Abstract: A method is provided for the delivery of a therapeutic to epithelial cells through the use of a bile acid conjugated to a peptide, the peptide being ionically charged at physiological pH. The complex is well suited for oral and other forms of therapeutic administration of therapeutic drugs known in the art in order to exact systemic and/or localized effect. Intestinal epithelial cells, as well as non-epithelial cells within the gastrointestinal tract and other target cells receive with greater efficiency a charged therapeutic when delivered with an oppositely charged bile acid conjugate (BAC) through oral administration, direct injection, or infusive administrations, thereby increasing bioavailability.

Abstract: A dipeptide or tripeptide carrier system for active agent delivery to cells has an N-terminus natural amino acid and an active agent covalently bonded to a side chain of one of the remaining amino acid bases. The system is amenable to formulation as an oral administrant. The active agent being a therapeutic, a fluorescent dye, or contrast agent where the active agent has a molecular weight of less than 500 atomic mass units. An optional linker is provided intermediate between the active agent and the linking side chain.

Abstract: A dipeptide or tripeptide carrier system for active agent delivery to cells has an N-terminus natural amino acid and an active agent covalently bonded to a side chain of one of the remaining amino acid bases. The system is amenable to formulation as an oral administrant. The active agent being a therapeutic, a fluorescent dye, or contrast agent where the active agent has a molecular weight of less than 500 atomic mass units. An optional linker is provided intermediate between the active agent and the linking side chain.

Abstract: A method is provided for the packaging of a nucleic acid with a chelating agent having a coordinating moiety linked to a central hydrophobic moiety that terminates in a hydrophilic moiety. The complex is well suited for oral and other forms of therapeutic administration of nucleic acids in order to exact systemic and/or localized gene delivery therapy. Intestinal epithelial cells, as well as non-epithelial cells within the gastrointestinal tract and other target cells, are transformed for short or long-term therapies through oral administration, direct injection, or infusive administrations. A nucleic acid conjugating agent particulate composition amenable for administration as a gene therapy composition is provided. The composition is readily adjusted to create a particle having a controlled size and net-zero, -positive, or -negative charge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel cancer markers and compositions and methods for cancer therapies. For example, the present invention provides compositions and methods for the detection of gene expression of particular marker genes as indicative of cancers, while control of said gene expression provides for intervention in cancer therapies and, in particular, glioma therapies.