Compositions and methods are directed to engineered extracellular matrix protein—mussel foot protein fusions for use as a bioadhesive for repairing tissues. The compositions have one or more of: (i) at least one hydrophobic region; (ii) at least one crosslinking region; (iii) at least one tyrosine residue accessible to be enzymatically modified to a DOPA or TOPA side chain; (iv) at least one mussel foot protein; (v) at least one mussel foot protein loop; (vi) at least one human extracellular protein loop; or (vii) at least one of the following sequences: SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, or SEQ ID NO: 6. The elastin-like polypeptide includes at least one non-naturally occurring amino acid or sequence alteration.

Disclosed is a fusion polypeptide for inhibiting neovascularization, including a peptide specifically binding to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors, and a hydrophilic elastin-based polypeptide (hydrophilic EBP) linked to the peptide.

Disclosed is a fusion polypeptide for inhibiting neovascularization, including a peptide specifically binding to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors, and a hydrophilic elastin-based polypeptide (hydrophilic EBP) linked to the peptide.

Provided herein are polypeptides comprising a modified fibronectin type III (Fn3) domain, wherein the amino acid corresponding to residue 58 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is mutated, and wherein the solubility is enhanced relative to the solubility of a Fn3 domain in which the amino acid corresponding to residue 58 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is not mutated. Also provided are libraries comprising a plurality of the polypeptides and a method for identifying a polypeptide that binds to a target.

Provided herein are polypeptides comprising a modified fibronectin type III (Fn3) domain, wherein the amino acid corresponding to residue 58 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is mutated, and wherein the solubility is enhanced relative to the solubility of a Fn3 domain in which the amino acid corresponding to residue 58 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is not mutated. Also provided are libraries comprising a plurality of the polypeptides and a method for identifying a polypeptide that binds to a target.

The present invention relates to biomarkers associated with the clinical response to an FGF-18 compound before or during treatment of a cartilage disorder. The present invention more particularly relates to specific proteins present in the blood, serum, synovial fluid or in the urine, which can be used for the diagnosis and treatment of cartilage disorders. The invention further discloses specific proteins that are related to cartilage response to an FGF-18 compound treatment as well as diagnostic tools and kits based on their expression profile. Thus, the invention can be used in predicting the response to an FGF-18 compound treatment, before starting the treatment with FGF-18 or during the treatment. It could be used for selecting/identifying subjects to be treated by intra-articular administration of an FGF-18 compound. The use of these biomarkers in diagnostics could result in increased benefit and reduced risk in subjects.

Methods for the treatment and prevention of laminopathies and diseases characterised by hyperlipidemia through LING complex inhibition are disclosed. In particular, LING complex disruption by expression of dominant-negative LING complex proteins alleviates pathophysiology in Lmna mutation-associated muscular dystrophy, progeria, and dilated cardiomyopathy. In addition, LING complex disruption by expression of dominant-negative LING complex proteins also alleviates pathophysiology in mouse models of atherosclerosis and familial hypercholesterolemia.

Fusion polypeptides including at least one Fc binding domain linked to at least one integrin binding domain are provided. In some embodiments, the at least one Fc binding domain is one or more Fc binding domains from Protein A, Protein G, or Protein Z and the at least one integrin binding domain comprises one or more fibronectin type III domains (for example repeats 12-14 of fibronectin type III domains and optionally the connecting segment of fibronectin). Protein complexes including the polypeptide and one or more antibodies are also provided. Methods of using the polypeptide and/or polypeptide:antibody complex are provided, including treating a subject with a tumor, inducing an immune response to a tumor, and/or targeting an antibody to a tumor cell.

Fusion polypeptides including at least one Fc binding domain linked to at least one integrin binding domain are provided. In some embodiments, the at least one Fc binding domain is one or more Fc binding domains from Protein A, Protein G, or Protein Z and the at least one integrin binding domain comprises one or more fibronectin type III domains (for example repeats 12-14 of fibronectin type III domains and optionally the connecting segment of fibronectin). Protein complexes including the polypeptide and one or more antibodies are also provided. Methods of using the polypeptide and/or polypeptide:antibody complex are provided, including treating a subject with a tumor, inducing an immune response to a tumor, and/or targeting an antibody to a tumor cell.

Compositions, devices and methods are described for improving adhesion, attachment, and/or differentiation of cells in a microfluidic device or chip. In one embodiment, one or more ECM proteins are covalently coupled to the surface of a microchannel of a microfluidic device. The microfluidic devices can be stored or used immediately for culture and/or support of living cells such as mammalian cells, and/or for simulating a function of a tissue, e.g., a liver tissue, muscle tissue, etc. Extended adhesion and viability with sustained function over time is observed.