Abstract: The present invention comprises compounds, compositions and methods of use for sensitizing cancer cells, tumors, neoplasms, and malignancies to the effects of ionizing radiation used in the treatment of cancer. The invention further comprises a method of identifying novel radiosensitizing compounds.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compounds, compositions and methods of use for sensitizing cancer cells, tumors, neoplasms, and malignancies to the effects of ionizing radiation used in the treatment of cancer. The invention further comprises a method of identifying novel radiosensitizing compounds.

Abstract: The present invention features methods of treating a cancer in a subject by administering an effective amount of a beta-lactone to the subject. The invention also features methods of inhibiting angiogenesis in a subject by administering an effective amount of an inhibitor of fatty acid synthase to the subject. These methods can be used to treat a variety of cancers and other diseases and conditions. The invention also features methods of identifying beta-lactones and other compounds that can be used in the methods of the invention for the treatment of tumors, inhibition of angiogenesis, and the treatment of diseases and conditions that involve pathological angiogenesis. The invention also features methods of synthesizing beta-lactones and features novel beta-lactone compounds.

Abstract: Proteins specific for prostate epithelial cells, normal or neoplastic, are identified and used for diagnosis, development of antibodies, and for evaluating drugs that react with the neoplastic specific proteins. Affinity based probes are used that react specifically with the active site to provide a measure of the enzyme activity of the cells. Prostate epithelial neoplastic cells can be used in screening candidate drugs for their effect in changing the proteome profile as to the serine-threonine hydrolase enzymes, using the affinity based probes for determining the profile.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated MMP-2, MMP-9 and MT1-MMP selective substrate polypeptides or functional peptidomimetics. The selective substrate polypeptides contain the following sequences: MMP-2 selective substrate polypeptides contain SEQ ID NOS:1-27, MMP-9 selective substrate polypeptides contain SEQ ID NOS:28-35, and MT1-MMP selective substrate polypeptide contain SEQ ID NOS:36-40. In addition, the invention provides a method of preferentially directing a moiety to a site of MMP-2 activity by administering to a subject an effective amount of an isolated MMP-2 selective substrate polypeptide containing SEQ ID NOS:45-47 linked to a moiety.