Abstract: In various aspects, the present disclosure provides methods, compositions, and kits for treating a target tissue with one or more active agents. In embodiments, delivering an active agent to a target tissue comprises administration of microbubbles and ultrasound.

Abstract: In various aspects, the present disclosure provides methods of preventing metastasis to bone in a subject with cancer, as well as compositions and kits for use in the same. In various aspects, the present disclosure provides methods of treating bone metastasis in a subject with cancer, as well as compositions and kits for use in the same. In embodiments, compositions comprise an MDA-7/IL-24 protein.

Abstract: In various aspects, the present disclosure provides polynucleotides encoding a fusion protein, as well as vectors, cells, and compositions comprising the same. In embodiments, the fusion protein includes an insulin signal peptide and an MDA-7/IL-24 protein. Methods of using the polynucleotides, vectors, cells, and compositions, such as in the treatment or prevention of cancer, are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, methods of detecting levels of miR-221 and beclin-1 in patients undergoing treatment for miR-221- and/or beclin-1-associated diseases (e.g., cancer, inflammatory disease, infectious disease, autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease). The methods provided herein are useful, inter alia, to monitor and determine treatment efficacy by determining (detecting) levels of miR-221, beclin-1, a combination thereof or of molecules downstream of the miR-221 or beclin-1 signaling pathways, in patients receiving, having received or to be received MDA-7 treatment.