Abstract: Protein-based nanoparticles for treating cancer, such as those characterized by intracranial tumors, and methods of forming such protein-based nanoparticles via electrohydrodynamic jetting methods are provided. The nanoparticle may comprise a water-soluble protein having an average molecular weight of ?about 8 kDa and ?about 700 kDa. In certain variations, the water-soluble protein is cross-linked (e.g., with an optional crosslinking agent) and defines a mesh structure having an average linear mesh size of ?about 1 nm to ?about 4 nm. The nanoparticle may have a transcription factor such as a therapeutic nucleic acid in the mesh structure. Methods of making such nanoparticles may include jetting a liquid comprising the water-soluble protein through a nozzle, followed by exposing the liquid to an electric field sufficient to solidify the liquid and form the protein-based nanoparticles described above.

Abstract: Protein-based nanoparticles for treating cancer, such as those characterized by intracranial tumors, and methods of forming such protein-based nanoparticles via electrohydrodynamic jetting methods are provided. The nanoparticle may comprise a water-soluble protein having an average molecular weight of ?about 8 kDa and ?about 700 kDa. In certain variations, the water-soluble protein is cross-linked (e.g., with an optional crosslinking agent) and defines a mesh structure having an average linear mesh size of ?about 1 nm to ?about 4 nm. The nanoparticle may have a transcription factor such as a therapeutic nucleic acid in the mesh structure. Methods of making such nanoparticles may include jetting a liquid comprising the water-soluble protein through a nozzle, followed by exposing the liquid to an electric field sufficient to solidify the liquid and form the protein-based nanoparticles described above.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) and/or to protect dopaminergic nigrostriatal neuronal cell bodies from 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity in a mammal. In various embodiments of the invention, the dopaminergic neuron differentiation factor sonic hedgehog (Shh) and/or its downstream transcription factor target Gli-1 are used in connection with gene therapeutic techniques or direct peptide injection for the aforementioned indications. Kits useful in practicing the inventive method are also disclosed, as are animal models useful for studying various neurodegenerative conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of prolonging the expression of an exogenous gene in a cell transduced with the exogenous gene. The method comprises co-administration of the exogenous gene with a herpes virus gene, whereby such co-administration prolongs the expression of the exogenous gene in the transduced cell. The method is particularly useful as a means of effecting gene therapy.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer, and particularly brain cancer (e.g., glioma) in a mammal. In various embodiments of the invention, a combined therapeutic approach including TK with systemic ganciclovir administration and Flt3L are used in connection with gene therapeutic techniques or direct peptide injection for the aforementioned indications. Kits useful in practicing the inventive method are also disclosed, as are animal models useful for studying brain cancer.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) and/or to protect dopaminergic nigrostriatal neuronal cell bodies from 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity in a mammal. In various embodiments of the invention, the dopaminergic neuron differentiation factor sonic hedgehog (Shh) and/or its downstream transcription factor target Gli-1 are used in connection with gene therapeutic techniques or direct peptide injection for the aforementioned indications. Kits useful in practicing the inventive method are also disclosed, as are animal models useful for studying various neurodegenerative conditions.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) and/or to protect dopaminergic nigrostriatal neuronal cell bodies from 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity in a mammal. In various embodiments of the invention, the dopaminergic neuron differentiation factor sonic hedgehog (Shh) and/or its downstream transcription factor target Gli-1 are used in connection with gene therapeutic techniques or direct peptide injection for the aforementioned indications. Kits useful in practicing the inventive method are also disclosed, as are animal models useful for studying various neurodegenerative conditions.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) and/or to protect dopaminergic nigrostriatal neuronal cell bodies from 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity in a mammal. In various embodiments of the invention, the dopaminergic neuron differentiation factor sonic hedgehog (Shh) and/or its downstream transcription factor target Gli-1 are used in connection with gene therapeutic techniques or direct peptide injection for the aforementioned indications. Kits useful in practicing the inventive method are also disclosed, as are animal models useful for studying various neurodegenerative conditions.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer, and particularly brain cancer (e.g., glioma) in a mammal. In various embodiments of the invention, a combined therapeutic approach including TK with systemic ganciclovir administration and Flt3L are used in connection with gene therapeutic techniques or direct peptide injection for the aforementioned indications. Kits useful in practicing the inventive method are also disclosed, as are animal models useful for studying brain cancer.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) and/or to protect dopaminergic nigrostriatal neuronal cell bodies from 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity in a mammal. In various embodiments of the invention, the dopaminergic neuron differentiation factor sonic hedgehog (Shh) and/or its downstream transcription factor target Gli-1 are used in connection with gene therapeutic techniques or direct peptide injection for the aforementioned indications. Kits useful in practicing the inventive method are also disclosed, as are animal models useful for studying various neurodegenerative conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of prolonging the expression of an exogenous gene in a cell transduced with the exogenous gene. The method comprises co-administration of the exogenous gene with a herpes virus gene, whereby such co-administration prolongs the expression of the exogenous gene in the transduced cell. The method is particularly useful as a means of effecting gene therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of prolonging the expression of an exogenous gene in a cell transduced with the exogenous gene. The method comprises co-administration of the exogenous gene with a herpes virus gene, whereby such co-administration prolongs the expression of the exogenous gene in the transduced cell. The method is particularly useful as a means of effecting gene therapy.