Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for determining the self-renewal potential of a cancer stem cell (CSC), or for predicting the drugability (susceptibility to a drug) of a CSC, and/or for predicting the progression of a cancer that corresponds to the CSC. In alternative embodiments, the disclosure provides methods for determining whether a CSC in a niche is more pro-apoptotic or more anti-apoptotic in relation to a normal stem cell or a CSC from another niche. In alternative embodiments, the disclosure provides methods for determining the prognosis or malignant potential of a cancer. In alternative embodiments, the disclosure provides methods determining the anti-apoptotic versus a pro-apoptotic potential of a cancer stem cell (CSC).

Abstract: Compositions and methods for expanding CD34+ cells, performing research related to cancer stem cells, RNA-editing enzymes and for monitoring, diagnosing and treating, ameliorating and preventing diseases such as cancers or inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for inhibiting or ablating cancer stem cells. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for inhibiting the action of double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminases, or ADAR, enzymes. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for treating, ameliorating or preventing diseases and conditions responsive to the inhibition of cell differentiation and/or self-renewal of dysfunctional cells, cancer cells, leukemia cells, hematopoietic stem cells or cancer stem cells, e.g., leukemia or Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for inhibiting a Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) pathway, e.g., by using a Smoothened (SMO) protein inhibitor.

Abstract: In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for determining the self-renewal potential of a cancer stem cell (CSC) through analysis of the cross-talk between cell self-renewal pathways leading to deregulation and enhanced self-renewal of the CSC, or for predicting the drugability (susceptibility to a drug) of a CSC, and/or for predicting the progression of a cancer that corresponds to the CSC, the method comprising detecting and quantifying in CSCs one or more B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family protein isoform(s) or transcripts (mRNAs, messages) encoding one or more Bcl-2 family protein(s) or protein isoform(s) thereof.

Abstract: In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for inhibiting or ablating cancer stem cells. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for inhibiting the action of double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminases, or ADAR, enzymes. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for treating, ameliorating or preventing diseases and conditions responsive to the inhibition of cell differentiation and/or self-renewal of dysfunctional cells, cancer cells, leukemia cells, hematopoietic stem cells or cancer stem cells, e.g., leukemia or Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for inhibiting a Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) pathway, e.g., by using a Smoothened (SMO) protein inhibitor.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides a bone metastasis-derived prostate cancer xenograft model. The disclosure also provides methods for making a bone metastasis-derived prostate cancer xenograft model. In alternative embodiments, the disclosure provides compositions and methods for testing whether a drug, compound, diet, therapy or treatment is effective or efficacious for preventing, ameliorating, slowing the progress of, stopping or slowing the metastasis of, or for causing a full or partial remission of, a cancer, or a prostate cancer, or a human prostate cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides dBHD-based compositions and dBHD analog compositions, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, e.g., in the form of liposomes and nanoparticles comprising them, and methods of making and using them. In one embodiment, these dBHD analogs are used to inhibit a dysfunctional stem cell and/or a cancer (tumor) stem cell.

Abstract: In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for determining the self-renewal potential of a cancer stem cell (CSC) through analysis of the cross-talk between cell self-renewal pathways leading to deregulation and enhanced self-renewal of the CSC, or for predicting the drugability (susceptibility to a drug) of a CSC, and/or for predicting the progression of a cancer that corresponds to the CSC, the method comprising detecting and quantifying in CSCs one or more B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family protein isoform(s) or transcripts (mRNAs, messages) encoding one or more Bcl-2 family protein(s) or protein isoform(s) thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides dBHD-based compositions and dBHD analog compositions, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, e.g., in the form of liposomes and nanoparticles comprising them, and methods of making and using them. In one embodiment, these dBHD analogs are used to inhibit a dysfunctional stem cell and/or a cancer (tumor) stem cell.