Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating a medical condition, disease, or disorder mediated by a misfolded form of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in a subject in need of treatment. The method optionally comprises administering to the subject a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and an agent selected from (1) an exogenous antibody or fragment thereof that binds selectively to the misfolded form of SOD, and/or (2) an immunogen that elicits production of an endogenous antibody that binds selectively to the misfolded form of SOD, and/or (3) a nucleic acid sequence encoding (1) or (2).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to pathogen resistant citrus compositions, organisms, systems, and methods. For example, a composition may comprise a peptide (e.g., a defensin peptide) and/or a nucleic acid (e.g., a defensin nucleic acid). A pathogen resistant citrus plant may comprise, in some embodiments, a defensin peptide and/or an expressable nucleic acid encoding a defensin peptide.

Abstract: There are provided an angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) derived peptides, polypeptides, and peptide complexes, and a method for inhibition of binding between Ang2 and integrin and prevention and/or treatment of a disease caused by the activation of Ang2 or the binding between Ang2 and integrin using the peptide, polypeptides, and peptide complexes.

Abstract: A locally-activatable bivalent thrombin binding agent is provided having two thrombin binding moieties for non-overlapping sites on a surface of thrombin linked together by a linker. The linker is a polypeptide having 5 to 30 amino acid residues existing in a folded state under an environmental condition where the binding agent is inactive. The linker changes conformation from the folded state to an unfolded state in response to a change in bulk temperature and/or to the presence of hyper-mobile water thereby activating the binding agent. Such locally-activatable thrombin binding agents can be administered systemically while only targeting specific sites of coagulation or inflammation since the thrombin binding agent will only activate at the site where the existence of atherosclerotic plaques has changed the local bulk temperature and/or created hyper-mobile water sufficiently to unfold the linker and activate the binding agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of polymer chemistry and more particularly to multiblock copolymers and micelles comprising the same. Compositions herein are useful for drug-delivery applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel nanobeacon imaging agents having the following formula: wherein: D is 1 to 4 fluorophores; L is 1 to 4 enzymatically cleavable peptide linkers; PEP is a hydrophilic cell penetrating peptide sequence; A is a side chain moiety of an amino acid of PEP; and Q is a fluorescence quencher molecule. The present invention provides a generic design of a new type of supramolecular nanobeacon imaging agents with a well-defined size and surface chemistry for protease detection. In contrast to soluble molecular beacons, the imaging agent molecules are specifically designed to self-assemble into core-shell micellar structures, with the enzyme-sensitive design feature being deeply embedded within the micellar core and thus inaccessible to the enzyme. Only in the monomeric form can these nanobeacon imaging agent molecules be cleaved by the target enzyme to generate fluorescence signals.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds and methods relating to a chemical transformation for the conjugation of unprotected peptide biomolecules via a SNAr process between highly fluorinated aryl moieties and thiols (“fluoroaryl-thiol-click”).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides synthesized peptides containing azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (Aze), methods for detecting antibodies to peptides containing Aze, and methods for diagnosing conditions associated with misincorporation of Aze into host proteins.

Abstract: A system and a method for the production of recombinant N-glycosylated target proteins. The system comprises a prokaryotic organism (e.g. Escherichia coli) into which is introduced a genetic information encoding for a metabolic apparatus capable of carrying out the requested N-glycosylation of the target protein. Said prokaryotic organism also contains the genetic information required for the expression of one or more recombinant target proteins. The metabolic apparatus preferably comprises specific glycosyltransferases for the assembly of the oligosaccharide on a lipid carrier and an OTase that covalently links this oligosaccharide to specific residues of the desired protein.

Abstract: A polypeptide with a predominantly hydrophobic sequence long enough to span a membrane lipid bilayer as a transmembrane helix (TM) and comprising one or more dissociable groups inserts across a membrane spontaneously in a pH-dependant fashion placing one terminus inside cell. The polypeptide conjugated with various functional moieties delivers and accumulates them at cell membrane with low extracellular pH. The functional moiety conjugated with polypeptide terminus placed inside cell are translocated through the cell membrane in cytosol. The peptide and its variants or non-peptide analogs can be used to deliver therapeutic, prophylactic, diagnostic, imaging, gene regulation, cell regulation, or immunologic agents to or inside of cells in vitro or in vivo in tissue at low extracellular pH.

Abstract: Procedures are described which use solvents to increase the topical insecticidal activity of toxic insect peptides. These procedures comprise drying the peptides, if needed, followed by the addition of either: 1) a polar organic solvent, with or without water, to a dried peptide, or 2) the addition of polar aprotic solvent or other adjuvant to the dried peptide, followed by the addition of either: 1) a polar organic solvent, with or without water, (where a polar aprotic solvent is added first) or 2) a polar aprotic solvent or other adjuvant to the peptide polar organic solvent (where the polar organic solvent is added first), to the peptide formulation.

Abstract: The present invention is relevant to human medicine, and, in particular, to the use of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) in a pharmaceutical composition, said composition is administered through infiltration at the periphery of nerve trunks and/or ganglia, for the morphofunctional restoration of peripheral nerves in painful, sensitive-motor neuropathy, as well as ischemic neuritis. It is also relevant to an EGF containing composition, where this molecule can be formulated together with anesthetic or analgesic drugs, or encapsulated in microspheres, and their use for the morphofunctional restoration of peripheral nerves in painful, sensitive-motor neuropathy, as well as in ischemic neuritis.

Abstract: Provided herein is a CD24 protein. The CD24 protein may include mature human or mouse CD24, as well as a N- or C-terminally fused portion of a mammalian immunoglobulin.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a technique to create novel engineered protein ligands that, when immobilized through a lysine residue (its side chain ?-amino group) which allows for efficient immobilization to a carrier, show the optimum binding capacity and binding efficiency to a target molecule. The present invention provides an engineered protein having a sequence obtained by replacing all the lysine residues in Protein A, which is the most typical protein ligand, with other amino acids, and adding lysine at a terminal; and an affinity separation matrix in which such an engineered protein is immobilized on a water-insoluble carrier by reductive amination or the like. This affinity separation matrix is characterized by its high binding capacity to a target molecule even when the immobilized amount of the ligand is small.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosis or prognosis of liver autoimmune diseases by means of detecting specific biomarkers in biological samples. The invention refers also to a method of monitoring an autoimmune liver disease pathology status after treatment with surgery and/or therapy in a subject with autoimmune liver disease, to kits and microarrays to perform said methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synthetic peptide molecule that specifically binds an FXYD2-gamma isoform of pancreatic beta cells, said synthetic peptide molecule has 25 amino acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides, peptide dimer, and multimeric complexes comprising at least one binding moiety for KDR or VEGF/KDR complex, which have a variety of uses wherever treating, detecting, isolating or localizing angiogenesis is advantageous. Particularly disclosed are synthetic, isolated polypeptides capable of binding KDR or VEGF/KDR complex with high affinity (e.g., having a KD<1 ?M), and dimer and multimeric constructs comprising these polypeptides.

Abstract: A polypeptide, a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the polypeptide are provided. The polypeptide is as defined in the description, can bind to insulin receptors, and is effective in reducing blood sugar, reducing glycated hemoglobin, and ameliorating hepato-renal disorders caused by diabetes.

Abstract: Provided are a series of Gq protein competitive inhibitory polypeptides (GCIPs), polynucleotides encoding them, and preparation methods thereof. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising GCIP polypeptides and their uses in the manufacture of drugs for treating myocardial hypertrophy.

Abstract: Short single chain peptides having affinity for a target surface often lack the binding durability required for certain commercial applications. One way to improve durability is to promote multivalent binding by linking together binding sequences using peptide linkers. However, the resulting single chain binding peptides often suffer from linker entropy. It has been discovered that the use of rigid peptide linkers when linking together multiple binding sequences enhances the binding affinity of the resulting single chain peptide.

Abstract: The invention relates to micelles that are elaborated with functionality useful for imaging and/or selectively targeting tissue, e.g., in the delivery of hydrophobic agents.

Abstract: Prodrug formulations of insulin and insulin analogs are provided wherein the insulin peptide has been modified by an amide bond linkage of a dipeptide prodrug element. The prodrugs disclosed herein have extended half lives of at least 10 hours, and more typically greater than 2 hours, 20 hours and less than 70 hours, and are converted to the active form at physiological conditions through a non-enzymatic reaction driven by chemical instability.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide novel polypeptides that are capable of binding to an immunoglobulin and have high stability against alkali. The present invention relates to proteins having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No:1 or 2.

Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to methods for inhibiting or stimulating an activity of an adrenomedullin (AM) or gastrin releasing peptide (GRP) peptide hormone, comprising contacting the peptide with a small molecule, non-peptide, modulatory agent of the invention. Complexes of these modulatory agents with other components, such as the peptides or blocking antibodies specific for the peptides, are also described, as are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the modulatory agents, and methods for using the modulatory agents to diagnose or treat patients.

Abstract: There is provided a novel series of synthetic analogs of hGH-RH(1-29)NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 1) and hGH-RH(1-30)NH2. Of particular interest are those carrying PhAc, N-Me-Aib, Dca, Ac-Ada, Fer, Ac-Amc, Me-NH-Sub, PhAc-Ada, Ac-Ada-D-Phe, Ac-Ada-Phe, Dca-Ada, Dca-Amc, Nac-Ada, Ada-Ada, or CH3—(CH2)10—CO-Ada, at the N-Terminus and ?-Ala, Amc, Apa, Ada, AE2A, AE4P, ?-Lys(?-NH2), Agm, Lys(Oct) or Ahx, at the C-terminus. These analogs inhibit the release of growth hormone from the pituitary in mammals as well as inhibit the proliferation of human cancers, and inhibit the hyperplastic and benign proliferative disorders of various organs, through a direct effect on the cancerous and non-malignant cells. The stronger inhibitory potencies of the new analogs, as compared to previously described ones, result from replacement of various amino acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified forms of C-peptide, and methods for their use. In one aspect, the modified forms of C-peptide comprise PEGylated C-peptide derivatives comprising at least one PEG group attached to the N-terminus, which exhibit superior pharmacokinetic and biological activity in vivo.

Abstract: NK-2 synthetic peptide derived from cationic core region of porcine NK-lysin has an antimicrobial and antitumor polypeptide that is considered to play a pivotal role in innate defense immunity. To evaluate the antimicrobial properties of synthetic chicken NK-lysin peptides, we investigated cytolytic activity against apicomplexan parasites like Eimeria sporozoites, Neospora tachyzoites and Cryptosporidum sporozoites. The chicken NK-2 (cNK-2) lytic peptide which corresponds to amino acid residues of porcine NK-2 peptide significantly disrupted Eimeria and Cryptosporidum sporozoites and Neospora tachyzoites. In contrast, no bactericidal activity was observed on E. coli BMH71-18. The cNK-2 lytic peptide is novel antimicrobial agent which can be used to intervene and treat economically costly infections in the animal industry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds comprising at least ten contiguous amino acids of the HR2 domain of a Type 1 viral fusogenic protein of an enveloped virus, or a derivative thereof, attached at the C-terminal to cholesterol or a derivative thereof; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof which inhibit viral fusion. Thus compounds of the invention are useful to prevent or treat diseases caused by an enveloped virus.

Abstract: The present invention investigate the two modes of glutamate release and the releasing rate of glutamate, and thus can provide a useful technique for neuron protection and acceleration of neurotransmission by controlling the glutamate release in astroctye. Thus, the present invention provides an inhibitor of the fast-mode release and/or the slow-mode release of astrocytic glutamate, a screening method of the inhibitor and a pharmaceutical composition or method of ameliorating, preventing and/or treating the disease associated with the over-release of glutamate via the Ca2+-activated anion channel, with the inhibition of fast-mode glutamate release.

Abstract: The present invention relates specific activation of a regulatory T cell via a specific CD4 epitope and uses thereof, e.g. for the treatment of an autoimmune disease or an allergy or asthma or graft rejection or tolerance induction.

Abstract: Brain prorenin and the (pro)renin receptor (PRR) have a functional role in the development of hypertension. The present disclosure presents functional PRR antagonistic peptides (e.g., PR10, PR20, PR30, and PR40). In addition, modified peptides comprising one or more thioether-bridges that are stable and strong PRR antagonists are also provided. Methods for treating and preventing hypertension, including neurogenic hypertension, and diabetes with a PRR antagonist are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synthetic antigenic sequence which represents a combination of epitope-containing sequences from the highly polymorphic block 2 repeat region of K1-type Plasmodium falciparum merozite surface antigen (MSP1) and fusion proteins containing that sequence in combination with additional epitope-containing sequences capable of inducing antibody and cellular immune responses to P.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anti-human PAX 5 antibodies capable of binding to one or more epitopes located within the C-terminal regulatory domain of PAX 5. In particular the invention relates to an antibody, antigen binding fragment or recombinant protein thereof, which is capable of specific binding to an epitope located within the C-terminal fragment of human PAX 5 protein, wherein said epitope comprises from 3 to 17 amino acid residues of amino acid sequence GSPYYYSAAARGAAPPA (SEQ ID NO:2). The invention also relates to immunogenic peptide sequences for the production of the antibodies, diagnostic and therapeutic applications comprising using the antibodies and formulations comprising thereof.

Abstract: A molecular probe for use in detection of cancer cells expressing an Ig superfamily cell adhesion molecule that binds in a homophilic fashion in a subject includes a targeting agent that specifically binds to and/or complexes with a proteolytically cleaved extracellular fragment of the Ig superfamily cell adhesion molecule.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for in vitro prognosticating and/or diagnosing cerebral cerebral malaria, wherein said method comprises a step of detecting non-erythroid spectrin or fragments thereof, and/or antibodies directed against non-erythroid spectrin, in a biological sample. Reagents and kits for performing this method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds that inhibit a binding interaction between a ? integrin and a G protein subunit, as well as compositions, e.g., pharmaceutical compositions, comprising the same, and related kits. In some embodiments, the compound is an antibody or antibody analog, and, in other embodiments, the compound is a peptide or peptide analog. Also provided are methods of using the compounds, including methods of treating or preventing a medical condition, such as stroke, heart attack, cancer, or inflammation.

Abstract: Novel physiological substrates of mammalian glutaminyl cyclase (QC, EC 2.3.2.5), new effectors of QC, methods for screening for such effectors, and the use of such effectors and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such effectors for the treatment of conditions that can be treated by modulation of QC-activity. Preferred compositions additionally comprise inhibitors of DP IV or DP IV-like enzymes for the treatment or alleviation of conditions that can be treated by modulation of QC- and DP IV-activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptides comprising an N-terminal portion and a C-terminal portion, wherein said N-terminal portion comprises the signature sequence QGP[P or L] and the amino acid sequence of said C-terminal portion is at least 70% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1, and uses thereof.

Abstract: Composition containing a chimeric neuregulin polypeptides and method of making such polypeptides are disclosed. The chimeric neuregulin comprises a first moiety of at least 10 amino acids, wherein the first moiety is derived from a first polypeptide; and a second moiety of at least 5 amino acids, wherein the second moiety is derived from a second polypeptide; wherein the first polypeptide is a neuregulin and the chimeric neuregulin exhibits an enhanced binding affinity to integrin, Erb 3, or Erb 4 comparing to that of the first neuregulin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a derivative of a GLP-1 analogue, which analogue comprises a first K residue at a position corresponding to position 27 of GLP-1(7-37) (SEQ ID NO: 1); a second K residue at a position corresponding to position T of GLP-1(7-37), where T is an integer in the range of 7-37 except 18 and 27; and a maximum of ten amino acid changes as compared to GLP-1(7-37); wherein the first K residue is designated K27, and the second K residue is designated KT; which derivative comprises two albumin binding moieties attached to K27 and KT, respectively, via a linker, wherein the albumin binding moiety comprises a protracting moiety selected from HOOC—(CH2)x—CO— and HOOC—C6H4-0-(CH2)y—CO—; in which x is an integer in the range of 6-16, and y is an integer in the range of 3-17; wherein the linker comprises an element of the formula —NH—(CH2)2—(O—(CH2)2)k—O—(CH2)n—CO—, wherein k is an integer in the range of 1-5, and n is an integer in the range of 1-5; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, amide, or este

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds that inhibit Hsp90 interactions with IAP proteins, such as Survivin, XIAP, cIAP1, or cIAP2, and methods for identifying and using such compounds.

Abstract: The inventions relate generally to vesiculin peptides and vesiculin peptide chains, and fragments, variants and derivatives thereof, related compositions and formulations and their preparation and use, nucleic acids encoding such vesiculin peptides and vesiculin peptide chains, and fragments, variants and derivatives thereof and related vectors and host cells, hybridomas and antibodies, and methods for the prevention and treatment of conditions, diseases and disorders that would be improved, eased, or lessened by the administration of a composition of the invention, including but not limited to glucose metabolism diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence which is an analogue of human amylin, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these polypeptides, and these polypeptides for use as medicaments.

Abstract: The present invention features peptides of a PorB polypeptide, which PorB peptides are useful in production of antibodies that bind the full-length PorB polypeptide and as a therapeutic agent. In specific embodiments the invention features a composition comprising one or more PorB peptides (other than a full-length PorB polypeptide), which peptides contain at least one epitope that can elicit Chlamydia-neutralizing antibodies. The invention also features methods for induction of a protective immune response against infection by Chlamydia and Chlamydiophila.

Abstract: The present invention relates to targeting peptides capable of specifically binding to microbial organisms (e.g., P. aeruginosa or S. mutans), antimicrobial peptides having antimicrobial activities, and specifically/selectively targeted antimicrobial peptides (STAMPs). In addition, the present invention provides methods of selectively killing or inhibiting microbial organisms by using the peptides or compositions provided by the present invention.

Abstract: This invention describes a protein nanoparticle system for targeting siRNA or other drugs into tumors. The basis of the protein system is elastin-like peptides that self-assemble once exposed to the nucleic acid of the siRNA. Specific targeting peptides are fused to the core ELP structure by standard genetic engineering techniques. These targeting peptides confer specific binding of the nanoparticle to receptors on the surface of tumor cells and allow for uptake of the nanoparticle into the tumor cells.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to methods and materials for enhancing microbial resistance in plants. Specifically exemplified herein are grapevines transformed with polynucleotides that express a peptide which confers antimicrobial activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cellobiohydrolase variants and cellulose binding domain variants. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunogenic compositions useful in prevention and treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infection. In particular, the present invention provides methods of inducing an immune response against an alpha-hemolysin-expressing S. aureus, methods of preventing or treating S. aureus infections, and composition for preventing or treating S. aureus infections.

Abstract: A polypeptide based block copolymer having biodegradability due to peptidase, a process for the preparation thereof, and polymer micelles using the same are provided. The block copolymer is a block copolymer of a polyethylene glycol-based compound having properties such that the solubility for water is different depending on the pH, but cannot form micelles due to a self-assembly phenomenon; and a polyglutamic acid-based compound formed using an aminolysis reaction of glutamic acid and tertiary amine in which the end of one alkyl group is substituted with NH2, or using an aminolysis reaction of glutamic acid and triamine.