Abstract: The invention relates to Cathepsin-binding compounds bound to a carrier comprising a diagnostic moiety, for use in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases, and/or for use in the diagnosis of neoplastic diseases, wherein the Cathepsin-binding compound binds to inflammatory cells of the tumour stroma. The invention also relates to Cathepsin B-targeting compounds and Cathepsin B-binding and liposome-binding compounds.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions that employ peptides that target dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. In particular, the peptides are used to target therapeutic agents, such as proteins, liposomes, or viral particles comprising therapeutic polynucleotides, to one or more peripheral neuropathies or neuropathic pain, for example. In particular cases, the peripheral neuropathies or neuropathic pain is caused directly or indirectly by DRG neuronopathy.

Abstract: Potent compounds having combined antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-radiation and metal chelating properties are described. Short peptides having these properties, and methods and uses of such short peptides in clinical and cosmetic applications are described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oligopeptide for treating liver fibrosis and/or hepatitis B and/or improving liver function. The oligopeptide is obtained by reflux extraction via water, ethanol precipitation and isolation through a cation exchange resin column and a gelatinous resin column from a turtle shell. Pharmaceutically conventional excipients can be added to the oligopeptide prepared according to the present invention to prepare various dosage forms. The oligopeptide has good efficacy in treating liver fibrosis and improving liver function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising at least one cell membrane fraction or parts thereof, for the reduction of lipolytic activity and/or to retard fat digestion, suppress appetite, body weight and/or lower blood lipids. The invention also relates to the use of said hydrophobic peptide in a pharmaceutical as well as a food composition and methods of treating a mammal with said composition.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for extracting phosvitin from egg yolk involving contacting the egg yolk or egg yolk protein granules with a solution having a salt concentration of about 10% to form a mixture; optionally, heating the mixture; adjusting the pH of the mixture to separate phosvitin from other proteins; recovering the phosvitin. The phosvitin extract may be dephosphorylated and hydrolyzed to produce phosvitin phosphopeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to the field of tissue engineering and more specifically to amphiphilic peptides and peptide matrices thereof useful in vitro and in situ biomineralization and inducing bone repair. The present invention provides peptides, which are useful in hydrogels and other pharmaceutical compositions, and methods and kits of use for bone repair and promotion of biomineralization. Certain hydrogels according to the invention comprise cells within or adhered to the peptide matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides capable of inhibiting cellular and immune stress responses in a eukaryotic cell. The invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of human degenerative diseases and inflammation, utilizing these peptides.

Abstract: Peptides activating dermatopontin in the skin and cosmetic compositions including such peptide, in a physiologically suitable medium, are described. Methods of treating the cutaneous signs of aging and photoaging, and in particular wrinkles, sagging, and loss of volume and elasticity of the skin are also described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns peptide sequences that specifically recognize cells of human hepatic metastases. The invention comprises also the use of nucleic acids coding for such peptides, as well as conjugates and formulations of such peptides for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: A selective targeting method is disclosed comprising contacting a library of ligands, particularly a peptide library, with an anti-target to allow the ligands to bind to the anti-target; separating the non-binding ligands from the anti-target bound ligands, contacting the non-binding anti-target ligands with a target allowing the unbound ligands to bind with the target to form a target-bound ligand complex; separating the target-bound ligand complex from ligands which do not bind to the target, and identifying the target-bound ligands on the target-bound ligand complex wherein the target-bound ligands have a KD in the range of about 10?7 to 10?10 M. Additionally claimed are the ligands identified according to the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to disulfide-rich dimer molecules which inhibit binding of ?4?7 to the mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule (MAdCAM) in vivo, and show high selectivity against ?4?1 binding.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel macromolecule transduction domain (MTD) peptides which facilitate the traverse of a biologically active molecule across the cell membrane. Also disclosed are polynucleotides encoding the MTD peptides, methods of identifying the MTD peptides; methods of genetically engineering a biologically active molecule to have cell permeability by using the MTD peptides, methods of importing a biologically active molecule into a cell by using the MTD peptides, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides for peptides from the MUC1 cytoplasmic domain and methods of use therefor. These peptides can inhibit MUC1 oligomerization, inhibit the interaction of MUC1 with NF-?B or a STAT, and block inflammatory response mediated by NF-?B or STAT signaling.

Abstract: Peptide compounds of the general formula (I) R1-(AA)n-X1—X2-Arg-Glu-Met-Asn-Trp-X3-(AA)p-R2 modulating the survivin protein are described. Furthermore, cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions, including at least one peptide of the general formula (I), in a physiologically acceptable medium are described. Additionally, methods for treating the cutaneous signs of ageing and photo-ageing, treating the skin against external aggressions, and limiting hair loss and/or stimulating hair growth are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for cancer therapy, including but not limited to, targeted inhibition of cancer markers. In particular, the present invention relates to recurrent gene fusions as clinical targets for prostate cancer.

Abstract: An acid-cleavable peptide linker comprising aspartic acid and proline residues is disclosed. The acid-cleavable peptide linker provides an altered sensitivity to acid-hydrolytic release of peptides of interest from fusion peptides of the formula PEP1-L-PEP2. The inventive linker, L, is described in various embodiments, each of which provides substantially more rapid acid-release of peptides of interest than does a single aspartic acid-proline pair. In an additional aspect, a method of increasing the stability of an acid cleavable linkage to acid hydrolysis is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods to facilitate the transcutaneous delivery of therapeutic agents. In some embodiments, agonists of tight junctions are used in compositions to facilitate the uptake of therapeutic agents from the skin. In a particular embodiment, the present invention provides immunogenic compositions comprising a tight junction agonist and an antigen. In a particular embodiment, the present invention provides vaccine compositions comprising a tight junction agonist and an antigen.

Abstract: Enzyme-activatable photosensitizing polymer conjugates are disclosed for photochemotherapeutic treatment of human diseases and disorders, bacteriologic or virologic indications, cosmetic applications and other pathologic situations. These polymer conjugates may comprise a polymer carrier, a photosensitizer, a quencher, a targeting molecule and/or a biocompatibilizing unit. These macromolecular conjugates may be designed to guide to the target tissue a photosensitizing agent in an inactive, non-phototoxic form. However, upon entering the target environment, in which certain enzymes are presently active, the conjugate may release its photosensitizers in its fully active form, resulting in a highly localized activation of the photoactive agent. Also described here are methods, compositions and kits for the preparation and testing of such photochemotherapeutic conjugates.

Abstract: Peptide antagonists of zonulin are disclosed, as well as methods for the use of the same. The peptide antagonists bind to the zonula occludens receptor, yet do not physiologically modulate the opening of mammalian tight junctions.

Abstract: The embodiments include methods of treating conditions requiring removal or destruction of cellular elements, such as benign or malignant tumors in humans, using compounds based on small peptides. The method includes, but is not limited to, administering the compounds intramuscularly, orally, intravenously, intrathecally, intratumorally, intranasally, topically, transdermally, etc., either alone or conjugated to a carrier.

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: Peptides of general formula (I): R1-Wp-Xn-AA1-AA2-AA3-AA4-Ym-R2 their stereoisomers, mixtures thereof, and/or their cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, a method of preparation, cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use for the treatment, prevention and/or care of conditions, disorders and/or diseases of the skin, mucous membranes and/or scalp.

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 invention features targeted cytotoxic compounds and methods relating to their therapeutic use for the treatment of neoplasia and other conditions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for in vivo and in vitro targeting. A large number of targeting peptides directed towards human organs, tissues or cell types are disclosed. The peptides are of use for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, including but not limited to gene therapy vectors. A novel class of gene therapy vectors is disclosed. Certain of the disclosed peptides have therapeutic use for inhibiting angiogenesis, inhibiting tumor growth, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting pregnancy or inducing weight loss. Methods of identifying novel targeting peptides in humans, as well as identifying endogenous receptor-ligand pairs are disclosed. Methods of identifying novel infectious agents that are causal for human disease states are also disclosed. A novel mechanism for inducing apoptosis is further disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides herein the design of monodisperse, amphiphilic anticancer drugs—which are now termed “drug amphiphiles” (DAs)—that can spontaneously associate into discrete, stable supramolecular nanostructures with the potential for self-delivery (no additional carriers are needed). The quantitative drug loading in the resulting nanostructures is ensured by the very nature of the molecular design. The DA is a composition comprising: D-L-PEP; wherein D is 1 to 4 hydrophobic drug molecules which can be the same or different; L is 1 to 4 biodegradable linkers which can be the same or different; and PEP is a peptide that can spontaneously associate into discrete, stable supramolecular nanostructures. In an alternate embodiment, the DA composition also comprises a targeting ligand (T). Methods of making DA molecules, as well as their use in treatment of disease are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel complex peptidomimetic products comprising multiple homogeneous or heterogeneous pendant groups that are site-specifically positioned along a linear oligomer or polymer scaffold and methods of making thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to N-substituted glycine peptoid oligomers or peptoids and their use as substrates for azide-alkyne [3+2]-cycloaddition conjugation reactions and subsequent additional rounds of oligomerization and cycloaddition. The methods of the invention may also be used to generate peptoid-peptide hybrid or peptide products comprising multiple homogeneous or heterogeneous pendant groups, which are positioned precisely along the linear oligomer or polymer scaffold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peptide comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof effective for treating degenerative disc diseases, treating body organ fibrosis, treating cancer and/or treating glomerulosclerosis, and effective for the inhibition of TGF-beta 1 signaling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, comprising a vascular disrupting agent (VDA) associated and a MMP proteolytic cleavage site. The compounds are useful in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-?)-mimicking peptide containing a particular amino acid sequence and a composition for preventing or treating TGF-?-effective disorders or conditions using the same. The peptide of the present invention may be much higher stability than natural-occurring TGF-? and improve drawbacks caused by high molecular weight of natural-occurring TGF-?. The peptide of this invention can be advantageously applied to treatment or improvement of TGF-?-effective disorders or conditions and have excellent efficacies on skin whitening and wrinkle improvement.

Abstract: The present invention provides an amphiphilic linear peptide and/or peptoid as well as a hydrogel that includes the amphiphilic linear peptide/peptoid.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptides and, in particular, heptapeptides derived from milk casein ?s1 and having anxiolytic activity. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical and food compositions containing said peptides and to the preparation methods thereof.

Abstract: Loss of Wnt-5a protein expression in breast carcinoma patients is associated with a shorter recurrence-free survival as well as increased motility in mammary cell lines. Based on sequence analysis of Wnt-5a, peptide fragments were identified and investigated for their ability to mimic effects of the Wnt-5a protein on mammary cell adhesion and motility. Two of these peptides significantly increased adhesion and impaired the motility of non-tumorigenic breast cancer cell lines, both low in endogenous Wnt-5a protein expression. To identify the shortest possible peptide that still had an anti-motile effect, sequential deletions of two amino acids from the N-terminal side of the shorter of these two peptides were performed. The effect on tumor cell adhesion was gradually lost, and when only 6 amino acids remained the effect was not detectable. However, formulation of the N-terminal methionine of this hexapeptide restored its effect on adhesion and reduced tumor cell motility.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel peptides derived from the IL-1 receptor antagonist protein (IL1 RA), capable of binding to the cell surface IL-1 receptor 1 (IL1 R1) and interfere with the binding of IL-1 to IL1 R1. This binding thus effectively antagonises the inflammatory effects of IL-1, such as by reducing TNF-alpha secretion from macrophages. This is of potential use as an anti-inflammatory factor throughout the human body, including the central nervous system. The use of said peptides as anti-inflammatory agents for treatment of pathological conditions wherein IL-1 plays a prominent role, such as inflammatory conditions of the body and the central nervous system, is thus an aspect of the present invention.

Abstract: A peptide for targeting bone marrow consists of about 5 to about 25 amino acids and includes an amino acid sequence that targets the peptide to bone marrow.

Abstract: The invention features sincalide formulations that include an effective amount of sincalide, a bulking agent/tonicity adjuster, a stabilizer, a surfactant, a chelator, and a buffer. The invention also features kits and methods for preparing improved sincalide formulations as well as methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing gall bladder-related disorders using sincalide formulations.

Abstract: Provided herein are peptides and nanoparticles conjugates thereof useful for the treatment of diseases and disorders mediated by GIPC/synectin, such as cancer.

Abstract: This invention provides a TNFR2 expression-inducing composition including as an active ingredient a peptide having TNFR2 expression-inducing activity, and a method for producing cells that express TNFR2 selectively by use of the composition. The cell production method provided by this invention includes: culturing at least one species of cells capable of expressing TNF receptor 2, and supplying the cells with a synthetic peptide consisting of a nuclear localization signal sequence (NLS) or a nucleolar localization signal sequence (NoLS) to enhance TNFR2 expression in the cells.

Abstract: Peptides derived from cancer specific isoform of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (caPCNA, also known as csPCNA) or from nmPCNA-interacting proteins interfere with intracellular protein-protein interaction, thereby causing a reduction in the proliferative potential of cancer. These peptides serve as therapeutic compositions to reduce the proliferation of cancer cells and also augment existing chemotherapeutic methods.

Abstract: We describe preparation of compounds of an AT1 receptor antagonist(s) and Angiotensin (1-7), for example, Angiotensin-(1-7) losartanate and analogues thereof, and/or mixtures of these systems, pharmaceutical compositions thereof and use of their derivative products. Cyclodextrins and derivatives thereof may be used for the micro-encapsulation of compounds, for example, Angiotensin (1-7) losartanate, liposomes and biodegradable polymers and/or mixtures of these systems and/or derivative products for the obtainment of nano- or microparticles as controlled or sustained release devices of Ang-(1-7) losartanate and analogues and/or mixtures thereof. The compounds may be used as agents for treating or preventing hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, heart hypertrophy, heart failure, coronary diseases, such as angina pectoris, endothelial disorder or endothelial lesions, as a consequence, for example, of atherosclerosis processes or in association with diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: The invention provides tight junction protein modulators, compositions comprising the same, and uses thereof. In particular, the invention provides tight junction protein modulators that modulate the second extracellular loop of tight junction proteins, such as occludin or claudin.

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: This invention relates to peptide compounds of general formula (I) R1-(AA)n-X1—X2—X3-Asp-Leu-Lys-Lys-X4—X5-(AA)p-R2. Said peptide compounds have an action on the SCF/c-Kit signaling pathway and thus make it possible to protect skin pigment structures from external stresses. In addition, this invention relates to a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one peptide of general formula (I), in a physiologically acceptable medium, and its use for attenuating age-related pigmentation defects and the effects of photoaging on the skin. The invention finally relates to various cosmetic treatment methods using said peptides according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prodrug comprising at least one cytostatic agent, wherein said prodrug is cleavable by prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a process for preparing said prodrug and a pharmaceutical composition containing said prodrug in a pharmaceutically effective amount, for use in the treatment of cancer.

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: Peptides generated from a random library that are bound by a monoclonal antibody to Chlamydial glycolipid exoantigen (GLXA) and thus mimic this antigen are disclosed. Peptides that correspond to antigen-binding regions of an anti-idiotypic antibody (mAb2) specific for anti-GLXA antibody (Ab1) which act as molecular mimics of GLXA are also disclosed used as immunogens to induce broadly reactive genus-specific anti-chlamydial antibodies. These peptides and immunogenic DNA encoding the mAb2-like peptides, microparticle or nanoparticle formulations and other formulations of these peptides are disclosed as are methods for immunizing subjects to obtain genus-specific anti-chlamydial antibodies and to treat or prevent Chlamydia-associated or induced rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of peptides that are capable of binding to, and modulating the activity of NCAM. The peptides are peptide fragments of FGFRs. They are derived from two distinct binding sites for binding of the immunoglobulin-like module 2 of FGFR to NCAM F3 modules 1-2. The invention further relates to use of said peptides for the production of a medicament for the treatment of different pathological conditions, wherein NCAM and/or FGFRs play a prominent role.

Abstract: At least one peptide molecule selected from EGDGHLGKPGROGE (SEQ ID NO:1), EKDGHPGKPGROGE (SEQ ID NO:2), G(POG)4, (POG)3, G(POG)2, (POG)2, (POG)4, (POG)5 and G(POG)3, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof is effective for inhibiting various diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and pressure ulcer. The peptide molecule is easily absorbed into a body and migrates into cells in an intestinal tract, and strongly binds to a nucleic acid compound or the like to form a complex, and thus functions well as a carrier component for delivering the nucleic acid compound or the like without causing the problems associated with conventional DDS techniques.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for treatment of vascular conditions. The invention provides arginine polymers and arginine homopolymers for the treatment and/or prevention of glaucoma, pulmonary hypertension, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, erectile dysfunction, Raynaud's syndrome, heparin overdose, vulvodynia, and wound healing. The invention also provides arginine polymers and arginine homopolymers for use in organ perfusate and preservation solutions.