Provided are a red fluorescent protein-based biosensor for measuring the activity of dopamine receptor D1, a method of measuring the activity of dopamine receptor D1 using the biosensor, and a method of detecting a ligand binding to dopamine receptor D1.

Sucker ring tooth (SRT) proteins called Suckerins were identified from the sucker tissue of three distantly related Decapodiformes species. These proteins assemble into silk-like beta-sheet reinforced materials. The use of suckerin proteins to produce fibres, films and tissue scaffolds is also described.

Provided is a green-yellow fluorescent protein with high pH stability (with reduced pH sensitivity). In one or more embodiments, the fluorescent protein is a fluorescent protein comprising an amino acid sequence from position 2 to 225 of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, at least a mutation being introduced into the sequence, wherein the above-mentioned mutation is selected from the group consisting of F149T or S or A, L158T or S or A, H160T or S or A, Y174T or S or A, and Y192T or S or A as well as combinations of 2 to 5 thereof.

Conjugates comprising a targeting moiety specific for the CXCR4 and based on the polyphemusin-derived peptide and a therapeutic or imaging agent are provided. Therapeutic and diagnostic methods with the conjugates which require specific targeting to CXCR4+cells are provided as well.

The present disclosure provides, inter alia, genetically encoded recombinant peptide biosensors comprising analyte-binding framework portions and signaling portions, wherein the signaling portions are present within the framework portions at sites or amino acid positions that undergo a conformational change upon interaction of the framework portion with an analyte.

A diagnostically useful carrier includes a means for specifically capturing an antibody to a polypeptide from the group including squid MLC1 or squid MLC2 or a variant thereof in a sample from a subject. A method includes the step detecting in a sample from a subject the presence or absence of an antibody to squid MLC1 or squid MLC2. The polypeptide or the carrier or a polypeptide binding specifically to an IgE antibody from the sample of a patient to squid MLC1 or squid MLC2 are useful for the manufacture of a diagnostic kit, preferably for the diagnosis of allergy.

Provided herein is a surfactant adhesive protein comprising an amphiphilic peptide at the carbon or amine terminal of the protein, enabling homogeneous dispersion of several materials in various solvents and coating of the homogeneously dispersed particles on a hydrophilic or hydrophobic surface, particularly the homogeneous dispersion of hydrophilic or hydrophobic particles in a hydrophobic or hydrophilic solvent on the basis of strong adhesive strength of a mussel adhesive protein; the surface adhesive protein can be used as a surface coating agent requiring antibacterial or antiviral functions as well as a cosmetic product or an ink.

A scorpion venom heat-resistant synthetic peptide (SVHRSP) contains an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 1. One or more amino acids the amino acid sequence can be substituted or deleted. A pharmaceutical composition that contains the SVHRSP has numerous applications. The pharmaceutical composition can be used to protect neuronal cell against amyloid beta-induced toxic effects, or to inhibit the sodium channel current of a hippocampal neuronal cell, or to protect a neuronal cell against NMDA-induced injury. It may also promote the formation of a pluripotent neural stem cell from a type II astrocyte, or treats a subject, such as a human, having epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, or Parkinson's disease.

Materials and methods for prevention of biofouling that incorporate the presence of a conotoxin peptide on a surface are described. The conotoxin peptide is either directly or indirectly adhered to the surface and interferes with the ability of biofouling organisms to settle on the surface.

The present invention is directed to a method of producing analgesia in a mammalian subject. The method includes administering to the subject an omega conopeptide, preferably ziconotide, in combination with an analgesic selected from the group consisting of morphine, bupivacaine, clonidine, hydromorphone, baclofen, fentanyl l, buprenorphine, and sufentanil, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the -conopeptide retains its potency and is physically and chemically compatible with the analgesic compound. A preferred route of administration is intrathecal administration, particularly continuous intrathecal infusion. The present invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical formulation comprising an omega conopeptide, preferably ziconotide, an antioxidant, in combination with an analgesic selected from the group consisting of morphine, bupivacaine, clonidine, hydromorphone, baclofen, fentanyl, buprenorphine, and sufentanil.