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. Delivery permits cell and tissue specific targeting of gene therapies resulting in expression of a natriuretic peptide or down regulation of natriuretic peptide receptor. A variety of cancers, asthma and viral diseases can be treated therapeutically using the methods and compositions of the present invention.