Abstract: In certain embodiments, methods of activating the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) and inducing mitohormesis in the brain and/or central nervous system of a mammal are provided where the methods can involve administering to the mammal an effective amount of N-proparglyglycine (N-PPG). In certain embodiments, the mammal is a mammal with a neurodegenerative disease and the method provides for the treatment or prophylaxis of the neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract: In various embodiments a cancer treatment method is provided based on inhibition of proline catabolism. When combined with p53 restoration therapy and/or inhibition of glutaminase, the inhibition of proline catabolism results in a “synthetic lethal” and synergistic anticancer response. Novel suicide inhibitors that induce the degradation of proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) are also provided. Also provided is a method of assaying PRODH to identify responders/non-responders to inhibition of proline catabolism and/or glutaminase.

Abstract: In various embodiments a cancer treatment method is provided based on inhibition of proline catabolism. When combined with p53 restoration therapy and/or inhibition of glutaminase, the inhibition of proline catabolism results in a “synthetic lethal” and synergistic anticancer response. Novel suicide inhibitors that induce the degradation of proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) are also provided. Also provided is a method of assaying PRODH to identify responders/non-responders to inhibition of proline catabolism and/or glutaminase.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors for the treatment of cancers overexpressing the large ribosomal subunit protein 24 (RPL24) in a subject in need thereof. Provided herein are methods for treating RPL24-overexpressing cancers in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of an HDAC inhibitor. Also provided herein are methods for inhibiting the viability of an RPL24-overexpressing cancer cell with an HDAC inhibitor. Also provided herein are methods for assessing the efficacy of an HDAC inhibitor against a cancer.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the development of a screening system to identify (screen for) HER2 promoter silencing agents. Such agents are expected to be of therapeutic value in the treatment of cancers characterized by HER2 amplification/upregulation. In addition, this invention pertains to the discovery that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors like sodium butyrate and trichostatin A (TSA), in a time and dose dependent fashion can silence genomically integrated and/or amplified/overexpressing promoters, such as that driving the HER2/ErbB2/neu oncogene, resulting in inhibition of gene products including transcripts and protein, and subsequent production of tumor/cell growth inhibition, apoptosis and/or differentiation. In another embodiment, this invention provides novel SNPs associated with the coding region of the ERbB2 proto-oncogene. The SNPs are indicators for altered risk, for developing ErbB2-positive cancer in a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention provides for immunoliposomes that optimizes internalization of a drug into target cells bearing a characteristic cell surface marker. The immunoliposomes comprise an Fab? domain of an antibody that specifically binds the characteristic marker, an amphipathic vesicle-forming lipid, and a polyethylene glycol derivatized lipid. The invention also provides for growth-inhibiting immunoliposomes that lack growth-inhibiting therapeutic agents and yet are capable of inhibiting the growth and proliferation of target cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides for immunoliposomes that optimizes internalization of a drug into target cells bearing a characteristic cell surface marker. The immunoliposomes comprise an Fab? domain of an antibody that specifically binds the characteristic marker, an amphipathic vesicle-forming lipid, and a polyethylene glycol derivatized lipid. The invention also provides for growth-inhibiting immunoliposomes that lack growth-inhibiting therapeutic agents and yet are capable of inhibiting the growth and proliferation of target cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides for immunoliposomes that optimizes internalization of a drug into target cells bearing a characteristic cell surface marker. The immunoliposomes comprise an Fab? domain of an antibody that specifically binds the characteristic marker, an amphipathic vesicle-forming lipid, and a polyethylene glycol derivatized lipid. The invention also provides for growth-inhibiting immunoliposomes that lack growth-inhibiting therapeutic agents and yet are capable of inhibiting the growth and proliferation of target cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides for immunoliposomes that optimizes internalization of a drug into target cells bearing a characteristic cell surface marker. The immunoliposomes comprise an Fab' domain of an antibody that specifically binds the characteristic marker, an amphipathic vesicle-forming lipid, and a polyethylene glycol derivatized lipid. The invention also provides for growth-inhibiting immunoliposomes that lack growth-inhibiting therapeutic agents and yet are capable of inhibiting the growth and proliferation of target cells.

Abstract: This invention provides for a cDNA that is a coding region of a previously unknown member of the ETS transcription regulator family. The gene described herein (designated ESX) is located at chromosome 1q32 a region amplified in 50% of early breast cancers. The ESX gene of this invention is associated with the etiology of various cancers including breast cancers. Detection of the ESX gene or gene product is thus of diagnostic and/or prognostic value.

Abstract: The present invention provides for immunoliposomes that optimizes internalization of a drug into target cells bearing a characteristic cell surface marker. The immunoliposomes comprise an Fab′ domain of an antibody that specifically binds the characteristic marker, an amphipathic vesicle-forming lipid, and a polyethylene glycol derivatized lipid. The invention also provides for growth-inhibiting immunoliposomes that lack growth-inhibiting therapeutic agents and yet are capable of inhibiting the growth and proliferation of target cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides for immunoliposomes that optimizes internalization of a drug into target cells bearing a characteristic cell surface marker. The immunoliposomes comprise an Fab′ domain of an antibody that specifically binds the characteristic marker, an amphipathic vesicle-forming lipid, and a polyethylene glycol derivatized lipid. The invention also provides for growth-inhibiting immunoliposomes that lack growth-inhibiting therapeutic agents and yet are capable of inhibiting the growth and proliferation of target cells.

Abstract: A method and assay for determination of functionality of steroid receptors present in breast or other tumors. The method is useful for determination of cancer responsiveness to hormonal therapy by establishing a correlation between functioning estrogen receptors and those which are dysfunctional or nonfunctional. The assay is useful for determination whether the cancer, particularly the breast cancer, will respond to anti-estrogen hormonal therapy.