Johns Hopkins University

Douglas Robinson

Caren Laura Freel Meyers

Win Pin Ng

Alexandra Surcel

Shiva Razavi

Takanari Inoue

Tianzhi Luo

This application is directed to methods which allow for encapsulation of an array of biological materials under physiological conditions that are relevant given a biological context and the compositions made using those methods. These reconstituted biological materials encompass: a) purified proteins that can bind to the lipid membranes inside and outside of vesicles based on the electrostatic charge; b) purified cytosolic proteins that position themselves in the lumen of the vesicles, c) mammalian cell extracts with an array of cytosolic protein content, among other contents and d) small biological molecules such as DNA and RNA as well as fluorescent dyes/probes. These vesicles can be used to simulate cells in drug discovery methods as well as useful in administering drugs and other compositions to cells in vitro and in vivo.

Methods for making giant vesicles and their use

Described are methods of treating or preventing a disease in a subject treatable by modulating cell mechanics. The method includes administering to a subject having or at risk for such a disease a pharmaceutical composition. comprising an agent selected from the group comprising a salt, solvate, or stereoisomer of compound (VIII) or its derivatives or a mixture of their constituents, where the compound has the formula:

Treating and preventing diseases by modulating cell mechanics

Described are methods of treating or preventing a disease in a subject treatable by modulating cell mechanics. The method includes administering to a subject having or at risk for such a disease a pharmaceutical composition comprising an agent selected from the group comprising a salt, solvate, or stereoisomer of compound (VIII) or its derivatives or a mixture of their constituents, where the compound has the formula: 

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Towson, MD, United States of America

Douglas Robinson