Abstract: The invention provides an improved modified magnetosome that contains more iron therein with the combination of the expressed genes. This is achieved by co-expression of (a) one or more bacterial magnetotactic genes to amplify iron uptake, compartmentalization and biomineralization in cells, with (b) one or more mammalian iron handling proteins that together augment(s) and/or regulate the cells iron pool. As a result, mammalian cells or bacterial cells that are transfected or transformed, respectively, can be more effectively tracked using various imaging technologies.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved modified magnetosome that contains more iron therein with the combination of the expressed genes. This is achieved by co-expression of (a) one or more bacterial magnetotactic genes to amplify iron uptake, compartmentalization and biomineralization in cells, with (b) one or more mammalian iron handling proteins that together augment(s) and/or regulate the cells iron pool. As a result, mammalian cells or bacterial cells that are transfected or transformed, respectively, can be more effectively tracked using various imaging technologies.

Abstract: Methods of treating cancer using antisense based therapies including antisense oligonucleotides of si RNAs directed against DNA double-strand break repair proteins such as BRCA2 or RAD51 are provided. The antisense based therapies can be used alone, in tandem or in combination with other cancer therapies, in particular with therapies that lead to DNA damage, inhibition of DNA repair or inhibition of DNA synthesis, such as radiation, platinum drugs, alkylating agents, PARP inhibitors, or inhibitors of thymidylate synthase.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved modified magnetosome that contains more iron therein with the combination of the expressed genes. This is achieved by co-expression of (a) one or more bacterial magnetotactic genes to amplify iron uptake, compartmentalization and biomineralization in cells, with (b) one or more mammalian iron handling proteins that together augment(s) and/or regulate the cells iron pool. As a result, mammalian cells or bacterial cells that are transfected or transformed, respectively, can be more effectively tracked using various imaging technologies.

Abstract: Antisense oligonucleotides directed to the coding region of a mammalian thymidylate synthase mRNA that are capable of inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells without decreasing the level of thymidylate synthase mRNA in the cells are provided. The antisense oligonucleotides are also capable of inducing apoptosis in the cancer cells. The antisense oligonucleotides can be used to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Methods of treating cancer, and in particular breast cancer, with the antisense oligonucleotides, alone or in combination with other therapeutics, are also provided.

Abstract: Effective combinations of antisense agents directed against thymidylate synthase mRNA are provided for use in cancer therapies. Combinations of antisense agents have enhanced activity compared to the activity of the individual antisense agents when used alone. The combinations may be used in conjunction with one or more chemotherapeutic agents to enhance the effects of the chemotherapeutic(s). Such antisense agent combinations constitute improved antisense therapies with application to a variety of cancers or proliferative disorders, including drug resistant cancers.