Abstract: Methods of treating individuals with a glucose metabolism disorder and/or a body weight disorder, and compositions associated therewith, are provided.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon stapling of apolipoprotein mimetic peptides increases the helicity of the peptides, enhances their ability to promote cholesterol efflux by multiple mechanisms and makes them resistant to proteolysis. Hydrocarbon stapled amphipathic helical peptides are useful in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and other disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of immunology and hyperproliferative diseases. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of detecting and monitoring therapeutic antibody:antigen complex, soluble antigen and soluble therapeutic antibody, wherein a patient has undergone at least one course of immunotherapy. Yet further, levels of therapeutic antibody:antigen complexes, soluble antigens or soluble therapeutic antibodies may be measured and used to stage or monitor a hyperproliferative disease.

Abstract: Provided are antigenic determinants of human death receptor DR5. The antigenic determinants have the amino acid sequence of LITQQDLAPQQRA (SEQ ID No. 7), wherein the core polypeptide is QDLAP (SEQ ID No. 1). The polypeptides comprising said antigenic determinants can activate the signal pathway downstream of DR5 after binding to monoclonal antibody AD5-10, then result in apoptosis. The antigenic determinants can be used for screening and preparing anti-human DR5 agonistic antibody, small molecular compound binding to DR5 and DR5 vaccine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds useful in the preparation of non-natural amino acids and polypeptides that include at least one non-natural amino acid, and methods for making such non-natural amino acids and polypeptides. The non-natural amino acids, by themselves or as a part of a polypeptide, can include a wide range of possible functionalities, but typical have at least one oxime, carbonyl, dicarbonyl, and/or hydroxylamine group. Also disclosed herein are compounds useful in the preparation of non-natural amino acid polypeptides that are further modified post-translationally, methods for effecting such modifications, and methods for purifying such resultant polypeptides. Typically, the modified non-natural amino acid polypeptides include at least one oxime, carbonyl, dicarbonyl, and/or hydroxylamine group. Further disclosed are methods for using such non-natural amino acid polypeptides and modified non-natural amino acid polypeptides, including therapeutic, diagnostic, and other biotechnology uses.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a compound that binds to a BCL6 lateral groove and prevents binding of a corepressor to the lateral groove. The present invention is further directed to methods for blocking corepressor binding to a BCL6 lateral groove, methods for inhibiting BCL6 repression in a mammalian cell, and methods for treating a mammal with cancer, wherein the cancer requires BCL6 repression. The present invention is further directed to polypeptides comprising a portion of the corepressor binding site for BCL6 and related polynucleotides and vectors.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides peptides and peptide compositions, which facilitate the delivery of an active agent or an active agent carrier wherein the compositions are capable of penetrating the stratum corneum (SC) and/or the cellular membranes of viable cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chimeric peptides having a caveolin-1 binding domain of an HIV-1 gp41 (CBD1) peptide or a variant of said CBD1, fused to a T helper epitope. In one aspect, the T epitope is from a peptide selected from the group consisting of a tetanus toxin, an HIV-1 Gag p24 and an HIV-1 Env-gp120. Compositions containing these chimeric peptides and pharmaceutical and immunogenic compositions as well as vaccines comprising these chimeric peptides also are part of the present invention. Methods to induce neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1 activity and uses of the chimeric peptides to treat or to prevent HIV-1 infection are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a recombinant DNA molecule encoding a fusion protein comprising a SlpA chaperone and a target polypeptide wherein human FK506 binding proteins (FKBPs) are excluded as target polypeptides, a corresponding expression vector encoding said fusion protein as well as host cells transformed with said expression vector. Also disclosed are a method for producing the fusion protein, a recombinantly produced fusion protein comprising a SlpA chaperone and a target polypeptide. A further aspect of the invention is the use of the recombinantly produced fusion protein, and a reagent kit containing a recombinantly produced fusion protein comprising a SlpA chaperone and a target polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel class of pro-fluorescent probes for reactive oxygen species (ROS). One exemplary probe is mitochondria peroxy yellow 1 (MitoPY1), a new type of flurophore for imaging mitochondrial H2O2 in living cells with ROS and spatial specificity. The invention also provides methods of using pro-fluorescent probes to detect analytes. One exemplary method comprises using a pro-fluorescent probe of the invention to detect an explosive.

Abstract: Peptide-modified polyurethanes comprising the reaction product of an isocyanate, a chain extender, and a peptide are provided. Also provided processes for making a peptide-modified polyurethane comprising: providing an isocyanate; providing a chain extender; providing a peptide; and allowing the isocyanate, chain extender, and peptide to react thereby forming the peptide-modified polyurethane, as well as methods for treating a subject comprising: providing a peptide-modified polyurethane that comprises the reaction product of an isocyanate, a chain extender, and a peptide; and administering the peptide-modified polyurethane to the subject.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides isolated novel peptides that can be used to modulate innate immunity in a subject and/or for the treatment of an immune-related disorder, including treating and preventing infection by modulating innate immunity. Also provided are an agent reactive with the peptide, a pharmaceutical composition that includes the peptide, an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding the peptide, a recombinant nucleic acid construct that includes the nucleic acid molecule, at least one host cell comprising the recombinant nucleic acid construct, and a method of producing the peptide using the host cell. The present invention further provides a method for treating and/or preventing infection in a subject by administering the peptide of the invention to the subject, thereby modulating innate immunity in the subject. Additionally, the present invention provides a method for predicting whether a subject would be responsive to treatment with a peptide of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides that inhibit the NF-?B signaling pathway and polynucleotides encoding the same. The present invention further provides methods for the modulation of and/or treatment of inflammatory responses, oncogenesis, viral infection; the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis; and regulation of B or T lymphocytes in antigenic stimulation, by administering the polypeptides of the present invention to a subject in need thereof. Finally, the present invention provides a method of identifying polypeptides that modulate oligomerization of NEMO.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a design for a molecular delivery vehicle capable of delivering a molecular payload to a target cell and its intracellular compartments. Also disclosed are highly pH-sensitive nanoconstruct that takes advantage of the requirement of cationic charge for internalization of CPPs to mask the non-specific internalization, compositions containing nanoconstruct, and methods for forming the same.

Abstract: IL4/IL13-binding proteins comprise binding domains, which inhibit IL4/IL13 binding to IL4Ralpha and common gamma chain complexes (Type 1) and inhibit IL4 binding to IL4Ralpha and IL13Ralpha1 complexes (Type 2), and IL13 binding to IL13Ralpha1 and/or IL13Ralpha2, are useful in the treatment of cancer, inflammatory, and other pathological conditions, such as allergic or fibrotic conditions, especially pulmonary conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide sequences encoding novel Lawsonia intracellularis polypeptides. It also relates to DNA fragments, recombinant plasmid DNA and live recombinant microorganisms comprising these sequences. Moreover, the invention relates to polypeptides encoded by these nucleotide sequences. The invention also relates to immunogenic compositions for prevention of Lawsonia intracellularis infections and methods for the preparation of these immunogenic compositions. The invention also relates to diagnostic tests for the detection of Lawsonia intracellularis DNA, the detection of Lawsonia intracellularis antigens and detection of antibodies against Lawsonia intracellularis.

Abstract: The novel omp-1 gene cluster encoding twenty one Ehrlichia ewingii (EE) proteins was isolated and sequenced completely. This invention relates to isolated E. ewingii (EE) polypeptides, isolated polynucleotides encoding EE polypeptides, probes, primers, isolated antibodies and methods of their production, immunogenic compositions and vaccines, as well as methods of using the EE polypeptides, antibodies, probes, and primers for the purpose of diagnosis, therapy and production of vaccines against E. ewingii.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions that are useful for eliciting a strain-transcending immune response in an animal or human directed against the blood-stage of the malarial parasite Plasmodium vivax. The compositions are based on the ligand domain of Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein (PvDBPII). Polar charged polymorphic residues within the dominant strain-specific B-cell epitope were mutated to uncharged residues (e.g. serine, alanine and threonine). This DEKnull variant of PvDBPII produced in bacteria can be purified and refolded in vitro to mimic conformation and erythrocyte binding function of native DBPII. Immunogenicity of DEKnull was confirmed by administration to mice. Compared to the naturally-occurring, strain variant DBPII, DEKnull elicits antibodies that are more broadly reactive with different strain variants of DBPII and enhances production of functional inhibitory antibodies to the shared protective epitopes of native DBPII.

Abstract: Disclosed are variant RTEF-1 polypeptides having an RTEF-1 amino acid sequence with one or more internal deletions, wherein the polypeptides reduce VEGF promoter activity. Some of the RTEF-1 polypeptides include an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to the contiguous amino acids of 1) amino acids 24 to 47 of SEQ ID NO:15 and 2) each of SEQ ID NOs:16 and 17, but does not comprise the contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NOs:8, 9, 11, or 12. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding the variant RTEF-1 polypeptides of the present invention. Pharmaceutical compositions that include the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the present invention are also disclosed. Methods of inducing cell contact inhibition, regulating organ size, and reducing intracellular YAP activity are also set forth, as well as methods of treating hyperproliferative diseases such as cancer using the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems and kits to measure the presence and/or activity of recombinant polypeptides comprising a modification.

Abstract: The present invention refers to protein kinase inhibitors and more specifically to inhibitors of the protein kinase c-Jun amino terminal kinase. Additionally, the present invention provides JNK inhibitor sequences, chimeric peptides, nucleic acids encoding same as well as pharmaceutical compositions for treating pathophysiologies associated with JNK signaling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pyrroloquinolinyl-pyrrolidine-2,5-dione compounds in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. The present invention provides methods of treating a cell proliferative disorder, such as a cancer, by administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a pyrroloquinolinyl-pyrrole-2,5-dione compound or pyrroloquinolinyl-pyrrolidine-2,5-dione compound of the present invention and also administering a effective amount of a chemotherapeutic agent.

Abstract: The invention provides, in a general sense, a new labeling strategy employing 99mTc chelated with ethylenedicysteine (EC). EC is conjugated with a variety of ligands and chelated to 99mTc for use as an imaging agent for tissue-specific diseases. The drug conjugates of the invention may also be used as a prognostic tool or as a tool to deliver therapeutics to specific sites within a mammalian body. Kits for use in tissue-specific disease imaging are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and method for delivering a therapeutic or diagnostic agent to a disease site in a mammal, the method comprising administering to the mammal a therapeutically or diagnostically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises the therapeutic or diagnostic agent coupled to a Procaspase 8 polypeptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

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 invention relates to novel neurogenin proteins, nucleic acids and antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to genes and proteins involved in the sporulation of Mycobacteria and the use thereof in the technical fields of immunology and medicine. A vaccine comprising spore forming peptides, such as CotA or CotD, or antibodies thereto is used for the treatment of diseases caused by Mycobacterium such as leprosy and tuberculosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of a new adhesin islands within the genomes of several Group A and Group B Streptococcus serotypes and isolates. The adhesin islands are thought to encode surface proteins which are important in the bacteria's virulence. Thus, the adhesin island proteins of the invention may be used in immunogenic compositions for prophylactic or therapeutic immunization against GAS or GBS infection. For example, the invention may include an immunogenic composition comprising one or more of the discovered adhesin island proteins.

Abstract: Described herein are peptide compositions of a prominin-1, which have regenerative activity. As such the peptides are useful when regeneration is needed, for example, to enhance angiogenesis, increase VEGF binding to endothelial cells, promote vasodilation, enhance cell migration, enhance cell proliferation, stimulate neuronal growth, prevent neurodegeneration, and/or promote neuroregeneration.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions of vault complexes containing cell adhesion inhibiting agents, such as a RGD-peptide, and methods of using the vault complexes in the treatment of diseases, such as chronic kidney disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanofibers. In particular, the present invention provides aligned nanofiber bundle assemblies. In some embodiments, the aligned nanofiber bundle assemblies are used for tissue regeneration, controlled growth of cells, and related methods (e.g., diagnostic methods, research methods, drug screening).

Abstract: The present invention features methods and compositions for the generation and use of conformation-specific anti-bodies or fragments thereof.

Abstract: Novel gene sequences from microalgae are disclosed, as well as novel gene sequences useful in the manufacture of triglyceride oils. Also disclosed are sequences and vectors that allow microalgae to be cultivated on sugar cane and sugar beets as a feedstock. In some embodiments, the vectors are useful for the purpose of performing targeted modifications to the nuclear genome of heterotrophic microalgae.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for reducing Interleukin-4 or Interleukin-13 signaling, in particular to treat asthma and atopic dermatitis. The inventors have found that Rac/PAK mediated endocytosis of the ligand bound type I (IL-4R with the chains IL-4Ra and IL-2-Rg) and/or type II receptor (IL-13R with the chains IL-4Ra and IL-13Ra1) is needed for the IL-4 and/or IL-13 mediated activation of downstream signalling events including phosphorylation of Stat family transcrition factors. These discoveries enable new methods of screening compounds that modulate Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-13 signalling, as well as new methods for treating conditions characterized by increased Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-13 levels. These conditions include inflammatory conditions, asthma bronchiale, atopic dermatitis, allergies, atopic syndromes, allergic rhinitis, and th2-induced conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of a biomarker whose abundance in biological sample is changed in subjects with osteoarthritis and/or other ageing-related diseases. The biomarker has applications in the diagnosis of osteoarthritis and/or other ageing-related diseases, in determining the prognosis for an individual diagnosed with osteoarthritis and/or other ageing-related diseases, and in monitoring the efficacy of treatment for osteoarthritis and/or other ageing-related diseases.

Abstract: Peptide compounds and methods for upregulating expression of a gene encoding an antioxidative enzyme, such as superoxide dismutase or catalase, to counteract harmful oxidative effects of reactive oxygen species and other free radicals are described. The peptide compounds may be used to treat or prevent diseases and conditions characterized by undesirable elevation of reactive oxygen species and other free radicals, to upregulate AP-1 gene expression, and to treat pain. The peptide compounds may be used as components of pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements.

Abstract: Disclosed are ?-amino acid monomers containing cylcoalkyl, cycloalkenyl, and heterocylic substituents which encompass the ? and ? carbons of the peptide backbone and ?-polypeptides made from such monomers. Method of generating combinatorial libraries of polypeptides containing the ?-peptide residues and libraries formed thereby are disclosed.

Abstract: Novel stable, concentrated, biologically active and ready-to-use lipid-comprising drug delivery complexes and methods for their production are described. The biological activity of the complexes produced are comparable to the formulations prepared according to the prior art admixture method and upon purification, the complexes produced by the method of this invention are 50 to 500 fold more concentrated than the complexes formed by admixture. The method described herein provides for the large scale production of lipid-comprising drug delivery systems useful for gene therapy and other applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates, e.g., to a method for pre-processing a sample for mass spectral analysis, comprising cleaving proteins in the sample to peptides and immunodepleting highly abundant and/or well-ionizing and/or proteotypic peptides from the sample. Also described are methods for identifying well-ionizing peptides for use in this and other methods; analytic (diagnostic) methods using antibodies against highly ionizable peptides from a protein target of interest; and compositions, kits and devices comprising antibodies of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis of neurological disorders, more specifically to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. A biomarker panel is provided which can be used to detect if a subject has multiple sclerosis. Also described are methods of identification of such biomarkers.

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 belongs to the field of functional proteomics and more particularly to the field of protein aggregation. The invention discloses a method for interfering with the function of a target protein and uses a non-naturally, user-designed molecule, designated as interferor, that has a specificity for a target protein and which induces aggregation upon contact with said target protein. The present invention also discloses such interferor molecules and their use in agrobiotech applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to endophytic fungi from higher plants such as a Pteromischum sp. plant, and to extracts and compounds from such fungi that have desirable biological activities, such as antifungal and immunosuppressive activities. The present disclosure further relates to compositions comprising such extracts and compounds, as well as methods of making and using the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the protection against malaria. More particularly, the invention is based on the characterization of a novel liver and sporozoite-stage P. falciparum antigen, referred to as LSA-5. This antigen is highly antigenic and the prevalence of antibodies in subjects living in endemic areas is extremely high (ca. 90%). The invention concerns antigenic peptides, mixtures thereof, or polypeptides, mixotopes and conjugates comprising part of the sequence of LSA-5, as well as immunogenic compositions, vaccines and kits comprising these.

Abstract: A method of protecting a cell includes inhibiting an inflammasome, MyD88, IL-18, VDAC1, VDAC2, caspase-8, and/or NF?B of the cell. Administering an inhibitor of MyD88, IL-18, VDAC1, VDAC2, caspase-8, and/or NF?B can protect the cell from Alu-RNA-induced degeneration. Protecting a cell, such as an retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), can be therapeutically useful in the context of age-related macular degeneration and geographic atrophy.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to novel vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-binding polypeptides and methods for using these polypeptides to inhibit biological activities mediated by vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs). The present disclosure also provides various improvements relating to single domain binding polypeptides.

Abstract: An amphoteric liposome comprising neutral lipids wherein said neutral lipids are selected from the group comprising cholesterol or mixtures of cholesterol and at least one neutral or zwitterionic lipid and wherein K (neutral) of said mixtures is 0.3 or less. Said amphoteric liposome may encapsulate an active agent, such as nucleic acid therapeutics. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising said amphoteric liposomes as a carrier for the delivery or targeted delivery of active agents or ingredients.

Abstract: Peptides useful in determining the presence of autoantibodies in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorocarbon vectors for the delivery of antigens to immunoresponsive target cells. It further relates to fluorocarbon vector-antigen constructs and the use of such vectors associated with antigens as vaccines and immunotherapeutics in animals.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions and methods of extracting infectious pathogens from a volume of blood. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of creating a fibrin aggregate confining the pathogens and introducing a fibrin lysis reagent to expose the pathogens for analysis. The present invention also concerns materials and methods for removing aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) from a sample.