Multiview Super-resolution Microscopy System and Methods for Research and Diagnostic Applications

This technology includes a microscopy technique that combines the strengths of multiview imaging (better resolution isotropy, better depth penetration) with resolution-improving structured illumination microscopy (SIM). The proposed microscope uses a sharp line-focused illumination structure to excite and confocally detect sample fluorescence from 3 complementary views.

Intranasal or Inhaled Delivery of a Custom IgA Antibody for Protection Against COVID-19

This technology includes an IgA antibody, specifically designed to target the receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. Administered intranasally, this antibody has potential neutralizing activity, aiming to prevent COVID-19. IgA, an antibody class present in mucosal areas, plays a crucial role in immune defense at the initial site of viral infection. The primary application of this technology is envisioned as a therapeutic nasal spray, intended to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in high-risk populations.

Computational Alleviation of Depth-dependent Degradation in Fluorescence Images

This technology includes an approach that dramatically lessens the effects of depth-dependent degradation in fluorescence microscopy images. First, we develop realistic ‘forward models’ of the depth dependent degradation and apply these forward models to shallow imaging planes that are expected to be relatively free of such degradation. In doing so, we create synthetic image planes that resemble the degradation found in deeper imaging planes. Second, we train neural networks to remove the effect of such degradation, using the shallow images as ground truth.

Fluorescence Scanning System for Improvement of Analytical Ultracentrifugation

This technology includes improvements in the fluorescence scanner to increase efficiency. This method works by eliminating the need to radially slide the optical assembly during scanning, instead using a galvanometric mirror deflecting a laser beam to different positions in the sample. This allows the scanner to be incorporated into existing commercial analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) systems with minimal modifications.

PET Imaging of lntegrin Expression with Suitably Labeled RGD Peptides for Multiple Diagnostic Purposes

This technology includes a number of dimeric RGD peptides which been developed and labeled with various PET isotopes (1BF, 68Ga, and 64Cu) for imaging integrin expression in cancer, inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, myocardial infarct, stroke and traumatic injury. A number of these peptides have been translated into clinic for diagnosis and therapy response monitoring.

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.

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.

Real-time Monitoring of In Vivo Free Radical Scavengers Through Hyperpolarized [1-13C] N-acetyl Cysteine as a Diagnostic and Disease Monitoring Tool

This technology includes synthesized demonstrated [1-13C] NAC as a promising novel probe for hyperpolarized 13C MRI methodologies which could provide diagnostic, and evaluation of response to treatment in various cancers and neurological diseases. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a widely used therapeutic and involved to stimulate glutathione synthesis. Glutathione elevates detoxification and works directly as a free radical scavenger. In vivo hyperpolarized NAC was broadly distributed throughout the body.

Isotopes of Alpha Ketoglutarate and Related Compounds for Hyperpolarized MRI Imaging

This technology includes 1-13C-ketoglutarate which can be used for imaging the conversion to hydroxyglutarate (HG) or Gln in cancer cells with an IDH1 mutations by hyperpolarized MRI. The ability to detect the status of IDH1 mutations is clinically prognostic for multiple cancers. These exciting observations are limited by two factors, the major one being that the natural abundance of 13C at position C5 overlaps with 1-13C-2-hydroxyglutarate peak, which limits the sensitivity of analysis and prevents simultaneous observations of HG and Gln formation.

Human Monoclonal Antibodies to Generate Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cells to Treat Patients with Advanced Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC).

This technology includes six human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target tumor antigens derived from the CT-RCC HERV-E (human endogenous retrovirus type E) to generate Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells to treat patients with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). These mAbs were identified from Adagene Inc’s human antibody phage library, and data show that majority of these mAbs only bind to CT-RCC HERV-E+ ccRCC cells, which express TM but not CT-RCC HERV-E non-expressing ccRCC cells nor non-RCC cells.