Abstract: The present invention concerns molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) having an affinity for natriuretic peptides, such as atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). In some embodiments, the MIP is a nanoparticle (a molecularly imprinted polymeric nanoparticle (MIPNP)). Other aspects of the invention include methods of preparing an MIP having affinity for a natriuretic peptide, methods for binding a natriuretic peptide in vitro or in vivo using an MIP of the invention, methods for interfering with the binding of a natriuretic peptide with its receptor in vivo, methods for reducing inflammation, cell growth, cell differentiation, or a cell proliferation disorder, methods for detecting natriuretic peptides, and devices and kits for sequestering and/or detecting natriuretic peptides.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are theranostic nanoparticles configured for simultaneous delivery of a diagnostic moiety, drug moiety, and a gene therapy moiety. In one embodiment, the theranostic nanoparticles contain a super paramagnetic iron oxide chemotherapeutic loaded on a chitosan functionalized 2D graphene sheet with a gene therapy moiety attached to the surface of the chitosan functionalized 2D graphene sheet. Also disclosed are methods for making and administering theranositic nanoparticles configured for simultaneous delivery of a diagnostic moiety, drug moiety, and a gene therapy moiety.

Abstract: Provided are methods of treating an inflammatory disease in a subject in need thereof by administering an amount of microRNA 142, an amount of microRNA 223 or an amount of microRNA 142 and an amount of micro RNA 223 to the subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein is a three-dimensional scaffold composition comprising randomly oriented fibers, wherein the fibers comprise a polyethylene glycol-polylactic acid block copolymer (PEG-PLA) and a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Also provided are methods for using the three-dimensional scaffolds described herein.

Abstract: Provided herein is a three-dimensional scaffold composition comprising randomly oriented fibers, wherein the fibers comprise a polyethylene glycol-polylactic acid block copolymer (PEG-PLA) and a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Also provided are methods for using the three-dimensional scaffolds described herein.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods of forming multi-cellular tumoroids. Also described herein are methods of using the multi-cellular tumoroids.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for modulating the differentiation of a myeloid derived suppressor cell (MDSC). In particular, described herein are miR-142 polynucleotides and miR-223 polynucleotides that can be used to modulate differentiation of MDSCs. Increased differentiation of a MDSC population, or cells within an MDSC population, can be achieved by increasing the miR-142 and/or miR-223 polynucleotides in a MDSC.

Abstract: The compositions and methods of the disclosure particularly target the divalent metal transporter expressed on olfactory nerve terminals to transport divalent cation-coated or cation-containing nanoparticles to all regions of brain. It has been found that such divalent cation-containing nanoparticles, including those nanoparticles comprising manganese have affinity for the metal transport receptor proteins. Although this receptor has particular affinity for manganese, it is contemplated that other divalent ions, including magnesium, calcium, and the like may also be bound to such receptors leading to transport of the nanoparticles into the intracellular cytoplasm. Nanoparticles have been developed, therefore, as vehicles for parenteral delivery of genes, proteins and drugs.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising a micelle having a hydrophobic superparmagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION) core, a first coating comprising a cationic polymer, and a second coating comprising a polynucleotide. Also provided are methods of using the compositions for transfection and/or transformation of a cell with the polynucleotide. Further provided are methods of detecting transfection of a cell with the polynucleotide.

Abstract: Provided herein is a hydrogel composition comprising a graphene, a chitosan, and a polyethylene (glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) (PCG hydrogel). In some embodiments, the hydrogel further comprises a N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) (TPCG hydrogel). Also provided is a method for differentiating a mesenchymal stem cell comprising contacting the cell with the PCG hydrogel. Further provided herein is a method for delivering a pharmaceutical composition to a cell comprising administering to the cell a TPCG hydrogel and the pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: Provided herein are hydrogel compositions containing graphene, chitosan, a polyethylene (glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA). The hydrogel can optionally contain an N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) (TPCG hydrogel). Also provided are methods for differentiating a cell on the hydrogels described herein. Further provided herein are methods for delivering a compound via the hydrogels described herein.

Abstract: The compositions and methods of the disclosure particularly target the divalent metal transporter expressed on olfactory nerve terminals to transport divalent cation-coated or cation-containing nanoparticles to all regions of brain. It has been found that such divalent cation-containing nanoparticles, including those nanoparticles comprising manganese have affinity for the metal transport receptor proteins. Although this receptor has particular affinity for manganese, it is contemplated that other divalent ions, including magnesium, calcium, and the like may also be bound to such receptors leading to transport of the nanoparticles into the intracellular cytoplasm. Nanoparticles have been developed, therefore, as vehicles for parenteral delivery of genes, proteins and drugs.

Abstract: A treatment for prostate cancer using cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs) and a method of determining patient sensitivity to such CKIs is provided. The effects of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors on the survival of prostate cancer cells was examined. Roscovitine, R-roscovitine, and CGP74514A were shown to induce the apoptosis of LNCaP and LNCaP-Rf cells, both of which express wild-type p53. The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors of the present invention induce the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis of prostate cancer cells by a dual mechanism: p53 accumulation and XIAP depletion.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising a micelle having a hydrophobic superparmagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION) core, a first coating comprising a cationic polymer, and a second coating comprising a polynucleotide. Also provided are methods of using the compositions for transfection and/or transformation of a cell with the polynucleotide. Further provided are methods of detecting transfection of a cell with the polynucleotide.

Abstract: The subject invention identifies CC chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) as a novel biomarker for diagnosis of traumatic brain injury and/or neurodegeneration in the brain. The subject invention also provides treatment methods for traumatic brain injury and/or neurodegeneration in the brain by modulating systemic and/or brain-specific CCL20-CCR6 signaling. Also provided are uses of CCL20-CCR6 signaling a target for screening for therapeutic agents that are useful for treatment of traumatic brain injury.

Abstract: Provided herein is a three-dimensional scaffold composition comprising randomly oriented fibers, wherein the fibers comprise a polyethylene glycol-polylactic acid block copolymer (PEG-PLA) and a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Also provided are methods for using the three-dimensional scaffolds described herein.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and devices are provided by the present invention for reducing activity of a natriuretic peptide receptor and other signals. Therapeutic treatments are provided by use of polynucleotides encoding a natriuretic peptide or by regulating the expression of natriuretic peptide receptor, such as NPRA and NPRC, or combinations of these therapies. Routes used for delivering polynucleotides encoding a natriuretic peptide, or, for example, siRNA that down regulates natriuretic peptide receptor include subcutaneous injection, oral gavage, transdermal and intranasal delivery routes. Compositions can include chitosan, chitosan derivatives, and chitosan derivative and a lipid. Transdermal delivery can use a transdermal cream. Intranasal delivery can use a dropper or an aspirator for delivery of a mist. Oral gavage delivers equivalent to oral delivery.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for modulating the differentiation of a myeloid derived suppressor cell (MDSC). In particular, described herein are miR-142 polynucleotides and miR-223 polynucleotides that can be used to modulate differentiation of MDSCs. Increased differentiation of a MDSC population, or cells within an MDSC population, can be achieved by increasing the miR-142 and/or miR-223 polynucleotides in a MDSC.

Abstract: The compositions and methods of the disclosure particularly target the divalent metal transporter expressed on olfactory nerve terminals to transport divalent cation-coated or cation-containing nanoparticles to all regions of brain. It has been found that such divalent cation-containing nanoparticles, including those nanoparticles comprising manganese have affinity for the metal transport receptor proteins. Although this receptor has particular affinity for manganese, it is contemplated that other divalent ions, including magnesium, calcium, and the like may also be bound to such receptors leading to transport of the nanoparticles into the intracellular cytoplasm. Nanoparticles have been developed, therefore, as vehicles for parenteral delivery of genes, proteins and drugs.

Abstract: A treatment for prostate cancer using cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors is provided. The effects of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors on the survival of prostate cancer cells was examined. Roscovitine, R-roscovitine, and CGP74514A were shown to induce the apoptosis of LNCaP and LNCaP-Rf cells, both of which express wild-type p53. The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors of the present invention induce the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis of prostate cancer cells by a dual mechanism: p53 accumulation and XIAP depletion.