Abstract: Mutant fibroblast growth factor (FGF) proteins having a polypeptide sequence with a high sequence identity to proteins encoded by members of the Fgf-1 subfamily of genes from a mammalian species, such as human, and with a specific amino acid substitution of an alanine at a position corresponding to amino acid position 66 of human FGF-1 with a cysteine and/or a specific amino acid substitution of a phenylalanine at a position corresponding to amino acid position 132 of human FGF-1 with a tryptophan (based on the 140 amino acid numbering scheme of human FGF-1) are provided. Other amino acid mutations or substitutions may be combined. Polynucleotide sequences encoding the mutant FGF proteins and host cells containing such polynucleotide sequences are provided. Methods of administering a mutant FGF protein to an individual to treat an ischemic condition or disease or a wound or tissue injury are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides nucleic acid molecules encoding chimeric polypeptides, chimeric polypeptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising chimeric polypeptides, and methods for treating metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity using such nucleic acids, polypeptides, or pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Methods of treating cancers comprising FGFR1 gene amplification are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise administering a fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) extracellular domain (ECD) and/or an FGFR1 ECD fusion molecule. In some embodiments, the methods comprise administering a fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) extracellular domain (ECD) and/or an FGFR1 ECD fusion molecule in combination with at least one additional therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A cell-based vehicle driving control system includes a local server for obtaining road environment information on roads within a cell and target vehicle information on a target vehicle within the cell and generating local waypoints based on the road environment information and the target vehicle information; a global server for monitoring the target vehicle information, the road environment information and local server information on the local server received from the local server; and a vehicle control terminal, mounted in the target vehicle, for receiving the local waypoints from the local server and controlling the target vehicle based on the local waypoints. The road environment information is obtained by using at least one sensor installed on the roads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of new proteins comprising fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and other metabolic regulators, including variants thereof, known to improve metabolic profiles in subjects to whom they are administered. Also disclosed are methods for treating FGF21-associated disorders, GLP-1-associated disorders, and Exendin-4-associated disorders, including metabolic conditions.

Abstract: Mutant fibroblast growth factor (FGF) proteins having a polypeptide sequence with a high sequence identity to proteins encoded by members of the Fgf-1 subfamily of genes from a mammalian species, such as human, and with a specific amino acid substitution of an alanine at a position corresponding to amino acid position 66 of human FGF-1 with a cysteine and/or a specific amino acid substitution of a phenylalanine at a position corresponding to amino acid position 132 of human FGF-1 with a tryptophan (based on the 140 amino acid numbering scheme of human FGF-1) are provided. Other amino acid mutations or substitutions may be combined. Polynucleotide sequences encoding the mutant FGF proteins and host cells containing such polynucleotide sequences are provided. Methods of administering a mutant FGF protein to an individual to treat an ischemic condition or disease or a wound or tissue injury are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for neuroprotection. In particular, provided herein are compositions (e.g., hepatocyte secretory factors) for alleviating and/or protecting against neuronal damage (e.g., resulting from stroke), and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of promoting hair growth comprising administering a fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) extracellular domain (ECD), including native FGFR4 ECDs, variants, fragments, and fusion molecules, to a subject in an amount sufficient to promote hair growth.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods, kits and compositions for preventing or treating age-related conditions or metabolic disorders. The fusion polypeptides of the disclosure include FGF23 or an active fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the fusion polypeptide comprises (a) a polypeptide comprising fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), or a functionally active variant or derivative thereof, wherein FGF23 has a mutation at one or more of the positions Q156, C206 and C244; and (b) either a modified Fc fragment having decreased affinity for Fc-gamma-receptor and/or increased serum half-life, or a polypeptide comprising at least one extracellular subdomain of a Klotho protein, or a functionally active variant or derivative thereof; and, optionally (c) a linker. The Klotho fusion proteins are useful in the treatment and prevention of a variety of age-related conditions and metabolic disorders.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention for regenerating defective or absent myocardium comprise an emulsified or injectable extracellular matrix composition. The composition may also include an extracellular matrix scaffold component of any formulation, and further include added cells, proteins, or other components to optimize the regenerative process and restore cardiac function.

Abstract: A polysaccharide micro-particle encapsulating a growth factor is disclosed and shall include one or more growth factors, and a polysaccharide shell forming a space to encapsulate the growth factor by electrostatic interaction. Also, a method for manufacturing a polysaccharide micro-particle encapsulating a growth factor is disclosed, which shall include the following process: (A) providing a pH 4.6-6 polysaccharide solution and a growth factor; and (B) adding the growth factor to the polysaccharide solution, and adjusting the polysaccharide solution to a pH of 6-8 to obtain the polysaccharide micro-particle encapsulating the growth factor by electrostatic interaction. According to the polysaccharide shell structure, the growth factor can be stored for a long period of time and heal skin wounds, mucositis, and corneal ulcer effectively.

Abstract: The method provides methods and compositions for treating metabolic disorders such as impaired glucose tolerance, elevated blood glucose, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, obesity, and fatty liver.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for treating vitiligo and promoting the formation of collagen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for promoting arteriogenesis, and preparation method and applications of the same, wherein said pharmaceutical composition comprises an effective amount of a drug, and a peptide hydrogel, and it forms a microenvironment for autologous cell recruitment and tissue regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fusion polypeptides comprising Klotho protein or an active fragment thereof and FGF23 or an active fragment thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for diagnosing mental disorders. The invention also provides methods of identifying modulators of mental disorders as well as methods of using these modulators to treat patients suffering from mental disorders.

Abstract: This present invention relates to pharmacologically potent and/or stable variants of human fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), pharmaceutical compositions comprising FGF21 variants, and methods for treating type 2 diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, or metabolic syndrome, or any combination thereof, using such variants.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acid molecules encoding FGF21 mutant polypeptides, FGF21 mutant polypeptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising FGF21 mutant polypeptides, and methods for treating metabolic disorders using such nucleic acids, polypeptides, or pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A method for forming an extracellular matrix material (ECM) material includes providing at least an ECM composition containing ECM particles varying in their capacity for migration through a fluid medium, including at least one population of expanded ECM particles. The ECM composition is combined in a fluid medium to form a flowable ECM composition. The flowable ECM composition is subjected to a centrifugal force in a mold for a period of time sufficient to distribute the ECM particles according to differences in their physical characteristics. The ECM composition is dried to form a dried ECM material having a density gradient extending from a less dense region to a more dense region. The dried ECM material may formed as a porous, substantially acellular ECM material expandable in an aqueous fluid environment by at least 100% in volume.

Abstract: Metallo-proteins including but not limited to lactoferrin (LF), transferrin (TF) and ovotransferrin (OTF) (all members of transferrin family), ceruloplasmin (CP) and metallo-thionein (MT) were found to stabilize and enhance the bio-functional activity of tocotrienol (T3), T3 mixtures or derivates. The synergism between MP and T3 also promote the intestinal transfer and the ultimate bio-availability of T3 and T3-derivatives for physiological functions. Such functional synergism includes hypocholesterolemic, anti-thrombotic, antioxidant, anti-athermogenic, anti-inflammatory and immuno-regulatory activities of T3 agents. Addition of a non-protein-type metal chelator provided further improvement in the action of the bio-functional activity of T3. These T3 compositions are useful as pharmaceuticals, in cosmetics, in foods and as nutritional supplements.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated amino acid that can act as an antagonist to FGF signaling, comprising at least a portion of the FGF protein amino acid sequence, and including a mutation in either a) the integrin ?v?3 binding region of FGF-1; or b) the FGFR binding region of FGF-1.

Abstract: Modified FGF-21 polypeptides and uses thereof are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating chronic wounds using calreticulin. In particular, the invention relates to the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds using topical application of calreticulin to a patient in need of such treatment.

Abstract: A discovery process beginning with an in vivo screening of proteins, peptides, natural products, classical medicinal compound or other substances. The administration of compounds to the animal can be either direct or indirect, such as by the administration and expression of cDNA-containing plasmids. Since the discovery process of the invention is based on a non-preconceived hypothesis and whole organism multi-organ analysis, a compound can be selected for testing in the absence of any biological selection criteria. The resulting organism-wide pattern of the gene expression changes in the transcriptome provides an overview of the activities at the molecular and organism-wide levels. The discovery process of the invention then integrates in vivo profiling and internal and external genomic databases to elucidate the function of unknown proteins, typically within few months.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transiently immortalizing cells according to which immortalization proteins are introduced into the cells from outside. The invention also relates to a method for producing cells according to which organ-related cells are transiently immortalized by the exogenous supply of immortalization proteins and are remortalized after their expansion. The invention further relates to the cells produced according to the inventive method, to the use of said cells for producing a transplant and to the immortalization proteins used in the method.

Abstract: Tissue fillers derived from decellularized tissues are provided. The tissue fillers can include acellular tissue matrices that have reduced inflammatory responses when implanted in a body. Also provided are methods of making and therapeutic uses for the tissue fillers.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acid molecules encoding FGF21 mutant polypeptides, FGF21 mutant polypeptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising FGF21 mutant polypeptides, and methods for treating metabolic disorders using such nucleic acids, polypeptides, or pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to variants and fusions of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), variants and fusions of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), fusions of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and/or fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), and variants or fusions of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and/or fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) proteins and peptide sequences (and peptidomimetics), having one or more activities, such as glucose lowering activity, and methods for and uses in treatment of hyperglycemia and other disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel drug depot implant designs for optimal delivery of therapeutic agents to subjects. The invention provides a method for alleviating pain associated with neuromuscular or skeletal injury or inflammation by targeted delivery of one or more therapeutic agents to inhibit the inflammatory response which ultimately causes acute or chronic pain. Controlled and directed delivery can be provided by drug depot implants, comprising therapeutic agents, specifically designed to deliver the therapeutic agent to the desired location by facilitating their implantation, minimizing their migration from the desired tissue location, and without disrupting normal joint and soft tissue movement.

Abstract: Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) extracellular domain (ECD) acidic region muteins that have been engineered to exhibit decreased tissue binding by increasing the number of acidic amino acid residues within the D1-D2 linker region are provided. Polynucleotides encoding FGFR ECD acidic region muteins are also provided. Methods of making FGFR ECD acidic region muteins, and methods of using such molecules to treat proliferative disorders, including cancers, disorders of angiogenesis, and macular degeneration, are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein is a cell tissue gel cross-linked with a cross-linking agent, and a quenching agent bound to a reactive group of the cross-linking agent.

Abstract: Connective tissue regenerative compositions and methods of repairing and regenerating connective tissue using such compositions are provided. The compositions generally comprise a bioactive hydrogel matrix comprising a polypeptide, such as gelatin, and a long chain carbohydrate, such as dextran. The hydrogel matrix may further include polar amino acids, as well as additional beneficial additives. Advantageously, the compositions include further components, such as osteoinductive or osteoconductive materials, medicaments, stem or progenitor cells, and three-dimensional structural frameworks. The compositions are useful for regenerating connective tissue, and can be administered to an area having injury to, or a loss of, connective tissue, such as bone, cartilage, tendon, and ligament.

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 present disclosure relates to a method to stimulate endogenous BMP-2 up-regulation in a subject which method comprises administering to a subject an effective amount of one or more of the following compounds prazosin, quinacrine, emetine, apomorphine, and debrisoquine, whereby endogenous BMP-2 up-regulation is stimulated in said subject. The endogenous BMP-2 up-regulation may enhance bone formation and/or cartilage formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide fragments of Fibroblast Growth Factor 2, wherein said fragments are adapted to bind to fibrinogen or to fibrin and/or increase cell proliferation, differentiation or migration. These fragments are suitable for promoting wound healing and/or hemostasis.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition for treatment of a body tissue which includes an aqueous solution of a cross-linked polymer being capable of: (i) maintaining a liquid state in storage at room temperature for at least 24 hours; and (ii) assuming a gel state following deposition within the body tissue. The therapeutic composition can be effectively administered into a damaged body tissue via injection or catheterization, thereby treating the damaged body tissue.

Abstract: The disclosure provides nucleic acid molecules encoding chimeric polypeptides, chimeric polypeptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising chimeric polypeptides, and methods for treating metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity using such nucleic acids, polypeptides, or pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Methods for sterilizing and decellularizing extracellular matrix materials are disclosed. Extracellular matrix compositions produced using the disclosed methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a polyelectrolyte complex gel comprising a chitosan and a ?-polyglutamic acid (?-PGA) having a molecular weight from about 1 kDa to about 400 kDa or the salt thereof, wherein the chitosan and the ?-PGA are swollen with an aqueous solution. Also provided is a soft tissue augmentation implant, comprising a polyelectrolyte complex gel of the invention as a carrier or a filler and an optional additive. The polyelectrolyte complex gel and the soft tissue augmentation implant containing the same has long degradation time and better supportability so as to provide good maintenance for soft tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a human or veterinary pharmaceutical composition (B) for the stimulation of stem cells, comprising at least two stem-cells-stimulating-agents and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to treat a condition related to injury of lung epithelial cells in a subject by administering a compound that binds FgfR2b, for example to promote proliferation of lung epithelial stem cells, as well as such compounds in pharmaceutical formulations. The invention also provides for methods to treat a condition related to injury of lung epithelial cells by isolating cells expressing FgfR2b, multiplying the cells and introducing the multiplied cells for repair of lung injury. Related methods for detecting lung injury by detecting the level of expression of FgfR2b well as for treating a condition related to proliferation of lung epithelial cells by administering a compound that binds to FgfR2b, to block receptor signaling are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to synergistic therapies for the treatment of vitiligo. Particularly, the invention is directed to a composition for the reduction of wrinkles on skin, the acceleration of wound healing, and the darkening of hair including a peptide and an acceptable carrier. The peptide may be selected from the group consisting of the peptide of SEQ. ID 1, the peptide of SEQ. ID 2, the peptide of SEQ. ID 3, the peptide of SEQ. ID 4, the peptide of SEQ. ID 5, the peptide of SEQ. ID 6, the peptide of SEQ. ID 7, and the peptide of SEQ. ID 8.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unit dose composition comprising 0.2 ?g/kg to 48 ?g/kg of an FGF-2 of SEQ ID NO:2, or an angiogenically active fragment or mutein thereof in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Also provided is a method for treating a human patient for coronary artery disease, comprising administering into one or more coronary vessels or a peripheral vein of said patient a safe and angiogenically effective dose of a recombinant FGF-2, or an angiogenically active fragment or mutein thereof. Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of FGF-2, alone or in combination with heparin, in a therapeutically effective carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein biocoacervates and biomaterials and the methods of making and using protein biocoacervates and biomaterials. More specifically the present invention relates to protein biocoacervates and biomaterials that may be utilized for various medical applications including, but not limited to, drug delivery devices for the controlled release of pharmacologically active agents, coated medical devices (e.g. stents, valves . . . ), vessels, tubular grafts, vascular grafts, wound healing devices including protein suture biomaterials and biomeshes, dental plugs and implants, skin/bone/tissue grafts, tissue fillers, protein biomaterial adhesion prevention barriers, cell scaffolding and other biocompatible biocoacervate or biomaterial devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for preventing or treating cancer, which contains one or more selected from the group consisting of human adult stem cells and their secretory products, and to a method of preventing or treating cancer using the same. Particularly, the invention relates to the use of adult stem cells that exhibit the effect of preventing or treating cancer by activating the immune system. The human adult stem cells of the invention are administered by a simple method such as intravenous injection and are highly valuable as a cell therapeutic agent for treating various cancer (tumor) diseases. Thus, the adult stem cells will be highly useful in anticancer studies.

Abstract: Methods for preventing incisional hernia formation and acute wound failure are described. More particularly, methods are described for preventing incisional hernia formation and acute wound failure by administering a composition comprising basic fibroblast growth factor. In addition, a drug delivery device to administer basic fibroblast growth factor is described.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a sterile formable implant composition for application to a bone defect site comprising bioactive glass particles in an aqueous carrier solution, the bioactive glass particles being added to a viscous carrier at a concentration ranging from about 68% to about 76% (w/w), the carrier comprising a mixture of glycerol and polyethylene glycol ranging from 24% to 32% (w/w) with the ratio of glycerol to polyethylene glycol ranging from about 45:55 to about 65:35.

Abstract: Cellulose and sulfated cellulose fibrous meshes exhibiting robust structural and mechanical integrity in water were fabricated using a combination of electrospinning, thermal-mechanical annealing and chemical modifications. The sulfated fibrous mesh exhibited higher retention capacity for human recombinant bone morphogenetic protein-2 than the cellulose mesh, and the retained proteins remained biologically active for at least 7 days. The sulfated fibrous mesh also more readily supported the attachment and osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow stromal cells in the absence of osteogenic growth factors. These properties combined make the sulfated cellulose fibrous mesh a promising bone tissue engineering scaffold.

Abstract: Dermatological and cosmetic compositions and methods are provided to reduce the appearance of biological and/or environmentally-caused aging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Cardiac Targeting Peptides or CTPs that are able to transduce cardiomyocytes specifically in culture and in vivo, and to methods for using such peptides and their derivatives to deliver peptides, proteins or nucleic acids specifically to the heart. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that the peptide APWHLSSQYSRT (SEQ ID NO:1) functioned as a cardiac-specific protein targeting peptide and was successful in delivering a number of different cargoes to cardiac muscle cells in vitro and in vivo.