The present invention relates to: a method for evaluating response to treatment using a MEK 1/2 inhibitor in an individual diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease; and a composition to be used for the method. Particularly, the method of the present invention comprises measuring, in a biological sample obtained from the individual with a neurodegenerative disease, the concentration of at least one biomarker selected from the group consisting of osteopontin, synaptotagmin-1, apolipoprotein-E, cathepsin B, HLA-DOB (HLA class II histocompatibility antigen, DO beta chain), and neurofilament light chain. According to the present invention, response to the MEK 1/2 inhibitor in the individual diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease is monitored, and it is thereby possible to obtain useful information for managing the individual, such as determining the possibility of a treatment effect early on and determining whether to continue drug treatment and whether the amount needs to be adjusted.

Provided are improved methods for identifying the substrate recognition specificity or activity of a protease, convertase (sortase), or kinase. In some embodiments, methods are provided for identifying the endogenous protease or convertase cleaving patterns (e.g., “cleaveOme”) inside the secretory pathway of a living cell. Select embodiments involve aspects of yeast endoplasmic reticulum sequestration screening and next generation sequencing. Methods of producing polypeptides in Kex2 knockout yeast are also provided.

The present disclosure relates to a glycopeptide targeting cancer cells and a contrast agent kit containing the same. The glycopeptide is one wherein an azide reporting monosaccharide is bound to a substrate peptide. As the substrate peptide is specifically cleaved by cathepsin B in cancer cells, an azide reporting monosaccharide is expressed onto the cell surface via metabolic glycoengineering, thereby providing a target for action as a contrast agent. Accordingly, because the azide is exposed to the cell surface only by cathepsin B, as it is specifically expressed in cancer cells, in particular in metastatic cancer cells, while it is limitedly expressed in normal cells and is hardly excreted out the cells, the cancer cells can be selectively imaged by an azide-specific contrast agent.

Methods and diagnostic compositions for detecting and monitoring meningiomas.

Provided herein are, inter alia, compositions and methods for identifying and using agents capable of inhibiting myofibroblast transition as well as methods for treating diseases associated with the same in a subject in need thereof.

The present invention relates to compounds of formula I bearing a sulfoxoniumylide moiety as warhead, or salts thereof. Such compounds can be used as activity-based probes for cysteine proteases such as cathepsin X, in methods of detecting cysteine protease activity and in related diagnostic or therapeutic methods.

[Problem] To provide a fluorescent probe that detects calpain activity in cells at high sensitivity. [Solution] A compound represented by the following general formula (I) or a salt thereof. ##STR00001##

Methods for identifying compounds useful in treating or preventing infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are described, as are methods of treating or preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection using such compounds.

The present invention relates to a method for the diagnosis and/or to monitor the development and/or to provide a prognosis on the development of lung cancer in an individual, including the detection of the expression levels of the isoform 4 of the human caspase-4 protein in biological samples. The present invention further relates to a kit and reagents for the detection of the expression levels of said isoform 4, as well as a compound inhibitor of said isoform 4 for use in the treatment and/or prevention of lung cancer.

Provided herein are, inter alia, compositions and methods for identifying and using agents capable of inhibiting myofibroblast transition as well as methods for treating diseases associated with the same in a subject in need thereof.