Abstract: The invention relates generally to compounds which are allosteric modulators (e.g., negative and positive allosteric modulators, allosteric agonists, and ago-allosteric modulators) of the G protein coupled receptor PTHR1, also known as parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone related protein receptor. The PTHR1 compounds are derived from the intracellular loops and domains of the PTHR1 receptor. The invention also relates to the use of these PTHR1 receptor compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the PTHR1 receptor compounds in the treatment of diseases and conditions associated with PTHR1 receptor modulation, such as osteoporosis; humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy; osteolytic and osteoblastic metastasis to bone; primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism associated increase in bone absorption; vascular calcification; psychiatric disorders and cognitive disorders associated with hyperparathyroidism; dermatological disorders; and excess hair growth.

Abstract: Methods of using polypeptide compounds based on the structures of insect peptides of the adipokinetic hormone family to mobilize lipids in humans are provided. The described compositions and methods are useful for modulating human body weight, such as inducing weight loss. Screening methods for identifying other compounds effective for modulating lipid mobilization in humans are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of ADNF polypeptides in the treatment of laser-induced retinal damage and related conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wound dressing comprising a therapeutic agent and a matrix comprising polymers joined by cross-linkages, wherein the cross-linkages comprise oligopeptidic sequences which are cleavable by a kallikrein associated with wound fluid such that the rate of release of the therapeutic agent increases in the presence of elevated kallikrein levels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for transdermal administration comprising a conjugate of methotrexate and PTD (protein transduction domain). In accordance with the present invention, the methotrexate, which is widely used for the treatment of psoriasis, rheumatoid and inflammation, etc., can be delivered transdermally to a local part of a patient body, in order to minimize the side effect of the methotrexate.

Abstract: The described invention provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating or preventing vascular graft failure in a subject in need of such treatment, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a polypeptide of amino acid sequence YARAAARQARAKALARQLGVAA (SEQ ID NO: 1) or a functional equivalent thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The methods also are clinically useful for treating a pre-atherosclerotic intimal hyperplasia condition.

Abstract: Isolated polypeptides, nucleic acids, and methods relating to cellular internalization of materials are described herein. Generally, the isolated polypeptides include a membrane transduction domain of human tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 (TFPI-2). In some cases, the isolated polypeptide can be a fusion peptide that includes a membrane transduction domain of human TFPI-2 and a heterologous peptide domain. The nucleic acids include nucleic acids that encode the isolated polypeptides described herein. The methods generally include providing a composition that includes a membrane transduction domain of human TFPI-2 coupled to a material, and contacting the composition with a cell under conditions effective to permit the cell to internalize the composition.

Abstract: Novel compounds and methods for the inhibition of biological barrier permeability and for the inhibition of peptide translocation across biological barriers are identified. Assays for determining modulators of biological barrier permeability and for peptide translocation across biological barriers are provided. Methods for treating diseases relating to aberrant biological barrier permeability and peptide translocation across biological barriers are provided. Such diseases include celiac disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, diabetes, cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, asthma, COPD, excessive or undesirable immune response, gluten sensitivity, gluten allergy, food allergy, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, immune-mediated or type 1 diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, scleroderma and autoimmune thyroid diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of compounds for producing a medicament for preventing and/or treating atherosclerosis, atherosclerosis risk diseases and atherosclerosis sequelae.

Abstract: Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) is used as a method to deliver a direct infusion of therapeutic agents to the central nervous centre thus circumventing the blood-blood barrier. A non-PEGylated liposomal composition comprising at least one saturated neutral phospholipid and at least one saturated anionic phospholipid and a therapeutic or diagnostic agent encapsulated therein is used to overcome toxicity associated with high peak drug concentration delivered locally CED as well as to increase tissue distribution volume for an improved sustained drug release.

Abstract: PKC V5 isozyme-specific peptides are described. The sequences and compositions comprising the sequences are useful for treating disease states associated with the PKC isozyme from which they are respectively derived. Methods of treatment, pharmaceutical formulations and methods of identifying compounds that mimic the activity of the peptides are also described.

Abstract: Therapeutic compounds which are cell proliferation modulators, preferably inhibitors. These modulators contain amino acid structures that are arranged as a hydrophilic analog of an alpha-fetoprotein. The modulator may be a peptide itself, e.g., an octapeptide like that of SEQ ID NO: 5; a peptidomimetic; or may be in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable scaffold, such as a polycyclic hydrocarbon to which is attached the necessary amino acid structures for biological and/or chemical activity. The modulators of the invention are distinguished in one aspect over previous compounds in that they are orally active, and therefore do not have to be injected into the patient. The compositions and methods are useful for reducing estrogen-dependent and estrogen-independent growth of cells, and treating or preventing cancer, such as breast cancer, brain cancer, head-and-neck cancer, thyroid cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, and skin cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides and peptide analogs that have tissue protective activities while having little or no potentially undesirable hematopoietic effects. The peptides and peptide analogs are useful in preventing and treating a variety of diseases and disorders associated with tissue damage.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds for targeting endothelial cells, tumor cells or other cells that express the NP-1 receptor, compositions containing the same and methods for their use. Additionally, the present invention includes diagnostic, therapeutic and radiotherapeutic compositions useful for visualization, therapy or radiotherapy.

Abstract: Isolated peptides comprising sequences derived from the protein integrase of HIV-1, as well as their analogs, mixtures, conjugates with permeability enhancing moieties, and pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed. The peptides and compositions are capable of selectively killing HIV-1 infected cells and are used in treatment of HIV infection and AIDS.

Abstract: The invention relates to synthetic peptide amide ligands of the kappa opioid receptor and particularly to agonists of the kappa opioid receptor that exhibit low P450 CYP inhibition and low penetration into the brain. The synthetic peptide amides of the invention conform to the structure: The compounds are useful in the prophylaxis and treatment of pain and inflammation associated with a variety of diseases and conditions.

Abstract: Synthetic peptides derived from sucrose synthase, and having homology to actin and actin-related proteins, sharing a common motif, useful for causing acting bundling and preventing actin depolymerization. Peptides exhibiting the common motif are described, as well as specific synthetic peptides which caused bundled actin and inhibit actin depolymerization. These peptides can be useful for treating a subject suffering from a disease characterized by cells having neoplastic growth, for anti-cancer therapeutics, delivered to subjects solely, or concomitantly or sequentially with other known cancer therapeutics. These peptides can also be used for stabilizing microfilaments in living cells and inhibiting growth of cells.

Abstract: A stent is provided with a drug-eluting layer disposed on at least a portion of its surface, wherein the drug-eluting layer comprises an endosome-disrupting agent and a pharmaceutical agent. In an embodiment, the endosome-disrupting agent, when taken up through endocytosis into living cells, causes lysis of endosomes containing the endosome-disrupting agent. The pharmaceutical agent can accompany the endosome-disrupting agent into the living cells.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of molecular immunology, particularly to a peptide derived from the sequence of interleukine-15 (IL-15), wherein said peptide was optimized to inhibit the biological activity of this molecule. In the present invention, it is shown that this peptide inhibits IL-15-induced T cell proliferation, Tumor Necrosis Factor ? (TNF?) induction and the expression of IL-8 and IL-6 by the IL-15 receptor a subunit (IL-15R?), all these effects mediated by the binding of the peptide to the IL-15R?. The invention is also related to the use of the peptide to treat pathologies where the abnormal expression of IL-15 or IL-15R? is related to the course of the disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and prostate cancer.

Abstract: Diagnostic compositions and methods for imaging and/or assessing collagen are described. The diagnostic compositions can include collagen binding peptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of regulating metabolic processes, for example, to regulate the presence and/or activity of a receptor at the surface of a cell. The invention provides a method for controlling the presence of a receptor at the surface of a cell comprising interfering with the interaction of an F-box protein with a ubiquitin/proteasome binding site of the receptor, wherein the ubiquitin/proteasome binding site comprises particular amino acid sequences. The invention further provides a method for controlling the presence of a growth hormone receptor (GHR) at the surface of a cell comprising interfering with the interaction of an F-box protein with a ubiquitin/proteasome binding site of the GHR.

Abstract: The invention provides improved agents and methods for treatment of diseases associated with amyloid deposits of A? in the brain of a patient. Such methods entail administering agents that induce a beneficial immunogenic response against the amyloid deposit. The methods are useful for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Preferred agents including N-terminal fragments of A? and antibodies binding to the same.

Abstract: A purified polypeptide includes an amino acid sequence consisting of about 10 to 80 amino acids, the amino acid sequence having a sequence identity at least 90% homologous to a portion of SEQ ID NO:1. The polypeptide inhibits binding of Bcl-2 to IP3 receptors of cells that express IP3R and Bcl-2 and induces apoptosis in a cell.

Abstract: Compositions, articles, devices and methods for the treatment and/or prevention of adhesions in humans and non-human animals.

Abstract: Methods, compounds, compositions, kits and articles of manufacture comprising anti-connexin agents for treatment of orthopedic disorders, diseases, or conditions, and improving recoveries and outcomes of orthopedic procedures or surgeries.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic compounds, antibodies that recognize and bind to these compounds, polynucleotides that encode these compounds, and immune effector cells raised in response to presentation of these epitopes. The invention further provides methods for inducing an immune response and administering immunotherapy to a subject by delivering the compositions of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutant proline-and-arginine rich (PR) peptides with defined structural characteristics for use in inhibiting mammalian 20S proteasome activity and modulating expression of genes regulating the NF-?B pathway. Mutant PR peptides of the present invention differ from wild-type PR peptides by having at least one to three amino acid substitutions, wherein at least one of the amino acid residues at position one, two or three of the mutant PR peptide is positively charged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel linear peptides with antimicrobial activity. Said peptides are made up of 11 amino acids, and they have the amino group of the amino acid constituting the N-terminal end in a non-derived form or functionalized with an acetyl group, p-toluene sulphonyl, benzyl or benzoyl. The amino acid constituting the C-terminal end of said peptides is in carboxamide form. The invention describes the synthesis and use of said peptides as antimicrobial agents to combat pathogenic bacteria for plants. The invention also relates to compositions containing said peptides and an auxiliary agent, and to a method for preventing and treating infections and diseases of plants caused by pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel chimeric compound comprising an agonist opioid receptor binding moiety at its N-terminus and an antagonist neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor binding moiety at its C-terminus for producing analgesia, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the chimeric compound, a method of making the compound, and a method of treating pain using the novel chimeric compounds.

Abstract: Sequence-specific polymers are proving to be a powerful approach to assembly and manipulation of matter on the nanometer scale. This has been most impressive in the case of DNA, and progress has been made toward templating inorganic nanoparticles using DNA nanostructures. One obstacle to this progress is that inorganic nanomaterials are often incompatible with DNA assembly conditions, which involve aqueous solutions high in either or both monovalent and divalent salt. Synthetic oligopeptide ligands have been shown by others to improve nanoparticle stability in high concentrations of monovalent salt. Ligands that are peptoids, or sequence-specific N-functional glycine oligomers, allow precise and flexible control over the arrangement of binding groups, steric spacers, charge, and other functionality. We have synthesized short peptoids that can prevent the aggregation of gold nanoparticles in high-salt environments including divalent salt, and allow co-adsorption of a single DNA molecule.

Abstract: This invention discloses drug-delivery compositions, methods of making prodrugs, and methods of drug delivery using a self-assembled gelator. The backbone of the gelator can contain a drug or prodrug, such as acetaminophen or salicin. Additional drugs or agents can be encapsulated in the gelator. Enzymatic or hydrolytic cleavage can be used to release the drugs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunotherapeutic peptides and their use in immunotherapy, in particular the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention discloses tumor-associated T-helper cell peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions which stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. In particular, the composition of the peptides of the present invention can be used in vaccine compositions for eliciting anti-tumor immune responses against gastric cancers (GC).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide and the use of the nucleic acid or polypeptide in preventing and/or treating cancer. In particular, the invention relates to improved vectors for the insertion and expression of foreign genes encoding tumor antigens for use in immunotherapeutic treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Hydroxyapatite (HA)-binding peptides are selected using combinatorial phage library display. Pseudo-repetitive consensus amino acid sequences possessing periodic hydroxyl side chains in every two or three amino acid sequences are obtained. These sequences resemble the (Gly-Pro-Hyp)x repeat of human type I collagen, a major component of extracellular matrices of natural bone. A consistent presence of basic amino acid residues is also observed. The peptides are synthesized by the solid-phase synthetic method and then used for template-driven HA-mineralization. Microscopy reveal that the peptides template the growth of polycrystalline HA crystals ˜40 nm in size.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of reducing the damage done by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in an animal. The invention also provides a method of reducing the concentration of a metal in an animal. These methods comprise administering to the animal an effective amount of a metal-binding compound as further described in the application. The invention further provides a method of reducing the damage done by ROS to a cell, a tissue or an organ that has been removed from an animal. This method comprising contacting the cell, tissue or organ with a solution or medium containing an effective amount of a metal-binding compound of the invention. The invention further provides novel metal-binding compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the metal-binding compounds, and kits comprising a container holding a metal-binding compound of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to molecules such as peptides, polypeptides and proteins which interact immunologically with T lymphocytes in subjects having Bermuda grass allergy and genetic sequences encoding same. These molecules are preferentially immunointeractive with T cells in subjects having a Bermuda grass pollen allergy. The molecules of the present invention are useful in the development of diagnostic, therapeutic and prophylactic agents for conditions characterised by an aberrant, inappropriate or otherwise unwanted immune response to Bermuda grass pollen or derivative or homologue thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polypeptides (e.g., fragments) derived from P-glycoprotein and caveolin-1 which are capable of inhibiting the interaction between these two proteins. Inhibition of this interaction leads to increase of efflux of compounds that are transported by P-gp. The invention further includes methods of treating patients having diseases that benefit from increased P-gp-mediated efflux. Such diseases include neoplasms such as cancer and neurological diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: A novel polyoxyalkylene derivative represented by the following formula (1), wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, which has a functional group capable of reacting with various physiologically active substances according to the object is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of proteins of the UCP family, or UCP protein polypeptide or peptide fragments, as an active agent, alone or in association with at least one other active agent, in or for the preparation of a pharmaceutical and/or dermatological and/or cosmetic composition. The invention also relates to any composition containing the aforementioned active ingredient, as well as its use as a slimming agent.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of reducing the damage done by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in an animal. The invention also provides a method of reducing the concentration of a metal in an animal. These methods comprise administering to the animal an effective amount of a metal-binding compound as further described in the application. The invention further provides a method of reducing the damage done by ROS to a cell, a tissue or an organ that has been removed from an animal. This method comprising contacting the cell, tissue or organ with a solution or medium containing an effective amount of a metal-binding compound of the invention. The invention further provides novel metal-binding compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the metal-binding compounds, and kits comprising a container holding a metal-binding compound of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stable metastin derivative having excellent biological activities (e.g., a cancer metastasis inhibiting activity, a cancer proliferation inhibiting activity, a gonadotropin secretion promoting activity, a sex hormone secretion promoting activity). A metastin derivative produced by substituting a constituent amino acid in metastin can be improved in stability in the blood and can have an excellent cancer metastasis inhibiting activity, an excellent cancer proliferation inhibiting activity, an excellent gonadotropin secretion inhibiting activity, an excellent sex hormone secretion inhibiting activity and the like by binding the metastin derivative to polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of reducing the damage done by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in an animal. The invention also provides a method of reducing the concentration of a metal in an animal. These methods comprise administering to the animal an effective amount of a metal-binding compound as further described in the application. The invention further provides a method of reducing the damage done by ROS to a cell, a tissue or an organ that has been removed from an animal. This method comprising contacting the cell, tissue or organ with a solution or medium containing an effective amount of a metal-binding compound of the invention. The invention further provides novel metal-binding compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the metal-binding compounds, and kits comprising a container holding a metal-binding compound of the invention.

Abstract: Isolated DJ-1 related peptides are disclosed and pharmaceutical compositions comprising same for treating oxidative stress-related disorder.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding same are provided. Also provided methods and pharmaceutical compositions which can be used to treat various disorders such as cancer, immunological-related, blood-related and skin-related disorders using the polypeptides and polynucleotides of the present invention. Also provided are methods and kits for diagnosing, determining predisposition and/or prognosis of various disorders using as diagnostic markers the novel polypeptides and polynucleotides of the present invention.

Abstract: The use of lipopeptides as inducers of NF-?B for the protection of mammals from the effects of apoptosis is described.

Abstract: ?-peptide regions of polypeptides can serve as structural mimics of ?-helices in wild type proteins. Because ?-helices of one protein often bind to a target protein in a biological pathway, a polypeptide that contains a helical ?-peptide region can be used to disrupt this type of protein-protein binding. As a result, polypeptides that contain a helical ?-peptide region can be used to treat conditions involving this type of protein-protein binding, such as viral infections and cell proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptide sequences capable of stimulating neuronal cell differentiation, neural cell survival and neuronal plasticity associated with memory and learning. The peptide sequences of the invention are derived from the proteins belonging to neurotrophic factors, such as NGF, NT3, NT4/5 and BDNF. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said peptide fragments and uses thereof for treatment of a disease or condition wherein the effects of stimulating neuronal cell differentiation, neuronal cell survival, stimulating neural plasticity associated with learning and memory are beneficial for treatment.

Abstract: Compositions for the treatment of pain and/or inflammation comprising at least one peptide with the general formula (I) R1-AA-R2, its stereoisomers, mixtures thereof, and its cosmetically and pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Peptide with general formula (I), its stereoisomers, mixtures thereof, and its cosmetically and pharmaceutically acceptable salts for the treatment of pain and/or inflammation.

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: The present invention refers to the use of protein kinase inhibitors and more specifically to the use of inhibitors of the protein kinase c-Jun amino terminal kinase, JNK inhibitor sequences, chimeric peptides, or of nucleic acids encoding same as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing same, for the treatment of non-chronic or chronic inflammatory digestive diseases, such as colitis, including e.g. Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, diversion colitis, ischemic colitis, infectious colitis, fulminant colitis, chemical colitis, microscopic colitis, lymphocytic colitis, and atypical colitis, etc.