Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid aptamer molecule that includes a domain that binds to an estrogen receptor, molecular complexes that include the nucleic acid aptamer molecule and an estrogen receptor, and constructed DMA molecules and expression systems, as well as host cells, that the contain an RNA aptamer molecule of the invention. Use of these aptamers and encoding constructs to inhibiting estrogen receptor activity in a cell and to treat estrogen receptor-positive cancers is also described.

Abstract: Receptor protein kinases (RPTKs) transmit extracellular signals across the plasma membrane to cytosolic proteins, stimulating formation of complexes that regulate key cellular functions. Over half of the known tyrosine kinases are implicated in human cancers and are therefore highly promising drug targets. A large-scale loss-of-function analysis of tyrosine kinases using RNA interference in the clinically relevant Erb-B2 positive, BT474 breast cancer cell line showed that Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), a cytosolic, non-receptor tyrosine kinase that has been extensively studied for its role in B cell development, is required, in altered form, for BT474 breast cancer survival. This alternative form contains an amino-terminal extension that is also present in tumorigenic breast cells at significantly higher levels than in normal breast cells.

Abstract: Receptor protein tyrosine kinases (RPTKs) transmit extracellular signals across the plasma membrane to cytosolic proteins, stimulating formation of complexes that regulate key cellular functions. Over half of the known tyrosine kinases are implicated in human cancers and are therefore highly promising drug targets. A large-scale loss-of-function analysis of the tyrosine kinases using RNA interference in the clinically relevant Erb-B2 positive, BT474 breast cancer cell line showed that Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), a cytosolic, non-receptor tyrosine kinase that has been extensively studied for its role in B cell development, is required, in altered form, for BT474 breast cancer cell survival. This alternative form contains an amino-terminal extension that is also present in tumorigenic breast cells at significantly higher levels than in normal breast cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to nucleic acid aptamers that recognize and bind the complement protein C3 or its biologically active proteolytic products and methods of their use. Particularly preferred are bi-functional aptamer construct that binding specifically with C3b or iC3b, and another target protein. Use of these molecular constructs for commandeering the opsonization process is also described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying types of body fluids in a sample. This method involves providing a sample potentially containing one or more types of body fluids. The sample is subjected to Raman spectroscopy to produce a Raman spectroscopic signature for the sample. The Raman spectroscopy signature is identified to ascertain the types of body fluids in the sample. A method of establishing a reference Raman spectroscopic signature for specific types of body fluids is also disclosed as is a library of such reference signatures is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inhibiting angiogenesis with sulfur- or selenium-containing compounds, and polymeric forms thereof, in mammals including animals and humans. Sulfur- or selenium-containing compounds, and polymeric forms thereof, can be used alone or in combination with standard therapies to inhibit angiogenesis-mediated disorders. The present invention also relates to the combined use of sulfur- or selenium-containing compounds, and polymeric forms thereof, with other anti-angiogenesis agents, with various anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic agents as well as with radio-therapeutic agents in cancer, and with laser, photodynamic therapy for ocular-related disorders such as diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration.