Abstract:
A multifunctional dendrimer nanoparticle and method of treating diseases of the posterior segment of the eye is presented. The functionalized polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer effectively delivers drugs and/or genes to the posterior eye, thereby providing for the effective, non-invasive, and topical treatment of diseased in the posterior eye. The multifunctional dendrimer nanoparticle has shRNA-encoding DNA and small molecule drug encapsulated cyclodextrin complexed to the outer surface of the dendrimer for delivery to the posterior segment of the eye.
Abstract:
The invention pertains to biomarkers for clinical detection of malignancies, especially for early detection of cancers. More specifically, this invention pertains to the role of Natriuretic Peptide Receptor A (NPRA) in cancer (e.g., tumor) progression. Thus, the invention includes materials and methods for the detection and prognosis of malignancies. The invention also pertains to methods for treating malignancies.
Abstract:
The present invention concerns a method for treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a human or non-human animal subject, comprising administering stem or progenitor cells to the subject, such as mesenchymal stromal cells; and administering one or more PPARγ agonists, such as pioglitazone (PG), to the subject before, during, and/or after administration of the stem or progenitor cells. Another aspect of the invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition useful for treating TBI, the composition comprising stem cells or progenitor cells, such as mesenchymal stromal cells, and one or more PPARγ agonists, such as PG.
Abstract:
The compositions and methods of the disclosure particularly target the divalent metal transporter expressed on olfactory nerve terminals to transport divalent cation-coated or cation-containing nanoparticles to all regions of brain. It has been found that such divalent cation-containing nanoparticles, including those nanoparticles comprising manganese have affinity for the metal transport receptor proteins. Although this receptor has particular affinity for manganese, it is contemplated that other divalent ions, including magnesium, calcium, and the like may also be bound to such receptors leading to transport of the nanoparticles into the intracellular cytoplasm. Nanoparticles have been developed, therefore, as vehicles for parenteral delivery of genes, proteins and drugs. The present disclosure encompasses embodiments of nanoparticle-based compositions and methods for the use thereof for the delivery of genes, oligonucleotides, including but not limited to small interfering RNA, and other small molecule drugs, into the brain by nasal insufflation.
Abstract:
The present invention concerns molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) having an affinity for natriuretic peptides, such as atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). In some embodiments, the MIP is a nanoparticle (a molecularly imprinted polymeric nanoparticle (MIPNP)). Other aspects of the invention include methods of preparing an MIP having affinity for a natriuretic peptide, methods for binding a natriuretic peptide in vitro or in vivo using an MIP of the invention, methods for interfering with the binding of a natriuretic peptide with its receptor in vivo, methods for reducing inflammation, cell growth, cell differentiation, or a cell proliferation disorder, methods for detecting natriuretic peptides, and devices and kits for sequestering and/or detecting natriuretic peptides.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are theranostic nanoparticles configured for simultaneous delivery of a diagnostic moiety, drug moiety, and a gene therapy moiety. In one embodiment, the theranostic nanoparticles contain a super paramagnetic iron oxide chemotherapeutic loaded on a chitosan functionalized 2D graphene sheet with a gene therapy moiety attached to the surface of the chitosan functionalized 2D graphene sheet. Also disclosed are methods for making and administering theranositic nanoparticles configured for simultaneous delivery of a diagnostic moiety, drug moiety, and a gene therapy moiety.
Abstract:
Provided are methods and compositions for modulating the differentiation of a myeloid derived suppressor cell (MDSC). In particular, described herein are miR-142 polynucleotides and miR-223 polynucleotides that can be used to modulate differentiation of MDSCs. Increased differentiation of a MDSC population, or cells within an MDSC population, can be achieved by increasing the miR-142 and/or miR-223 polynucleotides in a MDSC.
Abstract:
Provided herein is a hydrogel composition comprising a graphene, a chitosan, and a polyethylene (glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) (PCG hydrogel). In some embodiments, the hydrogel further comprises a N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) (TPCG hydrogel). Also provided is a method for differentiating a mesenchymal stem cell comprising contacting the cell with the PCG hydrogel. Further provided herein is a method for delivering a pharmaceutical composition to a cell comprising administering to the cell a TPCG hydrogel and the pharmaceutical composition.
Abstract:
A treatment for prostate cancer using cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs) and a method of determining patient sensitivity to such CKIs is provided. The effects of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors on the survival of prostate cancer cells was examined. Roscovitine, R-roscovitine, and CGP74514A were shown to induce the apoptosis of LNCaP and LNCaP-Rf cells, both of which express wild-type p53. The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors of the present invention induce the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis of prostate cancer cells by a dual mechanism: p53 accumulation and XIAP depletion.
Abstract:
Provided herein are compositions comprising a micelle having a hydrophobic superparmagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION) core, a first coating comprising a cationic polymer, and a second coating comprising a polynucleotide. Also provided are methods of using the compositions for transfection and/or transformation of a cell with the polynucleotide. Further provided are methods of detecting transfection of a cell with the polynucleotide.