Abstract: The invention relates to the fields of materials sciences and medicine and relates to an agent, which can be used, for example, as a contrast medium for the localization of cancer cells. The object of the present invention is to disclose an agent which sensitively and selectively recognizes the site and the type of the molecules or cells to be examined. The object is attained through an agent composed at least of bio-shuttle molecules to which endohedral fullerenes are coupled by way of peptide-based molecules, wherein the endohedral fullerenes are hydrophobic and correspond to the formula A3-xMxZ@C2n in which x=0 to 3 and n?34, A means rare earths and/or transuranic elements, M means metals, Z means non-metals and C means carbon. The object is further attained through a method in which hydrophobic endohedral fullerenes are coupled with bio-shuttle molecules by way of an irreversible Diels-Alder reaction with an inverse electron demand (DARinv).

Abstract: The invention relates to peptide nucleic acid (PNA) conjugates which can be used for treating diseases correlated with HIV, wherein the peptide nucleic acid (PNA) inhibits the gene expression of HIV. The conjugates comprise the following components: (a) a transport mediator for the cell membrane, (b) an address protein or peptide for the import into the cell nucleus, and (c) a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) which is to be transported and can be hybridized with an HIV gene and can inhibit the expression of the HIV gene.

Abstract: Described is a diagnostic conjugate comprising (a) a transmembrane module (TPU), (b) an address module (AS), preferably an antisense peptide nucleic acid (PNA), and (c) a signaling module (SM). The conjugate is useful for intracellular imaging, preferably via MRI, and, e.g., for differentiating between tumor- and non-tumor cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conjugate for treating prokaryotic infections from a transport mediator penetrating the prokaryotic cell membrane and a desired compound to be introduced into the prokaryote and directed thereagainst, which compound is preferably a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) directed against a gene of the prokaryote giving antibiotic resistance.

Abstract: Described is a conjugate comprising (a) an amphiphilic transport peptide of human origin as a transmembrane module (TPU), (b) a nuclear localization sequence (NLS) and (c) a signalling and/or drug carrying module (SM), preferably comprising Gd, Ga, Fe, Mn, I and/or F as (diagnostic) image creating compound. Said conjugate is' useful for diagnostic purposes, e.g., for cell tracking by MRI, as a contrast agent (e.g., replacing a “biopsy clip”) for MRI, or for determining the activity of DNA repair enzymes by MRI. Said conjugate is also useful for therapy, e.g., for chemotherapy or intranuclear Gadolinium Neutron Capture Therapy (GNCT).

Abstract: Described is a diagnostic conjugate comprising (a) a transmembrane module (TPU), (b) an address module (AS), preferably an antisense peptide nucleic acid (PNA), and (c) a signalling module (SM). Said conjugate is useful for intracellular imaging, preferably via MRI, and, e.g., for differentiating between tumor- and non-tumor cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptide nucleic acid (PNA) conjugates which inhibit the expression of the bcr/abl fusion gene characteristic of CML and are suited to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

Abstract: The invention relates to a conjugate for treating prokaryotic infections from a transport mediator penetrating the prokaryotic cell membrane and a desired compound to be introduced into the prokaryote and directed thereagainst, which compound is preferably a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) directed against a gene of the prokaryote giving antibiotic resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conjugates for mediating a cell-specific, compartment-specific or membrane-specific to methods of active substances. The invention also relates to methods of preparing these conjugates as well as their use. The conjugates comprise: a transport mediator for the cell membrane, a cell-specific, compartment-specific or membrane-specific address protein or peptide, and an active substance to be transported.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptide nucleic acid (PNA) conjugates which can be used for treating diseases correlated with HIV, wherein the peptide nucleic acid (PNA) inhibits the gene expression of HIV. The conjugates comprise the following components: (a) a transport mediator for the cell membrane, (b) an address protein or peptide for the import into the cell nucleus, and (c) a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) which is to be transported and can be hybridized with an HIV gene and can inhibit the expression of the HIV gene.