This technology includes a viral vector for delivering gene therapy to the inner ear as a treatment for hearing loss and dizziness. We have found that AAv2.7m8 is able to infect multiple cell types in the mammalian inner ear with high efficiency.
This technology includes the use of atorvastatin, a medication to manage hypercholesterolemia, as a method to protect patients receiving cisplatin from hearing loss. Cisplatin chemotherapy is indicated in various cancer types in adults and children and is known to cause hearing loss. A patient on atorvastatin during chemotherapy is 46% less likely to acquire a significant cisplatin-induced hearing loss relative to a non-statin user. Atorvastatin is an FDA-approved medication routinely prescribed and well-tolerated clinically.
This technology includes a method to identify potentially therapeutic microRNAs in cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). This approach first utilizes a large and publicly available expression dataset, which is then validated by a smaller independent dataset to determine deregulated microRNAs expression. These results are then intersected with in vitro functional anti-proliferative screening data to select for microRNAs that play a functional tumor suppressive role and likely serve as therapeutic targets.
This technology includes a clinical diagnostic tool for measuring vitamin C elimination by human kidneys that can be used for detecting, monitoring, and managing acute and chronic diseases. Findings revealed significant associations between vitamin C renal leak status and clinical variables affecting renal function and blood glucose. The technology uses vitamin C depletion-repletion kinetics and pharmacokinetic models to establish a physiological vitamin C renal threshold.
Researchers at the NCI Center for Molecular Microscopy invented a device to hold transmission electron microscopy grids that allows adherent mammalian cells to be grown on it, as well as the 3D printing software to create the holder. The TEM cell grid holder solves the difficulty of lifting the TEM grid out of a plate without bending or damaging the grid. The holder can be reproduced in various sizes with 3D printing.
Researchers at the NCI Laboratory for Cell Biology have invented a device to guide a stream of oxygen or carbon dioxide over a dish of cells during fluorescence microscopy. The invention includes the 3D printing software to create the device. The device facilitates application of a steady source of oxygen or carbon dioxide to cells while operating a fluorescent microscope to oxidize fluorophores for subsequent visualization via electron microscopy.
Scientists at the National Cancer Institute developed a cell line designated A549 that was derived from explanted cultures of human lung cancer tissue. The A549 cell line has been tested under the guidance of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) so, under current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), these cells may be suitable for use in manufacturing constructs for use in clinical trials.
Cell culture investigations using spheroids and organoid models have had a major impact on biomedical advancement as alternative sources for costly, in vivo animal testing. However, these 3-D cell constructs are limited in that they do not integrate extracellular components within the structure important for more reliable and accurate biological responses. Extracellular matrix (ECM) from decellularized tissues provide a physical scaffolding and offers crucial biochemical and biomechanical cues for cellular constituents.
Aberrant function of the WNT-b-catenin pathway is a common underlying cause of tumorigenesis. Despite the attractiveness of the WNT-b-catenin pathway as a therapeutic target, WNT dependent cell signaling is also crucial for normal tissue development, and is ubiquitous in all organs. As a result, WNT-b-catenin pathway inhibitors cause many side effects and fail to meet FDA safety standards. A more targeted approach is needed to develop safe and effective WNT signaling inhibitors.
Extracellular Vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, are nanometer-sized membranous vesicles that can carry different types of cargos, such as proteins, nucleic acids and metabolites. EVs are produced and released by most cell types. They act as biological mediators for intercellular communication via delivery of their cargos. This unique ability spurred translational research interest for targeted delivery of therapeutic molecules to treat a wide range of diseases. EVs also contain interesting information of their specific cellular origin.