Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods of treating or preventing hypertension or a cardiac indication. In particular embodiments, the invention provides E2F2 as a new therapeutic target for the treatment of hypertension or a cardiac indication, and methods of increasing the expression and/or activity of E2F2.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, EC progenitors can be used in a method for regulating angiogenesis, i.e., enhancing or inhibiting blood vessel formation, in a selected patient and in some preferred embodiments for targeting specific locations. For example, the EC progenitors can be used to enhance angiogenesis or to deliver an angiogenesis modulator, e.g. anti- or pro-angiogenic agents, respectively to sites of pathologic or utilitarian angiogenesis. Additionally, in another embodiment, EC progenitors can be used to induce reendothelialization of an injured blood vessel, and thus reduce restenosis by indirectly inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a completely synthetic cell-free therapy based on peptide amphiphile nanostructures designed to mimic the activity of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), one of the most potent angiogenic signaling proteins. The VEGF-mimetic filaments disclosed herein were found to induce phosphorylation of VEGF receptors and induce pro-angiogenic behavior in endothelial cells, indicated by an enhancement in proliferation, survival and migration in vitro.

Abstract: The present technology provides compositions of vesicles, uses of vesicles, and methods relating to vesicles. For example, provided herein are vesicles derived from stem cells for use in regenerative therapies.

Abstract: Improvements on the basic method used for BEAMing increase sensitivity and increase the signal-to-noise ratio. The improvements have permitted the determination of intrinsic error rates of various DNA polymerases and have permitted the detection of rare and subtle mutations in DNA isolated from plasma of cancer patients.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, EC progenitors can be used in a method for regulating angiogenesis, i.e., enhancing or inhibiting blood vessel formation, in a selected patient and in some preferred embodiments for targeting specific locations. For example, the EC progenitors can be used to enhance angiogenesis or to deliver an angiogenesis modulator, e.g. anti- or pro-angiogenic agents, respectively to sites of pathologic or utilitarian angiogenesis. Additionally, in another embodiment, EC progenitors can be used to induce reendothelialization of an injured blood vessel, and thus reduce restenosis by indirectly inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Abstract: As described below, the present invention features methods for reprogramming somatic cells and related therapeutic compositions and methods.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods of treating or preventing hypertension or a cardiac indication. In particular embodiments, the invention provides E2F2 as a new therapeutic target for the treatment of hypertension or a cardiac indication, and methods of increasing the expression and/or activity of E2F2.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising genetically modified bone marrow cells and related therapeutic and diagnostic methods. Transduced bone marrow cells can be therapeutically administered to a subject, such as a human patient to provide for the expression of an encoded protein in the subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods for preventing, treating or reducing the severity of symptoms associated with tissue ischemia by administering a CXCR4 antagonist in combination with at least one nucleic acid encoding a morphogen or effective fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the methods include elevating peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs), or both cell types. The invention has a wide spectrum of applications including reducing or eliminating tissue ischemia, especially tissue ischemia associated with a myocardial infarct (heart attack).

Abstract: Disclosed are cellular compositions and methods for preventing, treating or reducing the severity of tissue ischemia, particularly limb ischemia in a mammal. One inventive method includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of a cellular composition comprising a novel isolated multi-potent human bone marrow-derived stem cell (BMSC) having undetectable or negligible levels of markers of other known stem cells isolated from bone marrow. These cells can be expanded in vitro and formulated into cellular compositions and grafts capable of differentiating into components of functional new blood vessels when directly administered into ischemic limb tissue.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods that are useful for preventing or treating a cardiac disease or for promoting cardiac health following a myocardial infarction. The invention further features compositions and methods for promoting angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and/or decreasing apoptosis in muscle tissue, such as cardiac tissue. The invention provides for the expression of human growth hormone in cardiac muscle following a myocardial infarction.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides compositions and methods for modulating formation of new blood vessels. The invention has a wide spectrum of applications including use to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for modulating endothelial cells (ECs) in a mammal. Practice of the invention generally involves changing activity of the ezrin cytoskeletal protein sufficient to increase or decrease proliferation of the cells. Also disclosed are useful screens for detecting agents capable of modulating ezrin activity. The invention has a variety of useful applications including use in the treatment of diseases associated with unsatisfactory EC proliferation.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, EC progenitors can be used in a method for regulating angiogenesis, i.e., enhancing or inhibiting blood vessel formation, in a selected patient and in some preferred embodiments for targetting specific locations. For example, the EC progenitors can be used to enhance angiogenesis or to deliver an angiogenesis modulator, e.g. anti- or pro-angiogenic agents, respectively to sites of pathologic or utilitarian angiogenesis. Additionally, in another embodiment, EC progenitors can be used to induce reendothelialization of an injured blood vessel, and thus reduce restenosis by indirectly inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation.