Abstract: The present invention relates to steroid-derived cyclopamine analogs and methods for using the same for inhibiting sonic hedgehog signaling and preventing or treating cancer. A method for synthesizing the analogs of the present invention from a steroid is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention embraces compounds selected for interacting with the Fingers-Palm pocket of telomerase and use thereof for modulating the activity of telomerase and preventing or treating diseases or conditions associated with telomerase.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for diagnosing lung cancer in a mammalian subject by use of three or more selected genes, e.g., a gene expression profile, from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of the subject which is characteristic of disease, a stage of the disease, or enables prognosis of recurrence of disease. The gene expression profile includes three or more genes of Table I, Table II, Table III, Table IV, Table V, Table VI or Table VII herein. Detection of changes in expression in the selected genes forming the gene expression profile from that of a reference gene expression profile are correlated with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). One composition for use in such diagnosis includes three or more PCR primer-probe sets, wherein each primer-probe set amplifies a different polynucleotide sequence from the gene expression profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying compounds that modulate the activity of p300/CBP. Compounds of the invention are identified by designing or screening for a compound which binds to at least one amino acid residue of the newly identified lysine-CoA inhibitor binding site, L1 loop, electronegative pocket, or electronegative groove of the HAT domain of p300/CBP and testing the compound for its ability to modulate the activity of p300/CBP. Compositions and methods for preventing or treating diseases or disorders associated with p300/CBP are also provided as is a method for producing a semi-synthetic HAT domain.

Abstract: The present invention embraces compounds selected for interacting with the T-pocket of telomerase and use thereof for modulating the activity of telomerase and preventing or treating diseases or conditions associated with telomerase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying compounds that modulate the activity of telomerase. Compounds of the invention are identified by designing or screening for a compound which binds to at least one amino acid residue of the TRBD, “thumb,” “finger,” and/or “palm” domain of telomerase and testing the compound for its ability to modulate the activity of telomerase.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for identifying agents which modulate microRNA activity. The invention involves contacting a cell harboring a microRNA and a microRNA binding sequence, which is operably linked to a nucleic acid molecule encoding a reporter protein, with a test agent increases or decreases the expression of the reporter protein thereby identifying a microRNA modulator. Antagonists identified by this screening assay are provided, as are methods for using the same to inhibit microRNA activity and prevent or treat disease.

Abstract: The present invention embraces methods for identifying compounds that modulate the activity of telomerase. Compounds of the invention are identified by designing or screening for a compound which binds to at least one amino acid residue of the TRBD, “thumb,” “finger,” and/or “palm” domain; or FP-pocket, PT-pocket or Th-pocket of telomerase and testing the compound for its ability to modulate the activity of telomerase. Compounds selected for interacting with the T-pocket or Fingers-Palm pocket of telomerase are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of introducing genetic material into cells of an individual and compositions and kits for practicing the same are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of contacting cells of an individual with a polynucleotide function enhancer and administering to the cells, a nucleic acid molecule that is free of retroviral particles. The nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein that comprises at least one epitope that is identical or substantially similar to an epitope of a pathogen antigen or an antigen associated with a hyperproliferative or autoimmune disease, a protein otherwise missing from the individual due to a missing, non-functional or partially functioning gene, or a protein that produces a therapeutic effect on an individual. Methods of prophylactically and therapeutically immunizing an individual against HIV am disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits for practicing methods of the present invention are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for diagnosing ectopic pregnancy in a mammalian subject by detecting changes in expression of ISM2, ADAM12, PST1, PSG7, PST11, PSG9, PSG2 and other genes identified therein, including combinations thereof. A selected gene, gene transcript or protein/peptide expression product, or profiles or signatures formed by combinations of same, detected in a biological fluid of a subject, enables comparison of the corresponding genes, proteins or profiles from that of a reference or control having a normal intrauterine pregnancy. Detection of characteristic changes in the gene profile or protein expression signature of the subject is correlated with a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Various compositions for use in such diagnosis include PCR primer-probe sets or ligands, labeled or immobilized, which are capable of detecting the changes in expression or translation of these targets.

Abstract: The present invention embraces methods for identifying compounds that modulate the activity of telomerase. Compounds of the invention are identified by designing or screening for a compound which binds to at least one amino acid residue of the TRBD, “thumb,” “finger,” and/or “palm” domain; or FP-pocket, PT-pocket or Th-pocket of telomerase and testing the compound for its ability to modulate the activity of telomerase.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods for treating cancers such as melanoma, which have a subpopulation of self-renewing JARIDIB-positive cells essential to maintenance and metastatic progression of the cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying compounds that modulate the activity of sirtuin deacetylase protein family members. Compounds of the invention are identified by designing or screening for a compound which binds to at least one amino acid residue of the newly identified nicotinamide inhibition and base exchange site of Sir2 and testing the compound for its ability to modulate the activity of the Sir2 protein. Compositions and methods for preventing or treating diseases or disorders associated with Sir2 are also provided.

Abstract: Scaffolds for tissue engineering prepared from biocompatible, biodegradable polymer-based, lighter than or light as water microcarriers and designed for cell culturing in vitro in a rotating bioreactor are provided. Methods for preparation and use of these scaffolds as tissue engineering devices are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are novel organometallic compounds that inhibit PI3K lipid kinase and phospho-AKT in human melanoma cells, and also inhibit the migration of melanoma cells. The present invention is also directed to methods for inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, migration or both comprising contacting a cancer cell with a disclosed organometallic kinase inhibitor. Also disclosed are methods for treating a kinase-affected disease or condition comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a disclosed organometallic kinase inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for identifying agents which modulate microRNA activity. The invention involves contacting a cell harboring a microRNA and a microRNA binding sequence, which is operably linked to a nucleic acid molecule encoding a reporter protein, with a test agent and determining whether the test agent increases or decreases the expression of the reporter protein thereby identifying a microRNA modulator. Antagonists identified by this screening assay are provided, as are methods for using the same to inhibit microRNA activity and prevent or treat disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to steroid-derived cyclopamine analogs and methods for using the same for inhibiting sonic hedgehog signaling and preventing or treating cancer. A method for synthesizing the analogs of the present invention from a steroid is also provided.

Abstract: Use as an anti-cancer agent of a mutant herpes simplex virus wherein the mutant virus comprises a modification in the ?34.5 gene in the long repeat region (RL) such that the ?34.5 gene is a non-functional, manufacture of medicaments and methods of testing cancer in mammals employing HSV mutant.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to pharmacology and, in particular, to the treatment of tumors and other conditions. In some aspects, the invention is directed to the treatment of subjects having tumors or cancers that are metastatic. Surprisingly, it has been found that certain compositions comprising oxidized glutathione-based compounds are able to effectively treat such cancers by inhibiting cell migration and/or invasion processes, and thus, inhibiting tumor cell metastases. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that such compositions are effective since the compositions are able to suppress the activation of critical signaling pathways within cells that are used for cell migration, such as the ErbB2 and/or phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) pathways, including the downstream RhoA and AKT pathways.

Abstract: Novel BRAFV600E mutant peptides or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, that induce MHC Class I-dependent cytotoxic T cell responses in mammals are useful in prophylactic, diagnostic and therapeutic treatments for melanoma. Such compounds are also useful in drug development for non-peptide mimics of the compounds described herein and in the development of therapeutic or diagnostic antibodies.