Development of a polyclonal antibody that detects phosphorylated glutamate receptor 1 protein (GluA1 pS567)

This invention includes the generation and use of polyclonal antibodies that specifically recognize the glutamate receptor 1 protein that has been phosphorylated at Serine 567 (GluA1 pS567). Glutamate receptors are ligand-gated ion channels and are the predominant excitatory neurotransmitter receptor type in humans. A peptide sequence on the gene was selected surrounding the phosphorylation site. This peptide was then generated and injected into rabbits to create an immune response. Serum was then collected from the rabbit and the antibodies were affinity purified.

Development of monoclonal antibodies that detect specific forms of neurophysin bound to either vasopressin or oxytocin

This invention includes the generation and use of monoclonal antibodies that specifically recognize either arginine vasopressin (AVP) or oxytocin (OT) when bound to neurophysins. The neurophysins (NPs) are a family of proteins that bind to hormones as they are released from the hypothalamus and make their way to the pituitary gland. Monoclonal antibodies were generated that specifically recognize vasopressin bound to a neurophysin (NP-AVP) or oxytocin bound to a neurophysin (NP-OT). Seven monoclonal antibodies were characterized.

Development of a Rabbit Polyclonal Antibody for the pT707 Phosphorylated Site of Neuroligin-4 (NLHN4)

This technology includes the creation and use of a polyclonal antibody for Neuroligin-4, NLGN4, that was created by injecting a peptide surrounding the pT707 phosphorylation site into rabbits and affinity purifying the resulting serum. Neuroligin-4 is a member of the neuroligin family of cell adhesion proteins. This family has been shown to play a role in the maturation and function of the neuronal synapse and has been implicated in patients with autism and intellectual disability.

Treatment of Immune-mediated Brain Swelling with Combined Anti-LFA1/VLA4 Therapy

This technology includes a therapeutic approach to prevent secondary edema after cerebrovascular hemorrhage. Using an animal model, we found that edema is triggered by massive extravasation of myelomonocytic cells from the blood into the brain in response to hemorrhaging vessels. Administration of anti-LFA1 and anti-VLA4 antibodies resulted in an inhibition of extravasation of the myelomonocytic cells. This single dose treatment prevented secondary edema and markedly improved functional outcomes if administered within the first six hours following cerebrovascular hemorrhage.

Nanobody Therapeutics for SARS-CoV2

This technology includes the design and use of several nanobodies that bind to the SARS-CoV2 spike protein receptor binding domain and block spike protein interaction with the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Nanobodies are 12-15 kDa single-domain antibody fragments that are more stable and easier to produce in large quantities compared to conventional antibodies. SARS-CoV2 is the virus responsible for the COVID19 pandemic. The SARS-CoV2 spike protein is responsible for viral entry into human cells via interaction with ACE2 on the cell surface.

Luciferase Immunoprecipitation System (LIPS) for Point-of-care Diagnosis of COVID-19 Antibodies

This technology includes a sensitive and specific method to rapidly detect antibodies in biofluids. This assay has been used for the detection of antibodies in blood, urine, and saliva. Until now, no one has used LIPS to detect clinically relevant antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid (N) or Spike (S) in saliva. Briefly, LIPS employs recombinantly synthesized target proteins or peptides (e.g., S and N proteins) tagged with light-emitting proteins as targets to be captured by host produced immunoglobulins. These immunoglobulins can be captured by protein A/G beads and immobilized.

MLL3 (KMT2C), MLL4, PA1, UTX And PTIP Antibodies for the Treatment of Development Diseases and Cancers

This technology includes polyclonal antibodies against MLL3 (KMT2C), MLL4, PA1, UTX And PTIP for the development of treatments for development diseases and cancer. Enhancers play a central role in cell-type-specific gene expression and are marked by H3K4me1/2. Active enhancers are further marked by H3K27ac. However, the methyltransferases responsible for H3K4me1/2 on enhancers remain elusive. Furthermore, how these enzymes function on enhancers to regulate cell-type-specific gene expression is unclear.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate 1 (S1P1) Receptor Signaling Mouse for Therapeutic Development

This technology includes a mouse model for studying SiP1 receptor signaling for development of therapeutics for a variety of conditions. The S1P1 receptor locus of the mouse has been modified by gene targeting to encode a fusion of the S1P1 receptor and the tetracycline-controlled activator protein (tTA) connected by a Tobacco Etch Virus (TEV) cleavage sequence, internal ribosome initiation sequence (IRES), followed by a beta-arrestin-Tobacco Etch Virus (TEV) protease fusion protein. When activated, the modified S1P1 receptor binds the beta-arrestin-TEV protease fusion, which cleaves the tTA.