Abstract: Compositions containing populations of nanoparticles that show selective uptake by tissues and other cell types such as lung cells and/or bone marrow cells are described. The nanoparticles show this uptake by virtue of their size and in the absence of a targeting agent on the surface of the nanoparticles, i.e., passive targeting. The population of nanoparticles contain poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid), have a diameter between about 70 nm and about 220 nm, and at least 90% of the nanoparticles have a diameter between about 110 nm and about 129 nm. The nanoparticles are manufactured using a microfluidic system. The compositions can be used to treat lung- and/or blood-related genetic disorders in in vivo gene editing technologies.

Abstract: Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomers that target the ?-globin gene and can increase the frequency of recombination of donor oligonucleotide at the site of a Sickle Cell Disease mutation are provided. Nanoparticle formulations for delivering the PNA oligomers and donor oligonucleotides, and potentiating agents for increase the frequency of recombination of the donor oligonucleotide are also provided. Methods of using the PNA oligomers, donor oligonucleotides, nanoparticles, and potentiating agents for treating Sickle Cell Disease are also provided.

Abstract: Triplex-forming peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomers having a ?-substitution in one or more residues of the Hoosteen binding segment are provided. ?PNA-containing triplex-forming molecules can be used in combination with a donor DNA fragment to facilitate genome modification in vitro and in vivo. In some embodiments, the oligomers have between 1 and 50 inclusive ?-substituted PNA residues.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for selective targeting of live cells, which have undergone or are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy, at a site of interest with a cell-penetrating polypeptide. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises contacting the live cells with a cell-penetrating polypeptide comprising cell-penetrating determinants so that the cell-penetrating polypeptide binds extracellular DNA near or around the live cells so as to form a complex or association therewith such that the complex or associated polypeptide-DNA so bound bind the live cells and penetrates the live cells thereby selectively targeting live cells at a site of interest with a cell-penetrating polypeptide.

Abstract: In various aspects and embodiments the invention provides a method of treating or preventing a cancer in a mammalian subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a DNA repair inhibitor, a DNA strand break repair inhibitor, and a homologous recombination (HR) repair inhibitor, wherein cells in the cancer comprise a fumarate hydratase (FH) and/or succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) mutation.

Abstract: Compositions for enhanced gene editing and methods of use thereof are. The composition contains a cell-penetrating antibody and a donor oligonucleotide containing a sequence that can correct a mutation in a cell's genome. Preferably, the composition does not contain a nuclease, PNA, or nanoparticle. The compositions are used to modify the genome of a cell by contacting the cell with an effective amount of the composition. Genomic modification occurs at a higher frequency both ex vivo and in vivo, when cells are contacted with the cell-penetrating antibody and donor oligonucleotide as compared to the absence of the cell-penetrating antibody.

Abstract: Compositions for improved gene editing and methods of use thereof are disclosed. In a preferred method, gene editing involves use of a cell-penetrating anti-DNA antibody, such as 3E10, as a potentiating agent to enhance gene editing by nucleases and triplex forming oligonucleotides. Genomic modification occurs at a higher frequency when cells are contacted with the potentiating agent and nuclease or triplex forming oligonucleotide, as compared to the absence of the potentiating agent. The methods are suitable for both ex vivo and in vivo approaches to gene editing and are useful for treating a subject with a genetic disease or disorder. Nanoparticle compositions for intracellular delivery of the gene editing compositions are provided and are particularly advantageous for use with in vivo applications.

Abstract: Combination therapies including administering a subject in need thereof a cell-penetrating binding protein, such as an antibody, and an immune checkpoint modulator are provided. Typically, the cell-penetrating binding protein can induce DNA damage or reduce DNA damage repair in an effective amount to activate the innate immunity inflammatory pathway in target cells such as cancer cells or infected cells. For example, in some embodiments, the cell-penetrating binding protein increases induced p21 and/or p27 protein expression, increases accumulation of single-strand DNA in the cytosol, increases phosphorylation of STAT1, or a combination thereof in target cells.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing targeted gene editing and methods of use thereof are disclosed. In the most preferred embodiments, gene editing is carried out utilizing a gene editing composition such as triplex-forming oligonucleotides, CRISPR, zinc finger nucleases, TALENS, or others, in combination with a gene modification potentiating agent such as stem cell factor (SCF), a CHK1 or ATR inhibitor, or a combination thereof. A particular preferred gene editing composition is triplex-forming peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) substituted at the ? position for increased DNA binding affinity. Nanoparticle compositions for intracellular delivery of the gene editing composition are also provided and particular advantageous for use with in vivo applications.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for selective targeting of live cells, which have undergone or are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy, at a site of interest with a cell-penetrating polypeptide. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises contacting the live cells with a cell-penetrating polypeptide comprising cell-penetrating determinants so that the cell-penetrating polypeptide binds extracellular DNA near or around the live cells so as to form a complex or association therewith such that the complex or associated polypeptide-DNA so bound bind the live cells and penetrates the live cells thereby selectively targeting live cells at a site of interest with a cell-penetrating polypeptide.

Abstract: In various aspects and embodiments the invention provides a method of treating or preventing a cancer in a mammalian subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a DNA repair inhibitor, a DNA strand break repair inhibitor, and a homologous recombination (HR) repair inhibitor, wherein cells in the cancer comprise a fumarate hydratase (FH) and/or succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) mutation.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions and methods for treating or preventing a cancer in a subject. In one aspect the invention provides methods of administering to a subject suffering from a cancer with cells containing an IDH1 or IDH2 mutation, at least one compound comprising a DNA repair inhibitor. The invention also provides methods of treating a cancer with 2 HG, a derivative of 2-HG, any variant and any mixtures thereof. In one aspect the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an anti-tumor effective mount of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG), a derivative of 2-HG, any variant and any mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing targeted gene editing and methods of use thereof are disclosed. In the most preferred embodiments, gene editing is carried out utilizing a gene editing composition such as triplex-forming oligonucleotides, CRISPR, zinc finger nucleases, TALENS, or others, in combination with a gene modification potentiating agent such as stem cell factor (SCF), a CHK1 or ATR inhibitor, or a combination thereof. A particular preferred gene editing composition is triplex-forming peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) substituted at the ? position for increased DNA binding affinity. Nanoparticle compositions for intracellular delivery of the gene editing composition are also provided and particular advantageous for use with in vivo applications.

Abstract: High affinity, chemically modified triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) and methods for use thereof are disclosed. TFOs are defined as triplex-forming oligonucleotides which bind as third strands to duplex DNA in a sequence specific manner. Triplex-forming oligonucleotides may be comprised of any possible combination of nucleotides and modified nucleotides. Modified nucleotides may contain chemical modifications of the heterocyclic base, sugar moiety or phosphate moiety. A high affinity oligonucleotide (Kd?2×10?8) which forms a triple strand with a specific DNA segment of a target gene DNA is generated. It is preferable that the Kd for the high affinity oligonucleotide is below 2×10?10. The nucleotide binds or hybridizes to a target sequence within a target gene or target region of a chromosome, forming a triplex region. The binding of the oligonucleotide to the target region stimulates mutations within or adjacent to the target region using cellular DNA synthesis, recombination, and repair mechanisms.

Abstract: The methods disclosed herein are of use for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases. In particular, the methods provide for the targeting of a transcription altering agent to a specific target site of a viral genome in order to inactivate the virus. In addition, the methods provide for a triplex-forming oligonucleotide capable of interacting with a target site in a viral genome in order to alter transcription. The methods of the present invention may be used against viral pathogens or agents of bioterrorism.