LZK and DLK Inhibitors to Target LZK and Suppress MYC Expression, Inhibit AKT Activation, and Promote Cancer Cell Death and Tumor Regression

This technology includes the use of LZK and DLK inhibitors to be used for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) or lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Specifically, we demonstrate that inhibitors that can be repurposed to target LZK suppresses LZK kinase-dependent stabilization of MYC and activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. In vivo preclinical cell line xenograft mouse model demonstrates that targeting LZK will suppress tumor growth. We also demonstrate that several additional compounds potently inhibit LZK and could serve as new therapeutic modalities.

Radiotherapy and Imaging Agent-based on Peptide Conjugated to Novel Evans Blue Derivatives with Long Half-life and High Accumulation in Target Tissue

This technology includes a newly designed, truncated Evans Blue (EB) form which allows labeling with metal isotopes for nuclear imaging and radiotherapy. Unlike previous designs, this new form of truncated EB confers site specific mono-labeling of desired molecules. The newly designed truncated EB form can be conjugated to various molecules including small molecules, peptides, proteins and aptamers to improve blood half-life and tumor uptake, and confer better imaging, therapy and radiotherapy.

Characterization and Comparison of LAD2 and LADR Mast Cell Lines: Insights into Mastocytosis and HIV Infection

LAD2 and LADR cell lines are invaluable tools in mast cell research, offering insights into mastocytosis and immune responses. Derived from CD34+ cells, LAD2 cells have been extensively used for over 18 years, while LADR cells, a newer variant, exhibit enhanced characteristics such as larger size, increased granulation, and faster doubling time. Both cell lines release granular contents upon FceRI aggregation and can be infected with various strains of HIV. LADR cells, in particular, show greater expression of certain surface receptors and mRNA compared to LAD2 cells.

TMC1, a Deafness-Related Gene

Hearing loss is a common communication disorder affecting nearly 1 in 1,000 children in the United States alone, and nearly 50% of adults by the age of eighty. Hearing loss can be caused by environmental and disease-related factors; however, hearing loss due to genetic factors accounts for approximately 50% of cases.

Stem Cell Factor-responsive FcepsilonRI Bearing Human Mast Cell Line LAD2

A human mast cell line LAD2 that more closely resembles normal in vivo and in vitro human mast cells by expressing functional FcepsilonRI receptors and responding to stem cell factor (SCF) with proliferation, as described in Leuk Res. 2003 Aug;27(8):677-82 and developed by the laboratory of Dr. Dean Metcalfe at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.  This cell line also releases mediators by cross-linking FcgammaRI (CD64) receptors and express FcgammaRII (CD32).

Mouse Monoclonal Antibodies Against Human IKKgamma/NEMO Protein

NF-kB has been found to be important in immune responses, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and in organ development. Several years ago it was discovered that an IKKgamma/NEMO protein was essential as an adaptor molecule to mediate TNF-alpha, IL-1, and oncoprotein induced activation of NF-kB. Mutation in IKKgamma/NEMO also results in two human genetic diseases, Familial incontinentia pigmenti and hypohidrotic/anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. The NIH announces mouse monoclonal antibodies to IKKgamma/NEMO that are far superior to other immunological reagents.

Phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) Taste Receptor

Bitter taste has evolved in mammals as a central warning signal against ingestion of poisonous or toxic compounds. However, many beneficial compounds are also bitter and taste masking of bitter tasting pharmaceutical compounds is a billion dollar industry. The diversity of compounds that elicit bitter-taste sensations is vast and more than two dozen members of the TAS2R bitter taste receptor gene family have been identified.

Haplotypes of Human Bitter Taste Receptor Genes

Bitter taste has evolved in mammals as a crucial, important warning signal against ingestion of poisonous or toxic compounds. However, many beneficial compounds are also bitter, and taste masking of bitter tasting pharmaceutical compounds is a billion dollar industry. The diversity of compounds that elicit bitter-taste sensations is very large and more than two dozen members of the T2R bitter taste receptor family have been identified. Individuals are now known to be genetically predisposed to respond or not to respond to the bitter taste of a number of substances.

GATA-3 Reporter Plasmids for Revealing Underlying Mechanisms in Breast Cancer

GATA-3 is a transcription factor that is highly expressed in normal cells of the mammary luminal epithelium. GATA-3 plays a regulatory role in determining the fate of cells in the mammary gland. Disruption of GATA-3 expression leads to defects in the development of mammary cells, including an inability to differentiate properly into the correct cell type. GATA-3 function is also disrupted in various breast cancer models indicating that GATA-3 has tumor suppressive properties in normal cells.