Reversible SNAP-Tag and CLIP-Tag Ligands for Live Cell Imaging

Recently-developed protein tags enable the specific covalent attachment of synthetic ligands, incorporating fluorophores or other substituted groups, to fusion proteins containing these tags. For example, SNAP and CLIP tags bind O6-benzylguanine-containing and O2-benzylcytosine containing ligands respectively, which can be derivatized with a wide variety of labels, including fluorescent dyes, affinity probes, and cross-linkers.

Multilayer X-Ray Transmission Grating Array for Phase-Contrast Imaging and Tomography

Classical X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) and radiography are based on X-ray absorption and cannot show soft tissue structures as well as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Detecting the phase delay/advance of X-rays that travel through the body could enhance soft tissue contrast 10 - 100 times. Submicron-period X-ray transmission gratings for medical x-ray energies can substantially enhance the phase detection sensitivity, but fabrication is a great challenge. This invention includes a method to fabricate multilayer transmission gratings of large areas.

Genome Wide DNase I Hypersensitive Sites Detection in Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Single Cells

A method of detecting DNase I hypersensitive sites ((DHS) in a single cell or very small number of cells, including cells recovered from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue slides of patient samples. DHS has revealed a large number of potential regulatory elements for transcriptional regulation in various cell types. The application of DNase-Seq techniques to patient samples can elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms of gene function in a variety of diseases as well as provide potentially important diagnostic and prognostic information.

SIRT2 Inhibitors as Novel Therapeutics for Myocardial Infarction and Ischemic Stroke and to Prevent Necrosis

Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) inhibitors to reduce necrosis and, thereby, as novel therapeutics to treat ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. Accumulating evidence indicates that programmed necrosis plays a critical role in cell death during ischemia-reperfusion. NIH investigators have shown that the NAD-dependent deacetylase SIRT2 binds constitutively to receptor-interacting protein 3 (RIP3) and that deletion or knockdown of SIRT2 prevents formation of the RIP1-RIP3 complex in mice.

Methods for Rapid and Specific Fluorescent Staining of Biological Tissue for Laser Capture Microdissection

Available for licensing and commercial development are methods for rapid and specific fluorescent staining of biological tissue samples that substantially preserve biological molecules such as mRNA. Also within the scope of the invention are methods for microdissecting tissue to obtain pure populations of cells or tissue structures based upon identifying and excising cells or tissue structures that are labeled with fluorescent specific binding agents.

An Automated System for Myocardial Perfusion Mapping and Machine Diagnosis to Detect Ischemic Heart Disease with First-pass Perfusion Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging

This technology includes a fully automated computer aided diagnosis system to quantify myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) pixel maps from the first-pass contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) perfusion images. This system performs automated image registration, motion compensation, segmentation, and modeling to extract quantitative features from different myocardial regions of interest.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-feeder Cell Line

This technology includes irradiated Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines (EBV-LCL) as feeder cells for the ex vivo expansion of natural killer (NK) cells. EBV-LCL feeder cells, altered by radiation to prevent uncontrolled growth, provide a supportive environment for NK cells to multiply effectively. This method addresses the challenge of obtaining sufficient quantities of functionally active NK cells, which are crucial components of the immune system known for their ability to target and destroy tumor cells and virally infected cells.

Blocking CD38 using Protein G Complexed Daratumumab Antibodies (PGDARA) to Protect Natural Killer Cells from Daratumumab-induced Apoptosis and Cell Death for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma

This technology includes the method of blocking CD38 in expanded natural killer (NK) cell therapy in combination with daratumumab in patients with multiple myeloma. Our in vitro studies have already confirmed the addition of NK cells to myeloma cells that have been exposed to daratumumab enhances myeloma killing compared to single agent treatment.

Human Monoclonal Antibodies to Generate Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cells to Treat Patients with Advanced Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC).

This technology includes six human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target tumor antigens derived from the CT-RCC HERV-E (human endogenous retrovirus type E) to generate Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells to treat patients with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). These mAbs were identified from Adagene Inc’s human antibody phage library, and data show that majority of these mAbs only bind to CT-RCC HERV-E+ ccRCC cells, which express TM but not CT-RCC HERV-E non-expressing ccRCC cells nor non-RCC cells.

Method to Detect and Quantify In Vivo Mitophagy

This technology includes a transgenic reporter mouse that expresses a fluorescent protein called mt-Keima, to be used to detect and quantify in vivo mitophagy. This fluorescent protein was originally described by a group in Japan and shown to be able to measure both the general process of autophagy and mitophagy. We extended these results by creating a living animal so that we could get a measurement for in vivo mitophagy. Our results demonstrate that our mt-Keima mouse allows for a straightforward and practical way to quantify mitophagy in vivo.

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