Locally Delivered Alkaline Phosphatase for Treatment of Periodontal Disease

This technology includes a product for local delivery of alkaline phosphatase for the treatment of periodontal disease. Our laboratory has discovered that factors regulating phosphate metabolism and specifically the appropriate balance between phosphate (Pi) and pyrophosphate (PPi) at local sites are needed for formation (development), maintenance and regeneration of the tooth root surface (cementum), periodontal ligament (PDL) and surrounding alveolar bone, i.e., the periodontal apparatus.

Methods of Treating or Preventing Pruritis (Itch)

This technology provides a novel method of treating or preventing pruritis (itch) using natriuretic polypeptide b (Nppb) blocking agents. Itch (also known as pruritis) is a sensation that may be perceived as an unpleasant skin irritation and may drive an urge to scratch. Conditions such as, for example, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, renal failure, liver cirrhosis and some cancers may cause persistent itch. Itch is triggered by somatosensory neurons expressing the ion channel TRPV1 (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1).

Potential New Drugs for Treating or Preventing Pruritus

NIH scientists have identified new compositions that could potentially be used to treat or prevent pruritus (itchiness). The newly discovered compounds can block a newly identified itch pathway and might be effective for persistent itch caused by psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, renal failure, liver cirrhosis and chemotherapy. These compounds are different from commonly used antihistamines which induce drowsiness and sedation. These compounds have the potential to be used for human and animals.

KCNN4 Knockout Mice for Mechanistic Research

This technology includes a transgenic allele for a mouse knockout model for the KCNN4 gene. Secretion of fluids from these salivary glands requires the coordination of multiple water and ion channel proteins. Notably, the majority of these channels have been shown to be up-regulated by increased calcium concentrations. The relevant calcium-activated potassium channels are split into the small, intermediate, and large conductance channels (called the SK, IK, and BK channels). The KCNN4 gene plays a part in the IK and BK channels.

3D Bioprinting of Cardiac Patch with Anisotropic and Perfusable Architecture for the Repair of Damaged Cardiac Muscle

This technology includes a novel cardiac patch which was 3D printed to repair damaged cardiac tissue. Based on biological and anatomical understanding of myocardial tissue, a novel 3D bioprinting technique was developed to directly fabricate the cellularized and vascularized cardiac patch with anisotropic fiber and perfusable vessel architecture. The design will integrate biomimetic aligned myocardial fibers and perfusable blood vessels to create a thick, functional cardiac patch, suitable for the human heart implantation.

Stapled Peptides for Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases and Inflammation

The invention is directed to small molecule mimetics of apolipoproteins that have an inter-helical hydrocarbon bond, which stabilizes helix formation.

Apolipoproteins facilitate the transport of lipids and cholesterol in the body. Mimetics of apolipoproteins have been used to treat cholesterol-related disorders. However, these mimetics are susceptible to degradation in biological fluids and as a result, their ability to bind cholesterol becomes diminished over time.

Polyclonal Antibodies to Apolipoprotein L1 for Use in Basic Science Research

This technology includes antibodies to apolipoprotein L1 (ApoL 1) to be used in basic science laboratory studies. ApoL 1 is a protein that is present within cells and circulates as component of high-density lipoprotein. Its functions are not well understood. Recently APOL 1 genetic variants have been shown to be highly associated with kidney disease in African Americans.

A Highly Efficient Differentiation Protocol for Placental Cells Derived from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

This technology includes a robust and highly efficient protocol that differentiates human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into the developmental precursor of placental cells, the trophectoderm (TE), under chemically defined conditions. The in vitro generation of TE cells holds great promise for modeling diseases of the placenta, drug screening, and cell-based therapies.

Glucocerebrosidase Activators as a Treatment for Gaucher Disease

This technology is a collection of small molecule activators of a genetically defective version of the enzyme called glucocerebrosidase (GCase), which causes Gaucher disease. Gaucher disease is a rare disease affecting 1 in 40,000 babies born. Ashkenazi Jews of eastern European descent (about 1 in 800 live births) are at particular risk of carrying this genetic defect. It is caused by inherited genetic mutations in the gene that encodes GCase, which result in reduced activity of the enzyme.