Abstract: Methods and devices for microfluidic detection of a biological maker in a biospecimen collected from a subject are disclosed. The microfluidic devices include nanoparticle-based nanosensors comprising supramolecular recognition sequences, protease consensus sequences, post-translationally modifiable sequences, or sterically hindered benzylether bonds for specific interaction with a biological marker. Also disclosed are particular nanosensors for detecting cytokines, and other proteins based upon supramolecular recognition without chemical modification or enzymatic cleavage.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to small molecule selective inhibitors of the BRD4 bromodomain. Compounds described herein can be used to modulate the bronchiolar NFkB-BRD4 axis, which plays a role in acute neutrophilic response to viral molecular patterns. Compounds described herein can be developed as preventive and therapeutic agents for various human diseases and conditions.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to detection methods and methods of identifying detection targets for sensitive and specific laboratory tests to diagnose and monitor rickettsial infections during the earliest stages of the disease and to assess the degree of illness.

Abstract: Methods and devices for microfluidic detection of a biological maker in a biospecimen collected from a subject are disclosed. The microfluidic devices include nanoparticle-based nanosensors comprising supramolecular recognition sequences, protease consensus sequences, post-translationally modifiable sequences, or sterically hindered benzylether bonds for specific interaction with a biological marker. Also disclosed are particular nanosensors for detecting cytokines, and other proteins based upon supramolecular recognition without chemical modification or enzymatic cleavage.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to small molecule selective inhibitors of the BRD4 bromodomain. Compounds described herein can be used to modulate the bronchiolar NFkB-BRD4 axis, which plays a role in acute neutrophilic response to viral molecular patterns. Compounds described herein can be developed as preventive and therapeutic agents for various human diseases and conditions.

Abstract: DNA aptamers are high affinity ligands selected by genetic enrichment techniques to bind to specific protein targets. Because these represent chemically stable and reproducible molecules, they have application as affinity reagents and/or therapeutic drugs to affect the target protein's actions. NF-kB is an important mediator of the innate immune response and mediator of tissue inflammation. Although RNA and double stranded DNA aptamers have been identified to bind to the NF-kB family of proteins, the present invention represents the first identification of single stranded DNA aptamers that recognize NFkB RelA. The aptamers disclosed herein bind to several distinct regions of RelA and may be useful to antagonize the DNA binding of RelA as an inhibitor of cellular inflammation, visualize the location or amount of RelA in tissues from pathological conditions, or to quantitatively measure the activated state of RelA by affinity binding.

Abstract: DNA aptamers are high affinity ligands selected by genetic enrichment techniques to bind to specific protein targets. Because these represent chemically stable and reproducible molecules, they have application as affinity reagents and/or therapeutic drugs to affect the target protein's actions. NF-kB is an important mediator of the innate immune response and mediator of tissue inflammation. Although RNA and double stranded DNA aptamers have been identified to bind to the NF-kB family of proteins, the present invention represents the first identification of single stranded DNA aptamers that recognize NFkB RelA. The aptamers disclosed herein bind to several distinct regions of RelA and may be useful to antagonize the DNA binding of RelA as an inhibitor of cellular inflammation, visualize the location or amount of RelA in tissues from pathological conditions, or to quantitatively measure the activated state of RelA by affinity binding.

Abstract: DNA aptamers are high affinity ligands selected by genetic enrichment techniques to bind to specific protein targets. Because these represent chemically stable and reproducible molecules, they have application as affinity reagents and/or therapeutic drugs to affect the target protein's actions. NF-kB is an important mediator of the innate immune response and mediator of tissue inflammation. Although RNA and double stranded DNA aptamers have been identified to bind to the NF-kB family of proteins, the present invention represents the first identification of single stranded DNA aptamers that recognize NFkB RelA. The aptamers disclosed herein bind to several distinct regions of RelA and may be useful to antagonize the DNA binding of RelA as an inhibitor of cellular inflammation, visualize the location or amount of RelA in tissues from pathological conditions, or to quantitatively measure the activated state of RelA by affinity binding.

Abstract: DNA aptamers are high affinity ligands selected by genetic enrichment techniques to bind to specific protein targets. Because these represent chemically stable and reproducible molecules, they have application as affinity reagents and/or therapeutic drugs to affect the target protein's actions. NF-kB is an important mediator of the innate immune response and mediator of tissue inflammation. Although RNA and double stranded DNA aptamers have been identified to bind to the NF-kB family of proteins, the present invention represents the first identification of single stranded DNA aptamers that recognize NFkB RelA. The aptamers disclosed herein bind to several distinct regions of RelA and may be useful to antagonize the DNA binding of RelA as an inhibitor of cellular inflammation, visualize the location or amount of RelA in tissues from pathological conditions, or to quantitatively measure the activated state of RelA by affinity binding.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for classifying individuals into those who have airway hyperreactvitiy and those with asthma based on cytokine expression patterns. It is contemplated that such a method will enable rapid identification of individuals requiring intensive treatment for asthma, thereby reducing morbidity and improving quality of life for those affected.

Abstract: Disclosed are isolated IKK??; isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding IKK??; expression vectors and cells which contain such nucleic acid molecules; oligonucleotides which are complementary to at least a portion of nucleic acid molecules encoding IKK?? but which are not complementary to any portion of nucleic acid molecules encoding wild type IKK?; antibodies which are specific for IKK??; DNA and RNA oligomers, optionally in labeled or enzymatically active form, which are capable of selectively hybridizing to nucleic acid molecules encoding IKK??; and DNA and RNA oligomers, optionally in labeled or enzymatically active form, which are capable of selectively hybridizing to nucleic acid molecules encoding IKK?? but which do not hybridize with nucleic acid molecules encoding wild type IKK?. Methods for using these materials to inhibit formation of IKK??-containing IKK, to inhibit NF-?B activation, and to treat or prevent inflammation are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for classifying individuals into those who have airway hyperreactvitiy and those with asthma based on cytokine expression patterns. It is contemplated that such a method will enable rapid identification of individuals requiring intensive treatment for asthma, thereby reducing morbidity and improving quality of life for those affected.

Abstract: A random combinatorial selection method is disclosed for the construction of oligonucleotide aptamers in which nuclease resistance is conferred by the inclusion of modified nucleotides. The modified nucleotides are incorporated during PCR amplification to form achiral modified oligonucleotides. Thio-substituted aptamers are provided that bind tightly to the nuclear factor for human IL6 (NF-IL6).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating lung inflammation in a subject which includes administering butylated hydroxyanisol to the subject in an amount effective to treat lung inflammation. The invention also relates to methods of inhibiting interferon regulatory factor activation in a subject and in an alveolar cell. Another aspect of the invention relates to an assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating lung inflammation in a subject which includes administering butylated hydroxyanisol to the subject in an amount effective to treat lung inflammation. The invention also relates to methods of inhibiting interferon regulatory factor activation in a subject and in an alveolar cell. Another aspect of the invention relates to an assay.

Abstract: A random combinatorial selection method is disclosed for the construction of oligonucleotide aptamers in which nuclease resistance is conferred by the inclusion of modified nucleotides. The modified nucleotides are incorporated during PCR amplification to form achiral modified oligonucleotides. Thio-substituted aptamers are provided that bind tightly to the nuclear factor for human IL6 (NF-IL6).

Abstract: The present invention relates to inhibitors of the sequence specific transcription factor nuclear factor IL-6 (NF-IL6) and methods of use therefor. In particular, substitution mutants in the N-terminus of the NF-IL6 tryptic core domain are disclosed that have a higher binding affinity for the DNA binding site than does the wild-type sequence.