Abstract: Novel agents are described that bind to Eph receptors. Methods of using these agents to modulate the activity of Eph receptors, stimulate apoptosis, and deliver therapeutic agents are also described. Methods of screening for agents capable of selectively binding to Eph receptors are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating cancer in a mammal comprising contacting the cancer cells with a compound which is a apogossypol, derivative.

Abstract: Compounds that modulate the function of anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL are identified. These compounds have the ability to convert the activity of Bcl-2-family member proteins from anti-apoptotic to pro-apoptotic. Methods for inducing apoptosis are described, together with methods for identifying molecules that induce apoptosis through interaction with Bcl-2-family members.

Abstract: Metadherin, a protein that controls metastasis, and variants of metadherin are described. DNA sequences encoding the same and methods of production are described. Therapies involving the application of metadherin, binding agents that bind to metadherin, such as antibodies, and expression modulating agents, such as siRNA, are described. The use of metadherin or metadherin variants for delivering desired substances to particular lung tissue is described. A method of diagnosing metastatic cells based on the presence of metadherin is described.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for identifying agents useful for treatment of diseases and pathological conditions affected by Retinoid X Receptor apoptosis. The invention also relates to methods for treating diseases and pathological conditions affected by RXR apoptosis. The invention includes compositions that are useful in the study and treatment of diseases and pathological conditions affected by RXR apoptosis.

Abstract: The finding that Dickkopf1 (Dkk1) is a dual function protein demonstrates a mechanism for the coordination of cell migration and antagonism of Wnt/?-catenin signaling during developmental and pathological processes. The profile of Dkk proteins expressed by human breast cancers correlates with indicators of outcome: Dkk1 associates with markers of poor prognosis whereas expression of single function Dkk2 or Dkk3 (which inhibit Wnt/?-catenin signaling and promote migration, respectively) correlates with phenotypes reflective of good prognosis. Therefore, the pro-migratory activities of Dkk1 and 3 identified here offer new insights into breast cancer progression and a potential avenue for therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: A hybrid annotation and publication system can access content in a scalable manner from databases, allowing for its editing and publication via wiki-style programs, while at the same time allowing for peer-review of such content via peer-review programs. This system balances the wiki-style programs, the peer-review programs, and any database store accesses in a manner appropriate to the need at hand according to various heuristics. For instance, the system can be accessed via a web browser, and data provided from various databases can be edited. Such data can be stored in the system in a hierarchical manner. Once the content is annotated, it can be reviewed (at various levels, ranging from expert to novice). Upon review, such content can be published using the wiki programs, so that the content is ready for public and/or private consumption.

Abstract: Neurite outgrowth-promoting prostaglandins (NEPPs) and other electrophilic compounds bind to Keap1, a negative regulator of the transcription factor Nrf2, and prevent Keap1-mediated inactivation of Nrf2 and, thus, enhance Nrf2 translocation into the nucleus of neuronal cells. Therefore, neuroprotective compositions and related methods are provided that employ such neuroprotective compounds, and prodrugs of such compounds, to cause dissociation of Nrf2 from a Keap1/Nrf2 complex.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions of nanoparticles. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles are Janus particles, where each particle includes a first component and second component that are exposed to the surface of the particle. Also, disclosed are methods and systems for making a composition of nanoparticles. Finally, a method of treating a mammal by administering a composition of nanoparticles is disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for screening for compounds that modulate insulin promoter activity. Vectors that express green fluorescent protein under the control of the human insulin promoter are introduced into mouse and human cells in which the insulin promoter is expressed in a glucose-responsive manner. Such cells are then used to screen for compounds that modulate insulin promoter activity.

Abstract: The finding that Dickkopf1 (Dkk1) is a dual function protein demonstrates a mechanism for the coordination of cell migration and antagonism of Wnt/?-catenin signaling during developmental and pathological processes. The profile of Dkk proteins expressed by human breast cancers correlates with indicators of outcome: Dkk1 associates with markers of poor prognosis whereas expression of single function Dkk2 or Dkk3 (which inhibit Wnt/?-catenin signaling and promote migration, respectively) correlates with phenotypes reflective of good prognosis. Therefore, the pro-migratory activities of Dkk1 and 3 identified here offer new insights into breast cancer progression and a potential avenue for therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating cancer in a mammal comprising contacting the cancer cells with a compound which is a apogossypol, derivative.

Abstract: The present invention provides NB-ARC and CARD-containing proteins (NACs), nucleic acid molecules encoding NACs and antibodies specific for at least one NAC. The invention further provides chimeric NAC proteins. The invention also provides screening assays for identifying an agent that can effectively alter the association of a NAC with a NAC-associated protein. The invention further provides methods of modulating apoptosis in a cell by introducing into the cell a nucleic acid molecule encoding a NAC or an antisense nucleotide sequence. The invention also provides a method of using a reagent that can specifically bind to a NAC to diagnose a pathology that is characterized by an increased or decreased level of apoptosis in a cell.

Abstract: The present invention features methods of treating a cancer in a subject by administering an effective amount of a beta-lactone to the subject. The invention also features methods of inhibiting angiogenesis in a subject by administering an effective amount of an inhibitor of fatty acid synthase to the subject. These methods can be used to treat a variety of cancers and other diseases and conditions. The invention also features methods of identifying beta-lactones and other compounds that can be used in the methods of the invention for the treatment of tumors, inhibition of angiogenesis, and the treatment of diseases and conditions that involve pathological angiogenesis. The invention also features methods of synthesizing beta-lactones and features novel beta-lactone compounds.

Abstract: The present invention describes an improved method for screening compounds for activity in inhibiting the enzymatic activity of Akt1 protein kinase, also known as Protein Kinase B, an enzyme that is believed to play a key role in the inhibition of apoptosis and thus in the etiology of cancer and other conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: Compounds that modulate the function of anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2 and related Bcl-2 family members are identified. These compounds have the ability to convert the activity of Bcl-2-family member proteins from anti-apoptotic to pro-apoptotic. Methods for inducing or preventing apoptosis are described, together with methods for identifying molecules that induce or prevent apoptosis through interaction with Bcl-2-family members. Methods for treatment of proliferative diseases and neurodegenerative diseases using the modulators of Bcl-2 and related family members are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various phenylamine derivatives are described as well as the use of compounds to inhibit BID protein for controlling apoptotic cascade.

Abstract: The present invention features methods of treating a cancer in a subject by administering an effective amount of a beta-lactone to the subject. The invention also features methods of inhibiting angiogenesis in a subject by administering an effective amount of an inhibitor of fatty acid synthase to the subject. These methods can be used to treat a variety of cancers and other diseases and conditions. The invention also features methods of identifying beta-lactones and other compounds that can be used in the methods of the invention for the treatment of tumors, inhibition of angiogenesis, and the treatment of diseases and conditions that involve pathological angiogenesis. The invention also features methods of synthesizing beta-lactones and features novel beta-lactone compounds.

Abstract: Methods of detecting interactions of a putative ligand with a selectively labeled target molecule, methods of screening for compounds which bind to a selectively labeled target molecule, methods for calculating the dissociation constant of a ligand that binds to a selectively labeled target molecule, and methods to determine the specific amino acids of a target molecule affected by the binding of a ligand, as well as compounds identified by these screening methods, are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and kits for use in diagnosing genetically transmitted diseases that are associated with deficiencies in glycosylation of glycoconjugates such as glycoproteins, glycolipids, and proteoglycans. The methods and kits are also useful for monitoring the course of treatment of diseases that are associated with glycosylation disorders.