CRISPR-Mediated Gene Inhibition and Neuronal Differentiation in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) Lines

This invention includes human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines that harbor a single copy dCas9-BFP-KRAB at the CLYBL safe harbor locus (mediating CRISPR inhibition of human gene expression) and/or a single copy of dox-inducible NGN2 at the AAVS1 locus (enabling the differentiation of the iPSCs into neurons). The CRISPR-mediated inhibition of human gene expression is maintained into the differentiated neurons, permitting functional studies of targeted genes in neurons.

Rapid and Robust Differentiation of Human iPSCs into Motor Neurons

This technology includes a system that allows for robust differentiation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) into motor neurons within a time frame of 7 to 10 days. To differentiate the iPSC, a stable transgene is inserted into the CLYBL safe harbor locus in the human genome using TALENs. The transgene allows for doxycycline-inducible expression of the transcription factors (NGN2, ISL1, and LHX3) that are needed for the cells to differentiate to motor neurons. The technology is described in detail in the protocol paper published by Fernandopulle et al, cited below.

Pink1 Knockout HeLa Cells for Studying Parkinson Disease

The technology includes Pink1 knockout HeLa cells that were generated using CRISPR technology. Pink1 is the key master gene to trigger degradation of mitochondria, mitophagy, and is implicated in familial Parkinson Disease. Knocking out Pink1 allows us to study the roles of Pink1 in many aspects of mitophagy and to display Pink1-dependent or independent activity. To create the HeLa cells, two CRISPR gRNAs targeting exon 1 and exon 7 of the Pink1 genome were used for transfection with Cas9 and GFP-C1 reporter. Cells were sorted 2 days after transfection and plated out in 96-well plates.

A HeLa Cell Line that Activates the Parkinson Disease-Related PINK1/Parkin Pathways in Mitochondria

This invention includes HeLa cells that are engineered to inducibly express a mutant form of ornithine decarboxylase that is targeted to the mitochondrial matrix and forms insoluble protein aggregates. The presence of unfolded proteins in the matrix causes the accumulation of the mitochondrial kinase PINK1 and the E3 ubiquitin ligase PARK2/Parkin. These proteins play a critical role in degrading the mitochondria where they are expressed, a process call mitophagy. Mutations in these two genes are associated with familial Parkinson disease.

Discovery of imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazines with Anticancer Properties

This technology includes a series of imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazines that display potent inhibition of FLT3, as well as potent binding and activity against FLT3 tyrosine kinase domain and gatekeeper mutations. This chemotype exhibits superior anti-leukemic activity against the common clinically-relevant FLT3-mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in vitro and in vivo. Tyrosine kinase domain mutations are a common cause of acquired resistance to FLT3 inhibitors used to treat FLT3-mutant AML.

Discovery of imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazines with Anticancer Properties

This technology includes a series of imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazines that display potent inhibition of FLT3, as well as potent binding and activity against FLT3 tyrosine kinase domain and gatekeeper mutations. This chemotype exhibits superior anti-leukemic activity against the common clinically-relevant FLT3-mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in vitro and in vivo. Tyrosine kinase domain mutations are a common cause of acquired resistance to FLT3 inhibitors used to treat FLT3-mutant AML.

Discovery of an imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with Anticancer Properties

This technology includes a series of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with potent inhibition of FLT3, which retains potent binding and activity against FLT3 tyrosine kinase domain and gatekeeper mutations. This chemotype exhibits superior anti-leukemic activity against the common clinically-relevant FLT3-mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in vitro and in vivo. Tyrosine kinase domain mutations are a common cause of acquired resistance to FLT3 inhibitors used to treat FLT3-mutant AML. This invention builds upon an earlier IP position with new analogs.

Discovery of imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazines with Anticancer Properties

This technology includes a series of imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazines that display potent inhibition of FLT3, as well as potent binding and activity against FLT3 tyrosine kinase domain and gatekeeper mutations. This chemotype exhibits superior anti-leukemic activity against the common clinically-relevant FLT3-mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in vitro and in vivo. Tyrosine kinase domain mutations are a common cause of acquired resistance to FLT3 inhibitors used to treat FLT3-mutant AML.

Discovery of an imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with Anticancer Properties

This technology includes a series of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with potent inhibition of FLT3, which retains potent binding and activity against FLT3 tyrosine kinase domain and gatekeeper mutations. This chemotype exhibits superior anti-leukemic activity against the common clinically-relevant FLT3-mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in vitro and in vivo. Tyrosine kinase domain mutations are a common cause of acquired resistance to FLT3 inhibitors used to treat FLT3-mutant AML. This invention builds upon an earlier IP position with new analogs.

Preparation of Substituted Diarylpropanamides as RORgt Antagonists for the Treatment of Th17-related Autoimmune Diseases

This technology includes a series of diphenylpropanamides as potent and selective RORgt inhibitors for the treatment of Th17-related autoimmune diseases. The retinoic acid-related orphan receptor RORgt plays an important role in the differentiation of thymocytes, lymphoid tissue inducer cells, and inflammatory T helper-expressing interleukin 17a (Th17) cells. Small molecule RORgt inhibitors may provide means to regulate Th17 mediated immune response. The novel molecules have potential to treat Th17-related autoimmune diseases.