Provided are compositions and methods for delivering biological moieties such as modified nucleic acids into cells to modulate protein expression. Such compositions and methods include the use of modified messenger RNAs, and are useful to treat or prevent diseases, disorders or conditions, or to improve a subject's heath or wellbeing.

Disclosed is a fusion protein for α-Melanocyte stimulating hormone, the fusion protein containing a protein transduction domain (PTD), a human serum albumin (HSA) and an α-Melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Also disclosed are a method for preparing the fusion protein and a use thereof for inhibiting or treating central nervous system inflammations.

Disclosed is a fusion protein for α-Melanocyte stimulating hormone, the fusion protein containing a protein transduction domain (PTD), a human serum albumin (HSA) and an α-Melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Also disclosed are a method for preparing the fusion protein and a use thereof for inhibiting or treating central nervous system inflammations.

The invention described herein is based in part on the discovery of a protein/peptide crosslink, which introduces fluorescent properties, and which has been applied to synthesize analogues of melanocortin and amanitin as choice peptides to be explored in the context of isoindole peptides. Without limitation, it is expected that those trained in the art of peptide synthesis and stapling would appreciate the consequences of this invention such that other peptides of varied length can be similarly constrained by isoindole staples as featured herein.

The invention described herein is based in part on the discovery of a protein/peptide crosslink, which introduces fluorescent properties, and which has been applied to synthesize analogues of melanocortin and amanitin as choice peptides to be explored in the context of isoindole peptides. Without limitation, it is expected that those trained in the art of peptide synthesis and stapling would appreciate the consequences of this invention such that other peptides of varied length can be similarly constrained by isoindole staples as featured herein.

The present invention relates to compounds comprising a quaternary ammonium group, their use in skin diseases, and their preparation.

The present invention relates to compounds comprising a quaternary ammonium group, their use in skin diseases, and their preparation.

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 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.

Modulators of melanocortin receptors (MCR) are provided herein. An MC5R peptide ligand is represented by to Formula 1:
R.sub.1-Nle.sup.4-c[Xaa.sup.5-Yaa.sup.6-(NMe)D-Nal(2′).sup.7-Arg.sup.8-Trp.sup.9-(NMe)Zaa.sup.10]-R.sub.2.
R.sub.1 can be an acetyl, a glycosylated amino acid, —CO—(CH.sub.2).sub.nCH.sub.3, or —CO—(CH.sub.2).sub.nCF.sub.3 with n ranging from 1 to 6. R.sub.2 can be an —CONH.sub.2, —COOH, or —CH.sub.2OH. Xaa, Yaa, and Zaa can each be a natural amino acid or an unnatural amino acid.