Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems for delivery of one or more molecules (such as a drug, for example, a small molecule, polypeptide, and/or nucleic acid) to a subject, for example to a targeted location in the subject. In some embodiments, the delivery system includes an encapsulated inducing agent or repressing agent and a plurality of cells. In some examples, the inducing agent or repressing agent and the cells are each separately encapsulated. In other examples, the encapsulated inducing agent or repressing agent and the cells are co-encapsulated. The cells include one or more genes which are operably linked to an inducible promoter or a repressible promoter which is inducible or repressible by the encapsulated inducing agent or repressing agent, respectively. Methods of use of the delivery systems, for example to treat or inhibit a disease or disorder in a subject, are also disclosed.

Abstract: mGluR5 antagonists are used for the treatment of autism. The human treated by the methods of the invention can also have fragile X syndrome, epilepsy and anxiety.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, devices and kits having a novel chromatographic material are provided herein for separating and identifying organic molecules and compounds, for example molecules and compounds containing electron rich functional groups such as carbon-carbon double bonds. The methods, compositions, and kits include a metal-thiolate chromatographic medium (MTCM) with a sulfur-containing functional group or a metal-selenolate chromatographic medium (MSCM) comprising a selenium-containing functional group covalently attached to a support medium, such that the sulfur-containing functional group or selenium-containing functional group is bound to at least one metal atom. The MTCM and/or MSCM has affinity and specificity to compounds having one or more carbon-carbon double bonds, and performs a highly efficient and rapid separation of samples yielding non-overlapping peaks of purified materials compared to traditional media.

Abstract: Molds for making cell aggregation devices include upper and lower surfaces. Methods of aggregating cells include depositing cells on in a seeding chamber, incubating the cells and removing aggregated cells. Devices for encapsulating aggregates of cells include biocompatible, bio-sustainable substrates compartments and a coating of a biocompatible, bio-sustainable polymer that completely surrounds the substrate and cell-encapsulating compartments.

Abstract: The candidates are screened and then employed by administering to patients in need thereof of a drug candidate that affects heterotypic intercellular mechanotransduction. At least two types of cells are labeled with distinct intracellular fluorescent marker labels and combined to form a cell suspension and cultured to form a microtissue, such as spheroids. The cells or the spheroids are combined with a drug candidate, either before, during or after forming the spheroids. The distribution of the different cell types is compared to that of essentially the same suspension culture in the absence of the drug candidate. Alternatively, the cell power of cells cultured in a non-adherent mold that determines at least in part, the shape of microtissue formed is measured and compared with essentially the same cell suspension cultured in the same manner in the absence of a drug candidate. A patient in need thereof can be administered a drug identified as affecting heterotypic intercellular mechanotransduction.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, systems, devices and kits are provided herein for preparing and using a nanoparticle composition and spatial frequency heterodyne imaging for visualizing cells or tissues. In various embodiments, the nanoparticle composition includes at least one of: a nanoparticle, a polymer layer, and a binding agent, such that the polymer layer coats the nanoparticle and is for example a polyethylene glycol, a polyelectrolyte, an anionic polymer, or a cationic polymer, and such that the binding agent that specifically binds the cells or the tissue. Methods, compositions, systems, devices and kits are provided for identifying potential therapeutic agents in a model using the nanoparticle composition and spatial frequency heterodyne imaging.

Abstract: Drugs are screened for affects on inhibiting efflux pumps and blocking gap junction communication in tumors by culturing cells to thereby form self-assembled spheroids and incubating the spheroids. Uptake of a substrate of the efflux pump and distribution of a substrate for the efflux pump within the spheroids is imaged to thereby select drugs that inhibit the efflux pump or do not block gap junction communication. Selected drugs can then be employed to treat a tumor.