Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for fusion protein separation utilizing a peptide linker comprising a novel thrombin cleavage site.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel human genes, for example a novel human gene comprising a nucleotide sequence coding for the amino acid sequence shown under SEQ ID NO:1. The use of the genes makes it possible to detect the expression of the same in various tissues, analyze their structures and functions, and produce the human proteins encoded by the genes by the technology of genetic engineering. Through these, it becomes possible to analyze the corresponding expression products, elucidate the pathology of diseases associated with the genes, for example hereditary diseases and cancer, and diagnose and treat such diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reagents and methods for [18F]-fluorination of biomolecules, particularly of peptides. The resultant 18F-labelled compounds are useful as radiopharmaceuticals, specifically for use in Positron Emission Tomography (PET).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of isolating biomolecules. More particularly, the invention relates to methods for isolating antibodies (mAbs) and related proteins including antibody fragments (Fabs) under conditions where they are positive and relatively hydrophobic and will react with negatively charged polymer to form polymer-protein complexes which precipitate. The isolation can be accomplished using inexpensive and biocompatible negatively charged polymers such as polyacrylic acid or carboxymethyldextran polymers of various molecular weights as precipitant. It occurs at relatively high concentrations of polymer (e.g. 10%) and high salt concentration (>50 mM) and conductivity (e.g. >10 mS/cm) over wide range of pH.

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising variant vascular endothelial growth factor sequences are provided. The polypeptides are useful in cancer imaging, cancer diagnosis, monitoring and treatment as well as treatment of diseases characterized by excessive neovascularization.

Abstract: Described is the modulation of the neovascularization and/or growth of collateral arteries and/or other arteries from preexisting arteriolar connections. Methods are provided for enhancing neovascularization and/or the growth of collateral arteries and/or other arteries from preexisting arteriolar connections comprising contacting organs, tissue or cells with a colony stimulating factor (CSF) or a nucleic acid molecule encoding said CSF. Furthermore, the use of a CSF or a nucleic acid molecule encoding said CSF for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for enhancing neovascularization and/or collateral growth of collateral arteries and/or other arteries from preexisting arteriolar connections is described.

Abstract: A heparin-binding growth factor (HBGF) analog having two substantially similar sequences (homodimeric sequences) branched from a single amino acid residue, where the sequences are analogs of a particular HBGF that binds to a heparin-binding growth factor receptor (HBGFR), or alternatively that bind to a HBGFR without being an analog of any particular HBGF. The homodimeric sequences may be derived from any portion of a HBGF. The synthetic HBGF analog may be an analog of a hormone, a cytokine, a lymphokine, a chemokine or an interleukin, and may bind to any HBGFR. Further provided are preparations for medical devices, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A polypeptide and polynucleotides encoding same comprising at least two carboxy-terminal peptides (CTP) of chorionic gonadotrophin attached to a peptide-of-interest are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the polypeptide and polynucleotides of the invention and methods of using same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protein particle comprising chimeric protein having an aggregating part capable of forming or aggregating into a substantially insoluble protein particle when expressed by a cell; and a functional part capable of binding to, or being bound by, a target compound. Affinity matrixes comprising the protein particle are also provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure provides a conjugate comprising an insulin molecule having an A-chain and a B-chain; an affinity ligand covalently bound to the A-chain; and a monovalent glucose binding agent covalently bound to the B-chain, wherein the affinity ligand competes with glucose for non-covalent binding with the monovalent glucose binding agent. In the absence of glucose, the monovalent glucose binding agent binds the affinity ligand to produce a “closed” inactive form of the insulin molecule. When free glucose is added, it competes with the affinity ligand for binding with the monovalent glucose binding agent to produce an “open” active form of the insulin molecule. The monovalent glucose binding agent and affinity ligand are covalently bound to the insulin molecule. The disclosure also provides methods of using these conjugates and methods of making these conjugates. In another aspect, the disclosure provides exemplary conjugates.

Abstract: The invention relates to oligomers of a dimer, trimer, quatromer or pentamer of recombinant fusion proteins. Said oligomers are characterized in that the recombinant fusion proteins have at least one component A and at least one component B, whereby component A contains a protein or a protein segment with a biological function, in particular with a ligand function for antibodies, for soluble or membranous signal molecules, for receptors or an antibody, or an antibody segment, and component B contains a protein or a protein segment which dimerizes or oligomerizes the dimer, trimer, quatromer or pentamer of the recombinant fusion protein, without the action of third-party molecules. The invention also relates to the use of dimers or oligomers of this type for producing a medicament, to the fusion proteins which cluster in dimers or oligomers and to their DNA sequence and expression vectors or host cells comprising this DNA sequence.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of making bioactive BMP-2 microparticles and methods of using the microparticles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a site-specific physiologically active polypeptide conjugate in a high yield by treating a physiologically active polypeptide with a non-peptidyl polymer in the presence of an alcohol at a specific pH, which can be desirably employed in the development of long acting formulations of various peptide drugs having high in-vivo activity and markedly prolonged in-blood half-life.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel physiologically active protein, which is a human granulocyte colony stimulating factor isoform, constructed in order to increase the in vivo lifetime of human granulocyte colony sedtimulating factor. The human granulocyte colony stimulating factor isoform comprises a polypeptide and polyethylene glycol (PEG) bound thereto as a non-protein polymer. A specific site of the polypeptide is selected so that polyethylene can be bound to the site while not adversely affecting the activity of the protein. The amino acid of the site is modified with cysteine and polyethylene glycol is bound to the modified site. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the isoforms, genes encoding the isoforms, and a primer for modifying the amino acid sequence are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell line selected from the group consisting of (a) a cell line denominated NM-F9 having the DSMZ accession number DSM ACC2606; (b) a cell line denominated NM-D4 having the DSMZ accession number DSM ACC2605; and subclones of (a) or (b). Additionally, the present invention provides a lysate of the cell lines or a molecule or mixture of molecules obtained from these cell lines as well as dendritic cells loaded with said lysate, co-cultivated or fused with cells from the cell lines, or a molecule or mixture of molecules obtained from these cell lines of the present invention. Moreover compositions, preferably pharmaceutical or vaccine compositions are provided which comprise the cell lines, lysate, molecules, mixture of molecules or dendritic cells of the present invention. In another aspect the present invention relates to methods for producing the aforementioned compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing polypeptide utilizing a fusion protein of A-B type in the following formula (I), by culturing transformed microorganism comprising DNA sequence encoding the desirable polypeptide; A-B (I). In the above formula (I), A is a fusion partner of 25 or more amino acid residues where aspartic and glutamic acid residues are incorporated to have a net negative charge of 30% or more, and B is the target protein to be produced. The target protein can be isolated from the fusion protein by employing enzymatic cleavage site etc. at the carboxyl-terminus of the fusion partner.

Abstract: The present invention involves the identification and preparation of vascular endothelial growth factor-E (VEGF-E). VEGF-E is a novel polypeptide related to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and bone morphogenetic protein 1. VEGF-E has homology to VEGF including conservation of the amino acids required for activity of VEGF. VEGF-E can be useful in wound repair, as well as in the generation and regeneration of tissue.

Abstract: Biomedical nanoparticles are disclosed based on new engineered modular carrier macromolecules, on engineered macromolecules or associated entities providing an internal nanoparticle structure, and compositions for minimizing non-specific binding of the nanoparticles while enabling efficient and convenient targeting to cells and tissues. These nanoparticles may be used to deliver atomic or molecular or associated entities which are useful for diagnostics, primarily in vivo imaging, for therapeutics, for vaccines, or for experimental research. Nanoparticles comprising combinations of active entities such as gene inhibitors with gene expression cassettes or imaging agents with therapeutic agents, and polyamide compounds useful for treatment of microbial infections are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are methods of making carrier polypeptide that include incorporating a first unnatural amino acid into a carrier polypeptide variant, incorporating a second unnatural amino acid into a target polypeptide variant, and reacting the first and second unnatural amino acids to produce the conjugate. Conjugates produced using the provided methods are also provided. In addition, orthogonal translation systems in methylotrophic yeast and methods of using these systems to produce carrier and target polypeptide variants comprising unnatural amino acids are provided.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a drug for promoting the regeneration of tendon-bone junction tissue or ligament-bone junction tissue.

Abstract: A bifunctional chelating agent of the formula (I): wherein the variables R1, R1?, Q1, Q2 and M are as defined in the description of the present application. Also described is a complex of the above chelating agent to an ion of a stable or radioactive metal; a conjugate of the complex covalently attached to a biological carrier; and a pharmaceutical composition containing the conjugate.

Abstract: Polyethylene glycol modifications of thymosin alpha 1 (T&agr; 1-PEGs), their preparation process, the medicine composition containing them, and their application in the medicine for preventing and treating diseases related with immune deficiency and hypoimmunity, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatoma, malignant melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, SARS, and AIDS etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the production, purification, and isolation of human growth hormone (hGH). More particularly, the invention relates to the production, purification, and isolation of substantially purified hGH from recombinant host cells or culture medium including, for example, yeast, insect, mammalian and bacterial host cells. The process of the present invention is also useful for purification of hGH linked to polymers or other molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Fc-OB fusion protein compositions, methods of preparation of such compositions and uses thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to a genetic or chemical fusion protein comprising the Fc immunoglobulin region, derivative or analog fused to the N-terminal portion of the OB protein, derivative or analog.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody-like protein based on the tenth fibronectin type III domain (10Fn3) that binds to serum albumin. The invention further relates to fusion molecules comprising a serum albumin-binding 10Fn3 joined to a heterologous protein for use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable growth hormone (GH) compounds, which through the introduction of cysteine residues have disulphide bridges, which make the compounds resistant to proteolytic degradation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing the expression of a protein in cells, preferably in eukaryotic cells, by reducing the number of RNase L cleavage sites in the coding and/or non-coding region of the nucleic acid sequence of said protein. Furthermore, it relates to nucleic acid sequences exhibiting a reduced number of RNase L cleavage sites as well as to the proteins translated from such sequences.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for the treatment or prophylaxis of glaucoma and ocular hypertension, and for lowering of intraocular pressure. The invention provide VEGFR-1 agonists and combinations of vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B) with placenta growth factor (PLGF), ‘ Secreted protein acidic cysteine-rich’ (SPARC) antagonists, insulin, insulin like growth factor, their isoforms, their analoges, their gene-engineered modifications. Furthermore, the formentioned compositions and combinations are provided for coadministration with antiglaucoma agents, currently in clinical use, for the treatment or prophylaxis of glaucoma and ocular hypertension, for lowering of intraocular pressure, for increasing success rate of surgical procedures for the treatment or prophylaxis of glaucoma, and for preserving retinal ganglion cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer conjugated releasable lipids and nanoparticle compositions containing the same for the delivery of nucleic acids and methods of modulating gene expression using the same. In particular, this invention relates to releasable polymeric lipids containing an acid-labile linker based on a ketal or acetal-containing linker, or an imine-containing linker.

Abstract: The invention provides an insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) receptor ligand carrying a therapeutic radionuclide for treatment of cancer is provided. A method of treating cancer using the IGF-1 receptor ligand carrying a therapeutic radionuclide is also provided. An anti-cancer therapeutic agent containing an IGF-1 receptor ligand linked to a toxin is also provided, as are methods of using the toxin conjugates for treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel Neutrokine-alpha, and a splice variant thereof designated Neutrokine-alphaSV, polynucleotides and polypeptides which are members of the TNF family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human Neutrokine-alpha and/or Neutrokine-alphaSV polypeptides, including soluble forms of the extracellular domain. Neutrokine-alpha and/or Neutrokine-alphaSV polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of Neutrokine-alpha and/or Neutrokine-alphaSV activity. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting immune system-related disorders and therapeutic methods for treating immune system-related disorders.

Abstract: Formulations containing complexed human growth hormone crystals are described. Also described are needleless injection systems for crystalline proteins.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention relate to compositions, including anti-aging cosmeceuticals for topical application, and more particularly, a skin cream, comprising cell culture medium conditioned by cells grown in two-dimensional culture.

Abstract: Bi-specific fusion proteins with therapeutic uses are provided, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such fusion proteins, and methods for using such fusion proteins to repair or regenerate damaged or diseased tissue. The bi-specific fusion proteins generally comprise: (a) a targeting polypeptide domain that binds to a target molecule; and (b) an activator domain that detectably modulates tissue regeneration.

Abstract: Processes are provided for recovering and purifying refolded recombinant proteins produced in heterologous host cells, which includes the step of refolding the protein in a high pH buffer.

Abstract: The compositions and methods disclosed herein are for prevention or treatment of multi-organ failure with erythropoietin. The usefulness of the present invention is that erythropoietin may act to prevent the onset of MOF in a patient at risk of developing it. The present invention may further lessen the effect in one or more affected organs in a patient at risk of developing MOF or in one already diagnosed with it.

Abstract: Vascular endothelial growth factor alternative splice variants and methods of their use are provided.

Abstract: An isolated extract of deer velvet which contains components which have molecular weights that are substantially are less than or equal to 10 kDa and which have a proliferative effect on endothelial cells and/or promote angiogenesis.

Abstract: Bi-specific fusion proteins with therapeutic uses are provided, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such fusion proteins, and methods for using such fusion proteins to repair damaged tissue. The bi-specific fusion proteins generally comprise: (a) a targeting polypeptide domain that binds to an ischemia-associated molecule; and (b) an activator domain that that detectably modulates the activity of a cellular network.

Abstract: The present invention provides biologically active proteins that are activatable by peptidase exposure, such as dipeptidase exposure. The biologically active protein may be a recombinant version of a protein factor that is processed from a native precursor molecule in vivo. Upon administration of the recombinant product to a patient in need, the proteins are converted to the active form in the body by endogenous dipeptidase. The design of such products simplifies the manufacturing process, and may provide for additional therapeutic benefits such as improved pharmacokinetics, half-life, and/or safety profile. The present invention further provides methods of treatment with such compounds, as well as methods of production and/or manufacture.

Abstract: The invention relates to the purification of different gamma carboxylated forms of a polypeptide using ion exchange chromatography. In particular, the invention provides a method for purifying a polypeptide having a desired content of gamma-carboxyglutamic acid from a sample comprising mixture of species of said polypeptide having different contents of gamma-carboxyglutamic acid, said method comprising the steps of: (a) loading said sample onto an anion exchange chromatography material; (b) eluting said polypeptide using a solution at a pH of less than pH 9.0 comprising at least one salt selected from ammonium acetate, ammonium chloride and sodium acetate; and (c) selecting a fraction obtained from said elution wherein the polypeptides in the fraction have the desired content of gamma-carboxyglutamic acids.

Abstract: The present invention features a compound having the formula A-X-B, where A is peptide vector capable of enhancing transport of the compound across the blood-brain barrier or into particular cell types, X is a linker, and B is a leptin, a leptin analog, or OB receptor agonist. The compounds of the invention can be used to treat any disease in which increased amounts of leptin are desired, such as metabolic diseases including obesity and diabetes.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods for site-specific modification of proteins by incorporation of an aldehyde tag. Enzymatic modification at a sulfatase motif of the aldehyde tag through action of a formylglycine generating enzyme (FGE) generates a formylglycine (FGly) residue. The aldehyde moiety of FGly residue can be exploited as a chemical handle for site-specific attachment of a moiety of interest to a polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins. The invention specifically relates to compositions and methods of Tf-based fusion proteins that demonstrate a high-level expression of transferrin (Tf)-based fusion proteins by inserting a helical linker between two protein domains.

Abstract: According to the present invention, HDGF in the blood of patients with chronic liver disease is measured to diagnose whether the patients have liver cancer. A measurement kit for the diagnosis is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for targeting maytansinoids to a selected cell population, the method comprising contacting a cell population or tissue suspected of containing the selected cell population with a cell-binding agent maytansinoid conjugate, wherein one or more maytansinoids is covalently linked to the cell-binding agent via a non-cleavable linker and the cell-binding agent binds to cells of the selected cell population.

Abstract: A polypeptide comprising a first protein domain, a second protein domain, and a dithiocyclopeptide spacer containing at least one protease cleavage site, wherein the dithiocyclopeptide is exogenous relative to the first or second protein domain, and wherein the first and second protein domains are operably linked by the dithiocyclopeptide. Also disclosed are methods of producing the polypeptide and delivering the protein domains into a cell.

Abstract: The present invention is based upon the surprising discovery that Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) may act directly on the heart as a cardioprotective factor and provides CTGF for use in the treatment of a subject who has incurred or is incurring damage to the heart, wherein said CTGF is for administration during or after the heart-damaging event. The invention also relates to CTGF for use in protection of the heart during or after surgery or during ex vivo transportation or storage of an explanted heart.

Abstract: Polypeptide growth factors, methods of making them, polynucleotides encoding them, antibodies to them, and methods of using them are disclosed. The polypeptides comprise an amino acid segment that is at least 90% identical to residues 46-163 of SEQ ID NO:2 or residues 235-345 of SEQ ID NO:2. Multimers of the polypeptides are also disclosed. The polypeptides, multimeric proteins, and polynucleotides can be used in the study and regulation of cell and tissue development, as components of cell culture media, and as diagnostic agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for reducing body weight in a mammal using Fibroblast Growth Factor-like (FGF-like) polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same.