Mice with a Floxed Allele of the alpha Subunit of the Heterotrimeric G Protein Go or Gi2

Heterotrimeric G proteins couple signals between GPCRs (G protein coupled receptors) and effectors such as adenylyl cyclase, phospholipase C and ion channels. Among the G proteins are Go and Gi2. Go is highly expressed in the brain and some endocrine tissues while Gi2 is widely expressed throughout the body. The ß?-subunits of Go interact with ion channels, and the a subunit has been shown to inhibit adenylyl cyclase. However a physiological role of the Gi2a has not been determined in a tissue specific manner.

TRPC Knockout (KO) Mice and Mice with a Floxed Allele of TRPC Ion Channel Genes

TRPCs (Canonical Transient Receptor Potential Channels) are a group of non-selective cation channels that allow sodium and calcium into cells. There are seven different genes in mice that code TRPCs. The in vivo roles played by TRPCs as a whole are poorly understood and very little is known about the in vivo roles played by individual TRPCs nor the role of these channels in specific tissues or cells.

Alloreactive T Cell Depletion Method For Preventing Graft-Versus-Host Disease

The invention relates to the use of adenosine to deplete alloreactive T cells from donor grafts to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The method includes culturing donor cells that include T cells with recipient antigen presenting cells (APCs) to form a mixture of cells. The recipient’s APCs activate donor T cells. The activated T cells are treated with high doses of adenosine or an adenosine-like molecule to decrease or inhibit viability of the activated donor T-cells.

Bispecific Antibody Targeting Anthrax Toxins and Capsule for Enhanced Biodefense

The technology focuses on the development of a tetravalent bispecific antibody effective against Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium responsible for anthrax. This antibody combines the specificities of two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs): one targeting anthrax protective antigen (PA) and the other targeting the bacterial capsule. The anti-PA mAb shows potent toxin-neutralizing activity, while the anti-capsule mAb efficiently kills anthrax bacteria.

A Novel Rapid Point-of Care Diagnostic Method for Infectious and Autoimmune Diseases

Rapid point-of-care, antibody-based testing is not available for the diagnosis of autoimmune and most infectious diseases. For detecting autoantibodies associated with most autoimmune conditions, fluid-phase immunoprecipitation assays are required. However, these assays usually involve radioactivity and are not feasible for point-of-care applications. The subject invention describes methods of using neodymium magnet for diagnosis of infectious and autoimmune diseases including lupus, Sjögren's syndrome, type I diabetes, HIV and Lyme disease.

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.

Thyclotide Peptide Conjugates With Cell Permeability And Inhibitory Activity

Thyclotides are oligomeric molecules with chiral tetrahydrofuran (THF) diamine units consisting of either R,R or
S,S stereochemistry. Thyclotide sequences with R,R stereochemistry bind to complementary DNA and RNA
sequences with strong affinity and sequence specificity, while thyclotides with S,S stereochemistry have a helical
handedness that does not allow binding to DNA or RNA. Thyclotides are cell permeable and can be used to
suppress microRNA activity in cells. Peptides are oligomeric molecules consisting of amino acids found in

Sidechain Functionalized S-Acylbenzamides With Anti-HIV Activity

HIV infection remains a major medical problem, with approximately 38 million people worldwide living with HIV. Nipamovir and SAMT-247 are simple and inexpensive small molecules that inactivate HIV virus by interference with final maturation steps of the virus. This mechanism provides a high barrier for HIV to develop resistance. In fact, lab experiments designed to encourage HIV to develop resistance to Nipamovir and SAMT-247 have all failed. In animal tests, Nipamovir and SAMT-247 do not display toxic side effects.

Device to Measure Muscle Contractile-Relaxant and Epithelial Bioelectric Responses of Perfused, Intact Tracheal Airways Tissue In Vitro

CDC and collaborative researchers have developed a device allowing for simultaneous measurement of smooth muscle contractile/relaxant activity and transepithelial potential difference (Vt) [or short circuit currents (Isc)] and resistance (Rt) within an intact airway in vitro. Investigation of the underlying mechanisms of lung diseases, such as asthma or cystic fibrosis, involves understanding the roles of airway smooth muscle and epithelium.
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