Abstract: An object of the present invention is to effectively induce cancer cell apoptosis using the anti-TRAIL-R1 antibody(ies) and the anti-TRAIL-R2 antibody(ies) and to reduce the toxicity imposed on normal cells. The present invention relates to recombinant obligate anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria that include a nucleic acid encoding a fusion protein having 3 or more anti-TRAIL-R1 single-chain antibodies and/or 3 or more anti-TRAIL-R2 single-chain antibodies, in an expressible state.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel conformationally-defined macrocyclic compounds that can function as selective modulators of the ghrelin receptor (growth hormone secretagogue receptor, GHS-R1a and subtypes, isoforms and variants thereof). Methods of synthesizing the novel compounds are also described herein. These compounds are useful as agonists of the ghrelin receptor and as medicaments for treatment and prevention of a range of medical conditions including, but not limited to, metabolic and/or endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular disorders, obesity and obesity-associated disorders, central nervous system disorders, bone disorders, genetic disorders, hyperproliferative disorders and inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel compounds targeting human cancer cells, a method for synthesis of such compounds, and use of such compounds in treating cancer.

Abstract: The invention includes a thioamide-modified peptide, wherein the thioamide modification increases the in vivo half-life of the peptide. The invention further includes methods of treating or preventing a disease or disorder in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a thioamide-modified peptide of the invention.

Abstract: The present application discloses peptides and peptaibols of high purity may be obtained by solid phase peptide synthesis using as the starting resin hydroxy amino acids, hydroxy amino acid amides, hydroxy amino alcohols or small peptides containing hydroxy amino acids attached to polymers through their side chain.

Abstract: The caged cell-penetrating peptide (cCPP) conjugates of this invention are ideal for intracellular delivery of a broad variety of cargoes including various nanoparticulate pharmaceutical carriers (liposomes, micelles, microparticles, nanoparticles, polymer-conjugates). The conjugates comprise a detectable agent or a therapeutic agent, and the conjugates provide a novel strategy for site-specific delivery of the same to appropriate tissues in the subject. Versatile application of the conjugates in diagnostics and imaging is described.

Abstract: Inhibitors of fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) and Prolyl Oligopeptidase (POP) are disclosed, along with their use in various therapies related to conditions, diseases, and disorders involving abnormal cell proliferation such as malignancies and angiogenesis, and in neural disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Stalk portions of the inhibitor molecules, and substrates of FAP and POP, are also disclosed and may be used, for example, in screening methods for identifying such inhibitors.

Abstract: An antimicrobial peptide and an antimicrobial peptide composition comprising the same are provided. The antimicrobial peptide and the antimicrobial peptide composition have remarkably high antibacterial activity against gram-positive (+) and gram-negative (?) bacteria, compared to wild-type LPcin-I having an antimicrobial ability, which consists of a sequence of 23 amino acids. Also, the antimicrobial peptide can be useful in being easily synthesized and saving production costs since the antimicrobial peptide has a smaller number of amino acids, compared to the wild-type LPcin-I.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agents, compositions and methods for inhibiting the expression of a target gene, comprising an RNAi agent bearing at least one galactosyl moiety. These are useful for delivering the gene expression inhibiting activity to cells, particularly hepatocytes, and more particularly in therapeutic applications.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for generating CD8? T cells having the ability to recognize cancer cells expressing a HER2/neu polypeptide. For example, methods and materials for using a polypeptide consisting of an SLAFLPESFD amino acid sequence in vivo or in vitro to generate CD8+ T cells having the ability to recognize and lyse cancer cells expressing a HER2/neu polypeptide are provided.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition with a peptide analog of apelin, and a method of treatment for various conditions are described. An exemplary embodiment is a peptide analog comprising at least residues 2-13 of SEQ ID NO: 1 and further comprising at least a substitution or modification at residue 13 of SEQ ID NO: 1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the peptide analog of the present invention and method of treatment for diabetes, stimulating insulin release, and moderating blood glucose excursions by administering the peptide analog of the present invention to a patient in need thereof are described.

Abstract: The objects of embodiments in the present disclosure are to provide a method capable of recovering two or more amine compounds at the same time from a gas or solution, and also to provide a method capable of analyzing the recovered amines. The amine-recovering method comprises the steps (A) and (B). In the step (A), the gas or solution is brought into contact with a solid adsorbent so that the adsorbent may retain the amines. In the step (B), the amines retained by the adsorbent in the step (A) are eluted out by use of a basic compound-containing organic solvent. The solid adsorbent has a substituent group represented by —SO3M (M is H or an alkali metal).

Abstract: Provided are 9-base morpholino antisense compounds targeted to polyCUG repeats in the 3?UTR region of dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) mRNA, and related methods for treating myotonic dystrophy DM1.

Abstract: Fusion polypeptides comprising a TRAIL trimer and a targeting domain are disclosed. The targeting domain can be, in some embodiments, a sequence that binds MUC16, which is prevalent on some tumor cells such as pancreatic and ovarian tumor cells. A sequence that binds MUC 16 can be mesothelin or a MUC16-binding fragment thereof, such as amino acids 1-64 of mesothelin. A fusion polypeptide of the present teachings can induce apoptosis in a target cell such as a MUC16-expressing cancer cell. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding the fusion polypeptides, and methods of use of the fusion polypeptides and nucleic acids.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a peptide thioester compound, a peptide hydrazide compound, and a peptide amide compound. The present invention provides a method for producing a peptide hydrazide compound or a peptide amide compound by using a compound represented by Formula (2): wherein R1, R2, R3, and X are as defined in the specification, and using a hydrazine compound or an ammonia compound as a reaction reagent. The present invention also provides a method for producing a peptide thioester compound from the peptide hydrazide compound.

Abstract: The invention provides monomeric and oligomeric amyloid beta peptide isomers that are resistant towards fibrillogenesis and their use as screening reagents or antigens in methods and pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other conditions related to protein misfolding. The invention further provides transgenic animals expressing modified amyloid precursor proteins or amyloid beta peptides.

Abstract: Novel peptidomimetic macrocycles and methods of using such macrocycles for the treatment of viral diseases are described.

Abstract: Insulin analog with an improved in vitro effect compared with native insulin, a nucleic acid encoding the same, an expression vector including the nucleic acid, a transformant introduced with the expression vector, a method of producing the insulin analog from the transformant, a pharmaceutical composition for treating diabetes containing the insulin analog as an active ingredient, and a method for treating diabetes using the insulin analog or the pharmaceutical composition are described.

Abstract: Melanocortin receptor-specific cyclic hexapeptides of the formula where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 and R9 are as defined in the claims, compositions and formulations including the hexapeptides of the foregoing formula or salts thereof, and methods of preventing, ameliorating or treating melanocortin-1 receptor-mediated or responsive diseases, indications, conditions and syndromes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the design and generation of stapled helical peptides that perturb protein-protein interactions (PPIs). The methods disclosed herein for preparing stapled peptides involve providing a peptide having a first amino acid that is functionalized with a salicylaldehyde ester side group and a second amino acid functionalized with a 1,2-hydroxyl amine side group; reacting the first and second amino acids to generate an N,O-benzylidene acetal moiety; and performing acidolysis of the resultant N,O-benzylidene acetal moiety to generate the stapled peptide. In many forms, the stapled helical peptides described herein are not hydrophobic.

Abstract: A TRAIL cell-penetrating peptide (CPPs)-like mutant MuR5 and a preparation method and the application thereof. The amino acid sequence of said mutant is SEQ ID NO: 2. The TRAIL CPPs-like mutant selectively transforms the amino acid coding sequence of No. 114-118 of the outer fragment of the TRAIL wild-type protein cell membrane from VRERG to RRRRR, i.e., mutates valine into arginine on the 114th coding sequence, glutamic acid into arginine on the 116th coding sequence and glycine into arginine on the 118th coding sequence, turning the coding sequence of N-terminal of the mutant protein into that of five arginines and making it a protein containing CPPs-like structure. Having a superior therapeutic effect on different types of tumor, the TRAIL CPPs-like mutant is a new generation of high-efficient drug for inducing tumor apoptosis of much potential.

Abstract: Provided are methods for inducing and maintaining protective immunity against a tumor expressing FR? in a subject, comprising the administration of one or more peptide vaccines according to a particular dosages or particular dosage regimens.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a class of engineered polypeptides having a binding affinity for the neonatal Fc receptor (in the following referred to as FcRn), and provides an FcRn binding polypeptide comprising the sequence EX2X3X4AX6X7 EIRWLPNL X16X17X18QRX21 AFIX25X26LX28X29 (SEQ ID NO: 1075). The present disclosure also relates to the use of such an FcRn binding polypeptide as an agent for modifying pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and as a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel ?-glucosidase nucleic acid sequence, designated bgl6, and the corresponding BGL6 amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding BGL6, recombinant BGL6 proteins and methods for producing the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to the finding that virus like particles (VLPs) can be loaded with immunostimulatory substances, in particular with DNA oligonucleotides containing non-methylated C and G (CpGs). Such CpG-VLPs are dramatically more immunogenic than their CpG-free counterparts and induce enhanced B and T cell responses. The immune response against antigens optionally coupled, fused or attached otherwise to the VLPs is similarly enhanced as the immune response against the VLP itself. In addition, the T cell responses against both the VLPs and antigens are especially directed to the Th1 type. Antigens attached to CpG-loaded VLPs may therefore be ideal vaccines for prophylactic or therapeutic vaccination against allergies, tumors and other self-molecules and chronic viral diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides an inclusion body fusion partner to increase peptide and polypeptide production in a cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel conformationally-defined macrocyclic compounds that can function as selective modulators of the ghrelin receptor (growth hormone sceretagogue receptor, GHS-R1a and subtypes, isoforms and variants thereof). Methods of synthesizing the novel compounds are also described herein. These compounds are useful as agonists of the ghrelin receptor and as medicaments for treatment and prevention of a range of medical conditions including, but not limited to, metabolic and/or endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular disorders, obesity and obesity-associated disorders, central nervous system disorders, bone disorders, genetic disorders, hyperproliferative disorders and inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel amino acid sequences of peptides derived from HPV16 that are able to bind to MHC complexes of class II, and elicit an immune response. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical products, such as vaccines and T-cells, based on said epitopes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a genetically encoded FRET-based biosensor to monitor the activity of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). MMP-9 is an extracellular acting endopeptidase implicated in both physiological and pathological processes. A genetically encoded FRET biosensor anchored in the cellular membrane allows studying the proteolytic activity of MMP-9 with high spatiotemporal resolution at the exact region of MMP-9 action on the cell. Applicability of the biosensor, both in vitro and in vivo in living cells, has been demonstrated by ratiometric analysis of cleavage of the biosensor by a purified auto-activating mutant of MMP-9.

Abstract: The invention provides natural IgM antibody inhibitors that may be used to treat various inflammatory diseases or disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) compositions and particularly to compositions and methods for the cytosolic delivery of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). Hybrid ASOs, part single-stranded and part double-stranded, are provided, hybridizing to form a double-stranded region that can non-covalently bond to nucleic-acid-binding protein regions. In this way, ASO::protein complexes may be produced that facilitate delivery of antisense DNA into target cells. Such complexes may be used to down-regulate gene expression in cells.

Abstract: A polypeptide with improved alkaline stability, which polypeptide comprises a mutant of a B or C domain of Staphylococcus Protein A, as specified by SEQ ID NO 1 or SEQ ID NO 2, or of Protein Z, as specified by SEQ ID NO 3, wherein at least the glutamine residue at position 9 has been mutated to an amino acid other than asparagine. The invention also discloses multimers of said polypeptide, as well as separation matrices comprising the multimers or polypeptides.

Abstract: An immobilized enzymatic reactor can include a wall defining a chamber having an inlet and an outlet; a solid stationary phase covalently linked to an enzyme and disposed within the chamber; and a pressure modulator in fluid communication with the chamber and adapted to support continuous flow of a liquid sample comprising a polymer analyte through the inlet, over the solid stationary phase, and out of the outlet under a pressure between about 2,500 and 35,000 psi. In one example, the solid stationary phase includes inorganic/organic hybrid particles in an ultra performance liquid chromatography system, the enzyme is a protease, and the polymer analyte is a polypeptide. The immobilized enzymatic reactor can prepare an analyte for applications such as for hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunological method for detecting an extra renal active infection by JC virus in a patient candidate for a treatment with an immunosuppressive treatment or during the course of this treatment.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting cartilage degradation comprising administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a Link_TSG6 polypeptide is disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a class of engineered polypeptides having a binding affinity for the neonatal Fc receptor (in the following referred to as FcRn), and provides an FcRn binding polypeptide comprising the sequence EX2X3X4AX6X7 EIRWLPNL X16X17X18QRX21 AFIX25X26LX28X29 (SEQ ID NO: 1075). The present disclosure also relates to the use of such an FcRn binding polypeptide as an agent for modifying pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and as a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for forming PEGylated complexes of defined stoichiometry and structure. In preferred embodiments, the PEGylated complex is formed using dock-and-lock technology, by attaching a target agent to a DDD sequence and attaching a PEG moiety to an AD sequence and allowing the DDD sequence to bind to the AD sequence in a 2:1 stoichiometry, to form PEGylated complexes with two target agents and one PEG moiety. In alternative embodiments, the target agent may be attached to the AD sequence and the PEG to the DDD sequence to form PEGylated complexes with two PEG moieties and one target agent. In more preferred embodiments, the target agent may comprise any peptide or protein of physiologic or therapeutic activity. The PEGylated complexes exhibit a significantly slower rate of clearance when injected into a subject and are of use for treatment of a wide variety of diseases.

Abstract: A method of treating breast cancer is described, in which a peptide having cancer selective translocation function-doxoribicin conjugate is administered. The conjugate includes doxorubicin chemically linked to the N-terminus or C-terminus of a VEGF-binding protein transduction domain (VPTD) peptide represented as SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the VPTD peptide and doxorubicin are linked to each other by a disulfide bond, and wherein the VPTD peptide binds specifically to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in tumor cells or tumor tissues.

Abstract: The invention relates to complement inhibitors that inhibit both the classical and alternative complement pathways. In particular, the invention relates to complement inhibitors derived from the salivary glands of haematophagous arthropods that inhibit both the classical and alternative complement pathways. The invention also relates to the use of the complement inhibitors in the treatment and prevention of diseases.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer-readable media are described herein for determining a protein's most-likely structural alignment. A maximum likelihood algorithm is utilized that compares possible input protein structural translocations with a template protein. It then calculates the optimally superimposed position for each input protein utilizing a distance-based probability scoring algorithm that accurately manages extreme distances.

Abstract: Fusion polypeptides comprising a TRAIL trimer and a targeting domain are disclosed. The targeting domain can be, in some embodiments, a sequence that binds MUC16, which is prevalent on some tumor cells such as pancreatic and ovarian tumor cells. A sequence that binds MUC 16 can be mesothelin or a MUC16-binding fragment thereof, such as amino acids 1-64 of mesothelin. A fusion polypeptide of the present teachings can induce apoptosis in a target cell such as a MUC16-expressing cancer cell. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding the fusion polypeptides, and methods of use of the fusion polypeptides and nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for treatment or metastasis suppression of cancers which includes a p34 expression inhibitor or activity inhibitor as an active ingredient. According to the present invention, the p34 protein knock-down causes monoubiquitination of PTEN and accordingly nuclear localization of PTEN is induced, as a result, an Akt pathway which is related to survival, proliferation, invasive properties and metastatic properties of tumors is inhibited, and thus there is an effect of significantly reducing clonogenic potential and tumor forming potential of various cancer cells which simultaneously express PTEN and NEDD4-1. Consequently, the p34 gene expression inhibitor or p34 protein activity inhibitor according to the present invention can be effectively used as a treatment agent or a metastasis suppression agent for cancers.

Abstract: A semi-recombinant method for the production of GLP-1 analogues and derivatives with non-proteogenic amino acids in the N-terminal part combining the use of recombinant expression techniques and chemical peptide synthesis.

Abstract: A conjugate consisting of an insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) variant and one or two poly(ethylene glycol) group(s), characterized in that said IGF-I variant has an amino acid alteration at up to three amino acid positions 27, 37, 65, 68 of the wild-type IGF-I amino acid sequence so that one or two of said amino acids is/are lysine and amino acid 27 is a polar amino acid but not lysine, is conjugated via the primary amino group(s) of said lysine(s) and said poly(ethylene glycol) group(s) have an overall molecular weight of from 20 to 100 kDa is disclosed. This conjugate is useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bifunctional catalyst of the formula (1): wherein: each R1 is independently selected from an optionally substituted alkyl group, an optionally substituted cycloalkyl group, an optionally substituted aryl group, an optionally substituted heteroaryl group, an optionally substituted aralkyl group and an optionally substituted alkaryl group; Z represents a divalent organic linking moiety optionally containing one or more stereocenters; and EWG represents an electron-withdrawing group.

Abstract: The invention provides monomeric and oligomeric amyloid beta peptide isomers that are resistant towards fibrillogenesis and their use as screening reagents or antigens in methods and pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other conditions related to protein misfolding. The alanines at positions 21 and 30, in wild type amyloid beta peptide amino acid sequence, are according to the invention replaced by cysteins, which results in an intra molecular disulphide bond. The invention further provides transgenic animals expressing modified amyloid precursor proteins or amyloid beta peptides.

Abstract: A compound represented by the formula (I) (R1 represents hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent; R2 and R3 represent hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or a halogen atom; R4 and R5 represent an alkyl group or an aryl group; R6 and R7 represent hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or a halogen atom; R8 represent hydroxy group or a dialkoxyboranetriyl group; and X represents silicon atom, germanium atom, or tin atom), which is a novel fluorophore usable as a mother nucleus of an off/on type fluorescent probe not utilizing the intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer.

Abstract: The invention features immunoconjugates for impeding weight gain and treating obesity in a subject. The immuno-conjugates comprise particular ghrelin polypeptides and a suitable carrier moiety.

Abstract: Compounds of the present invention of formula I and formula II are disclosed in the specification and wherein the compounds are modulators of Bone Morphogenic Protein activity. Compounds are synthetic peptides having a non-growth factor heparin binding region, a linker, and sequences that bind specifically to a receptor for Bone Morphogenic Protein. Uses of compounds of the present invention in the treatment of bone lesions, degenerative joint disease and to enhance bone formation are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is related to compositions and methods to treat, ameliorate and/or prevent morbidity and/or mortality from microbial infections. In particular, bacterial infections that are associated with the production and release of bacterial toxins. For example, many Clostridia bacteria, such as Clostridium difficile, release toxins resulting in tissue and organ damage and death, even after antibiotic therapy that either reduces or eliminates the bacteria. In particular, various peptides, polypeptides, and proteins are disclosed herein that either inactivate Clostridium difficile toxin and/or reduce Clostridium difficile toxin production.