peptide sequence which has been diversified by changing the amino acid sequence at one or more positions is provided. The naive WW domain peptide library may be derived from a GroupIV WW domain peptide. Methods for making the naive WW domain peptide library and methods for selected a modified WW domain peptide that binds a target ligand using the naive WW domain peptide library are also provided. Also disclosed are modified WW domain peptides that bind desired target ligands, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such peptides, and uses for such peptides. The modified WW domain peptides have altered, improved or different, target ligand binding characteristics to those of the unmodified WW domain peptides from which they are derived.

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: It is disclosed here that synaptotagmin I (syt I) and synaptotagmin II (syt II) are the cellular receptors for botulinum neurotoxin B (BoNT/B) that mediate the cellular entry and toxicity of BoNT/B. The BoNT/B binding domains of syt I and II are also disclosed. While syt I needs gangliosides for BoNT/B binding, syt II can bind to BoNT/B in the absence of gangliosides. Various nucleic acids and polypeptides that relate to the BoNT/B binding domain of syt I or II are disclosed. Further disclosed are methods of reducing BoNT/B toxicity, methods of identifying agents that can block the binding between BoNT/B and syt I or II, methods of identifying agents that can bind to the BoNT/B binding domain of syt I or II, methods of detecting BoNT/B or Clostridium botulinum and kits for use thereof.

Abstract: A preservation solution for organs waiting to be transplanted is disclosed; the method of using the solution in a transplantation procedure is also disclosed. The preservation solutions comprise a balanced isotonic aqueous solution comprising sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate ions in a physiologically acceptable amount, together with an effective amount of a mutein of the C5a anaphylatoxin which is a C5a receptor antagonist wherein the amino acid residue naturally occurring at sequence position 69 is mutated.

Abstract: Described herein are peptide compositions of a prominin-1, which have regenerative activity. As such the peptides are useful when regeneration is needed, for example, to enhance angiogenesis, increase VEGF binding to endothelial cells, promote vasodilation, enhance cell migration, enhance cell proliferation, stimulate neuronal growth, prevent neurodegeneration, and/or promote neuroregeneration.

Abstract: Methods for using chimeric polypeptides and other compositions comprising H4 tail peptides to increase p53 activity in cells and treat diseases mediated by lack of or dysfunctional p53 function as described. Also provided are chimeric polypeptides and other compositions comprising H4 tail peptides.

Abstract: Provided are methods, compositions, and kits employing a molecule that exhibits a function of the PB1 domain. In particular, such methods, compositions, and kits may be used for inhibiting tumorigenesis. Also provided are molecules that exhibit a function of the PB1 domain and methods for making such molecules. Additionally provided are cell lines that express a polypeptide having a function of the PB1 domain, as well as transgenic animals that express a polypeptide having a function of the PB1 domain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of reducing the risk of occurrence of, and/or treating, necrotizing enterocolitis (“NEC”) or inflammatory bowel disease (“IBD”) comprising administering, to a subject in need of such treatment, an effective amount of a gap junction enhancing agent (“GJEA”), for example a peptide (“GJP”) or peptide analog (“GJPA”). It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that greater functionality of gap junctions between enterocytes increases their rate of migration and reduces the severity of intestinal inflammation.

Abstract: Isolated peptides that are fragments of protein products arising from frameshift mutations in genes associated with cancer are disclosed. The isolated peptides of the invention are capable of eliciting T cell immunity against cells harboring genes with such frameshift mutations. Cancer vaccines and therapeutically effective compositions containing the peptides of the inventions are also described.

Abstract: This invention discloses GLP-1 analogues and their pharmaceutical salts, wherein the GLP-1 analogue comprises an amino acid sequence of general formula (I), wherein Lys represents a modified lysine with a lipophilic acid. The GLP-1 analogues provided by this invention have the function of human GLP-1, and a longer half-life in vivo compared with the human GLP-1. Uses of such compounds and compositions include treating non-insulin-dependent diabetes, insulin-dependent diabetes, and obesity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to exendin-4 peptide analogues and their medical use, for example in the treatment of disorders of the metabolic syndrome, including diabetes and obesity, as well as reduction of excess food intake.

Abstract: This disclosure provides modified antimicrobial agents, for example modified defensin polypeptides. Compositions including a modified arginine residue, such as an ADP-ribosylated and/or ribosylated alpha defensin polypeptide, are provided. Also provided are methods of modulating an immune response using the modified defensin polypeptides. Methods are provided for modulating an antimicrobial activity and for inhibiting a cytotoxic activity. Also disclosed are methods for treating diseases in a subject that are associated with an immune response, such as inflammatory and pulmonary diseases, using the disclosed modified defensin polypeptides.

Abstract: Neuregulin peptides useful, for example, in methods and compositions for preventing, treating or delaying various diseases or disorders are described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to CTLA4 proteins and uses of such proteins, for example to treat diseases associated with the dysregulation of immune responses.

Abstract: The present invention describes material and methods related to synthetic peptides which block the secretion of neurotransmitters and induce muscle relaxation, and use of said peptides as inhibitors of neurotransmitter secretion and muscle contraction, and as inducers of muscle relaxation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are isolated peptides, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for use of such for treating subjects with a neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer's. In an example, an isolated polypeptide includes a cyclin dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) inhibitory domain that has at least 95% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the Cdk5 inhibitory domain is linked to a protein transduction domain. Methods of reducing or inhibiting one or more symptoms associated with a neurodegenerative disease by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition including one or more disclosed peptides are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides variants of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), pharmaceutical compositions comprising CNP variants, and methods of making CNP variants. The CNP variants are useful as therapeutic agents for the treatment of diseases responsive to CNP, including but not limited to bone-related disorders, such as skeletal dysplasias (e.g., achondroplasia), and vascular smooth muscle disorders (e.g., restenosis and arteriosclerosis).

Abstract: The present invention provides innovative proteins that bind to insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR), as well as other important proteins. The invention also provides innovative proteins in pharmaceutical preparations and derivatives of such proteins and the uses of same in diagnostic, research and therapeutic applications. The invention further provides cells comprising such proteins, polynucleotide encoding such proteins or fragments thereof, and vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the innovative proteins.