Rescue of AAV Production by shRNA Co-transfection

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are proving to be a valid, safe and efficient gene transfer system for clinical applications. As most vectors utilize constitutive promoters, this results in transgene expression in the producer cell. Some of these transgene products can induce proapoptotic, cytostatic or other unknown effects that interfere with producer cell function. Therefore, this reduces the viral vector yield and is a major limitation when trying to characterize poorly described genes.

Cloning and Characterization of an Avian Adeno-Associated Virus and Uses Thereof

Currently, adeno-associated virus (AAV) represents the gene therapy vehicle of choice because it has many advantages over current strategies for therapeutic gene insertion. AAV is less pathogenic than other virus types; stably integrates into dividing and non-dividing cells; integrates at a consistent site in the host genome; and shows good specificity towards various cell types for targeted gene delivery.

A Mouse Model for Human Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and affects more than 20 million Americans, costing billions of dollars in health care annually. Osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage, leading to a loss of the cartilage "cushion" between the bones of the joints. Risk factors associated with OA include age, obesity, traumatic injury and overuse due to sports or occupational stresses. There is no cure for OA and current treatments are directed at the symptomatic relief of pain, and at improving and maintaining joint function.

AAV4 Vector and Uses Thereof

The invention described and claimed in this patent application relates to the delivery of heterologous nucleic acids or genes to particular target cells. In particular, the application relates to methods of delivering a heterologous nucleic acid or gene of interest to particular target cells using Adeno-Associated Virus of serotype 4 (AAV4). The particular target cells identified are the ependymal cells of the brain. The methods described herein may be useful in carrying out gene therapy for diseases of the brain or central nervous system.

AAV5 Vector for Transducing Brain Cells and Lung Cells

The invention described and claimed in this patent application is related to the delivery of heterologous nucleic acids or genes to particular target cells. In particular, the application relates to methods of delivering a heterologous nucleic acid or gene of interest to particular target cells using an Adeno-Associated Virus of serotype 5 (AAV5). The particular target cells identified include the alveolar cells of the lung and cerebellar and ependymal cells of the brain.

Assay for the Detection of a Variety of Tumors in Biological Specimens

The inventors have developed methods and reagents for the detection of bone sialoprotein (BSP) in biological samples. The technology relates to the disruption of a serum complex that masks the majority of BSP from established detection systems. Furthermore, there is evidence that there may be a more acidic form of BSP secreted not by normal bone, but only by tumors. Detection of BSP in serum may be a good marker of various bone diseases and a variety of cancers including breast, prostate, lung, and thyroid.

Methods and Compositions for the Inhibition of SARS-CoV Replication Propagation and Transmission

Available for licensing and commercial development is a method of inhibiting SARS-CoV replication, propagation and transmission using 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9-dien-28-oic (CDDO). Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is an infectious atypical pneumonia that has recently been recognized in patients in 32 countries and regions. The atypical pneumonia with unknown etiology was initially observed in Guangdong Province, China.

Monoclonal Antibodies that Neutralize <i>B. anthracis</i> Protective Antigen (PA), Lethal Factor (LF) and Edema Factor (EF)

Anthrax, whether resulting from natural or bioterrorist-associated exposure, is a constant threat to human health. The lethality of anthrax is primarily the result of the effects of anthrax toxin, which has 3 components: a receptor-binding protein known as "protective antigen" (PA) and 2 catalytic proteins known as "lethal factor" (LF) and "edema factor" (EF). Although production of an efficient anthrax vaccine is an ultimate goal, the benefits of vaccination can be expected only if a large proportion of the population at risk is immunized.

Micropatterning of Extracellular Matrix Proteins Using Microphoto-ablation Of Poly vinyl Alcohol (PVA) Monolayers

Available for licensure and commercial development is a micro-photoablation (µPA) method used as a micro-patterning technique to attach ECM proteins or other biological molecules to specified locations. Advantages of this photolytic technique are that it: (a) is stampless, (b) allows for flexible pattern generation to the submicron level, (c) allows for live cell fluorescence imaging, retains cell viability, and (d) allows the use of multiple proteins.