Diagnosis of Type-2 Diabetes Susceptibility Genes: Synthesis and Use of a Novel O-GlcNAcase-specific Inhibitor and Flurogenic Substrate
DHHS Reference No. E-229-2006
Dr. John A. Hanover |
This technology relates to the synthesis and evaluation of a selective inhibitor of O-linked GlcNAcase, an enzyme that removes N-acetylglucosamine from nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins, and is encoded by one of the type 2 diabetes susceptibility genes (MGEA5). Specifically, a novel analogue of O-(2-acet-amido-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranosyline) amino-N-phenylcarbamate (PUGNAc) has been synthesized. It is known that PUGNAc alters O-GlcNAc modifications of proteins within the insulin-signaling cascade and induces insulin resistance in fat cells. The analogue to PUGNAc provides enhanced specificity for O-GlcNacase and may be used to test for the presence of the diabetes susceptibility gene in human tissue or blood samples. A similar modification to produce a fluorogenic substrate confers selective recognition of O-GlcNAcase. more… |
STAMP, A Novel Modulator of Steroid Receptor-Mediated Gene Induction and Gene Repression
DHHS Reference No. E-056-2004
Dr. S. Stoney Simons |
A novel factor, SRC-1 and TIF-2 Associated Modulatory Protein (STAMP), has been found to modulate steroid hormone-responsive gene expression. STAMP lowers the concentration of steroid needed to induce (or repress) target genes and thereby offers a novel approach for reducing the severity of unwanted side effects. It thus increases the number of situations in which steroid hormone therapies can be employed. Use of STAMP polypeptides also modulates the dose-response curve for a steroid. more… |
Compositions and Methods for Increasing Recombinant Protein Yields Through the Modification of Cellular Properties
DHHS Reference No. E-149-2006
Dr. Joseph Shiloach |
This technology relates to compositions and methods for improving the growth characteristics of cells engineered to produce biologically active products such as antibodies or glycosylated proteins. Featured is a method that uses gene candidates (e.g., cdkl3, siat7e, or lama4), or their expressed or inhibited products in cell lines, such as Human Embryonic Kidney (including HEK-293), HeLa, or Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO). The gene expression modulates growth characteristics, such as adhesion properties, of the cell lines thereby increasing recombinant protein yields and reducing product production costs. more… |
Synthesis and Use of Modified Peptide Nucleic Acids for Visual Detection of DNA
DHHS Reference No. E-308-2006
Dr. Daniel Appella |
Modification of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) by the incorporation of trans-1,2-diaminocyclopentane into the PNA provides for more highly sensitive and selective detection of DNA and RNA sequences. The compounds disclosed in this invention have the potential for use in the development of nucleic acid detection kits for various pathogens. Strong binding between PNA and DNA can eliminate the need for prior DNA amplification. Furthermore, PNAs bind to DNAs under low salt conditions, which disfavor formation of double-stranded DNA. By operating under low salt conditions, DNA can be denatured to ensure that target sequences are available for binding to a PNA probe. In addition, PNA is a synthetic molecule that cannot be broken down by enzymes, so the stability of PNAs allow for a device with a longer shelf life than one made from DNA. This technology also permits the presence of complementary DNA to be detected by eye (i.e. without instrumentation). more… |
GDF15, a Marker and Cause of Morbidity in Thalassemia
DHHS Reference No. E-022-2007
Dr. Jeffrey L. Miller |
The invention relates to methods to measure the Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15, also known as MIC-1 or NAG-1) levels in order to diagnose or predict disease severity in patients with thalassemia and with related complications to, treat thalassemia by administration of a GDF15 antagonist, and to reduce hepcidin levels by administration of GDF15, a GDF15 substitute, or GDF15 agonist. more… |
hGC-1 - Differentiation Marker for Potential Use in Diagnosis and Prognosis of Gastrointestinal Cancers and Hematopoietic Malignancy: a Gene Encoding an Olfactomedin-Related Protein
DHHS Reference No. E-166-2001
Dr. Griffin Rodgers |
This invention relates to the identification and characterization of a previously unidentified human gene, human granulocyte colony stimulating factor, (hGC-1), nucleic acids, cDNA, vectors, polypeptides, protein, antibodies, cells and other compositions related to hGC-1, as well as the use of these compositions for the diagnosis and prognosis of gastrointestinal cancers and hematopoietic malignancy. more… |
Synthetic Marolides Inhibit Breast Cancer Migration
DHHS Reference No. E-098-2007
Dr. Carole Bewley |
This technology relates to the synthesis of several novel macrocylic compounds (macrolides), built upon a quinic acid-containing scaffold, which are potent inhibitors of tumor cell migration. Specifically, the new molecules have been shown to inhibit breast cancer cell migration in vitro. Some of the novel macrolides that have been designed and synthesized, inhibit tumor cell migration with low nanomolar to sub-micromolar IC50 values via a mechanism that appears to be similar to that of migrastatin and its analogs. The synthetic protocol used is straight forward and relatively high yielding, and has the potential to be further simplified. more… |
Carbohydrates as Vaccine Candidates
DHHS Reference No. E-153-2006
Dr. Paul Kovac |
This technology relates to the first identification of the highly specific immunogenic sugar moieties of B. anthracis spores. Since these carbohydrate structures are displayed on the outermost surfaces of anthrax spores and are highly specific for B. anthracis, they are novel immunological targets for pathogen identification, diagnosis and vaccine development against anthrax infection. more… |
Monoclonal Antibody-Based Methodologies for the Detection and Quantification of the HIV-1 Accessory Protein VPR in Biological Samples
DHHS Reference No. E-141-2003
Dr. Jeffrey Kopp |
This invention provides monoclonal antibodies against HIV-1 viral protein R (Vpr), the respective hybridoma cell lines expressing the protein, and a means for detecting HIV-1 Vpr. The hybridoma cell line is selected from a group of hybridoma cell lines 9F12 and 10F2. The monoclonal antibody (chimeric, humanized or label conjugated) competitively inhibits binding of a second hybridoma produced antibody against HIV-1 Vpr. The antibody-antigen complex that forms can be detected in the serum, plasma or urine and quantified. The primary antibody is detectably labeled, enabling the complex to be detected. more… |
In Vitro Model for Hepatitis C Virion Production
DHHS Reference No. E-324-2004
Dr. T. Jake Liang |
This invention provides an in vitro hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication system that is capable of producing viral particles in a culture medium. Hepatitis C is a major public health problem, the development of therapeutics for which has been hampered by a lack of a robust model system to study the complete viral life cycle. This invention provides a new model system for the complete replication cycle of hepatitis C virus and virion production, assembly and release. The model is useful for screening antiviral agents against HCV. more… |
