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.

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.

New Insect Sf9-ET Cell Line for Determining Baculovirus Titers

The baculovirus-based protein expression system has gained increased prominence as a method for expressing recombinant proteins that are used in a wide range of biomedical applications. An important step in the use of this system is the ability to determine the virus infectious titer, i.e., the number of active baculovirus particles produced during an infection of the insect host cell.

A peptide hydrogel for use in vascular anastomosis

In collaboration with surgery specialists from Johns Hopkins University, researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) developed novel hydrogel compositions and methods of using them in the microsurgical suturing of blood vessels, which is particularly beneficial for surgeons in whole tissue transplant procedures. The lead candidate electropositive hydrogels, called APC1, was demonstrated in anastomosis mice models to be well tolerated, biocompatible, and non-toxic.

Photoactivatable Lipid-based Nanoparticles as a Vehicle for Dual Agent Delivery

The invention relates to novel lipid-based nanoparticles (liposomes) for use in targeted, on demand and on site drug delivery. The particles include a wall surrounding a cavity, wherein the wall is comprised of:

  1. A lipid bilayer comprising 1,2-bis(tricosa-10,12-diynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DC8,9PC), dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-

phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-2000] (DSPE-PEG2000), and

Fluorescent Primer(s) Creation for Nucleic Acid Detection and Amplification

CDC researchers have developed technology that consists of a simple and inexpensive technique for creating fluorescent labeled primers for nucleic acid amplification. Fluorescent chemical-labeled probes and primers are extensively used in clinical and research laboratories for rapid, real-time detection and identification of microbes and genetic sequences. During nucleic acid amplification, the "UniFluor" primer is incorporated into newly synthesized double stranded DNA.

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.