Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds for modulating sonic hedgehog signaling and preventing or treating cancer.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for diagnosing ovarian cancer in a mammalian subject, preferably in a serum or plasma sample of a human subject. The methods and compositions enable the detection or measurement in the sample or from a protein level profile generated from the sample, the protein level of one or more specified biomarkers. Comparing the protein level(s) of the biomarker(s) in the subject's sample or from protein abundance profile of multiple biomarkers, with the level of the same biomarker(s) or profile in a reference standard, permits the determination of a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, or the identification of a risk of developing ovarian cancer, or enables the monitoring of the status of progression or remission of ovarian cancer in the subject followed during a therapeutic protocol.

Abstract: The present invention embraces compounds that modulate the activity of Epstein-Barr Nuclear Antigen 1 (BBNA1) protein and use thereof in methods for treating latent Epstein-Barr virus infection. R7 is a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, pyridyl, or pyrimidinyl group. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the invention in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is also provide as are methods for modulating the activity of Epstein-Barr Nuclear Antigen 1 (EBNA1) protein and treating a latent EpsteinBarr virus infection with a composition of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating cancer in a human. The invention relates to targeting the stromal cell population in a tumor microenvironment. For example, in one embodiment, the invention provides a composition that is targeted to fibroblast activation protein (FAP). The invention includes a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) which comprises an anti-FAP domain, a transmembrane domain, and a CD3zeta signaling domain.

Abstract: A diagnostic reagent or device comprises at least one ligand capable of specifically complexing with, binding to, or quantitatively detecting or identifying the biomarker chloride intracellular channel protein 4 (CLIC4) or an isoform, pro-form, modified molecular form including posttranslational modification, or unique peptide fragment or nucleic acid fragment thereof. An alternative diagnostic reagent or device comprises ligand or ligands capable of specifically complexing with, binding to, or quantitatively detecting or identifying multiple tropomyosin biomarkers. Optionally, such reagent or device includes a signaling molecule and/or a substrate on which the ligand is immobilized. Other reagents and methods of diagnosing ovarian cancer include use of CLIC4 ligands and/or multiple tropomyosin ligands with an additional ovarian cancer biomarker. For example, CLIC4 combined with one or more of CLIC1 and/or one or multiple members of the tropomyosin family, e.g.

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 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: 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: 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 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: Chimeric protein constructs including a herpesvirus glycoprotein D (gD) and a heterologous polypeptide that interact with herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) and enhance and enhance an immune response against the heterologous polypeptide and methods for their use are provided.

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: 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.