Abstract: Provided herein, inter alia, are compositions of functionalized nanoparticles and methods of using functionalized nanoparticles in treating, imaging, and/or detecting cancers.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a nanoparticle conjugated CpG (NANO-CpG) composition and pharmaceutical composition thereof, and the preparation methods thereof. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for using the NANO-CpG to improve CpG delivery into brain tumor associated inflammatory cells in a subject. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for treating or preventing a method for treating and/or preventing a brain tumor in a subject comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the NANO-CpG or a pharmaceutical composition thereof to the subject. In one embodiment, a subject treated with the NANO-CpG composition disclosed herein or a pharmaceutical composition thereof developed immunity to brain tumor.

Abstract: Indirubin is the major active anti-tumor component of a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). One aspect of the invention relates to a method of treating CML using at least one indirubin derivative compound or a pharmaceutical composition thereof. Indirubin derivatives (IRDs) potently inhibited Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5 (Stat5) protein in CML cells. Compound IRD 810 inhibits Bcr-Abl/Stat5 or Src/Stat5 signaling in human KCL-22 CML and imatinib-resistant human KCL-22 CML cells expressing the T315I mutant Bcr-Abl. Previous studies indicate that SFKs cooperate with Bcr-Abl to activate downstream Stat5 signaling. Activation of Stat5 was strongly blocked by IRD 810 in CML cells. IRDs disclosed herein have been identified as potent inhibitors of Bcr-Abl/Stat5 or SFK/Stat5 signaling pathway.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to packed-column nano-liquid chromatography (nano-LC) systems integrated on-chip, and methods for producing and using same. The microfabricated chip includes a column, flits/filters, an injector, and a detector, fabricated in a process compatible with those conventionally utilized to form integrated circuits. The column can be packed with supports for various different stationary phases to allow performance of different forms of nano-LC, including but not limited to reversed-phase, normal-phase, adsorption, size-exclusion, affinity, and ion chromatography. A cross-channel injector injects a nanolitre/picolitre-volume sample plug at the column inlet. An electrochemical/conductivity sensor integrated at the column outlet measures separation signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of novel DNA biomarkers and the use of the aberrant methylation patterns of the biomarkers to diagnose a disease or a condition (e.g., a cancer) associated therewith. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of the novel DNA biomarkers to diagnose lung cancers, e.g., squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a B cell specific aptamer-siRNA chimera is provided. The B cell specific aptamer-siRNa chimera may include an RNA aptamer that binds BAFF-R and an siRNA molecule conjugated to the RNA aptamer via a nucleotide linker. In another embodiment, a B cell specific RNA aptamer is provided. The RNA aptamer may be a molecule that binds to BAFF-R that has the sequence SEQ ID NO:37, SEQ ID NO:38 or SEQ ID NO:39. In some embodiments, the RNA aptamer is conjugated, via a nucleotide linker, to an siRNA molecule that suppresses expression of one or more target oncogenes in one or more B cells. In one aspect, the one or more target oncogenes are selected from Bcl6, Bcl2, STAT3, Cyclin D1, Cyclin E2 and c-myc. In another embodiment, methods for treating a B cell malignancy in a cancer patient are provided. Such methods may include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic composition, the therapeutic composition comprising a B cell specific RNA aptamer that binds BAFF-R.

Abstract: Novel adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors in nucleotide and amino acid forms and uses thereof are provided. The isolates show specific tropism for certain target tissues, such as blood stem cells, liver, heart and joint tissue, and may be used to transduce stem cells for introduction of genes of interest into the target tissues. Certain of the vectors are able to cross tightly controlled biological junctions, such as the blood-brain barrier, which open up additional novel uses and target organs for the vectors, providing for additional methods of gene therapy and drug delivery.