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: Provided herein is a micelle composition comprising a polyethylene glycol (PEG), a DC-cholesterol, and a dioleoylphosphatidyl-ethanolamine (DOPE) and either or both a pharmaceutical compound core and a polynucleotide coating. Also provided herein is a method of administering one or more compounds to a cell comprising administering to the cell a micelle composition comprising 1) PEG-PE, a DC-cholesterol, and DOPE, and 2) the one or more compounds, wherein the compounds are selected from the group consisting of a polynucleotide and a pharmaceutical composition. Further provided are methods for detecting the micelle composition.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of transfecting a brain cell of a subject with a polynucleotide comprising systemically administering to the subject a composition comprising a micelle having a hydrophobic superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION) core, a first coating comprising a cationic polymer, and a second coating comprising the polynucleotide, wherein the subject has a mild traumatic brain injury.

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 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: The invention pertains to biomarkers for clinical detection of malignancies, especially for early detection of cancers. More specifically, this invention pertains to the role of Natriuretic Peptide Receptor A (NPRA) in cancer (e.g., tumor) progression. Thus, the invention includes materials and methods for the detection and prognosis of malignancies. The invention also pertains to methods for treating malignancies.

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: A treatment for cancer using a combination therapy including an inhibitor of the PI3K/Akt pathway in combination with roscovitine. It is shown that the combination of roscovitine and API-2 (Triciribine) or roscovitine and LY294002 induce the apoptosis of androgen-dependent (LNCaP) and androgen-independent (PC3) prostate cancer cells. Two important results have been observed. First, cells that respond to roscovitine alone (LNCaP) initiate apoptosis sooner when co-treated. Second, cells that do not respond to roscovitine alone (PC3) apoptose when co-treated, although with delayed kinetics. In the absence of roscovitine, AKT inhibitors had no effect on LNCaP or PC3 survival, and in both cell lines, the combined treatment activated the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Importantly, normal epithelial cells (RPWE) remained viable in the presence of roscovitine and AKT inhibitors.

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.