Photoinduced Electron Transfer Fluorescent Primer for Nucleic Acid Amplification

CDC scientists have developed a rapid and cost-efficient method for generating fluorescently labeled primers for PCR and real-time PCR. At present, fluorescent primers are useful for detecting and identifying microbes and specific nucleic acid sequences, amplifying nucleic acids for pyro-sequencing, determining the levels of gene expression, and many other uses. However, problems exist with current techniques used to create fluorescent primers. For one, labeling is not one hundred percent efficient, leading to inaccurate results.

Use of Detector Response Curves to Optimize Settings for Mass Spectrometry

This CDC developed optimization technology allows one to characterize the behavior of the coefficient of variation (CV) for a range of mass spectrometer machine settings. Surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization (SELDI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) are used for the early detection of numerous diseases, for example cervical cancer . A critical step in the analytical process is the optimization of experiment and machine settings to ensure the best possible reproducibility of results, as measured by the CV.

Automated Microscopic Image Acquisition, Compositing and Display Software Developed for Applied Microscopy/Cytology Training and Analysis

Micro-Screen is a CDC developed software program designed to capture images and archive and display a compiled image(s) from a portion of a microscope slide in real time. This program allows for the re-creation of larger images that are constructed from individual microscopic fields captured in up to five focal planes and two magnifications. This program may be especially useful for the creation of data archives for diagnostic and teaching purposes and for tracking histological changes during disease progression.

Diagnostic Antigens for the Identification of Latent Tuberculosis Infection

CDC researchers have developed technology for sero-diagnosis of typically symptomless latent stage tuberculosis disease, posing a threat to individuals under immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory therapies. Specifically, this diagnostic approach exploits M. tuberculosis secreted latency specific antigens, such as alpha-crystallin, in the blood or urine of patients.

4-Amino-2-(piperidin-3-yl)isoindoline-1,3-diones as Anti-inflammatory Agents for Systemic Degenerative and Neurodegenerative Disorders

Summary:

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) seeks research co-development partners and/or licensees for the pre-clinical and clinical development of the compounds as anti-inflammatory therapeutics for systemic degenerative and neurodegenerative disorders.

Methods for Amelioration and Treatment of Pathogen-associated Inflammatory Response

This CDC invention provides methods for preventing or treating inflammatory response-linked, infection induced pathologies, which are mediated by endogenous substance P. Substance P is a naturally-occurring and major pro-inflammatory neuromediator or neuromodulator, and elevated levels of substance P have been implicated in numerous inflammation-associated diseases. More specifically, this technology entails administration of anti-substance P antibodies or anti-substance P antibody fragments to a subject in need, thereby inhibiting the activity of endogenous substance P.

Human iPSC-Derived Mesodermal Precursor Cells and Differentiated Cells

Cells, cell culture methods, and cell culture media compositions useful for producing and maintaining iPSC-derived cell lines that are of higher purity and maintain cell type integrity better than current iPSC-derived cell lines are disclosed. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be generated by reprogramming somatic cells by the expression of four transcription factors. The hiPSCs exhibit similar properties to human embryonic stem cells, including the ability to self-renew and differentiate into all three embryonic germ layers: ectoderm, endoderm, or mesoderm.

Preparation of Substituted Diarylpropanamides as RORgt Antagonists for the Treatment of Th17-related Autoimmune Diseases

This technology includes a series of diphenylpropanamides as potent and selective RORgt inhibitors for the treatment of Th17-related autoimmune diseases. The retinoic acid-related orphan receptor RORgt plays an important role in the differentiation of thymocytes, lymphoid tissue inducer cells, and inflammatory T helper-expressing interleukin 17a (Th17) cells. Small molecule RORgt inhibitors may provide means to regulate Th17 mediated immune response. The novel molecules have potential to treat Th17-related autoimmune diseases.

Rabbit Antisera to Various Matrix, Matricellular, and Other Secreted Proteins

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of a group of proteins that regulate many cellular functions, such as cell shape, adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Deregulation of ECM protein production or function contributes to many pathological conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthrosclerosis, and cancer. Scientists at the NIH have developed antisera against various ECM components such as proteoglycan, sialoprotein, collagen, etc.. These antisera can be used as research tools to study the biology of extracellular matrix molecules.