Georgia Tech Research Corporation

University of Virginia Patent Foundation

North Carolina State University

John Nicosia

Ashley Carson Brown

Louis Andrew Lyon

Thomas Harrison Barker

Nicole Welsch

Leandro Moretti

Sarah E Stabenfeldt

Lizhi Cao

Thomas H Barker

Provided are antibodies that include amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 4, and 6-12, or amino acid sequences that are about 95% identical thereto, and fragments thereof. Also provided are scFv peptides that include a Vsegment having a first amino acid sequence of amino acids 4-113 of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 8-12, a Vsegment having a second amino acid sequence having amino acids 113-237 of SEQ ID NOs. 2 and 8-12, or both; nucleic acids encoding the same; methods for using the same to detect and/or target conformational states of FN in samples; methods for treating diseases and/or disorders and/or for meliorating at least one symptom of consequence of a disease or disorder associated with abnormal expression of a force-induced conformational state of FN in subjects; and methods for screening for compounds having selective binding activities for conformational states of FN.

Compositions and methods for detecting and regulating fibronectin-integrin interaction and signaling

Ultra-low crosslinked microgels made of an ultra-low crosslinked polymer are provided. The microgels, also referred to as Platelet-like Particles (PLPs), preferably have &#x3c;0.5% crosslinking densities. One or more of the polymers are conjugated with a fibrin-binding element or moiety, preferably H6, in an amount effective to confer to the microgel selective binding to fibrin under physiological conditions. The PLPs can recapitulate multiple key functions of platelets including binding, stabilizing and enhancing fibrin clot formation, responsiveness to injury cues, and induction of clot contraction. In a preferred embodiment, the microgel or PLP has little or no binding to soluble fibrinogen under physiological conditions compared to its binding to fibrin. The microgels or PLPs are prepared using crosslinker-free synthesis conditions, and can promote or induce clotting and clot contraction.

Functionalized microgels with fibrin binding elements

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Atlanta, GA, United States of America

John Nicosia