Abstract: Provided herein are therapeutic peptides. In some aspects, therapeutic peptides are provided that can alter EphB4/EFNB2 signaling and can be used to treat a cancer. In some embodiments, the peptides are comprised in nanoparticles, such as core-cross-linked polymeric micelles (CCPM).

Abstract: To image apoptosis in vivo, small, membrane-permeable probes comprising a caspase 3 substrate, a fluorogenic dye and a radionuclide is provided. This dual-modality probe can be cleaved by caspase upon exposure to apoptotic cells, allowing imaging of caspase 3 and 7 activities using both optical and nuclear imaging techniques.

Abstract: Provided are novel nanostructures comprising hollow nanospheres and nanotubes for use as chemical sensors and molecular specific photothermal coupling agents. The nanostructures can be used in laser-induced phototherapy for treatment of cancer and other disorders. The nanostructures can also be used as a sensor that detects molecules. The nanostructures are of particular use in the fields of clinical diagnosis, clinical therapy, clinical treatment, and clinical evaluation of various diseases and disorders, manufacture of compositions for use in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, for use in molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof. The hollow gold nanospheres have a unique combination of spherical shape, small size, and strong, tunable, and narrow surface plasmon resonance absorption covering the entire visible to near IR region.