The present invention provides methods for treating cancer using a6*nAChR inhibitors, such as a6*nAChR inhibitory antibodies, among others. The invention also features compositions containing a6*nAChR inhibitors, methods of diagnosing patients with a6*nAChR-associated cancer, and methods of predicting the response of cancer in a subject to treatment with a6*nAChR inhibitors.

Disclosed herein are methods for promoting weight loss in a subject by administering to the subject a composition comprising from about 2 mg to about 800 mg of paraxanthine. In certain aspects, paraxanthine is present in the composition in amount from about 20 mg to about 600 mg. In further aspects, paraxanthine is present in the composition in amount from about 50 mg to about 400 mg. According to certain embodiments, weight loss is promoted through inducing thermogenesis in the subject. In further embodiments, weight loss is promoted through enhancing lipolysis in the subject. According to certain implementations, administration of the composition to the subject decreases the respiratory quotient in the subject by at least about 10%.

The invention relates to methods and compositions for treating a neurodegenerative disease. More particularly, the present invention is directed to methods of treatment of neurodegenerative diseases using progranulin and progranulin polypeptides, and methods of treatment of neurodegenerative diseases using effectors, or combinations of effectors, that modify progranulin expression.

A complex is provided comprising a conjugate in which a polymer having a boronic acid group and a compound having a diol structure are bonded, and a substance that is complexed with the conjugate.

A complex is provided comprising a conjugate in which a polymer having a boronic acid group and a compound having a diol structure are bonded, and a substance that is complexed with the conjugate.

The present invention relates to the use of compounds that block the α9α10 subtype of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) for treating pain, such as neuropathic pain and inflammatory pain, and inflammatory disorders, such as arthritis. The present invention also relates to screening compounds to identify analgesic agents that block the α9α10 subtype of the nAChR.

Isolated polypeptides are disclosed comprising an amino acid sequence encoding a monomer of a fibrous polypeptide attached to a heterologous polysaccharide binding domain. Composites comprising same, methods of generating same and uses thereof are all disclosed.

Described herein is the design and construction of a class of lipoprotein targeting protease inhibitors. Small peptides with protease inhibitor activity are conjugated to hydrophobic, lipoprotein targeting molecules using, for instance, amine reactive chemistry. Methods of use of the resultant lipoprotein targeting protease inhibitor (antiprotease) molecules are also described. Also described is the production and use of protease inhibitor enriched HDL particles, as well as A1AT-peptide-enriched HDL particles, and their use in various therapeutic contexts.

The present invention provides uses for the anti-epileptic toxin Martentoxin and derivatives thereof. Specifically, the present invention provides the use of Martentoxin (or MarTX toxin) or an active fragment thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in preparing a preparation or composition for treating and/or preventing epilepsy.

The present invention relates to a composition for treating hair loss or promoting hair growth which contains a silk protein, and plasma or serum components. According to the present invention, due to the synergistic effect of a silk protein and plasma or serum components, the effect of promoting hair growth and the effect of treating hair loss can be expected to be more efficient.