A protein-based probe for detecting the presence of one of two distinct states of a target membrane-associated molecule by means of polarization microscopy is disclosed. The probe contains an anchoring moiety consisting of at least one lipidated peptide and/or at least one transmembrane α-helical peptide, a peptide linker moiety having the length of at least 5 amino acids, wherein at least 50% of the amino acids forming the linker are selected from glycine, serine, and threonine, a fluorescent moiety, and an affinity binding moiety capable of binding the target membrane-associated molecule. The moieties are arranged in the order a-b-c-d or d-c-b-a in the direction from the N-terminus to the C-terminus. Methods of detecting presence or absence of the target molecule, detecting activated or inactive forms of the target molecule, and detecting the activation of the target molecule are also described.

Provided are methods for detecting or isolating circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in a subject. The methods may include detecting the expression of at least one epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarker. Further provided are kits for detecting or isolating CTCs. The kits may include antibodies to at least one EMT biomarker. Further provided are methods of predicting the responsiveness of a subject to a cancer drug, methods of targeting delivery of a cancer drug in a subject, methods of providing a cancer prognosis to a subject, and methods for following the progress of cancer in a subject.

Methods are described for determining the amount of insulin in a sample. Provided herein are mass spectrometric methods for detecting and quantifying insulin and C-peptide in a biological sample utilizing enrichment and/or purification methods coupled with tandem mass spectrometric or high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometric techniques. Also provided herein are mass spectrometric methods for detecting and quantifying insulin and b-chain in a biological sample utilizing enrichment and/or purification methods coupled with tandem mass spectrometric or high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometric techniques.

Hoxb5 identifies long-term hematopoietic stem cells. Expression of Hoxb5 distinguishes between LT-HSCs and non-LT-HSCs, and the marker identifies substantially all LT-HSC in the bone marrow. By utilizing fluorescent proteins under the endogenous expression control of Hoxb5, LT-HSC can be monitored and isolated, including without limitation detection and monitoring of HSC in bone morrow; production of LT-HSC from pluripotent stem cells such as iPS cells; for analysis of early stage LT-HSC; in screening methods for expansion and manipulation of LT-HSC, and the like.

DNA aptamers are high affinity ligands selected by genetic enrichment techniques to bind to specific protein targets. Because these represent chemically stable and reproducible molecules, they have application as affinity reagents and/or therapeutic drugs to affect the target protein's actions. NF-kB is an important mediator of the innate immune response and mediator of tissue inflammation. Although RNA and double stranded DNA aptamers have been identified to bind to the NF-kB family of proteins, the present invention represents the first identification of single stranded DNA aptamers that recognize NFkB RelA. The aptamers disclosed herein bind to several distinct regions of RelA and may be useful to antagonize the DNA binding of RelA as an inhibitor of cellular inflammation, visualize the location or amount of RelA in tissues from pathological conditions, or to quantitatively measure the activated state of RelA by affinity binding.

The present invention relates to a method for in vitro expansion of mature erythroid cells. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for obtaining concentrated erythrocytes by culturing erythroid cells at high density so as to allow the cells to physically and directly come in contact with each other. Particularly, the method of the present invention is very useful in that it is possible to obtain a large amount of clinically useful concentrated erythrocytes through a small container such as a test tube-sized bioreactor.

The present disclosure provides methods of identifying a candidate agent for treating an apoE-associated neurodegenerative disorder. The methods involve contacting a PCSK1 or a PCSK2 polypeptide with an apolipoprotein E polypeptide in the presence of a test agent.

The disclosure provides compounds and methods for treating cancer by inhibiting the formation of cancer cells resistant to paclitaxel by preventing the formation of GBP1:PIM1 protein interaction during a chemotherapeutic treatment. These compounds and methods are able to treat cancer individually or in conjunction with paclitaxel.

The present invention relates to peptides, proteins, nucleic acids and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumor-associated T-cell peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that can for example serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses, or to stimulate T cells ex vivo and transfer into patients. Peptides bound to molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), or peptides as such, can also be targets of antibodies, soluble T-cell receptors, and other binding molecules.

Methods and compositions are described for the diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis. Novel autoantigens are described for use in assays which employ test samples from individuals.