Abstract: Cloning and characterization of a full length cDNA encoding Sp110 (speckled 110), a novel 110 kDa polypeptide, is disclosed. It is disclosed that Sp110 is a component of the nuclear body, is expressed in leukocytes, and is also expressed in other types of cells, including endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, liver cells and heart cells, after contact with certain cytokines. The disclosure also includes the following: Sp140 recruits Sp110 to the nuclear body, Sp110 functions as an activator of gene transcription, and Sp110 serves as a nuclear hormone receptor co-activator. Sp110 DNAs, polypeptides, antibodies are disclosed. Also disclosed are Sp110-related screening methods and clinical diagnostic methods.

Abstract: Crystalline IGF-1 is provided along with a method for production thereof. Crystallizing IGF-1 comprises the steps of mixing an aqueous solution comprising IGF-1 with a reservoir solution comprising a precipitant to form a mixture; and crystallizing the mixture, optionally also recrystallizing and isolating the crystalline IGF-1. In addition, a method for identifying IGF-1 indirect agonists is provided using a detergent as a standard for the level of inhibition of binding of IGFBP-1 or IGFBP-3 to IGF-1 and/or using the coordinates of the binding pockets of IGF-1 to which a candidate indirect agonist binds for structure-based drug design.

Abstract: Method for reducing the level and/or activity of a target protein in a eukaryotic cell via activation of ubiquitination of the target protein wherein the cell is contacted with the compound having a ubiquitination recognition element covalently linked to a target protein binding element. The ubiquitination and recognition element can bind to either the E3 or E2 elements of the ubiquitination system and the target protein binding element is able to bind specifically to the target protein. The target protein binding element has a molecular weight of less than 30,000 and has a binding affinity for the target protein greater than 105M31 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fusion peptide wherein a self cell-penetrating Tat peptide having a self penetrating signal is bound to a human parathyroid hormone-derived peptide, a preparation thereof, and a skin slimming cosmetic composition comprising the same. Since the fusion peptide wherein the Tat peptide is bound to the human parathyroid hormone-derived peptide has high stability and superior skin absorption, the present invention provides a skin slimming agent having superior lipolysis effects and improved durability of the effects.

Abstract: Novel compounds of unstable inhibitors of the serine peptidase dipeptidyl peptidase IV, are used in the treatment of various disorders, especially of metabolic disorders. The compounds can be used in the treatment of impaired glucose tolerance, glucosuria, hyperlipidaemia, metabolic acidoses, diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy.

Abstract: A peptide has any one of the sequences SEQ ID NO.1 to SEQ ID NO.8, or has a sequence derived from any one of the sequences SEQ ID NO.1 to SEQ ID NO.8 by substitution, deletion or addition of one or several amino acids therein and having an osteogenetic activity.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a polypeptide designated in the present invention as 1, composed of the following amino acid units in the structure, namely: L-alanine, L-glutamic acid, L-lysine and L-tyrosine randomly arranged in the polypeptide 1, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, comprising the steps of: (a) polymerization of a mixture of the N-carboxyanhydrides of L-alanine, L-tyrosine, a protected L-glutamate and a protected L-lysine to obtain protected copolymer 6 or salt thereof; (b) deprotection of the protected copolymer 6 (or salt thereof) to produce polypeptide 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in one single step; (c) separation and purification of the polypeptide 1 (or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) to obtain a purified polypeptide 1

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for enriching the presence of H. pylori NAP in a mixture of proteins. The process involves salting-out other proteins. NAP has been found to remain soluble at ammonium sulphate concentrations of 80% and above. The process may involve the additional step of metal chelate chromatography. The combination of salting-out and metal chelate chromatography results in very pure NAP. The NAP may have the same sequence as NAP naturally occurring in H. pylori and is free from sequences typically associated with recombinant protein production. The processes and NAP of the invention can be used in diagnostic and therapeutic products and processes.

Abstract: A method for extracting proteins from the intercellular space of plants is provided. The method is applicable to the large scale isolation of many active proteins of interest synthesized by plant cells. The method may be used commercially to recover recombinantly produced proteins from plant hosts thereby making the large scale use of plants as sources for recombinant protein production feasible.

Abstract: In this application is described substrates for high-throughput assays of clostridial neurotoxin proteolytic activities. Two types of substrates are described for use in assays for the proteolytic activities of clostridial neurotoxins: (1) modified peptides or proteins that can serve as FRET substrates and (2) modified peptides or proteins that can serve as immobilized substrates. In both types a fluorescent molecules is present in the substrate, eliminating the requirement for the addition of a fluorigenic reagent. The assays described can be readily adapted for use in automated or robotic systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to retroviral regulatory proteins or fragments thereof, or interferon alpha protein or fragments thereof, which are carboxymethylated. This chemical modification leads to new proteins or fragments which are biologically inactive but preserve their immunogenicity (toxoids). These proteins or fragments thereof, or interferon alpha or fragments thereof, can be utilized in the treatment and prevention of retroviral infections. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one carboxymethylated protein or fragment of the invention, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The invention also relates to a vaccine comprising at least one of the carboxymethylated proteins or fragments of the invention, together with an immunologically acceptable carrier. The invention also relates to a process for obtaining an immunogenic yet not toxic retroviral regulatory protein or fragment, or interferon alpha or fragment.

Abstract: A method of extracting a polypeptide of interest from a fermentation broth comprising: i) adjusting the pH close to pI of the polypeptide of interest; ii) adding a non-ionic surfactant with a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) of 12 or lower; iii) cooling the mixture for solubilization and incubating at above cloud point for extraction; iv) phase separating at below cloud point to obtain liquid-liquid-solid fractions; and v) recovering the surfactant-rich top phase containing the polypeptide of interest.

Abstract: Provided is a method of purifying a vancomycin from a fermentation broth of a microorganism containing vancomycin, including passing the fermentation broth of a microorganism containing vancomycin through a strong acid cation exchange resin, a weak base anion exchange resin, alumina and a hydrophobic absorbent resin sequentially.

Abstract: The peptide has a sequence of 3 to 30 adjacent amino acids from the amino end of protein SNAP-25 and is useful as neuronal exocytosis inhibitor. The cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions contain said peptide and optionally one or more peptides from the carboxyl end of SNAP-25. Said compositions are suitable for the treatment of facial wrinkles and asymmetry and pathological neuronal exocytosis-mediated pathological disorders and alterations.

Abstract: This invention relates to cyclized conotoxin peptides, processes for their preparation and their pharmaceutical use.

Abstract: A process for extracting flax protein concentrate from flax meal is disclosed wherein flax meal is added to an aqueous acidic solution to form a first mixture having a solid fraction and an aqueous fraction containing water soluble-carbohydrates. The mixture is separated and the solid fraction is then hydrolyzed using a lipolytic enzyme. An aqueous alkali solution is then added to the hydrolyzed solution to form a second mixture having a second aqueous fraction containing said flax protein, and a second solid fraction. The second mixture is then separated into the aqueous fraction and the solid fraction, such that the second aqueous fraction may be evaporated to recover the flax protein.

Abstract: A peptide factor, its analogs and methods of using such peptide factor derived from murine epidermal growth factor peptide is disclosed wherein the peptide factor is modified to protect it from proteolytic degradation and the peptide binds to laminin receptors.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of biologically active somatotropin from inclusion bodies of a recombinant host cell containing an inactive form of said somatotropin protein comprises the steps of: (a) contacting the inclusion bodies with an aqueous alcohol solution at an alkaline pH to solubilize said protein; and (b) bringing the solubilized protein into contact with a mild oxidizing agent to refold and form intramolecular disulfide bonds between cysteine residues of said protein.

Abstract: The current invention provides methods for molecule purification by RP-LC and RP-HPLC that uses unbranched terminal alkyldiols as eluting solvents. In particular, the present invention purifies molecules, particularly proteins and peptides, on reverse phase liquid chromatography columns using a buffer containing either 1,5 pentanediol, 1,6 hexanediol or 1,7 heptanediol.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to dipeptides and tripeptides and to methods for pharmaceutical treatment of mammals using analogs of such dipeptides and tripeptides. More specifically, the invention relates to tripeptides and their analogs, to pharmaceutical compositions containing such dipeptides and tripeptides and to methods of treatment of mammals using such dipeptides and tripeptides. In addition, the invention relates to methods of treatment of mammals using such dipeptides and tripeptides for control of appetite, blood pressure, cardiovascular response, libido, and circadian rhythm.

Abstract: Novel bioactive peptide compositions and process for producing the same and the use of such compositions for enhancing the growth of warm blooded animals and fish is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for generating nucleic acid ligands of Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA). The methods of the invention use the SELEX method for the isolation of nucleic acid ligands. The invention also includes nucleic acid ligands to PSMA, and methods and compositions for the treatment and diagnosis of disease using the nucleic acid ligands.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide of the formula: wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and each represents SO3H or H; X represents an ?-amino acid or a single bond; Z1 and Z2 are the same or different and each represents an ?-amino acid; and Y represents OH or NH2. This peptide has plant growth factor properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a partial hydrolysate of whey protein which contains bioactive peptides but does not have a bitter flavor. The hydrolysate is carried out using selective enzymes which produce the active peptides and is terminated at a degree of hydrolysis before substantial bitter flavors are created. There are also described novel peptides and a method of reducing systolic blood pressure through the administration of the peptides.

Abstract: PEG-LHRH analog conjugates, where a PEG moiety is covalently bound to a serine residue of a LHRH analog either directly or via a bifunctional linker molecule, such as an amino acid, and methods for producing these conjugates are provided in the present invention. Also provided are a pharmaceutical composition and a method for treating pathologies in which LHRH analog administration is beneficial.

Abstract: Peptide sequences comprising 10 to 50 amino acids are disclosed. The sequences are characterized by containing at least one of an integrin binding motif such as an RGD sequence, a glycosaminoglycan binding motif, and a calcium binding motif, and the remainder of amino acids contiguous with the RGD sequence in matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein. The sequences may be formulated for injection or dispersed in toothpaste or a mouthwash or gum patch and administered to enhance bone/tooth growth and/or reduce excessive urinary phosphate loss from the body.

Abstract: Peptide SY is produced by applying a mixture of peptides obtained by processing fish meat with a protease to a peptide-adsorbing resin (ODS resin or the like), eluting this with water, then with a 11 to 18% v/v ethanol aqueous solution and further with water, and collecting and mixing a latter fraction of the water elution (1), a fraction of the 11 to 18 % v/v ethanol elution and a fraction of the water elution (2). Further, peptide SY-MD is produced by isolating only the fraction of the 11 to 18% v/v ethanol elution. Peptide SY and peptide SY-MD are both novel peptide mixtures. They not only contain a large amount of blood pressure-depressing peptide Val-Tyr newly found but also have less bitterness and are excellent in taste and stability, and can be used as a blood pressure-depressing agent or as functional foods for inhibiting blood pressure elevation or preventing blood pressure elevation.

Abstract: A flexible automated apparatus for isolating and purifying viruses, proteins and peptides of interest from a plant material is disclosed, the apparatus being applicable for large scale purification and isolation of such substances from plant material. The flexible automated apparatus provides an efficient apparatus for isolating viruses, proteins and peptides of interest with little waste material. The automated apparatus for isolating viruses, proteins and peptides of interest includes a grinding apparatus for homogenizing a plant to produce a green juice, a means for adjusting the pH of and heating the green juice, a means for separating the target species, either virus or protein/peptide, from other components of the green juice by one or more cycles of centrifugation, resuspension, and ultrafiltration, and finally purifying virus particles by such procedure as PEG-precipitation or purifying proteins and peptides by such procedures as chromatography and/or salt precipitation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fractionating ?-lactalbumin from ?-lactoglobulin in whey or whey protein concentrate. The method includes the steps of contacting whey or whey protein concentrate with a complexing agent so that the complexing agent forms insoluble complexes with ?-lactoglobulin present in the whey or whey protein concentrate. The insoluble complexes are then separated from the whey or whey protein concentrate, thus yielding a precipitate that is predominately ?-lactoglobulin and is substantially devoid of ?-lactalbumin, and a supernatant that predominately ?-lactalbumin and is substantially devoid of ?-lactoglobulin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gene Any-RF derived from an insect, having dormancy-control activity and biological cell-control function; a dormancy-control substance and a method for preparing the same; as well as a biological cell-control agent, which comprises, as an effective component, a physiologically active substance having a biological cell-control function and which never causes any antigen-antibody reaction in the living body. The gene encodes for a protein having an amino acid sequence specified as Sequence No. 1 in SEQUENCE LISTING: Asp-Ile-Leu-Arg-Gly, whose C-terminal is amidated and having a molecular weight of 570.959. The physiologically active substance comprising such a gene is a peptide, which can be isolated and purified by adding an acid-methanol aqueous solution to Antheraea yamamai, triturating the resulting mixture, centrifuging the same and then treating the resulting supernatant in an HPLC system.

Abstract: This invention relates to new polypeptide compound represented by the general formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as defined in the description or a salt thereof which has antimicrobial activities (especially, antifungal activities), inhibitory activity on ?-1,3-glucan synthase, to process for preparation thereof, to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, and to a method for prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of infectious diseases including Pneumocystic carinii infection (e.g. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia) in a human being or an animal.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the discovery of novel disulfide linked cell toxins which can ablate NK-1 receptor expressing cells. These toxins are used as pharmaceutical compositions for the ablation of NK1 receptor expressing cells and comprise a substance P (SP)-Pseudomonas exotoxin disulfide linked conjugate. The invention also includes methods of making and using these toxins and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: An effective technique for the high throughput screening of displacers is described. In this technique, potential displacers are employed to displace a biomolecule (e.g., protein) adsorbed on a chromatographic resin in small-scale batch displacement experiments. The amount of protein displaced from a specific resin by a defined concentration of displacer is determined by monitoring the supermatant for the protein. By evaluating the displaced protein rather than the displacer itself, this technique enables a single detection technique (e.g., absorbance, fluorescence, etc.) to be employed for all batch displacement experiments. By monitoring the amount of protein displaced, the effacy of a large number of potential displacers can be rapidly evaluated. The entire experimental procedure can be carried out rapidly and is thus amenable to high throughput parallel screening of molecules possessing a large range of affinities and physico-chemical properties.

Abstract: The present invention concerns peptides as inhibitors of the binding of urokinase to the urokinase receptor. These peptides, which are preferably cyclic, are suitable as pharmaceutical agents for diseases that are mediated by urokinase and its receptor.

Abstract: A method is described for the site-specific preparation of hGRF-PEG conjugates containing one or more PEG units (per mole of hGRF) covalently bound to Lys12 and/or Lys21 and/or N?, characterized in that the conjugation reaction between the hGRF peptide and activated PEG is carried out in solution and the desired hGRF-PEG conjugate can be purified by chromatography. The conjugates prepared by this method, as well as their use in the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency, are also an object of the present invention.

Abstract: Pure peptide products, derived from either human glioma cell line U-105MG or human peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes are provided; the products have a molecular mass of about 8,400 daltons, and the products exhibit optimal monocyte chemotactic activity at a concentration of 1 nM. The cloning of full length cDNA for the peptide products is also provided, as well as recombinant methods for the production of monocyte chemoattractant products. Methods of treating infection and neoplasms in a human body with such peptides and monocyte chemoattractant products are additionally provided, as well as pharmaceutical compositions for the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of peptides using an excess of an activated carboxylic component to acylate an amino component, wherein after the acylation an amine comprising a free anion or a latent anion is used as a scavenger of residual activated carboxylic functions. This process is useful for the preparation of oligo- and polypeptides and, more generally, in the preparation of compounds containing one or more amide bonds.

Abstract: The present invention relates in providing a process for recovering a soluble protein having a higher recovery rate by suppressing the aggregation of the protein when a denaturing agent is removed from the solubilization treatment solution containing a solubilized protein; and providing a process for removing a denaturing agent from the above solubilization treatment solution in which the aggregation of the protein is suppressed.

Abstract: This invention describes novel charged molecules which specifically bind to the Hepreceptor, a regulatory site which I have discovered in human ezrin. My invention is that when peptides or other charged molecules bind to the Hepreceptor, medically useful immune responses are induced. These charged molecules can be administered orally and by other routes for the treatment of various infectious diseases and cancer. I have determined that the Hepreceptor (human ezrin 308-373) comprises of two adjacent alpha helical domains which are folded together at a hinge region (M339-M340) and stabilised by complimentary side chain charges of the primary amino acid sequence in the soluble cytoplasmic conformation of ezrin. I have determined that in the unfolded membrane associated conformation of ezrin, the Hepreceptor is pushed through the cell membrane and is exposed on the outer surface of the cell. Hepreceptor-Domain A (amino acid numbers 308-339 of human ezrin), comprises of the following 32 amino acid sequence.

Abstract: A method for extracting proteins from the intercellular space of plants is provided. The method is applicable to the large scale isolation of many active proteins of interest synthesized by plant cells. The method may be used commercially to recover recombinantly produced proteins from plant hosts thereby making the large scale use of plants as sources for recombinant protein production feasible.

Abstract: Compounds that modulate natural &bgr; amyloid peptide aggregation are provided. The modulators of the invention comprise a peptide, preferably based on a &bgr; amyloid peptide, that is comprised entirely of D-amino acids. Preferably, the peptide comprises 3-5 D-amino acid residues and includes at least two D-amino acid residues independently selected from the group consisting of D-leucine, D-phenylalanine and D-valine. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the peptide is a retro-inverso isomer of a &bgr; amyloid peptide, preferably a retro-inverso isomer of A&bgr;17-21. In certain embodiments, the peptide is modified at the amino-terminus, the carboxy-terminus, or both. Preferred amino-terminal modifying groups alkyl groups. Preferred carboxy-terminal modifying groups include an amide group, an acetate group, an alkyl amide group, an aryl amide group or a hydroxy group.

Abstract: A novel lyophilizate and method of preparation as well as the use of the lyophilizate to treat female infertility and for gonad protection. Cetrorelix is dissolved in acetic acid 30% v/v, the solution is transferred to water and freeze dried.

Abstract: A method for purifying oligonucleotides by displacement chromatography on anion-exchange media, using high affinity, low molecular weight (less than about 10000 Da) displacers, is disclosed. Several examples of high affinity, low molecular weight anionic displacers are provided, including polycyclic aromatic compounds having sulfonic acid moieties attached thereon. The efficacy of the technique for high resolution separation of oligonucleotides is demonstrated for an industrial mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for sensitive detection of one or multiple analytes. In general, the methods involve the use of special label components, referred to as reporter signals, that can be associated with, incorporated into, or otherwise linked to the analytes. In some embodiments, the reporter signals can be altered such that the altered forms of different reporter signals can be distinguished from each other. In some embodiments, sets of reporter signals can be used where two or more of the reporter signals in a set have one or more common properties that allow the reporter signals having the common property to be distinguished and/or separated from other molecules lacking the common property.

Abstract: This invention relates to the identification, purification, and characterization of a novel heterodimeric disintegrin, EC-3, from Echis carinatus viper venom. EC-3 inhibits &agr;4 integrins in an RGD-independent manner. The invention further relates to methods of using EC-3, or a biologically active fragment or derivative thereof, to inhibit the interaction between cells expressing &agr;4 integrins and cellular ligands.

Abstract: A peptide referred to as cadherin-derived growth factor (CDGF) the sequence of which corresponds to a partial sequence of a pre-pro-cadherin, said pre-pro-cadherin comprising the domains signal sequence, pro sequence cadherin repeats, transmembrane region and intracellular domain, characterized in that the sequence of said peptide comprises the pro sequence, that at least one of the other domains of the pre-pro-cadherin is lacking, and that said peptide has cell-proliferative, cell-protective and/or cell-differential properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated, synthetic or recombinant &khgr;-conotoxin peptide having the ability to inhibit a neuronal amine transporter, nucleic acid molecules encoding all or part of such peptides, antibodies to such peptides and uses and methods of treatment involving them.

Abstract: A method for producing peptide salts, including reacting an acid addition salt of a basic starting peptide in the presence of a diluent in a mixed bed ion exchanger, with a mixture of an acid and a basic ion exchanger during the formation of a free basic peptide, and then separating the ion exchanger and then the free basic peptide, with an inorganic or organic acid, and then forming the desired acid addition salt of the peptide, and removing the diluent.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of protecting solid-state proteins from the effects of ionizing radiation which comprise combining the protein with a radiation-protecting amount of a methoxysalicylaldehyde derivative, preferably 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde; radiation-protecting amounts of a methoxysalicylaldehyde derivative, preferably 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde, and 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid; or radiation-protecting amounts of a methoxysalicylaldehyde derivative, preferably 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde and isopropanol, prior to exposing the protein to ionizing radiation.

Abstract: In this application is described substrates for high-throughput assays of clostridial neurotoxin proteolytic activities. Two types of substrates are described for use in assays for the proteolytic activities of clostridial neurotoxins: (1) modified peptides or proteins that can serve as FRET substrates and (2) modified peptides or proteins that can serve as immobilized substrates. In both types a fluorescent molecules is present in the substrate, eliminating the requirement for the addition of a fluorigenic reagent. The assays described can be readily adapted for use in automated or robotic systems.