The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.

Biogen, Incorporated

Stuart E Lind

Thomas P Stossel

Paul A Janmey

Jennifer A Lamb

The present invention relates to therapeutic methods wherein an actin-binding protein, preferably gelsolin or DBP, is administered to a patient with actin-containing clots in order to remove actin from the clots. The invention also relates to diagnostic methods in which actin is removed from an actin-containing clot in vitro and quantitated.

Effects of actin filaments of fibrin clot structure and lysis

The invention is generally directed to methods of promoting normal respiratory tract airflow in subjects with restricted airflow and ciliary clearance caused by the presence of pathological airway contents, and particularly mucoid contents. Actin-binding proteins are administered into the respiratory tract of a subject with a pathological respiratory condition involving the presence of such contents. The actin-binding protein binds to actin polymers in the contents and decreases the viscosity. The actin binding proteins also prevent actin from binding to exogenous or endogenous DNase, thus increasing the degradation of DNA polymers in the contents.

Method for reducing the viscosity of purulent airway contents in the

A method for decreasing the concentration of free actin in the plasma of an animal is described which comprises the administration of native and modified actin-binding proteins, and especially the administration of native and modified actin-binding regions of gelsolin. Diagnostic methods for identifying animals in need of such treatment are also described.

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Belmont, MA, United States of America

Stuart E Lind