This invention relates to a novel gammaretroviral vector packaging cell line and a method of producing gammaretroviral vectors suitable for gene therapy. The described vectors may contain the gibbon ape leukemia virus (GALV) envelope with a CD11D8 epitope tag enabling their purification on a monoclonal antibody conjugated column. These vectors have several advantages over existing systems, including a broader host range, higher infectivity, and lower potential for replication.

This technology includes a group of radioligands that label inflammatory cells specifically, accurately, and across different genotypes and can be detected using Positron Emission Tomography (PET). The radioligands target the Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) receptor which is present on the outer mitochondrial membrane and is involved in the production of steroids. Current TSPO radioligands either lack specificity or have highly variable inter-subject sensitivities due to TSPO genotypic differences.

This invention relates to a diagnostic kit for assessing exposure to or infection by a koala retrovirus. The kit consists of specific primers and probes for the detection of three distinct subtypes of infectious koala retrovirus and may be useful in various species, including humans, primates, and koalas.

This technology includes a group of radioligands that label inflammatory cells specifically, accurately, and across different genotypes and can be detected using Positron Emission Tomography (PET). The radioligands target the Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) receptor which is present on the outer mitochondrial membrane and is involved in the production of steroids. Current TSPO radioligands either lack specificity or have highly variable inter-subject sensitivities due to TSPO genotypic differences.

This technology relates to a mouse model that improves an existing method of disrupting the production of the BDNF protein in specific parts of the brain. A current avenue of research seeks to examine how gene expression may effect long-lasting changes in the nervous system. Previous work has resulted in a mouse line in which the production of BDNF was disrupted. However, these mice had an inadvertent genetic component left in: a neomycin cassette. This unintentional addition led to significant deleterious effects.

The invention is a panel of five tests of patient sera for immune responses that may attack the brain and lead to the characteristic symptoms of pediatric acute neurologic syndrome (PANS). PANS is a condition defined by a sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, eating restrictions, and other cognitive and/or behavioral symptoms. Currently, the diagnosis of PANS is made when other possible symptoms are ruled out, a diagnosis of exclusion.

This invention relates to novel mouse and rat models that permit the temporal death of neuronal precursor cells at any time point. Other existing methods of decreasing neurogenesis are relatively non-specific (e.g., injecting glucocorticoids) or require expensive equipment (e.g., focal x-irradiation)
These mice and rats are being used to inhibit adult neurogenesis in order to study the normal function of adult neurogenesis and to model disease states thought to feature decreased neurogenesis, such as chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.

The invention relates to rabbit antisera raised against purified human chymotrypsin and amylase. Both chymotrypsin and amylase are produced by the pancreas and play important roles in digestion. Abnormal levels of chymotrypsin and amylase have been known to occur with multiple pancreas-related disorders, including pancreatitis. Measuring levels of these two enzymes using these polyclonal antibodies can help determine if a pancreas is functioning correctly.

This invention relates to the stable and high-yield production of a high-potency toxin protein called DT390-EGF. This toxin was developed for the treatment of EGF-receptor-positive cancers, including bladder cancer. Initial methods for synthesizing DT390-EGF relied on the use of E. coli. However, the production in E. coli was difficult to prepare and had limited stability. Repeated efforts to standardize the process in E. coli gave poor yields, purity, and high variation.

This technology relates to a software package called NIMH DAO Toolbox that uses multithreading and a unique buffer structure to shorten gaps in sample readouts. Data acquisition devices running in continuous sampling mode collect data samples at a given sampling rate. The samples are typically stored in a memory buffer and read out at a regular interval. If the sampling rate is short enough, there can be a gap between the time the first sample is acquired and the time that sample is available to the user. This gap is typically on the order of tens of milliseconds.