Skip to main content

Disease Type

Latest Innovations
Enhancement of Immune Response to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) Vaccine by Interferon Alpha Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a major problem for hog farmers worldwide. PRRS is caused by a virus which leads to reproductive failure in... Read More Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a major problem for hog farmers worldwide. PRRS is caused by a virus which leads to reproductive failure in sows and respiratory problems in piglets and growing pigs. The PRRS virus spreads rapidly, leading to large economic losses for farmers and overall lower health for pigs. Currently, PRRS is controlled by inoculating pigs with modified live virus which stimulates the immune system of pigs against the PRRS virus. However, this therapy does not prevent PRRS virus infection and is limited by individual pigs ability to create a strong immune response against the vaccine. The current technology is a composition and method for use that enhances the immune response to PRRS vaccine for the purpose of improving the vaccines efficacy against the PRRS virus. One of the challenges with PRRS is that the PRRS virus is resistant to pigs natural immune response. The PRRS virus is able to hide from the natural defense system by being resistant to signals that alert the body of the viruses presence. Interferon-a is one such alert signal that PRRS virus fails to up-regulate. The current technology uses plasmids (or related technologies) to increase interferon-a production during administration of modified live virus vaccine. By doing so, interferon-a interacts with T cells to create virus specific interferon-? secreting cells. The result is a robust immune system response to the vaccine which should strengthen the immune systems ability to fight infection of PRRS virus. Applications Can be used as a supplement to PRRS vaccines for swine Has broad application for hog farmers and veterinary clinics Benefits Strengthened immune system: In vivo application of interferon-a and modified live virus to pigs resulted in over 3x as many virus specific interferon-? secreting cells as modified live virus application alone Reduction in abortion/still births: Amount of PRRS virus specific interferon-? secreting cells is positively correlated with reduction of abortion/still births in sows
Therapeutic Scheme for Human Basigin Cancer researchers are focusing their efforts on identifying central pathways that trigger or enhance the invasiveness of tumor cells. One such target is EMMPRIN (... Read More Cancer researchers are focusing their efforts on identifying central pathways that trigger or enhance the invasiveness of tumor cells. One such target is EMMPRIN (Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer). It has been shown that EMMPRIN expression is linked to various cell signaling pathways that lead to an increase in tumor cell vascularization. Researchers are focusing efforts on elucidating the role of EMMPRIN in a number of disorders including cancer, arthritis, tissue repair and numerous inflammation-dependent diseases. DESCRIPTION/DETAILS Basigin is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily thatis also known as EMMPRIN. Human basigin is expressed as two differentiallyspliced isoforms encoded by a single gene found on chromosome, renamedrespectively as basigin-1 and basigin-2. Attempts to demonstrate specifichemophilic on separate cells, or between soluble forms of recombinant basiginusing surface Plasmon resonance have not been successful, suggesting thatbasigin-2 cannot function as a receptor for itself. In order to identify possible receptors for soluble basiginligand, an affinity purification approach was employed. This approach resulted inthe labeling of several potential interacting proteins, and MALDI MS/MSsequencing of one of these proteins identified a novel isoform of human basigin(basigin-3). Immunoprecipitation studies using cell fractions revealed thatrBSG interacts with basigin-2 at the cell membrane, and subsequently interactswith the basigin-3 isoform within the cell. Small-interfering RNA (siRNA)knockdown of basigin-2 protein reduced, but did not eliminate, rBSG-mediatedERK activation in HESCs, suggesting that additional cell surface receptors forsoluble basigin may exist. Taken together, these results support the hypothesisthat basigin-2 can function as a receptor for soluble basigin and demonstratethat the hemophilic interactions between basigin proteins are not dependentupon glycosylation of the basigin ligand. It has also been shown that soluble EMMPRIN binds tomembrane-bound EMMPRIN and the bound complex is internalized presenting apotential means to deliver therapeutic compounds to the cell in a highlytargeted manner. A therapeutic scheme isproposed that aims to design EMMPRIN-conjugates designed to deliver cancertherapeutics in a targeted fashion. Applications Conjugation oftherapeutics to EMMPRIN increases specificity and targets cancers cells cancer (skin, bladder,breast); other inflammatory diseases (arthritis, endometriosis); Upregulationof inflammatory response. Benefits It is possible to design therapeutic agents directed toward human basigin. Possible therapeutic scheme to block tumor progressionor inflammation.
A DNA-Based Diagnostic Test for the Identification of Individuals having the Mutation causing the Ectodermal Dysplasia (ED) Genetic Defect in Sheep Researchers from the University of Illinois have identified a new inhibitor of the androgen receptor (AR), CPIC, that would be effective in the treatment of... Read More Researchers from the University of Illinois have identified a new inhibitor of the androgen receptor (AR), CPIC, that would be effective in the treatment of Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC). CPIC targets a novel site on the full-length and truncated forms of the AR, present in the CRPC. Initial in vivo data has demonstrated that this new class of compounds is capable of inhibiting growth of prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, CPIC has shown to be 40x more potent against the truncated AR compared to current small molecules against the truncated AR.
Biosynthesis of Lantibiotics: In vitro semi-synthetic production methods for generation of industrial antibiotic, Lacticin 481 This invention allows the engineering of semi-synthetic lantibiotics to a much larger extent than using typically practiced in vivo methods. The method is the... Read More This invention allows the engineering of semi-synthetic lantibiotics to a much larger extent than using typically practiced in vivo methods. The method is the first in vitro reconstruction lantibiotic photosynthesis and introduces non-proteinogenic amino acids. Lantibiotics are peptide-based compounds produced by bacteria that live on lactic acid. They are used as natural antibiotic food preservatives as an alternative to chemical reagents and have been used for half a century without any significant signs of lantibiotic-resistant bacteria popping up. Researchers at the University of Illinois have isolated and purified the LctM enzyme, responsible for synthesis of lacticin 481. This approach, the first in vitro reconstruction of lantibiotic biosynthesis, allows for lantibiotic engineering and opens the door to possible generations of new lantibiotics with greatly increased yields and improved activities. Applications Food preservation Industrial enzyme production Bioengineering of novel lantibiotics Benefits Greater Production Flexibility: In vitro methodology allows for lacticin 481 production using semi-synthetic substrates. Avoids Complications of In Vivo Production: In vitro methods avoid product cytotoxicity, degradation and bypasses many of the In vivo regualtory complications. Better Resistance Profile: Lantibiotics have been used for half a century in more than 40 countries without any significant signs of lantibiotic-resistant bacteria appearing. More Possibilities: The method works well with combinatorial techniques, increasing the number of substrates that can be used in production of lacticin 481. In addition, isolation of the LctM enzyme allows for more efficient synthesis with greater structural and functional tolerance of the biosynthetic pathway.
Ionizable Isotopic Labeling Reagents for Relative Quantification Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) is increasingly being used for metabolic analysis due in part to its widespread availability and compatibility with... Read More Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) is increasingly being used for metabolic analysis due in part to its widespread availability and compatibility with biological samples. This invention provides ionizable, isotopic labeling reagents and labeling reaction products, answering the current need for relative quantification using mass spectrometry. Absolute quantification of an analyte relies upon the addition of an internal standard differing only in its isotopic form. However, it is impractical to add an isotopic standard for every compound when performing more comprehensive metabolic profiling. Relative quantification between samples is more amenable to analyzing broad classes of compounds, and it often provides very useful biological information. Heavy and light isotopic forms of methylacetimidate have been synthesized and used as labeling reagents for quantification of amine-containing molecules, such as biological samples. Heavy and light isotopic forms of formaldehyde and cholamine have also been synthesized and used independently as labeling reagents for quantification of amine-containing and carboxylic acid-containing molecules, such as these found in biological samples. Advantageously, the labeled end-products are positively charged under normal acidic conditions involving conventional liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS) applications. This invention improves the precision of relative quantification by minimizing or negating errors associated with run-to-run irreproducibility. Such errors can arise from variations in mass spectrometric detection sensitivity, such as those caused by ionization suppression in electrospray, or from retention time differences between runs. The isotopic pair of labeled compounds co-elute within a single run. Therefore, they have identical retention times and are electrosprayed from identical solution conditions.
Gene Cluster Capable of Enabling the Biosynthesis of the Antimicrobial Compound, Rhizocticin In Bacillus subtilis Phosphonic and phosphinic acids are bioreactive compounds that have been used as antibiotics, antifungal agents, antimalarial drugs, and herbicides. Rhizocticins... Read More Phosphonic and phosphinic acids are bioreactive compounds that have been used as antibiotics, antifungal agents, antimalarial drugs, and herbicides. Rhizocticins are naturally occurring phosphonates produced by Bacillus subtilus that have antifungal properties and interfere with the biosynthesis of the amino acid threonine. By varying the N-terminal amino acid group in the rhizocticin compound, it is possible to alter its biological activity. In particular, oligopeptides that are created by varying this amino acid could potentially allow enhanced capability for controlling selectivity for targeting particular organisms. As a result, compounds are less toxic to the host species and hold more promise for creating therapeutics. Despite the potential for making these types of compounds, organic synthesis has never been achieved due largely in part to the fact that the biosynthetic pathway has not been well understood. University of Illinois scientists have now identified the gene cluster responsible for biosynthesis of rhizocticin in B. subtilis, making biosynthesis of rhizocticin compounds possible. Details Original attempts to isolate and identify this unquie cluster failed, however, the genome of a specific strain of B. subtilis was sequenced and open reading frame locations were determined and annotated. Upon comparison with a non-rhizocticin-producing strain of B. subtilis, the rhizocticin biosynthetic gene cluster was able to be identified and isolated. There are more than 10 genes in the B. subtilis rhizocticin cluster. The biosynthetic pathway was proposed using sequence homology (similarity) for each of the genes. One particular gene in the cluster was identified by the inventors as being unique to this biosynthetic pathway. The cluster responsible for rhizocticin was verified by successfully inserting it into a non-producing strain of B. subtilis. Applications Pharmaceutical industry: Synthesis of biologically active compounds and analogs of rhizocticin. Production of novel oligopeptides with therapeutic properties Agricultural industry: Herbicide Benefits The identification of specific gene cluster for biosynthesis of rhizocticin allows: Specific synthesis of compounds; Control of biological activity of compounds; and Control of compound toxicity in mammals
Lantibiotic Screening Technique Dr. van der Donk has developed a screening system for identifying novel antibiotics. The system uses phage display and has been optimized for lantibiotic natural... Read More Dr. van der Donk has developed a screening system for identifying novel antibiotics. The system uses phage display and has been optimized for lantibiotic natural products. The system also has utility for investigating interactions between lantibiotics and other peptides. Lantibiotics have complex structures which make them particularly stable under changing pH and protease exposure as well as possessing the ability to bind to bacterial cell wall targets. This makes them ideal for scaffolds for new antibiotic discovery that can combat the burgeoning problem of antibiotic resistance
Preparation of Degradable Silica-Drug Conjugated Nanoparticle with Monodisperse Particle Sizes The invention provides a silica nanoparticle comprising a non-porous matrix of silicon-oxygen bonds, wherein the matrix comprises organic agents conjugated to... Read More The invention provides a silica nanoparticle comprising a non-porous matrix of silicon-oxygen bonds, wherein the matrix comprises organic agents conjugated to silicon or oxygen atoms in the matrix, the organic agents are conjugated to the matrix through linker L groups, wherein the linker L comprises, for example, an ester, urea, thiourea, or thio ether group, and wherein the diameter of the nanoparticle is about 15 nm to about 200 nm. The invention also provides novel methods of making and using the silica nanoparticles.
Therapeutic Agents for Treatment of Myotonic Dystrophy Dr. Zimmerman's lab has developed a series of bioactive compounds for the treatment of myotonic dystrophy. The compounds disrupt the MBNL-(CUG) foci in vivo and... Read More Dr. Zimmerman's lab has developed a series of bioactive compounds for the treatment of myotonic dystrophy. The compounds disrupt the MBNL-(CUG) foci in vivo and partially rescue the missplicing of cTNT and IR mRNAs. These novel compounds, utilizing bisamidinium-based inhibitors, show a 1000-fold greater inhibition potency than a previous compound and are able to degrade the causative agent of the disease.
Pharmaceutical Compounds and Pathways from Actinobacteria Dr. Metcalf and Dr. van der Donk from the University of Illinois have discovered 12 novel phosphonate natural products as well as the genes responsible for the... Read More Dr. Metcalf and Dr. van der Donk from the University of Illinois have discovered 12 novel phosphonate natural products as well as the genes responsible for the biosynthesis of hundreds of additional compounds of other natural product classes. Phosphonic and phosphinic acids represent an underexploited group of bioactive compounds with great promise for the treatment of human disease.

Pages