Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Generated Using Lentivirus-based Reprogramming

Five human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) lines are generated using lentivirus-based reprogramming technology. These lines are pluripotent, meaning they have the potential to differentiate into all cells in the body, and theoretically can proliferate/self-renew indefinitely. The iPSC lines are: NC1 (derived from female's fibroblasts), NC2 (derived from female's fibroblasts ), NC3 (derived from male's HUVECS), NC4 (derived from male's fibroblasts) and NC5 (derived from female's fibroblasts). Further details of these cells are available upon request.

Stapled Peptides for Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases and Inflammation

The invention is directed to small molecule mimetics of apolipoproteins that have an inter-helical hydrocarbon bond, which stabilizes helix formation.

Apolipoproteins facilitate the transport of lipids and cholesterol in the body. Mimetics of apolipoproteins have been used to treat cholesterol-related disorders. However, these mimetics are susceptible to degradation in biological fluids and as a result, their ability to bind cholesterol becomes diminished over time.

Parvovirus B19 Vaccine

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection causes fifth disease, a disease characterized by rashes to the face and other parts of the body that primarily affects children. However, adults can also develop fifth disease and it can lead to more severe conditions. Patients that are immunocompromised, such as those who are HIV infected, organ transplant recipients, and cancer patients, can be particularly susceptible to more severe outcomes from B19V infection. Infection can also cause anemia and in pregnant women, it can lead to hydrops fetalis.

Engineered Anthrax Toxin Variants that Target Cancer

This technology describes the use of novel mutated anthrax protective antigen (PA) protein variants to target tumor cells and tumor vasculature. NIH scientists have engineered two PA variants that selectively complement one another and combine to form active octamers that target tumor cells. This controlled oligomeric activation of the PA proteins makes the likelihood of toxicity to non-tumor cells very low since non-tumor tissue does not express certain cell-surface proteases required to activate the PA variants.

Intra-bone Drug Delivery Device and Method

The invention pertains to devices for directly infusing cellular therapeutics into patient bone. The device monitors intra-bone pressure using pressure sensors disposed at its proximal end and adjusts infusion pressures during infusion such that intra-bone pressure does not exceed levels of systemic blood pressure. Such devices, apparatus and methods are particularly suitable for use in performing bone marrow transplants, particularly transplants that utilize cord blood as a stem cell source.

Device for Non-Surgical Tricuspid Valve Annuloplasty

This is a non-surgical tricuspid annuloplasty to treat functional tricuspid valve regurgitation, meaning regurgitation with intact valve leaflets. The device is delivered using novel catheter techniques into the pericardial space and positioned along the atrioventricular groove. A compression member is positioned along the tricuspid annular free wall and tension applied through a variably-applied tension element. In the best embodiment, the compression member has an M shaped portion with at least two inflection points between the segments of difference curvatures.

MRI Scanner Bore Covering

This invention pertains to a bore covering for creating controlled environments and specifically for maintaining temperature within the bore of an MRI scanner. The bore covering includes a covering sheet with fastening means (e.g., weak-tack adhesive, pressure-sensitive adhesive or low-tack adhesive) around its inner surfaces that permits reversible attachment to the scanner. The adhesive ends can be peeled away to expose an edge of the bore opening or the entire sheet may be constructed with peel away gaps so that warm air can be pumped into the bore.

Cotranslational Protein Expression System for High-throughput Screening

Reporter gene-based assays are used extensively in high-throughput screening (HTS) to identify chemical modulators of cellular pathways for drug discovery and development. However, such screening frequently results in a large number of false “hits” due to interactions of screened compounds with reporter proteins, producing confounding results. Thus, validation of results using these assays often involves significant time and expense.

Diffusion Through Skull as Route of Delivery for Treatment of Brain Injury and Disease

Traumatic Brain injury (TBI) often results from head impact and is a major cause of death and disability. Brain injuries vary in severity and can be associated with hemorrhaging, swelling, inflammation, and death of brain tissue. Inventors at NINDS developed a novel approach to treating brain injuries that involves transcranial application of small molecules.