Abstract: The invention provides cell-permeable Ga-Interacting Vesicle associated protein (GIV)-derived peptides and their use for treatment of diverse diseases. The invention further provides C-terminus of Ga-Interacting Vesicle associated protein (GIV-CT)-based peptides and GIV-CT encoding vectors and methods of use thereof, for successfully manipulating the diverse pathophysiologic processes in which GIV has been implicated. In one aspect, the invention provides cell-permeable peptides PTD-GIV-CT comprising (i) a peptide transduction domain (PTD) and (ii) a C-terminus of Ga-Interacting Vesicle associated protein (GIV-CT) or a mutant thereof. In one embodiment, said peptides are capable of activating Gi downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more of the peptides of the invention as well as vectors encoding such peptides.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of otic disorders with immunomodulating agents and auris pressure modulators. In these methods, the auris compositions and formulations are administered locally to an individual afflicted with an otic disorder, through direct application of the immunomodulating and/or auris pressure modulating compositions and formulations onto the auris media and/or auris interna target areas, or via perfusion into the auris media and/or auris interna structures.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for diagnosing and treating anxiety disorders in female subjects. Diagnosis and treatment of such anxiety disorders are based, in part, on an analysis of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) expression levels in tissue collected from female subjects.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for isolating human neural stem cells from amniotic fluid of a patient whose fetus has been diagnosed to have a neural tube defect. Use of the isolated human neural stem cells in the treatment of neurological disorders is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transplantation adjuvant for neural progenitor cells containing valproic acid and/or zonisamide as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising compounds useful for stimulating neurogenesis. The methods and compositions comprising compounds are also useful for inhibiting neuronal degeneration. Thus, the present invention can be used in the treatment of diseases and conditions characterized by neuronal loss and reduced neurogenesis including Alzheimer's disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, traumatic nerve injury, and depression. This invention is useful for research products including single agents or mixtures of agents to promote, proliferate, differentiate, or maintain neurons from stem or progenitor cells.

Abstract: [Problem to be solved] Provision of an agent for preventing or treating a functional brain disease and/or inhibiting symptom development of the same. [Means for solving the problems] An agent for preventing or treating a functional brain disease and/or inhibiting symptom development of the same, which comprises (2R)-2-propyloctanoic acid or a salt thereof. The agent for preventing or treating a functional brain disease and/or inhibiting symptom development of the same, which comprises (2R)-2-propyloctanoic acid or a salt thereof, can be safely administered to patients of, for example, functional brain diseases such as depression, menopausal mood disorder, perimenopausal mood disorder, panic disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder or the like, and also can show excellent effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptides of general formula (I): R1-AA-R2??(I) which can regulate neuronal exocytosis, their stereoisomers and racemic or non-racemic mixtures thereof, and the cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein AA is a sequence of 3 to 40 adjacent amino acids contained in the amino acid sequence of the SNAP-25 protein, R1 is selected from the group consisting of H or alkyl, aryl, aralkyl or acyl group; and R2 is selected from the group consisting of amino, hydroxyl or thiol, substituted or non-substituted with aliphatic or cyclic groups, with the condition that when R1 is H or acetyl, R2 is not non-substituted amino, hydroxyl or thiol. The invention also relates to a method of obtaining such peptides, cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use to treat those conditions requiring neuronal exocytosis regulation, preferably for treating the skin.

Abstract: The invention provides agents useful for treating pain. An exemplary agent comprises or consists of the a portion of a retroviral Tat protein. One such agent is the peptide Tat-NR2B9c. This peptide has previously been described as an agent for inhibiting damaging effects of stroke and similar conditions via inhibition of PSD95 interactions with NMDA receptors and/or NOS. The present application provides data showing that the Tat-NR2B9c peptides is effective in alleviation of pain. The alleviation of pain can be obtained at a dose of the peptide below the dose required to inhibit PSD-95 interactions with NMDAR or NOS.

Abstract: A method for detecting a condition in a patient with disturbance of consciousness, by analyzing an amount and/or activity of a von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, and a kit for detecting a condition in a patient with disturbance of consciousness, comprising an antibody or a fragment thereof which specifically binds to a von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, or a von Willebrand factor or a fragment thereof, are disclosed. Examples of the detection of a condition include a detection of cerebrovascular disease, a detection of arteriosclerotic vascular disease, and a detection or prediction of severity.

Abstract: Neurturin polypeptides which possess reduced heparin and heparan sulfate binding affinity but retain neurotrophic activity, nucleic acids which encode the neurturin variants and vectors and host cells which express the enhanced neurturin polypeptides. Use of the enhanced neurturin polypeptides, nucleic acids and host cells in the treatment or prevention of disease.

Abstract: A method of differentiating embryonic stem cells into neural and motor cells is disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention comprises culturing a population of cells comprising a majority of cells that are characterized by an early rosette morphology and are Sox1?/Pax6+ in the presence of FGF2, FGF4, FGF8, FGF 9, or RA wherein the cells are characterized by an neural tube-like rosette morphology and are Pax6+/Sox1+.

Abstract: The instant invention provides electrospun fiber compositions comprising one or more polymers and one or more biologically active agents. In specific embodiments, the biologically active agents are nerve growth factors. In certain embodiments, the electrospun fiber compositions comprising one or more biologically active agents are on the surface of a film, or a tube. The tubes comprising the electrospun fiber compositions of the invention can be used, for example, as nerve guide conduits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to neurturin protein products conjugated to polyols and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising neurturin conjugates as active ingredients, preferably PEGylated neurturin conjugates or variants thereof, having increased bioavailability.

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

Abstract: Bolaamphiphilic compounds are provided according to formula I: HG2-L1-HG1??I where HG1, HG2 and L1 are as defined herein. Provided bolaamphilphilic compounds and the pharmaceutical compositions thereof are useful for delivering GDNF or NGF into animal or human brain.

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

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions and methods for preventing, ameliorating a sign or symptom of, or treating peripheral nerve injury.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new therapeutic and diagnostic uses of soluable neuregulin-1 isoforms and polypeptides, particularly neurological disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to PEGylated C-peptide derivatives comprising at least one PEG group attached to the N-terminus, which exhibit improved pharmacokinetic and biological activity in vivo.

Abstract: The present application relates to use of a Midkine family protein for growing hair on a mammal, or in the manufacture of a medicament for growing hair on a mammal, especially for treatment or prevention of different forms of alopecia.

Abstract: A method of treating Parkinson's disease in humans is disclosed, wherein glial cell-line derive neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is chronically administered directly to one or both putamen of a human in need of treatment thereof via convection-enhanced infusion using at least one implantable pump and at least one catheter. In one aspect of the present invention the GDNF is infused directly into one or both putamen through one or more indwelling intraparenchymal multiport brain catheters connected to one or more implantable pumps wherein the flow rate is pulsed.

Abstract: A method of treating Parkinson's disease in humans is disclosed, wherein glial cell-line derive neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is chronically administered directly to one or both putamen of a human in need of treatment thereof via convection-enhanced infusion using at least one implantable pump and at least one catheter. In one aspect of the present invention the GDNF is infused directly into one or both putamen through one or more indwelling intraparenchymal mutitiport brain catheters connected to one or moreimplantable pumps wherein the flow rate is pulsed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions, reagents and methods for detecting and treating a neural tube defect in a fetus. One aspect of the invention provides a method including administrating a composition containing noggin or LDN-193189 to the fetus in utero. In certain embodiments, the composition is administrated if the maternal blood or amniotic fluid contains an elevated amount of BMP4 and/or a reduced amount of noggin. In another aspect of the invention, the method includes administrating a composition containing GDC-0449 to the fetus in utero. In certain embodiments, the GDC-0449 is administrated if the maternal blood or amniotic fluid contains an elevated amount of sonic hedgehog.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for aligned nanofibrous polymer matrix structure, structures incorporating aligned nanofibrous polymer matrix structures, methods of using aligned nanofibrous polymer matrix structures, methods of making aligned nanofibrous polymer matrix structures, and the like.

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

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of treatment of neuronal disorders and more particularly to neurotrophic factor MANF and uses thereof. The present invention provides a pharmaceutical compound comprising MANF nucleic acid molecule, MANF protein or a functional fragment thereof for the treatment of a peripherial neuropathy including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, drug addiction and ischemic brain injury.

Abstract: Composition containing a chimeric neuregulin polypeptides and method of making such polypeptides are disclosed. The chimeric neuregulin comprises a first moiety of at least 10 amino acids, wherein the first moiety is derived from a first polypeptide; and a second moiety of at least 5 amino acids, wherein the second moiety is derived from a second polypeptide; wherein the first polypeptide is a neuregulin and the chimeric neuregulin exhibits an enhanced binding affinity to integrin, Erb 3, or Erb 4 comparing to that of the first neuregulin.

Abstract: A composition for controlled release of a physiologically active substance can release a physiologically active substance in vivo at the desired timing. The composition includes an inner layer that is formed of a biodegradable substance that supports a physiologically active substance, and an outer layer that is formed of a biodegradable substance that differs from that of the inner layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to treatments of neuropathic pain, including tactile allodynia, and to treatments for reducing loss of pain sensitivity associated with neuropathy. The present treatments involve the use of neublastin (NBN) polypeptides.

Abstract: Soluble proteins, e.g. Hevin, can trigger synapse formation; and other soluble proteins, e.g. SPARC antagonize this activity. Such proteins are synthesized in vitro and in vivo by astrocytes. Methods are provided for protecting or treating an individual suffering from adverse effects of deficits in synaptogenesis, or from undesirably active synaptogenesis.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating diseases associated with loss of neuronal function are described. The methods are designed to promote proliferation, differentiation, migration, or integration of endogenous progenitor stem cells of the central nervous system (CNS). A therapy, such as an electrical signal or a stem cell enhancing agent, or a combination of therapies, is applied to a CNS region containing endogenous stem cells or a CNS region where the endogenous stem cells are predicted to migrate and eventually reside, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for delivering a polypeptide to the central nervous system of a mammal via intranasal administration are provided. The polypeptide can be a catalytically active protein or an antibody, antibody fragment or antibody fragment fusion protein. The polypeptides are formulated with one or more specific agents.

Abstract: Methods of improving recovery of a mammal after an ischemic event (e.g., stroke) are provided. In various embodiments the methods involve administering a neural growth factor (e.g., BDNF) into the infarct (e.g., stroke) cavity in a biocompatible hydrogel formulation. In certain embodiments the hydrogel comprises a thiolated hyaluronan and a thiolated gelatin with an optional thiolated heparin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating diseases or disorders affecting the eye or optic nerve characterized by elevated ?-amyloid levels or ?-amyloid deposits, particularly age related macular degeneration and glaucoma type diseases and ?-amyloid dependent cataract formation, with antigen binding proteins that bind ?-amyloid peptide and in particular human ?-amyloid peptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of diabetic neuropathy, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises, as active ingredients, different types of isoforms of HGF or a polynucleotide encoding the isoforms. The present invention is the first invention demonstrating that diabetic neuropathy can be prevented and treated using different types of isoforms of HGF. According to the present invention, it is possible to very effectively treat diabetic neuropathy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel Motoneuronotrophic Factors (MNTF) peptides and analogs thereof, including compositions capable of promoting the growth and viability of neurons. MNTF peptides between two and six amino acids in length are provided, as well as analogs of these MNTF peptides that are modified by covalent attachment to another moiety. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for preventing and/or treating pancreatic disorders, particularly those related to diabetes, by administering a neurturin protein product.

Abstract: The instant invention provides electrospun fiber compositions comprising one or more polymers and one or more biologically active agents. In specific embodiments, the biologically active agents are nerve growth factors. In certain embodiments, the electrospun fiber compositions comprising one or more biologically active agents are on the surface of a film, or a tube. The tubes comprising the electrospun fiber compositions of the invention can be used, for example, as nerve guide conduits.

Abstract: The invention provides, among other aspects, compositions and methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing diseases or conditions associated with an abnormal level or activity of biglycan; diseases or conditions associated with an abnormal level or activity of collagen VI; disorders associated with an unstable cytoplasmic membrane, due, e.g., to an unstable dystrophin associated protein complex (DAPC); and disorders associated with abnormal synapses or neuromuscular junctions, including those resulting from an abnormal MuSK activation or acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating a retinal disorder comprising administering an effective amount of a neurotrophic factor to a subject having the retinal disorder. The neurotrophic factors useful in the invention include mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) and conserved dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF). The present invention further comprises pharmaceutical compositions and kits containing MANF and CDNF.

Abstract: Composition containing a chimeric neuregulin polypeptides and method of making such polypeptides are disclosed. The chimeric neuregulin comprises a first moiety of at least 10 amino acids, wherein the first moiety is derived from a first polypeptide; and a second moiety of at least 5 amino acids, wherein the second moiety is derived from a second polypeptide; wherein the first polypeptide is a neuregulin and the chimeric neuregulin exhibits an enhanced binding affinity to integrin, Erb 3, or Erb 4 comparing to that of the first neuregulin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a neurotrophic peptide having an amino acid sequence of VGDGGLFEKKL (SEQ ID NO:1) and alternatively comprising an adamantyl group at the C- and/or N-terminal end. The neurotrophic peptide can rescue cognition, correct impairments in neural cell proliferation and synaptic plasticity, and thus address the cognitive defects associated with Down syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mechanically elongated neurons and provides useful compositions, devices and methods for treating a nerve lesion using such mechanically elongated neurons.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for detection and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, the invention relates to polypeptides that can protect against neuron degeneration, nucleic acid molecules that encode such polypeptides, and antibodies that recognize said polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for preventing and/or treating pancreatic disorders, particularly those related to diabetes, by administering a neurturin protein product.

Abstract: The present invention provides certain neuregulin peptides useful in, for example, methods and compositions comprising preventing, treating or delaying various diseases or disorders.

Abstract: A synthetic peptide sequence demonstrating neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory functions is disclosed. Methods of use for the synthetic peptide are also provided.

Abstract: A neuronal differentiation inducer provided by the present invention contains an artificially synthesized peptide which includes an amino acid sequence constituting a signal peptide in amyloid precursor protein (APP), or a partial sequence of the amino acid sequence constituting this signal peptide.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treating stroke and related conditions exacerbated by fever and/or hyperglycemia by administering peptides or peptidomimetics that inhibit binding of NMDAR 2B to PSD-95 to a patient.