Abstract: The present invention concerns the application of lipidomics to statin treatment for disorders such as cardiovascular disorders. Hence, the invention provides, among other things, a method of correlating a lipid profile with a positive or negative response to a statin treatment regimen by obtaining a lipid profile of a sample from a mammalian subject following commencement of the treatment regimen; and correlating the lipid profile in the sample with a positive or negative response to the treatment regimen. The invention further provides a method of correlating a lipid profile with a positive or negative response to a statin treatment regimen by obtaining a lipid profile of a sample from a mammalian subject before commencement of the treatment regimen; and correlating the lipid profile in the sample with a positive or negative response to the treatment regimen.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing individual cell composition in a heterogeneous cell population may include, in one embodiment, a deposition plate having an array of microwells disposed therein, and a cover plate substantially overlying the deposition plate. A pair of electrodes may be associated with one or more of the microwells, and may be configured to generate an electric field within the associated microwell.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating immune function are provided based on the unexpected discovery that inhibition of sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase (SPL) activity confers useful immunosuppressive effects, for example to modulate immune function in treatment or prevention of inflammation, transplant graft rejection, autoimmune disease, allergy, or other conditions, including therapeutic alteration of immune system cell survival and/or proliferation. Altering SPL activity by direct or indirect pharmacological intervention, or alternatively by molecular genetic methods to alter SPL expression levels, are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of their production and use, including use in increasing de-N-acetyl sialic acid antigen of a mammalian cell and methods that exploit the increase in deNAc sialic acid antigen on such cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for assessing a subject's responsiveness to a HMGCR inhibitor therapy, and selection of a HMGCR inhibitor therapy based upon such methods. The invention further provides methods for identifying agents that modulate HMGCR activity, e.g., through modulating HMGCR mRNA splicing, while avoiding elevation of the statin-resistant isoform of HMGCR.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for delivery of nucleic acids to individuals and to cells, including nucleic acid delivery particles that comprising a lipid-binding polypeptide, a lipid bilayer comprising one or more cationic lipids, and a nucleic acid.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and kits for diagnosing and treating cancer are provided. Therapeutic compositions may comprise agents that modulate the expression or activity of a sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase (SPL). Such compositions may be administered to a mammal afflicted with cancer. Diagnostic methods and kits may employ an agent suitable for detecting alterations in endogenous SPL. Such methods and kits may be used to detect the presence of a cancer or to evaluate the prognosis of a known disease. SPL polypeptides, polynucleotides and antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: Anti-inflammatory compositions include medicaments comprising predetermined amounts of a phytyl substituted chromanol and a prostaglandin E2 inhibitor, wherein: said medicament is in unit dosage form suitable for pharmaceutical administration; said phytyl substituted chromanol is a gamma-tocopherol, delta-tocopherol, gamma-tocotrienol or delta-tocotrienol; said PGE2 inhibitor is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or an omega-3 fatty acid, such as docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to methods and compositions for immunizing against infection by Chlamydia trachomatis. The methods and compositions rely, in part, on administering an immunogenic composition comprising one or more peptides derived from C. trachomatis major outer membrane protein (MOMP) to a subject to be immunized. In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a chimeric immunogen comprising a receptor binding domain, a translocation domain, and a Chlamydia trachomatis antigen. Polynucleotides encoding the chimeric immunogens, expression vectors comprising the polynucleotides, and kits comprising the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The invention features compositions relating to antibodies that specifically bind to the protective antigen of Bacillus anthracis, fragments thereof, and nucleic acids encoding same. The invention further features methods of using such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to unsaturated sphingosine compounds which are useful as therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer and for the treatment of other diseases including diabetes and infection with intracellular bacteria. This invention is also directed to methods of using the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds in treating these diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) gene cluster genotyping using the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometer. In general, the methods involve amplifying a plurality of target sequences of a plurality of KIR genes, and detecting the presence or absence of a plurality of single SNPs of the plurality of KIR genes by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The invention also features compositions, including arrays of capture primers and optionally extension primers on a substrate surface, and kits, for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Metal binding polycarboxylated porphyrins, their precursors, or cofactors in the porphyrin biosynthetic pathway, are administered to individuals determined to be subject to or predisposed to a polycarboxylated porphyrin-binding metal toxicity to increase the level of the metal-binding polycarboxylated porphyrin in the individual.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of enhancing the rate of iron release from ferritin. By increasing the amount of iron available for chelation, the invention also provides methods of treating conditions associated with iron overload. The invention also provides in one embodiment agents which are useful for treating iron overload.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for delivery of a bioactive agent to an individual. Delivery vehicles are provided that include a bioactive agent in disc shaped particles that include one or more lipid binding polypeptides circumscribing the perimeter of a lipid bilayer in which the bioactive agent is localized. Chimeric lipid binding polypeptides are also provided and may be used to add additional functional properties to the delivery particles.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for delivery of a bioactive agent to an individual. Delivery vehicles are provided that include a bioactive agent in disc shaped particles that include one or more lipid binding polypeptides circumscribing the perimeter of a lipid bilayer in which the bioactive agent is localized. Chimeric lipid binding polypeptides are also provided and may be used to add additional functional properties to the delivery particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for detecting a predisposition to an inflammation-mediated cardiovascular disease in a human subject by detecting a level of leukotriene C4 synthase (LTC4S) gene product in a sample from a human subject indicative of a predisposition to an inflammation-mediated cardiovascular disease or detecting the presence or absence of an allele of LTC4S indicative of a predisposition to an inflammation-mediated cardiovascular disease. In addition, the present invention also provides kits for practicing the methods.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for therapy of cystic fibrosis, asthma, and other conditions characterized by defective chloride transport are provided. The compositions comprise one or more compounds such as flavones and/or isoflavones, ascorbate and/or derivatives thereof capable of stimulating chloride transport in epithelial tissues. Therapeutic methods involve the administration (e.g., orally or via inhalation) of such compositions to a patient afflicted with cystic fibrosis, asthma, and/or another condition responsive to stimulation of chloride transport.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and kits for diagnosing and treating cancer and muscular disorders are provided. Therapeutic compositions may comprise agents that modulate sphingolipid metabolism and/or signaling pathways. Such compositions may be administered to a mammal afflicted with cancer. Diagnostic methods and kits may employ an agent suitable for detecting alterations in endogenous genes involved in sphingolipid metabolism. Such methods and kits may be used to detect the presence of a cancer or to evaluate the prognosis of a known disease. SPL polypeptides, polynucleotides and antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synthetic LDL nanoparticle comprising a lipid moiety and a synthetic chimeric peptide so s to be capable of binding the LDL receptor. The synthetic LDL nanoparticle of the present invention is capable of c incorporating and targeting therapeutics for diseases associated with the expression of the LDL receptor. The invention further provides methods of using such synthetic LDL nanoparticles.