Abstract: This invention is based, in part, on our discovery of an essentially one-step, label-free system comprising a sensing unit having a redox current reporter and a nucleic acid sequence complementary to that of a target nucleic acid of interest or sufficiently complementary to that of the target nucleic acid or a sequence therein to specifically bind the target nucleic acid. The sensing unit is bound to an electroconductive substrate (e.g., a carbon- or metal-containing microelectrode (e.g., a gold microelectrode)), and the system includes a signal amplification mechanism that does not rely upon a redox enzyme and thereby overcomes a fundamental limitation of microelectrode DNA sensors that fail to generate detectable current in the presence of only small amounts of a target nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating a patient who has colorectal cancer and to methods of reducing the likelihood that a patient will develop or experience a recurrence of colorectal cancer. The methods comprise a step of introducing, to the patient, an effective amount of an agent that targets an intestinal H+-coupled di/tripeptide transporter (PepT1). Useful compositions including, for example, the tripeptide KPV, vectors encoding such peptides, and cells (e.g., bacterial cells) including them, are also within the scope of the present invention, as are kits including such compositions.

Abstract: Carbon monoxide-releasing organic molecules are described herein. The molecules can be synthesized prior to administration (e.g., ex vivo) or formed in vivo. In those embodiments where the molecules are formed in vivo, reactants are administered under physiological conditions and undergo a cycloaddition reaction to form a product which releases carbon monoxide. In applying such reactions for therapeutic applications in vivo, the cycloaddition and CO release typically occur only under near-physiological or physiological conditions. For example, in some embodiments, the cycloaddition reaction and/or release of carbon monoxide occur at a temperature of about 37° C. and pH of about 7.4. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for release carbon monoxide are also described.

Abstract: Carbon monoxide-releasing organic molecules are described herein. The molecules can be synthesized prior to administration (e.g., ex vivo) or formed in vivo. In those embodiments where the molecules are formed in vivo, reactants are administered under physiological conditions and undergo a cycloaddition reaction to form a product which releases carbon monoxide. In applying such reactions for therapeutic applications in vivo, the cycloaddition and CO release typically occur only under near-physiological or physiological conditions. For example, in some embodiments, the cycloaddition reaction and/or release of carbon monoxide occur at a temperature of about 37° C. and pH of about 7.4. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for release carbon monoxide are also described.

Abstract: Carbon monoxide-releasing organic molecules are described herein. The molecules can be synthesized prior to administration (e.g., ex vivo) or formed in vivo. In those embodiments where the molecules are formed in vivo, reactants are administered under physiological conditions and undergo a cycloaddition reaction to form a product which releases carbon monoxide. In applying such reactions for therapeutic applications in vivo, the cycloaddition and CO release typically occur only under near-physiological or physiological conditions. For example, in some embodiments, the cycloaddition reaction and/or release of carbon monoxide occur at a temperature of about 37 C and pH of about 7.4. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for release carbon monoxide are also described.

Abstract: This invention is based, in part, on our discovery of an essentially one-step, label-free system comprising a sensing unit having a redox current reporter and a nucleic acid sequence complementary to that of a target nucleic acid of interest or sufficiently complementary to that of the target nucleic acid or a sequence therein to specifically bind the target nucleic acid. The sensing unit is bound to an electroconductive substrate (e.g., a carbon- or metal-containing microelectrode (e.g., a gold microelectrode)), and the system includes a signal amplification mechanism that does not rely upon a redox enzyme and thereby overcomes a fundamental limitation of microelectrode DNA sensors that fail to generate detectable current in the presence of only small amounts of a target nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating a patient who has colorectal cancer and to methods of reducing the likelihood that a patient will develop or experience a recurrence of colorectal cancer. The methods comprise a step of introducing, to the patient, an effective amount of an agent that targets an intestinal H?-coupled di/tripeptide transporter (PepT1). Useful compositions including, for example, the tripeptide KPV, vectors encoding such peptides, and cells (e.g., bacterial cells) including them, are also within the scope of the present invention, as are kits including such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention features, inter alia, constructs for the delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents to a patient. The constructs can include a nanoparticle, a targeting agent that specifically binds a targeted tissue or cell, a therapeutic moiety, and a hydrogel. The constructs can be used in the treatment and diagnosis of bowel diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colon cancer. In one embodiment, the therapeutic agent is a nucleic acid that mediates RNA inhibition (RNAi), and the invention is directed to treatments for IBD that combine the positive aspects of such agents {e.g., siRNAs) with the safety of a biodegradable polymeric delivery system to facilitate specific targeting of colonic tissues and cells. As the constructs can be formulated for oral administration, they are well tolerated and offer advantages with regard to patient compliance.

Abstract: Carbon monoxide-releasing organic molecules are described herein. The molecules can be synthesized prior to administration (e.g., ex vivo) or formed in vivo. In those embodiments where the molecules are formed in vivo, reactants are administered under physiological conditions and undergo a cycloaddition reaction to form a product which releases carbon monoxide. In applying such reactions for therapeutic applications in vivo, the cycloaddition and CO release typically occur only under near-physiological or physiological conditions. For example, in some embodiments, the cycloaddition reaction and/or release of carbon monoxide occur at a temperature of about 37 C and pH of about 7.4. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for release carbon monoxide are also described.

Abstract: The present invention features, inter alia, constructs for the delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents to a patient. The constructs can include a nanoparticle, a targeting agent that specifically binds a targeted tissue or cell, a therapeutic moiety, and a hydrogel. The constructs can be used in the treatment and diagnosis of bowel diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colon cancer. In one embodiment, the therapeutic agent is a nucleic acid that mediates RNA inhibition (RNAi), and the invention is directed to treatments for IBD that combine the positive aspects of such agents {e.g., siRNAs) with the safety of a biodegradable polymeric delivery system to facilitate specific targeting of colonic tissues and cells. As the constructs can be formulated for oral administration, they are well tolerated and offer advantages with regard to patient compliance.