The present invention relates to protein nanocages comprising a melanocyte-targeting moiety and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the protein cages as well as methods for treating or diagnosing hyperpigmentation disorders or other melanocyte-related disorders using the protein nanocages or pharmaceutical compositions.

The present invention relates to peptide modifier compounds of Formula (1), or a salt thereof, wherein: a is an integer from 1 to 10, more preferably from 1 to 3; b is an integer from 0 to 7; Z is a terminal group and Y is a bivalent group. Further aspects of the invention relate to intermediates in the preparation of compounds of Formula (1), and the use of compounds of Formula (1) in the synthesis of peptide derivatives.

##STR00001##

The present invention relates to peptide modifier compounds of Formula (1), or a salt thereof, wherein: a is an integer from 1 to 10, more preferably from 1 to 3; b is an integer from 0 to 7; Z is a terminal group and Y is a bivalent group. Further aspects of the invention relate to intermediates in the preparation of compounds of Formula (1), and the use of compounds of Formula (1) in the synthesis of peptide derivatives.

##STR00001##

Provided are a TEV protease variant, a fusion protein thereof, a preparation method therefor and the use thereof. Provided are a TEV protease variant with unique properties obtained by screening and a fusion protein thereof. The TEV protease variant has a low enzyme cleavage activity during expression in hosts, and preferably has a lower enzyme cleavage activity compared to an S219V variant having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 10. The enzyme cleavage site of the TEV protease variant is selected from EXXYXQG/S/H, wherein X is any amino acid residue, and the enzyme cleavage site is preferably selected from SEQ ID NO: 7 and 8. Fusion expression using the TEV protease variant of the present invention and a polypeptide can be used for preparing a polypeptide quickly and efficiently, thereby solving the problems currently present in the process of the recombinant production of a polypeptide.

Provided are a TEV protease variant, a fusion protein thereof, a preparation method therefor and the use thereof. Provided are a TEV protease variant with unique properties obtained by screening and a fusion protein thereof. The TEV protease variant has a low enzyme cleavage activity during expression in hosts, and preferably has a lower enzyme cleavage activity compared to an S219V variant having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 10. The enzyme cleavage site of the TEV protease variant is selected from EXXYXQG/S/H, wherein X is any amino acid residue, and the enzyme cleavage site is preferably selected from SEQ ID NO: 7 and 8. Fusion expression using the TEV protease variant of the present invention and a polypeptide can be used for preparing a polypeptide quickly and efficiently, thereby solving the problems currently present in the process of the recombinant production of a polypeptide.

Provided herein are methods for prophylactic treatment of renal disorders comprising administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), or fragment, analog, complex or aggregate thereof, or any combination thereof, to an individual suspected of having, predisposed to, or at risk of developing a renal disorder.

Provided herein are methods for prophylactic treatment of renal disorders comprising administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), or fragment, analog, complex or aggregate thereof, or any combination thereof, to an individual suspected of having, predisposed to, or at risk of developing a renal disorder.

The present invention relates to peptide modifier compounds of Formula (1), or a salt thereof, wherein: a is an integer from 1 to 10, more preferably from 1 to 3; b is an integer from 0 to 7; Z is a terminal group and Y is a bivalent group. Further aspects of the invention relate to intermediates in the preparation of compounds of Formula (1), and the use of compounds of Formula 1 in the synthesis of peptide derivatives.

##STR00001##

The present invention relates to peptide modifier compounds of Formula (1), or a salt thereof, wherein: a is an integer from 1 to 10, more preferably from 1 to 3; b is an integer from 0 to 7; Z is a terminal group and Y is a bivalent group. Further aspects of the invention relate to intermediates in the preparation of compounds of Formula (1), and the use of compounds of Formula 1 in the synthesis of peptide derivatives.

##STR00001##

Provided herein are methods for prophylactic treatment of renal disorders comprising administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), or fragment, analog, complex or aggregate thereof, or any combination thereof, to an individual suspected of having, predisposed to, or at risk of developing a renal disorder.