A BL21 (ED3) Codon Plus Competent Cell-derived Bacterial Strain for Research Use

This technology includes a bacterial strain derived from BL21 (ED3) CodonPlus Competent Cells containing an expression vector for human POLR2C gene for research purposes. The bacterial strain can be used to produce the full-length human RNA polymerase II subunit, RPB3 protein, which can be in turn isolated and purified.

Developing a Stable Cell as a Screening Tool for Environmental Chemicals

This technology includes a stable cell line (293T2-PGC) which has an intact PGC-1 alpha/ERR-alpha pathway to screen for environmental chemicals. The estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERR-alpha) and proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator - 1alpha (PGC-1 alpha) play critical roles in the control of several physiological functions, including the regulation of genes involved in energy homeostasis. However, little is known about the environmental chemicals that could disrupt or modulate this pathway leading to adverse health effects.

Inhibition of Epoxide Hydrolase 1 in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases

This technology includes EPHX1/EPHX2 null mice and showed that disruption of both EPHX1 and EPHX2 almost completely abolished hydrolysis of several EETs which can be used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. EPHX 1 is significantly involved in EET hydrolysis, and we believe the combined use of EPHX1 and EPHX2 inhibitors would provide a better alternative to currently available therapeutic options or the EPHX2-based therapies currently in trials for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

A New Molecular Scaffold for Targeting hRpn13 as a Treatment for Cancer

This technology includes a new chemical scaffold (with lead compound XL5) against hRpn13 that induces apoptosis, which may have clinical efficacy against cancer. The structure of XL5-conjugated hRpn13 guided the design of XL5-PROTAC degrader compounds that exhibit greater efficacy than previous hRpn13-targeting compounds, as evaluated by selectivity for hRpn13, induction of apoptosis, and loss of cell viability. In cells, XL5-PROTACs revealed the presence of a truncated hRpn13 product that binds to proteasomes and is selectively degraded by XL5-PROTACs.

Genetic Manipulation of Natural Killer Cells to Express c-MPL Growth Factor Receptor as a Therapy for Cancer

This technology includes genetic manipulation of natural killer (NK) cells to express thrombopoietin receptor (c-MPL) growth factor receptor as strategy to augment NK cell proliferation and anti-tumor immunity. Many investigational adoptive immunotherapy regimens utilizing NK cells require the administration of IL-2 or IL-15 cytokines to support the survival and function of the cells in patients, however administration of these cytokines causes a number of serious dose-dependent toxicities.

Evans Blue Modified Small Molecule-based Prostate-specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) Radiotherapy and Nuclear Imaging

This technology includes anti-PSMA antibody labeled with 177Lu, which has shown to be an effective treatment for prostate cancer. Several small molecules targeting PSMA were also evaluated in prostate cancer patients labeled with betta emitters such as 177Lu. The most common one is 177Lu-PSMA-617 which is under clinical evaluation in many countries. Usual treatment in patients in most clinical trials was composed of up to 3 cycles of 177Lu-PSMA-617.

Concurrent Use of Atorvastatin During Chemotherapy Reduces Cisplatin-induced Ototoxicity

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.

Functions and Targets of Therapeutic MicroRNAs to Treat and Diagnose Cancer

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.

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.