Abstract: Disclosed herein are nanostructures, compositions, and methods for treating ocular disorders, injuries, and infections using RNA complexed nanoparticles (e.g., RNA-templated lipoprotein particles, miRNA-high density lipoprotein particles). These nanostructures are contemplated in topical therapies.

Abstract: Disclosed are diagnostic and therapeutic methods related to squamous cell carcinoma. In particular, the diagnostic methods relate to detecting miRNA-205, thereby diagnosing an aggressive form of squamous cell carcinoma. The therapeutic methods relate to inhibiting the function of miRNA-205, thereby treating an aggressive form of squamous cell carcinoma.

Abstract: Disclosed are diagnostic and therapeutic methods related to squamous cell carcinoma. In particular, the diagnostic methods relate to detecting miRNA-205, thereby diagnosing an aggressive form of squamous cell carcinoma. The therapeutic methods relate to inhibiting the function of miRNA-205, thereby treating an aggressive form of squamous cell carcinoma.

Abstract: A method of modulating hair growth by contacting selected cells with a selected growth-modulating molecule is provided. A method for hair reconstitution or transplantation by expanding selected cells in vitro and combining them with other cells that regulate hair growth are also provided. Compositions containing a growth-modulating molecule which is synthesized by follicular cells and which undergoes hair-cycle-dependent concentration changes in hair follicles are also provided.

Abstract: A method of culturing hair follicular stem cells by isolating a subpopulation of follicular keratinocytes from the upper portion of a hair follicle, dispersing the isolated keratinocytes into a single cell suspension, and growing the dispersed isolated keratinocytes in the presence of 3T3 feeder cells is provided. A method of evaluating the efficacy of agents for modulating the activity of bulge cell populations by exposing bulge cells to an agent to be tested and comparing the response of the test cells to established controls for bulge cells is also provided. Methods of modulating the activity of hair follicular stem cells by identifying a subpopulation of follicular keratinocytes from the upper portion of a hair follicle and contracting the cells with a selected agent to stimulate growth or to selectively kill the cells is also provided.

Abstract: Methods of detecting label retaining cells in self-renewing tissues, such as hair follicle, are provided. Methods of modulating the activity of slow-cycling cells and methods of evaluating the efficacy of agents for modulating the activity of stem cell populations are also provided. Generally, cells are continuously labeled, induced into a proliferative phase by exposure to an agent such as TPA or a cytokine, and then observed in relation to established criteria.

Abstract: Methods of detecting label retaining cells in self-renewing tissues, such as hair follicle, are provided. Methods of modulating the activity of slow-cycling cells and methods of evaluating the efficacy of agents for modulating the activity of stem cell populations are also provided. Generally, cells are continuously labeled, induced into a proliferative phase by exposure to an agent such as TPA or a cytokine, and then observed in relation to established criteria.