The MUC-1 tumor associated antigen has been shown to be overexpressed and/or underglycosylated in a wide range of human cancers.  The C-terminus region of MUC-1 (MUC-1C) has been shown to be an oncogene and has been associated with a more aggressive phenotype in several different cancers.

Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1), a member of the Polo-like kinase family, plays a critical role in regulating mitosis and cell cycle progression. Aberrant expression of Plk1 has been observed in a variety of human cancers, and it is known to be associated with tumorigenesis as well as poor prognosis in cancer patients. Unlike normal cells, some cancer cells are dependent on augmented Plk1 levels to remain viable and are killed when Plk1 function is attenuated.

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common and lethal types of gynecological malignancies worldwide, accounting for approximately 295,000 new cases and 185,000 deaths annually. The high lethality rate is due to multiple reasons, including recurrence and the resistance of recurrent tumors to chemotherapy. Cell line models are crucial for preclinical cancer studies, to identify mechanisms of disease, to study drug resistance, and to screen for candidate therapeutics. 

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 2 (TDP2) is an enzyme that playings a critical role in repairing nucleic acid lesions, namely by repairing trapped DNA cleavage complexes. TDP2 repairs topoisomerase (TOP2)-mediated DNA damage induced by chemotherapeutic agents and removes endogenous TOP2-DNA cleavage complexes. Further, TDP2 deficiency potentiates the antiproliferative activity of TOP2 inhibitors. This suggest that combination therapies consisting of TDP2 and TOP2 inhibitors have a synergistic effect on tumor tissues.

Metastatic cancers cause up to 90% of cancer deaths, yet few treatment options exist for patients with metastatic disease. Adoptive transfer of T cells that express tumor-reactive T-cell receptors (TCRs) has been shown to mediate regression of metastatic cancers in some patients. Unfortunately, identification of antigens expressed solely by cancer cells and not normal tissues has been a major challenge for the development of T-cell based immunotherapies. Thus, it is essential to find novel target antigens differentially expressed in cancer versus normal tissues.

Thyclotides are oligomeric molecules with chiral tetrahydrofuran (THF) diamine units consisting of either R,R or
S,S stereochemistry. Thyclotide sequences with R,R stereochemistry bind to complementary DNA and RNA
sequences with strong affinity and sequence specificity, while thyclotides with S,S stereochemistry have a helical
handedness that does not allow binding to DNA or RNA. Thyclotides are cell permeable and can be used to
suppress microRNA activity in cells. Peptides are oligomeric molecules consisting of amino acids found in

This technology includes the use of thymic stromal lymphopoetin (TSLP) for the treatment of MRSA. Our studies show that mouse neutrophils express the TSLP receptor, TSLPR, and that TSLP protein is increased during cutaneous MRSA infection. Using in vitro MRSA whole blood killing assays, we show that TSLP acts on mouse neutrophils to enhance MRSA killing. In an in vivo MRSA intradermal ear infection, TSLPR-deficient mice exhibit increased MRSA burden compared to wild-type mice.

This technology includes a device and method for maintaining access to a location in the body while reducing or eliminating the potential for pulling an access device (i.e., catheter) back through an opening, such as a cardiac procedure. An introducer sheath includes a distal indented portion and a balloon, so that once placed in a desired location through tissue, the balloon can be inflated to anchor the sheath against retraction.

This technology includes a method for differentiating human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into stable chondrocytes, capable of producing cartilage, and their use in cartilage repair in human injury and degenerative diseases. In suspension culture, hiPSC aggregates demonstrate gene and protein expression patterns similar to articular cartilage.

This technology includes the use of genetic markers to predict the response of patients, particularly children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJiA), to anakinra treatment. Anakinra is a human recombinant IL-1 RA used in treating sJiA, a severe childhood inflammatory disease where early and effective treatment is essential for better long-term outcomes. Through the analysis of 38 children with sJiA treated with anakinra, specific sJiA-associated SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) were identified as predictors of therapeutic failure, with a significant odds ratio of 17.3.