Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles for Triggering RNA Interference
RNA interference (RNAi) is a naturally occurring cellular post-transcriptional gene regulation process that utilizes small double-stranded RNAs to trigger and guide gene silencing. By introducing synthetic RNA duplexes called small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs), we can harness the RNAi machinery for therapeutic gene control and the treatment of various diseases.
NCI researchers created RNA, RNA-DNA, or DNA-RNA hybrid nanocubes consisting of a DNA or RNA core (composed of six strands) with attached RNA or DNA hybrid duplexes. The nanocubes can induce the reassociation of the RNA duplexes, which can then be processed by the...
Source: NIH OTT Licensing Opportunities - April 11, 2020 Category: Research Authors: ajoyprabhu3 Source Type: research
Detection of Novel Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Water Supplies
There is a growing interest in the cancer risk posed by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)in our environment. Steroidal EDCs interfere with the normal function of the endocrine system and have been associated with cancer. Currently, detection and monitoring of water sources for steroidal contamination of water relies on a laborious analysis of their chemical structures. Considering that many natural steroids are rapidly metabolized, their derivatives are frequently not present in the currently existing libraries and thus cannot be identified. In addition, it is unclear whether EDCs detected by chemical methods can elici...
Source: NIH OTT Licensing Opportunities - April 11, 2020 Category: Research Authors: ajoyprabhu3 Source Type: research
A Novel Genetically Encoded Inhibitor of Hippo Signaling Pathway to Study YAP1/TAZ-TEAD Dependent Events in Cancer
In conclusion, TEADi is a valuable research tool for studying YAP1/TAZ and the Hippo pathway in cancer and other pathologies, with improved advantages that include rapid and simple inhibition of TEAD transcription and specific blockage of nuclear events mediated by both YAP1 and TAZ without affecting structural or cytoplasmic functions of these proteins.NCI is continuing to develop this inhibitor to improve its stability and potency. The NCILaboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biologyseeks statements of capability or interest from parties interested in licensing this novel inhibitor of the Hippo signaling pathway.ID: ...
Source: NIH OTT Licensing Opportunities - April 2, 2020 Category: Research Authors: ott-admin Source Type: research
A Novel Genetically Encoded Inhibitor of Hippo Signaling Pathway to Study YAP1/TAZ-TEAD Dependent Events in Cancer
In conclusion, TEADi is a valuable research tool for studying YAP1/TAZ and the Hippo pathway in cancer and other pathologies, with improved advantages that include rapid and simple inhibition of TEAD transcription and specific blockage of nuclear events mediated by both YAP1 and TAZ without affecting structural or cytoplasmic functions of these proteins.NCI is continuing to develop this inhibitor to improve its stability and potency. The NCI Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology seeks statements of capability or interest from parties interested in licensing this novel inhibitor of the Hippo signaling pathway.ID:&nbs...
Source: NIH OTT Licensing Opportunities - April 2, 2020 Category: Research Authors: ott-admin Source Type: research
A Novel Genetically Encoded Inhibitor of Hippo Signaling Pathway to Study YAP1/TAZ-TEAD Dependent Events in Cancer
In conclusion, TEADi is a valuable research tool for studying YAP1/TAZ and the Hippo pathway in cancer and other pathologies, with improved advantages that include rapid and simple inhibition of TEAD transcription and specific blockage of nuclear events mediated by both YAP1 and TAZ without affecting structural or cytoplasmic functions of these proteins.The NCILaboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biologyis seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in licensing this novel inhibitor of the Hippo signaling pathway.IC: NCINIH Ref. No.: E-108-2019Advantages: Rapid and simple inhibition ...
Source: NIH OTT Licensing Opportunities - April 2, 2020 Category: Research Authors: ajoyprabhu3 Source Type: research
Substrate Reduction Therapy for Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome and Related Disorders
Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome (SLOS) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder affecting the final step of cholesterol biosynthesis. SLOS is characterized by slow growth before and after birth, mental retardation, and multiple congenital disabilities. There is no FDA approved treatment for SLOS. Patients may benefit moderately from palliative care through an increase in dietary cholesterol to compensate for the endogenous block in cholesterol biosynthesis. However, dietary change offers only limited clinical benefit in mental improvement because the level of cholesterol or 7-DHC in the cerebrospinal fluid is not signific...
Source: NIH OTT Licensing Opportunities - March 21, 2020 Category: Research Authors: ajoyprabhu3 Source Type: research
Methods of Producing T-cell Populations Using P38 MAPK Inhibitors
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) uses cancer reactive T-cells to effectively treat patients. However, several obstacles inhibit the successful use of ACT for cancer treatment. Current approaches for the expansion of T-cells may produce T-cells with a terminally differentiated phenotype that is associated with diminished anti-tumor activity and poor capacity for long-term persistence. Studies have shown that improving metabolic properties and persistence of T-cells duri ng ex vivo expansion could improve anti-tumor efficacy of T-cells. Thus, there is a need for improved methods of obtaining an isolated population of effective...
Source: NIH OTT Licensing Opportunities - March 20, 2020 Category: Research Authors: ajoyprabhu3 Source Type: research
Ebola Virus Glycoprotein-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies and Uses Thereof
Ebola virus is a large, negative-strand RNA virus composed of 7 genes encoding viral proteins, including a single glycoprotein (GP). The virus is responsible for causing Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF), in humans. In particular, Bundibugyo (BDBV), Zaire (EBOV), and Sudan (SUDV) species have been associated with large outbreaks of EVD in Africa and reported case fatality rates of up to 90%. Transmission of Ebola virus to humans is not yet fully understood but is likely due to incidental exposure to infected animals. EVD spreads through human-to-human transmission, with infection re...
Source: NIH OTT Licensing Opportunities - March 9, 2020 Category: Research Authors: ajoyprabhu3 Source Type: research
Fluorescent Primer(s) Creation for Nucleic Acid Detection and Amplification
CDC researchers have developed technology that consists of a simple and inexpensive technique for creating fluorescent labeled primers for nucleic acid amplification. Fluorescent chemical-labeled probes and primers are extensively used in clinical and research laboratories for rapid, real-time detection and identification of microbes and genetic sequences. During nucleic acid amplification, the " UniFluor " primer is incorporated into newly synthesized double stranded DNA. As a consequence, quenching of the dye ' s fluorescent signal occurs decreasing the fluorescence of the sample several fold. The decrease in fluorescenc...
Source: NIH OTT Licensing Opportunities - March 9, 2020 Category: Research Authors: ajoyprabhu3 Source Type: research
Nucleic Acid Amplification Technique for Rapid Diagnostic Analysis
CDC researchers developed a simple target-specific isothermal nucleic acid amplification technique, termed Genome Exponential Amplification Reaction (GEAR). The method employs a set of four primers (two inner and two outer). The outer primer pair targets three specific nucleic acid sequences at a constant 60 °C, while the inner pair of primers accelerates and improves the sensitivity of the assay.The GEAR technique is an improvement over loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) in three ways. First, the GEAR method uses two Tab primers which target three genomic regions (corresponding LAMP primers target four regions...
Source: NIH OTT Licensing Opportunities - March 9, 2020 Category: Research Authors: ajoyprabhu3 Source Type: research
Photoinduced Electron Transfer Fluorescent Primer for Nucleic Acid Amplification
CDC scientists have developed a rapid and cost-efficient method for generating fluorescently labeled primers for PCR and real-time PCR. At present, fluorescent primers are useful for detecting and identifying microbes and specific nucleic acid sequences, amplifying nucleic acids for pyro-sequencing, determining the levels of gene expression, and many other uses. However, problems exist with current techniques used to create fluorescent primers. For one, labeling is not one hundred percent efficient, leading to inaccurate results. Further, it is expensive and time consuming for researchers to make and label their own unique...
Source: NIH OTT Licensing Opportunities - March 9, 2020 Category: Research Authors: ajoyprabhu3 Source Type: research
Reprogrammed Tumor Infiltrated Lymphocytes for Efficient Identification of Tumor-Antigen Specific T-Cell Receptors
Adoptive T Cell Therapy (ACT) is a form of cancer immunotherapy. It consists of harvesting Tumor Infiltrated Lymphocytes (TIL), screening for TIL which display tumor antigen-specific T-cell receptors (TCR), expanding these in vitro, and reinfusing into the patient for treatment. While ACT has proven effective in treating various cancer types, it is a laborious procedure as the harvested TIL population has generally limited expansion and a finite lifespan.Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Surgery Branch improved identification and isolation of the tumor antigen-specific TCR by reprogramming TIL into induced...
Source: NIH OTT Licensing Opportunities - March 4, 2020 Category: Research Authors: ajoyprabhu3 Source Type: research
Monoclonal Antibodies Against Bacillus Anthracis Antigens
Anthrax, whether resulting from natural or bioterrorist-associated exposure, is a constant threat to human health. Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax. It is surrounded by a polypeptide capsule of poly-gamma-D-glutamic acid (gamma-D-PGA), which is essential for virulence, is poorly immunogenic and has anti-phagocytic properties. Antibodies to the capsule have been shown to enhance phagocytosis and killing of encapsulated bacilli. The lethality of anthrax is primarily the result of the effects of anthrax toxin, which has 3 components: a receptor-binding protein known as " protective antigen " (PA) and 2 cat...
Source: NIH OTT Licensing Opportunities - February 25, 2020 Category: Research Authors: ajoyprabhu3 Source Type: research
Handwipe Disclosing Method for Detecting the Presence of Lead
Lead (Pb) exposure can cause serious health concerns including abdominal pain, headaches, loss of appetite, memory loss, weakness, and other symptoms. Lead residues on human skin, especially on the hands of workers can be a significant health risk since such residues may be ingested during normal activities (e.g. eating, drinking, and smoking). A key component to reducing lead exposure is being able to identify areas of lead contamination.US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) researchers developed a method to detect lead on surfaces, including ski...
Source: NIH OTT Licensing Opportunities - February 13, 2020 Category: Research Authors: ajoyprabhu3 Source Type: research
Wipes and Methods for Removal of Lead and Other Metal Contamination from Surfaces
Exposure to lead (Pb) has long posed serious health risks. Ingestion of lead from skin exposure can adversely impact every organ in the body; the kidneys, blood, nervous, and reproductive systems are most affected. Washing skin with soap and water is not sufficient to remove lead residues. To prevent adverse impacts from Pb exposure, exposed individuals need cleaning methods that will effectively remove Pb ions from the skin to less than the limit of identification (i.e., 10 µg or less).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) researchers developed a m...
Source: NIH OTT Licensing Opportunities - February 13, 2020 Category: Research Authors: ajoyprabhu3 Source Type: research
