Cell-based High-throughput High-content Assays Using Glycolytic Enzymes for Drug Discovery

This technology includes an assay capable of monitoring glycosome formation for use in high throughput screening (HTS). The reversible assembly and disassembly of a multi-enzyme complex, known as the glycosome, visualized by GFP-labeled human phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK1), is employed as an intracellular marker in human cells to screen small molecule libraries under high-content imaging in a high-throughput fashion. The glycolytic enzymes have been proposed to form a multi-enzyme complex in the cell.

Galactose Kinase (GALK) Inhibitors for the Treatment of Galactosemia and Other Disorders of Galactose Metabolism

This technology includes selective inhibitors of the human enzyme galactokinase (EC 2.7.1.6), which may be useful for the treatment of Galactosemia and other diseases caused by aberrant galactose metabolism, including cancer. These compounds inhibit the first step in galactose metabolism, thereby eliminating the build-up of toxic metabolites during the aberrant metabolism of galactose, as well as inhibitor the entry of galactose into glycolysis and other downstream assays.

Compounds for Niemann Pick C and Other Lysosomal Storage Disorders

This technology includes compounds that improve endoplasmic reticulum-lysosomal trafficking and normalizes the Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) phenotype in assays using NPC1 patient cells, which can be used for the treatment of NPC, other lysosomal storage disorders, and potentially other neurodegenerative disorders. NPC is a rare neurodegenerative lipidosis caused by mutations in NPC1 or NPC2 genes, and characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol and glycolipids in the late endosomes and lysosomes. Currently there is no FDA-approved treatment for this devastating neurodegenerative disease.

Potency Assay for Membrane Transporter Protein-based Drugs Acting on Antioxidant, Redox, and Apoptosis Response Pathways

This technology includes a method of analyzing the potency of membrane transporter protein-based drugs acting on intracellular antioxidant and redox response pathways (and associated apoptosis pathways), wherein the drug delivery and activity is lipid associated. The present invention is a cell-based bioassay for measuring the bioactivity of drug substance and formulated drug product by determining the drug's dose-dependent inhibitory effects on 4 hydroxynonenal (4-HNE)-induced antioxidant response element (ARE) activity.

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.

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.

Treatment of primary hyperoxalurias with small molecule lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors such as WO2018005807A1

This technology includes the use of novel lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) inhibitors, including WO2018005807A1, for the treatment of primary hyperoxalurias (PHs). PHs are rare autosomal recessive disorders caused by overproduction of oxalate, leading to recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stone disease, and in some cases end-stage renal disease. One potential strategy to treat PHs is to reduce the production of oxalate by diminishing the activity of LDH, the proposed key enzyme responsible for converting glyoxylate to oxalate.