Abstract: A method of detecting triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is provided. Overexpression of ICAM-1 is linked to an increased risk of TNBC. A composition of matter is also provided that binds an anti-ICAM~1 antibody to a nanoparticle. The composition may be used as an imaging agent and/or a therapeutic targeting agent. A therapeutically active molecule may be bound to the composition to provide targeted therapy.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of producing exosome mimetics that are homogenous in size and are akin to native exosomes in structure and/or biological function. Also provided herein are the use of the EMs as delivery vehicles to deliver agents (e.g., therapeutic agents or diagnostic agents) for treating or diagnosing a disease.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions comprising intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) antibody and methods for using the same for therapeutic applications, for example, treating pancreatic cancer and predicting drug response.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for delivery an agent (e.g., diagnostic agent or therapeutic agent) to the brain using an extracellular vesicle comprising the agent and a Rab7 inhibitor. Methods of diagnosing or treating a brain disease are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides liposomes (e.g., cancer-targeting liposomes) with ligands (e.g., EGFR ligands and ICAM-1 ligands) conjugated to liposome surfaces. In some embodiments, the molecular ratio of different ligands complement the relative molecular density (i.e., ratio) of overexpressed protein on the surface of a cell targeted by the liposome (e.g., cancer cell).

Abstract: Some aspects of the present disclosure provide nanoparticles comprising a non-cationic liposome with ligands conjugated to its surface and a hydrogel encapsulated in the liposome. In some embodiments, the nanoparticle is used as a delivery system to deliver an agent (e.g., a therapeutic agent or a genome-editing agents) to a cell (e.g., a diseased cell such as a cancer cell). The ligands on the surface of the cationic liposome targets the liposome to cells that express proteins targeted by the ligands on their surface. Methods of treating diseases and disorders, as well as methods of genome-editing are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of determining whether an extracellular vesicle (EV) can cross an endothelial barrier (e.g., the blood brain barrier). In some embodiments, the EV originates from a cancer cell. In some embodiments, the cancer has a higher likelihood of metastasizing (to the brain) if the EV originating from a cancer cell is determined to be able to cross an endothelial barrier (e.g., the blood brain barrier). Thus, further provided herein are methods of determining whether a subject who has cancer is likely to develop metastatic cancer. In some embodiments, the subject is treated for the metastatic cancer accordingly.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of using atomic force microscopy (AFM) to measure the adhesion force between a cell surface target and a ligand (e.g., an antibody) that binds to the cell surface target. Such adhesion force serves as an in vitro metric for predicting the in vivo tumor recognition and/or anti-tumor efficacy of antibody-directed nanomedicine.

Abstract: The disclosure provides liposomes (e.g., cancer-targeting liposomes) with ligands (e.g., EGFR ligands and ICAM-1 ligands) conjugated to liposome surfaces. In some embodiments, the molecular ratio of different ligands complement the relative molecular density (i.e., ratio) of overexpressed protein on the surface of a cell targeted by the liposome (e.g., cancer cell).

Abstract: Methods and kits for diagnosing the presence of and prognosing the appearance of tissue remodelling-associated conditions, involving the presence of enzyme complexes in a biological sample, are disclosed. In particular, the method pertains to diagnosing the presence of or prognosing appearance of metastatic cancer by the identification of high molecular weight enzyme complexes comprising MMPs.

Abstract: Uncomplexed neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) is present at increased levels in individuals with atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), a major risk factor for future breast cancer development; in individuals that have ovarian cancer; and in individuals that have breast cancer, both invasive and noninvasive. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to measuring uncomplexed NGAL levels in urine as a primary screen to determine if an individual is either at risk of developing, or has developed cancer, e.g., cancer of epithelial origin including breast and ovarian cancer.

Abstract: Urinary Cyr61 protein levels are up regulated in patients that have cancers of epithelial origin, i.e. breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to methods for prognostic evaluation, and diagnosis of cancers of epithelial origin. Further, the amount of Cyr61 protein detected in a urine sample correlates with disease status such that Cyr61 levels can be used to predict the presence of, as well as the metastatic potential of cancer. Thus, measuring the level of Cyr61 in urine provides a quick, easy, and safe screen that can be used to both diagnose and prognose cancer in a patient.

Abstract: Methods and kits for diagnosing the presence of and prognosing the appearance of tissue remodelling-associated conditions, involving the presence of enzyme complexes in a biological sample, are disclosed. In particular, the method pertains to diagnosing the presence of or prognosing appearance of metastatic cancer by the identification of high molecular weight enzyme complexes comprising MMPs.

Abstract: Uncomplexed neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) is present at increased levels in individuals with atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), a major risk factor for future breast cancer development; in individuals that have ovarian cancer; and in individuals that have breast cancer, both invasive and noninvasive. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to measuring uncomplexed NGAL levels in urine as a primary screen to determine if an individual is either at risk of developing, or has developed cancer, e.g., cancer of epithelial origin including breast and ovarian cancer.

Abstract: ADAM 12 expression and activity are up regulated in patients that have cancers of epithelial origin, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, and skin cancer, as well as others: Accordingly, the present invention is directed to methods for prognostic evaluation, and diagnosis of cancers of epithelial origin. In particular, the presence of ADAM 12 in a biological sample is indicative of cancer of epithelial origin. Further, the amount of ADAM 12 protein detected in biological samples, e.g. urine, correlate with disease status such that ADAM 12 levels can be used to predict the presence of, as well as the metastatic potential of cancer. Thus, measuring the level of ADAM 12 in biological samples (e.g. urine or blood) provides a quick, easy, and safe screen that can be used to both diagnose and prognose cancer in a patient.

Abstract: Methods and kits for diagnosing the presence of and prognosing the appearance of tissue remodelling-associated conditions, involving the presence of enzyme complexes in a biological sample, are disclosed. In particular, the method pertains to diagnosing the presence of or prognosing appearance of metastatic cancer by the identification of high molecular weight enzyme complexes comprising MMPs.

Abstract: Urinary Cyr61 protein levels are up regulated in patients that have cancers of epithelial origin, i.e. breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to methods for prognostic evaluation, and diagnosis of cancers of epithelial origin. Further, the amount of Cyr61 protein detected in a urine sample correlates with disease status such that Cyr61 levels can be used to predict the presence of, as well as the metastatic potential of cancer. Thus, measuring the level of Cyr61 in urine provides a quick, easy, and safe screen that can be used to both diagnose and prognose cancer in a patient.

Abstract: A method of detecting triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is provided. Overexpression of ICAM-1 is linked to an increased risk of TNBC. A composition of matter is also provided that binds an anti-ICAM˜1 antibody to a nanoparticle. The composition may be used as an imaging agent and/or a therapeutic targeting agent. A therapeutically active molecule may be bound to the composition to provide targeted therapy.

Abstract: Uncomplexed neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) is present at increased levels in individuals with atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), a major risk factor for future breast cancer development; in individuals that have ovarian cancer; and in individuals that have breast cancer, both invasive and noninvasive. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to measuring uncomplexed NGAL levels in urine as a primary screen to determine if an individual is either at risk of developing, or has developed cancer, e.g., cancer of epithelial origin including breast and ovarian cancer.

Abstract: Methods and kits for diagnosing the presence of and prognosing the appearance of tissue remodelling-associated conditions, involving the presence of enzyme complexes in a biological sample, are disclosed. In particular, the method pertains to diagnosing the presence of or prognosing appearance of metastatic cancer by the identification of high molecular weight enzyme complexes comprising MMPs.