Discovery of Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines for the Treatment of Blood Cancers

This technology includes a series of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines that potently inhibit FLT3, which can be utilized as an anticancer agent. These molecules retain potent binding and activity against FLT3 tyrosine kinase domain and gatekeeper mutations. This chemotype exhibits superior anti-leukemic activity against clinically-relevant FLT3-mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in vitro and in vivo. Tyrosine kinase domain mutations are a common cause of acquired resistance to FLT3 inhibitors used to treat FLT3-mutant AML.

O-GlcNAc Transferase (OGT) Inhibitors for the Treatment of Cancer and Viral Infections

This technology includes small molecule inhibitors of O-linked N-acetyl glucosamine (OGlcNAc) transferase (OGT) as molecular probes to better understand OGT function in cell homeostasis, and to eventually be used as therapeutic agents against cancer and to reduce viral replication. OGT is a ubiquitous enzyme catalyzing the transfer of N-acetylglucosamine to the serine or threonine residues of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. This cellular process is tightly regulated and is sensitive to levels of cellular stress and of nutrients levels.

Optimized Nucleotide Sequence for RLIP-76 - A Membrane-associated Lipid Peroxidation Transporter for Radiation Poisoning

This technology includes a codon optimized expression vector for the high expression and production of RLIP-76 which can be used to provide protection from radiation. RLIP-76 is a multifunctional membrane protein that transports glutathione conjugates of electrophilic compounds outside the cell. The sequence was generated with codon bias alterations, reduction of secondary structure, lowering of GC content, and removal of cryptic elements that could affect expression in E.coli.

Novel Dual 5-lipoxgenase and East CYP51 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Dandruff

This technology includes a newly designed chemical molecule that is both an antifungal agent, by inhibiting CYP51, and an anti-inflammatory agent, by inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase, for the treatment of dandruff. Both of these properties would be useful for antifungal treatments, and both of these attributes are required to combat dandruff. However, typical therapies involve treating the infection and inflammation separately.

A Method for the Measurement of Cellular FMRP Levels for High Throughput Screening and Diagnosis of Fragile X Syndrome

This technology includes a precise measurement assay of cellular FMRP levels in patients, which can assist in the diagnosis and assess the severity of Fragile X syndrome (FXS). FXS is an X-linked disorder that produces intellectual disability, cognitive impairment, epilepsy, depression and anxiety. FXS is caused by mutations in the Fragile X Mental Retardation-1 (FMR1) gene that result in the absence or a loss of function of its protein product, FMRP.

AMPK Modulators for Treatment of Niemann Pick Type C Disease

This technology includes a group of eight AMPK activating compounds to be further developed for the treatment of Niemann Pick Type C (NPC) disease. Through the recent molecular biology and pharmacological experiments, we have identified the cyclodextrin which directly binds to beta-subunits of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMP), resulting in subsequently activations of AMPK and AMPK linked autophagy, and restoration of autophagy function that is impaired in the NPC cells.

Small Molecule Inhibitors of the p53/S100B Interaction for Treating Cancer

This technology includes newly identified best-in-class inhibitors of the p53-S100B interaction that plays a role in malignant melanoma. S100B contributes to cancer cell proliferation (particularly malignant melanoma) by binding to p53 and inhibiting its tumor suppressor function. A high-throughput screen was used to find p53-S100B inhibitors, leading to the identification of a putative inhibitor, which was then subjected to medicinal chemistry optimization. Structure-based design was then used to develop compounds with significantly improved potency.

A Novel Chemical Series for Inhibiting Bromodomain-containing Protein 4 (BRD4) for Treating Cancer

This technology includes the design, synthesis, and use of a novel chemical series for multiple treatments, including for treating cancer. A series of substituted bicyclic heteroaryl small molecules were found to be a potent inhibitor of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) for multiple uses, including cancer. A BRD4 inhibitor is in a class of drugs known as BET inhibitors that are used broadly as anti-inflammatories and as anti-cancer agents. The chemical series exhibited less hepatocyte toxicity compared to existing treatments.

A Cell Line that Expresses secNluc and GFP to Recapitulate PMP22 Gene Expression for Studying Peripheral Neuropathy

This technology includes a cell line that expresses two reporters (a secreted luciferase, secNLuc, and GFP) in a pattern that recapitulates the endogenous expression of the peripheral myelin protein 22 (Pmp22) gene. Pmp22 is mainly expressed in the Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system. Many neurological disorders are associated with aberrations in Schwann cells, including the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. This cell line will permit the study of the regulatory elements behind the gene.

Sensor for Real-time Detection of Plasma Metabolites Levels for the Diagnosis and Care of Metabolic Disorders

This technology includes the development of devices capable of real-time evaluation of metabolite levels for the treatment of numerous metabolic disorders, including hyperammonemia and aminoacidopathies. Currently, the monitoring of metabolite levels is done in a hospital setting with specialized mass spectrometry instrumentation. As a consequence, susceptible patients who are undergoing a crisis need to visit the hospital for testing to determine if there is a metabolite disturbance.