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.

Oxytocin Conditional Knockout Mouse Model for Studying Behavioral Effects

This invention relates to a novel mouse model that permits temporal and spatial inactivation of the oxytocin receptor. Oxytocin is a neurohormone that has been associated with human diseases such as autism and schizophrenia. The use of animal models to study oxytocin disease progression has been invaluable. However, existing mouse models have been limited to knockouts which leads to early mortality. Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) generated the conditional oxytocin receptor knockout mice using the Cre-loxP and FLP-FRT systems.

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.

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.

Intralipid as a Contrast Agent to Enhance Subsurface Blood Flow Imaging

This technology includes a blood flow imaging method that allows for a higher density of smaller particles to be detected. Current imaging methods that are based on Doppler measurements are limited by the discontinuity in the capillary flow in the space between red blood cells. The core technology is to use a scattering agent to enhance capillary flow or microcirculation. This technology has been tested for optical coherence Doppler tomography, but can be expended to any Doppler based flow imaging techniques such as laser speckle imaging.

Multichannel Individualized Seizure Therapy (MIST) Device

The Multichannel Individualized Stimulation Therapy (MIST) device is a multichannel electrical stimulation system that can be used for targeted, individualized electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), especially for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Millions of individuals suffer from TRD, for which ECT is often the most efficacious and rapidly acting treatment option.

P2Y14 Receptor Antagonists for the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases, Including Pulmonary and Renal Conditions and Chronic Pain

This technology includes the development of selective P2Y14R antagonists for the treatment of asthma, sterile inflammation of the kidney, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. The P2Y14 receptor (P2Y14R) is a target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, including pulmonary and renal conditions. Selective P2Y14R antagonists have demonstrated efficacy in animal models of asthma, pain, diabetes, and acute kidney injury. However, the prototypical antagonist is not optimal for in vivo administration, as it displays a low oral bioavailability.

Zip14-AAV Genetic MRI Reporter System for Non-Invasive Cell & Gene-Therapy Tracking

This technology includes a gene-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reporter platform that harnesses adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivery of the metal transporter Zip14 to create image contrast wherever the gene is expressed. By driving Zip14 from cell-specific promoters, investigators obtain robust, long-lasting signal changes on standard clinical MRI sequences (e.g., MPRAGE and GRE), enabling real-time visualization of living cells and their gene-expression patterns.

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.