Rapid Method for the Detection of Antigen-Specific Antibodies in Any Species

Currently available identification methods for antigen-specific antibodies require live pathogens, antisera (that are only available for a limited number of species), and species-specific secondary antibodies (also a limited resource). Thus, detection or surveillance of pathogens in wild avian species or zoo animals, for example, is complex and cumbersome.

Monoclonal Antibodies to the HIV-1 Core Protein p24

The core proteins of HIV-1 are secreted into the environment during replication in the human body. The detection of the core protein p24 (molecular mass of 24 kilodaltons) serves as an indicator of early HIV-1 infection, and assays detecting it have been available since the late 1980s. However, the development of a rapid assay for the detection of HIV-1 p24 has only recently become available.

Real-time RT-PCR assay for Detection of Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine for A and B Viruses

Upon intranasal vaccination, live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) viruses may replicate within the nose for several days. Current clinical diagnostic tests cannot distinguish between LAIV viruses and multiple influenza viruses in recently inoculated patients that present with respiratory symptoms. This poses a problem for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with respiratory symptoms, as these symptoms may not be caused by influenza. CDC researchers have developed a real-time RT-PCR assay to detect the presence of LAIV viruses.

Rabbit Antisera to Various Matrix, Matricellular, and Other Secreted Proteins

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of a group of proteins that regulate many cellular functions, such as cell shape, adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Deregulation of ECM protein production or function contributes to many pathological conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthrosclerosis, and cancer. Scientists at the NIH have developed antisera against various ECM components such as proteoglycan, sialoprotein, collagen, etc.. These antisera can be used as research tools to study the biology of extracellular matrix molecules.

A Genetic System in Yeast for Functional Identification of Human p53 Mutations

Mutations in the p53 gene are associated with 50% of all cancers and nearly 80% of the p53 mutations are missense changes. We have developed genetic assays based in yeast that can functionally categorize expressed p53 mutant proteins. The combined assays are referred to as the FIP53 system. Because human p53 cDNA can be conveniently cloned in yeast, the FIP53 system provides a rapid and sophisticated system for the functional analysis of p53 mutants. Four categories of mutations have already been identified.

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.

Materials And Methods For Detection And Treatment Of Insulin Dependent Diabetes

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) affects close to one million people in the United States. It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system produces antibodies that attack the body's own insulin-manufacturing cells in the pancreas. Patients require daily injections of insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. The invention identified two proteins, named IA-2 and IA-2beta, that are important markers for type I (juvenile, insulin-dependent) diabetes. IA-2/IA-2beta, when used in diagnostic tests, recognized autoantibodies in 70 percent of IDDM patients.

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.

Metallic Nanoparticles for Photothermal Therapy

The invention relates to the preparation and application of 20-150nm metallic nanoparticulate vesicles for photothermal anti-cancer therapy. The vesicles comprise metallic nanoparticles covalently bound to a hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymer. The preparation method generally entails dispersing a polymer-bound metallic nanoparticle in an organic solvent, adding an aqueous solution with a dispersing aid, sonicating the mixture, and finally removing the organic solvent until the vesicle forms.