Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of growth factors in improving tissue survival. In particular, the invention describes methods for enhancing organ transplant, musculocutaneous flap or skin graft survival by administering a nucleic acid sequence encoding hepatocyte growth factor.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for forming PEGylated complexes of defined stoichiometry and structure. In preferred embodiments, the PEGylated complex is formed using dock-and-lock technology, by attaching a therapeutic agent to a DDD sequence and attaching a PEG moiety to an AD sequence and allowing the DDD sequence to bind to the AD sequence in a 2:1 stoichiometry, to form PEGylated complexes with two therapeutic agents and one PEG moiety. In alternative embodiments, the therapeutic agent may be attached to the AD sequence and the PEG to the DDD sequence to form PEGylated complexes with two PEG moieties and one therapeutic agent. In more preferred embodiments, the therapeutic agent may comprise any peptide or protein of physiologic or therapeutic activity, preferably a cytokine, more preferably interferon-?2b. The PEGylated complexes exhibit a significantly slower rate of clearance when injected into a subject and are of use for treatment of a wide variety of diseases.

Abstract: A modular platform is provided for rapid preparation of various water-soluble prosthetic groups capable to efficiently introduce 18F into proteins with 18F labelling reagents.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for extracting platelets, compositions obtained therefore, and methods for using the same.

Abstract: The invention provides a modified glycosylation-deficient HGF and a production method thereof. The glycosylation-deficient HGF is produced by introducing amino acid mutation(s) so that no glycosylation take place at at least one glycosylation site of hepatocyte growth factor.

Abstract: Mammalian prolactin (PRL) variants having a mutation or set of mutations within the 14 N-terminal amino acids that prevent the formation of a disulfide bridge between Cys4 and Cys11 and, a sterically hindering mutation or set of mutations within binding site 2 of PRL. These variants are useful as antagonists of mammalian prolactin receptors (PRLR), more particularly of human prolactin receptor (hPRLR).

Abstract: Described are methods for identifying, selecting, and obtaining mammalian cells capable of producing proteinaceous molecules having predetermined post-translational modifications, wherein the post-translational modifications are brought about by the mammalian cell in which the proteinaceous molecule is expressed. Preferably, the predetermined post-translational modifications include glycosylation. Also described are methods for obtaining and producing proteinaceous molecules, using mammalian cells obtainable by a method of the present invention. Preferably, the proteinaceous molecules include erythropoietin (EPO), since EPO's effect depends heavily on its glycosylation pattern. Mammalian cells that have been obtained on the basis of their ability to produce proteins and/or post-translational modifications that are indicative for a predetermined post-translational modification that is desired are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating neurological conditions in a mammal by administering a hematopoietic growth factor such as granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (GCSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GMCSF). The invention also provides methods of screening for compounds that bind to a GCSF or GMCSF receptor found on the surface of a neuronal cell; and which provides a neuroprotective, neuroproliferative and/or a STAT gene activation activity.

Abstract: Modified natriuretic compounds and conjugates thereof are disclosed in the present invention. In particular, conjugated forms of hBNP are provided that include at least one modifying moiety attached thereto. The modified natriuretic compound conjugates retain activity for stimulating cGMP production, binding to NPR-A receptor, and in some embodiments an improved half-life in circulation as compared to unmodified counterpart natriuretic compounds. Oral, parenteral, enteral, subcutaneous, pulmonary, and intravenous forms of the compounds and conjugates may be prepared as treatments and/or therapies for heart conditions particularly congestive heart failure. Modifying moieties comprising oligomeric structures having a variety of lengths and configurations are also disclosed. Analogs of the natriuretic compound are also disclosed, having an amino acid sequence that is other than the native sequence.

Abstract: This invention relates to the novel identification of arginase as an enzymatic activity which can reverse inhibition of neuronal regeneration in the central and peripheral nervous system. Assays to monitor the effects of various agents on arginase expression and thus on neuronal regeneration and repair and to identify agents which will block or promote the inhibitory effects on neuronal outgrowth are provided. This invention also relates to compositions and methods using agents that can reverse the inhibitory effects of myelin on neural regeneration by affecting arginase activity or putrescine and derivative polyamine levels in a neuron.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21), more in particular to derivatives of FGF21 compounds having an albumin binder of the formula A-B-C-D-E- covalently attached. The invention also relates to novel FGF21 analogues, as well as to the pharmaceutical use of these FGF21 derivatives and analogues, in particular for the treatment of diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and/or Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). The derivatives of the invention are protracted, e.g. capable of maintaining a low blood glucose level for a longer period of time, capable of increasing the in vivo half-life of FGF21, and/or result in a lower clearance of FGF21. The derivatives of the invention are preferably furthermore of an improved oxidative stability.

Abstract: Modified VEGF proteins that inhibit VEGF-mediated activation or proliferation of endothelial cells are disclosed. The analogs may be used to inhibit VEGF-mediated activation of endothelial cells in angiogenesis-associated diseases such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, eye diseases, and skin disorders.

Abstract: A process for isolation and purification of a target protein by chromatography wherein the chromatography removes or depletes prions (PrPSC), comprising the steps of contacting a potentially PrPSC contaminated sample comprising a target protein with a multimodal chromatographic material; setting buffer conditions so that the target protein is bound to the multimodal chromatographic material and whereas PrPSC is not binding to the multimodal chromatographic material; followed by elution of the target protein. a process for isolation and purification of a target protein free of prion protein (prpSC).

Abstract: The invention provides HGF/Met modulators comprising HGF having mutations in regions that affect HGF function, and antagonists that target said regions. The invention further provides methods of identifying, making and using these modulators.

Abstract: The ?-trefoil protein human fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) is made up of a six-stranded anti-parallel ?-barrel closed off on one end by three ?-hairpins, thus exhibiting a three-fold axis of structural symmetry. The N- and C-termini ?-strands hydrogen bond to each other and are postulated from both NMR and X-ray structure data to represent a structurally-weakened region of the ?-barrel. Val mutations within the N- and C-termini ?-strands are shown to stabilize the structure and to increase van der Waals contacts by filling local cavities present within this region. Mutations that increase van der Waals contacts between both the N- and C-termini ?-strands are generally associated with significant reductions in the unfolding kinetics, and also increase the cooperativity of unfolding. Surprisingly, several mutant polypeptides herein disclosed greatly exceed the wild-type polypeptide in ability to stimulate human fibroblasts to proliferate.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel benzodiazepine derivatives with antiproliferative activity and more specifically to novel benzodiazepines of formula (I) and (II), in which the diazepine ring (B) is fused with a heterocyclic ring (CD), wherein the heterocyclic ring is bicyclic or a compound of formula (III), in which the diazepine ring (B) is fused with a heterocyclic ring (C), wherein the heterocyclic ring is monocyclic. The invention provides cytotoxic dimers of these compounds. The invention also provides conjugates of the monomers and the dimers. The invention further provides compositions and methods useful for inhibiting abnormal cell growth or treating a proliferative disorder in a mammal using the compounds or conjugates of the invention. The invention further relates to methods of using the compounds or conjugates for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis or treatment of mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses novel inhibitors for growth hormone and related hormones, including prolactin, and placental lactogen, and other hormones. The invention specifically encompasses antibodies, antibody fragments, and modifications thereof, as well as polynucleotides, such antisense polynucleotides, interfering RNAs, and small interfering RNAs, and uses thereof, for inhibition of one or more of such hormones. In particular aspects, the invention encompasses methods of producing such inhibitors, compositions comprising one or more of these inhibitors, and methods of inhibiting a cell, e.g., inhibiting cell proliferation, cell survival, or cell motility, especially for a cancer cell, using one or more of the inhibitors. The invention also encompasses methods of diagnosis and monitoring, and methods of treatment, especially for cancer, using one or more of the disclosed compositions or inhibitors.

Abstract: A method for PEGylating growth hormone, said method comprising reacting growth hormone with an amine comprising nucleophile which further comprises a first functional group in the presence og TGase to form a transaminated growth hormone, followed by a reaction of said transaminated growth hormone with a PEG which has been functionalised with a second functional group, wherein said first and second functional groups are selected so that they react to form a covalent bond.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a fusion protein comprising a TNF-superfamily (TNFSF) cytokine or a receptor binding domain thereof fused to a collectin trimerization domain, to a nucleic acid molecule encoding the fusion protein, and to a cell comprising the nucleic acid molecule. The fusion protein is present as a trimeric complex or as an oligomer thereof. The fusion protein, the nucleic acid, and the cell is suitable as pharmaceutical composition or for therapeutic, diagnostic and/or research applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel connective tissue growth factor-3 protein which is a member of the growth factor superfamily. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human connective tissue growth factor-3 protein. Connective tissue growth factor-3 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. Also provided are diagnostic and therapeutic methods for detecting and treating connective tissue related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides unstructured recombinant polymers (URPs) and proteins containing one or more of the URPs. The present invention also provides microproteins, toxins and other related proteinaceous entities, as well as genetic packages displaying these entities. The present invention also provides recombinant polypeptides including vectors encoding the subject proteinaceous entities, as well as host cells comprising the vectors. The subject compositions have a variety of utilities including a range of pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and methods or uses thereof in the prophylaxis and treatment of psoriasis and other auto-immune inflammatory disorders. The composition may be comprised of TGF-?1, TGF-?2, and dairy derived proteins comprising a large proportion of ?-lactoglobulin.

Abstract: Pantropic neurotrophic factors which have multiple neurotrophic specificities are provided. The pantropic neurotrophic factors of the present invention are useful in the treatment of neuronal disorders. Nucleic acids and expression vectors encoding the pantropic neurotrophins are also provided.

Abstract: Novel methods for treating patients with autoimmune diseases are disclosed. The methods of the invention include first depleting circulating lymphocytes in the mammal, e.g., by administering anti-thymocyte antibody, and then, during the course of repopulation, administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of latent TGF-? and/or another agent that promotes expansion of regulatory T cells. In certain aspects, the disclosed process results in improved kidney function and survival rates.

Abstract: A hair removing agent or a hair growth inhibiting agent is provided by determining an endogenous factor having a hair growth inhibitory activity, screening for substances having an activity similar to that of the endogenous factor or substances enhancing the activity or expression of the endogenous factor, and utilizing the physiological activities of such substances. It has been found that FGF18 inhibits hair growth. A method of screening for FGF18-like active substances, substances that promote the activity of FGF18 or substances that promote the expression of FGF18 to thereby obtain candidates for the hair growth inhibiting agent or hair removing agent is disclosed. Also disclosed is a hair growth inhibiting agent or a hair removing agent comprising, as an active ingredient, FGF18 and/or an FGF18 partial peptide, or an FGF18-like active substance and/or a substance that promotes the activity or expression of FGF18 (e.g., Digenea simplex extract).

Abstract: Method for increasing half-life of therapeutic agents in plasma and novel polypeptide derivatives.

Abstract: A protocol of activating and administering human blood cells so that bone marrow histology and/or blood cell counts of patients suffering from a plastic anemia approach normal. The protocol includes culturing the blood cells in the presence of a cytokine and an ionophore. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b).

Abstract: The invention provides a method for radiofluorination of biological vectors such as peptides comprising reaction of a compound of formula (II): or a salt thereof with a source of [18F]-fluoride, to give a compound of formula (I): or a salt thereof.

Abstract: Members of the TGF-? superfamily and peptide fragments based on member proteins are employed to purify solutions containing member proteins or as therapeutics.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions having particles comprising, inorganic element; one or more active ingredient and optionally a release rate modulating agent, suitable for the delivery of active ingredients to human and animal tissues. The particles are nanoparticles or microparticles or mixtures thereof, made preferably by sol-gel method. The compositions are useful for application to the topical or mucosal surfaces preferably in the form of creams, gels, lotions, dry powders, spray, foam and other suitable forms.

Abstract: Alkylated interleukin-18 (IL-18), compositions comprising alkylated IL-18, kits comprising such compositions, methods of alkylating IL-18, and methods of using compositions comprising alkylated IL-18.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric reagents and conjugates thereof, methods for synthesizing the polymeric reagents and conjugates, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the conjugates and methods of using the polymer conjugates including therapeutic methods where conjugates are administered to patients.

Abstract: The present invention is related with polypeptides which show an increased activity compared with tilapia growth hormone. These polypeptides are able to stimulate growth, survival and the quality of fish and crustaceans larvae. Also, they increase the defences against pathogens and stimulate parameters related with the immune system of aquatic organisms. The polypeptides encoding genes were cloned into a Pichia pastoris expression vector. This vector allows the extracellular expression of the target proteins. The culture supernatants which contain the target polypeptides were administrated by immersion baths or as a feed additive to aquatic organisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metal chelator and methods that facilitate binding, detecting, monitoring and quantitating of heavy metal ions in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chromatographic method of separating biological material comprising, providing chromatographic media comprising inorganic oxide particles having an average diameter of about 2 microns or less and an average pore diameter of 300 ? or more; applying a solvent comprising said biological material to said media, wherein said biological material is reversibly bonded to said media; and eluting said biological material from said media with a solvent in less than about 2 minutes for biological material having a molecular weight of less than about 100,000 Daltons.

Abstract: Process for extracting and purifying the recombinant Placental Growth Factor (PLGF) expressed in inducible prokaryotic expression systems comprising the following steps: I) fermentation of the bacterial cells, II) extraction and purification of the inclusion bodies, III) renaturation of the expressed protein, IV) ion-exchange chromatography, V) reverse-phase chromatography.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit for diagnosing a disorder comprising a reagent that detects FGF23 polypeptides and mutant FGF23 polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates techniques for identifying suitable secretion fusion partner (SFP) for hyper-secretory production of recombinant proteins. The SFPs can be obtained from secretome analyses. Recombinant proteins are produced in a fusion form with a secretion fusion partner (SFP) and can be separated from the SFP by in vitro protease treatment. SFPs of this invention greatly improve the secretion level of target proteins and peptides which are valuable for bio-pharmaceuticals and the bio-industry.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to humanized VEGF and non-human transgenic animals expressing it. The transgenic animals are also useful to study VEGF-related therapies.

Abstract: A method for reducing or substantially preventing formation of a trisulfide derivative of a polypeptide in a liquid medium containing the polypeptide ijn question comprises stripping the liquid medium with a gas, suitably a chemically unreactive gas such as nitrogen or argon.

Abstract: The invention provides a modified glycosylation-deficient HGF and a production method thereof. The glycosylation-deficient HGF is produced by introducing amino acid mutation(s) so that no glycosylation take place at at least one glycosylation site of hepatocyte growth factor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of mutants of parathyroid hormone-related protein, to treat disorders associated with smooth muscle cells, and to inhibit the cellular activation and proliferation thereof. The method can be employed in diverse tissues to effect therapeutic and prophylactic relief for disorders and diseases manifested by activation of smooth muscle that can lead to excessive smooth muscle proliferation. For example, where employed in the vasculature, the inventive method can be used to treat restenosis following angioplasty.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for weight bearing surface, i.e., intervertebral disc (‘disc’), between spinous processes and articular cartilage, repair. Compositions include fibrosis inducing agents for facilitating fibrosis in or on the site in need of repair in order to form fibrotic connective tissue. In addition, methods are provided for distracting the appropriate disc space during treatment of a disc in need of repair, and in particular treatment of the disc in need of repair with a fibrosis inducing agent.

Abstract: Modified and stabilized propeptides of Growth Differentiation Factor proteins, such as GDF-8 and Bone Morphogenetic Protein-11, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the modified propeptides to prevent or treat human or animal disorders in which an increase in muscle tissue would be therapeutically beneficial. Such disorders include muscle or neuromuscular disorders (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, muscle atrophy, congestive obstructive pulmonary disease, muscle wasting syndrome, sarcopenia, or cachexia), metabolic diseases or disorders (such as such as type 2 diabetes, noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, or obesity), adipose tissue disorders (such as obesity), and bone degenerative diseases (such as osteoporosis).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for the preparation of rhPTH (1-34) also known as teriparatide by con-struction of a novel nucleotide, as an NcoI.IXhoI fragemt as set forth in SEQ. ID. No.:1 encoding a chimeric fusion protein as set forth in SEQ.ID. No.:2 comprising of a fusion partner consisting of 41 amino acids belonging to Escherichia coli ?-galactosidase (LacZ) gene, an endopeptidase cleavage site, rhPTH (1-34) gene fragment, cloning the said nucleotide in an expression vector under the control of T7 promoter, transforming Escherichia coli with the said vector and expressing the chimeric fusion protein in fed batch fermentation. The present invention further discloses a low feed rate lactose induction for optimized expression of rhPTH (1-34) in Escherichia coli.

Abstract: A process for enhancing the recovery yield of proteins, especially plasma proteins, from sources containing the proteins, wherein the sources containing the proteins are frozen at temperatures of ??70° C., and the proteins from a frozen source after thawing are further processed in a per se known manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reindeer bone formation inducing protein called bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), such as BMP-6, containing a heparin binding site and nucleotide molecules encoding the proteins and host cells expressing the proteins. The present invention relates also to the use of the bone morphogenetic protein for treating disorders related to bone and cartilage formation. The present invention further relates to osteogenic devices and pharmaceutical compositions containing the protein.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for decreasing the viability of cells, particularly aberrant non-healthy cells, and most particularly cancer cells, are disclosed. The primary agent that causes cell death is a toxic metal atom or ion. Embodiments of the invention provide compositions and methods to ensure that the toxic metal is directed to the desired cell or tissue. In one embodiment, the metal is bound to a sulfur-rich peptide or protein carrier containing a targeting moiety. Such metal-protein complex is targeted to the selected cells or tissues to enrich the cell or tissue site with the metal-containing peptide or protein molecules followed by administering a dithiocarbonyl which carries the metal from the protein inside the cells to induce cell death.

Abstract: The use of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-18 protein, certain of its downstream target genes and respective expressed proteins, in particular sonic hedgehog (Shh), Shh protein, ?-catenin, ?-catenin protein, and the Wnt family of proteins that stimulate ?-catenin, and the respective nucleotide sequences encoding this protein, particularly for inducing cartilage formation, particularly for the purpose of generating, repairing, reconstructing, or de novo formation of, cartilaginous tissue. Therapies for which FGF-18 and the target proteins are useful include repair and reconstruction of various tissues in conducting airways such as the trachea, bronchi, lung and larynx caused by, for example, tracheal-bronchial abnormalities, tracheal-laryngo or bronchial malaria. Other therapies for which FGF-18 and the target proteins would be useful include other cartilaginous tissues, such as those of joint and skeletal tissue caused by, for example, arthritis and meniscus abnormalities in joints.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides designated herein as EG-VEGF and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention. Also provided herein are methods of screening for modulators of EG-VEGF. Furthermore, methods and related methods of treatment are described herein which pertain to regulating cellular proliferation and chemotaxis.