Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
UCSD is a large (over 25,000 students), technically diverse research institution. Multiple departments provide a foundation o basic research capabilities and its entrepreneurial nature results in several hundred invention disclosures to its Technology Transfer Office each year. Technologies disclosed by departments in life sciences and medicine range from a wide variety o research tools (reporter systems, tangible materials, devices, assays) to the identification of new, drugable targets for both major and orphan diseases, novel approaches to ...
Organization: University of Virginia
More than 100 faculty members with educational backgrounds and research experience from all around the world contribute to the cardiovascular research community at the University of Virginia, where clinicians and researchers across several medical and engineering disciplines are developing cardiovascular therapies, devices, imaging techniques and other tools to advance the field and improve patient care. The University’s Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center at the University of Virginia supports interdisciplinary research in basic, ...
Organization: Auburn University
Novel Adjuvant for Increasing Effectiveness of Vaccines
Organization: National Jewish Health
Most current vaccines, including those against influenza, act via the generation of specific antibodies that can either neutralize or otherwise inactivate the pathogen. These vaccines induce the production of antibodies against viral surface proteins to prevent viral cellular entry. However, as far as influenza is concerned, these viral surface proteins tend to mutate over time and as a result a new vaccine against influenza must be developed every year. To avoid this problem, the ideal vaccine would be pan-specific across strains of ...
Use of the Listeria Monocytogenes p60 Polypeptide and Variants for Stimulating NK cells
Organization: National Jewish Health
Natural killer cells (or NK cells) are a type of cytotoxic lymphocyte that constitutes a major component of the innate immune system. NK cells play a major role in the rejection of tumors and cells infected by viruses. They kill cells by releasing small cytoplasmic granules of proteins called perforin and granzyme that cause the target cell to die by apoptosis (programmed cell death). Stimulation of NK cells can be used to treat infections and tumors, to improve adaptive immune responses to these agents and vaccines, and possibly to promote ...
Targeting FgfR2b for the Treatment of Adult Lung Injury
Organization: National Jewish Health
The epithelial cells that line the airways are constantly exposed to potential toxic agents and pathogens in the environment, and they must therefore be able to respond quickly and effectively to both cellular damage and local inflammation. The cellular hallmark of lung repair after injury of lung epithelial cells is a rapid proliferative response ultimately leading to restoration of the airway epithelium and function. Remodeling of the airway epithelium is a common pathological feature in chronic lung disease and a predisposing factor in ...
SERCA2: Novel Target for the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis
Organization: National Jewish Health
Various SERCA2 activators are currently being tested as drug candidates by third parties. Our scientists have found that: SERCA2 is decreased in the epithelium of proximal and distal airways of CF subjects. SERCA2 is required for survival of airway epithelial cells under oxidant stress such as those caused by ambient concentration of ozone and concentrations of H2O2 and TNF found in CF airways. Increasing SERCA2 activity reduces ozone-mediated proinflammatory cytokine production. SERCA2 activity can be modulated/enhanced in CF ...
Targeting a Subset of B Cells to Treat Autoimmune Diseases
Organization: National Jewish Health
It is estimated that 23.5 million Americans suffer from autoimmune disease (AD) and that the prevalence is rising. Researchers have identified 80-100 different ADs and suspect at least 40 additional diseases of having an autoimmune basis. These diseases are chronic and can be life-threatening with an annual direct health care costs in the range of $100 billion. AD is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in female children and women in all age groups up to 64 years. Current therapies for autoimmune diseases such as immunosuppressant ...
Adenosine A2A Receptor: A Prognosis Marker For Lung Cancer
Organization: National Jewish Health
Adenosine A2A receptor expression is increased in lung tumor samples at different stages: (A) Human lung cancer expression panels (I and IV) containing reverse-transcribed cDNA from the different tumor stages were probed with real-time Taqman primers and probes for adenosine A2A receptor and CD31. The A2A expression data were normalized to CD31 expression. The different tumor stages were grouped together and plotted after log transformation. *, Statistical difference from the normal lung tissue using a 2-sample t test. (B) Normalized ...
Novel Lipid Inhibitors of TLR Effective at Reducing RSV and Influenza A Infection In Vivo
Organization: National Jewish Health
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the most common cause of hospitalization for respiratory illness in young children and 90% of children under the age of 2 will be infected by this virus. RSV infection and associated inflammation have also been shown to be a substantial contributing factor in the exacerbation of chronic lung diseases in adults and the elderly. Influenza A virus (IAV) is a worldwide public health problem causing 500,000 deaths each year with the highest death rates among newborns, the elderly and adults with chronic lung ...
Treatment with an Antibody Against VGamma4 T Cells Reduces Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms in Mice
Organization: National Jewish Health
Our scientists have shown in a collagen-induced arthritis murine model: Increased numbers of activated Vgamma4 cells in active disease Vgamma4 cells were major producers of the inflammatory cytokine, IL-17 Administration of a monoclonal antibody targeting Vgamma4 T cells in mice resulted in a 42% decrease in RA histological parameters and a significant decrease in autoantibodies
Organization: National Jewish Health
Our scientists have shown the following in vitro : Biofilm development of P. aeruginosa is enhanced with: the addition of human viable neutrophils and correlates with an increase in the number of necrotic neutrophils. the addition of neutrophils lysates and particularly with monomeric actin (G-actin). Biofilm development of P. aeruginosa is reduced with: the addition of neutrophils lysates depleted of actin microfilaments (F-actin). the addition of compunds that promotes the depolymerization of F-actin, such as gelsolin or charged ...
Organization: National Jewish Health
Our scientists have shown the following in vitro : cystatin C is downregulated in human tumors Overexpression of cystatin C in highly malignant human HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells inhibits their invasion through matrices and the expression of TGF-ß-responsive genes TGF-ß treatment of 3T3-L1 fibroblasts stimulates their invasion through matrices Overexpression of cystatin C in these TGF-ß-treated cells inhibits this invasion process Cross-linking assays show that recombinant cystatin C dose-dependently inhibits the binding of TGF-ß to its ...
Modulating the Transport of Thiol-Containing Molecules for the Treatment of Lung Disease and Cancer
Organization: National Jewish Health
In mice, treatment with these compounds increased the levels of glutathione in the extracellular compartment and the lung epithelial lining fluid (ELF). Significant MRP-specific efflux of glutathione has also been demonstrated in cancer cell lines with a concomitant potentiation of cisplatin cytotoxicity.
Liposomal Clodronate as a Therapy for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Organization: National Jewish Health
The efficacy of this therapy has been demonstrated by some strong in vivo data obtained in mice and dogs with AIHA. Using a mouse model in which animals were given anti red blood cell antibodies, treatment with liposomal clodronate substantially decreased red blood cell destruction. In addition, this effect was detected within hours and lasted at least a week. RBC clearance and the effects of LC treatment in dogs with AIHA. RBC clearance in 6 dogs with spontaneous AIHA was assessed by flow cytometry prior to treatment and again 24 hours ...
Organization: National Jewish Health
Using cell lines developed in-house, National Jewish Health scientists have demonstrated that T cell receptor activation of NF-kB involves the dynamic relocalization of the signaling intermediate Bcl10. This protein movement can be visualized by confocal or epifluorescence microscopy using a fluorescent marker (such as GFP) or antibodies.
Organization: National Jewish Health
National Jewish Health scientists have demonstrated the following: TALL-1 is expressed specifically in monocytes and macrophages TALL-1 is down regulated by mytogens BCMA specifically binds to TALL-1 and activates NF-?B through a TRAF5/TRAF-6 pathway The 3D structure of the TALL-1 monomer by crystallography 60 TALL-1 monomers can form a virus like structure in physiological conditions The TALL-1 region critical for the formation of this virus-like structure has been identified Deletion of such region disrupts the virus like assembly ...
Use of Aerosolized anti-TCR Monoclonal Antibodies as a Therapy for Airway Hyperresponsiveness
Organization: National Jewish Health
National Jewish Health scientists have demonstrated in a mouse model of asthma that targeted delivery of monoclonal antibodies anti-alpha beta or gamma delta T cells alleviate AHR: In addition, the same decrease in AHR was demonstrated in mice genetically-deficient in cells targeted by these antibodies. The same scientists have also shown that the cellular effects of these antibodies is localized exclusively to the airways and do not spread systemically.
Cdk6 as a Marker for Breast Cancer
Organization: National Jewish Health
State of Development - Method tested in vitro: No cdk6 or considerably lower levels of cdk6 were detected in breast tumor-derived cell lines compare to healthy breast cells. Breast tumor-derived cell lines cells overexpressing cdk6 exhibited a much reduced growth rate compare to the control cell lines. Histologic studies using tissue from breast cancer patients show a severely decreased level of cdk6. Further R&D Required - Demonstrating reliability of cdk6 as a predictor of in vivo tumor cell growth.
Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide For The Reduction Of Allergen-Induced Airway Hyperresponsiveness
Organization: National Jewish Health
Administration of CGRP to sensitized and challenged mice resulted in the normalization of AHR. This potential therapy for AHR was tested in phase II of clinical trials however the trial was never completed.
Organization: National Jewish Health
The medium has been successfully tested to isolate M. tuberculosis and for susceptibility with pyrazinamide
NOVEL TREATMENT FOR HAPLOINSUFFICIENCY IN GENETIC DISORDERS
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Osteoconductive Injectable Hydrogel Systems
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Currently, in order for implantable materials to guide tissue formation or produce 3D substrates for the study of cellular behavior, researchers are required to use large masses of bioceramics or incubate in simulated body fluid (SBF) for a prolonged period of time. These restrictions eliminate the possibility of an injectable, minimally invasive, delivery system. The UC Davis system entraps carbonated apatite-coated polymeric microspheres in a hydrogel system (e.g., fibrin, alginate, collagen, synthetic polymers). By ...
Use Of Basic Ph Solutions For Efficient Bacteria Inactivation
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Affinity Purification Scheme For Pc-Plc
Organization: University of California, Merced (UC Merced)
Researchers at the University of California, Merced (UC Merced) have invented an affinity purification scheme for PC-PLC. Starting with a particular modification of D609, it should be possible to isolate PC-PLC and determine its sequence, which can then enable one using standard techniques to construct a genetic sequence to produce a purified form of PC-PLC that is suitable for detailed determination of its structure and for the design and testing of inhibitors.
Potent Inhibitors of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase (sEH)
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Epoxide hydrolases (EHs) catalyze the hydrolysis of epoxides or arene oxides to their corresponding diols by the addition of water. EHs play an important role in the metabolism of a variety of compounds including hormones, chemotherapeutic drugs, carcinogens, environmental pollutants, mycotoxins, and other harmful foreign compounds. Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is involved in the metabolism of arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, and other lipid epoxides, some of which are endogenous chemical mediators. Epoxides of arachidonic acid ...
New Strategy For Treating Chronic Viral Infections
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Abstract from ScienceExpress, 29 September 2011 / Page 1 / 10.1126/science.1208421 Multiple inhibitory molecules create a profoundly immunuosuppressive environment during chronic viral infections in humans and mice. Therefore, eliciting effective immunity in this context represents a challenge. Here we report that during a murine chronic viral infection, interleukin-6 (IL-6) was produced by irradiation resistant cells in a biphasic manner, with late IL-6 being absolutely essential for viral control. The underlying mechanism ...
MAGP-2: An Extracellular Factor Shown to have Pro-Angiogenic Properties in vivo
Organization: National Jewish Health
Our scientists have shown the following: In vitro: MAGP-2 is over expressed in human uterine tumor samples Endothelial cell expression of MAGP-2 increases during angiogenesis in vitro MAGP-2 stimulates angiogenic sprouting in 3-dimensional collagen cultures MAGP-2 increases endothelial cell proliferation and invasion in vitro In vivo: Significant enhancement of neovascularization when MAGP-2 was implanted into mice through matrigel plugs MAGP-2 increases tumor size and angiogenesis in mice
Molecular Determinants Of EGFR Kinase Inhibitor Response In Glioblastoma
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA scientists recently determined the underlying cause of EGFR kinase inhibitor resistance in GBM. Patients with malignant glioma were treated with EGFR kinase inhibitors and classified as either responders (>25% tumor shrinkage) or non-responders (>25% tumor growth). Responders had 5.6 times greater median time to progression than non-responders (290 days vs. 52 days, respectively). Parsing of the data revealed the expression of two particular genes in the responder group while non-responders failed to express these same genes. Patients ...
Ghrelin Effect On Levodopa Delayed Gastrointestinal Transit
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA researchers have discovered a novel mechanism to improve the absorption and efficacy of the PD drug L-DOPA using ghrelin. PD animal models intravenously injected with ghrelin showed a reversal of L-DOPA-induced gastric emptying. Such a reduction in the gastric emptying rate could improve L-DOPA absorption and, more importantly, reduce fluctuations in the plasma and brain levels of the drug, thereby improving L-DOPA's efficacy and minimizing its harmful side effects. In addition to ghrelin's potency as a gastrointestinal ...
A Novel Method for Improving Sperm Motility in Infertile Men
Organization: University of Miami
Male infertility due to low sperm mobility occurs in up to 15% of the population. If there was a simple way to increase sperm motility it would be an extraordinary help to achieve pregnancy in couples with this problem. The motility of sperm is significantly increased by inactivating or reducing the biological activity of inflammatory cytokines present in the sample.
Nano Systems For Drug Delivery
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed novel systems for controlled delivery of poor water-soluble, yet active agents, such as anticancer drugs. These various novel systems were designed using unique telodendritic polymers to form reversibly cross-linked micelle systems.
NOVEL COMPOUNDS FOR THE TREATMENT OF ESSENTIAL TREMOR
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have identified two compounds, both T-type calcium channel antagonists, that suppress tremor in the harmaline rodent model of ET. The first compound is a derivative of mibefranil, a previously marketed compound that was withdrawn from the market due to a lack of specificity. Our newly identified compound, a T-type calcium channel antagonist, demonstrates greater specificity, improved tolerance, greater potency, and the ability to treat tremor when compared to mibefranil. The second compound, also a T-type calcium ...
Inhibitors of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase as Intraocular Hypotensive Agents
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
New information indicates inhibitors of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) may reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with glaucoma following topical application. Glaucoma occurs for the most part when intraocular pressure is elevated. IOP is determined by a balance between production and drainage of aqueous humor, the clear fluid that fills the eye. It is believed that IOP rises in glaucoma because the drainage tissue, the trabecular meshwork (TM), fails to appropriately regulate resistance to the flow of fluid out of ...
Small Molecule Inhibitors of Ire1
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
UCSF investigators have developed novel pharmacological compounds that modulate Ire1, including the first small molecule capable of regulating Ire1. Drug-like inhibitors of Ire1 have been developed and their unique mode of action has been described. The lead compound shows strong mouse xenograft tumor growth inhibition with no apparent toxicity at doses below 50mg/kg. Our investigators have also developed methods to screen new compounds for the ability to inhibit Ire1.
Allosteric Modulators Of Gaba<sub>A</sub> And Nach Receptors For Cns Disorders
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Disorders of learning and memory (for example, Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia) are associated with reduced cholinergic neurotransmission in the hippocampus. Activation of the a 7 nACh receptor by agonists (for example, nicotine) produces selective improvement of working memory. Negative modulation of the GABAA receptor also improves working memory. The a 7 nACh and GABAA a5 receptors are co-localized to the hippocampus and have been shown to have a role in cognition, specifically improvement of working memory. Using Xenopus oocytes ...
Method to Develop Mutant Protein Library
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
University of California, Irvine researchers have developed a novel method to systematically develop and create a library of mutant proteins that may be optimized for microchip high throughput screening. This new method allows for greater control over the number and type of changes in a mutation library. In particular, this method allows for conditional dependencies among the mutational changes within (but not across) each mutation region of each sequence. Therefore this mutational capability is either inconvenient or impossible with other ...
An asthma-associated microbial signature for asthma diagnosis and personalized treatment
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Background Asthma has become a major public health concern in recent years. Currently, almost 15 million Americans have asthma, including 5 million children. One factor contributing to asthma disease symptoms and severity is microbial infection on the mucosal surfaces in airway passages. It is becoming increasingly clear that the profile of bacterial communities in the airway is a critical factor in determining the severity of asthma symptoms, as well as characterizing disease heterogeneity. Novel diagnostic tools are needed that ...
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Single-cell and cell cluster optical tomography, or Cell-CT, has found increasing application in life sciences basic research. Two limitations to its use in this area are that it can image only fixed cells, and the lack of thixotropic gels that can support live cells and also satisfy refractive index constraints. Researchers at the Biodesign Institute of Arizona State University have developed unique biocompatible gels with variable chemical, physical and optical properties. Among other uses, these biocompatible gels may function as a ...
Novel treatment for stuttering and other neurological conditions
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Small Molecule Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
We have identified a pathway, that when activated, preserves beta cell function and inhibits beta cell apoptosis both in beta cell lines and islets in vitro from models of type 2 diabetes. The pathway has also been confirmed in human islets. Utilizing the known natural ligand (a small molecule orally active), we observed in vitro a 40-60% suppression of beta cell apoptosis. Furthermore, this same small molecule was able to reverse the deleterious effects of glucotoxicity on insulin secretion in vitro. ...
Enabling Ultrasound to Control the Heating of Tissue
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have developed a method to directly control the heating of a tissue using ultrasound by feeding a temperature measurement back into the ultrasound controller and varying the pressure, frequency, and pulse repetition rate to maintain the temperature. The measurement (in addition to the processed image) can be used to estimate temperature within the entire region of interest. This has been combined with temperature sensitive drug delivery vehicles to produce a high concentration of a ...
Two Groups Of Antibiotics That Elicit Radioprotection From Lethal Dose Radation
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have discovered two groups of antibiotics that can function in whole body radioprotection. Specifically, these antibiotics were found to be able to protect lymphocytes and the lymphoid and myeloid stem/progenitor populations from radiation damage. Furthermore, the antibiotics were not seen to interfere with the radiotherapy of tumor cells in vivo, suggesting a potential application for this drug in cancer radiotherapy. In this context, these antibiotics could function to greatly reduce the adverse side effects ...
Inhibition of a Macrophage-Specific Pathway to Treat Malignant Ascites
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have identified a molecular pathway in macrophages that preliminary studies suggest is an efficacious therapeutic target for ascites. In a murine model of late-stage ovarian cancer, researchers have demonstrated that targeted inhibition of this pathway with an available inhibitor reduced ascites formation and abdominal girth. Treatment was effective with oral administration of the inhibitor, suggesting great promise as a noninvasive treatment of ascites and ascites malignancies.
Screening and Therapeutic Methods for Promoting Wakefulness and Sleep
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
University of California, Irvine researchers have found that injection of Prolactin Releasing Peptide (PrRP) in mammals promotes wakefulness and also suppresses spike wave discharges during absence seizures. PrRP receptor activation in response to PrRP agonists specifically reduces AMPA receptor mediated oscillatory activity in the RTN. This mediated oscillatory activity is implicated in absence seizures and absence seizures are effectively suppressed in mammals. PrRP agonist binding to the PrRP receptor effectively promotes wakefulness in ...
Cinnamon Extract Useful For Inhibiting The Aggregation Of Tau And Treating Alzheimer's Disease
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have discovered an extract of common cinnamon that contains a class of small organic molecules that inhibit several key processes in Alzheimer's disease. The cinnamon extract inhibits the aggregation of tau and disassembles fibers that have already formed, suggesting that neurofibrillary tangles can possibly be reversed by these compounds. The extract exhibits potent inhibitory activity, is orally available, water-soluble, non-toxic, and the bioactive molecules are likely brain ...
Multicolor In Situ Hybridization Tests For Genetic Diseases
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Prenatal screening and testing of family members is important to parents with offspring who are at risk of having an inherited disease. One important disease class arises by non-homologous chromosome recombination or abnormal chromosome segregation that results in genetic disease. These abnormalities change gene copy number and/or gene expression levels. Disease symptoms that result depend on the gene(s) affected and the change in expression level. Because a significant proportion of the mutations in the 2,000 reported genetic diseases ...
Inhibitors of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase to Inhibit or Prevent Niacin-Induced Flushing
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Niacin or nicotinic acid (pyridine-3-carboxylic acid) is an effective agent for reducing cholesterol and the consequences of coronary artery disease, including heart attacks and death. However, one of the side effects that limits the application of niacin treatment is the fact that it causes cutaneous vasodilation (flushing). Thus, agents that prevent flushing will increase the clinical use of niacin treatment. Reseearchers at the University of California, Davis have discovered a new treatment to reduce or to block flushing, ...
Molecular Receptors for Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acids (EETs)
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have discovered that epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) bind to specific cellular receptors. EETs are produced from arachidonic acid through cytochrome P450 epoxygenase activity. The specific binding and modulation of several key receptors by EETs could provide methods for the treatment for conditions mediated by these receptors such as the inhibition of growth of some cancer cells, the reduction of oxygen radical damage to cells, or inhibition of irritable bowel syndrome. Uniquely, compounds ...
Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitors as Novel Pain Reducing Agents
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Analgesic compounds have very wide applications in human and animal health. Many analgesic compounds that address different types of painful conditions are on the market for pain control. However many of these conditions continue to represent unmet clinical needs because available agents also have a wide variety of undesired side effects. Inflammatory and neuropathic pain are two major types of pain where there is an ever growing demand in finding novel analgesic agents. The conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ...
Analgesic Effects of sEH Inhibitors in the Presence of Increased cAMP Levels
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Analgesic compounds have very wide applications in human and animal health, one of which is pain control. In mammals, cytochrome P450 epoxygnases metabolize arachidonic acid and yields epoxy-eicosatrienoic acids (EETs). The EETs are thereafter metabolized by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). EETs and inhibitors of sEH have previously been shown to be effective in reducing pain when administered systemically or topically. Researchers at the University of California, Davis have discovered that the analgesic effect of EETs and ...
Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitors as Novel Pain Reducing Agents
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Analgesic compounds have very wide applications in human and animal health. Many analgesic compounds that address different types of painful conditions are on the market for pain control. However many of these conditions continue to represent unmet clinical needs because available agents also have a wide variety of undesired side effects. Inflammatory and neuropathic pain are two major types of pain where there is an ever growing demand in finding novel analgesic agents. The conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ...
Prevention of Cardiac Myopathy and Failure by Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase (sEH) Inhibitors
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have discovered a novel inhibitor of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) that prevents the development of cardiac hypertrophy and resultant failure. UC Davis researchers have demonstrated this in a murine model of pressure-induced hypertrophy and failure using thoracic aortic banding.
Dual Inhibitors of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase and Cyclooxygenase-2
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have previously shown that sEH inhibition stabilizes endogenous levels of EETs, a benefit for treatments of various deseases which include inflammation, pain and various cardiovascular diseases. In addition to this, the coadministration of NSAIDs and sEH inhibitors has shown to be particularly valuable in the treatment of pain, inflammation, and cancers. With that in mind, the novel compounds developed by UC Davis researchers inhibit both the sEH and COX-2, that is, a single ...
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
UC Davis scientists have developed sEHi compounds that are small molecules with very high potency, good oral availability, massive therapeutic index (> 500) and excellent pharmacokinetics in rodents, canines, felines, equines and non-human primates. Several of these compounds are highly effective in multiple disease models and are ready for IND enabling work. These compounds are optimized for PK-ADME in dogs and cats and are very potent on the canine, feline and equine sEH. Research at UC Davis shows that several of the clinical paths ...
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Inhibitors of the sEH act on an unexploited branch of the Arachidonic Acid (AA) cascade to preserve and increase the concentrations of anti-inflammatory regulatory lipids. These naturally signaling molecules have a number of positive biological activities broadly related to rapid resolution of inflammation and pain. There are many possible therapeutic indications illustrated in the open literature. UC Davis scientists have developed inhibitors of the sEH (sEHi) which are small molecules with very high potency, good oral availability and ...
Novel and Specific Inhibitors of p21
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Cyclin kinase inhibitor p21 promotes cell survival by preventing the apoptosis of cells. Thus, this protein is the cancer cell’s method of defeating attempts to kill it, as by chemotherapy, a situation which is clearly harmful for the cancer patient. Using drug design, researchers at University of California have discovered several specific inhibitors of p21 that are more stable and more effective than the previously discovered small molecule p21 inhibitors. Inhibiting the levels of p21 diminishes its anti-apoptotic effect ...
Potential Therapeutic Agent for Laminitis in Equines
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Laminitis is a complex disease in horses which is 60% fatal. It starts with inflammation and evolves into a complex disorder involving inflammatory and neuropathic pain, tissue destruction and morbid hypertension. The disorder is similar to severe arthritis in companion animals and man. Managing the acute inflammation and pain characteristic of the disease is difficult and no ‘gold standard’ of treatment has yet been developed. The problem is further compounded by the fact that NSAIDs, part of ...
Inhibition of Amyloid Formation by a Fragment of MBP
Organization: Research Foundation of SUNY
SBU Home | Research Home | Researcher Portal | Contact Us Prepare Find a Collaborator SBU Faculty Interests Find a SUNY Scholar Resources for Grant Writing Useful Publications Workshops and Consultants Funding Opportunities SBU Funding Opportunities Database Community of ...
Method for Selective Methionine Starvation of Malignant Cells
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Researchers at the University of California have patented a method for selectively starving MTAP negative cells in a mammal. First, cells that are suspected of being MTAP negative are tested to determine whether transcript for MTAP is present. Once lack of transcript is confirmed, a therapeutically effective amount of an enzyme, called METase, that degrades both MET and homocysteine is administered. This serves to eliminate potential sources of MET for MTAP negative cells, causing them to starve. At the same time that METase is administered, ...
Remotely Triggered Liposomal Drug Release
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, have developed a method of using hollow gold nanospheres (HGN) located within or tethered to liposomes, together with pulsed near infrared (NIR) laser irradiation, to create the rapid release of a therapeutic agent from liposomes to the targeted area. In situ tests have demonstrated that this method ruptures over 90% of the liposomes in approximately 10 seconds, without use of toxic reagents or the need to heat large scale areas.
Use of Novel Target to Inhibit Nucleotide Synthesis in Cancerous Cells
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Investigators at the University of California, San Francisco have identified a target which can be utilized for inhibition of the nucleotide biosynthetic pathway. This target is a key component for the production of pyrimidines, purines and pyridines. Since it is specific to proliferating cells, inhibition of this target may effectively avoid toxicity in normal cells while killing the oncogenic cells. The investigators have demonstrated the utility of this target in mouse and human oncogneic cell lines, ...
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The ability of a tumor to initiate and sustain capillary formation (angiogenesis) is closely related to its growth and progression to metastasis. This is particularly important in the case of all solid cancers. Rates of mortality are high once the disease reaches an invasive or metastatic phase. Scientists at the University of California have found a plant seed extract that offers a non-toxic yet potent angiogenic inhibitor. Unlike current anti-angiogenic drugs, which are very expensive, the UC seed extract offers a relatively ...
Adenoviral Vector with Tumor-Selective Expression
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
UC San Diego researchers have developed a modified human adenoviral vector that appears to be selectively expressed in a number of tumor cell lines. Work is in progress to find ways to optimize the oncolytic activity of a modified virus by “tuning” (genetically engineering) expression in specific types of tumor vs. normal tissue. Preliminary experiments also indicate a good safety profile.
Repurposing Auranofin for Parasitic Infections
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
The research team discovered that auranofin - a drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration 25 years ago for rheumatoid arthritis - is very effective in targeting an enzyme that protects amebae from oxygen attack (thus enhancing sensitivity of the amebae to reactive oxygen-mediated killing). In a mouse model of amebic colitis and a hamster model of amebic liver abscess, the drug markedly decreased the number of parasites, damage from inflammation, and size of liver abscesses.
Stem Cell Therapy Improves Vascularization
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Investigators at the University of California, San Francisco have identified stem cells which on differentiation are capable of blood vessel formation and vascular remodeling. In mouse model studies, the engrafted cells survived and differentiated into cells capable of vascularization. The resultant cells enhanced endogenous tissue repair mechanisms by increased vascularization of injured tissues and thus improving the rate of healing. In mouse models of neurodegnerative injury, these cells were capable of vascularizing ...
Method to Fabricate Polymer Nanofibers
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
The development of polymer micro/nanofibers has attracted significant interest in the last few decades due to the unique properties they endow. When the diameter of polymer fiber materials decreases from micrometer to nanometer, the properties exhibit significant changes, such as large specific surface area, greatly improved accessibility to surface functionalities, and remarkable mechanical properties compared with any other known material forms. These outstanding properties make the polymer nanofibers optimal candidates for many ...
Nanostructure Enhanced X-ray Therapy (NEXT)
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have invented, and demonstrated the working principle of, a new radiation therapeutic method, which uses gold nanoparticles as x-ray radiation sensitizers. For instance, when tested with an x-ray tube operated at 100keV on a 5,000 base-pair supercoiled DNA decorated with 10 gold nanoparticles, the equivalent radiation dosage delivered to the nanoparticle-DNA was found to be tripled compared with that found from pure DNA. The theoretical upper limit of such radiation enhancement can be 1000% ...
High Sensitivity Transistor-Based Biosensors for Diagnostic and Forensic Applications
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have developed a novel type of biosensor based on Tunnel Field-Effect Transistors (TFETs) for diagnostic applications. The TFET biosensor is over ten thousand times more sensitive than conventional FET-based biosensors. This significant sensitivity improvement helps the biosensors identify target biomolecules at very low concentrations, which is a useful tool when dealing with time-sensitive diseases such as cancer. The TFET biosensor can also be potentially very small, ...
Treatment for Neurodegenerative Diseases Using Kinase Inhibitors
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have developed a novel class of potent CDK inhibitors that show great promise for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. These inhibitors have exhibited good plasma stability, and no toxicity has been observed. The results of initial testing on mice include up to a 50% reduction in tau phosphorylation, a 90% reduction of PHF (paired helical filament) tangle formation, and a 40% reversal of neuronal cell loss.
Diagnosis of Cancers with Metastatic Potential
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
The invention also provides a method for identifying a cell proliferative disorder in a subject comprising: quantifying the expression of PINCH, ILK, or a combination thereof and correlating the level of expression with the presence of a cell proliferative disorder, wherein an elevated level of PINCH and/or ILK is indicative of metastatic potential. The test is currently performed by immunohistochemistry of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded or frozen tissue sections. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays are under ...
QSOX1 as an anti-neoplastic drug target
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Despite advances in treatment, cancer continues to be the leading cause of death. Worldwide, cancer accounted for 7.4 million deaths in 2004; this number is projected to rise to 12 million by 2030 (WHO). A significant need continues to exist for therapeutics to decrease cancer cell viability, invasion, and metastasis. Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered that the sulfhydryl oxidase QSOX1 is over-expressed in tumors but not in normal tissue. Short hairpin RNA was developed that inhibits QSOX1 expression, leading to a ...
Pancreatic Cancer Markers and Uses Thereof
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Pancreatic cancer has a generally poor prognosis with a five-year survival rate of less than 5%. Since the symptoms of pancreatic cancer tend to occur after the disease has advanced beyond stage I, early detection is rare. Early detection of pancreatic cancer would permit treatment at an earlier stage and improve patient prognosis. Currently, there are no adequate early detection methods available. Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered a method to detect pancreatic tumors by identifying the presence of peptides from ...
PROTEIN THERAPEUTIC FOR THE TREATMENT OF CHEMO-RESISTANT MELANOMA
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Melanomas are skin cancers with high metastatic potential with an increasing incidence of 6-7% per year since 1985. Melanoma is a malignancy that affects a younger population compared to most other solid tumors, and it is the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 20-30 years old. The effective treatment of metastatic melanoma has been critically impeded by the resistance of tumor cells to a wide range of therapies. This is in contrast to many other cancers that are amenable to treatment with agents such as cisplatin or carboplatin, ...
Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Modulation of Wound Repair
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have discovered a way to treat skin wounds using beta-adrenergic agonists and beta antagonists. This invention covers the use of beta-adrenergic agonists to delay wound epithelialization and contraction, and treat medical conditions that require a wound's surface to remain open, such as in the treatment of restenosis. In addition, the present invention covers the use of beta-adrenergic antagonists to enhance wound healing when desirable. The beta-adrenergic agonists and antagonists could be ...
Pharmacophores For Amyloid Fibers Involved In Alzheimer's Disease
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers in the laboratory of Dr. David Eisenberg at UCLA have characterized theunique drug binding environments, pharmacophores, for two proteins, Aβ and tau, whichhave established roles in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Using crystallographytechniques the uncovered structures reveal disease specific information that may lead tothe development of diagnostics and therapeutics with increased specificity.
Organization: Georgia Health Sciences University
State of the Art: Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that causes dysfunction of neuromuscular synapses. 70% of patients carry autoantibodies to acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and a separate 10% carry autoantibodies to muscle specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK). Problem with the Current Art: Approximately 20% of patients with myasthenia gravis are seronegative for autoantibodies to AChR and MUSK. Thus, there is a need for improved diagnostic and treatment methods for neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia ...
Antiulcer Drug Synthesis with Higher Yield and Via "Green Route"
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
5-(chloromethyl)furfural, a biomass-derived platform chemical, has been converted into ranitidine by researchers at UC Davis. This blockbuster antiulcer drug is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist which is currently marked as Zantac®. In this innovation, ranitidine is produced in 4 steps and an overall 71% isolated yield via a new synthetic route, a so-called "green synthesis."
Small Molecule Read-through Compounds for Treating Genetic Diseases
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Using a unique ELISA-based screen, Dr. Richard Gatti and colleagues at UCLA have identified and chemically optimized read-through compounds for the treatment of premature termination codon (PTC)-associated genetic disorders. The compounds show activity for all three premature stop codons. The compounds' read-through activity has been tested and confirmed in vitro and in primary cell culture of A-T.
Organization: Georgia Health Sciences University
Current State of the Art: Guillain Barre syndrome is currently treated by administering pain relievers and other palliative forms of care to reduce the symptoms associated with the disease. Guillain Barre currently affects about 1 out of 50,000 people world-wide and in some instances has proven to be fatal due to limited treatments readily available for the disorder. Problems with the current art: There are presently no cures for Guillain Barre syndrome. Although doctors can provide pain relief, they cannot cure the disease ...
Site Specific Conjugation of Single Chain Antibodies to Nanoparticles
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a method to site-specifically conjugate scFv-cys and di-scFv-cys, with or without radiometal attached, to nanoparticles (e.g., maleimide activated beads) allowing small binding units to maintain desired nanoparticle size, and each binding unit (scFv-c) to retain complete binding of its antigen binding site. This allows the integration of multiple binding units per nanoparticle with little increase in total particle size, increasing tumor binding by an order of magnitude ...
Suppression of Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Organization: University of California, Merced (UC Merced)
Using an in vitro model of HCV replication, a researcher at the University of California, Merced (UC Merced) discovered that intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), in concentrations low enough to be non-cytotoxic, can rapidly suppress HCV replication by inducing calcium ion release within an infected cell. The UC Merced researcher has shown that various indirect methods for stimulating intracellular H2O2 production inhibit HCV replication independently of the HCV genotype, and are therefore attractive candidates for a novel hepatitis C ...
Nitric Oxide Producing Plasma Expanders
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
UCSD researchers have discovered that increase in viscosity of the blood vessel core fluid raises vessel wall shear stress (WSS), which leads to elevated NO production. With greater NO bioavailability, tissue oxygen consumption is lowered. Examples of NO producing plasma expanders include polyethylene glycol (PEG), PEG-albumin (human serum albumin), PEG-hemoglobulin, and long polymers such as dextran, poly-lactic acid, starch. Application of NO producing plasma expanders may lessen the need of a transfusion until blood losses lower the red ...
Small Molecule Inhibitors of Ras
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
UCSF investigators have identified several lead compounds that have the potential to inhibit specific Ras isoforms by screening through a small molecule library. The compounds of interest are predicted to inhibit Ras activity in cancer cells by preventing its membrane localization. They show significant promise in in vitro experiments and future validation studies are planned.
Gene for Successful Aging Without Cognitive Decline
Organization: Georgia Health Sciences University
Title: Biomarker for Successful Aging without Cognitive Decline Current State of the Art: It is estimated that up to one third of adults will experience a gradual decline in cognitive function known as mild cognitive impairment as they age. Individuals with cognitive decline are able to function reasonably well in everyday activities, such as managing finances and purchasing items at stores without assistance, but have difficulty remembering details of conversations, events and upcoming appointments. Most (but not all) patients with ...
Internalizing Human Monoclonal Antibodies For Prostate Cancer
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Scientists at UCSF have identified a panel of human monoclonal antibodies that bind and internalize into hormone-refractory prostate cancer cells. Because these internalizing antibodies enter into cells via endocytosis, they can be used for efficient delivery of anti-tumor drugs. Further work on the development and characterization of a number of antibodies is ongoing, including the most highly studied antibodies UA20, M10A12 and H3. UA20 is a rapidly internalizing, human monoclonal IgG antibody. This antibody binds to prostate ...
Dopamine D3 Binding Compounds With Subtype And Functional Selectivity
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Researchers at UC San Diego have designed small molecule compounds capable of selective binding to the dopamine D3 receptor’s allosteric binding pocket, inducing effector-biased downstream signaling. By using the high resolution crystal structure of the dopamine D3 receptor (DRD3) the inventors were successful in designing small molecules specifically targeted to DRD3’s allosteric pocket, adjacent to the orthosteric binding site, in a manner consistent with the possible allosteric modulation of the receptor’s function. The ...
Drug Therapy For Prostate Cancer
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA identified a combinatorial drug therapy that can synergistically cause cell death ofprostate cancer cells. This combination therapy is the combination of an mTOR inhibitor and a novelcompound, therefore composition of matter claims are being pursued. In vitro assays show a strongsynergistic effect of this combination against castration-resistant (or androgen independent) prostatecancer cell lines. The mechanism of action appears to be induction of the autophagy pathway. Inxenograft mouse models of prostate cancer, the ...
Non-Surgical Treatment of Cataracts
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
New Anesthesia Compounds and Methods of Making Same
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Every year, millions of human and animal patients undergo surgery with anesthesia, although the specific mechanisms of action of anesthesia are largely unknown. Many of these procedures, which have improved the health, longevity and quality of life for such individuals, would not have been possible without anesthesia. Despite these medical advances, anesthetics are still among the most dangerous drugs used by doctors. According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), complications resulting from anesthesia may ...
Small Molecule Inhibitors of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lung epithelium has been shown in in vivo studies to contribute to fibrosis and pathology of IPF. Using a high throughput screen, investigators at the University of California, San Francisco, have identified a small molecule compound that inhibits EMT both ex vivo and in vivo. This compound is already approved for human use and can be delivered orally. Ex vivo, the compound blocks EMT in both primary lung epithelial cells and lung tumor cells. In an in vivo bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis ...
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Scientists at the University of California, San Diego have developed a novel method to suppress development and progression of osteoarthritis by activation of the serine/threonine protein kinase AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in articular chondrocytes using existing AMPK pharmacological activators. Administration of AMPK pharmacological activators in chondrocytes prevents loss of AMPK activity and attenuates pro-catabolic responses to inflammatory cytokines and mechanic injury. Targeting at AMPK or the AMPK pathway has also been proposed ...
Organization: Georgia Health Sciences University
Current State of the Art: Guillain Barre syndrome is currently treated by administering pain relievers and other palliative forms of care to reduce the symptoms associated with the disease. Guillain Barre currently affects about 1 out of 50,000 people world-wide and in some instances has proven to be fatal due to limited treatments readily available for the disorder. Problems with the current art: There are presently no cures for Guillain Barre syndrome. Although doctors can provide pain relief, they cannot cure the disease ...
Novel Small Molecule Inhibitors of Histone Methyltransferases for the Treatment of Cancer
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Organization: Georgia Health Sciences University
Current State of the Art: Guillain Barre syndrome is currently treated by administering pain relievers and other palliative forms of care to reduce the symptoms associated with the disease. Guillain Barre currently affects about 1 out of 50,000 people world-wide and in some instances has proven to be fatal due to limited treatments readily available for the disorder. Problems with the current art: There are presently no cures for Guillain Barre syndrome. Although doctors can provide pain relief, they cannot cure the disease ...
Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Type 1 Diabetes
Organization: Georgia Health Sciences University
Current State of the Art: Type 1 diabetes is currently identified by the level of glucose in the blood as well as the A1C levels that diabetic patients present with. Type 1 diabetes is not currently subcategorized by medical practitioners into various forms based on genetic biomarkers. Such various genetic biomarker subcategories of Type 1 diabetes may manifest in different clinical symptoms that are not currently understood by the medical profession. Problem with the Current Art: There is no known biomarker ...
A Novel Method for Importing Peptides with Functional Cargo Into the Cells
Organization: Vanderbilt University
This technology enables the delivery of biological molecules into the interior of a cell. Such a delivery mechanism could be utilized in a variety of therapies including peptide, gene transfer and/or antisense therapy. WebsiteU.S. Patent 5,807,746: Method for importing biologically active molecules into cells InventorsJack HawigerYao-Zhong Lin
Diabetes Portfolio : Hypoglycemia Prediction Algorithm
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
UC Santa Barbara has developed advanced computer algorithms for use in continuous glucose monitoring (GCM), as well as an artificial system to monitor the algorithms, and a simulation system for testing all the components in the clinical trials. UC Case No. 2008-462:'Meal Detection Algorithm for Diabetes Patients' (Detecting meals without patent intervention) A novel algorithm for detecting meals consumed by patients with diabetes, particularly for pediatric patients. In a recent clinical research, more than 90 % of the meals ...
Ergonomic Tracheal Suction System
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
University of California, Irvine researchers have developed an ergonomic tracheal suction system that would reduce injury to the therapist's hand and also reduce the therapist's exposure to infectious fluids from the patient.
Targeted Gene Therapy for Treatment of Blood Cancers & Other Types of Cancers
Organization: University of Missouri Columbia
Cancer is the one of the leading causes of death worldwide. While huge strides have been made in the treatment of various cancers, there is still a critical need for effective therapeutics that only target and kill the cancer cells while not affecting other cells in the body.
Small Molecule Inhibitors of p21
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Cyclin kinase inhibitor p21 promotes cell survival by preventing the apoptosis of cells. Treatment of kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) by chemotherapy is hampered by the presence of p21 since p21 prevents programmed cell death, which is the mechanism that chemotherapy ultimately works by. Researchers at the University of California, Davis have discovered several small molecule inhibitors of p21. These small molecule inhibitors bind specifically to p21 and inhibit p21 levels by causing ubiquitinylation or proteosomal degradation of p21. ...
Organization: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have discovered that Apolipoprotein A-I-rich High-density Lipoprotein 2 (HDL2) and Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) inhibited angiogenesis in an in vitro human angiogenesis model, the human placental vein angiogenesis model. Moreover, Apolipoprotein A-I was able to destroy a pre-existing angiogenic response as well as prevent the development of new vessels. Angiogenesis is implicated in many pathological processes, but is most known for its role in tumor growth and metastasis. In particular, primary ...
PROLYL HYDROXYLASE INHIBITORS AS RADIATION MITIGATORS AND RADIATION PROTECTORS
Organization: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Prolyl Hydroxylase (PH) inhibitors form a novel class of therapeutics that can function as radiation mitigators by protecting healthy cells from the cytotoxic effects of ionizing radiation exposure. PH inhibitors may be administered before, during or even 48 hours after radiation exposure. These inhibitors may be administered either locally or systemically and in doses that inhibit injury of noncancerous tissues and cells, without interfering with the killing of cancerous tissues and cells. Inhibition of PHs, in particular the Hypoxia ...
SMALL MOLECULE CD4 MIMETICS PREVENT HIV TRANSMISSION INTO HOST CELLS
Organization: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
The present invention provides the compounds that are capable of disrupting HIV entry into the host cells. HIV entry into target cells involves the viral envelope glycoproteins, gp 120 and gp41, and host cell receptors, CD4 and the chemokine receptors (either CCR5 or CXCR4). CD4 contacts the gpl20 and creates “the Phe 43 cavity". The present invention provides the compounds that target the Phe 43 cavity to disrupt the HIV entry into the host cells. The invention relates to compounds of certain formula with optional substitutions. Such ...
CHIMERIC FORM OF TRANSMEMBRANE GLYCOPROTEIN, NKG2D, FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY
Organization: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
The invention relates to the use of a chimeric molecule (e.g., fusion protein) comprising a receptor portion of the transmembrane glycoprotein, NKG2D, and an Fc portion, which binds to one or more NKG2D ligands, to induce cell death in cancers that express elevated levels of NKG2D ligands. A human NKG2D-Fc is commercially available from, for example, R&D Systems, and to date has been used in flow cytometry to detect NKG2D ligands for laboratory studies. We have discovered that such chimera may exert superior immunotherapeutic effects in a ...
ROLE OF ANTI-CCR4 HUMANIZED MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES IN CUTANEOUS T-CELL LYMPHOMA AND OTHER CANCERS
Organization: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to the chemokine receptor, CCR4, was developed from a murine anti-CCR4 monoclonal antibody (mAb), mAb1567. The chemokine receptor, CCR4, is uniformly expressed in Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) cells but is either absent on naϊve T cells or present on fewer than half of all memory T cells. This makes targeted therapy of CCR4 an attractive goal for CTCL, thereby minimizing collateral damage to an already compromised immune system. While some progress has been made in identifying small molecule ...
Organization: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
The Dana-Farber investigators discovered a novel approach to kill cancer cells that are otherwise resistant to conventional therapies due to mutations in pro-apoptotic (p53) or pro-survival (BCL2) pathway components. This death mechanism is induced when radio- or chemotherapy are combined with inhibitors targeting cell cycle check point molecule CHK1. Such treatment triggers a caspase-2-dependent apoptotic program that bypasses p53 deficiency and excess Bcl-2. The discovery was made by screening in p53 mutant zebrafish embryos and ...
MUTEINS OF HYPOXIA INDUCIBLE FACTOR ALPHA AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF
Organization: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Hypoxia occurs when the demand for oxygen in a tissue exceeds the supply. Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a mammalian transcription factor that is expressed in response to hypoxia; further, hypoxia acts to increase the steady-state levels of HIF-1since the protein is prone to degradation in the presence of oxygen. This technology provides a HIF mutein that is more resistant to degradation (as compared to the wild-type protein) under nonhypoxic conditions. This translates into an increased half-life for the mutein in nonhypoxic ...
STRONG AGONIST INSULIN MIMETOPE USED IN VACCINATION TO PREVENT TYPE 1 DIABETES DEVELOPMENT
Organization: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Autoimmune T-cells with low affinity to insulin epitopes are considered to be a cause of type 1 diabetes development. The attempts to stop autoimmune attack by converting naive T cells to regulatory T cells (Tregs) using natural insulin peptides have failed in clinical trials. The DFCI scientists developed strategy to use specifically modified insulin mimetopes that are stronger agonists than natural ligand to efficiently induce Tregs and prevent diabetes development in NOD mouse model of the disease.
CONSERVED INFLUENZA VIRUS HEMAGGLUTININ EPITOPE, ANTIBODIES TO THE EPITOPE, AND METHODS OF USE
Organization: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dana-Farber scientists discovered a novel and conserved epitope on the stem region of group 1 influenza viruses and described human broad-spectrum neutralizing antibodies that recognize this epitope.
A GENE EXPRESSION SIGNATURE THAT REPRESENTS THE ACTIVATION OF THE KRAS ONCOGENE IN HUMAN CELLS
Organization: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
One of the goals of modern cancer research is to develop simple and robust methods that can accurately detect cellular pathways that are aberrantly regulated in individual tumor samples. The use of specific tumor markers or expression-based signatures is an effective way of tumor classification. Using gene expression arrays for the comparison of KRAS oncogenic versus wild type expressing human cell lines, the Dana Farber investigators identified a 300-gene expression signature that represents activation of the KRAS oncogene in human ...
METHOD FOR DETECTING AND IMAGING APOPTOSIS
Organization: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
The invention relates to the detection and monitoring of cells undergoing apoptosis or necrosis and to the selective delivery of therapeutic or diagnostic (labeling) agents to these cells. The invention is based on our discovery that dehydrogenase enzymes, such as LDH, ADH, ALDH, MDH, are, in addition to being leaked from dying cells, taken up and retained by these cells. The compounds and methods are based on conjugates formed with dehydrogenase enzymes and can also be used for screening of compounds that can modulate apoptosis. The method ...
STRUCTURED VIRAL PEPTIDE COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF USE
Organization: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Hydrocarbon-stapled, alpha-helical viral peptides have excellent structural, proteolytic, acid, and thermal stability, and are highly effective in interfering with virus/cell fusion. A combined strategy of structural data analysis and chemical synthesis was applied to construct membrane proximal external region -based and heptad repeat domain ¬based HIV-1 gp4l immunogens. The invention encompasses the composition and functional validation of gp4l-based stapled peptides, termed Stabilized Antigenic Structures of gp4l (SAS-gp4l), designed to ...
Organization: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Activation of the pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family member BAX is an essential gateway to mitochondrial dysfunction and programmed cell death for a variety of stress stimuli. The explicit trigger mechanism responsible for converting the quiescent form of BAX into an activated killer protein is unknown. Using specific stabilized peptides of BAX activating molecule, BIM, which directly initiates BAX-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis, DFCI scientists discovered and characterized a novel BAX interaction site that is distinct from the canonical binding ...
METHOD TO PREDICT RESISTANCE OF CANCER CELLS TO ANTHRACYCLINE CHEMOTHERAPY
Organization: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
De novo resistance mechanisms present within tumor cells prior to treatment are key factors leading to failure of chemotherapeutic drugs to prevent metastatic recurrence. To identify the potential biomarkers of resistance, gene expression profiles of more than 100 breast carcinomas from women after anthracycline therapy were analyzed. It was discovered and proved by experimental approach that the amplification of the human 8q22-23 region in tumors and over-expression of genes residing in that chromosomal region, especially including the two ...
Dynamic Scaffolds To Promote Cell Differentiation
Organization: University of California, Merced (UC Merced)
Researchers at the University of California, Merced (UCM) have developed a dynamic scaffold for stem cells that changes its volume in response to exposure to an electromagnetic radiation that doesn't harm the cells. By regulating this exposure, it is possible to precisely control the magnitude, rate, and frequency of expansion/contraction cycles in the scaffold polymers, and consequently control the forces on the cells due to these changes in scaffold geometry.
GENETIC TOOLS FOR ENGINEERING HUMAN STEM CELLS AND SELECTING SPECIFIC CLASSES OF NEURAL PROGENITORS
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Stem cell technologies hold promise for therapeutic applications such as endogenous tissue repair and cell transplantation. Such approaches are potentially useful for treating a variety of human conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and neurological diseases. It is thought that stem cells could be especially useful for neurological diseases as the brain has a limited capacity for self-repair and regeneration. In addition to therapeutics, stem cells are being developed for in vitro disease modeling and drug screening purposes. In vitro ...
The Protease-Assisted Native-protein Delivery Approach (PANDA)
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA researchers in the laboratory of Dr. Milan Fiala have identified a new biomarker for the identification of a gene essential for the removal of Aβ buildup in the brain, known as β-1, 4-mannosyl-glycoprotein 4-β-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (MGAT3). This invention is a blood-based biomarker that differentiates between different levels of MGAT3 expression in AD patients and characterizes the expression potential in response to small molecular natural compounds, such as vitamin D, curcuminoids, and omega-3. Through ...
Device for the Treatment and Prevention of Radiation Induced Proctitis
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Novel Inhibitors of the Trypanosoma cruzi Cysteine Protease Cruzain
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Scientists on the San Diego and San Francisco campuses of the University of California have identified promising novel inhibitors of cruzain, a critical cysteine protease required for T. cruzi survival, using a virtual-screening and experimental-validation approach. The invention works by binding with the active site of cruzain and preventing natural substrate binding. With proper optimization, including fragment addition, and moiety swapping, these compounds could be transformed into viable drug candidates. We anticipate that these new leads ...
Organization: Georgia Health Sciences University
Current State of the Art: Current clinical therapy for heart attack victims focuses on the rapid restoration of blood flow by thrombolysis, angioplasty, stenting and when appropriate surgical coronary artery bypass grafts. Problems with the Current Art: The majority of cardiac cell death associated with a heart attack actually occurs during the early phases of reperfusion when blood flow is restored. Cardioprotective agents that minimize cell death during reperfusion therapy are desperately needed and would greatly improve ...
Organization: Georgia Health Sciences University
Current State of the Art: Guillain Barre syndrome is currently treated by administering pain relievers and other palliative forms of care to reduce the symptoms associated with the disease. Guillain Barre currently affects about 1 out of 50,000 people world-wide and in some instances has proven to be fatal due to limited treatments readily available for the disorder. Problems with the current art: There are presently no cures for Guillain Barre syndrome. Although doctors can provide pain relief, they cannot cure the disease ...
Gene for Successful Aging Without Cognitive Decline
Organization: Georgia Health Sciences University
Title: Biomarker for Successful Aging without Cognitive Decline Current State of the Art: It is estimated that up to one third of adults will experience a gradual decline in cognitive function known as mild cognitive impairment as they age. Individuals with cognitive decline are able to function reasonably well in everyday activities, such as managing finances and purchasing items at stores without assistance, but have difficulty remembering details of conversations, events and upcoming appointments. Most (but not all) patients with ...
Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Type 1 Diabetes
Organization: Georgia Health Sciences University
Current State of the Art: Type 1 diabetes is currently identified by the level of glucose in the blood as well as the A1C levels that diabetic patients present with. Type 1 diabetes is not currently subcategorized by medical practitioners into various forms based on genetic biomarkers. Such various genetic biomarker subcategories of Type 1 diabetes may manifest in different clinical symptoms that are not currently understood by the medical profession. Problem with the Current Art: There is no known biomarker ...
Organization: Georgia Health Sciences University
State of the Art: Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that causes dysfunction of neuromuscular synapses. 70% of patients carry autoantibodies to acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and a separate 10% carry autoantibodies to muscle specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK). Problem with the Current Art: Approximately 20% of patients with myasthenia gravis are seronegative for autoantibodies to AChR and MUSK. Thus, there is a need for improved diagnostic and treatment methods for neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia ...
Modulation of the Function of Immunocompetent Cells with HLA-G
Organization: Georgia Health Sciences University
Current State of the Art: Immunosuppression involves an act that reduces the activation or efficacy of the immune system. Deliberately induced immunosuppression is generally done to prevent the body from rejecting an organ transplant or treating graft-versus-host disease after a bone marrow transplant. This is typically done using drugs, but may involve surgery or radiation. For tissue and organ transplants (e.g., bone marrow, heart, kidney, liver, etc.), a number of immune suppression drugs are available for use during ...
High-Throughput Screen To Identify Small Molecule Inhibitors of Molecular Chaperones
Organization: Georgia Health Sciences University
Current State of the Art: Small compound inhibitors of molecular chaperones are valuable tools for research and development efforts as well as potential therapeutics. Problems with the Current Art: There are currently no high throughput screening methods available with a high sensitivity and selectivity. Advantages of the Novel Invention: Dr Chadli has invented a high throughput screening assay that measures the chaperoning activity of the molecular chaperones using the progesterone receptor as client ...
Use of JNK Signaling and JNK Inhibitors for the Treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Organization: Georgia Health Sciences University
Current State of the Art: SMA is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder with progressive muscle weakness and loss of motor control due to the loss of neurons in the spinal cord. SMA affects approximately 4 out of every 100,000 people. Children born with SMA Type I, die within 2 years of birth. Those diagnosed with Type II and III can live on into adulthood with strictly managed care. Treatments currently undergoing clinical trials for SMA therapy are Olesoxime (Trophos), Quinazoline495 (Repligen), Stem Cells (California ...
Gene for Successful Aging Without Cognitive Decline
Organization: Georgia Health Sciences University
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Methods And Compositions For Prevention And Treatment Of Diseases Related To Glycan Dysregulation
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Antibody Therapy for Inhibiting Bladder Cancer and Prostate Cancer Metastasis
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
By developing N-cadherin-specific antibodies and demonstrating their anti-tumor activity, Dr. Reiter’s laboratory has developed the foundation on which to realize anti-N-cadherin therapy for patients. In a seminal paper published in Nature Medicine, Dr. Reiter’s group demonstrated that their antibodies could slow growth of prostate cancer xenografts, block invasion and metastasis, and at high doses, allow complete regression in vivo. N-cadherin expression is positively correlated to progression in bladder cancer, a disease that ...
Method For Enhancing Beta Cell Function of New Beta Cells
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Normal beta cells produce insulin secretory granules that are regulated by cellular docking structures. Researchers at UC San Diego have discovered transmembrane protein targets in this docking structure that stimulate the maturation of beta cells and enhance insulin secretion. Their finding that these novel targets are transmembrane proteins means the proteins are accessible to treatment with biotherapeutic agents as well as small molecules.
Basal Glucose Transport Inhibitors as Anti-Cancer Therapeutics
Organization: Ohio University
Stage of Development: • In vitro proof-of-concept in multiple cell lines achieved; further optimization of compounds required. • Initial preclinical in vivo animal model studies show successful tumor inhibition. • Literature evidence shows strong evidence for use of such inhibitors against multiple cancer cell types. Business Opportunity: • Available for licensing • Seeking a development and commercialization partner
Domain Specific Antagonistic Antibodies to Human uPAR/CD87
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Background Urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR)-mediated signaling is associated with invasion, survival and metastasis of tumor cells, including those from primary breast and lung cancers. uPAR activation also facilitates other cellular processes related to the spread of cancer, including angiogenesis, tissue remodeling, and cell adhesion. Therefore, it is believed that interruption of the uPAR signaling pathway will be of therapeutic benefit in a variety of cancers. uPAR-mediated signaling is dependent on the binding of ...
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Dr. Eric Vilain and colleagues in UCLA’s Department of Human Genetics have identified a mutant form of a known tumor suppressor, CDKN1C, that leads to inhibition of cellular growth through a novel mechanism and that may be useful as a therapeutic. CDKN1C negatively regulates growth by inhibiting the cell cycle at the G0-G1 transition. Loss of function of CDKN1C due to gene silencing decreases protein production and/or increases protein degradation and has been associated with a plethora of cancers including, not limited to: liver, ...
Organization: University of Cincinnati
Dr. Glenn Millhauser and his lab at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) in collaboration with Dr. Stephen Benoit at the University of Cincinnati have discovered a group of proteins that will ultimately be of value in treating extreme cases of eating disorders such as anorexia or cachexia. The agouti-related protein (AgRP) is produced in the brain and is a potent appetite stimulant. The normal 50 amino acid polypeptide is produced in the hypothalamus and binds with high affinity to the melanocortin 3 and 4 receptors (MC3R and ...
Method to Increase Milk Production
Organization: University of Cincinnati
Mammalian milk production is regulated by a feedback system in the mammary glands that results in reduced lactation when the frequency of milking is reduced. The baseline level of bovine milk production can be increased with a more frequent milking regimen, or with the administration of rBST (a recombinant bovine growth hormone) that counteracts this feedback response resulting in a boost in milk production by approximately 10 percent. Dr. Nelson Horseman and colleagues have discovered a new method of regulating milk production ...
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at the University of California have identified a novel tumor suppressor gene, called H37. The evaluation of the status of the H37 gene provides information useful in diagnostic and prognostic protocols to assess the status of cells that may have disregulated growth. In addition, methods involving the H37 gene may be utilized in a therapeutic context in a manner analogous to therapeutic methods used with other tumor suppressor genes, such as introduction of polypeptides or oligonucleotides containing the H37 gene. Methods ...
Next-Generation Platinum Agents for the Targeted Treatment of Cancers
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Investigators at UCSF have synthesized novel platinum compounds that have increased affinity for specific cellular influx transporters, leading to higher sequestration of platinum in tissues expressing a particular influx transport mechanism. This higher tissue accumulation translates into higher anticancer potency and lower potential adverse effects. Studies have also shown that expression of influx transporters on cells can significantly increase the cytotoxicity of platinum anticancer compounds, such as oxaliplatin and picoplatin1,2. ...
Revitalization Of Prostate Cancer Drug By Controlling Its Cardiovascular Complications
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have identified the potential cause of DES-induced cardiovascular disease. DES reduces NO levels indirectly by activating the enzymes xanthine oxidase (XO) and NADPH oxidase (NOX). Researchers used XO and NOX inhibitors to restore NO levels in the face of DES. Importantly, treatment with XO and NOX inhibitors did not impact the anti-cancer effects of DES. The investigators hypothesize that a combination therapy of DES and XO/NOX inhibitors could be used to successfully treat prostate cancer patients without ...
Sensor for Rapid Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Detection
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have developed a novel device for detecting SNPs in serum. This new sensor utilizes a triple-stem DNA probe to detect SNPs in one step at room-temperature, without the need of exogenous reagents. This makes for a rapid approach to SNP detection, and it is also extremely sensitive, stable, and reusable. The device is essential for analyzing genetic predispositions for different diseases, identifying diseases, and optimizing therapeutics and drug responses.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties Of Gaba And Gaba Agonists
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a widely studied inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system. Both GABA and GABA receptors are of significant interest to the scientific community due to their vital role in neuronal function. To date, a major focus of pharmaceutical research has been on the development of a GABA-agonist that acts on GABA receptors. For the first time, University of California scientists have shown that lymphocytes of the immune system also express GABA receptors and that these receptors can be modulated ...
Peptides to Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Drs. Joseph Pisegna and Patrizia Germano from UCLA’s Department of Medicine have discovered new neuropeptide receptor modulators that, when administered to a mouse model of colitis, significantly reduce the clinical and histological signs and the severity of the disease. Loss of body weight and intestinal inflammation in this model was significantly reduced in animals receiving the therapeutic peptides. The peptides are known to antagonize a receptor pathway which has been reported to be up-regulated in the intestinal mucosa of ...
Method To Attenuate Acute Brain Injury After Shock
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Physiologic shock following an acute injury (such as a collision, burn, trauma, fall, explosion, sepsis, etc) results in vascular and neuronal changes that can lead to brain dysfunction. UC San Diego inventors have come up with a way to minimize the reduction of normal brain function (e.g., post traumatic brain disorders or dementia) that develops after shock. Early stage intervention has been demonstrated in a rat model by showing the technique reduces activity of neural damaging enzymes both in the systemic circulation and brain.
Method To Preserve The Mucosal Barrier
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Researchers at UC San Diego found that metabolic support of ischemic tissues via administration of simple nutrients maintains the intestinal mucosal barrier. The technique was demonstrated in an animal model and such an approach may provide a potential therapeutic option during intestinal ischemia to reduce the escape of digestive enzymes and inflammatory fragments. Maintenance of the mucosal barrier should reduce the damaging effects of ischemia that lead to shock and multi-organ failure.
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
A common feature of these age-dependent neurodegenerative disorders is aggregation of denatured proteins; amyloid ? and tau in AD, and ?-synuclein in PD. Dr. Alexander Pushkin and colleagues at UCLA propose that highly toxic products of lipid peroxidation (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) and acrolein, and their metabolites) are implicated in this process by damaging, cross-linking, and aggregating these proteins, in addition to damaging DNA, cellular membranes, and other proteins. This is supported by the increased levels of free and ...
Antibiotic Aminoglycoside Hydrogels
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Hydrogels are useful in many applications including tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, cell culturing, wound healing and biosensors. Hydrogels with antibacterial properties have even greater utility; however, complicated multistep fabrication processes and the cost of raw materials limit their use. Aminoglycosides are a class of small-molecule antibiotics that consist of two or more aminosugars joined by a glycosidic linkage to a hexose nucleus. They are clinically useful in treating various infections because of their ability to ...
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Obesity is epidemic in the United States, and it is increasingly a problem in much of the developed world. The health care costs associated with obesity and obesity-related diseases are a significant and increasing fraction of total healthcare spending. Currently, the most effective means to reverse obesity is surgical intervention: gastric bypass or gastric binding. Both of these procedures are invasive, expensive, and present significant risks to the patient. There is a need then, for a simpler, non-invasive means to inhibit, ...
Ultrasound Induced Cervical Ripening
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Delayed cervical ripening may seriously jeopardize the health of the baby and/or mother and could lead to still birth. Current methods for softening the cervix (cervical ripening), primarily involve the use of drugs such as prostaglandins and oxytocin which may have undesirable side effects. Ultrasound energy is widely used in medical applications (diagnostic imaging, therapeutic heating and noninvasive surgery), and has an excellent safety record. Moreover, ultrasound imaging is routinely used in obstetrics to visualize the cervix of ...
Recombinant antibody fragments that selectively target oligomeric tau aggregates
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent and feared neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging, characterized by progressive neuronal loss and cognitive dysfunction. AD affects nearly 5 million Americans, and unfortunately, there is no cure as of yet. Numerous studies have implicated oligomeric amyloid beta (Aß) aggregates as toxic species in AD, and increasing evidence also implicates oligomeric forms of tau in the disease pathogenesis of AD and other taupathies. Well characterized reagents that can specifically recognize ...
Optimization of Geminiviral Vector for Expression of Rituximab
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Production of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in plants has developed tremendously over the past two decades, in great part due to low production costs, scalability and lack of animal pathogen contamination. Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody against CD20 used in the treatment of lymphomas and leukemias. Rituximab has been FDA approved for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia as well as rheumatoid arthritis. Because of Rituximab's success and the expiration of its patent protection in Europe in 2013 and ...
Natural Inorganic Antibacterials
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Infectious diseases are one of the leading causes of death and disability in the world. However, these infectious diseases are becoming increasingly difficult to treat due to the growing abundance of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and insufficient development of new antibacterial agents. The development of novel and inexpensive treatment options is becoming increasingly important to help relieve such burdens. Researchers at Arizona State University have identified a natural mineral mixture that exhibits in vitro antibacterial activity ...
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Bexarotene (Targretin®) is a synthetic retinoid analog used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (as well as off label to treat other types of cancer). Moreover, recent research may show great potential in its use for treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Bexarotene is especially effective because it has specific high affinity for retinoid X receptors (RXR), enabling regulation of RXR genes to slow or stop cell proliferation of cancer cells. Despite these advantages, there are major drawbacks to the use of Bexarotene due to side effects which ...
Novel HIV DNA-Origami Nanovaccines
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Safe and effective prophylactic vaccines offer the best health intervention in disease control. One of the most important yet elusive vaccines is that for HIV; a recent vaccine clinical trial reduced the risk of HIV infection by 31 percent among a high-risk group in Thailand, although the reasons for such low efficacy and modest protection remain elusive. Antibodies to gp120/41 proteins have an important immunological correlation to preventing the establishment of HIV infection, but there are major challenges in translating this ...
Minimally Invasive Sensors for Biological Stress
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
According to CDC estimates, there are approximately 1.7 million Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) annually in the United States alone, including those to soldiers and athletes. In 2010, medical costs associated with TBIs were estimated to be $76.5 billion. Depending on the severity, TBI can result in mental, cognitive, social and behavioral impairments and is a major cause of death and disability. Management strategies for TBI include monitoring physiological parameters to minimize secondary injury, which improves patient outcome, especially ...
Rapid, Large-Scale Plant-Based Production of Catalytic Nerve Agent Bioscavengers
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Several human proteins have the capacity to act as bioscavengers to bind and remove different toxic compounds and drugs. For example, bioscavenging of organophosphate (OP) by human proteins is emerging as a promising medical intervention for prophylaxis and post-exposure treatment against chemical warfare nerve agents and pesticides. The best-studied bioscavengers are human cholinesterases (ChEs), which are highly efficient in binding and sequestering OPs. However, they are also inactivated by these toxins, thus requiring ...
Fluorescent Potassium Ion Sensors
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
The accurate measurement of potassium ion levels in biological samples is essential given the impact such ion levels have on many aspects of homeo-stasis. Normal potassium levels are important for the maintenance of heart and nervous system function. Traditionally, potassium ions have been measured in plasma or serum using ion-selective electrodes, which are cumbersome to use and costly to maintain. Therefore, there is a need for the development of alternative methods of measuring potassium ion concentra- tion in a variety of sample mediums. ...
An Improved Vaccine Vector: Bacteria Having a Regulated rfaH Nucleic Acid
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Bacterial strains designed for immunization frequently have mutations that eliminate lipopolysaccharide O-antigen. These mutants are less immunogenic, however they also have a lowered ability to colonize the intestinal tract and invade intestinal mucosal cells. There is a need then, for a bacterium that has a mutation allowing O-antigen synthesis, but that still reduces the host immune response against the bacterium itself. Researchers at the Biodesign Institute of Arizona State University have developed a recombinant bacterium with a ...
Salmonella Anti-Influenza DNA and Antigen Delivery Vaccine
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
DNA immunization strategies offer the promise of controlling avian coccidiosis in the poultry industry. DNA vaccination, however, typically requires delivery of large quantities of DNA by injection or particle gun. This mandates the handling of individual birds for each vaccination and makes the use of DNA vaccines prohibitively expensive for control of coccidiosis in poultry. Investigators at the Biodesign Institute of Arizona State University have developed a vaccine delivery system that employs genetically engineered Salmonella strains. ...
Carbohydrate-Mediated Tumor Targeting
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
The bleomycins (BLMs) are well-known antineoplastic agents. They are particularly useful in the treatment of squamous cell carcinomas and malignant lymphomas. The therapeutic effect of bleomycin analogues is believed to result from their selective oxidative cleavage of DNA and possibly RNA. Much of the site-specific cleavage is thought to be effected by the N-terminal metal-binding domain, the C-terminal bithiazole region, and the linker domain. The least understood structural domain of BLM is the disaccharide moiety. Researchers at the ...
Immunization with amyloid-beta oligomers
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD) are affecting an increasing number of people, with annual new diagnoses approaching one-half million; and total cost, $150 billion. Early treatment is important for optimal outcomes, but to date, there is no effective treatment on the market for AD. Active immunization for AD is one promising therapeutic approach, yet current techniques utilize monomeric or fibrillar aggregates of the protein beta-amyloid (Aß), rather than the preferred oligomeric Aß form. Researchers at Arizona ...
Antibody based reagents that specifically recognize toxic oligomeric forms of beta-amyloid
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's are affecting an increasing number, with annual new diagnoses approaching one-half million; and total cost, $150 billion. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for optimal outcomes, yet there is currently no test to detect such diseases in their early, asymptomatic stages. Active immuniza-tion for Alzheimer's is one promising therapeutic approach, yet current techniques utilize monomeric or fibrillar aggregates of the protein beta-amyloid (Aß), rather than the preferred oligomeric Aß form. ...
Antibody based reagents that specifically recognize toxic oligomeric forms of beta-amyloid
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s are affecting an increasing number, with annual new diagnoses approaching one-half million; and total cost, $150 billion. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for optimal outcomes, yet there is currently no test to detect such diseases in their early, asymptomatic stages. Active immuniza-tion for Alzheimer’s is one promising therapeutic approach, yet current techniques utilize monomeric or fibrillar aggregates of the protein beta-amyloid (Aß), rather than the preferred ...
The novel anti-cancer drug dolastatin 16 and total synthesis of two new amino acid constituent units
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Dolastatin compounds, isolated from the sea hare (sea slug) Dolabella auricularia, have been shown to have remarkable anticancer properties. In particular, dolaststin 16 has been shown to be an extraordinarily potent cancer cell growth inhibitor. Its 3-dimensional structure, however, has heretofore remained unknown. Researchers at Arizona State University have determined the 3-dimensional X-ray crystal structure of dolaststin 16, thus paving the way for further development. Additionally, they have determined a way to stereoselectively ...
Auristatin Tyramine Phosphate Prodrugs and Aminoquinoline Derivatives
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
The remarkable anticancer properties of dolastatin 10, isolated from the sea hare (sea slug) Dolabella auricularia, have led to interest in closely related derivatives (auristatins) suitable for clinical trials. Most recently, such auristatins have been linked to antibodies for delivery. In many indications, however, it would be desirable to deliver such drugs without resort to conjugation. Researchers at Arizona State University have developed prodrug forms of a novel auristatin tyramine derivative as phosphate salts, as well as ...
Multifunctional Radical Quenchers and Simplified Synthesis Routes
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Mitochondrial diseases are a group of disorders associated with dysfunctional mitochondria, often caused by genetic mutations to mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondrial defects are damaging, particularly to tissues with high energy demands such as neural and muscle tissues. Energetic defects have been implicated in forms of movement disorders, cardiomyopathy, myopathy, blindness and deafness. Membrane-penetrating antioxidants are often prescribed but treatment options are limited. There have been extensive efforts to find alternative, ...
Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutics against West Nile Virus with Improved CNS Penetration
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flavivirus genus, can cause severe neurological disease, long-term morbidity, and death. In the last decade, nearly 30,000 cases of severe WNV infection have been diagnosed in the U.S. Historically, there has been a lack of effective and specific antiviral treatment for flavivirus infection; current treatment for WNV is supportive and no vaccine or therapeutic agent has been approved for human use. A promising humanized murine Mab (monoclonal antibody) mHu-E16 therapeutic candidate is in Phase II ...
Methods for Production of Immune System Tissue Equivalents in Low Sedimental Fluid Shear Conditions
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Cell culture is an indispensible tool in many fields including cell biology, immunology, microbiology, cancer and infectious disease research. However, conventional two-dimensional culture, which involves growing cells as monolayers on solid, impermeable surfaces, may lead to the loss of key phenotypic and functional cell characteristics, and often does not predict in vivo tissue responses. Researchers at the Biodesign Institute of Arizona State University have developed a novel method to produce three-dimensional, physiologically ...
Auto-Detection of Bead-Immobilized Proteins via Synthetic Ligands
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Protein microarrays have the potential to revolutionize proteomics research for vaccine development, drug discovery, and diagnosis. However, this potential is far from being realized mainly due to technical complexity of protein array fabrication and uncertainties about the functionality and integrity of proteins once immobilized onto a solid surface. Researchers at the Biodesign Institute of Arizona State University have developed a native protein array that combines the advantages of current in situ self-assembled and spotted ...
Recombinant Bacterium Comprising a Toxin/Antitoxin System as a Vaccine Vector
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Live attenuated vaccines are considered among the most powerful tools for disease control and potentially disease eradication. Although vaccines have made a major contribution to public health, there are still a high percentage of deaths from diseases for which vaccines are not available. Even when vaccines are available, they may not be satisfactory in terms of safety, efficacy and cost. There is a need to develop better, safer, and cheaper vaccines capable of promoting long-lasting protection. Dr. Melha Mellata at the Biodesign Institute ...
High throughput cell-based assay to define pharmacogenetic differences in drug metabolism
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Cytochrome P450 enzymes metabolize approximately 80% of prescribed drugs, as well as other exogenous chemicals (environmental toxins, occupational chemicals, etc.) to which humans are exposed. These enzymes are highly polymorphic, leading to differences in drug metabolism and clearance between individuals. Because such differential metabolism can lead to problems such as under- or overdosing, there is a need for an assay that accurately replicates the individual degree of metabolism of the chemical(s) of interest. Researchers at the ...
Recombinant Bacterium to Decrease Tumor Growth
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Conventional cancer therapies are limited by a number of factors including the develop-ment of drug-resistant tumor cells, the toxicity of treatment agents to normal tissue, and the difficulty of bringing therapy to poorly perfused areas of solid tumors. While these factors have prompted the development of new approaches for the treatment of cancer, including various methods of gene therapy, there is still an urgent need for new methods to fight tumor growth and metastasis. Researchers at the Biodesign Institute of Arizona State University ...
Micro-implantable Devices for Neurostimulation
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
A common method of neurostimulation is the application of pulsed electrical currents to tissue through electrodes implanted within tissue or in some cases applied to the body surface. A major concern in the development of neurostimulators for implantation near nerve or muscle for therapeutic applications in the human body is the size of the implant. Smaller implants reduce the attendant risk of complications and so encourage their more widespread use, especially in elective surgery. Bruce Towe at the Arizona State University has ...
Reducing Oxidative Stress with Multifunctional Radical Quenchers
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Mitochondria are intracellular organelles responsible for a number of metabolic transformations and regulatory functions. They produce much of the ATP employed by eukaryotic cells. They are also the major source of free radicals and reactive oxygen species that cause oxidative stress. Mitochondrial defects are damaging, particularly to neural and muscle tissues which have high energy demands. Energetic defects have been implicated in forms of movement disorders, cardiomyopathy, myopathy, blindness, and deafness. Currently, there are no ...
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Plague is endemic in many areas of the world, including even the western United States. The etiological agent of the disease, Yersinia pestis, infects both humans and rodents. Once a potential host is exposed, Y. pestis can rapidly invade the lymphatic system to produce systemic and often fatal disease. Recent efforts to create a safe and effective plague vaccine have focused on the development of recombinant subunit vaccines that elicit antibodies against multiple Y. pestis antigens. These live, attenuated vaccine strains, however, are ...
Bi-specific Antibodies as a Therapeutic for Alzheimer’s Disease
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most prominent and feared neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging. A hallmark of this disease is the formation of extra-cellular amyloid plaques in the brain. The principle component of these extracellular plaques is amyloid-ß protein (Aß). Though the mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease pathology remain controversial, accumulation and deposition of Aß appears to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of AD. Amyloid-ß protein is formed through cleavage of amyloid precursor ...
Tumor-Targeted Killing with Aptamer-Nucleic Acid Nanostructures
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Despite decades of research, cancer remains one of today’s most pressing health concerns. Traditional treatment approaches such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy can cause systemic toxicity and become ineffective when resistant tumors emerge. Recently, anticancer strategies have focused on drugs which specifically target tumor-related biological molecules. Recognizing cancer cells and inducing apoptosis is a promising approach to tumor therapy. Researchers at the Biodesign Institute of Arizona State University have developed a ...
Endovascular Occlusion of Vascular Defects Using Microcatheter Delivery of a Two-Component Polymer
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Endovascular polymer treatment is a relatively new and expanding field. Clinical uses include treatments for arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and aneurysms. Current endovascular occlusion techniques use materials such as isobutyl-2-cyanoacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol, ethanol, hyaluronic acid gels, and cellulose acetate. These materials have many disadvantages, including their toxicity, requirement for organic solvents, and difficulty of application. Researchers at Arizona State University and the University of Michigan have optimized ...
Noninvasive Biological Stress Sensing Device
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
It has long been recognized that chronic stress is detrimental to overall health and plays a significant role in many diseases. Unfortunately, stress is difficult to quantify, and devices that can measure stress do not provide output in a manner that is relevant to the user. Moreover, these current devices rely on measurements of a single parameter. What is needed is a comprehensive device that can take measurements of multiple parameters to give a more complete determination of stress, and subsequently health. Researchers at Arizona State ...
Alkylaminoquinones as Multifunctional Radical Quenchers
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Mitochondrial diseases are a group of disorders associated with dysfunctional mitochondria, often caused by genetic mutations to mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondrial defects are damaging, particularly to tissues with high energy demands such as neural and muscle tissues. Energetic defects have been implicated in forms of movement disorders, cardiomyopathy, myopathy, blindness and deafness. Membrane-penetrating antioxidants are often prescribed but treatment options are limited. There have been extensive efforts to find alternative therapeutics ...
Geminiviral Plant Protein Expression Vector Improvements
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Plant viral vectors have great potential for rapid production of important pharmaceutical proteins. High-yield production, however, of hetero-oligomeric proteins that require the expression and assembly of two or more protein subunits often is problematic due to the competing nature of viral vectors derived from the same virus. Researchers at the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University have developed two solutions to this problem. They have produced a novel, single-vector replicon system providing high-yield production capacity ...
Use of particle-bound proteins in suspension assays
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Proteomics research has the potential to revolutionize many areas of medicine such as vaccine development, drug discovery, and diagnosis. One of the shortcomings of current methods is that they are ill-equipped to handle and manipulate proteins that are hydrophobic and insoluble in aqueous solutions. Membrane proteins in particular are often insoluble and thus under-studied, despite their importance in crystallography, study of infectious diseases, and signal transduction. Researchers at the Biodesign Institute of Arizona State ...
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Norovirus causes almost 90% of epidemic, non-bacterial outbreaks of gastroenteritis around the world. Extremely infectious and diverse, the virus causes acute diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache, fatigue, and fever. Though the illness is generally resolved within 48 hours, mortalities do occur in the young, elderly, and immune-compromised, as a result of complications brought on by dehydration. In spite of the high prevalence of norovirus infections, there is still no vaccine available to prevent the disease. Progress is ...
Glycolysis Inhibitors as Potential Cancer Therapeutics
Organization: Emory University
Application A new potential anti-cancer agent that inhibits the glycolytic enzyme PGAM1 and thereby tumor growth. Key Benefits Enhanced inhibition of glycolytic enzyme activity leading to significant reductions in tumor growth compared to existing therapies. Market Summary Treating cancer remains a scourge of the medical world. In 2011, there have been 1.6 million new cancer diagnoses which lead to nearly 600,000 deaths in the U.S. alone. Over a lifetime, 1 in every 2 or 3 Americans will develop cancer, and survival rates vary ...
Vaccines for Drugs of Abuse using Novel Tunable DNA-Nanostructures
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Drugs of abuse are highly addictive, and even if users are aware of the health risks, there is significant difficulty in ending their use because of dependency. Nicotine, the principle addictive component in cigarettes, is a prime example of a wide-spread addictive drug. Latest studies report that 19% of adult Americans smoke cigarettes, despite the wealth of evidence showing their detrimental health effects (CDC National Health Interview Survey, 2011). Researchers at the Biodesign Institute of Arizona State University have developed novel ...
Application of Calcium Isotope Analysis to the Early Detection of Bone Lesions or Metastatic Cancer
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Cancer originating in or metastasizing to the bone may alter a person's skeletal bone mineral balance (BMB), causing either a net gain or loss in bone mass. Moreover, treatments for both bone and non-bone related cancers may also have adverse effects on BMB. Researchers at ASU previously developed a method to measure short term changes in BMB using analysis of natural calcium (Ca) isotope variations, but, it was only envisioned for osteoporosis applications. Applying this Ca isotope technique to detect tumors, bone lesions and/or monitor BMB ...
Isotopic Biomarkers for Rapid Assessment of Bone Mineral Balance in Biomedical Applications
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Loss of bone mineral content leads to a variety of significant medical problems including osteoporosis. Development of new treatments for metabolic bone disease as well as evaluation of the efficacy of current treatments is severely hampered by the lack of a reliable tool for quickly measuring changes in bone mineral balance (BMB). Methods to sensitively measure BMB could tremendously benefit research and clinical practice in the study and treatment of bone disease. Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a novel ...
RANTES Multiplexed Assay, RANTES Variants Related to Disease and Enzymatic Activity
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
With the increasing focus on personalized medicine there is a need for specific tools that can be used to predict, diagnose, and monitor disease progression and treatments. The clinical significance of one such disease marker, RANTES, a chemoattractant cytokine in inflammation, has been suggested in kidney related complications, autoimmune diseases, and several forms of carcinoma. Plasma RANTES levels have been found to increase with progressive cancer stages (I, II, III, or IV). Furthermore, a large population study found RANTES in ...
Multifunctional Radical Quenchers and Simplified Synthesis Routes
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Mitochondrial diseases are a group of disorders associated with dysfunctional mitochondria, often caused by genetic mutations to mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondrial defects are damaging, particularly to tissues with high energy demands such as neural and muscle tissues. Energetic defects have been implicated in forms of movement disorders, cardiomyopathy, myopathy, blindness and deafness. Membrane-penetrating antioxidants are often prescribed but treatment options are limited. There have been extensive efforts to find alternative, ...
Aminoglycoside Based Polymers for Delivery of Nucleic Acids and Viruses to Cells and Applications
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Aminoglycosides are a class of small-molecule antibiotics that consist of two or more aminosugars joined by glycosidic linkage to a hexose nucleus. They are clinically useful in treating various infections because of their ability to interfere with protein synthesis in microorganism. However, small molecules possess poor efficacies for delivering nucleic acids to cells, while polymers show increased efficacies. Therefore, there is a need for a library of aminoglycoside polymers. Researchers at the Arizona State University have ...
Aminoglycoside based polymers for delivery of nucleic acids and viruses to cells and Applications
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Aminoglycosides are a class of small-molecule antibiotics that consist of two or more aminosugars joined by glycosidic linkage to a hexose nucleus. They are clinically useful in treating various infections because of their ability to interfere with protein synthesis in microorganism. However, small molecules possess poor efficacies for delivering nucleic acids to cells, while polymers show increased efficacies. Therefore, there is a need for a library of aminoglycoside polymers. Researchers at the Arizona State University have ...
Recombinant Bacterium Comprising a Toxin/Antitoxin System as a Vaccine Vector
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Live attenuated vaccines are considered among the most powerful tools for disease control and potentially disease eradication. Although vaccines have made a major contribution to public health, there are still significant deaths from diseases for which vaccines are not available. There is a need to develop better, safer, and cheaper vaccines capable for promoting long-lasting protection. Melha Mellata at the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University has developed compositions and methods for using regulated, toxin/antitoxin ...
Novel Therapy for Mucositis Associated with Cancer Therapy
Organization: Emory University
Application Oral lozenges (and other oral therapies) for the maintenance of oral health and treatment of mucositis associated with chemotherapy/radiation treatment. Key Benefits Current approaches to the treatment of mucositis associated with cancer therapy have not proven to be efficacious. A novel over the counter (OTC) supplement involving glutathione, an antioxidant, reduced mucositis symptoms by 70% in an animal model. Technical Summary Mucositis (inflammation of the oral mucosa) is a common, painful, and often ...
Quinoline Derivatives and Uses Thereof
Organization: Oregon Health & Science University
David Peyton has developed hybrid drugs to overcome drug resistances in Malaria, Cancer, and Tuberculosis.
POMC transgenic mice and neuron-specific promoter
Organization: Oregon Health & Science University
Technology OverviewPOMC neurons of the hypothalamus are critical components of the neural circuitry controlling appetite, feeding, and metabolism. In addition they modulate the activity of other hypothalamic neurons which control reproduction, thyroid hormone levels, growth hormone secretion and neuroendocrine stress responses. Genetic evidence in humans implicates the POMC gene in the regulation of weight and fat mass. Researchers at OHSU have identified and characterized a DNA sequence upstream of the mouse POMC gene ...
Prostaglandin D2 Receptors in Cardiovascular Disease
Organization: University of Pennsylvania
TechID: R3846 The withdrawal of Vioxx and Celebrex was due in large part to their inhibition of the production of protective prostaglandins in the arterial vasculature. Although effective in treating arthritis, these drugs induced substantial increases in the risk of major cardiovascular events. A more complete understanding of the atherogenic and atheroprotective roles for COX-derived prostaglandins is necessary for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs which avoid the adverse cardiovascular effects seen in the current ...
Organization: Wayne State University
Novel bio-reducible polymer compositions which combine the ability to act as a CXCR4 antagonist and simultaneously provide enhanced gene delivery through the formation of inert nanocarrier polyplexes have been developed. As would be expected for biodegradable polymers, the cytotoxicity of these nanocarrier compositions are very low with measured IC50 values 50 to 100 times higher than conventional polyethylenimines (PEI) controls. Significantly, the known CXCR4 antagonist drug AMD3100 has successfully been incorporated into the polymer ...
Drug-Dendrimer Nanoparticles for Targeted Treatment of Neuroinflammation
Organization: Wayne State University
Highly effective dendrimer-drug based compositions and methods for treatment have been developed that target neuroinflammation both in the brain and the retina upon intravenous administration. The nanodevices overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and deliver drugs to target cells (activated microglia and astrocytes) producing dramatic therapeutic improvements. Benefits: Many promising pharmaceutical compounds fail to reach target tissue or fail to remain in the target area long enough to work. The drug-dendrimer nanoparticles invented at ...
Hydrolysis-Resistant Local Anesthetics
Organization: Oregon Health & Science University
CNG CHANNEL BLOCKERS FOR TREATMENT OF RETINAL DISEASE OHSU Technology 1684 To meet a pressing need for better cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel antagonists, Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University and Willamette University designed, synthesized and determined the apparent affinities and mechanism of CNG channel block with novel hydrolysis resistant tetracaine derivatives. Alterations of CNG channel activity are central in the pathology of certain forms of retinal degeneration including some forms of retinitis ...
Naphthamides as anticancer agents inhibiting CREB-mediated gene transcription
Organization: Oregon Health & Science University
Value Proposition: Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University discovered a novel compound that regulates transcription activity of CREB via a novel mechanism of action. Lead optimization resulted in a first in class chemical series that is potent and highly selective. The efficacy of these compounds has been validated in vitro (e.g., breast and lung cancer cell lines) and in vivo, thus, demonstrating proof-of-concept. Regulation of CREB expression with this novel class of compounds acting in under a novel mechanism of action, ...
Organization: Oregon Health & Science University
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University and at the Portland VA Medical Center have discovered and optimized a novel class of compounds that are superior to the standard of care. The antimalarial agents are effective at inhibiting proliferation of multi-drug resistant malarial parasites and selected members of this potent class are over 10 times more effective than chloroquine against malaria in mice, thus, demonstrating proof-of-concept. Malaria remains one of the deadliest diseases in the world today, as it has been ...
Peptide-based treatment for neurodegenerative diseases and other neuropathies
Organization: Oregon Health & Science University
Value PropositionNovel peptide agents that can access the central nervous system and have therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative diseases. Technology Overview Neurodegeneration is often caused by misfolding of proteins such that they can no longer perform their cellular functions and instead trigger equivalent modifications in normal proteins, thus creating a cascade of damage that eventually results in significant neuronal death. Moreover, few therapies are available for the treatment of most neurodegenerative diseases ...
Aromatic ketones and uses thereof.
Organization: Oregon Health & Science University
Technology OverviewResearchers at OHSU and Portland's VA Medical Center have discovered a series of chemical compounds, namely naphthoquinones, anthraquinones, and anthrones, that contain a unique and defining structural element making them selectively potent antiparasitic agents. These new compounds exhibit an improvement in antimalarial potency of over 50 fold (as compared with currently used therapeutics) against most multidrug resistant strains of the malarial parasite. The new compounds act by a different mechanism ...
Methods for Detecting and Treating Autoimmune Disorders
Organization: Oregon Health & Science University
Technology Overview This invention relates to methods for inhibiting an autoimmune disease by adminstering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition that increases FOXP3 expression, thereby inhibiting the autoimmune disease, and methods for assessing the efficacy of a therapy for an autoimmune disease.
New selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)
Organization: Oregon Health & Science University
Technology Overview Current hormone replacement therapy involving either estrogen alone or a combination of estrogen and progestin is fraught with serious side effects including increased susceptibility to breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and stroke. A novel SERM designed and synthesized by researchers at OHSU and UCSF has been shown to be devoid of many of the negative side effects arising from peripheral estrogen receptor activation since it does not bind to the classical nuclear estrogen receptors. The action of this ...
Opioid Antagonists and Methods of Their Use (Orphanin & analogs)
Organization: Oregon Health & Science University
Technology Information Technology 0349 relates to a novel mammalian anti-opioid receptor protein (OFQR), peptide ligands (such as OFQ) that bind to OFQR, and methods of using the OFQ peptide and analogues to reverse the physiologic effects of opiates such as morphine. The isolation, characterization and pharmacological use of the endogenous peptide ligand is described. A particular embodiment of the OFQ peptide is a heptadecapeptide having an FGGF aminoterminal motif. The peptide specifically binds to an OFQ ...
Mammalian Opioid Receptor Ligand and Uses (Orphanin FQ)
Organization: Oregon Health & Science University
Technology Information Technology 0346 relates to a novel mammalian opioid receptor protein and ligands that bind to such proteins. The invention is directed toward the isolation, characterization and pharmacological use of an endogenous ligand that specifically binds to a novel mammalian opioid receptor protein heterologously expressed in mammalian cells. The invention specifically provides the isolated peptide ligand and analogues, derivates and variants thereof. The invention specifically provides tyrosine ...
Bacterial Hemoglobin Receptor Genes and Their Uses in Therapeutics and Diagnostics
Organization: Oregon Health & Science University
Technology Overview Bacterial pathogens require exogenous iron to survive in their hosts, and withholding iron is one of the nonspecific, but highly successful strategies developed by the host to combat bacterial infections. Bacteria acquire iron from the host due to the presence of outermembrane proteins that bind host iron containing compounds such as transferrin, lactoferrin and various heme containing compounds. One of these outermembrane proteins, the hemoglobin receptor, has been cloned from N. ...
Bacterial Hemoglobin Receptor Genes and Their Uses in Therapeutics and Diagnostics
Organization: Oregon Health & Science University
Technology Overview Bacterial pathogens require exogenous iron to survive in their hosts, and withholding iron is one of the nonspecific, but highly successful strategies developed by the host to combat bacterial infections. Bacteria acquire iron from the host due to the presence of outermembrane proteins that bind host iron containing compounds such as transferrin, lactoferrin and various heme containing compounds. One of these outermembrane proteins, the hemoglobin receptor, has been cloned from N. ...
Modulating Activity of Calcium Release Channels
Organization: Oregon Health & Science University
Using a new assay for drug development (see Abrj-01), PSU researchers have developed new compounds that may prove useful in the treatment of heart arrhythmia. Ventricular arrhythmias appear to be caused by a calcium leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in cardiac muscle, and arrhythmias often lead to heart failure. Drugs that prevent and treat arrhythmias often work by inhibiting this calcium leak. The PSU researchers have shown that their new compounds are a potent inhibitor of calcium leak in skeletal muscle, and ...
Organization: Oregon Health & Science University
Many types of cancer, including carcinomas, lymphomas, sarcomas, and others, are treated with the chemotherapy agent Cisplatin. Based on the element platinum, cisplatin causes apoptosis in cancer cells by cross-linking their DNA. Like many chemotherapy agents, Cisplatin's effectiveness could be improved by better understanding how the body moves it around internally, so that it can be better targeted to cancer cells and thus protect normal cells from its effect. PSU researchers invented a fluorescently tagged cisplatin ...
Use of Pentamidine in Myotonic Dystrophy Models
Organization: Oregon Health & Science University
Myotonic Dystrophy is characterized by 200–2000 CUG repeats in the 3’UTR of the DMPK gene—unaffected individuals have 5–35 CUG repeats. The CUG repeats form a stem-loop and it’s been suggested that this is a gain-of-function mutation wherein the stem loop binds proteins in the cell so that the proteins are unavailable to perform their normal cellular functions. Muscle-blind splicing factor is one such sequestered protein. As a result, at least 23 pre-mRNAs have been identified as mis-spliced and at least 15 ...
Organization: Oregon Health & Science University
Technology OverviewThe present invention provides a biological screening system for identifying and characterizing compounds that are agonists or antagonists of mammalian melanocortin receptors, MC3-R and MC4-R, with the capacity to influence or modify metabolism and behavior in an animal, particularly feeding behavior. It is an advantage of the present invention that it provides an in vitro screening method for characterizing compounds having melanocortin receptor binding activities that relate to feeding behavior in animals. ...
Preparation and Use of Alveoar Cells to Treat Lung Disorders
Organization: University of Texas Health Science Center Houston
Background Alveolar type II (ATII) cells have numerous functions related to lung homeostatsis; these include (i) acting as progenitors for alveolar type I (ATI) cells, which is particularly important during re-epithelialization of the lung after injury; (ii) synthesis and secretion surfactant proteins, which reduces surface tension and helps prevent collapse of the structures within the lung; and (iii) modulation of the immune system through the secretion of complement proteins and cytokines. Due to their important ...
SUMO-Specific Protease Nucleotides and Proteins for Diagnosing Hyperpoliferative Diseases
Organization: University of Texas Health Science Center Houston
Market: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer, and second leading cause of cancer death, in American men. The American Cancer Society predicts over 186,000 new diagnoses of prostate cancer, and over 28,000 deaths in the US in 2008. With early detection being key to a better prognosis, a significant number of people are demanding faster and more accurate diagnosis, and more targeted, efficient, and effective therapies. Competitors and Current Problems: One diagnostic of prostate cancer is by the PSA blood tests. ...
Structure, Function and Use of a Novel Phytoestrogen from a Traditional Chinese Herb
Organization: National University of Singapore
ILO Ref: YONG EL 02 Background of invention: Estrogens are steroid hormones that regulate physiological processes and play a crucial regulatory role in the central nervous system and cardiovascular system. However, many women perceive prescription estrogens as unnatural and hence, there is an increasing interest in the use of plant-derived estrogens for treatment of post-menopausal problems and other conditions associated with estrogen receptors or estrogen-deficiency. Additionally, medicinal substances derived from natural ...
A Method For Modulating Steroidogenic Activity from the Herb Eucommiae ulmoides
Organization: National University of Singapore
ILO Ref: YONG EL 01 This invention serves as a method to modulate steroidogenic activity. Extracts from the herb Eucommiae ulmoides has moderate estrogenic activity on its own. E. ulmoides extracts extract exerts a modulating effect on the estrogenic activity by potentiating the action of estrogens and therefore may have application for hormonal therapy in hypoestrogenic states, like menopause, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. FIG 1 Figure 1. Estrogenic effect of E. ulmoides. Hela cells were ...
Transdermal Delivery of Drugs using Organogels of Small Molecule Gelator
Organization: National University of Singapore
ILO Ref: LIU XY 04 This invention relates to a small molecule gelling agents (SMGA) or low mass gelling agents (LMGA), of molecular weights less than 3000 that can form supramolecular networks and immobilize water or organic solvents to yield SMGA gels. SMGA can be used as gelling agents for almost all kinds of polar and non-polar liquids. The inherent physicochemical properties of gels, such as hardness, elasticity, clarity, and liquid-carrying capacity, depend on the microstructure of the fiber network structure of ...
Methods of Purifications, Characterization and Uses of Novel Phytoprogestogenic from Herbs
Organization: National University of Singapore
ILO Ref: Yong EL 03 Progesterone is a steroid hormone with an essential role in human production. Together with estrogen, progesterone acts on the central nervous system, ovary and uterus, to initiate changes in the female reproductive tract that are critical for fertilization of the oocyte, implantation of the embryo and maintenance of pregnancy. Progesterone acts by binding specifically to the ligand binding domain of the progesterone receptor (PR), a member of the nuclear/steroid receptor superfamily of transcription ...
Treatment and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Glomerulosclerosis, Renal Failure and Diabetes
Organization: National University of Singapore
ILO Ref: SIM MK 03 SIM MK 04 SIM MK 07 · Anti-Cardiac Hypertrophy. This invention relates to the application of des-aspartate-angiotensin I (DAA-I), its derivatives, and/or analogues for the treatment of infarction-related cardiac injuries and disorders. DAA-I acts as an agonist on indomethacin-sensitive AT1 ...
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor that prevent Cardiovascular Disease by Cholesterol Lowering
Organization: National University of Singapore
ILO Ref: JEYASEELAN K 02 This invention embodies the JCH2 protein from the Chinese scorpion, Buthus martensii, for the prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia and its related diseases. HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR) plays an important and rate-limiting role in cholesterol biosynthesis, and is therefore the target of compounds that lower serum cholesterol. JCH2 is able to potently inhibit HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR) and lower cholesterol levels in the blood. The experimental results have shown that JCH2 (10µg) ...
Long Term Culture and Expansion for Stem Cells
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
UCSF investigators have developed a method that would allow the expansion of ASCs and MSCs while maintaining their stem cell characteristics (i.e., preventing differentiation). Current methods do not permit growth beyond a few passages. The method drives long term culture and proliferation of ASCs and MSCs in vitro for use in therapeutic applications, including treatment of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiac disease.
2011-173 Novel Class of Ceramide Compounds and Their Derivatives with Anti-Cancer Applications
Organization: Rutgers University
Organization: Rutgers University
2011-024 Guided Design and Syntheses of Stereochemically Varied Nanoscale Amphiphilic Macromolecules
Organization: Rutgers University
Organization: Rutgers University
Organization: Rutgers University
Organization: Rutgers University
2011-019 New Therapeutic Targets for ER-/PR-/HER2- Breast Cancers
Organization: Rutgers University
2011-013 Synthesis of Novel Diterpenoids
Organization: Rutgers University
Organization: Rutgers University
2011-045 Bioactive Carbon Nanotube Agarose Composites for Tissue Engineering
Organization: Rutgers University
2010-093 Formulation and manufacture of pharmaceuticals by impregnation onto porous carriers
Organization: Rutgers University
Organization: Rutgers University
2011-034 Novel DNA Sequences for Directing Tissue-/Cell-Specific RNA Expression
Organization: Rutgers University
2010-115 Novel Method of Synthesis of Macrolidic Antibiotics
Organization: Rutgers University
Mycobacterial sulfation pathway proteins and methods of use thereof
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Inhibitors for the Treatment of T cell-mediated Autoimmune Disorders
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
T lymphocytes (T cells) play a critical role in regulation of immune system functioning: they control cell-mediated immunity, provide defense against infectious microbes, recognize and eliminate foreign substances, and act as surveillance for cancer cells. Researchers at the University of California, Davis have discovered that Dantrolene, a FDA approved drug currently used for the treatment of muscular skeletal dysfunctions, significantly suppresses CD4 T cell functions such as proliferation and cytokine production. This indicates a new ...
Method for Replacing Hair Cells and Spiral Ganglia Neurons to Restore Hearing Loss
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Ten percent of the world’s population suffers from hearing loss due to damaged hair cells of the inner ear. Hair cells supply signals that promote the survival of spiral ganglia neurons (SGNs), the next link in the sonic signaling chain. Once the hair cells die, so do the SGNs. Hair cells regenerate at an extremely low rate. Thus, a cell replacement stratagem may offer a more immediate therapy due to the permanent loss of hair cells and SGNs. Researchers at the University of California, Davis have discovered the existence of a source of ...
Inhibitors of Intracellular Urokinase Plasminogen Activator
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Novel cell-permeant drug-peptide conjugates with peptidase cleavage sites that exhibit high specificity and potency, and low toxicity, have been developed by researchers at the University of California, Davis. A set of these drug-peptide conjugates has been developed that can permeate normal and disseminated, invasive cancer cells. The inactive prodrugs are cleaved only within the invasive cancer cells by intracellular urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA). The bioactivated compound is trapped intracellularly and shown to kill proliferating ...
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Freezing is commonly used to preserve human tissue and cells for use in various medical applications, but significant loss of function occurs with current methods. Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a particularly effective method for the cryopreservation of human tissue and cells. The method achieves extraordinarily high viability of cryopreserved tissue and cells by introducing protective molecules at the cellular level using an optimized protocol to ensure viability during freezing and thawing.
Anti-MMP9, Anti-Menke's Disease, and Anti-Wilson's Disease mAbs
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
A researcher at the University of California, Davis has developed the following monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), which are being made available for bailment as tangible research property: L51/57, L51/73, L51/80 and L51/82 Anti-MMP9 matrix metalloproteinase mAbs L60/4 Anti-Menke's disease protein/Cu2 transporting ATPase protein mAb L62/29 Anti-Wilson's disease protein/Cu2 transporting ATPase ß protein mAb A more detailed description of each clone can be found by searching the ...
Use of Anti-CD22 Monoclonal Antibodies for Cancer Treatment
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Non-Hodgkins lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia are B-cell malignancies that remain important contributors to cancer mortality. The response of these malignancies to various forms of treatment is mixed. While some cases respond to treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, the majority of patients die from these diseases. In addition, current therapies have toxic side effects which limit efficacy, particularly in the elderly, a population in which the incidence is increasing. Therefore, there is a need for new treatment options ...
Human MUC5B Promoter-Reporter Construct
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Mucins are a family of high molecular weight glycoproteins secreted by epithelial cells lining various organs such as the nasal cavity, esophagus, lungs, and eyes. Mucins are a major component of mucus, and serve an important role in protecting and lubricating epithelial surfaces. There are at least twelve mucin genes in humans, with mucin 5B (MUC5B) and mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) being the main components of human airway secretions. The regulation of expression of these genes, particularly MUC5B, is critical for normal airway function. Aberrant ...
Small Molecule Inhibitors of Amyloid-beta Protein Oligomers
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Deposition of various aggregates of the amyloid-β protein (Aβ) in the brain is the pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ can aggregate into oligomers, protofibrils, and fibrils. Aβ oligomers (AβO) are also a strong neurotoxin and cause the neuronal death in AD. In recent years, the development of small molecules to counteract Aβ toxicity has been one important goal in academia and especially in the pharmaceutical industry. Another important area is the development of PET or SPECT radiotracers for ...
Patent Portfolio for Islet Cell Coating Techniques
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Attempts to transplant organ tissues into genetically dissimilar hosts without immunosuppression are generally defeated by the immune system of the host. Protective barrier coatings to isolate the transplant tissues from the host immune system have been attempted but coating materials were incompatible with the host system or were unsuitable. This patent portfolio describes methods and techniques for coating biological materials such as tissues, cells and cell lines with a continuous, uniform, semi-permeable and bio-compatible coating. The ...
Functional Electrical Stimulation
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) uses electrical currents to induce contractions in muscles to restore functional movements in extremities affected by paralysis. Mathematical muscle models could help optimize stimulation patterns used by commercially available FES systems. However, current mathematical models are limited in that they are applicable only to isometric conditions and narrow ranges of stimulation patterns. A researcher at the University of California, Davis, working in cooperation with researchers at the University of ...
Synthesis of Immunopotent Alpha Glycolipids via Glycosyl Iodides
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Alpha glycolipids have shown potent anti-tumor and anti-viral activities as well as potential for the treatment of certain autoimmune disorders. Detailed mechanistic studies suggest this biological activity occurs via Natural Killer T (NKT) cell activation. Several alpha glycolipids are already in Phase I clinical trials for a variety of disease treatments that include cancer and diabetes. Since the structure of the glycolipid dictates the type as well as the extent of immunological activity, a readily accessible library of these molecules is ...
Drugs To Improve Synaptic Transmission
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
A research scientist at the University of California has discovered a drug that is effective in inducing long term potentiation of synaptic transmission. This activity has been demonstrated in transverse slices cut from hippocampi of 4-8 week old mice. The drug was effective in concentrations similar to what is likely to be reached in the brain following peripheral administration. In addition, the findings of an extensive series of experiments with mice indicate that the administration of the drug either before or after training in two types ...
Gaba Receptor Antagonist Selective For Gabarho Receptors
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory amino acid in the mammalian brain, and the GABArho receptors are highly expressed in mammalian visual pathways. Drugs that interact selectively with the GABArho subtype are, therefore, likely to have distinct enhancing or depressing effects upon visual processing without untoward actions upon other aspects of brain function. Also, because of its unique properties, drugs that act on GABArho receptors may have important uses in clinical and experimental medicine related to diseases of the ...
High-Throughput Screening of Neuraminidase Inhibitors
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
A novel fluorogenic substrate that can be immobilized on solid support for high-throughput screening of neuraminidase inhibitors has been developed by researchers at the University of California, Davis. Notable features of this on-bead screening process include: Ability to be used in large combinatorial libraries of compounds to find enzyme inhibitory properties; and, Rapid identification of inhibitors for new strains of the influenza virus. Recently, the FDA has approved two influenza neuraminidase inhibitors, Zanamivir and Oseltamivir as ...
Ligands for Alpha-4-Beta-1 Integrin
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Highly potent ligands for activated alpha-4 beta-1 integrin have been identified by University of California, Davis researchers. These ligands can potentially be used as targeting agents for cancer as well as anti-inflammatory agents for autoimmune diseases. Notable applications of these alpha-4 beta-1 ligands include: Targeting therapy for imaging of cancers including lymphoid malignancies, which have high level of activated alpha-4 beta-1 integrin on the cell surface; Therapeutic uses as anti-inflammatory agents for autoimmune diseases ...
New Chemical Entities for the Treatment and Prevention of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
University of California, Irvine scientists have developed potent, novel small molecule modulators against a new target. Evaluation of these modulators with a mouse model of hyperglycemia showed a dose-dependent effect in glucose clearance. Circulating glucose was also reduced in diet-induced and genetic diabetes (db/db) mouse models. These novel small molecule modulators may prove useful for the treatment or prevention of diabetes and metabolic disorders.
Amino Acid and Peptide Conjugates of Amiloride
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Novel amiloride conjugates have been developed by researchers at the University of California, Davis. This invention includes compounds generated by conjugating amino acids and peptides to amiloride at the C(5)-amino group or C(2)-guanidine moiety, furnishing inactive prodrugs that can be selectively activated by tissue endopeptidases. The C5-conjugates of the invention are highly selective and potent inhibitors of sodium-proton exchange (i.e., NHE1). The C5-conjugates are particularly useful for reducing tissue swelling (e.g., acute brain ...
Method for Regulating Apoptosis
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
A method for inhibiting cellular apoptosis through the regulation of mitochondrial fission and fusion has been identified by researchers at the University of California, Davis. The method for identifying small molecule inhibitors of mitochondrial fission fusion is described. Such compounds can be capable of regulating cellular apoptosis via their effects on mitochondrial membrane dynamics. UC Davis investigators have verified compound activities in both yeast and mammalian cell systems. Studies have indicated that one compound acts through ...
Matrix Assisted Myocardial Stabilization
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Novel Human Anti-MUC-1 scFv Antibodies for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Novel single chain variable fragment (scFV) antibodies against human Mucin-1 (MUC-1) have been developed by researchers at University of California, Davis to diagnose and treat adenocarcinoma cells, such as human breast, prostate and ovarian cancer cells. This method is superior to current methods for optimal diagnosis and treatment of these cancers. For example, while radioimmunotherapy using intact monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) has been utilized in the treatment of breast cancer and other solid tumors, therapeutic success has been limited ...
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Bleomycins (BLMs) are a family of glycopeptide-derived anti-tumor antibiotics originally isolated from the fermentation broth of Streptomyces verticillus. BLMs exhibit strong anti-tumor activity and are one member of the family of anti-cancer drugs that is widely used for the treatment of lymphoma (particularly Hodgkin's disease), testicular tumors, various squamous cell carcinomas, and malignant effusions in ovarian and breast cancer. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, there was a great emphasis on the development of high-yield strains and ...
New Etiological Factor in Equine Myeloencephalitis
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Equine protozoal myeloencaphalitis (EPM) is a widespread neurological disease in horses. In its advanced stages, the animal will suffer from a variety of neural disorders associated with the development of CNS lesions. These include gait abnormalities, ataxia of the limbs, and other signs of muscular incoordination, urinary incontinence, and loss of response to certain sensory stimuli. When a case of EPM is discovered, the horse must be euthanized, which can be a very expensive proposition when valuable race horses have to be sacrificed. ...
Lymphoma Diagnosis and Therapy
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
The specific cell surface antigen for Lym-1, a murine monoclonal antibody selective for malignant B lymphocytes, has been identified as a discontinuous epitope on the beta chain of many, but not all HLA-DR subtypes, by UC Davis investigators. Lym-1 has shown promising results in targeted lymphoma radiodiagnosis and therapy.
Antibodies: Urea Herbicide Pabs
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Urea Herbicide Pabs Specific polyclonal antibodies for the assay of phenylurea herbicides (diuron, monuron, linuron). OTHER ANTIBODIES: 4-Nitrophenol Biomarker PAbs 1992-742 Specific polyclonal antibodies for the bioassay of the primary metabolite of many organophosphates and nitro-aromatics, substituted 4-nitrophenol. Bromacil Herbicide PAbs 1992-743 Specific polyclonal antibodies for the assay of the herbicide bromacil. Bacillus Delta Endotoxin PAbs 1992-745 Specific polyclonal antibodies for the assay of the delta endotoxins of Bacillus ...
Antibodies: Triazine Herbicide Pabs
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Triazine Herbicide Pabs Specific polyclonal antibodies for the assay of derivatized triazine herbicides (atrazine, simazine and others). OTHER ANTIBODIES: 4-Nitrophenol Biomarker PAbs 1992-742 Specific polyclonal antibodies for the bioassay of the primary metabolite of many organophosphates and nitro-aromatics, substituted 4-nitrophenol. Bromacil Herbicide PAbs 1992-743 Specific polyclonal antibodies for the assay of the herbicide bromacil. Bacillus Delta Endotoxin PAbs 1992-745 Specific polyclonal antibodies for the assay of the delta ...
Antibodies: Bacillus Delta Endotoxin PAbs
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Bacillus Delta Endotoxin PAbs Specific polyclonal antibodies for the assay of the delta endotoxins of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis. OTHER ANTIBODIES: 4-Nitrophenol Biomarker PAbs 1992-742 Specific polyclonal antibodies for the bioassay of the primary metabolite of many organophosphates and nitro-aromatics, substituted 4-nitrophenol. Bromacil Herbicide PAbs 1992-743 Specific polyclonal antibodies for the assay of the herbicide bromacil. Pyrethrin Insecticide PAbs 1992-746 Specific ...
Antibodies: Bromacil Herbicide PAbs
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Bromacil Herbicide PAbs Specific polyclonal antibodies for the assay of the herbicide bromacil. OTHER ANTIBODIES: 4-Nitrophenol Biomarker PAbs 1992-742 Specific polyclonal antibodies for the bioassay of the primary metabolite of many organophosphates and nitro-aromatics, substituted 4-nitrophenol. Bacillus Delta Endotoxin PAbs 1992-745 Specific polyclonal antibodies for the assay of the delta endotoxins of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis. Pyrethrin Insecticide PAbs 1992-746 Specific ...
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
A novel method for the preservation of red blood cells has been developed by the University of California, Davis researchers. The method uses a novel technique for the freeze-drying of human red blood cells. The freeze-drying step produces cells of storage capability.
Male Infertility Diagnostic and Companion Therapeutic
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have discovered a sequence variation of the gene that encodes beta-defensin 126 (DEFB126), a highly-expressed sperm coating protein that is important for efficient sperm movement and immunologic protection of sperm in the female reproductive tract. As they report in the journal of Science Translational Medicine, the specific sequence variation is very common in the human population, results in altered chemical composition of the sperm surface, reduces sperm penetration through mucus, and ...
A Novel Approach to Peptide Labeling for the Imaging of Cancer by PET
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a highly sensitive, noninvasive method for the detection of cancer. Although the technique is generally available in major oncology clinics, its usefulness is nonetheless restricted by limitations in radiolabeling methodology. PET makes predominant use of the positron-emitting fluorine isotope 18F. Currently, the only practical vehicle for clinical application of 18F in PET is 2-18F-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG), which is taken up by many types of tumor cells. The exclusive use of FDG ...
Anti-Mlok1 Prokaryotic Cyclic Nucleotide-Modulated Potassium Channel mAbs
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at the University of California, Davis raised the N17 series of monoclonal antibodies N17/1, N17/2, N17/17, N17/24, and N17/27 against the full-length Mlok1 protein. These antibodies specifically recognize the Mlok1 protein expressed in transfected cells and they bind with various affinities to the purified Mlok1 protein in vitro as assayed with gel filtration. The fragment antigen binding portion of the antibodies (Fabs) are isolated by papain digestion of these mAbs, purified, and complexed with purified Mlok1 ...
Phage-displayed Peptide Library with Affinity for Bacterial Elongation Factor Tu
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
A peptide library with a diversity of ~ 4.7X1011 different peptides was constructed containing both linear and disulfide-constrained peptides. Phage-displayed peptides with high affinity for EF-Tu were selected from the library. Phage display was also used to rapidly assess the contribution of specific side chains to EF-Tu binding through combinatorial libraries of alanine and homolog substitutions termed "shotgun scanning". Homolog shotgunning provided detailed structure activity relationships for multiple side chains of polypeptide ...
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
It is generally understood that symptoms associated with the menopausal transition (MT) in middle-age women is temporally related to declining ovarian function and the prevailing understanding is that deficits and poor health outcomes related to MT can be prevented and/or are generally resolved by hormone intervention (HRT). However, a clear or significant decline in circulating estrogen during this transition period has not been demonstrated to indicate that a deficiency of estradiol at the time of symptom onset is responsible. ...
An Effective Anti-Cancer Combination Therapy, with Substantially Reduced Side Effects
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed an effective local therapeutic strategy with substantially reduced side effects using a combined treatment with increased and stable loading of doxorubicin (Dox) using a complex of Dox and copper (II). Cu-liposomes were loaded with Dox up to a maximum concentration of 0.6mg-drug/mg-lipid with 100% loading. UC Davis researchers have studied the efficacy of Cu-Dox liposomes and optimized the treatment strategy using the highly invasive and metastatic Met-1 tumor, a syngeneic ...
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Cardiac dysfunction is the leading cause of death (> 50%) in diabetic and pre-diabetic population. However, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic heart failure remain largely unknown. To date, there is no heart failure diagnostic method or treatment specific to diabetes, even though diabetic heart failure has a poor prognosis. Researchers at University of California, Davis have indentified the islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) oligomer, a toxic entity causally implicated in dysfunction of pancreatic β-cells and development ...
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
The majority of current treatments for osteoporosis are directed toward reducing osteoclast activity to prevent bone loss and improve bone strength. However, these agents only reduce the risk of incident osteoporotic fractures by 50-60%. There is a need for treatments which stimulate bone regeneration by the means of induction of osteogenesis from mesenchymal stem cells directly to the bone surface. This invention meets this need and overcomes the challenges of controlling the MSC's lineage commitment, growth and ...
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
The invention is on new polymeric biomaterials. The new biomaterials were created by chemical synthesis with carbohydrates and amino acids as building blocks. The biopolymers have a specific alternating structure between carbohydrate and peptide units.
Vectors For The Recombinant Expression Of Human Immunoglobulins
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are an essential tool in numerous research, therapeutic, and diagnostic applications, as mAbs can be customized to bind a desired antigen. While this is highly advantageous in generating very high binding specificity, the actual process of producing mAb-producing hybridomas is difficult and time-consuming, and involves mAb protein chains (immunoglobins) derived from animal sources that are not always suitable for use in humans. Researchers at the University of California have developed a set of vectors ...
Nrf1 Deficient Mice as a Model for Liver Cancer and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
University of California-Irvine researchers have developed a Cre-lox mouse model that has a conditional mutation of the Nrf1 gene. Researchers have found that deficiency of the Nrf1 gene in liver results hepatic cell death, proliferation, fat accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation, followed by the appearance of dysplastic cells and ultimately cancer. The changes observed closely mimics the features of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is recognized as one of the risk factors for liver cancer and a precise understanding of ...
Antigens For Improved Lyme Disease Vaccines And Diagnostic Reagents
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The tick-borne organism responsible for Lyme disease, Borrelia burgodorferi, produces a lipoprotein that serves as an antigen for the existing Lyme disease vaccine. However, this vaccine has limited efficacy, mainly due to downregulation of the lipoprotein while B. burgodorferi is present in a mammalian host. A further problem in treating Lyme disease is the current difficulty in diagnosing infections. Thus, there is a pressing need for B. burgodorferi antigens that would more efficiently single out B. burgodorferi within mammalian ...
Real Time Adaptive External Immune System
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a novel system using nanotechnology to synthetically replicate the body's immune function. The method involves the binding of a wide range of targets to nanoparticles over which bodily fluids are passed for filtration, diagnostic, or immune stimulation functions.Initial results using particles coated with CD14 antibody in rhesus macaques successfully resulted in the conversion of target monocytes to functional macrophages. This result demonstrates the immune ...
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by a sudden onset of sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations. Since the causes of this disease were not known until recently, the treatments for narcolepsy have been purely symptomatic, such as the use of stimulants to prevent sleepiness and antidepressants to reduce cataplexy. However, such treatments are often ineffective, have negative side effects, and do not address the underlying causes of the disease. Researchers at the University of California ...
Customized Extracellular Matrix
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
An extracellular matrix (ECM) that directs cell behavior and diminishes the chance of an immune response has been developed by researchers at the University of California, Davis. The invention at issue is a controlled means of depositing a mesenchymal stem cell-secreted extracellular matrix on polymeric implants of any size and geometry. The ECM is produced by cells on tissue culture plastic under controlled conditions and then decellularized. The ECM produced on the tissue culture plastic can be reset on other substrates in ...
Improved Physical Methods For Increasing Stereoselectivity
Organization: University of California, Merced (UC Merced)
Researchers at the University of California, Merced (UC Merced) have discovered an alternative physical method for increasing the stereoselectivity of reactions without the problems associated with methods involving a high pressure apparatus. Like methods using high static pressures, the UC Merced method enhances stereoselectivity by favoring the transition state with the more negative volume of activation. So far, initial tests of the method with Alpine Borane reductions of various benzaldehydes and ynones have shown great promise, with ...
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
University of California, Irvine researchers have shown that central administration of NPS increases locomotor activity in mice and decreases paradoxical (REM) sleep and slow wave sleep in rats. NPS was further shown to produce anxiolytic-like effects in mice exposed to different stressful paradigms.
Intrapulmonary Midazolam for the Treatment of Seizures
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Midazolam has previously been administered via a variety of routes, including the intranasal route, for the management of acute seizures. UC Davis researchers have demonstrated in rodent chemoconvulsant models that inhaled intrapulmonary (nebulized) midazolam can protect against seizures more rapidly and more potently than when administered by other routes. The lung is highly vascularized and the thin alveolar epithelium represents a large absorptive surface. Blood exiting the lung is delivered directly to the brain so that the ...
Tools For The Genetic Manipulation Of Fusobacterium Nucleatum
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at the University of California have developed a battery of tools for use in genetic manipulation of F. nucleatum. These tools include plasmids and vectors that can replicate in Fusobacterium as well as shuttle vectors that can replicate in Fusobacterium and in other microorganisms, such as E. coli. These tools are available for licensing.
Biomarkers for Ascertaining an Individual's Risk for Developing Alzheimer's Disease
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at the University of California, Davis campus have identified hyperamylinemia as the primary risk factor of brain alteration and identified the biomarker associated with this condition. UC Davis researchers show that this biomarker has increased propensity to circulate through the blood and accumlate in the brain and believe it is the primary risk factor of brain alteration in patients with insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes and obesity.
Chemical Modulation of Hepatitis C Virus Mutation Rates
Organization: University of California, Merced (UC Merced)
A scientist at the University of California, Merced (UCM) has invented a novel anti-HCV therapeutic strategy that combines anti-viral agents with agents that suppress HCV mutagenesis. The UCM scientist discovered that HCV mutagenesis depends on the presence of certain kinds of genotoxic agents that would amplify the error-prone nature of HCV's RNA genome replication mechanism by damaging the viral RNA. As shown in figures 1 and 2 below, other chemical agents that block or neutralize such genotoxic agents can dramatically reduce RNA damage and ...
ANTIBODIES TO CELL CYCLE AND TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATORS
Organization: University of California, Riverside (UCR)
Scientists at the University of California and the University of Wisconsin working on cell cycle and development research have created a suite of antibodies to important transcriptional regulators. These antibodies target the following: Histone 2B Phosphorylated Histone 2B TAF1 (Tata Box Binding Protein Associated Factor 1) Ash1 (histone methyl-transferase that methylates Histones 3 and 4) MLL (a DNA-binding protein that methylates histone H3) MDU (Drosophila Set/MBD protein) The following table provides more deatail: ...
Novel Diuretic and Inhibitor of Gastric Acid Secretion
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA researchers in the laboratory of Dr. Joseph Pisegna in the department of Gastroenterology have developed a novel method to optimize the treatment of pathological conditions characterized by excess gastric acid secretion. The method utilizes pentagastrin, an analog of gastrin that indirectly stimulates the proton pump, in conjunction with PPIs to increase the efficacy of gastric acid secretion. The present invention provides an improved method for achieving higher levels of acid reduction at lower dosages unattainable by the use of PPIs ...
A New Method To Enhance Nerve Growth
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UC researchers have studied neuronal outgrowth and neurorepair in the presence of the recombinant form of this neuronal antigen, as well as in transgenic mice genetically engineered to express the antigen on their neurons. They found that cultured neurons did not extend axons in the presence of the recombinant antigen, or towards a target tissue when that tissue expressed the same antigen. This inhibition of axon outgrowth was overcome in the presence of antibodies directed against the antigen. In vivo, mice engineered to express the ...
New use for Sorafenib to Enhance the Efficacy of Chemotherapeutic Agents
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
There are few effective therapeutic options for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Conventional chemotherapeutic agents are ineffective since these tumors are resistant to DNA damage, likely due to an exuberant DNA repair response. Sorafenib is currently used in clinics to treat advanced RCC as well as unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma however, there are severe, although rare, adverse events associated with this drug such as cardiac ischemia, left ventricular dysfunction, neutropenia and hypertension. Thus, there is an unmet need to ...
Novel Small Molecule Biomarker For Detection Of Breast Cancer and its Risk
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Estrogens are implicated in the development of many cancers, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. There is a clear association between cumulative exposure of exogenous and indigenous estrogens and the risk of breast cancer. Currently, there are three major pathways that have been proposed for estrogen induced carcinogenicity. The mutations resulting from these pathways could lead to transformation and initiation of cancer. Researchers at UC Davis have discovered a novel pathway for estrogen ...
A Method For In Vivo Visualization Of Mutated Mouse Cells
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UC scientists have developed a sensitive, non-invasive technique for in vivo visualization of cells mutated by the CRE recombination system. Using positron emission topography (PET), they are able to follow the development of the potentially tumorous cells over time.
Granulin as a Target for Tumor Diagnosis and Growth Regulation
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at the University of California have developed a new method for identifying differentially expressed gene products that are translated from mRNA species. This method, termed differential immuno-absorption (DIA), uses subtractive antibody-based screening of target versus control tissues followed by screening of a cDNA expression library to identify differentially expressed proteins. DIA can be coupled to cDNA microarray hybridization and used in the identification of genes that play a role in the malignant progression of ...
Method of Removing Immunogenic Antigens from Tissues
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
The use of unfixed xenogeneic tissue scaffolds for implantation into humans and animals has historically been hindered by the lack of an effective method for sufficiently reducing the antigen concentration in xenogeneic tissues. Glutaraldehyde-fixation has been widely utilized for its ability to induce cross linking of xenogeneic tissue components, which is effective in masking tissue antigenicity in the short and medium term. However glutaraldehyde-fixation results in non-living material which is unable to support cellular ...
Highly Potent HIV Entry Inhibitors
Organization: University of California, Merced (UC Merced)
University of California, Merced (UCM) researchers have invented greatly improved chimeric HIV entry inhibitors that target both a particular human cell surface protein and a particular HIV envelope protein. The UCM compounds are able to block distinct steps in the HIV entry process and therefore achieve a very high potency. In vitro HIV assays show that UCM compounds can inhibit HIV entry at picomolar concentrations and are effective against both the R5 and the X4 strains of HIV.
Novel Magnesium-Zinc-Strontium (Mg-Zn-Sr) Alloys For Medical Implant/Device Applications
Organization: University of California, Riverside (UCR)
Recent studies on Magnesium (Mg) alloys have shown their potential as a novel class of biodegradable metallic materials for medical applications, particularly as orthopedic and maxillofacial implants. Although titanium alloys are widely used, their major limitations include stress shielding on surrounding bone, necessity of revision surgeries for implant removal, and distortion on post-operative evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Moreover, these permanent metals release harmful wear particulates, causing implant loosening and ...
Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP) Is an Aggregator of Growth Factors
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
COMP is an essential extracellular matrix protein that forms a “molecular bridge” between extracellular matrix components and provides a structure on which to bind. The modular structure of COMP acts as a scaffold aggregating multiple growth factors and presenting them to the cell surface. In addition to binding multiple TGF-β1 molecules, COMP contains additional binding sites for growth factors and cytokines, including members of the VEGF, FGF, and HGF families. COMP’s cell surface binding properties ...
Predicting Treatment Response in Cancer Patients
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
This new imaging approach provides a rapid, non-invasive test of the cancer's response to chemo and molecular targeted therapies, including the detection of drug resistance cells. The imaging approach is based on optical measurement of changes in metabolic activity of individual cells, upon exposure to cancer therapies. The imaging approach is significantly more sensitive than existing imaging methods and histo-culture drug response assays. This approach can be implemented for both ex-vivo clinical tissues, cells and in-vivo ...
Organization: University of California, Riverside (UCR)
Heparin and Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) are widely used anticoagulants, drugs which prevent blood clotting. However, they have the risk of potentially serious bleeding side effects. Protamine is currently the only approved drug used to reverse the action of heparin, and there is no approved reversing agent for LMWH. However, there are serious potential side effects associated with protamine. UCR researchers have demonstrated significant binding affinity in two synthetic peptide analogues of the HIP heparin-binding domain. Both ...
Inhibition of Galectin-12 Ameliorates Obesity And Insulin Resistance
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Energy balance is governed by energy intake and expenditure. When there is energy surplus, fatty acids are converted into triglycerides in these cells and stored in specialized lipid droplet organelles. When needed, triglyceride and be hydrolyzed into fatty acids and glycerol in a tightly controlled process known as lipolysis. There is a delicate balance between triglyceride synthesis and lipolysis in healthy animals. Disturbance of such a balance can result in lipodystrophy or obesity. It is well estabilshed ...
Discovery Of Specific Human Micrornas That Induce Protection Against Influenza A Virus Infection
Organization: University of California, Riverside (UCR)
This work identifies a physiological role for the Influenza A virus RNAi suppressor protein NS1 in the inhibition of specific host miRNA function. Influenza A virus causes seasonal infections and periodic pandemics in humans and is a major public health concern. The viral pathogenesis requires expression of its multifunctional non-structural protein 1 (NS1), which inhibits the interferon response and binds dsRNA in vitro. NS1 also suppresses experimentally induced RNAi, but a physiological role for this activity is unknown. Here we show ...
Novel Leukemia Stem Cell-Targeting Peptides and Nanotherapeutics for Human Leukemia Treatment
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Cancer stem cells that can renew and regenerate more cancer cells have been identified as a common feature of both hematological and solid malignancies. Therapeutic approaches to treat and prevent cancer have been less effective due to the higher level of leukemia cancer stem cells that must be eradicated. Researchers at University of California, Davis have identified a series of peptides via a phage display library that specifically bind to C-type Lectin-like molecule-1 (CLL1) present preferentially on most acute myeloid ...
Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Researchers at the University of California have discovered specific creatine kinase inhibitors that inhibit thrombin-induced aggregation of platelets. These creatine kinase inhibitors could be used to treat a disease or disorder that is caused by pathological platelet aggregation.
Methods to Inhibit Cartilage Degradation
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
A host of pro-inflammatory and cellular stress induces inflammatory responses in chondrocytes that can degrade the cartilage matrix. Chronic deregulation through catabolic pathways is suspected of causing osteoarthritis. Regardless of the sources of inflammation, the downstream signals all converge on a common mechanism that activates transcription of all primary response genes. Researchers at the University of California, Davis have discovered that controlling a common mechanism of transcriptional activation of inducible response ...
ADP Glucose Receptor as a Target for Disorders Involving Platelet Aggregation
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
University of California, Irvine researchers have discovered that the P1Y12 receptor can be activated by a specific natural ligand, ADP-glucose, and that upon activation the receptor transduces a G-protein coupled intracellular signal. Researchers have also identified this receptor's immunogenic peptides. These immunogenic peptides can be used to induce antibodies to the receptor and they can be used in assays to isolate ADP-glucose receptor ligands, agonists, or antagonists. Researchers have also found that signaling through the ...
A New Process Of Adding Alkyl Groups To Organic Substrates Using TmI2(MeOCH2CH2OMe)3
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, have discovered a compound that allows a variety of important chemical transformations to be accomplished using cheaper materials and eliminates the use of some carcinogenic reagents in the currently used systems.
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have isolated the first infectious molecular clone of JSRV and have developed techniques for production of infectious JSRV that allowed the researchers to prove that JSRV alone was sufficient to induce BAC in sheep.
Alternative Percutaneous Drug Delivery Using Thermocavitation
Organization: University of California, Riverside (UCR)
UCR researchers have advanced a thermocavitation method that increases the absorption of topical solutions through the stratum corneum of the skin using a low-powered CW laser by inducing thermocavitation bubbles. The particles to be absorbed may be micro or nano-sized particles dissolved in an aqueous or gel-based solutions or alternatively, they could be mixed within lotions or creams used for the infusion of drugs through the skin. ...
Treatment For Circadian Performance Deficits By Upmodulation Of Central Glutamate Receptors
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, have tested certain compounds on rats that were subjected to maze tests during their normal sleep periods. The application of the drug caused a significant increase in the speed with which the animals completed the test.
Cytotoxic Antibody Fusion Protein
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
University of California researchers have developed an antibody fusion protein that functions as a novel cytotoxic drug, though both, the antibody and the non-antibody partner by themselves are not cytotoxic. This fusion protein serves to decrease or eliminate cell proliferation by stopping cell division and causing cell death (apoptosis). In addition, it could be used as a universal delivery system to selectively deliver proteins, nucleic acids, and other chemicals into various kinds of cancer cells. Initial studies have demonstrated ...
Nanotopographic Biomimetic Membranes
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Physical attributes of an extracellular environment such as topography are known to inform internal cell processes and responses to external stimuli. These physical cues are not uniform; the basement membranes of many tissues display a complex mixture of topographic features. Conventional cell cultureware and other commonly used biomedical devices comprise materials with essentially non-biomimetic surface properties, which present cells with cues not found in the body and therefore can force unnatural cellular behavior. Accordingly, there ...
Antibody Fusion Proteins For Treating Cancer
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
University of California researchers have developed a family of antibody fusion proteins with a potential for various therapeutic applications. These inventions represent both novel technologies and products with novel applications. These UC fusion proteins combine an antibody with various cytokines. While these cytokines have been used previously as direct antitumor agents, these antibody-cytokine fusion proteins can be employed in a novel therapeutic strategy. In this role, the fusion proteins enhance the immune response to a ...
An Amplified and Overexpressd Gene in Colorectal Cancers
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at the University of California have identified a novel oncogene, 26#77, by virtue of its RNA expression profile in a breast cancer cell line. The 26#77 gene is located on chromosome 20q13.2, a region whose amplification is associated with poor cancer prognosis. They found that 26#77 is amplified and 26#77 RNA and protein are overexpressed in 60% of colorectal cancers. The researchers have used this discovery to develop methods for diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders, such as colorectal cancer, characterized by ...
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, have created a model of brain aging in cultured brain slices. These slices provide an in vitro model for the following: the study of brain aging; an assay for anti-brain aging drugs; and therapeutics directed at the clinical condition referred to ceroid-lipofuscinosis.
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, have developed a method for the computational optimization of DNA sequences that encode their own correct self-assembly. Scores of short overlapping synthetic oligonucleotides are designed to hybridize correctly with great efficiency at a high temperature, while all competing nonproductive hybridization events are identified and disfavored. Sequence properties are optimized using a formal heuristic search. Long strings of mixed coding, regulatory, and intergenic regions may be hybridized ...
Implantable Bone Conduction Hearing Device
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Current art on restoring hearing to those with a one sided deafness, those with an absent ear canal, or those who are unable to wear conventional hearing aids is the BAHA device. This device has an external component that is attached to the skull via a titanium screw that protrudes -5-8 mm from the bone from behind the ear. Its placement requires permanent removal and thinning of the skin behind the ear. The protrusion of the screw from the skull, the bulk of the device and the required daily maintenance of the screw leads many patients to ...
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Methods Using the H37 Tumor Suppressor Gene
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at the University of California have identified a novel tumor suppressor gene H37 (also known as RBM5) which maps to lung cancer tumor suppressor locus 3p21.3. In addition, they have demonstrated that H37 has manifold, prominent tumor suppressor characteristics: 1) Decreased expression of H37 mRNA/protein in ~75 percent of the primary lung tumors compared with adjacent normal lung epithelia, 2) Growth inhibition, in vitro/vivo, of lung cancer cells induced by H37, and 3) H37s tumor suppression mechanism through G1/S arrest and ...
Increased Tensile Strength in native and Engineered Tissues
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
In soft connective tissue engineering, such as cartilage, tendon, and ligament, there has been a focus on increasing extracellular matrix production during tissue development in order to increase the tissue’s biomechanical properties. Because cartilage has low regenerative capacity, such tissue engineering strategies hold great potential for long-term replacement of cartilage defects. In cartilage, collagen is thought to be the main contributor that imparts tensile strength to the tissue. Typically, mechanical stimuli, such as ...
Use of Fractalkine mutants as antagonist of CX3CR1to treat inflammation
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Fractalkine (FKN, CX3CL1) is a membrane bound chemokine present on endothelial cells and plays a critical role in recruiting leukocyte trafficking. FKN is not synthesized by leukocytes but is expressed on IL-1 and TNF alpha activated endothelium as a membrane bound form. Soluble FKN released by metalloproteases, binds to its receptor CX3CR1, which then promotes leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium. Researchers at the University of California, Davis have discovered that the Fractalkine chemokine domain (FKN-CD) specifically binds ...
Pre-selective Anti-HIV Vectors for Improved HIV Gene Therapy
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a novel anti-HIV lentivirus vector that expresses a selective cell surface marker to purify the transduced cells. Expression of this selective marker on the surface of the transduced hematopoietic stem cells gives these cells a unique cell surface signature which could be used to distinguish them from non-transduced cells. This selective marker is not found on the surface of CD34 HSCs. Therefore, for HIV stem cell gene therapy these vectors can be used to pre-select ...
ANCCA as a Marker and a Therapeutic Target for Cancers
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Molecular markers are very important for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of specific cancers. In breast cancer, patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumors usually receive effective hormonal adjuvant therapy such as tamoxifen. However, about 40% of human breast cancers are ER-negative and alternative therapeutics are urgently needed for effective treatment of ER-negative cancers. Researchers at UC Davis previously identified a novel ATPase enzyme protein designated as ANCCA (AAA nuclear coregulator cancer associated) that ...
Hybrid IgA/IgG Polymeric Antibodies
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA researchers have engineered IgA/IgG hybrid antibodies that combine characteristics of both IgA and IgG into a single immunoglobulin molecule. The IgG constant region was enhanced with the addition of IgA constant regions. This addition resulted in a molecule that has the pH stability of IgA and greater complement fixing activity than IgG due to its polymeric structure. By utilizing this technology, any variable region can be paired with the IgA/IgG hybrid to yield an immunoglobulin molecule with unique effector functions.
Decellularized Liver Matrix for Transplantation of Hepatocytes or Stem Cells
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Transplantation of primary hepatocytes has been shown to augment the function of damaged liver and to "bridge" patients to liver transplantation. However, primary hepatocytes often have low levels of engraftment and short survival after transplantation and therefore alternative methods to reconstitute decellularized cell matrices from liver (DLM) with hepatocytes have been explored in recent years. Researchers at the University of California, Davis have successfully generated a DLM from whole rodent livers and reconstituted the DLM with ...
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Dendritic cells (DC) are a group of professional antigen presenting cells (APC) that provide a central stimulus for the generation of cell-mediated responses against foreign antigens. Dendritic cells are ubiquitously distributed throughout the body, where they pick up antigens, process them, and migrate to T-cell enriched areas of lymphoid tissue to activate corresponding antigen-specific T-cell clones.1 A major limitation in the human response to foreign challenges, including infections and tumors, is the limited number of DC and their ...
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles have identified a family of proteins named protein inhibitor of activated STAT (PIAS). The PIAS family regulates the activity of many transcription factors, including STATs, NF- κB, and SMADs. The PIAS family consists of PIAS1, PIAS3, PIASx (also known as PIAS2), and PIASy (also known as PIAS4). Researchers have also developed a PIAS1 monoclonal antibody. In addition to the already mentioned transcription proteins, researchers have also shown PIAS to regulate other gene-activation ...
Improvement in the treatment of acute and chronic itch.
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Chronic itch accompanies many skin diseases (e.g. atopic dermatitis and psoriasis) as well as systemic diseases (e.g. kidney and liver diseases). Chronic itch affects upwards of 20% of the world population and represents a severe clinical problem with a significant negative impact on the quality of life. Current treatment modalities for chronic itch are limited. Antihistamines usually provide weak if any itch relief. To address the need of effective itch treatment, researchers at University of California, Davis have discovered a novel ...
Synthetic Peptides and their Use in Treating Breast Cancer
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Based on the structural information of the ER and its mechanism of action, researchers at UCLA have investigated its role as a target for therapeutic intervention and have generated synthetic peptides that can interact with the receptor to inhibit its DNA binding. These peptides have been tested in vitro and in vivo for their antitumor activities.
Pre-diagnostic And Therapeutics For Diabetes
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have identified a strategy to diagnose IDDM prior to onset of symptoms by determining the ratio of T helper 1 cells to T helper 2 cells specific to a pancreatic beta-cell associated antigen. This method is based on the principle that the destruction of beta-cells results from the presence of T helper 1 cells. The concept of differential response between T helper 1 and T helper 2 to the same beta-cell antigen can be extended to disease treatment. Therapy therefore involves the administration of a tissue-associated ...
Methods for Inducing IL-12 and a Type1/T<sub>H</sub>1 T-Cell Response in Dermatologic Disease
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA investigators have identified a use for bacterial lipopeptides as a potent inducer of IL-12 production and resulting type 1/Th-1 T-cell response. The technology encompasses a broad range of lipoproteins of defined structure that can be administered to a subject to trigger type1/Th1 T cell response required for cell-mediated immunity in the context of infection, autoimmune disease or cancer. For example, and of current interest, the lipoprotein may be used as a topical agent for the treatment of skin infections and cancer, in which Th1 ...
Methionine Sulfoximine As Drug Candidate For Tuberculosis Treatment
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
A recent discovery at UCLA may finally provide a method for long-term containment of tuberculosis. An extracellular protein, glutamine synthetase (GS), is secreted by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and has been cloned and sequenced. The protein plays a significant enzymatic role necessary for the multiplication of the bacterium. Specifically, it is involved in the synthesis of a poly-L-glutatmate-glutamine cell wall component found exclusively in pathogenic mycobacteria. Using a synthetic compound, L-methionine-S-sulfoximine (MSO), our ...
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA researchers have identified the functions of two novel proteins, designated "cerberus" and "frzb-1." Cerberus is expressed as a secreted peptide during embryogenesis of the Xenopus embryo, and is expressed specifically in the head organizer region. This new molecule has endodermal, cardiac, and neural tissue inducing activity, that should prove useful in therapeutic, diagnostic, and clinical applications requiring regeneration, differentiation, or repair of these and other tissues. Frzb-1 is a soluble antagonist of growth factors of the ...
Method for treating fungal infections of the central nervous system and delivery of therapeutics.
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Cryptococcus neoformans is the leading cause of fungal meningitis, a life threatening infection that is often difficult to treat due to the poor arsenal of antifungal drugs. Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungal pathogen that causes meningoencephalitis primarily in AIDS patients and results in over 1 million active cases of cryptococcosis and 700,000 deaths per year worldwide. Researchers at the University of California, Davis have identified a novel enzyme that is required for Cryptococcus to breach the blood-brain barrier (brain ...
Method for Enhancing Myelin Repair Using Recombinant Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor (PEDF)
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
PEDF is a serpin protein known to have neurotrophic, anti-cancer, anti-neoplastic, and anti-angiogenic properties, and has been shown to promote self-renewal of neural precursor cells in the subventrical zone (SVZ). UC Davis researchers have demonstrated induction of endogenous PEDF production as a component of the normal reparative response to demyelination. PEDF enhances oligodendroglial induction of adult SVZ neural precursors both in vitro and in vivo. Addition of PEDF to EGF/basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-containing culture ...
Method And Device For Treating Intracranial Vascular Aneurysms
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Inventors at UCLA have developed a device, and a method, for the therapeutic management of intracranial vascular aneurysms. This technology involves the use of intravascular catheters that can directly image the aneurysm, and can occlude the entire lumen of the aneurysm sac using liquid sealing agents. The intracranial catheters are designed in various configurations so that they can be used to treat aneurysms regardless of their neck size, and their location within the intracranial vascular system.
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Through in vitro and in vivo studies, UCLA researchers have identified compounds that are effective in treating PKD prior to kidney failure. A group of renal protective compounds active in PKD that had been identified include paclitaxel, taxanes, brefeldin-A, TNF-a and TNF-a inducing agents. In vivo data using cpk mice, a murine model for PKD, showed extended survival for animals treated with taxol as compared with controls. The gene mutated in cpk mice has been found to code for a novel protein called cystin, which is located in the ...
Increasing Collagen CrossLinking in Native and Engineered Tissues
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Regenerative medicine has focused on in vitro formation of various musculoskeletal tissues. The mechanical properties of the collagen-rich tissues formed in vitro generally remain inferior to native tissues. This is true especially for tensile properties, which are largely modulated by collagen. Although methods have been developed to enhance collagen production, the collagen crosslink pyridinoline, which is ubiquitous throughout all musculoskeletal tissues, has not been modulated in vitro. Researchers at the University of California have ...
Anti-Vault Therapy for Multi-Drug Resistance to Chemotherapy
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Vaults are recently discovered large cellular particles made of proteins and unique small RNA. Vaults are present in large quantities in all eukaryotic cells and are thought to mediate transport between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. The size and symmetry of vaults is similar to the transporter of the nuclear pore complex (NPC) with which it is thought to interact. Very recently a high correlation between the overexpression of vaults and multi-drug resistance to chemotherapy has been established.UCLA researchers propose a method of ...
Anti-Microbial Targeting for Intracellular Pathogens
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA Researchers have developed a method of precisely targeting antibiotics to the intracellular site of replication of M. tuberculosis or other similar intracellular pathogens. With this method of targeting the antibiotic to the pathogen, a lower systemic dose of the antibiotic will achieve much higher concentrations at the intracellular site of replication of the pathogen. Therefore, adverse side effects will be less likely and effective killing of the pathogen will be more likely. The use of the specific targeting molecules will allow more ...
Polypeptide Vesicles for Intracellular Drug Delivery
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA researchers have developed polypeptide vesicles of a particular composition that have the ability to entrap a water soluble species and transport the cargo across the cell membrane. The invention does not require chemical conjugation for the delivery of the drug of interest, resulting in a more cost effective formulation. This invention incorporates a patented manufacturing process also held by the University of California. The methods used allow for the control of the size of vesicles and scalability of the final product. Currently, ...
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
This invention provides a high-throughput in vitro assay [enzyme linked immunoassay] to measure oxidized phospholipds on HDL, HDL-related lipoproteins, and mimetics as a method of estimating reverse oxidized phospholipid transport or plaque stabilization and regression. This technology has been optimized to quantitatively estimate reverse oxidized phospholipid transport and monitor plaque stabilization and regression in studies of rabbits, non-human primates, and human populations.
Novel Roles Of A DNA Repair Protein, DNA-PK, In Metabolism, Obesity, And Diabetes
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Drug for Dialysis-related Amyloidosis
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have identified 2 compounds that disrupt preformed human -2 microglobulin fibrils in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations that are clinically relevant. Both of these compounds have been proven safe in clinical trials for other diseases and could be readily administered during dialysis. These compounds were identified using a high throughput screen developed by the researchers for the identification of drugs that dissolve fibrils. The developed assay can be used to find drugs that dissolve fibrils associated with ...
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
UC San Diego investigators have designed an A-beta amyloid anti-ideotype vaccine using a polypeptide based targeting molecule that shows great selectivity for AD plaques. This vaccine is target-specific and non-toxic in animal models. The investigators have identified small peptides that can bind specifically to fibrils of A-beta amyloid, a major component of AD plaques, and used these peptides to create an antibody that targets the plaques. This anti-ideotype vaccine approach is equally effective in reducing A-beta amyloid plaque burden and ...
New Recombinant Tuberculosis BCG Vaccine for Immunocompromised Patients and Others
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA researchers have developed novel rBCG30 vaccines that are growth restricted in the immunized individual. These new vaccines are comparable to rBCG30 in potency, but unlike both BCG and rBCG30, they are unable to multiply more than a few times in the host and, consequently, they are unable to cause disease in the host, even in a severely immunocompromised individual. Like rBCG30, the new vaccines are more effective than BCG, the current vaccine, in the highly relevant and stringent outbred guinea pig model of pulmonary tuberculosis, a ...
Recombinant Tuberculosis BCG Vaccine Elicits a Highly Protective Host Immune Response
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA researchers have developed an improved version of the rBCG30 vaccine that co-expresses host immunostimulatory molecules that shift the hosts immune response towards a more protective type of immune response. These vaccines are significantly more potent than the first generation rBCG30 vaccine in the highly relevant and stringent outbred guinea pig model of pulmonary tuberculosis, a model that closely mimics human tuberculosis.
SMALL MOLECULE INHIBITORS OF CALCIUM-ACTIVATED CHLORIDE CHANNELS TO TREAT SECRETORY DIARRHEA
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Diarrhea is a major cause of death worldwide, especially in children below five years of age. Chloride channels, such as the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) and Calcium Activated Chloride Channels (CaCCs) play various roles in different types of diarrheas.CaCCs are thought to mediate diarrhea that occurs as a side-effect of certain therapies (i.e. chemotherapy or antiretroviral therapy) or as a result of viral infection. Small molecule inhibitors of intestinal CaCCs are predicted to be useful for treating some types ...
USE OF NEURONAL PRECURSOR CELLS TO TREAT DISEASES AND DISORDERS OF THE BRAIN
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Stem cell therapy holds the promise of treating a variety of human conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and neurological diseases. It is thought that stem cells could be especially useful for neurological diseases and disorders as the brain has a limited capacity for self-repair and regeneration. Additionally, there are no effective long-term treatments or cures for certain brain disorders or neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons, and Huntingtons disease. Collectively, these conditions represent a significant unmet medical ...
Blood Flow Manipulation Using Magnetically-Activated Nanoparticles And Magnetic Field
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Researchers at UCI’s Beckman Laser Institute have developed method to manipulate blood flow without the use of mechanical clamps or devices. By applying an external magnetic field to a region of the body in conjunction with injected magnetically activated nanoparticles, blood flow can be stopped, started, slowed and basically controlled without fear of damaging the vessels. By magnetically “trapping” red and white cells within a specific area, blood flow can be effectively controlled. This non-mechanical approach has ...
Improvement of Dental Resins: Decreased Toxicity and Improved Biocompatibility
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA investigators have discovered that the presence of a confidential chemical inhibitor (CI) can inhibit HEMA, and TEGDMA-mediated apoptosis in various cell lines, including human and rat dental pulp stromal cells, immortalized human Oral Keratinocytes, human fibroblast cell line, the murine RAW 264.7 cell line, the human THP1 macrophage cell line, and the HaCaT skin keratinocyte cell line. Not only was cell death inhibited, but the presence of the CI also led to an increased viability and function of HEMA and TEGDMA treated cells. This ...
Broad-spectrum Antimicrobial Peptide for the Treatment of Acne and Skin Cancer
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Investigators at UCLA have modified the naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide, granulysin, which is known to possess antimicrobial activity against bacteria, parasites, and fungi. The length of the modified peptide has been shortened to 20 amino acids, yet it retains antimicrobial activity. A mutant of the peptide increases the in vitro cytotoxic activity to nearly 100x greater than wild-type granulysin. Crystal structure of the peptide suggests that it exerts its antimicrobial activity through a direct interaction with the microbial ...
NOVEL STEROL DERIVATIVES FOR SUPERIOR LIPOSOME STABILITY
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
MODULATION OF B-CELL CHEMOATTRACTANT/RECEPTOR INTERACTION AS TREATMENT FOR IMMUNE DISEASE
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Abnormal development of lymphoid tissue plays a critical role in many autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Graves disease. In addition, the migration of lymphocytes into diseased lymphoid tissue facilitates the progression of diseases such as AIDS. UCSF researchers have identified a pathway, involved both in the development of lymphoid tissue and in the migration of lymphocytes into lymphoid tissue, which is a potential target for screens for therapeutics to treat these diseases and other immune disorders.The B-lymphocyte ...
Method and device to Alter the Vocal Folds
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
With the aging population of America growing there are many age-related changes that occur in the head and neck. An often overlooked disorder is the change in speech. A significant part of this relates to the drop in vocal frequency that occurs with age. This fundamental problem, especially vexing in women, is due to two factors; a los in tension across the vocal fold and/or an increase in mass Although a number of operations involving major external incisions have been attempted, with time, even the best of efforts fail due to the process of ...
Novel Pro-Drug Technology for Targeted Delivery of Therapeutic Agents
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
BACKGROUND: Pro-drug technologies are commonly employed to improve the membrane permeability or solubility of drugs. In contrast, targeted pro-drugs are intended to deliver a therapeutic payload to specific cells or proteins, but such technologies have typically relied on antibodies for selective delivery. Few targeted small molecule pro-drugs have been described to date; those that have seek to exploit a proteolytic event or a change in local pH to effect delivery of the therapeutic payload. DESCRIPTION: UCSF ...
HUMAN IMMUNOSTIMULATORY T CELLS
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
BACKGROUND:Regulation of immune responses has the potential to be an important component of the treatment for many conditions. Because specific molecular markers have been identified for suppressor T cells (commonly refered to as T regulaory cells), most research has been focused on modulating immune response by affecting these cells. An alternative, and/or complementary, approach would be to modulate the function of the endogenous T cell subpopulations that enhance, rather than suppress, the proliferative capacity of a T cell response. This ...
NOVEL ANTIGEN TARGETS IN PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS USEFUL FOR VACCINE DEVELOPMENT AND TREATMENT
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
BACKGROUND: Vaccine targets for prostate cancer have generally been identified either by tissue specific expression in prostate cancer or by assessing immune responses in cancer patients. However, UCSF investigators have taken a novel approach to identify the targets of an immune response in patients who are either responding or not responding to an immune-based treatment (anti-CTLA4 antibody) in a clinical trial at UCSF. CTLA4 blockade with antibody treatment can augment endogenous anti-tumor immunity in animal models and is being developed ...
Intelligent Nanomedicine Integrating Diagnosis and Therapy
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA researchers have invented an intelligent nanomedicine that is only activated in sick cells due to its dual integration of diagnostic and therapeutic functions. The diagnosis is continuously performed through the recognition of biomarkers for a specific disease. The nanomedicine changes its confirmation when the diagnostic result changes, either activating or deactivating the drug. Thus, the nanomedicine can intelligently adjust its dosage according to the amount of biomarker present.
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis and the formation of new blood vessels are essential for normal tissue growth and repair. However, when unchecked, angiogenesis contributes to pathologies such as proliferative retinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile hemangioma, and tumor growth and metastasis. Cancer is currently the leading cause of death in the U.S. in people under 85, with over one million diagnoses predicted this year. As lung, breast, prostate and colon cancer are the most common causes of cancer deaths, a number of companies have programs ...
Marine Organism Yields a Patented Family of Antitumor/Antibiotic Compounds
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Researchers at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography have discovered a new group of marine actinomycetes that have tentatively been called MAR2. These bacteria produce unique, polyketide-derived macrolides including a series of compounds called marinomycins A-D, which were discovered from the MAR2 strain CNQ-140 (Kwon et al., 2006). These compounds possess potent antibiotic and antitumor properties.
Statins as Treatment for Cognitive Function Associated with RASopathies
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Professor Alcino Silva and colleagues at the UCLA department of Neurobiology have repurposed HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (or statins) to reverse the cognitive dysfunction associated with RASopathies. By blocking HMG-CoA reductase, the drug prevents overactivation of the Ras protein, which leads to deficits in long term potentiation, a mechanism of learning and memory. Using in vivo models of NF1 and Noonan Syndrome, the researchers have shown that lovastatin is able to restore both LTP deficits and cognitive function to wild-type levels.
Anti-Inflammatory And Wound Healing Compounds Derived From Or Based Upon Marine Pseudopterosins
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
UCSB has developed a large patent portfolio around pseudopterosin compounds and their use as anti-inflammatories, analgesic agents, wound healing agents and burn treatments, including synthetic compounds to minimize the need for harvesting the marine organisms, including: Ether Derivatives of Pseudopterosin (UC Case 1994-076; U.S. Issued Patent 5,624,911): Patent covers novel synthetic ether derivatives of pseudopterosin that are effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents (including use for treating skin irritations or ...
Topically Administered Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
: Collaborating together, researchers at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution and UC have isolated and characterized a class of bis(indole) alkaloid compounds with potent anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds are produced by various species of deep-water sea sponges. Topical administration of the compounds in mice effectively inhibits both the immunogenic inflammatory effects of phorbol myristate acetate, and the neurogenic inflammatory effects of resiniferatoxin and capsaicin. The compounds are more effective than other known ...
Highly Specific Antibody to Human MT-SP1 (Matriptase)
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Background Membrane type serine protease 1 (MT-SP1), or matriptase, is a serine protease that is over-expressed on the surface of epithelial cells involved in a variety of cancers, including breast, colon and prostate. MT-SP1 activates hepatocytes growth factor (HGF) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) through which it directs extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis and invasive growth of tumors. Due to its central role in the oncogenic and metastatic process, it is believed that inhibition of MT-SP1 will ...
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
: Collaborating together, researchers at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution and University of California have isolated and characterized a class of bis(indole) alkaloid compounds with potent anti-inflammatory properties. Topical administration of the compounds in mice effectively inhibits both the immunogenic inflammatory effects of phorbol myristate acetate, and the neurogenic inflammatory effects of resiniferatoxin and capsaicin.
Dna Binding Compounds For Genetic Regulation And Medical Diagnosis And Therapy
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Compounds that bind to DNA could be used to target drugs to DNA and to regulate expression of genes. Indeed, many compounds have been discovered (e.g. Distamycin) which bind to the minor groove of DNA, but the bond is too weak for reliable medical application. Scientists at the University of California have discovered a class of novel compounds that have a high binding affinity for DNA (Keq>=109 M-1). The compounds bind in the minor grooves of the double helix and extend into the major groove to a substituent which interacts strongly in ...
A Motif (MXXXL) Confering Endocytosis of Biomolecules
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Like other membrane spanning proteins, PSMA expression is regulated by endocytosis. In studying the mechanism of internalization of PSMA, Rajasekaran et al reported that PSMA is internalized via a clathrin-dependent endocytic mechanism. This internalization is mediated by a cytoplasmic motif on PSMA having the sequence MXXXL. This motif can further be transferred to a non-internalizing protein TAC, which is the alpha-chain of interleukin 2-receptor. This signal peptide can therefore be used for conferring endocytosis of biomolecules.
POTENT DOMINANT NEGATIVE TRANSCRIPTIONAL INHIBITORS
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Dr. Ernest Wright of UCLA and his colleagues have molecularly characterized the first glucose sensor in mammalian cells. Unexpectedly, this sensor, hSGLT3, is present in the plasma membrane of cholinergic neurons. The glucosensor responds to variations in extracellular glucose concentrations through changes in the membrane potential, indicating that glucose acts as a signaling molecule. These glucose-induced electrical changes may, in turn, modulate the action of other cells via electrical or hormonal signals. Possibly the hSGLT3 ...
SMALL MOLECULE INHIBITORS OF THE HUMAN UREA TRANSPORTER ('UREARETICS') FOR USE AS A NOVEL DIURETIC
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Using a high-throughput, phenotypic screening assay, UCSF investigators have identified and optimized high-affinity small-molecule inhibitors of the human urea transporter, UT-B. The inhibitors belong to several chemical classes and alter the transport activity of UT-B with low nanomolar potency. Based on these results, and previous genetic analyses in mice, the researchers conclude that the compounds could be used to regulate water excretion in the kidney and treat conditions such as heart failure. Proof of this concept has been ...
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Sulforaphane (SFN), a chemical found in broccoli, is a known Nrf2 agonist that mediates the activation of antioxidant enzymatic pathways regulated by Nrf2. Recent evidence demonstrates that treatment with SFN reverses the decline of innate immune responses in aged mice. This observation was found in association with the restoration of redox equilibrium in SFN treated dendritic cells acquired from aged mice. Thus, this data suggests that activating Nrf2-mediated gene programs by SFN (or a yet undiscovered Nrf2 agonist) represents an approach ...
Compounds Useful Against Acute Neurogenic Inflammation
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California have discovered that bis-heterocyclic compounds are highly effective in inhibiting neurogenic inflammation. The compounds, pharmaceutical preparations including the compounds, and methods for administering the compounds are available.
INNOVATIVE METHOD FOR THE TREATMENT OF INFLAMMATION
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
UCSF investigators have discovered the anti-inflammatory effects of two naturally occurring human proteins. They have demonstrated that in vivo both proteins have the ability to repulse peripheral monocytes and neutrophils and potentially other lymphocytes. These proteins appear to function as chemokine inhibitors by activating an anti-inflammatory response that utilizes the same kind of receptors involved in the pro-inflammatory signaling. Importantly, the investigators have successfully generated a mutated version of one of these proteins ...
Macromolecule-Lipid Complexes For Synthetic Gene-Delivery Systems
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Scientists at the University of California at Santa Barbara have developed macromolecule-lipid complexes with precisely defined structures for ex vivo and in vivo gene and drug delivery. This technology allows for the control of critical material parameters, such as the lipid-membrane thickness and the intermolecular spacing of encapsulated molecules. New cationic lipids have been synthesized which contain hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) spacers and multivalent cationic end groups. These novel spacer-containing lipids are designed for in ...
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Scientists at the University of California have invented a class of lamellar biological hydrogels composed of fluid membranes containing lipids, surfactants, and small amounts of low molecular weight PEG-derived lipids.
METHOD FOR REDUCING SURFACTANT INACTIVATION IN PULMONARY SURFACTANT THERAPY
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Improved Drug Delivery to Cancer Cells using Modified Transferrin
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA researchers have determined a use for a modified form of Tf in the specific delivery of anti-cancer therapies to cancer cells. From mathematical modeling, it is predicted that lowering the rate of iron release from Tf will result in a longer association with TfR and thus increase the efficiency of drug delivery.Researchers used a modified Tf in which the synergistic carbonate anion is replaced with oxalate. This modification greatly reduced the iron release rate without significantly affecting Tfs binding affinity for TfR. The ...
Generation Of Choroid Plexus Epithelial Cells From Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Choroid plexus epithelial (CPe) cells are a relatively understudied cell type in the nervous system with untapped clinical potential. These cells are the primary cells comprising the choroid plexus, the tissue that produces the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that bathes and nourishes the human brain. The CPe cells also form a physical barrier (“blood-CSF barrier”) and has important adsorptive functions that protect the brain from toxins. Atrophy and other defects in CPe cells have been implicated in human neurodegenerative diseases, ...
Soritin A, A Bis-Indole Derivative With Unique Anti-Inflammatory And Analgesic Properties
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California have discovered that a bis-heterocyclic compound, called Soritin A, is effective in inhibiting both neurogenic and immunogenic inflammation. This compound, as well as its salts, analogs, and derivatives, and methods to produce Soritin A are available. In addition, pharmaceutical preparations and therapeutics are available.
Novel Non-Peptidomimetic Prenyl Transferase Inhibitors
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Rationale: geranylgeranylation of Ras proteins is a key escape pathway for oncogenic cells treated with farnesyl transferase inhibitors (FTIs). Small molecule antagonists of GGTaseI are therefore promising candidates for fully blocking activation of Ras.Leads: Both UC22 and UC23 are drug-like compounds that are likely to be have good oral bioavalability based on their structures and functional groups.In vitro potency: UC22 and UC23 were assayed for their ability to inhibit GGTAase-I geranylgeranylation of RhoA and KRas4B. ...
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
IMPROVED SURGICAL SITE RADIOGRAPHIC MARKERS AND DELIVERY PLATFORM
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
BACKGROUND:Radiographic markers denoting a surgical site are useful for precise post-operative identification and localization. Such occasions occur when radiographic surveillance of a surgical site is expected or treatment with radiation or chemotherapy for disease recurrence is expected. Current markers used are radio-opaque surgical clips and fiduciary gold marker seeds, both of which can easily become dislodged and migrate from its exact site of deposition. Another limitation to the use of clips and loose seeds is they cannot be placed in ...
Safe And Potent Synthetic Lung Surfactant For Treating Rds And Acute Asthma
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at LA BioMed and UC Santa Barbara have synthesized and successfully tested in animals a novel and powerful lung surfactant that overcomes the defects of the current natural products in use today. Synthetic peptide-lipid based formulations will permit levels of quality control that cannot be achieved with surfactant preparations derived from animals.
VEGFR-3/VLA-1 Graft Survival Treatment
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Androgen receptor inhibitors: Novel therapeutic compounds and innovative screening method.
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Background: Prostate cancer, alopecia, hepatocellular carcinoma, and acne vulgaris are a few examples of the myriad of diseases linked to androgen receptor signaling. These diseases have a significant impact on human health; for example, The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2009, prostate cancer will cause 27,360 deaths and 192,280 new cases will be diagnosed. In fact, one man in six will get prostate cancer in his lifetime and one in thirty-five will die from this disease. Androgen receptor inhibitors are the primary treatment ...
Endogenous Small Molecule Immune Response Modulator
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Background: Disorders of the immune system result in autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. As such, methods to modulate immune responses are important therapeutic strategies. In recent years, the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) has gained interest as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases. In fact, activation of AhR has been shown to suppress development of autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes. Unfortunately, most of the known AhR ligands are aromatic ...
Small Molecule Therapy for Obesity, Dyslipidemia, and Metabolic Disease
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Novel Topical Composition to Provide Local Anesthesia and Facilitate Radial Artery Cannulation
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
BACKGROUND: It is estimated that at least 5 million radial arterial catheters are inserted annually in the US, and over 10 million inserted worldwide, for measuring arterial blood pressure, blood gas chemistries, and performing cardiac catheterizations, among other applications. Precise radial artery cannulation is difficult to achieve due to the small size of the radial artery, the potential for spasm (leading to more difficult access to the radial artery), and pain. As such, radial artery cannulation can be stressful on the ...
Novel Activators Of Executioner Procaspases 3, 6 And 7 and initiator caspase 9
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Background: Programmed cell death, or apoptosis, is a mechanism used by the human body to eradicate abnormal cells, including cancerous cells. Disruption of normal apoptosis can result in a variety of life-threatening human disorders, including cancer, immunodeficiencies, autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases. The pathways that initiate programmed cell death are activated by heavily regulated protease proteins known as caspases. Apoptotic caspases are categorized as "initiators" or "executioners", with the activated initiator caspases, ...
Treatment of Disorders with Shortened Red-Blood Cell Survival
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
The invention relates generally to autoimmunity and specifically to a novel protein named "particularly interesting new Cys-His (PINCH)" protein. Specifically, PINCH contains an autoantigen which binds to autoantibodies involved in the removal of senescent RBCs. The present invention provides a novel PINCH polypeptide, a polynucleotide sequence which encodes the polypeptide, antibodies which bind to the protein, and methods for detecting autoantibodies that bind to the PINCH epitope.
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Background: Human stem cells provide an unprecedented opportunity for the study of human tissue development and the development of cell-based therapies for human disease. For example, research is underway to develop stem cell therapies for major conditions such as cardiac disease, cancer, and diabetes. Many of these proposed therapies involve the controlled differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into a tissue of interest (i.e. a heart muscle, or pancreatic beta-cells) that can then be transplanted into a patient. While these therapies ...
Coumarin Compounds As Microtubule Stabilizing Agents And Therapeutic Uses Thereof
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California have discovered that naturally occurring organic compounds found in a wide variety of plants, called coumarin compounds, inhibit, prevent and/or modulate microtubule disassembly. They further discovered that these compounds are useful in the treatment of diseases associated with microtubule formation or function. Methods for stabilizing and modulating microtubules with coumarin compounds, as well as pharmaceutical preparations containing coumarins and methods for treating diseases associated ...
Integrin Avb8 Neutralizing Antibody
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Background Over a dozen companies have pursued the development of TGF- β modulators for the treatment of cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, and renal disease. However, the near-ubiquitous presence of the three mammalian TGF- β isoforms across tissue types, as well as its complex and diverse effects on downstream signaling pathways, mean there is a high likelihood that chronic global suppression of TGF-β will result in undesirable off-target effects. An agent effecting tissue and disease-specific mitigation of TGF- β ...
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Background: More than 23 million children and adults suffer from diabetes in the United States, and among adults, this number increases by 1.6 million every year. One of the severe complications associated with the disease is slowly or non-healing wounds of the lower extremities, which can escalate into severe infections and ulcers (open sores). These diabetic ulcers are the cause of 86,000 lower limb amputations in the United States per year. Prevention and early treatment of diabetic wounds is critical to prevent these devastating ...
Chordin, a Secreted BMP Antagonist
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA had cloned Xenopus chordin and had produced the secreted protein successfully in an expression system. Chordin binds BMP-4 and BMP-7 with high specificity, preventing their binding to cognate receptors. The regenerative function of its ortholog in xenopus warrants chordins use in medical applications that require regeneration, differentiation or repair of tissues. These may include: a) wound repair; b) neuronal regeneration or transplantation, c) supplementation of muscle differentiation, d) bone tissue repair and any ...
Method For Production Of Neuroblasts
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Recognizing the importance of a system for producing and maintaining neuronal cells in vitro, the inventors developed: a method for producing primary fetal and adult neuronal cultures maintained as cell lines (neuroblasts) a culture system for the production and maintenance of neuroblasts cellular compositions comprising an enriched population of neuroblast cells methods for identifying compositions, which affect neuroblasts, and methods for treating a subject with a neuronal disorder The specified culture methodologies have yielded ...
Novel Agents That Act In Steroid-Like Signaling Pathways In Medicine And Agriculture
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
UC researchers have developed new evidence showing that steroid receptors may function at the cell surface. END-2 is the first nuclear hormone receptor to be found primarily at the plasma membrane. END-2 and the components of this signaling pathway at the cell surface, will enable discovery of drugs that specifically target either the membrane interactions or the nuclear function of nuclear hormone receptors, leading to new therapeutic agents replacing steroid drugs in current use. Newly developed steroid drugs would be targeted more ...
Prophenins: Proline-rich Antimicrobial Peptides With Repetitive Decamer Sequence
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Prophenins belong to a new class of antimicrobial peptides discovered in mammalian white blood cells. First isolated from porcine leukocytes, prophenins display exceptionally strong endotoxin (LPS) binding activity as well as antimicrobial activity. The potential of prophenins over other LPS-binding peptides and proteins lies in their small size and their simple but unique structure, composed of repeating decameric elements. In vitro experiments indicate that prophenins have over 60 times greater affinity for LPS than polymyxin B sulfate. ...
Method For The Synthesis Of Soritin Compounds
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California have invented a new method for making Soritin compounds, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, multimeric forms, prodrugs, active metabolites, and precursors of the Soritin compounds. This method is simple, scalable, and provides yields of >90%.
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Novel protein therapeutic for treatment of asthma
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Background: In 2009, 300 million people worldwide suffered from asthma and the incidence continues to increase. Current therapies lead to global suppression of the immune system rather than specifically treating asthma symptoms and could result in unwanted side effects. Beta agonists are the most widely used clinical treatment to reverse airway narrowing and shortness of breath caused by smooth muscle dysfunction. However, there is conflicting evidence as to the long-term safety of their use, with some reports of increased mortality in ...
Novel Gene Therapy For Aids Using Mutated tRNA
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
A mutant tRNA has been developed for use against HIV-1 integration. Studies indicate that this novel tRNA selectively interrupts viral integration into the genome by targeting key steps in this pathway. Most other contemplated therapeutic approaches act after the virus has integrated into the host cells DNA and may be less effective once infection is established. A therapeutic strategy would entail introduction of the mutant tRNA into cells typically targeted by HIV-1. One approach would use a viral vector to infect the target cells and to ...
Method to Grow and Expand Allo-Antigen Specific Regulatory T Cells
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
UCSF investigators have designed and tested a protocol to expand donor-specific Tregs ex vivo for human therapeutic applications, including induction of tolerance to organ transplants and prevention of graft-versus-host disease. The UCSF protocol has been shown to selectively expand donor antigen-specific Tregs with a consistent expansion of greater than 200x and as high as 1500x expansion. This results in the generation of one billion donor-reactive Tregs from one unit of blood. The UCSF protocol starts with Tregs that are more pure and ...
Novel Forms of Secreted Human IgE
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The invention is the discovery of several new forms of secreted IgE. These forms have potential applications in the diagnosis of immediate hypersensitivity-allergic disease. Previously thought to include only one or two forms, UCLA researchers have now determined that circulating IgE is expressed in four different forms. These four specific forms, which primarily differ at their C-terminal ends, are believed to have differential specificities and binding affinities for the cells that cause allergic reactions (mast cells/basophils). ...
Apicoplast-Deficient, Attenuated Strains of Plasmodium for Use as Malaria Vaccines
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Researchers at UCSF and Stanford have developed a straightforward chemical method for generating live, attenuated apicoplast-deficient blood-stage malaria parasites. The attenuated strains can be used as malaria vaccines to induce immune responses after administration of the live, attenuated Plasmodium parasite or erythrocytes infected with the live, attenuated Plasmodium parasite. The major advantage of this approach is that the attenuation is achieved chemically and does not require genetic manipulation, thus allowing development of ...
Organic Compounds For The Treatmentof Myocardial Infarction
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Investigators at UCLA have uncovered a class of compounds that inhibit the influx of calcium through leak channels, thereby decreasing associated cellular destruction. Several compounds of this class have already been tested in a single cell model that monitors individual molecular events in cardiomyocytes, and also in a UCLA-developed cardiac tissue model that can mimic clinical myocardial ischemia, infarction, and reperfusion in situ. Some of the compounds showing sharp inhibition of calcium leak channels are approved drugs, although not ...
A Novel Therapeutic Approach After a Heart Attack
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
An investigator at the University of California, San Francisco, has identified a key target that allowed him to rescue cardiomyocytes from dying after a heart attack. This discovery has never been reported before and can potentially be developed as a novel therapeutic drug alone or in conjunction with other therapeutic agents in the treatment of patients after a heart attack or heart failure.
Cell-Permeable Peptides and Peptidomimetics
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
UCSF investigators have developed a method to chemically modify amino acids that can be incorporated into peptides or peptidic small molecules to improve permeability across cell membranes. These modified amino acids have been synthesized using standard methods and they can be incorporated into modified peptides using well-established methods of solid-phase peptide synthesis. In principle large libraries of such peptides can be synthesized using parallel solid-phase synthesis. The investigators have demonstrated improved ...
Natural Killer Enhancing Factor
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
A new factor has been identified that mediates an enhancing effect on NK function. Natural Killer Enhancing Factor, or NKEF, increases the cytotoxic activity of NK cells in in vitro assays, indicating that this product may be used to augment NK-mediated inhibition of tumor development or metastasis. NKEF also enhances interleukin-2 (IL-2) induction of lymphokine activated killer cell function and proliferation. Peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation induced by IL-2 is augmented by NKEF as well. These properties indicate NKEF may be ...
Composition Of Plant Extracts For Prevention And Therapy Of Cancer
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, have developed extracts and compounds composed of botanical extracts and their methods for manufacture and preparation. The natural compound exhibits cytostatic effects for use in inhibiting further growth of pre-existing cancer cells. In addition, when the compositions are administered simultaneously with other anti-cancer therapy, they increase the effectiveness and sensitivity of these therapies through synergistic action.
Amide Forming Chemical Ligation Under Mild Reagent-Free Conditions
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California have developed a novel peptide ligation process to prepare native peptide bonds under mild, aqueous, reagent-free conditions, with water and carbon dioxide as the only by-products. The reaction involves direct coupling of alpha-ketoacids and N-alkylhydroxylamines in a highly chemoselective amide bond formation process. Research has confirmed a high tolerance of this process to the presence of reactive functional groups including free amines, carboxylic acids, azides, and heterocycles, which ...
Multivalent Targeting Strategy For Drug Carriers
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have identified a multivalent targeting strategy that increased the targeting efficiency and specificity of drug carriers toward targeted cells. This strategy involves spatially constraining ligands, so that the ligands are presented as clusters rather than single molecules. The method involves the modification of DNA loaded nanoparticles with the ligand clusters. This type of an approach has been shown to be more effective at targeting cancer cells with high expressions of integrin receptors and more effective at ...
Chemically Novel Beta-Lactamase Inhibitors
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Investigators at UCSF and at the University of Modena have developed a new series of beta-lactamase inhibitors that are distinct and exhibit an unexpected SAR compared to its precedent series. They also achieve higher potencies with fewer heavy atoms, giving them higher ligand efficiency and possibly better pharmacological properties.
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
A variety of small animal imaging systems allows longitudinal imaging of cancer mouse models and thus the monitoring of natural or perturbed evolution of the processes in vivo in such mouse models. Meanwhile, optical imaging in absorption, fluorescence and bioluminescence mode has opened a new era in whole body small animal imaging. However, the main limitation has been the low resolution and quantitative accuracy of the images due to the highly scattering nature of tissue.To address this problem, PMI images are captured using the unique ...
Prevention and therapy for epilepsy and neurological disorders
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Diagnosis And Treatment Of Fatigue, Blindness, Deafness, And Atrial Fibrilation
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Sulf-Specific Antibodies for the Treatment of Cancers
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Antibodies that neutralize Sulf enzymatic activity can be used as therapeutic agents to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and reduce tumor growth. In addition to cancer treatments, antibodies directed against the Sulfs can be used for diagnostics and monitoring of the disease and/or response to treatment. UCSF investigators have also generated three monoclonal antibodies directed against human Sulf-2. The three anti-Sulf-2 antibodies are highly specific to Sulf-2. Sulf-2 regulates a number of pathways that can lead to cancer ...
Diagnostic Antibodies for In Vivo Visualization of Tumor Cells
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
UCSF investigators have developed novel antibodies to two human antigens that are highly expressed on tumor cells. Matriptase (MT-SP1) is a serine protease that is often upregulated in epithelial cancers including breast, colon and prostate cancers. Matriptase expression has been correlated with cancer stage and subtype. Antibody A11 is specific, fully human antibody that binds to the active form of matriptase. Animal model testing has revealed no side effects in adult control mice and has shown utility of A11 in in ...
Diabetes Portfolio : Meal Detection Algorithm For Diabetes Patients
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
UC Santa Barbara has developed advanced computer algorithms for use in continuous glucose monitoring (GCM), as well as an artificial system to monitor the algorithms, and a simulation system for testing all the components in the clinical trials. UC Case No. 2008-462:'Meal Detection Algorithm for Diabetes Patients' (Detecting meals without patent intervention) A novel algorithm for detecting meals consumed by patients with diabetes, particularly for pediatric patients. In a recent clinical research, more than 90 % of the meals ...
Sex Hormone-binding Globulin And Type 2 Diabetes
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have identified that plasma sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a very strong pre-diagnostic predictor of type II diabetes in both men and women, which the researchers have newly identified as being potentially causal for diabetes risk. A lower level of SHBG indicates that a patient has a substantially higher risk for developing type II diabetes. SHBG can also serve as a diagnostic tool for type II diabetes. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have also been identified that affect the level of SHBG in the ...
Temperature Modulated Fluorescence Tomography
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Diabetes Portfolio : Simulation System For Diabetes-Related Clinical Research And Testing
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
UC Santa Barbara has developed advanced computer algorithms for use in continuous glucose monitoring (GCM), as well as an artificial system to monitor the algorithms, and a simulation system for testing all the components in the clinical trials. UC Case No. 2008-462:'Meal Detection Algorithm for Diabetes Patients' (Detecting meals without patent intervention) A novel algorithm for detecting meals consumed by patients with diabetes, particularly for pediatric patients. In a recent clinical research, more than 90 % of the meals ...
Genomic Predictor Of Kidney Cancer Prognosis And IL-2 Treatment Response
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have identified a SNP in CA9 that acts as a biomarker of survival from renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Additionally, this SNP serves as an independent prognostic factor of positive response to IL-2 based immunotherapy of RCC.
New Treatment for the Prevention and Reversal of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a serious health problem that is estimated to affect about 30% of the general population.Those most likely to be afflicted with NAFLD also suffer from obesity and type 2 diabetes.NAFLD generally refers to a spectrum of liver damage ranging from simple fatty liver (hepatic steatosis), with benign prognosis, to a potentially progressive form, non-alcoholic steato-hepatitis (NASH), which may lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.If left untreated, NAFLD leads to liver failure, need for liver ...
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have identified a small molecule that specifically targets the viral membrane, is non-cytotoxic at effective antiviral concentrations and prevents infection of HIV, Ebola, Influenza A, Rift Valley Fever and all other enveloped viruses tested.
Novel Peptides for Development of HIV Vaccine and Therapy
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
UCSF investigators have designed a set of immunogenic peptides based on the structure of APOBEC proteins. The peptides were designed by avoiding regions of homology with HIV proteins to prevent broad cross-reactivity. They found that HIV-positive patients (n=153) exhibited a specific T-cell response to the immunogenic peptides whereas no such response was mediated by CD8 positive T cells. UCSF investigators also identified sequence polymorphisms within the human population in the amino acid sequence of the APOBEC peptides, ...
Diagnostic And Therapeutic Utility Of Cystatin E/M For Cervical Cancer
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have demonstrated that cystatin E/M gene expression can be used as a diagnostic tool for cervical cancer development at the earliest stage. It has previously been identified that the expression of cystatin E/M protein was reduced in cancer cell lines. In CINs, cystatin E/M is expressed, but this expression is lost in tumors. In addition, cancer aggressiveness correlates to the level of reduction or loss of cystatin E/M, which in turn results in the overexpression of the target protein cathepsin L, providing diagnostic ...
Anti-HERV-K Antibody and HERV-K Peptides for Development of HIV Vaccine and Immunotherapy
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Investigators at UCSF, University of Toronto and OHSU have identified novel epitopes from the HERV-K viral transmembrane envelope and capsid that could be used to develop a vaccine that would target any HIV cell. Additionally, the epitopes have been used to generate a monoclonal antibody that could be used as an immunotherapeutic that would target HIV cells. The investigators first tested whether specific HERV-K antigens could elicit an immune response in HIV patients. Interestingly, there was a difference in the humoral ...
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Novel, Immunogenic Epitopes for use in an HIV Vaccine
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Investigators at UCSF, St. Mary's College, University of Wisconsin and University of Sao Paulo identified 199 unique, HIV cryptic peptides. A study in HIV-positive acute (n=28) and chronically infected (n=21) patients undergoing treatment with multiple anti-retrovirals showed that a number of the cryptic peptides were able to elicit an immune response from the patient's peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In both acute and chronic cohorts the response to the cryptic peptides was stronger and broader after treatment with ...
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Researchers at UC Irvine have demonstrated that the administration of OEA in a rat model of obesity results in reduced appetite, reduced food intake, reduced body weight, and reduced body fat. Mechanistically, OEA binds with high affinity to the peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha), a nuclear receptor that regulates several aspects of lipid metabolism. Administration of OEA produces satiety and reduces body weight gain in wild-type mice, but not in mice deficient in PPAR-alpha. The effects of OEA on ...
BIOLOGIC THERAPY FOR TRIPLE-NEGATIVE and TREATMENT-RESISTANT BREAST CANCER
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
UCSF inventors have developed unique fully human Fab and IgG antibody inhibitors of uPAR. These antibodies competitively disrupt the binding of two ligands (uPA and β1 integrin) to uPAR and block uPA and β1-mediated signaling involved in cancer proliferation and invasion. Using Matrigel and Collagen I invasion assays, the investigators have shown that these anti-uPAR antibodies inhibit the invasion of human lung cancer cells in culture. Use of the uPAR/uPA and uPAR/β1 antagonist antibodies together exhibited synergistic ...
Method for Generating Unlimited Numbers of Macrophage/Dendritic Cells and Neutrophils
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Peptide For Induction Of Immune Tolerance As Treatment For Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA researchers have identified the D form of a peptide called “D-pCons” for the D form of pConsensus. When the L-form of this autoantibody-based peptide is administered to a mouse model of SLE, it induces regulatory T cells to prevent autoantibody production and nephritis. In vitro, the L form also expands regulatory T cells in patients with SLE. The D form of the peptide should be resistant to degradation by acid and proteases, so oral administration is possible. The route of administration and safety should have an ...
Hypocretin (hcrt-1) Administration to Treat Sleep Disorders, such as Narcolepsy and Obesity
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA investigators have identified that systemic or nasal administration of Hcrt-1 can be an effective treatment for sleep disorders and obesity. Using genetically narcoleptic Doberman pinschers, UCLA researchers administered doses of Hcrt-1 that significantly improved cataplexy, waking duration and sleep continuity. In a UCLA/Wake Forest collaboration, Hcrt-1 was also administered to sleep-deprived rhesus monkeys through both intravenous injections and a novel method for nasal delivery. Findings provided strong evidence that Hcrt-1 ...
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Partnership Opportunities The UCSF investigators have generated two HBV-transgenic mouse systems that can be used to reveal disease mechanisms involved in human HBV immunopathogenesis: HBVEnvRag - Rag1-deficient mouse expressing viral antigens (HBV small, middle and large envelope proteins) in the liver, and HBVRplRag - Rag1-deficient mouse that allows viral replication and release of infectious virions. Reconstitution of these novel transgenic mice with naïve B and T cells results in immune responses that occur in a natural ...
Novel Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc containing hydrolytic enzymes that are able to degrade extracellular matrix components such as collagen. MMP’s have been implicated in a variety of diseases, including cancer, arthritis, inflammatory disease, and heart disease. Despite intensive research and clinical testing of MMP inhibitors, the only approved MMP inhibitor is a tetracycline for the treatment of periodontitis. UCSD researchers have developed a novel series of organic compounds that are potent inhibitors of MMPs. While most MMP ...
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Available for licensing is a collagen binding protein, named aegyptin, isolated from the salivary glands of the mosquito. Aegyptin selectively inhibits collagen-platelet aggregation, but not platelet aggregation induced by other agonists. In a collaboration between UCI and the NIH, scientists have functionally characterized aegyptin, demonstrating it blocks the interaction of collagen with its major ligands, von Willebrand factor, glycoprotein VI (GPVI), and integrin α2β1. These three ligands are of ...
Estrogen Receptor Ligand Treatment for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have identified the neuroprotective aspect of estrogen receptor beta ligand treatments. With this discovery, there is now a potential neuroprotective treatment for MS sufferers and neurodegenerative disease suffers that will include the use of estrogen receptor beta ligand treatments for longer durations. Since estrogens cause breast and uterine cancer in a dose dependent manner, high doses of estrogens cannot be used. In contrast, relatively high doses of an estrogen receptor beta agonist could be used to achieve ...
Engineering Shape of Polymeric Micro- and Nanoparticles
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California have developed novel polymeric micro- and nanoparticles with non-spherical shapes and methods of making such particles. The particles have an average diameter of about 10 nm to about 100 µm and can have a wide variety of non-spherical shapes. The researchers’ method can be used to generate these particles in substantial reproducible quantities. Research results demonstrate that particle shape profoundly affects phagocytosis and thereby clearance of the particles by the ...
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Neurologists and Neurosurgeons at the University of California, San Francisco have identified a novel biomarker for Parkinson’s disease and dystonia. The biomarker signature is a hallmark specific to these disorders and could be used to adjust DBS stimulator settings in real-time and could guide therapy with more accuracy, thus, leading to faster symptom relief. Additionally, the ability to quickly determine the most optimal stimulator setting could decrease or eliminate the neuropsychiatric side effects associated with current ...
Oligonucleotides for the Treatment of Cancer and Autoimmune Diseases
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
UCSD researchers have discovered new synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (15-mers) useful in treating cancer and certain autoimmune diseases. These compounds induce apoptosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells but actually stimulate normal human B cells. Their mechanism of action does not depend on CpG dinucleotides, and they do not require the addition of cationic lipids or any other adjuvant to exert their effects.
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Researchers at UCSF have found that optimal dosing of an established and specific alpha-1-adrenergic receptor agonist, known as A61603, results in cardioprotective properties in an in vivo mouse model of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity, using the most common anthracycline, doxorubicin. Administration of A61603 led to increased survival and improved indices of cardiac damage. The low dose of A61603 was able to provide a beneficial reduction in cardiotoxicity without increasing blood pressure. Furthermore, targeting of ...
Novel Peptides Against HIV Infection And Other STDs
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The UCLA researchers have designed two new families of small peptides that are very potent against HIV-1 infection with improved pharmacotherapeutic properties. Although inspired by retrocyclins, these peptides have smaller and simpler structures, sufficiently different from existing retrocyclins. These peptides possess the properties of viral entry inhibitors, which make them promising candidates for microbicides against HIV infection and other STDs. These peptides can also be new drugs to be used in multi-drug regimens of highly active ...
Quantitative Screening Method for Peptide Identification and Optimization
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at UCSB have developed a novel system and methods that provides efficient display and screening of peptide libraries at the cell surface, and enables rapid and quantitative characterization of the candidate peptides. This system has been demonstrated to especially effective for peptide and microprotein ligand isolation and affinity maturation. Furthermore, this system has been applied extensively to developed optimized peptide substrates for proteases that can serve as activity probes, in vivo imaging agents, and ...
Treatment for a Central Nervous System Disease - NMO
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
UCSF investigators have developed a method that blocks CDC and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) by neutralizing NMO-IgG effector function. This treatment approach converts pathogenic NMO-IgG into a therapeutic blocking antibody that competitively displaces AQP4-bound pathogenic NMO-IgG. The converted antibody reduced NMO pathology in ex vivo spinal cord culture and in vivo mouse models of NMO.
Novel Method for the Production of Emulsions and Dispersions
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have developed a novel method for the production of emulsions and dispersions, directed to methods for the formation of colloidal suspensions. These suspensions are formed with or without mechanical action and without surfactants, polymers, or stabilizing agents. They are stable for one hour to several weeks. The colloidal suspension can be a pharmaceutical treatment, paint, dye, combustion fuel, fuel additive, food additive or product, perfume, cosmetic product, hygiene product, ...
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Investigators at UCSF and their collaborators have identified a second Acyl-COA: cholesterol acyl transferase, named ACAT-2. The cDNA sequence of mouse acat-2 is described and the deduced polypeptide sequence of ACAT-2 is 44% identical to the original ACAT enzyme, now renamed ACAT-1. The mouse acat-2 gene maps to chromosome 15 and encodes a 46kDa protein that is associated with cell membranes and demonstrates high levels of cholesterol esterification activity. Mouse ACAT-2 is primarily expressed in the mouse liver and small intestine, ...
Anti-viral T-cell Therapy from Stem Cells
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have developed a therapeutic technology that combines the advances in gene therapy, stem cell technology and immune therapy. This technology enables the generation of anti-viral T cells from the stem cells of a patient who fails to generate effective anti-viral T cells. This approach involves harnessing stem cells from a patient and delivering into these cells a cloned human T cell receptor gene; the T-cell receptor is the receptor on T cells that recognizes antigens on pathogens and cancers (in this case, the antigen is ...
Small Molecules To Facilitate Therapeutic Exon Skipping
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a series of compounds that facilitate therapeutic exon skipping. The compounds were derived from FDA approved libraries or known biologically active molecule libraries. The molecules were identified via a small molecule library screen using a cell reporter assay. Some compounds have been demonstrated to increase the amount of mRNA that is skipped in the presence of antisense therapeutics.
Human Protein Scaffold With Controlled Serum Pharmacokinetics
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have identified a specific domain of a prevalent human protein, and novel conserved mutations within that domain, that has the ability to modify and/or extend the serum half life of an attached molecule such as a tumor targeting molecule (peptide, aptamer, or small chemicals), imaging agent, or a therapeutic functional group.
Safe And Potent Vaccines Against Tularemia
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The present innovation consists of a method for producing a vaccine, and a new vaccine for preventing tularemia in humans and animals. This vaccine utilizes a genetically defined attenuated mutant of the F.tularensis Live Vaccine Strain (LVS) to prevent Francisella tularensis infection. Unlike currently used LVS, which is not approved for general use, this new vaccine is non-toxic, stable, and well-characterized.
Synthetic Peptide for the Vaccination of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA investigators have generated a gene construct and product for use in gene vaccination of SLE. Investigators have assembled a gene coding construct that codes for both a region of a human IgG and pCons, a synthetic peptide that is able to induce immune tolerance in mice affected with a SLE-like disease. This gene product has an Ig-like structure, which is processed by the endocytic machinery of antigen presenting cells. After the construct is inserted into a plasmid, mice and human B lymphocytes as well as dendritic cells can be easily ...
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Investigators at UCSF have identified a series of Aminothiazole analogs that act as novel anti-prion compounds. These compounds are potent in lowering levels of PrPSc in dividing, prion infected neuroblastoma (ScN2a-cl3) cells. Selected aminothiazole analogs display very low EC50 values (as low as 81nM in ScN2a-cl3 cells) as determined by both ELISA and western blot assays (bioactivity against PrPSc accumulation was expressed as the EC50, the compound concentration at which 50% of PrPSc had been removed from the culture upon exposure to ...
Antibody Mediated Gene Delivery Of The Tumor Suppressor Protein P53
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA Researchers have developed a novel method to deliver functional p53 to tumor cells by fusion of p53 to the Fv peptide of a murine antibody (Fv-p53). This approach allows for delivery of p53 to tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, Fv-p53 induces apoptosis in tumor cells in vitro and prevents metastasis of colon cancer in vivo. Therefore, Fv-p53 represents a novel protein (gene) therapy in cancer treatment.
A SYSTEM TO IDENTIFY NOVEL UBIQUITIN LIGASE SUBSTRATES
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Investigators at UCSF have invented a simple method to uniquely identify the substrates of specific E3-ligases. This method utilizes an engineered protein coupled with SILAC mass spectroscopy to identify substrates of a specific E3 ubiquitin ligase. Specifically, an E2-ubiquitin conjugating enzyme is modified to carry the Nedd8 protein instead of ubiquitin. The subsequent interaction of this Nedd8-E2 with the E3 ligase and its cognate substrate results in the transfer of Nedd8 onto the substrate in place of ubiquitin. An optimized SILAC ...
Process For Making Elastic Biliquid Dispersions Of Nanoscale Droplets
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
By controlling the magnitude of the applied viscous stress without altering the composition of the emulsion, a novel high-throughput method has been developed to obtain large-scale volumes of elastic biliquid nanoemulsions. The droplet diameters and resulting elasticity can be controlled simply through the history of the maximum applied stresses. In contrast to more common microscale emulsions that appear white, the nanoemulsions created here exhibit optical transparency over a wide range of droplet volume fractions and can have strong ...
New Therapeutic Agents and Novel Drug Delivery Device for Pain Management
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
UCSF investigators have discovered compounds that can function as therapeutic agents for treating and preventing pain and hyperalgesia. These compounds target Sp4, and depending on their design, Sp1 and Sp3, which are transcription factors that regulate mRNA levels of transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1), the capsaicin receptor and transient receptor potential ankyrin -1 (TRPA1). TRPV1 and TRPA1 are well-known to play an essential role in the initiation of pain and hyperalgesia that arises from inflammation and tissue ...
Novel Target for Development of Therapeutics for Cancers Expressing Mutant K-Ras
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
UCSF investigators have identified a novel downstream effector of K-Ras that has the potential to be a new target for development of therapeutic compounds for cancers expressing mutant K-Ras. Using gene knock-down technology, the investigators showed that decreasing the expression of this target protein diminishes K-Ras oncogenic properties by reducing the cancer cells’ ability to propagate and rendering them more susceptible to death. Thus, blocking this protein’s expression is a viable therapeutic approach to treat cancers ...
Vectors for Antibody Expression
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have developed a large variety of vectors useful in the expression of recombinant antibodies. Different antibody variable regions can be easily introduced into these vectors for the expression of whole antibodies. Representative vectors are: Vectors pAG 4622 and pAH 4602 express V region antibodies associated with the human kappa and gamma 1 constant regions, respectively. Vectors 6307 pAH and 6525 pAN carry the genes for human IgG1 and human kappa, respectively. These vectors were designed for the ability to express ...
NEW PATHWAY TO FIGHT BACTERIAL, VIRAL, AND FUNGAL INFECTIONS
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Histones bound to cytosolic lipid droplets (LDs) form a cellular antibacterial defense system. Sequestered on droplets under normal conditions, in the presence of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or lipoteichoic acid (LTA), histones are released from the droplets and kill bacteria efficiently in vitro. Droplet-bound histones also function in vivo: when injected into Drosophila embryos lacking droplet-bound histones, bacteria grow rapidly. In contrast, bacteria injected into embryos with droplet-bound histones die. Our data suggests that ...
Sulfatase-2: A Novel Therapeutic Target for the Treatment of Cancers
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Investigators at UCSF have discovered a novel, human extracellular sulfatase, Sulf-2, that is upregulated in certain cancers. Since their discovery, multiple studies throughout the research community have implicated Sulf-2 as a cancer causing gene in multiple forms of cancer. Various unbiased screening studies for cancer causing genes indicate that Sulf-2 expression increases in glioma, breast cancer, pancreatic adenocarcinomas and HCC. However, recent research in mouse models of cancer (HCC, pancreatic and NSCLC) have shown that knockdown of ...
Novel therapy to treat kidney stone and coronary calcifications
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Investigators at the University of California, San Francisco have identified a novel target which can be blocked to prevent the calcification process. The importance of this target has been evaluated using Drosophila melanogaster Malpighian tubule calcified concretions and human renal biopsy material. The Drosophila Malpighian tubule is the functional equivalent of the human kidney convoluted tubule. A pharmacological anti-calcification agent is able to block the target in a dose dependent manner in the fly model and significantly reduce the ...
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Using a high-throughput small molecule screen, UCSF investigators have identified compounds that promote neuronal differentiation and inhibit stem cell proliferation by activating particular receptors specifically expressed in the brain and also in peripheral organs such as the liver, pancreas, and prostate gland. The researchers demonstrated robust generation of dopaminergic, serotonergic (5-HT), GABAergic, and Islet motor neurons in vitro after treatment with these drugs. They also showed that the compounds have proneurogenic activity in ...
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Investigators at UCSF have developed a novel bilaminar cell pellet (BCP) system that is significantly better suited to repair inflammatory degenerative conditions of the musculoskeletal system because it overcomes two major limitations of tissue engineering: limited supply of cells needed for tissue regeneration and generation of new cells without hypertrophy. In addition, BCPs do not seem to be negatively affected by inflammatory and hypoxic conditions. The BCP is a sphere of MSCs enclosed in a shell of differentiated cells that can be ...
Soluble And Cell-associated Hemojuvelins As A Therapy And Diagnostic For Iron Metabolism Diseases
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have shown that cellular hemojuvelin positively regulates hepcidin mRNA expression, independent of the IL-6 pathway by using hemojuvelin-specific siRNAs to vary hemojuvelin mRNA concentration. From these hemojuvelin studies, UCLA researchers have developed a recombinant soluble form of hemojuvelin (rs-hemojuvelin) and found in blood a naturally occurring soluble form of hemojuvelin, s-hemojuvelin. The recombinant rs- hemojuvelin was shown to inhibit hepcidin production in primary human hepatocytes in a dose-dependent ...
Novel Signaling Molecule Utilized by <i>S. Mutans</i> for Biofilm Formation and Quorum Sensing
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA researchers have discovered an interspecies signaling molecule utilized by S. mutans. The molecule plays a role in biofilm development, and the deletion of the gene encoding this signal results in a super biofilm phenotype. The molecule is S. mutans selective, and is maximally produced by the bacteria during mid to late logarithmic growth phase in planktonic (non-biofilm) conditions.
Novel small molecule activators of TREK-1 (K2P2.1) potassium channels
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Researchers at UCSF have identified a series of novel small molecules that are selective for TREK-1 activation. These compounds represent a new tool for manipulation of TREK-1 function in a variety of experimental settings, as well as candidates for further drug development. Validation studies demonstrated the activator’s specificity for TREK-1 within the K2P family of potassium ion channels. Researchers are currently evaluating the pain perception mitigation effects of these compounds in mouse models of pain.
Polyphenolic Compounds Inhibit Pancreatic Cancer
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have identified a novel approach for the treatment of pancreatic cancer by down-regulating cellular survival factors while concomitantly inducing apoptosis (cell death). The simultaneous administration of plant-derived polyphenolic compounds with inhibitors of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was found to act synergistically to inhibit pancreatic cancer growth and tumor metastasis. Interestingly, one particular polyphenol, rottlerin, exhibited increased potency without the need for ROS-inhibitors. In vivo studies in mice ...
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
A cornerstone of regenerative medicine is the study and use of reprogrammable (pluripotent) stem cells for the purpose of tissue repair and organ transplantation. A major challenge arises when the immune system recognizes transplanted tissue as foreign, which can cause the body to reject the new tissue or organ. The thymus is a key organ of the immune system and is responsible for the development of T-cells and establishment of the body’s immune tolerance. A major component of the thymus is the thymic stroma, which is largely ...
5-lipoxygenase, A New Therapeutic And Diagnostic Target For Heart Disease Management
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Effective inhibitors of 5LO have been marketed for a different indication. The genes involvement in heart disease enables manufacturers of the mentioned inhibitors to extend their markets to heart disease indications. In addition, 5LO expression profile may be monitored in screenings for CAD drugs candidates.Results of the study indicated that 5LO is involved in susceptibility to both diabetes and CAD. UCLA researchers also demonstrated that certain forms of the 5LO gene are found in CAD patients twice as often as they are in control ...
NOVEL MOLECULAR TARGET AND NOVEL ANALGESIC COMPOUNDS FOR PAIN.
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Clinical studies have shown that kappa-type agonist-antagonist opioid analgesics (agonist-antagonists) produce delayed-onset anti-analgesia in men but not women. Therefore, there is an unmet need for effective analgesic compounds that do not possess anti-analgesic (e.g. pain enhancing) properties, especially in men.Scientists at UCSF have studied the action of analgesic drugs through the opioid receptors in rat models and based on their research identified a novel receptor responsible for the delayed anti-analgesic effect of pain drugs ...
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The present invention exploits the chemoattracting activity of SLC in co-localizing T lymphocytes and dendritic cells to potently enhance cell-mediated immunity against tumor cells and also takes advantage of SLCs anti-angiogenic activities. Using recombinant SLC, UCLA Researchers have demonstrated, in in vitro and in vivo models, that SLC mediates T cell-dependent anti-tumor responses.
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Retrocyclins 1 and 2 (also called RC-100 and RC100b) are novel circular peptides discovered by UCLA Researchers. Although they are produced synthetically, their structures are based on nucleotide sequences found in the human genome and/or in mRNA expressed by human bone marrow. Since human theta-defensin genes and retrocyclin bone marrow mRNA contain a premature stop codon in their signal sequence, retrocyclin peptides are probably not produced in humans. However, these peptides are found in certain Old World monkeys, and intact theta ...
Antibody Fusion Proteins With Disrupted Heparin- Binding Activity
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Heparin sulfate is found throughout all tissues and commonly bound to the cell surface. Many signaling molecules such as growth factors, chemokines and cytokines bind to heparin present at the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix of all tissues. While this local heparin binding is an advantage when the cytokine is secreted in its normal environment to be locally retained, it may be a drawback when the cytokine is being delivered by a targeting device such as an antibody fusion protein. ...
Growth Factor Treatment Of Myocardial Infarction
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The invention is the use of netrin-1 to reduce infact size during myocardial infarction events, and a method of administering netrin-1 to confer powerful cardioprotective effects. Netrin-1 is a secreted molecule that is largely known to play a role in guiding vertebrate commissural axons in neuronal development. It also has a critical role in endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenic signaling in addition to morphogenesis of epithelial cells. However, UCLA investigators have now demonstrated that the pre-perfusion of ...
VE-cadherin-CreERT2 Transgenic Mouse
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
To introduce temporal control in genetic experiments targeting the endothelium, we established a mouse line expressing tamoxifen-inducible Cre-recombinase (Cre-ERT2) under the regulation of the vascular endothelial cadherin promoter (VECad). Specificity and efficiency of Cre activity was documented by crossing VECad-Cre-ERT2 with the ROSA26R reporter mouse, in which a floxed-stop cassette has been placed upstream of the -galactosidase gene. We found that tamoxifen specifically induced widespread recombination in the endothelium of embryonic, ...
Floxed Mouse For Progesterone Receptor (PRCE)
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The progesterone receptor (PR) is required for several aspects of mammalian female reproduction. PR null mice have overlapping defects that preclude an understanding of its multiple functions in ovulation, pregnancy, mammary gland biology, and sexual behavior. Researchers at UCLA have generated a PR conditional excision (PRCE) allele in which loxP sites flank exon 1. Homozygous PRCE females are fertile and appear to be functionally normal. Global cre mediated excision of the floxed exon 1 using EIIa-cre mice resulted in systemic loss of ...
Synthetic Compounds for Treatment of Inflammation
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have developed compounds that are useful as anti-inflammatory agents. The technology includes bis-heterocyclic compounds and compositions comprising the bis-heterocyclic compounds. These compounds have high activity and are highly effective in inhibiting immunogenic and neurogenic inflammation.
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA innovators have demonstrated the use of a small protein, Spp24, to reduce tumor growth in an animal model of skeletal metastasis. Spp24 binds to bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), TGF-β, and other related proteins, which have been implicated in bone metastases associated with many cancer types. The researchers have shown that binding of Spp24 prohibits the binding of these growth factors to tumor cells and drastically reduces tumor growth in mice injected with human non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). They treated the animals ...
Novel Small Molecules to Treat MRSA and Other Bacterial Infections
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have identified several compounds that inhibit the S. aureus SrtA sortase and function as potent anti-infective agents. Many of these molecules also inhibit the sortase enzyme from B. anthracis suggesting that they may be generalized sortase inhibitors.
A Semisynthetic Approach To Production Of Keppra
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA researchers have constructed novel metabolic pathways in E. Coli to use glucose to produce R-2-hydroxybutyrate or S-2-aminobutyrate, key metabolites for the enantioselective synthesis of Keppra. The researchers have produced R-2-hydroxybutyrate and S-2-aminobutyrate using their engineered strains. In addition, they have successfully completed the chemical synthesis of Keppra using their bacterially-produced S-2-aminobutyrate. Their engineered bacterial strains prove to be an attractive host for the renewable production of key ...
Method For Targeted And Sustained Antiviral Therapy
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have engineered an interferon molecule fused to an antibody, resulting in the first antiviral therapy that specifically targets cells infected with virus. Antibody-interferon chimeras show greater stability and have longer lasting effects compared to interferon alone. This may allow for lower doses of interferon administered to the patient, resulting in minimized side effects.
Pharmaceutical Intervention For Snoring And Other Motoneuronal-Related Neuromuscular Dysfunction
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have identified a generic pharmaceutical compound that treats snoring, sleep apnea and other motoneuronal-related neuromuscular dysfunctions such as disorders of breathing movements and other bodily movements. The compound targets the genioglossus muscle that controls tongue movement and stiffness. Proper functioning of this muscle is critical for preventing partial or complete closure of the upper airway, which leads to snoring or apnea (absence of breathing) during sleep.
Novel Vaccines Against Tularemia
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The present invention describes novel vaccines that utilize a live attenuated recombinant vector to deliver F. tularensis immunogenic antigens in host cells in a way that mimics F. tularensis. Like F. tularensis, the vector is phagocytized by host mononuclear phagocytes, escapes from the phagosome, and inhabits the cytoplasm of the host cell. Subsequently, the vector releases immunoprotective antigens into the host cell cytoplasm for processing and presentation to the immune system in a way that mimics the processing and ...
Hydrolytically Degradable Poly(ethylene glycol) Derivatives for Use in Pharmaceutical Formulations
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have developed a novel hydrolytically degradable polyethylene glycol derivative for use in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. These PEG derivatives significantly boast control over the circulation half-life of PEG-incorporated drugs while allowing complete clearance from the body even at very high molecular weights. These PEG derivatives are simple and inexpensive to create with the degradable units further serving as reactive groups for therapeutic and diagnostic ...
Azavesamicols Compounds with Anticholinergic Properties
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have developed a series of potent inhibitors of vesicular acetylcholine transport. The in vitro anticholinergic activity of these compounds is matched by potent pharmacological activity in mice. Furthermore, these compounds are sufficiently potent to retain selectivity for cholinergic targets even at the tracer level. These compounds may be radiolabeled and used as reliable targets for radiotracer development. Additionally, since the compounds of the invention are ...
Copper Catalyzed Coupling Reactions
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have developed a protocol that provides both the benefits of using a reactive and selective cuprate for 1,4-additions and the advantages of metal enolates other than copper toward alkylation or 1,2-addition. Cuprates alone offer tremendous versatility not characteristic of any other class of organometallic. Moreover, their known ability to tolerate the presence of additives provides yet greater potential in cases where enone reactivity would otherwise preclude conjugate ...
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have developed vesamicol derivatives with anticholinergic properties called "spirovesamicols", which are spirofused piperidines. The compounds bind to the vesamicol receptor, a site on the cholinergic synaptic vesicle, which is associated with the vesicular transporter of acetylcholine.
Decahydroquinoline-Based Anti-Cholinergic Agents
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have developed compounds with anticholinergic activity useful for modulating cholinergic function in mammals. These compounds may exist in and be isolated in optically active and racemic forms. Some compounds may exhibit polymorphism.
T315a And F3171 Mutations Of BCR-ABL Kinase Domain
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
A team of scientists led by Dr. Farias-Eisner and Dr. Reddy discovered a human protein, apoA-I as a new anticancer agent. ApoA-I is the major component of the good cholesterol HDL, and it plays an important role in regulating lipid transport, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The researchers first observed reduced apoA-I levels in ovarian cancer patients, suggesting that the protein might be protective and could prevent cancer from spreading. A series of experiments provide solid evidence for their hypothesis. Transgenic mice expressing the ...
Antimicrobial Peptide For The Treatment Of Skin Diseases
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Improved Immunization Strategy Using Recombinant BCG Vaccines
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have developed an improved vaccination strategy for people previously immunized with BCG or to be immunized with BCG in the future. In effect, the improved vaccination strategy involves priming with BCG and boosting with a protein that is administered separately during a subsequent vaccination(s). The use of this prime-boost strategy dramatically enhances protective immunity in an animal model. Thus the improved strategy described here utilizes a booster protein in subsequent vaccinations to increase efficacy and prolong ...
Electric-Magnetic Field In Cellular Transplantation
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Novel Catalytic Process for Synthesis of Enantiomerically Pure Heterocyclic Compounds
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have developed new catalytic processes for the synthesis of enantiomerically pure heterocyclic compounds. These novel reactions convert simple, widely available starting materials into enantiopure heterocycles under mild conditions and without reagents, metals, or reaction byproducts. The novel catalysts used in these reactions are organic molecules that catalyze a variety of carbon-carbon, carbon-oxygen, and carbon-nitrogen bond forming reactions. For example, ...
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Molecular Cloning of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Glutamine Synthetase (58Kd) Gene
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Bromocriptine in the Treatment Of Alcoholics with the A1 Allele of Drd2
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Therapeutic Drugs For Polycystic Kidney Disease
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Small Molecules That Mimic IFN-Gamma-Mediated Endothelial Cell Activation
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have identified a family of small molecules that mimic IFN-γ in regards to mediating activation of the endothelium and subsequent endothelium-triggered activation of innate immune responses. The small molecules induce far fewer genes than IFN-γ but still result in effective endothelial cell-mediated activation of the innate immune response. Thus, these compounds represent a strategy to selectively induce a minimum set of activating genes to accomplish endothelial cell-triggered immune activation. ...
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA scientists have developed a unique and novel chemoselection technique that achieves high efficiency of engraftment and long-term reconstitution. By utilizing genetically modified donor cells that are resistant to preconditioning, myeloablative compounds, researchers have fused the preconditioning and the transplant chemoselection phases of treatment into a single therapeutic cycle. This allows more rapid engraftment, a reduced preconditioning phase, and a reduction in the concentration of drugs required for ...
Chemical Inhibitors Of Cholesterol Biosynthesis And Venous Angiogenesis
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have identified a non-statin small molecule, aplexone, which reduces cellular cholesterol levels more effectively than atorvastatin (Lipitor). Like statins, aplexone inhibits the HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) pathway, but does not contain the same motif and thus likely inhibits the pathway through a different mechanism. Aplexone shows lower toxicity and a substantially lower molecular weight than atorvastatin. In addition to its role in inhibiting cholesterol biosynthesis, aplexone was found to repress angiogenesis and ...
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
THE SCREEN Dr. Stephen Smale, Professor and Vice Chair of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics at UCLA and colleagues have developed an improved cell-based screen for the identification of selective modulators of pro-inflammatory gene expression. The technology utilizes a macrophage cell line derived from either transgenic mice or differentiation of genetically modified embryonic stem cells. The resultant cell line contain two types of reporters, which allow small molecules that selectivity inhibit transcription of ...
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The researchers have developed a novel small molecule potassium competitive acid blocker (PCAB) that strongly inhibits the gastric H,K-ATPase. Compared to the PPI omeprazole (Prilosec) and the Phase II PCAB TAK-438 (Takeda Pharmaceuticals), this compound demonstrates higher affinity binding to the H,K-ATPase. In contrast, compared to Prilosec, the compound shows reduced interaction with the CYP2C19 enzyme, minimizing potential drug-drug interactions. The compound of the present invention provides excellent inhibition of acid secretion ...
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers from the Epilepsy Research Laboratory at the VA of Greater Los Angeles and the Brain Research Institute at UCLA have discovered unique multi-drug therapies that are considerably more effective at reducing seizures than diazepam monotherapy. Two combinations of three drugs displayed an enhanced ability to reduce seizure quantity and severity in a surrogate animal model of nerve agent exposure. Importantly, the dosing of the multi-drug antidotes also reduced toxicity in animals compared to diazepam monotherapy.
Amination Of Aryl Alcohol Derivatives
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Identification Of New Drug Targets, Treatment Strategies and Prognostic Markers For Cancer
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Dr. Batra's experimental approach is based on his ability to separate cancer cells from individual patients on the basis of reproducible and quantifiable differences in behavior, for example, an increased propensity to metastasize. His team is using broad-based deep sequencing technologies to identify the genetic and epigenetic differences between these different cell types with the goal of deriving molecular signatures that underlie the specific tumor behavior. These molecular signatures will then be used to: (i) Identify novel ...
Azuvirins: Novel Peptides With Antiviral And Antineoplastic Potential
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have developed and reliably purified a new family of peptides, termed "Azuvirins," that demonstrate anti-neoplastic and anti-viral properties. Many of the peptides effectively bind a group of surface proteins involved in human cancer progression. The researchers demonstrated that low concentrations of Azuvirins, combined with a known radio-sensitizer compound, could improve cancer cell sensitivity to radiation over 10-fold. This result was corroborated in an animal model of lung cancer, where radiation therapy was ...
Use Of Pyroglutamyl-Glutamyl-Prolyl Amide (Eep) For Neurological And Neurobehavioral Disorders
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The researchers have found that activated NK cells induce the death of patient-derived tumors and human stem cells, including Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and Osteoblasts. Administration of activated NK cells may be effective in eliminating cancer stem cells to fully eradicate the disease.
Receptor Pathway and Potential Drug Target for Astrocyte Related Disorders of the Nervous System
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have identified a novel pathway for regulating the basal level of calcium in astrocyte cells that may serve as an effective therapeutic target for a variety of brain disorders and brain injuries. Using genetic and pharmacological methods, the researchers have identified this pathway to be the transient receptor potential A1 (TRPA1) receptor/ion channel. Experiments conducted on mixed cultures of neurons and astrocytes in vitro showed decreased levels of astrocyte Ca2 when TRPA1 channels were inhibited. In contrast to ...
Conversion Of Normal Human Keratinocytes To Pluripotent Stem Cells
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA researchers have discovered that modulation of p63 protein levels in human skin cells(keratinocytes) triggers changes in cell identity and restores the pluripotency potential. Thesecells have been named as induced MSCs (iMSCs) and demonstrated ability to differentiate intoosteogenic-like cells that may be utilized in bone regeneration therapies. In contrast to currenttechniques where genetically altered cells are required, this novel method utilizes normal healthycells.
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA scientists in the laboratory of Drs. Xinmin Li and Scott Binder of UCLA's Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine have developed a novel multiplex PCR-based test to distinguish between squamous cell carcinoma and pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia. The invention utilizes markers that have been identified through gene expression profile analysis of squamous cell carcinoma and pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia. This diagnostic test is rapid, cost-effective, and can replace the non-quantitative and subjective diagnostic methods ...
Anti-Human Deoxycytidine Kinase (dCK) Monoclonal Antibody
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Small Molecule Suppressors of Immune Function
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have developed small molecule inhibitors of Ca2 -Release-Activated-Ca2 (CRAC) channels that are crucial for the activation of immune cells. CRAC channels mediate the Ca2 influx that is necessary for short- and long-term responses by immune cells. Through screening of a large chemical library, the researchers have identified a leading compound and multiple analogs that block Ca2 entry into T-cells. The IC50 value of the lead compound blocking T-cell Ca2 entry is 195 nM. Testing in an animal model of autoimmune disease, ...
A Novel Glycopolymer to Enhance Protein Stability
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Dr. Heather Maynard and colleagues at UCLA have developed a novel glycopolymer to enhance the stabilization of proteins in response to various environmental stressors, including lyophilization and heat. The glycopolymer incorporates the disaccharide trehalose, which is frequently used as a preservative in foods and is Generally Regarded As Safe. The trehalose-based polymer developed by the Maynard group is prepared in such a way to have end-groups that the polymer can, if desired, be directly attached to the biomolecule. Direct ...
Method for Screening Delta Opioid Receptor Modulators
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers in the laboratory of Dr. Christopher Evans have cloned and characterized the delta opioid receptor. The present invention utilizes a cell based assay to detect the levels of activation of opioid receptors in the presence or absence of candidate drugs. The present invention provides methods for screening agonists and antagonists of the delta opioid receptor, and can potentially play a large role in the development of targeted therapies directed to treat a host of ailments. .
Novel Small Molecules that Target Cancer Stem Cells for the Treatment of Cancer
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Professor Michael Jung from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Professor Richard Pietras from the Department of Medicine, and colleagues at UCLA have recently synthesized and evaluated a series of unique PTL derivatives. A number of these compounds exhibit (i) improved aqueous solubility as well as (ii) improved in vitro cell killing relative to the native forms of PTL and DMAPT. Furthermore, these new derivatives exhibit a synergistic cell killing effect when combined with existing approved chemotherapeutic agents. ...
Novel Therapy for Persistent Viral Infections
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Dr. David Brooks and colleagues at UCLA have developed a novel approach to treat persistent viral infections involving blockade of IFN. The Brooks Lab has demonstrated that this blockade of IFN results in a significant decrease in multiple immuno-inhibitory factors. This enables the host's own immune system to respond and gain permanent control of a persistent viral infection, eliminating the need for subsequent intervention. This approach could be applicable to many types of persistent viral infection.
TREATING ATRIAL FIBRILATION BY TARGETING SUPEROXIDE PRODUCTION
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA researchers have identified a molecular mechanism to explain AF. It has been observed that there is a correlation between AF and superoxide levels. Here, researchers have found that a reason for this increased superoxide level in patients is over activation of the enzyme NADPH Oxidase 4 (NOX4). By using compounds that inhibit NOX4 in a zebrafish model of AF, researchers were able to treat the arrhythmic phenotype and reduce superoxide levels. These findings represent the first implication that NOX4-derived H2O2 may play an ...
A Novel Immuno-PET Tracer for Imaging of CD20
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA researchers have developed the first humanized and non-internalized immunoPET tracers for imaging CD20. These tracers are fragments of a highly specific anti-CD20 antibody used to treat B cell malignancies. These engineered fragments maintain the high binding affinity of the parent antibody, and have several distinct advantages. The smaller probe size enables rapid tumor targeting and blood clearance, allowing next-day imaging. Lacking the bulk of the protein, these tracers are not internalized by cells, resulting in improved surface ...
Human Fetal Prostate Cells for the Study of Human Tumors
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA researchers in the laboratory of Dr. Isla Garraway have isolated human fetal prostate cells to regenerate primary prostate tumors. The fetal prostate stromal cell line has been shown to support in vivo regeneration of human prostate tissue when combined with normal adult or fetal epithelial cells, as well as primary human prostate tumor cells. The present invention provides a unique cell line to investigate the genetic factors in tumorigenesis and disease progression, identify cancer stem cells, and evaluate the effectiveness of ...
Novel Therapeutic Analogues of Metformin for the Treatment of Cancers
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Dr. Richard Pietras, Director of the Stiles Program in Integrative Oncology in the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Dr. Michael Jung from the Departments of Chemistry & Biochemistry at UCLA have recently synthesized novel analogues of metformin, the most commonly prescribed drug to treat type 2 diabetes. These metformin analogues have anticancer activity in breast cancer cell lines, particularly those derived from TNBC. Further, the analogues also exhibit significant antitumor activity in melanoma, lung, and pancreatic cancers. ...
Novel Dual Therapy For Eradication Of Helicobacter Pylori
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Dr. George Sachs and colleagues at UCLA/VA have developed a novel dual therapy to eradicate H. pylori. By using a more effective proton pump inhibitor that raises the gastric pH to near-neutral, researchers are able to increase the proportion of growth-phase H. pylori, which are sensitive to antibiotics. The result is an increase in the bactericidal rate of amoxicillin greater than 10-fold in vitro.
Novel Anti-TfR Antibodies For Improved Cancer Treatment
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Dr. Manuel Penichet and colleagues at the UCLA Departments of Surgery and Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics have developed a mouse/human anti-human transferrin receptor (CD71) antibody for the treatment of incurable hemalological malignancies such as multiple myeloma and aggressive lymphoma. The researchers tested this novel antibody in two mouse models of disseminated human multiple myeloma using a single low-dose treatment. Not only did they observe significantly prolonged survival, but also in some cases, the complete ...
Novel Combination of Two Approved Drugs for the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The present invention details a targeted therapy using two approved drugs - Everolimus (Rad001), a rapamycin derivative and Arsenic trioxide (ATO) - that synergize to achieve enhanced anticancer effects with fewer side effects.
Application of Topical Resveratrol with Benzoyl Peroxide for the Treatment of Acne
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Physician-scientists at the UCLA Medical Center have demonstrated in vitro that the combination of a small molecule compound, resveratrol, and benzoyl peroxide, generates sustained and synergistic bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties against P. acnes. Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant, and experiments have shown that the combination of resveratrol and benzoyl peroxide can substantially decrease inflammatory markers induced by P.acnes. Other studies external to UCLA have demonstrated that resveratrol possesses ...
Modification of Peptides Using bis(thioether) ArylBridge (tAB<sup>TM</sup>) Approach
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The novel approach developed from UCLA utilizes compounds for simultaneous S-alkylation of two strategically placed cysteine residues within the peptide, resulting in the formation of bis(thioether)-Aryl-Bridge (tABTM). The compounds necessary for this approach are both commercially available and inexpensive. The tABTM reaction can be performed both on resin and in solution. Two potential anticancer agents engineered by the tABTM approach possessed biological activity in vitro and in vivo.
Small Molecule “Molecular Tweezers” that Inhibit Amyloid-β Fiber Formation
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have developed “Molecular Tweezers,” small molecules that inhibit the assembly of Aβ proteins. Using recent insights to the structure and assembly process of the Aβ protein, specific amino acids critical to fiber formation were identified and targeted in the design of the molecule. These “tweezers” inhibit the assembly and toxicity of Aβ in a non-neurotoxic manner. The invention represents a potential drug for the treatment of AD.
A Novel Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Conjugate for Broad Therapeutic Application
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers in the laboratory of Dr. Heather Maynard at UCLA have developed a novel polymer conjugate of bFGF that remains stable under environmental stressors that include extended storage, heat, enzymes, low pH, and stirring. The invention embodies conjugation of a heparin-mimicking polymer to a therapeutic protein to increase stability and maintain bioactivity of the growth factor. The invention circumvents the issue of using heparin itself to encapsulate a protein, where the anti-coagulation properties of heparin may cause ...
Broad Antiviral Therapy with Membrane-Modifying Small Molecules
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA researchers have discovered a compound for broad antiviral therapy. The compound modifies cellular membranes and disrupts virus-host integration, an essential step for viral entry. This mode of action is different from both commercially available antivirals and drugs in pharmaceutical pipelines, offering a plausible alternative development strategy. UCLA researchers have demonstrated the compound to be effective against eight viral types. Further, inhibitory effect was successfully demonstrated in vivo against HIV. Importantly, ...
Novel Method for Accelerating Alimentary Tract Recovery in Post Abdominal Surgeries
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Researchers from UC San Diego have developed a method to attenuate postoperative intestinal complications (ileus). This technology provides techniques to reduce intestinal dysfunction including a lack of intestinal food transport by lack of peristalsis after intestinal ischemia, intestinal resections, and other surgical conditions associated with intestinal injury. This technology includes the use of serine protease inhibitors to reduce the postoperative ileus.
Compositions and Methods for Tympanic Membrane Transmigration
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Medical researchers at UC San Diego have established that it is possible to translocate particles across the tympanic membrane and have the potential for drug delivery to the inner ear. Historically the eardrum was viewed as impermeable to particles. This invention identifies specific compositions capable of transmigrating particles across the eardrum, as well a description of the process to identify compositions capable of translocating particles across biological membranes.This technology has potential for treating numerous ear ...
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Researchers at UC San Diego, The University of Texas at Austin, and The Scripps Research Institute have demonstrated a new role for NS1 in modifying cell-cell signaling. This novel activity was identified by expressing NS1 in the Drosophila wing, which produced phenotypes similar to those caused by over-activation of a branch of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. Genetic epistasis experiments indicate that NS1 carries out this function by acting at the level of Gli1/Ci, a key transcriptional mediator of the Hh pathway. They screened for NS1 ...
A Novel and Improved Method for Transplantation Procedures
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
A UCSD researcher and her collaborator have invented a solution to many of the logistical issues associated with clinically transplanting a cell-loaded encapsulation device. UCSD's method significantly improves quality control and patient access to transplantation technology. It greatly simplifies the preparation process involved in successfully completing a transplantation procedure.
Detection And Therapy Of Bladder Pathologies
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
UCSD researchers have invented a method to treat bladder cancer using peptide-conjugated nanoparticles that encapsulate synthetic Toll-like receptor 7 ligands (TLR7). TLR7 ligands are potent inducers of inflammation in the bladder, and their use does not result in any of the issues caused by BCG. In addition, certain peptides are conjugated to the nanoparticles in order to enhance binding and penetration of the damaged bladder urothelium. As an additional step, photochemistry is used to "glue" the particles to the bladder wall, therefore ...
Human Butyrylcholinesterase Based Catalytic Bioscavengers Of Organophosphates
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Researchers at UCSD and The Scripps Research Institute have designed small, specific molecules to interact effectively in particular with OP-hBChE conjugates, reactivates hBChE inhibited by OPs in order for single hBChE molecule to repeatedly, covalently bind and degrade multiple OP molecules, thus effectively depleting the OP from the circulation. The small molecule when used together with the hBChE can reduce the expected BChE dose substantially, rendering it cost effective and increasing the number of exposed subjects that can be treated ...
An Organophosphate Poisoning Antidote Capable of Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Inventors at UCSD have developed a novel antidote that is highly effective, minimally toxic, to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) to treat any immediate organophosphate toxicity throughout the brain and body while preventing the persisting seizures that recur following exposure. The hydroxyimino-acetamido alkylamine antidote has a 2.5-fold higher average AChE reactivation rate constant (kobs) compared to the current antidote standard, 2-PAM. In vivo mice results show UCSD's antidote is less toxic than 2-PAM, and comparable to HI-6, the ...
Human Acetylcholinesterase Based Catalytic Bioscavengers of Organophosphates
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Researchers at UCSD and The Scripps Research Institute have designed small reactivator molecules to pair with particular mutant hAChE to interact effectively with OP- mutant hAChE inhibited by OPs in order for single mutant hAChE molecule to repeatedly, covalently bind and degrade multiple OP molecules, thus effectively depleting the OP from the circulation. One pair is designed to increase hAChE's efficacy against a wider spectrum of OP toxicants including those prone to dealkylation (aging). The other pair is specifically designed to ...
Anti-tumor Properties of Particular Monoclonal Antibodies Specific for ROR-1
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
The researchers recently discovered the expression of this once-protein on chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells and have demonstrated the expression of this protein on a variety of cancers. Because of its putative role in promoting oncogenesis and therfore potential to serve as diagnostic and therapeutic target, the researchers have created a number of antibodies that target the extracellular portion of he human ROR1 protein.
Identification of Mutations in Autism and Epilepsy Patients
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
The branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase complex catalyses the rate-limiting step in the oxidation of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids). Scientists at the University of California, San Diego have discovered evidence to suggest that some forms of autism and epilepsy might be treatable with dietary supplementation. Specifically, this technology identifies a correlation between a specific mutation among some autistic patients and reduced levels of certain amino acids. It is anticipated that this technology could provide a basis for ...
A New Predictor of Cardiovascular Events and Therapeutic Efficacy of Cardiovascular Drugs
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
This invention quantifies the amount of oxidized phospholipids (OxPL) on plasminogen, a pro-enzyme involved in coagulation. The invention also includes a novel assay to perform the task. The inventors found that plasminogen, due to its high homology with apo(a), contains OxPL and were able to assess the amount of plasminogen/OxPL levels as a predictor of cardiovascular events. Additionally, the determination of plasminogen/OxPL could track response and therapeutic efficacy of anti-platelet and anti-coagulation drugs.
Efficient Intraliposomal Encapsulation of Cancer Drugs (Staurosporine and Related Compounds)
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Because standard liposomal remote loading methods, which had been developed to encapsulate doxorubicin and camptothecin analogues, limited the potential of highly hydrophobic drug chemotypes, UC researchers revisited the basics of the liposomal equation. By reversing the conventional direction of pH gradients, optimizing internal buffer composition and modifying temperatures, a process that was grossly inefficient has been converted to one that can be applied for commercial development.
Biomarkers in Blood and Therapeutic Targets for Liver Disease
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
UC San Diego researchers have identified hepatocyte-derived microparticles (MPs) as critical signals that contribute to angiogenesis and liver damage in NASH. MPs are released from the liver and enter the circulation. MPs are comprised of proteins that may be suitable as biomarkers in blood and potential therapeutic targets for developing a therapeutic agent for treating liver disease. One protein in particular, Vanin-1, has been shown to correlate with NASH phenotype in human cell cultures and in the circulation of various human ...
Novel Peptide Isomer Therapeutic and Pathway for Treating Hypertension
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
UC San Diego researchers have developed a novel retro-inversion (R-I) peptide of the catecholamine release inhibitory peptide catestatin, which is effective in reducing high blood pressure in two animal models for human hypertension. The mechanism of action is via a pathway not currently targeted by marketed therapeutics and accordingly this catestatin peptide isomer may provide advantages over existing approaches. The 21 amino acid R-I catestatin peptide comprises an inversion of amino acid chirality (L to D amino acids) and reversal of ...
New Chemical Entities for Treatment of Brain Cancer
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
New chemical entities have been identified and methods of use are validated for a number of candidate, small molecule therapeutics that are highly specific for cancer stem cells in the central nervous system (CNS). The compositions directly inhibit a transcriptional repressor (OLIG2), that is highly expressed in all diffuse gliomas and is found in virtually 100% of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells that are positive for the tumorigenic CD133 stem cell marker. Equally importantly, except for the neural stem cell germinal zones, and ...
New Chemical Entities for Treatment of Down Syndrome and Related Phenotypes
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
New chemical entities have been identified and methods of use have been validated for a number of candidate, small molecule therapeutics that are highly specific inhibitors of a transcriptional repressor, OLIG2, which during early development and in the brain's response to injury, is an essential regulator of CNS progenitor cell fate. By regulating the growth of neural progenitors, OLIG2 appears to play a role in CNS developmental syndromes including the mental impairment associated with Down Syndrome. During pre-natal brain development OLIG2 ...
Compound for Improving Cognitive Performance in Diabetes and Alzheimer's Disease
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
UC San Diego investigators have discovered that use of TX14(A), a known neurotrophic factor with Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 inhibitory properties, is capable of preventing learning deficits following onset of disease in a diabetic mouse model. Administration of the compound did not affect blood glucose levels in mice. This compound may be characterized as having low toxicity in humans. The current form of the compound has been administered intraperitoneally to the mouse, which may be an acceptable route of delivery for patients with diabetes ...
MicroRNA Therapeutics for Augmenting Blood Vessel Growth
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
UCSD inventors used differential screens of HUVEC cells to identify specific miRNAs that are significantly altered in response to genotoxic stresses (radiation, doxorubicin, cisplatin and hydrogen peroxide). In vitro experiments with primary endothelial cells have confirmed a specific microRNA is able to modulate endothelial function in response to genotoxic stress. Therefore, manipulating levels of this microRNA offers avenues to sensitize the endothelium to several DNA damaging agents or protect the endothelium from stress induced injury.
Bio-engineering More Efficacious Therapies against Roundworms
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
UCSD researchers have identified amino acids of the crystal toxin protein that, when mutated, will increase the efficacy of the protein against roundworms.
Method for Treating Spinal Cord Injury and Neurodegenerative Disease
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
UC San Diego investigators have developed a new method for inhibiting degeneration of a neuron and potentially treating spinal cord injury and neurodegenerative disease. It has been discovered that a administering a composition comprising a Wnt-related compound, for example a peptide, small molecule mimetic or an agonist, or a Fzd3 dephosphorylating agent may inhibit degeneration of a neuron. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of modulating neuron cell guidance of a neuron by administering to a neuron a composition comprising ...
Ewing's Sarcoma Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
UC San Diego investigators have identified biomarkers associated with poor Ewing’s sarcoma survival. Expression of one of these biomarkers, the TWIST1 gene, is associated with metastasis and poor patient survival.
Candida and Aspergillus Genes and Proteins for Therapeutics, Diagnosis and Vaccines
Organization: University of Florida
Breakthrough Cancer Drug that Improves Efficacy while Decreasing Side Effects
Organization: University of Florida
