Abstract: The present invention relates to an N-terminal cysteine-tagged Streptococcal protein G variant. Since the variant binds in a directional manner to a surface of a biochip or a biosensor, the variant provides a biochip and a biosensor having an improved antibody-immobilizing capability, compared with an untagged protein G variant.

Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Novel treatment strategies derived from increased knowledge of molecular oncology are constantly being developed to cure this disease. Here, we used phage display to identify novel peptides, including (SP94), which binds specifically to HCC cells. In vitro, the phage clone PC94 binds to HCC cell lines. In vivo, PC94 homed specifically to tumor tissues but not to normal visceral organs in SCID mice bearing human HCC xenografts. The homing ability could be competitively inhibited by synthetic peptide, SP94. PC94 localized to tumor tissues but could not be detected in SP94-competed tumor tissues or in normal organs. In addition, PC94 recognized the tumor tissue but not non-tumor tissue in surgical specimens from HCC patients, with a positive rate of 61.3% (19/31).

Abstract: The present invention describes an annexin derivative and a method of using the annexin derivative as a biosensor for real-time visualization of phosphatidylserine exposure, apoptosis, live-cell imaging and monitoring of cell health.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of the peptide compound D-Phe-Cys-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys-L-threoninol as a therapeutic agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases, fibrotic diseases, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, infectious diseases, lung diseases, heart and vascular diseases and metabolic diseases. Moreover the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions preferably in form of a lyophilisate or liquid buffer solution or artificial mother milk formulation or mother milk substitute containing the peptide D-Phe-Cys-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys-L-threoninol optionally together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, cryoprotectant, lyoprotectant, excipient and/or diluent.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for a non-naturally occurring melanocortin ligand comprised of a melanocortin analog coupled to a degradation-resistant C-terminal extension and, optionally, an N-terminal extension, to produce a stable melanocortin ligand having diminished or abolished cardiovascular activity while retaining desired melanocortin regulatory activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides pladin (plasma anti-diabetic nucb2 peptide) polypeptide and functional equivalent thereof that are useful for treating diabetes. The present invention provides a method of treating diabetes by administering to a subject nesfatin-1, pladin, or a functional equivalent thereof. The present invention also provides a method of treating diabetes by administering to subject plasmin inhibitors.

Abstract: The invention provides biomarkers and combinations of biomarkers that are useful in diagnosing lung diseases such as non-small cell lung cancer or reactive airway disease. The invention also provides methods of differentiating lung disease, methods of monitoring therapy, and methods of predicting a subject's response to therapeutic intervention based on the extent of expression of the biomarkers and combinations of biomarkers. Kits comprising agents for detecting the biomarkers and combination of biomarkers are also provided.

Abstract: A molecular marker for detecting a cancer stem cell in a cell mass which is a subject of interest, wherein the molecular marker can be detected in a cancer stem cell contained in the subject of interest but cannot be detected in a normal cell and a cancer cell that is different from a cancer stem cell; a method for determining the presence or absence of a cancer stem cell in a subject of interest by using the molecular marker as an measure; a kit for determining the presence or absence of a cancer stem cell, which comprises at least a reagent for detecting the molecular marker; a polypeptide encoded by the molecular marker; an antibody capable of recognizing an epitope of an expression product of a gene derived from the molecular marker; a nucleic acid capable of inhibiting the expression of the molecular marker; and a nucleic acid vaccine comprising a gene derived from the molecular marker.

Abstract: The present invention provides small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules, compositions containing the molecules, and methods of using the compositions to treat gliomas.

Abstract: A Candida albicans bloodstream infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Filament formation and adherence to host cells are critical virulence factors of C. albicans. Multiple filamentation regulatory pathways have been discovered, however the downstream effectors of these regulatory pathways remain unknown. The cell surface proteins in the ALS group are downstream effectors of the filamentation regulatory pathway. Particularly, Als1p mediates adherence to endothelial cells in vitro and is required for virulence. The blocking of adherence by the organism is described resulting from the use of a composition and method disclosed herein. Specifically, a pharmaceutical composition comprised of a gene, gene product, or specific antibody to the ALS gene family is administered as a vaccine to generate an immune response capable of blocking adherence of the organism.

Abstract: The present invention falls within the field of molecular biology, and in particular it refers to peptides, polypeptides, protein molecules, uses, methods, processes, systems and compositions for minimizing the presence of molecules in a material and/or interfering with effects associated to such molecules. In particular, the present invention can appear in the form of anti-septic shock pharmacological composition and systems of purification from bacterial endotoxins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for preparing a polypeptide or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof comprising L-tyrosine, L-alanine, L-glutamate, and L-lysine. The polypeptide or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is preferably glatiramer acetate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the diagnostic investigation of biological samples from a person for inflammation of the liver, in particular hepatic fibrosis and/or cirrhosis of the liver, where the sample is investigated for one or more proteins as markers of inflammation of the liver, in particular hepatic fibrosis and/or cirrhosis of the liver, where a concentration of the proteins which is elevated or decreased by comparison with the healthy state indicates the presence of an inflammation of the liver, in particular a hepatic fibrosis and/or cirrhosis of the liver.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for modulating the HGF/c-met signaling pathway, in particular by inhibiting a hyperstabilized c-met protein.

Abstract: An artificial decapeptide for inducing vitellogenesis in fish, being an analogue of gonadotropin-releasing hormone of chicken is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2. The artificial decapeptide can be further developed and manufactured into a preparation, which is capable of inducing vitellogenesis in fish. With the implantation of the preparation into body cavity or body wall of bony fish, the induction of vitellogenesis and ovum maturation in bony fish can be successfully achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides variants of fluorescent proteins, which are improved with regard to their properties for use as reporter proteins and/or in analytics. In particular, variants of fluorescent proteins are provided, which fluoresce brighter, show improved quantum yield and/or have shifted excitation or emission spectra. The fluorescent proteins according to the invention comprise in their LOV domain besides the substitution of a cysteine with an amino acid that does not covalently bind FMN at least one further point mutation.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated H3 equine influenza A virus, as well as methods of preparing and using the virus, and genes or proteins thereof.

Abstract: Short oligopeptides are provided which are capable of binding to the epidermal growth factor receptor on the surface of human tumor cells. Methods for using the peptides as targeting moieties in more complex compositions, such as conjugates of cytoxins, and/or structures, such as liposomal structures, for the purposes of drug delivery are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a compound of the following formula (I) for detecting a peptidase activity and/or a variation in pH: according to which: Y1 is a peptide, H or an alkyl; W1, W2, W3 and W4 are independently H, Br, Cl, F, I, alkyl, alkoxy, thiomethyl, perfluoroalkyl, nitro, cyano, carboxyl (including the esters or amides thereof) or any combination thereof; n=0, 1 or 2; X is NR, CZ5Z6, S or O, R being H, alkyl, aralkyl, aryl, alkanoyl or alkylsulfonyl, Z5 and Z6 being an alkyl; Y is N or N+R, R being alkyl, aralkyl, aryl, alkanoyl or alkylsulfonyl; Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4 being independently H, Br, Cl, F, I, alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, perfluoroalkyl, nitro, cyano, carboxyl, sulfonyl, including the carboxyl or sulfonyl esters or amides, and salts thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a compound of the following formula (I) for detecting a peptidase activity and/or a variation in pH: according to which: Y1 is a peptide, H or an alkyl; W1, W2, W3 and W4 are independently H, Br, Cl, F, I, alkyl, alkoxy, thiomethyl, perfluoroalkyl, nitro, cyano, carboxyl (including the esters or amides thereof) or any combination thereof; n=0, 1 or 2; U and V are N, N+R or CZ4, R being H, alkyl, aralkyl, aryl, alkanoyl or alkylsulfonyl; Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4 being independently H, Br, Cl, F, I, alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, perfluoroalkyl, nitro, cyano, carboxyl, sulfonyl, including the carboxyl or sulfonyl esters or amides, and salts thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified fibronectin type III (Fn3) molecules, and nucleic acid molecules encoding the modified Fn3 molecules. Also provided are methods of preparing these molecules, and kits to perform the methods.

Abstract: Those provided here are an Activin A-containing solution for making inhibitory neuron progenitors proliferate, a method for culturing the inhibitory neuron progenitors using this solution, a method for separating the inhibitory neuron progenitors and the inhibitory neurons using an Activin A receptor Acvr1 expression as an index, a method for transplanting thus separated cells to the brain surface, and a method for screening a factor for making the inhibitory neuron progenitors proliferate.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a peptide that forms a calcium-dependent hydrogel using a rationally engineered beta roll peptide. In the absence of calcium, the peptide is intrinsically disordered. Upon addition of calcium, the peptide forms a corkscrew-like structure. In one embodiment, one face of the beta roll is mutated to comprise leucine residues. In some embodiments, a leucine zipper forming helical domain to the engineered beta roll forms hydrogels by physical cross-linking in calcium rich environments.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to methods and means for allocating, allotting, apportioning, dispensing, distributing, preparing, portioning, meting out and/or otherwise providing, controlling and/or regulating access to quantities of foods, beverages, and/or other substances. Various embodiments of the methods and means of the invention may be performed by and/or implemented in hardware, in software, by one or more entities, and/or by some combination of hardware, software and/or one or more entities.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of preventing or treating a condition associated with DNA damage in an animal comprising the administration of a substance that interferes with the activity of the CUL4A ubiquitin ligase. The invention also provides a substance that interferes with the activity of CUL4A, as well as compositions comprising the interfering substance and a carrier. The substance of the invention preferably enhances nucleotide excision repair activity in an animal. The invention further provides methods of identifying substances that negatively or positively modulate the expression and/or activity of CUL4A.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and materials for treating and preventing autoimmune diseases. In particular, the present invention relates to the discovery that small peptides are capable of interacting with CD40, thereby interfering with the ability of CD40 to interact with CD 154, which is important in inflammation. The present invention also relate to the use of such peptides in reducing the inflammatory response, and in particular, the autoimmune inflammatory response. The present invention also relates to the use of such short peptides to prevent or reverse autoimmune disease, and particular, diabetes, in individuals suffering from such disease. It also relates to methods and materials for detecting T-cells that express CD40 (Th40 cells). Also provided are kits for reducing inflammation, treating autoimmune diseases, or detecting Th40 cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to materials and procedures for the use of the hepcidin binding domain (HBD) on ferroportin. A 20 amino acid peptide of the HBD was synthesized and shown to recapitulate the characteristics and specificity of hepcidin binding to cell surface ferroportin. The affinity of hepcidin for the HBD peptide permits a rapid, sensitive assay of hepcidin in biological fluids.

Abstract: The present invention discloses isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a hyperimmune serum reactive antigen or a fragment thereof as well as hyperimmune serum reactive antigens or fragments thereof from E. faecalis, methods for isolating such antigens and specific uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide consisting of one antigen of Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) of any of the SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 7 or a functional active variant thereof, optionally further consisting of additional amino acid residue(s); a nucleic acid coding for the same; a pharmaceutical composition, especially a vaccine, comprising said peptide or said nucleic acid; an antibody or functional active fragment thereof specifically binding to the antigen; a hybridoma cell line which produces said antibody; a method for producing said antibody; a pharmaceutical composition comprising said antibody; the use of said peptide or said nucleic acid for the manufacture of a medicament for the immunization or treatment of a subject; the use of said antibody or functional fragment thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of an infection; a method of diagnosing a S.

Abstract: The invention provides chemically and physically stable topical formulations of pexiganan, and methods of preparing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, compositions, compounds and kits for detecting, measuring and modulating protein ubiquitylation via the N-end rule pathway and for identifying novel substrates, enzymes and modulators of N-end rule ubiquitylation. The present invention also relates to specific substrates of N-end rule ubiquitylation as well as activated fragments of these substrates, proteases that expose N-degrons in these substrates, ubiquitin ligases that ubiquitylate these substrates and inhibitors of the ubiquitylation of these substrates.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and materials for delivering a cargo compound into a cancer cell. Delivery of the cargo compound is accomplished by the use of protein transduction domains derived from cupredoxins. The invention further discloses methods for treating cancer and diagnosing cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for measuring tyrosine kinase activity.

Abstract: Compositions for and methods of treating patients with malignancies associated with overexpression of VEGF, particularly ovarian cancer, are provided herein. The compositions include but are not limited to certain VEGF epitopes, multivalent peptides comprising the epitopes, and chimeric peptides comprising one or more of the epitopes and a T cell epitope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioactive agent capable of increasing the intracellular concentration and/or activity of Hsp70 for use in the treatment of a lysosomal storage disease which arise from a defect in an enzyme whose activity is not directly associated with the presence of lysosomal BMP as a co-factor; such as glycogen storage diseases, gangliosidoses, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, cerebrotendinous cholesterosis, Wolman's disease, cholesteryl ester storage disease, disorders of glycosaminoglycan metabolism, mucopolysaccharidoses, disorders of glycoprotein metabolism, mucolipidoses, aspartylglucosaminuria, fucosidosis, mannosidoses, and sialidosis type II.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of improving the conditioned reflex habit, the muscle tonus, or the motion coordination of a patient after suffering trauma to the brain cortex that involves administering to the patient an effective amount of a composition containing peptide glutamyl-aspartyl-arginine of the formula H-Glu-Asp-Arg-OH as its active base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for diagnosis and/or risk classification for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), in particular for acute myocardial infarct (AMI) and angina pectoris (AP) and/or a post-myocardial infarct, wherein a determination of the C-terminal pro-endothelin (CT-proET-1) or fragments and partial peptides therefrom, is carried out in combination with NT-proBNP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel complex peptidomimetic products comprising multiple homogeneous or heterogeneous pendant groups that are site-specifically positioned along a linear oligomer or polymer scaffold and methods of making thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to N-substituted glycine peptoid oligomers or peptoids and their use as substrates for azide-alkyne [3+2]-cycloaddition conjugation reactions and subsequent additional rounds of oligomerization and cycloaddition. The methods of the invention may also be used to generate peptoid-peptide hybrid or peptide products comprising multiple homogeneous or heterogeneous pendant groups, which are positioned precisely along the linear oligomer or polymer scaffold.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptides of general formula (I), wherein X is absent or X is present and is X14 or X14-X15, wherein X14 and X15, independently from one another, represent an amino acid; their functional variants and fragments, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, having the capacity to bind to scurfin and inhibit its biological activity, therefore they regulate or block the activity of regulatory T (Treg) lymphocytes. They are applicable in the treatment of infectious and neoplastic diseases.

Abstract: Biologically active crosslinked polypeptides with improved properties relative to their corresponding precursor polypeptides, having good cell penetration properties and reduced binding to human proteins, and methods of identifying and making such improved polypeptides are described.

Abstract: The specificity of binding of a zinc finger to a triplet or quadruplet nucleotide target subsite depends upon the location of the zinc finger in a multifinger protein and, hence, upon the location of its target subsite within a larger target sequence. The present disclosure provides zinc finger amino acid sequences for recognition of triplet target subsites having the nucleotide G in the 5?-most position of the subsite, that have been optimized with respect to the location of the subsite within the target site. Accordingly, the disclosure provides finger position-specific amino acid sequences for the recognition of GNN target subsites. This allows the construction of multi-finger zinc finger proteins with improved affinity and specificity for their target sequences, as well as enhanced biological activity.

Abstract: The invention provides proteins from Neisseria meningitidis, including the amino acid sequences and the corresponding nucleotide sequences. The proteins are predicted to be useful antigens for vaccines and/or diagnostics.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acids encoding BAFF-R polypeptides, as well as antibodies to BAFF-R polypeptides and pharmaceutical compositions including the same. Methods of treating tumorigenic and autoimmune conditions using the nucleic acids, polypeptides, antibodies and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel plant derived elastin-like peptides and peptidomimetics that may serve as functional ligands for elastin receptors and stimulate elastogenesis. The novel plant derived peptides provide an alternative (non-animal derived) source of GXXPG (SEQ ID NO. 2) containing peptides. The present invention also describes therapeutic compositions containing novel plant derived peptides or peptidomimetics useful in stimulating elastogenensis and capillary dilatation. The therapeutic compositions of the present invention that comprise novel plant derived peptides or peptidomimetics may be combined with other therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of treatment regimens in subjects in the context of renal artery stenosis (RAS). In particular, the invention relates to using assays that detect NGAL, their use to diagnose RAS in subjects suffering from hypertension, and their use in prognosis, particularly of mortality and worsening renal function.

Abstract: The invention provides a screening method for identifying an insect-specific TRPA1 modulator by comparing modulation of an insect TRPA1 and a mammalian TRPA1. The invention further provides method of insect control by applying to an insect a insect-specific TRPA1 modulator identified by the screening method.

Abstract: Novel PEG multifunctional derivatives. A PEG backbone molecule is covalently attached with at least three different functional groups, either on the same branch arm or on different branch arms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antimicrobial peptides, to their use as antimicrobial agents and to their use in the treatment of (infectious) diseases, in particular infectious diseases caused by Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, yeast or fungi. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising the antimicrobial peptides and to a method of lysing bacterial, yeast or fungal cells. The antimicrobial peptides consist of one of the following general formula: Wherein X is a hydrophobic amino acid, Y is a cationic amino acid, Z is an amino acid having a free thiol or thioether group, n is 2-4 and m is 0 or 1.

Abstract: The invention provides Bcl-G polypeptides and encoding nucleic acids. Bcl-G polypeptides include Bcl-GL and Bcl-GS. The invention also provides mouse Bcl-G. The invention also provides vectors containing Bcl-G nucleic acids, host cells containing such vectors, Bcl-G anti-sense nucleic acids and related compositions. The invention additionally provides Bcl-G oligonucleotides that can be used to hybridize to or amplify a Bcl-G nucleic acid. Anti-Bcl-G specific antibodies are also provided. Further provided are kits containing Bcl-G nucleic acids or Bcl-G specific antibodies. Such kits and reagents can be used to diagnose cancer, monitor response to therapy, or predict the prognosis of a cancer patient. The invention additionally provides methods of modulating apoptosis using Bcl-G polypeptides, encoding nucleic acids, or compounds that modulate the activity or expression of Bcl-G polypeptides. The methods for modulating apoptosis can be used to treat diseases such as cancer.

Abstract: A Momordica charantia polypeptide, preparation method thereof and uses of the same are provided. This polypeptide is prepared according to the following steps: the bitter gourd powder is enzymolysed with papain to give a polypeptide with a molecular weight of 130˜1000 Da. The resultant polypeptide consists of 2-9 amino acids, is easily absorbed by human body, and possesses the biological function of balancing blood glucose. The Momordica charantia polypeptide provided in the present application may be used for preparation of a medicine, food or food additives for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of diabetes.