The present invention relates to polypeptides that may act to cleave SNARE proteins. In particular, the present invention relates to proteins that include a catalytic polypeptide attached to a prodomain polypeptide, optionally through a linker (e.g., an enzyme cleavable linker). Methods of using such polypeptides to treat disorders are also provided herein.

A polypeptide having a serine protease variant of the human granzyme B set forth by SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the serine protease variant has at least 95% identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 and has a substitution at the position that corresponds structurally or by amino acid sequence homology to position Arg201 of SEQ ID NO: 1, and wherein the serine protease variant has activity to cleave the motif Ile-Glu-Thr-Asp.

Tau protein has a causative role in Alzheimer's disease and multiple other neurodegenerative disorders exhibiting tau histopathology collectively termed tauopathies. The primary function of tau protein is to facilitate assembly and maintenance of microtubules in neuronal axons. In the disease process tau protein becomes modified, loses its affinity to microtubules and accumulates in the cell body where it forms aggregates. The large neurofibrillary tangles formed from tau protein assembled into filaments were thought to be the pathological structure of tau. However, more recent work indicates that smaller, soluble oligomeric forms of tau are best associated with neuron loss and memory impairment. Here, novel compositions of tau oligomers and novel mechanisms for tau oligomer nucleation, extension and termination are taught. Methods for producing and purifying these structures for the development of small molecule and immunotherapeutics as well as antibodies for biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases are taught.

The present disclosure describes gene therapy systems, and related methods, useful for treating and/or preventing deafness caused by genetic mutation of the TMPRSS3 gene or the LOXHD1 gene. The compositions and methods disclosed herein use adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector gene delivery of TRMPSS3 or LOXHD1 into the inner ear to restore activity of the TMPRSS3 gene or the LOXHD1 gene, respectively, promote hair cell survival and restore hearing in patients suffering from hearing loss. As disclosed herein, the systems and methods may utilize a combination of gene therapy (e.g., molecular therapeutics) for hearing loss caused by a genetic mutation together with implantation of a cochlear implant.

This application relates to adeno-associated viral vectors encoding a truncated yet functional ATP7B for use in gene therapy for treating Wilson disease (WD). The truncated ATP7B described herein has several advantages over the wild-type ATP7B such as higher efficacy and improved manufacturing yield.

The present disclosure describes gene therapy systems, and related methods, useful for treating and/or preventing deafness caused by genetic mutation of the TMPRSS3 gene or the LOXHD1 gene. The compositions and methods disclosed herein use adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector gene delivery of TRMPSS3 or LOXHD1 into the inner ear to restore activity of the TMPRSS3 gene or the LOXHD1 gene, respectively, promote hair cell survival and restore hearing in patients suffering from hearing loss. As disclosed herein, the systems and methods may utilize a combination of gene therapy (e.g., molecular therapeutics) for hearing loss caused by a genetic mutation together with implantation of a cochlear implant.

A polymer-based material having covalently bonded enzymatically degradable peptide sequences not degradable by the biological and metabolic activity of cells and tissues is disclosed, wherein the peptide sequences are incorporated into the polymer-based material or conjugated to the polymer-based material. The peptide sequence can be part of the three-dimensional or two-dimensional structure of the polymer-based material. A controlled degradation of a covalent bond in the peptide sequence is effected. Use of such polymer-based material for an in vitro production of cell cultures or tissues or organs, for an in vivo stabilization of donated cells, tissues or organs is also disclosed. An adhesive bond between the material and the sample, i.e. cells, tissues, or organs is controlledly degradable without destroying the integrity of the sample.