Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a controlled fluidic device to develop spatially complex environments to enhance the rate of evolution in cell populations. The method further provides an enhanced understanding in the emergence, for example, drug resistance during cancer chemotherapy.

Abstract: A method for detecting oncogenic growth and viability, and/or degree of cellular transformation and/or identifying an agent that inhibits cellular transformation is disclosed. The method including: providing a cellular sample, such as a sample of cells obtained from a subject or a cell line; culturing the cellular sample in low attachment conditions; and detecting growth and7or cell viability of the sample, wherein increased growth relative and/or viability relative to a control or control level indicative of basal growth and/or viability indicates cellular transformation. In some embodiments, the method includes introducing a n expression vector into cells of the cellular sample, wherein the expression vector comprises a gene product expression sequence being tested for transformation ability. In some embodiments the cellular sample is contacted with a test agent and growth and/or cell viability of the sample is determined to determine if the agent inhibits transformation.

Abstract: A nucleotide that encodes for a destabilized RNA that corresponds to ERBB2 (erythroblastic oncogene B) or MYC oncogenes. The destabilization occurs in an adenylate-uridylate rich element (ARE) stabilizing motif. Without wishing to be bound to any particular theory, changing the stabilizing motifs of ERBB2 and MYC to destabilization motifs is believed to lead to the rapid degradation of their transcripts. Thus, in turn, renders the composition useful as a therapeutic for cancer.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a controlled fluidic device to develop spatially complex environments to enhance the rate of evolution in cell populations. The method further provides an enhanced understanding in the emergence, for example, drug resistance during cancer chemotherapy.

Abstract: A method for detecting oncogenic growth and viability, and/or degree of cellular transformation and/or identifying an agent that inhibits cellular transformation is disclosed. The method including: providing a cellular sample, such as a sample of cells obtained from a subject or a cell line; culturing the cellular sample in low attachment conditions; and detecting growth and7or cell viability of the sample, wherein increased growth relative and/or viability relative to a control or control level indicative of basal growth and/or viability indicates cellular transformation. In some embodiments, the method includes introducing a n expression vector into cells of the cellular sample, wherein the expression vector comprises a gene product expression sequence being tested for transformation ability. In some embodiments the cellular sample is contacted with a test agent and growth and/or cell viability of the sample is determined to determine if the agent inhibits transformation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for treating a tumor in a subject in need thereof comprising administering an enhancing amount of metformin and a reduced amount of one or more chemotherapeutic agents. One example of an enhancing amount of metformin is about 250 mg/day. Also disclosed is a Untreated method for preventing cancer or delaying the recurrence of cancer in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of metformin to the subject. In one example of such a method, the amount of metformin is about 75 mg/day. Also disclosed is a composition comprising an enhancing amount of metformin, and a reduced amount of one or more chemotherapeutic agents and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Kits comprising metformin and one or more chemotherapeutic agents are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for the rapid repression of gene function in eucaryotic cells are disclosed including inducible means for both shutting down a targeted gene's transcription and rapidly removing a targeted gene's polypeptide product.

Abstract: Methods for the rapid repression of gene function in eucaryotic cells are disclosed including inducible means for both shutting down a targeted gene's transcription and rapidly removing a targeted gene's polypeptide product.