Abstract: The invention concerns a system for modulating tissue physiology, for example, to prevent or reverse tissue damage caused by disease. The system utilizes vigilant cells that include stable vectors containing a gene switch/biosensor and a gene amplification system. The vectors allow expression of a transgene (such as a cardioprotective gene) in the vigilant cells to be regulated in response to a physiological signal, to be switched on or off, and to provide sufficient levels of the transgene product to achieve a desired result, e.g., prevention or reversal of myocardial cell damage. In addition to myocardial infarction, the vectors can be used to treat cells in a number of other disease states, including diabetes, cancer, stroke, and atherosclerosis. These approaches to stem cell-based gene therapy provide a novel strategy not only for treatment but for prevention of cell destruction.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for selectively directing stem cells to a target tissue within a subject using a system that employs one or more vectors that contain a gene switch/biosensor, a tissue-specific promoter, a gene encoding a stem cell-attracting chemokine, and a gene amplification system. In one embodiment, a stem cell-attracting chemokine is expressed in damaged tissue using a stimulus-responsive vector system. The stimulus can be a physiological stimulus associated with cell injury, such as hypoxia or elevated glucose levels, for example. Expression of the chemokine increases the trafficking of stem cells to the damaged tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for selectively directing stem cells to a target tissue within a subject using a system that employs one or more vectors that contain a gene switch/biosensor, a tissue-specific promoter, a gene encoding a stem cell-attracting chemokine, and a gene amplification system. In one embodiment, a stem cell-attracting chemokine is expressed in damaged tissue using a stimulus-responsive vector system. The stimulus can be a physiological stimulus associated with cell injury, such as hypoxia or elevated glucose levels, for example. Expression of the chemokine increases the trafficking of stem cells to the damaged tissue.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to pharmaceutical compositions, articles of manufacture, and methods useful for treatment of neurological conditions related to, or which can be affected by, modulation of glutamate receptor (GluR) activity. The treatment can be either prophylactic in nature or to alleviate symptoms of such neurological conditions. The pharmaceutical compositions of the subject invention include an aromatic amino acid (AAA), an analog or isomer of an AAA, or combinations thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. Methods of the subject invention involve parenterally administering to a patient at least one AAA, an analog or isomer of an AAA, or combination thereof.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to pharmaceutical compositions, articles of manufacture, and methods useful for treatment of neurological conditions related to, or which can be affected by, modulation of glutamate receptor (GluR) activity. The treatment can be either prophylactic in nature or to alleviate symptoms of such neurological conditions. The pharmaceutical compositions of the subject invention include an aromatic amino acid (AAA), an analog or isomer of an AAA, or combinations thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. Methods of the subject invention involve parenterally administering to a patient at least one AAA, an analog or isomer of an AAA, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Antisense oligonucleotides sequences that inhibit expression of anthrax toxin receptor (ATR) mRNA and human tumor endothelial marker 8 have been designed and constructed. The antisense oligonucleotides may be used to inhibit anthrax infection of host cells as well as for treating cancerous tumors. Introducing such antisense oligonucleotides into a cell decreases ATR expression and decreases tumor cell viability in vitro. Methods for discovering other oligonucleotides with the same activity are taught, as are uses of the antisense molecules for treatment of diseases.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to pharmaceutical compositions, articles of manufacture, and methods useful for treatment of neurological conditions related to, or which can be affected by, modulation of glutamate receptor (GluR) activity. The treatment can be either prophylactic in nature or to alleviate symptoms of such neurological conditions. The pharmaceutical compositions of the subject invention include an aromatic amino acid (AAA), an analog or isomer of an AAA, or combinations thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. Methods of the subject invention involve parenterally administering to a patient at least one AAA, an analog or isomer of an AAA, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are antisense oligonucleotide, polynucleotide, and peptide nucleic acid compounds that specifically bind to mammalian mRNA encoding a &bgr;1-adrenoceptor polypeptide and that are useful in the control and/or treatment of cardiac dysfunction, hypertension, hypertrophy, myocardial ischemia, and other cardiovascular diseases in an affected mammal, and preferably, in a human subject. The antisense compounds disclosed herein, and pharmaceutical formulations thereof, provide sustained control of &bgr;1-adrenoceptor expression over prolonged periods, and achieve therapeutic effects from as little as a single dose. Administration of these antisense compositions to approved animal models resulted in a decrease in blood pressure, but no significant change in heart rate.

Abstract: Disclosed are antisense oligonucleotide, polynucleotide, and peptide nucleic acid compounds that specifically bind to mammalian mRNA encoding a &bgr;1-adrenoceptor polypeptide and that are useful in the control and/or treatment of cardiac dysfunction, hypertension, hypertrophy, myocardial ischemia, and other cardiovascular diseases in an affected mammal, and preferably, in a human subject. The antisense compounds disclosed herein, and pharmaceutical formulations thereof, provide sustained control of &bgr;1-adrenoceptor expression over prolonged periods, and achieve therapeutic effects from as little as a single dose. Administration of these antisense compositions to approved animal models resulted in a decrease in blood pressure, but no significant change in heart rate.

Abstract: Antisense oligonucleotides specific for mammalian ACE mRNA have been identified. Administration of these oligonucleotides to animals resulted in a decrease in blood pressure, but no significant change in heart rate. Methods for discovering other oligonucleotides with the same activity are taught, as are uses of the antisense molecules for treatment of human and animal diseases.