Abstract: The invention includes diagnostic, predictive, prognostic and monitoring methods and reagents for loss of renal function, e.g., diabetic nephropathy and end stage renal disease (ESRD).

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions for the treatment and monitoring the progress of autoimmune diseases. In some embodiments, the methods include the stimulation of regulatory T cells specific to autoantigens associated with the autoimmune disease. A specific embodiment relates to diabetes mellitus, and the prevention or delay of loss of residual ?-cell mass, providing a longer remission period and delaying the onset of diabetes related, progressive, complications through immunotherapeutic induction of regulatory T cells specific for human insulin B chain. In addition, the methods described herein can be used to predict whether a subject, e.g., a subject with ongoing anti-insulin autoimmunity, will progress to T1DM, and to evaluate a subject's response to a therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: The invention features diagnostic methods for metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes and obesity), methods for screening for compounds useful in the treatment of metabolic disorders, and methods for treatment of metabolic disorders that involve sirtuin2.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated mMafA polypeptides, nucleic acids, vectors and host cells containing them, which encode a novel insulin related transcription factor. Diagnostic methods, methods of selecting and differentiating insulin-producing cells, and methods of treatment utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of modulating pancreatic function by modulating MCH signaling in a ? cell.

Abstract: Featured are methods of modulating angiogenesis, e.g., by modulating PKC delta. The methods are useful in the treatment of disorders characterized by aberrant and/or increased blood vessel formation and/or increased permeability. The methods are also useful for treatment a disorder characterized by abnormal, inadequate or unstable blood vessel formation or increased permeability. Also featured are diagnostic and screening methods.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of screening for compounds that decrease ARNT2 expression, levels or activity, for the treatment and prevention of diabetes-related disorders, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction; compounds identified by said screening methods; and methods of using said compounds. Also included are methods for using information regarding the expression, level or activity of ARNT in predictive medicine, e.g., diagnostic assays, prognostic assays, monitoring clinical trials, and pharmacogenetics.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated mMafA polypeptides, nucleic acids, vectors and host cells containing them, which encode a novel insulin related transcription factor. Diagnostic methods, methods of selecting and differentiating insulin-producing cells, and methods of treatment utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A retinal imaging system includes a light source and optics which receive light from the light source and which transmit the light to produce a beam that is substantially convergent. The beam penetrates a lens of an eye and diverges following penetration of the lens to illuminate an area of a retina of the eye. An imaging device receives a reflection of light from the retina.

Abstract: Methods of modulating pancreatic function by modulating MCH signaling in a ? cell.

Abstract: The invention features methods of modulating fibrosis and/or angiogenesis by inhibiting components of the VEGF signaling pathway. The methods are useful in the treatment of fibrotic and or angiogenesis related disorders.

Abstract: Methods of modulating pancreatic function by modulating MCH signaling in a ? cell.

Abstract: The invention is directed to immunologically privileged cells, e.g., autologous, allogeneic, and xenogeneic intermediate lobe pituitary cells, for delivering polypeptides, e.g., insulin, to a subject, and to methods of using the same.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating obesity and related disorders. The methods include the use of BMP-2, -4, -6 and -7.

Abstract: A 69 kD protein, designated PM-1, is expressed in human pancreatic islet cells and a human insulinoma. The amino acid sequence of the protein has been determined. Autoantibodies to the PM-1 protein have been found in sera of prediabetic patients. Natural, synthetic or recombinant forms of the PM-1 protein can be used in immunochemical assays to detect anti-PM-1-autoantibodies and to identify patients at risk of developing diabetes.

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions for modulating weight or fat content in a subject. The method includes modulating insulin receptor signaling in an adipocyte tissue of the subject, wherein insulin receptor signaling is preferably not substantially modulated in a non-adipocyte tissue of the subject.

Abstract: The invention features methods of making and using subpopulations or subtypes of adipose cells based on their differential regulation of gene expression, size or function in response to modulation of insulin signaling.

Abstract: MCH and anlogs thereof in the regulation of eating and weight.

Abstract: The invention features methods of promoting dedifferentiation of pancreatic cells, methods of obtaining pancreatic islet cells from the dedifferentiated pancreatic cells, and methods of treating a subject having a disorder characterized by insufficient pancreatic islet function by administering pancreatic islet cells obtained by these methods.

Abstract: The invention features a method for evaluating PKC activity in vascular tissues. The invention also features methods for diagnosing cardiovascular and diabetes related disorders, and for identifying and evaluating treatments for cardiovascular or diabetes related disorders. Methods for identifying and evaluating treatments for aging are also included. The methods include measuring PKC activity in monocytes as a surrogate for PKC activity in other tissues.