Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods for preparing a tissue sample for detection of the expression of a transmembrane protein in the tissue sample. The present disclosure also provides antibodies and treatments targeting tumor samples expressing the PLXDC1 or the PLXDC2 proteins.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to ex vivo primary tumor models prepared from fresh tumor tissues which are useful for screening anti-cancer agents. The fresh tumor tissues are prepared and cultured under suitable conditions to grow an outgrowth of endothelial cells Killing of these endothelial cells by a candidate agent indicates the efficacy of the agent in inhibiting tumor angiogenesis.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compounds, and compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, kits that include the compounds, and methods of using (or administering) and making the compounds. The disclosure further provides compounds or compositions thereof for use in a method of modulating PLXDC1 (TEM7) and/or PLXDC2 or killing pathogenic blood vessles. The disclosure further provides compounds or compositions thereof for use in a method of treating a disease, disorder, or condition that is mediated, at least in part, by PEDF receptors or by angiogenesis.

Abstract: Pathogenic blood vessels are blood vessels that are not involved in the vascularization of normal organs but are in the pathogenic tissues such as the new blood vessels that drive vision diseases or the blood vessels in tumors that tumors depend on to survive. The current disclosure provides an advancement over typical anti-angiogenic strategies that target the generation of new blood vessels by providing compositions and methods that can selectively target and kill existing pathogenic blood vessels. The conventional antiangiogenic drugs or factors inhibit angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels), but cannot effectively kill existing pathogenic blood vessels. Agents, including small molecule compounds and antibodies, have been identified that bind to and activate PLXDC1 and PLXDC2 proteins, leading to effective killing of the endothelial cells in pathogenic blood vessels in vision diseases and in tumors that express these proteins.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compounds, and compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, kits that include the compounds, and methods of using (or administering) and making the compounds. The disclosure further provides compounds or compositions thereof for use in a method of modulating PLXDC1 (TEM7) and/or PLXDC2 or killing pathogenic blood vessles. The disclosure further provides compounds or compositions thereof for use in a method of treating a disease, disorder, or condition that is mediated, at least in part, by PEDF receptors or by angiogenesis.