Abstract: Encompassed are pharmaceutically acceptable compositions formulated for the topical or transdermal delivery of probes specific for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) of human and non-human subjects. In particular, an activatable probe comprises a fluorescent moiety comprising a fluorophore attached to a compound having selective affinity for COX-2, and a removable fluorescence quencher linked to the fluorescent moiety by a cleavable linker. Upon delivery to a recipient subject, the activatable probe is localized and concentrated in tissues and cells with elevated levels of COX-2. The linker is cleaved to release the fluorescence quencher.

Abstract: There is a need for a broadly applicable, strain non-specific, bioluminescent imaging tool that will enable researchers to study a ?-cell mass in the context of development, disease or transplantation. The disclosure, therefore, encompasses embodiments of a method of identifying a non-diabetic pancreatic ?-cell, the method comprising the steps of: delivering to a pancreatic ?-cell a composition comprising a coelenterazine; allowing the ?-cell to generate a coelenterazine-dependent bioluminescent signal; and identifying the cell as a non-diabetic pancreatic ?-cell by detecting the emitted coelenterazine-dependent bioluminescent signal.

Abstract: Encompassed are pharmaceutically acceptable compositions formulated for the topical or transdermal delivery of probes specific for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) of human and non-human subjects. In particular, an activatable probe comprises a fluorescent moiety comprising a fluorophore attached to a compound having selective affinity for COX-2, and a removable fluorescence quencher linked to the fluorescent moiety by a cleavable linker. Upon delivery to a recipient subject, the activatable probe is localized and concentrated in tissues and cells with elevated levels of COX-2. The linker is cleaved to release the fluorescence quencher.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for preparing nanosized biologically active agents, including agents formulated for target specific drug delivery. The nanosized agents are prepared with supercritical carbon dioxide as an antisolvent, providing nanoparticles whose size, shape, and surroundings are well-controlled. The nanoparticles are made of small molecules, e.g. drugs, anti-oxidants, luciferin, polypeptides, e.g. oligopeptides; polynucleotides, e.g. siRNA, antisense oligonucleotides, etc. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles comprise a polymer coating, which can provide for controlled delivery, targeting, controlled release, and the like. In other embodiments, the nanoparticles comprise a target specific tag for targeting the nanoparticles to a site of interest, e.g. tissue, cell, etc.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment of cancer. An immune effector cell population is pre-infected with an oncolytic virus. The combined therapeutic is safe and highly effective, producing an enhanced anti-tumor effect compared to either therapy alone. The methods of the invention thus provide for a synergistic effect based on the combined biotherapeutics.

Abstract: Provided are luciferyl peptide substrates that are produced by attaching specifically prepared peptide conjugates to luciferin, and/or its analogs and derivatives. The luciferyl peptide substrates are incapable of penetrating cell membranes and tissue barriers. Cleavage of the peptide conjugates from the luciferyl peptide substrates releases the luciferin, which upon contact with luciferase emits photons for easy detection. The luciferyl peptide substrates may be used in assays to detect pathogens, test protease inhibitors, probe cell physiology, assess protease activity in oncogenesis, and improve specific and regulated drug delivery.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting and localizing light originating from a mammal are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for targeting light emission to selected regions, as well as for tracking entities within the mammal. In addition, animal models for disease states are disclosed, as are methods for localizing and tracking the progression of disease or a pathogen within the animal, and for screening putative therapeutic compounds effective to inhibit the disease or pathogen.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting and localizing light originating from a mammal are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for targeting light emission to selected regions, as well as for tracking entities within the mammal. In addition, animal models for disease states are disclosed, as are methods for localizing and tracking the progression of disease or a pathogen within the animal, and for screening putative therapeutic compounds effective to inhibit the disease or pathogen.

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions and polypeptides encoding a red-shifted form of firefly luciferase are provided. These red-shifted luciferases are characterized by spectrum of light emission having detectable emissions at 610 nm (luc610), preferably a primary peak at 610 nm. The nucleic acid compositions find use in various systems as a reporter gene, and are of particular interest for use as a reporter with in vivo systems, because of the efficient transfer of red light through tissues. The red-shifted luciferase may be combined in such assays with luciferases emitting at other spectra, in order to monitor multiple processes simultaneously.