Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing peptoidic, peptidic and chimeric peptidic-peptoidic dendrimers by multiple iterative multi-component reactions (MCR), in particular Ugi or Passerini multi-component reactions, to compounds produced in this way and to the use thereof.

Abstract: An immunoanalytical system in which, after a sample such as a patient's serum is subjected to a pretreatment by an immunological pretreatment device, the sample is subjected to light detection by an immunological photometric detection system. Subsequently, the mass spectrometric pretreatment device performs a pretreatment, and the mass spectrometric detection system performs mass spectrometry. The mass spectrometric detection system performs mass spectrometry on components contained in a supernatant. A signal intensity and peak area for each of components are calculated from an obtained chromatograph. A quantitative value measured based on the immunoanalytical method is calculated for each of the components on the basis of the relative ratios of the components.

Abstract: A chemoselective chemical ligation method is disclosed. The method joins two peptide segments efficiently to produce a larger peptide or protein, by generating a natural peptide bond (Xaa-Ser and Xaa-Thr) at the ligation site (Xaa represents any 5 amino acid). The method requires two steps (FIG. 1 (a)): a) reacting the starting peptide(s) to form an acetal intermediate with an acetal group at the ligation site; b) converting said acetal intermediate to a desired peptide or protein with said natural peptide bond.

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 present invention is directed towards methods for measuring and assaying PAS Kinase activity. The methods are useful, for example, for detecting PASK activity in a cell, and for screening for small molecule regulators of PAS kinase activity, as well as characterizing endogenous factors and stimuli that modulate PAS kinase activity, and identifying and optimizing the activity of potential PAS kinase inhibitors.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptide and peptidomimetic compounds generally according to formula (I) that are useful as GHRP analogs: R1-A1-A2-A3-A4-A5-R2??(I) wherein: A1 is Aib, Apc or Inp; A2 is D-Bal, D-Bip, D-Bpa, D-Dip, D-1Nal, D-2Nal, D-Ser(Bzl), or D-Trp; A3 is D-Bal, D-Bip, D-Bpa, D-Dip, D-1Nal, D-2Nal, D-Ser(Bzl), or D-Trp; A4 is 2Fua, Orn, 2Pal, 3Pal, 4Pal, Pff, Phe, Pim, Taz, 2Thi, 3Thi, Thr(Bzl); A5 is Apc, Dab, Dap, Lys, Orn, or deleted; R1 is hydrogen, (C1-6)alkyl, (C5-14)aryl, (C1-6)alkyl(C5-14)aryl, (C3-8)cycloakyl, or (C2-10)acyl; and R2 is OH or NH2; and pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a method for noninvasive prediction or diagnosis of inflammation and/or infection in amniotic fluid leaked through the cervix into the vagina to predict the concentration of inflammatory markers in the amniotic fluid inside uterus by measuring the concentration of inflammatory markers (various cytokines). Further provided is a method for prediction or diagnosis of inflammation and/or infection in amniotic fluid by measuring the concentration of markers (IL-6, IL-1? IL-8, MCP-1, GRO-?) in the amniotic fluid leaked through the cervix into the vagina in patients with premature rupture of membranes. The method can be performed more stably on pregnant women, as compared to the conventional method for prediction or diagnosis of inflammation and/or infection using invasively collected amniotic fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for ameliorating inflammatory and/or neuropathic pain in a subject by modifying the activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in cells of the subject by inhibition of the interaction of the unique domain of the tyrosine kinase Src enzyme and the NMDA receptor complex.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide improved pharmacological properties to molecules which bind to a target with low affinity (hereinafter referred to as a “ligand moiety”) through linkage of such molecules to a metal binding moiety, thereby generating a combination molecule commonly referred to as a “metallodrug” or “metallotherapeutic.” The metal binding domain of metallodrugs typically catalyzes oxido-reductase chemistry or acts as a Lewis-Acid catalyst, resulting in modification of proteins and nucleic acids that are in close proximity due to binding of the ligand moiety to its target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluorescent cell binding assay combining pre-labeling and Western blotting. Intact cells are incubated with pre-labelled binders preferably followed by SDS PAGE (sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrylamide gel) separation and Western blotting. More closely, the invention relates to a cell binding assay in which the degree or amount of binding of one or more cell interacting protein or protein component to the cell surface is measured with the ability to correlate the degree of cell binding to the sample load/total number of cells.

Abstract: A nanoparticle-polypeptide complex comprising a bioactive polypeptide in association with a nanoparticle, wherein the bioactive polypeptide is modified by the addition of a chemical moiety that facilitates cellular uptake of the protein. The polypeptide can be a protein or a peptide. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the protein or peptide is derived from the amino acid sequence of a tumor suppressor gene product.

Abstract: Disclosed is the cloning, expression and purification of a hemolysin protein and its protein fragments in Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The recombinant hemolysin and its protein fragments are useful in the ELISA detection of anaplasma pathogen. The use of same as a kit for ELISA is also disclosed.

Abstract: A peptide attached to a nanoparticles (such as quantum dots) selectively directs the nanoparticles to neurons in a tissue or organism.

Abstract: Some aspects of this invention provide reagents and methods for the sensitive, quantitative and simultaneous detection of target analytes in complex biological samples by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC MS/MS). Some aspects of this invention provide affinity reagents encoded with mass reporters for the sensitive and quantitative translation of an analyte of interest into a mass tag. The reagents and methods provided herein have general utility in analyte detection and encoding, for example, in biomolecular profiling, molecular diagnostics, and biochemical encoding.

Abstract: The invention provides novel scaffold proteins for the display of peptides such as peptide aptamers. The novel scaffold proteins are modifications of Stefin A or STM (a variant of Stefin A) and are useful as scaffold proteins and as display systems.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel variant bacterial cold shock proteins and recombinant DNA for expressing such proteins to produce transgenic plants with enhanced stress tolerance and/or enhanced yield.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to alkanal derivatives of water-soluble polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol), their corresponding hydrates and acetals, and to methods for preparing and using such polymer alkanals. The polymer alkanals of the invention are prepared in high purity and exhibit storage stability.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying agents capable of modulating RANK-mediated signaling pathways. The present invention also provides compositions and methods of using the same to treat osteoporosis or other RANK-related diseases. The present invention is based on the functional and structural analysis of three TRAF-binding motifs (PTM)—namely, PTM3, PTM5, and PTM6, each of which has been found to play a distinct role in the activation of RANK-mediated intracellular signaling. These PTMs can be used to screen for RANK modulators. These PTMs also represent potential drug targets for diseases that are associated with abnormal RANK expression or activity.

Abstract: In this invention, a novel protein interaction domain is provided along with several of its variants. This domain is involved in protein-protein interactions with the Bcl-2 family of proteins. It is named BLID (Bcl2 family of proteins Like Interaction Domain). Use of BLID and its variants for modulating cellular activity is presented. BLID, its variants and or anti-BLID antibodies could be useful as a screening tool as well as for discovery of drugs that help fight pathological states like degenerative diseases, cerebral or cardiac ischemic hypoxic disorders, cancer and autoimmunity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel diagnostic marker CT-proADM (C-terminal fragment of preproADM, SEQ ID No. 1) for diagnosing and/or stratifying the risk of diseases. Also disclosed is a method for diagnosing and/or stratifying the risk of diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, cardiac insufficiency, and infections and/or inflammations of the lungs and respiratory tract. In said method, the CT-proADM (SEQ ID No. 1) marker, or a partial peptide of fragment thereof, or said marker contained in a marker combination (panel, cluster) is determined in a patient who is to be examined. The invention further relates to a diagnostic apparatus as well as a kit for carrying out said method.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for protecting a plant from a pathogen, particularly a fungal pathogen, are provided. Compositions include amino acid sequences, and variants and fragments thereof, for novel variants of antipathogenic polypeptides generated through DNA shuffling that exhibit improved antipathogenic activity. Polynucleotides that encode the antipathogenic polypeptides are also provided. A method for inducing pathogen resistance in a plant using the polynucleotides disclosed herein is further provided. Compositions comprising an antipathogenic polypeptide or a microorganism comprising an antipathogenic polynucleotide of the invention in combination with a carrier and methods of using these compositions to protect a plant from a pathogen are further provided. Plants, plant cells, seeds, and microorganisms comprising an antipathogenic polynucleotide or polypeptide of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Based on the discovery that a soluble polypeptide including a nonphosphorylatable form of the MT1-MMP cytoplasmic domain is capable of inhibiting MT1-MMP in a dominant negative manner, the present invention provides compositions including MT1-MMP inhibitors such as peptide inhibitors, and methods for treating diseases associated with MT1-MMP activity. Such diseases include cancer, arthritis, and heart disease, and vascular disease.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions for expressing an antibody or a fragment thereof in a microorganism and use of the microorganism to treat or prevent a pathogenic infection in a mammal.

Abstract: A polyion complex (PIC) or a PIC nanoparticle that may be easily prepared, and that is finally disappeared in vivo due to its suitable biodegradability while exhibiting high stability in vivo, an immunotherapy agent comprising the PIC nanoparticle to which various antigen proteins or peptides may be easily conjugated or incorporated and/or which may be easily mixed with the antigen proteins or peptides, as well as a process for preparing thereof are provided. Specifically, a polyion complex (PIC) comprising a hydrophobized poly(acidic amino acid) and a basic polypeptide, a nanoparticle thereof having a particle shape, an immunotherapy agent comprising the PIC nanoparticle, as well as a process for preparing the PIC, comprising steps of introducing a hydrophobic amino acid to a poly(acidic amino acid) to prepare a hydrophobized poly(acidic amino acid), and dissolving the hydrophobized poly(acidic amino acid) prepared to a buffer, and it is mixed with a basic polypeptide dissolved in a buffer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for the rapid in situ determination of the existence of a hook effect and expansion of the dynamic range of a point of care immunoassay. For example, a system for identifying a hook effect and expanding the dynamic range of an immunoassay is provided that may include a primary sensor having first immobilized antibodies that may be configured to generate a first signal based on a presence or absence of a target analyte in a sample. The system may further include an attenuated sensor having second immobilized antibodies at a reduced concentration relative to a concentration of the first immobilized antibodies on the primary sensor and that may be configured to generate a second signal based on the presence or absence of the target analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A method for preserving a polypeptide comprising: (a) providing an aqueous solution of (i) the polypeptide, (ii) one or more sugars, and (iii) a compound of formula (I) or a physiologically acceptable salt or ester thereof and/or a compound of formula (II) or a physiologically acceptable salt or ester thereof; and (b) drying the solution to form a composition incorporating the polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of the pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) as a molecular adjuvant for vaccines. Among other applications, these vaccines may be used in the protection against infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria and ectoparasites affecting mammals, birds and aquatic organisms. The PACAP, combined with a particular antigen, demonstrates its effectiveness as adjuvant increasing the host immune response against that antigen. This type of response can be observed when the vaccine compositions or combinations that include PACAP are administered orally, by injection, or by immersion baths, in case of aquatic organisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new high-functionality, highly branched or hyperbranched polylysines, to processes for preparing them, and to their use.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions comprising and methods of identification and use of targeting peptides for placenta or adipose tissue. In certain embodiments, the targeting peptides comprise part or all of SEQ ID NO:5-11, SEQ ID NO:13-22 or SEQ ID NO:144. The peptides may be attached to various therapeutic agents for targeted delivery. Adipose-targeting peptides may be used in methods for weight control, inducing weight loss and treating lipodystrophy syndrome. Adipose-targeting may also be accomplished using other binding moieties selectively targeted to adipose receptors, such as a prohibitin receptor protein complex. Placenta-targeting peptides may be used to interfere with pregnancy, induce labor and/or for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to placenta and/or fetus. In other embodiments, receptors identified by binding to placenta-targeting peptides may be used to screen compounds for potential teratogenicity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new peptides and to use thereof, in particular for treatment and/or prevention of infections, inflammations, pain, wounds, scar and/or tumors.

Abstract: A modular peptide design strategy wherein the modular peptide has two functional units separated by a spacer portion is disclosed. More particularly, the design strategy combines a hydroxyapatite-binding portion and a biomolecule-derived portion. The modular peptides have improved non-covalent binding to the surface of the HA-based materials, and are capable of initiating osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and/or osteogenic differentiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a series of compounds useful for effecting purification, in particular for use in purification of synthetic peptides and proteins. The compounds of the invention are particularly efficient at securely anchoring peptides or proteins to a surface and allowing the peptide or protein to become uniformly orientated, thus ensuring that substantially all of the peptide or protein is available for molecular binding to a substrate.

Abstract: This invention provides novel peptides and methods to prevent, control, and treat an inflammation, cancer and other disorders, particularly of the gastrointestinal tract and the lung by administering at least one agonist of guanalyte cyclase receptor either alone or in combination with a compound selected from i) 5-aminosalicyclic acid (5-ASA) or a derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; ii) mercaptopurine; or iii) an anti-TNF therapy.

Abstract: The invention is related to peptide constracts, i.e., polypeptides obtained by linking together two or more peptides based on or derived from different molecules, which are useful in the treatment or prevention of cancer or the treatment of autoimmune diseases and compositions containing same, methods for producing same, and methods for using same: wherein the peptide constructs have the formula P1-x-P2 where P2 is a peptide associated with forms of cancer or an autoimmune condition and P1 is a peptide which will bind to a class of immune cells such as dendritic cells. The peptide construct can cause the maturation of immature dendritic cells to a more mature state. The peptide construct or the more mature dendritic cells can be administered to a subject to a modulate or to initiate an immune response against cancer cells, and can be sued with dyes, radioisotopes, or therapeutic agents for detection of the immune target and/or treatment of cancer and autoimmune conditions.

Abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents that include a plurality of gas vesicles configured to associate with a noble gas are provided. Also provided are magnetic resonance imaging methods that include administering to a subject a contrast agent that includes a plurality of gas vesicles, obtaining a magnetic resonance data of a target site of interest, and analyzing the data to produce a magnetic resonance image of the target site. The subject contrast agents and methods find use in magnetic resonance imaging applications.

Abstract: Human H3 preprorelaxin, human H3 prorelaxin, human H3 relaxin, human relaxin analogues having a modified A chain and/or a modified B chain are described. Also described are nucleic acid sequences encoded human H3 preprorelaxin, human H3 prorelaxin, human H3 relaxin, human relaxin analogues. Also described are methods for the treatment of conditions responsive to administration of H3 relaxin or analogues thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel peptidomimetics, of formula (I), which primarily act as glucose dependent insulin secretagogues. Furthermore, it was found that these peptidomimetics showed glucagon receptor antagonistic activity, along with the GLP-1 receptor agonistic activity.

Abstract: Compound tags and shifting agents are provided that find use in ion mobility spectrometry (IMS), mass spectrometry (MS), or a combination of IMS and MS, and which can substantially increase separation of multiple components in complex samples and facilitate quantitative and multiplexed analyses. In some cases, the compounds include a linker and a normalizing group, each including a structural unit and separated by a cleaveable group, and a crown ether. Also provided are methods for analyzing peptides in a sample. In some cases, the method includes coupling the compound to peptides which include a terminal guanidinium moiety capable of forming an intra-molecular complex with the crown ether.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ligand-therapeutic agent conjugate compounds, silicon linkers for the conjugate compounds, compositions, methods for making them, and methods for the treatment of cancer using the conjugate compounds. The silicon-based linkers described herein can be used to deliver desired therapeutic agents to particular cells or tissue types targeted by the ligand.

Abstract: The present invention provides serum-free cell culture media formulations which are capable of supporting the in vitro cultivation of animal cells. The media comprise at least one nutrient of non-animal derivation, such as at least one plant peptide and/or at least one non-animal or plant lipid and/or fatty acid. The media may further optionally comprise an enzymatic digest or extract of yeast cells. The present invention also provides methods of cultivating animal cells in vitro using these cell culture media formulations. In addition, the media of the present invention can be used for growth of animal cells for virus production.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for fluorescence-based multiplex probe to simultaneously detect one or more enzymatic activities comprising: a first enzymatic target having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first enzymatic target is attached to a central body and the second end of the first enzymatic target is attached to a first fluorophore; a second enzymatic target having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second enzymatic target is attached to the central body and the second end of the second enzymatic target is attached to a third fluorophore; wherein the central body comprises at least one second fluorophore; wherein the first enzymatic target comprises a specific cleavage site of a first enzyme that cleaves the first enzymatic target; and wherein the second enzymatic target comprises a specific cleavage site of a second enzyme.

Abstract: This document provides natriuretic polypeptide delivery systems. For example, methods and materials related to natriuretic polypeptide delivery systems, methods and materials related to the use of such delivery systems to deliver natriuretic polypeptides to a mammal over a pro-longed period of time (e.g., weeks to months), and methods and materials related to treating heart failure conditions are provided.

Abstract: The present invention related to a method of producing polypeptides in transformed host cells by expressing a precursor molecule of the desired polypeptide which are to be acylated in a subsequent in vitro step. The invention is also related to DNA-sequences, vectors and transformed host cells for use in the claimed method. Further, the present invention is related to certain precursors of the desired polypeptides and certain acylation methods. The invention provides a method for making polypeptides being preferentially acylated in certain lysine ?-amino groups.

Abstract: A hydrogel for delayed release of an anionic macromolecule, wherein the hydrogel comprises the anionic macromolecule, 150 mM NaCl, and a peptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1 through SEQ ID NO:33 in an aqueous medium at a pH of 7.4; wherein the anionic macromolecule has an isoelectric point of at most 6.8; and wherein the hydrogel is capable of retaining at least 25% of the anionic macromolecule after 28-day extraction at 37° C. with a pH=7.4 BTP buffer containing 150 mM NaCl.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chimeric protein vaccines and methods of use thereof in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of generating an immune response in a mammal, that includes administering to the mammal, a composition having a chimeric protein having at least one of: a portion of a cholera toxin, a portion of a heat-labile toxin, and a portion of a shiga toxin; and an antigen having at least one of an antigenic material from S. aureus and an antigenic material from a S. aureus-specific polypeptide.

Abstract: A peptide directs nanoparticles (such as quantum dots) to the plasma membrane of mammalian cells. A method of delivery of a nanoparticle to a plasma membrane of a cell includes providing to the cell a nanoparticle attached to a peptide configured to direct the nanoparticle the plasma membrane, and allowing the cell to take up the nanoparticle. The nanoparticle can be a FRET donor to an organic dye.

Abstract: The invention provides a high-throughput method for quantitating plant seed proteins, e.g. seed allergens. Such method involves obtaining a protein sample from the seed; analyzing the sample using mass spectrometry with a set of pre-designed internal standard peptides that are specific to the plant allergens; and monitoring frequencies and intensities of resulting spectra to obtain relative and absolute allergen contents in the seed. The invention also provides a system for high-throughput profiling of plant seed allergens. Such system comprises a set of pre-designed internal standard peptides that are specific to the plant seed allergens and one or more mass spectrometers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automated determination of immunofluorescent foci by means of an immunofluorescence assay using synthetic calibration particles, in addition to a system and kit for carrying out the method. In a preferred embodiment the method is characterized in that the immunofluorescent foci are gamma H2Ax foci.

Abstract: Compositions and/or mixtures comprising peptide amphiphile compounds comprising one or more contrast agents, as can be used in a range of magnetic resonance imaging applications.

Abstract: A combination of CpG oligonucleotides and polymer microparticles is an extremely effective adjuvant for Neisserial antigens. The invention therefore provides a composition comprising: (a) a Neisserial antigen; (b) a CpG oligonucleotide; and (c) a biodegradable polymer microparticle.