Generation of Artificial Mutation Controls for Diagnostic Testing

This technology relates to a method of generating artificial compositions that can be used as positive controls in a genetic testing assay, such as a diagnostic assay for a particular genetic disease. Such controls can be used to confirm the presence or absence of a particular genetic mutation. The lack of easily accessible, validated mutant controls has proven to be a major obstacle to the advancement of clinical molecular genetic testing, validation, quality control (QC), quality assurance (QA), and required proficiency testing.

Automated Microscopic Image Acquisition, Compositing and Display Software Developed for Applied Microscopy/Cytology Training and Analysis

Micro-Screen is a CDC developed software program designed to capture images and archive and display a compiled image(s) from a portion of a microscope slide in real time. This program allows for the re-creation of larger images that are constructed from individual microscopic fields captured in up to five focal planes and two magnifications. This program may be especially useful for the creation of data archives for diagnostic and teaching purposes and for tracking histological changes during disease progression.

Method to Detect and Quantify In Vivo Mitophagy

This technology includes a transgenic reporter mouse that expresses a fluorescent protein called mt-Keima, to be used to detect and quantify in vivo mitophagy. This fluorescent protein was originally described by a group in Japan and shown to be able to measure both the general process of autophagy and mitophagy. We extended these results by creating a living animal so that we could get a measurement for in vivo mitophagy. Our results demonstrate that our mt-Keima mouse allows for a straightforward and practical way to quantify mitophagy in vivo.

A Preclinical Orthotopic Model for Glioblastoma Multiforme that Represents Key Pathways Aberrant in Human Brain Cancer

Current therapies for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the highest grade malignant brain tumor, are mostly ineffective, and better preclinical model systems are needed to increase the successful translation of drug discovery efforts into the clinic. Scientists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have developed and characterized an orthotopic genetically engineered mouse (GEM)-derived model of GBM that closely recapitulates various human GBM subtypes and is useful for preclinical evaluation of candidate therapeutics.

Fluorinated MU-Opioid Receptor Agonists

Summary: 
Investigators at the National Institute on Drug Abuse seek co-development partners and/or licensees for collection of mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonists as alternatives for existing compounds.

Description of Technology: 
Although existing opioids are excellent analgesics and useful as positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers, they come with debilitating side effects. These include addiction, respiratory distress, hyperalgesia, and constipation. Therefore, there is a need for alternatives with lower adverse effects.

Intralipid as a Contrast Agent to Enhance Subsurface Blood Flow Imaging

This technology includes a blood flow imaging method that allows for a higher density of smaller particles to be detected. Current imaging methods that are based on Doppler measurements are limited by the discontinuity in the capillary flow in the space between red blood cells. The core technology is to use a scattering agent to enhance capillary flow or microcirculation. This technology has been tested for optical coherence Doppler tomography, but can be expended to any Doppler based flow imaging techniques such as laser speckle imaging.

Multichannel Individualized Seizure Therapy (MIST) Device

The Multichannel Individualized Stimulation Therapy (MIST) device is a multichannel electrical stimulation system that can be used for targeted, individualized electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), especially for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Millions of individuals suffer from TRD, for which ECT is often the most efficacious and rapidly acting treatment option.

P2Y14 Receptor Antagonists for the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases, Including Pulmonary and Renal Conditions and Chronic Pain

This technology includes the development of selective P2Y14R antagonists for the treatment of asthma, sterile inflammation of the kidney, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. The P2Y14 receptor (P2Y14R) is a target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, including pulmonary and renal conditions. Selective P2Y14R antagonists have demonstrated efficacy in animal models of asthma, pain, diabetes, and acute kidney injury. However, the prototypical antagonist is not optimal for in vivo administration, as it displays a low oral bioavailability.

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