Antibodies to TMC1 Protein for Hearing Loss

This technology includes antibodies for TMC1 protein as a treatment for hearing loss. TMC1 is one of the common genes causing hereditary hearing loss. Our laboratory used synthetic peptides corresponding to the TMC1 protein to immunize rabbits. The resulting antisera were shown to bind to TMC1 protein expressed in heterologous expression systems. TMC1 protein is required for the transduction of sound into electrical impulses in inner ear sensory cells.

Resolution Doubling with Digital Confocal Microscopy

This technology includes a microscopy method that reduces the speed penalty at least 1000-fold, while retaining resolution improvement. A Digital mirror device (DMD) or sweptfield confocal unit is used to create hundreds to thousands of excitation foci that are imaged to a sample mounted in a conventional microscope and record the resulting emissions on an array detector. Detection of each confocal spot is done in our proprietary software, as is the processing and deconvolution that is used for a 2x resolution enhancement.

Transgene Free Non-human Primate Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) for Use in Pre-clinical Regenerative Medicine Research

This technology includes rhesus macaque induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) lines from multiple animals and various types of cells to establish this pre-clinical model. iPSCs are a type of pluripotent stem cell that can be generated from adult somatic cells. The iPSC technology holds great potential for regenerative medicine. Before clinical application, it is critical to evaluate safety and efficacy in a clinically-relevant animal model. We propose that non-human primate models are particularly relevant to test iPSC-based cell therapies.

Encapsulation of Fluorescent Nanodiamonds into Poly-dopamine (PDA) Shell and Further Covalent Functionalization of the PDA Shell for Diagnostic Imaging Applications

This technology includes a new class of nanoparticles in the carbon family, fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs), exhibiting superb physical and chemical properties for diagnostic imaging applications. We have developed a simple, fast, and robust method to encapsulate FNDs in polydopamine that can be further functionalized. By integrating anatomical and molecular based imaging capabilities, multimodal nanoparticle probes are becoming important in the paradigm shift from conventional to future imaging technologies.

Engineered Human Induced Pluripotent Stell Cell (iPSC) Lines for Multiple Therapeutic and Diagnostic Uses

This technology includes ten engineered human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines with reported genes inserted into safe harbor sites for use in therapy and diagnostic screening assay development as well as basic stem cell biology research. These cell lines have the potential to differentiate into all cells in the body, and theoretically can proliferate/self-renew indefinitely.

TACSTD2 in HCV Infection and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Transcriptomics Insights

This technology involves studying the role of the Tumor-Associated Calcium Signal Transducer 2 (TACSTD2) gene in Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection and hepatocellular carcinoma. Researchers perform transcriptomics analysis on liver specimens from HCV-infected patients, identify TACSTD2 as a key gene, and create a stable cell line that overexpresses TACSTD2 to investigate its impact on HCV infection and replication. This technology aims to provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of HCV infection and its association with liver cancer.

 

A Rapid Method for Producing Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized proteins produced by the immune system which target and neutralize foreign materials, such as viruses or bacteria. Antibodies have a variety of useful applications in diagnostics, therapeutics, and as research reagents. Despite their widespread use there is no standard method to produce antibodies, and currently available methods are labor and time intensive.

First in class Small Molecule Agonists of the mammalian Relaxin family receptor 1 (RXFP1) and use in treatment of cancer, fibrotic, and vascular disorders (HHS Ref No. E-145-2024-0-US-02)

It is well documented in literature that activation of RXFP1 by relaxin induces: 1) up-regulation of the endothelin system which leads to vasodilation; 2) extracellular matrix remodeling through regulation of collagen deposition, cell invasiveness, proliferation, and overall tissue homeostasis; 3) a moderation of inflammation by reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-a and TGF-b; and 4) angiogenesis by activating transcription of VEGF.

Inhibition of HIV Infection through Chemoprophylaxis Using Emtricitabine and Tenofovir

The invention is directed to prophylactic administration of emtricitabine (FTC) in combination with tenofovir or its prodrug, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), to protect against transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Also disclosed are other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NtRTIs) that, when administered in combination, protect against HIV infection.