Abstract: CD44 is an integral hyaluronan receptor that can either promote or inhibit motogenic signaling in tumor cells. Rhamm is a non-integral cell surface (CD168) and intracellular hyaluronan binding protein that promotes cell motility in vitro and whose expression is strongly upregulated in aggressive tumors. The present invention describes compositions and methods for the prognosis and diagnosis of cancer by the detection of CD44/Rhamm complexes. The use of labeled Rhamm-binding agents in culture and in vivo to identify tumorigenic progenitor cells that exhibit an aggressive phenotype characterized by high Rhamm and CD44 expression is further described. Specific methods include using hyaluronan to target imaging or therapeutic agents to these progenitor tumor subsets in breast and likely other cancers.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a new drug delivery system and more particularly, a non-viral drug delivery system comprising a polymer according to the following formula and useful for treating a disease characterized by over-expression of folic acid receptors on the cell surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-viral novel drug delivery system. Nanoparticles comprising folic acid and chitosan are used to deliver a therapeutic agent of interest to the cell for various therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for manufacturing a phosphorylcholine group-containing polysaccharide wherein the aldehyde derivative-containing compound obtained by the oxidative ring-opening reaction of glycerophosphorylcholine is added to a polysaccharide containing amino groups as well as a new polysaccharide having phosphorylcholine groups obtained from this manufacturing method. The object of the present invention is to provide a phosphorylcholine group-containing polysaccharide that is superior in biocompatibility and moisture retention, and is useful as a polymer material for medical use, as well as a simple method of manufacturing it. The polysaccharide of the present invention is utilized, for example, in artificial organs, biomembranes, coating agents for medical tools, drug delivery, and in cosmetics.