Abstract:
Active agents and compositions that promote vascular barrier function are described herein. The compositions described herein include at least one active agent capable of promoting vascular barrier function, and in one such embodiment, the compositions described herein include an active agent that promotes the barrier function of vascular endothelium. Compositions described herein include active agents that inhibits vascular permeability associated with pulmonary inflammation, including vascular permeability associated with conditions leading to or resulting from acute pulmonary inflammation and chronic pulmonary inflammation.
Abstract:
Methods and compositions for manipulating the directed navigation of physiological tracking tubular structures are provided. A novel cell-bound receptor, roundabout-4 (Robo-4), is described. The Robo-4 receptor shows sequence and structural similarity to members of the roundabout family of receptors. Also, the Robo-4 receptor binds Slit ligand, a known receptor of the roundabout receptors. Polynucleotides and polypeptides of the Robo-4 receptor are described.
Abstract:
Active agents, compositions, and methods for inhibiting and reversing platelet function are provided. In particular, the active agents inhibit or reverse platelet function. In particular, the methods described include administration of a Sema3E polypeptide. Further, methods of treating pathologic conditions associated with platelet function (i.e., platelet activation) and methods of screening active agent candidates are also provided.
Abstract:
Methods are disclosed for treating and preventing vascular instability diseases, such as cerebral cavernous malformation, by the administration of tempol, cholecalciferol, derivatives thereof, pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, or combinations thereof. Methods are disclosed for reducing the number of cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) lesions in a patient having, or at risk of developing, at least one CCM lesion. Methods are disclosed for reducing the growth rate of the number of cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) lesions in a patient having, or at risk of developing, at least one CCM lesion. Method are disclosed for preventing or treating a sign or symptom of cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) in a patient with at least one CCM lesion. Methods are disclosed for decreasing cerebrovascular inflammation, reducing cerebrovascular permeability, or both, in a patient having, or at risk of developing, a cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) lesion. Methods are disclosed for improving cerebrovascular health in a patient having, or at risk of developing, a cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) lesion.
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating proliferation, differentiation, migration, and adhesion of cardiovascular cell types.
Abstract:
The present invention provides screening methods that use organisms or cells that lack function in one or both elastin genes. These methods are useful in identifying drugs for the prevention and treatment of obstructive vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, vascular restenosis and transplant arteriopathy. Further, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions containing elastin-based compositions that are particularly potent regulators of proliferation, differentiation, and migration of smooth muscle cells in vitro and in vivo. These pharmaceutical compositions and related methods are useful in the prevention and treatment of disorders characterized by diminished capacity to regulate smooth muscle cell function.
Abstract:
Active agents and compositions that promote barrier function or that inhibit permeability of the vascular endothelium associated with pulmonary inflammation are described.
Abstract:
Methods and compositions for manipulating the directed navigation of physiological tracking tubular structures are provided. A novel cell-bound receptor, roundabout-4 (Robo-4), is described. The Robo-4 receptor shows sequence and structural similarity to members of the roundabout family of receptors. Also, the Robo-4 receptor binds Slit ligand, a known receptor of the roundabout receptors. Polynucleotides and polypeptides of the Robo-4 receptor are described.
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods and compositions for promoting elastin signaling in smooth muscle cells including vascular smooth muscle cell. The present invention further provides methods of identifying additional agents that promote elastin signaling.