The present invention concerns the use of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and/or PIGF as biomarkers for predicting the outcome of the treatment with aflibercept, or ziv-aflibercept of a patient suspected to suffer from a cancer.

Provided is a method for evaluating efficacy of, or resistance to, a c-Met targeting agent including measuring a level of a PDGF protein and/or a PDGF coding gene.

The present invention concerns methods for the detection f target molecules in a sample including several steps of signal amplification allowing the detection of a very low number of target molecules in the tested sample. The detection assay is based on the use of a universal probe which enables the signal amplification. The specific recognition of the target molecule is achieved by using a specific binding agent, preferably an aptamer. The invention further concerns kits and methods for the diagnosis of pathological conditions.

Methods and kits for characterizing liver damage in an individual are provided. The methods employ the use of immune analytes as biomarkers for detecting liver damage and predicting the likelihood that an individual suffering from liver damage will experience life-threatening liver failure. Concentration values for serum albumin and other identified immune analytes are obtained or determined from a blood sample taken from the individual. The obtained concentration values are then compared to corresponding concentrations from individuals having a healthy liver. By comparing the concentrations, an individual's likelihood of developing life-threatening liver failure and needing a liver transplant within a given time period (e.g., 6 months) can be identified.

Provided in the present invention are adult stem cells derived from human skin dermis, and a method for isolating same. Further provided in the present invention are osteoblastic cells and adipocytes differentiated from the adult stem cells derived from human skin dermis, and a differentiation method therefor. Further provided in the present invention is a composition for osteogenesis or lipogenesis containing the stem cells, osteoblastic cells, or adipocytes. The isolation method of the present invention enables the adult stem cells derived from human skin dermis to be obtained in an easy and simple manner at a high yield rate. Genes and growth factors which are specifically expressed in the adult stem cells derived from human skin dermis isolated using the method can be separated, identified, and used later.

The present disclosure teaches an assay to determine the likelihood of a successful implantation of an embryo into a female subject leading to a pregnancy. Enabled herein is an improved assisted reproduction technology protocol based on a prognostic evaluation of pregnancy outcomes. Taught herein is a composition comprising reagents required for the prognostic evaluation. Taught herein are assays comprising determination of levels of the biomarkers IL-8, G-CSF and/or VEGFA in a biological fluid sample taken before embryo implantation.

A biosensing platform capable of high throughput mechanochemical biosensing comprising a DNA origami nanostructure having a plurality of slots into which recognition elements are strategically placed and apparatus that senses a change in the origami nanostructure in response to the introduction of a target where the apparatus includes a signal transduction unit and signal sensor which exploits mechanical signals in a recognition element which signal includes one or more mechanical tension or mechanochemical rearrangement event. The nanostructure is preferably a 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional arrangement of tiles linked by locking elements, such as aptamers that will open in response to an event such as exposure to a drug molecule, DNA, RNA or protein target.

PDGFRb inhibitors and the use of such inhibitors to treat mutant p53-expressing tumors are described. The present disclosure encompasses the discovery that mutant p53-induced upregulation of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor b (PDGFRb) contributes to invasion and/or metastasis of tumors expressing mutant p53. Specifically, the present disclosure encompasses the discovery that mutant p53 can disrupt a p73/NF-Y complex (which can repress PDGFRB transcription), leading to transcription of PDGFRb. The present disclosure therefore provides, at least in part, PDGFRb modulators (e.g., activators or inhibitors) for use in medicine, and specifically in diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention (e.g., delay of onset) of certain disorders, e.g., cancer.

This document provides methods and materials involved in determining whether or not a mammal with diabetic nephropathy or glomerulonephritis is undergoing podocyte injury. For example, methods and materials related to the use of urinary microvesicles to determine whether or not a mammal with diabetic nephropathy or glomerulonephritis is undergoing podocyte injury are provided.

Compositions, methods, and kits are provided for diagnosing vitreoretinal diseases and age-related pathologies. In particular, aqueous humor biomarkers have been identified that correlate with biological aging and age-related pathologies and morbidity. The use of such biomarkers may allow earlier intervention in treatment of aging-related diseases. In addition, methods of using aqueous humor biomarkers for prognosis, diagnosis, and monitoring treatment of vitreoretinal diseases are also provided.