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: 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 disclosure relates to methods for treating neuronal disorders using a motoneuronotrophic factor (MNTF) or its peptide analogs. The present disclosure further relates to methods for treating a spinal cord injury, a neurodegenerative disease, a stroke or cerebral ischemia, Huntington's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's Disease, and diabetic neuropathy in a subject by administration of motoneuronotrophic factor (MNTF) or its peptide analogs.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing diseases or conditions associated with an abnormal level or activity of biglycan; disorders associated with an unstable cytoplasmic membrane, due, e.g., to an unstable dystrophin associated protein complex (DAPC); disorders associated with abnormal synapses or neuromuscular junctions, including those resulting from an abnormal MuSK activation or acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregation. Examples of diseases include muscular dystrophies, such as Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, Becker's Muscular Dystrophy, neuromuscular disorders and neurological disorders.

Abstract: The following class of molecule is disclosed: a dimer containing a first neublastin polypeptide and a second neublastin polypeptide, wherein: (a) at least one of the polypeptides is glycosylated; (b) at least one of the polypeptides is conjugated at its N-terminus to a water-soluble synthetic polymer; and (c) neither of the polypeptides is conjugated to a water-soluble synthetic polymer at a position other than the N-terminus. Such dimers possess the biological activity of wild-type neublastin while displaying enhanced serum half-life and enhanced potency relative to wild-type neublastin.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptide variants of neuregulin-1? (NRG-1?) that have enhanced or decreased binding affinity to ErbB3 and/or ErbB4. The invention also provides methods of screening and producing polypeptide variants of NRG-1? and methods of using polypeptide variants of NRG-1? for treating diseases.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of modulating calcineurin activity in a cell by contacting the cell with at least one ApoE analog. Methods of treating various disorders associated with calcineurin activity using one or more ApoE analogs are also disclosed. In particular, the present invention provides a method of reducing demyelination and promoting remyelination in a subject. Methods of treating spinal cord or nerve injury in a subject are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates, to a method for promoting CNS axon regeneration, comprising (1) inhibiting the expression or activity in a neuron of one or more of the members of the Krüppel-like transcription factor (KLF) family that suppress axon growth (e.g., KLF 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9,12, 13, 14, 15 and/or 16), and/or (2) stimulating the expression or activity in a neuron of one or more of the members of the KLF family that promote axon growth (e.g., KLF 6 and/or 7).

Abstract: The invention relates to a viral-safe platelet extract, to its preparation and use. The extract comprises a mixture of biologically active platelet derived factors. Advantageously, the extract comprises a balanced proportion of the factors and is non-clottable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations suitable for targeting particular tissue and/or organ(s) with a formulated active ingredient, for example when administered upstream of the target organ or tissue, and to use of the same in treatment, methods of treatment administering the same and methods of preparing the formulations. The pharmaceutical formulations of the invention are for parenteral administration to a target tissue and comprise particles containing an active ingredient, and a biodegradable excipient, wherein 90% or more of the particles have a diameter of between 10 and 20 microns and the formulation is substantially free of particles with a diameter greater than 50 microns and less than 5 microns, such that where the formulation is administered upstream of the target tissue the ability of the active to pass through the target tissue and pass into systemic circulation is restricted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biopolymer, bioactive and totally biocompatible, very fluid at ambient temperature, capable of gelling in a sudden manner at 37° C., forming a solid implant, structurally integral and continuous having high mechanical properties. The biopolymer comprises at least a bioactive domain capable of directing in a precise manner the formation of a solid or semisolid implant. Furthermore the invention relates to any of the nucleic acids encoding the amino acid sequence of the biopolymer, implants, pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles, uses thereof, and a method of synthesis thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of therapeutic use of proteins, genes and cells, in particular to the therapy based on the biological function of a secreted therapeutic protein, METRNL, in particular for the treatment of disorders of the nervous system. METRNL is a Nerve Survival and Growth factor with neuroprotective and/or neurogenesis effects.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis comprising administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), or fragment, analog, complex or aggregate thereof, or any combination thereof, to an individual in need thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treating or effecting prophylaxis of a patient having or at risk of developing symptoms of anxiety in which an effective regime of an agent that inhibits specific binding of PSD95 to an NMDA receptor is administered to a patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of increasing vascularization in a tissue by administering a neublastin polypeptide to a mammal exhibiting impaired or inadequate blood flow in the tissue. The methods can be used to in the treatment or prevention of a disorder characterized by impaired or inadequate blood flow or to increase vascularization in an organ that has been transplanted into a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to skin care compositions, including cosmeceuticals, for topical application, and more particularly, a skin cream, comprising cell culture medium conditioned by cells grown in two-dimensional culture. Also included are methods of using such compositions and kits comprising the skin cream therein.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for treating Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in a subject that involves neutralizing specific pathogenic anti-glycolipid antibodies in the circulation of the subject. This can involve administering to the subject a molecular mimic of a ganglioside that serves as a specific competitive inhibitor for anti-ganglioside antibodies in the circulation. Also disclosed is an animal model of GBS having anti-ganglioside antibodies in the circulation.

Abstract: There is disclosed an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a human neurotrophic growth factor designated enovin and having the amino acid sequence illustrated in FIG. 1, 21, 23 or 24 or encoding a functional equivalent, derivative or bioprecursor of said growth factor. The growth factor preferably comprises the amino acid sequence from position 27 to 139 of the sequence illustrated in FIG. 1, or a functional equivalent, derivative or bioprecursor thereof. The nucleic acid molecule encoding enovin can be used to transform a host cell, tissue or organism by including it in an appropriate vector. The host cell, tissue or organism and the vector also form part of the invention.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for regulating migration of neuronal progenitor cells in the nervous system of a mammal. The method comprises providing a mammal with TNR, a biologically active fragment of TNR, or a TNR agonist in an amount sufficient to direct migration of the neuronal progenitor cells. The invention provides a method of treating neurological diseases by replenishing diseased, damaged, or destroyed neural cells in the central nervous system or in the peripheral nervous system.

Abstract: Inhibitors of NCAM-VASE, compositions comprising said inhibitors, and methods of using said inhibitors for stimulation of neuroplasticity and/or neuroregeneration in the central nervous system, and for increasing neuronal cell response to agents that stimulate neuroplasticity and/or neuroregeneration in the central nervous system, are provided. The inhibitor or composition may be used, for example, for treating brain or spinal cord injury; schizophrenia, motor neurone disease; a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease; ischaemia caused by stroke; or for improving learning and/or memory.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improving cognition and treating of neurodegenerative disease using CREB-binding protein. The protein may be delivered to the brain by an expression vector, in particular a lentiviral vector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptide compounds that are capable of stimulating neuronal differentiation, neurite outgrowth and survival of neural cells, and enhancing synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, methods of treating diseases and conditions of nervous system by administration of compositions comprising said compounds. The compounds and compositions of the invention include peptide sequences that are derived from the sequence of human erythropoietin or proteins that are homologous of human erythropoietin.

Abstract: A method and system that is directed to the local delivery of growth factors to the mammalian CNS to treat CNS disorders associated with neuronal death and/or dysfunction is described.

Abstract: In general, the invention features substantially purified MANF and substantially purified nucleic acids encoding the same. The invention also features a pharmaceutical composition that includes MANF and a pharmaceutically-acceptable excipient, methods for treatment of a neurodegenerative disease, methods for improving dopaminergic neuronal survival during or following cell transplantation, methods for production of neurons for transplantation, and methods for identifying compounds that modulate or mimic MANF's biological activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of novel proteins, referred to herein as amidated glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) peptides (or “Amidated Dopamine Neuron Stimulating peptides (ADNS peptides)”), for treating brain diseases and injuries that result in dopaminergic deficiencies and mitochodrial dysfunction, e.g., reduced complex I enzyme activity.

Abstract: A method of selecting an agent comprising a neuroprotecting activity is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) introducing a plurality of agents into a plurality of cells; and (b) analyzing Vesicular Monoamine Transporter 2 (VMAT2) transcription in the cells; and (c) identifying an agent of the plurality of agents capable of up-regulating DJ-1-dependent VMAT2 transcription in the cells, thereby selecting the agent comprising the neuroprotectingactivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of therapeutic use of proteins, genes and cells, in particular to the therapy based on the biological function of a secreted therapeutic protein, METRNL, in particular for the treatment of disorders of the nervous system. METRNL is a Nerve Survival and Growth factor with neuroprotective and/or neurogenesis effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides effective dosing regimes for neural stem cell proliferating agents, kits containing effective dosing regimes for neural stem cell proliferating agents, and uses thereof. In particular, neural stem cell proliferating agents, such as hCG, prolactin and EPO are delivered to mammalian subjects at low doses in a continuous fashion over several days, as opposed to delivery of high doses in a short period of time.

Abstract: A controlled release multidrug formulation for improving locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury comprising: (a) a first composition comprising a first bioactive agent, encapsulated within a first polymeric particle; (b) a second composition comprising a second bioactive agent, encapsulated within a second polymeric particle, wherein the second polymeric particle is encapsulated within the first polymeric particle; and (c) a third composition comprising a third bioactive agent, encapsulated within either the first or the second polymeric particle, wherein the second composition is released subsequently to the release of the first composition, and wherein the first bioactive agent is a neurotrophic factor, the second bioactive agent is a collagen synthesis inhibitor, and the third bioactive agent is selected from the group consisting of cyclic AMP (cAMP), an adenylate cyclase activator and a Rho inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating ocular diseases using a recombinant vehicle to express a protein useful in the treatment of ocular disease, with particular preference for use of neurotrophin-4 (NT4) for targeting subpopulations of cells in the retina. A genetically engineered gene transfer vector containing sequences encoding a growth factor such as neurotrophin-4 (NT4) is used to transduce cells of the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer, in situ, via administration of the vector intravitreally. Accordingly, methods are disclosed for treating subjects in need thereof by therapeutic protein delivery via a recombinant expression vector, including rescue of photoreceptors by targeting the RGC layer subpopulation of retinal cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method to promote regeneration or repair of the central or peripheral nervous system following injury The present invention concerns the use of a leucine-rich, glioma-inactivated protein (LGIn), or an analog or derivative thereof, to promote the regeneration or remyelination of neurons after injury to the central nervous system LGIns are endogenous proteins secreted by central neurons that promote regeneration of neurons after injury to the central nervous system The present invention includes an assay to measure the interaction of LGIn with LINGOn and p75NTRn as well as to identify factors that enhance or disrupt these interactions The invention further includes cell lines capable of expressing LGIn, LINGOn and p75NTRn molecules, as well as the proteins purified from these cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for modulating cell survival. Modulation of cell survival includes inducing, enhancing or otherwise promoting cell survival such as the survival of neural cells as well as facilitating cell death such as the death of targeted cancer cells. The modulation of cell survival is mediated by a region identified on the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) required for death signalling. The present invention further provides genetic molecules which encode the death signalling region of p75NTR which are useful in antagonising death signal function as well as promoting cell death when expressed in targeted cells. The present invention also contemplates recombinant peptides, polypeptides and proteins as well as chemical equivalents, derivatives and homologues thereof which comprise the death signalling portion of p75NTR. Particularly useful molecules of the present invention comprise peptides corresponding to soluble forms of the death signalling portion of p75NTR.

Abstract: A neurotrophin polypeptide, and a biologically active fragment thereof, are described. Also, methods are disclosed that include providing a composition comprising the neurotrophin polypeptide to a subject, wherein the composition is effective to ameliorate at least one symptom or clinical sign of a condition treatable with a neurotrophin when the composition is administered to a subject in need of treatment for a condition treatable with a neurotrophin.

Abstract: Said preparations can be administered topically to the intact eye surface, and are useful in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders of the retina, optic nerve, lateral geniculate body and visual cortex, in order to prevent reduction of visual capacity and restore the normal visual function.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for folding proteins belonging to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily are disclosed. The compositions and methods allow for the folding of such proteins when produced in an expression system that does not yield a properly folded, biologically active product.

Abstract: The objects of the present invention are: to provide a therapeutic agent and a therapeutic method for periodontal diseases and pulpal diseases, a transplant for periodontal tissue regeneration, and a method for regenerating the periodontal tissue. According to the present invention, there are provided therapeutic agents for periodontal diseases and pulpal diseases which comprise neurotrophic factors as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The invention features methods of treatment and diagnosis using NRG-2 polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules, and antibodies. The invention also provides novel NRG-2 polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides for augmenting the expression of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease, comprising the same. The peptides can induce the expression of BDNF in dopamine-reactive human cells, pass easily through the blood-brain barrier thanks to their low molecular weights and are almost free of cytotoxicity. Thus, they are useful in the prevention and treatment of neuropathies such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for treating Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in a subject that involves neutralizing specific pathogenic anti-glycolipid antibodies in the circulation of the subject. This can involve administering to the subject a molecular mimic of a ganglioside that serves as a specific competitive inhibitor for anti-ganglioside antibodies in the circulation. Also disclosed is an animal model of GBS having anti-ganglioside antibodies in the circulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations suitable for targeting particular tissue and/or organ(s) with a formulated active ingredient, for example when administered upstream of the target organ or tissue, and to use of the same in treatment methods of preparing the formulations. The pharmaceutical formulations of the invention are for parenteral administration to a target tissue and comprise particles containing an active ingredient, and a biodegradable excipient, wherein 90% or more of the particles have a diameter of between 10 and 20 microns and the formulation is substantially free of particles with a diameter greater than 50 microns and less than 5 microns, such that where the formulation is administered upstream of the target tissue the ability of the active to pass through the target tissue and pass into systemic circulation is restricted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an inhibitor of STIM2 or an inhibitor of STIM2-regulated plasma membrane calcium channel activity and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient and/or diluent. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an inhibitor of STIM2 or an inhibitor of STIM2-regulated plasma membrane calcium channel activity for the treatment and/or prevention of a neurological disorder associated with pathologically increased cytosolic calcium concentrations. Also disclosed are methods of treating and/or preventing a neurological disorder associated with pathologically increased cytosolic calcium concentrations comprising administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of an inhibitor of STIM2 or of an inhibitor of STIM2-regulated plasma membrane calcium channel activity to a subject in need thereof.

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

Abstract: Nano-sized particles are provided comprising at least one multi-headed amphiphilic compound, in which at least one headgroup of said multi-headed amphiphilic compound is selectively cleavable or contains a selectively cleavable group, and at least one biologically active agent, which is both encapsulated within the nano-particle and non-covalently associated thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid pharmaceutical composition comprising a granulocyte colony stimulating factor polypeptide conjugated with a polymer. In various embodiments, the composition has a pH value in the range of 4.5 to 5.5. Exemplary compositions further comprise a surfactant and optionally one or more other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The invention provides, inter alia, formulations free from tartaric acid or salts thereof and/or from succinic acid and salts thereof as buffering agents. Exemplary formulations are essentially devoid of not amino acids as stabilizers. The composition has good storage stability and is especially useful for the prophylaxis and treatment of disorders and medical indications where granulocyte colony stimulating factor preparations are considered as useful remedies.

Abstract: A method for preventing a break out of a neurodegenerative disease in an individual and for treating an individual suffering from a neurodegenerative disease comprising the administration of an effective amount of an antimicrobial and neurotrophic peptide.

Abstract: The following class of molecule is disclosed: a dimer containing a first neublastin polypeptide and a second neublastin polypeptide, wherein: (a) at least one of the polypeptides is glycosylated; (b) at least one of the polypeptides is conjugated at its N-terminus to a water-soluble synthetic polymer; and (c) neither of the polypeptides is conjugated to a water-soluble synthetic polymer at a position other than the N-terminus. Such dimers possess the biological activity of wild-type neublastin while displaying enhanced serum half-life and enhanced potency relative to wild-type neublastin.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating the activities of connexins are provided, including, for example, for use in post-surgical, trauma, or tissue engineering applications. These compounds and methods can be used therapeutically, for example, to reduce the severity of adverse effects associated diseases and disorders where localized disruption in direct cell-cell communication is desirable.

Abstract: The present invention features methods and compositions for treating a patient who has a neurological deficit. The method can be carried out, for example, by contacting (in vivo or in culture) a neural progenitor cell of the patient's central nervous system (CNS) with a polypeptide that binds the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and directing progeny of the proliferating progenitor cells to migrate en masse to a region of the CNS in which they will reside and function in a manner sufficient to reduce the neurological deficit. The method may include a further step in which the progeny of the neural precursor cells are contacted with a compound that stimulates differentiation.

Abstract: The objects of the present invention are: to provide a therapeutic agent and a therapeutic method for periodontal diseases and pulpal diseases, a transplant for periodontal tissue regeneration, and a method for regenerating the periodontal tissue. According to the present invention, there are provided therapeutic agents for periodontal diseases and pulpal diseases which comprise neurotrophic factors as an active ingredient.