Research Tools & Reagents

Latest Innovations

Polyclonal Antibody Against the Protein XPLN, a Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor (GEF)

 

This antibody enables specific detection of the XPLN protein and facilitates studies of XPLN functions in a variety of cell and tissue types, in both human...

 

This antibody enables specific detection of the XPLN protein and facilitates studies of XPLN functions in a variety of cell and tissue types, in both human and mouse as well as other mammals. 

 

Quantum Dots with Thin Coatings that Allow for Efficient Bioconjugation

Dr. Andrew Smith from the University of Illinois has developed new quantum dots with a multidentate polymer coating that minimizes size while maintaining stability and...

Dr. Andrew Smith from the University of Illinois has developed new quantum dots with a multidentate polymer coating that minimizes size while maintaining stability and improving efficiency of conjugation. Quantum dots are promising agents for cellular and molecular imaging, but their bulky organic coatings have limited their use in cells. Dr. Smith's quantum dots are small, stable, and can be conjugated to targeting molecules and purified easily.

Designer Estrogens with Decreased Cancer Risk

 

 

Dr. John Katzenellenbogen from the University of Illinois has designed Pathway preferential estrogens (PaPEs) that are novel synthetic compounds that...

 

 

Dr. John Katzenellenbogen from the University of Illinois has designed Pathway preferential estrogens (PaPEs) that are novel synthetic compounds that structurally resemble the natural estrogen but with its reduced binding affinity, form ER-PaPE complex with a short lifetime of seconds. This short binding is sufficient to selectively activate the ER non-genomic pathway and not the ER genomic pathway. PaPEs are shown in animal models to promote health of metabolic tissues and vasculature; reduces body weight gain and fat accumulation after ovariectomy and accelerates repair of endothelial damage; no stimulation on breast and endometrial cancerous cells. 

Technology Benefits: 
• Selectively activates ER non-genomic pathway 
• Results in an enhancement of the repair of vascular injury, & prevents weight gain  
• No stimulation on breast and endometrial cancerous cells

Multiplexed Targeted Genome Engineering and Gene Activation

 

 

Dr. Pablo Perez-Pinera from the University of Illinois has developed a multiplexable and universal nuclease-assisted...

 

 

Dr. Pablo Perez-Pinera from the University of Illinois has developed a multiplexable and universal nuclease-assisted vector integration system for rapid generation of gene knock outs using selection that does not require customized targeting vectors, thereby minimizing the cost and time frame needed for gene editing. Importantly, this system is capable of remodeling native mammalian genomes through integration of DNA, up to 50 kb, enabling rapid generation and screening of multigene knockouts from a single transfection. Furthermore, this method facilitates activation of genes by introduction of specific promoters that allows for genomic scale activation screens. 

Benefits

• Minimizes cost and time for gene editing
• Multigene knockouts can be rapidly generated
• Facile integration of large constructs up to 50 kb
• Introduces speci c promoters for genomic scale activation screens 

Cas9 Mediated Genome Editing Tools for Archaea

Dr. Metcalf from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a novel method for genome editing in archaea utilizing the Cas9 system. This method utilizes...

Dr. Metcalf from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a novel method for genome editing in archaea utilizing the Cas9 system. This method utilizes Cas9 machinery with the native archaeal HDR mechanism to edit the genome with no off-target activity. This method can also be combined with archaeal NHEJ machinery to allow random mutagenesis at a location of interest. Notably these tools allow efficient genome editing in methanogenic species potentially leading to novel biogenic strategies for methane production.

Imaging Agents for Hypoxia Detection

Dr. Chan from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a new molecular probe for detection and photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging of hypoxia.  This...

Dr. Chan from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a new molecular probe for detection and photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging of hypoxia.  This probe is useful for in vivo and in vitro imaging.  Using photoacoustic imaging, this probe can be used to detect hypoxia at depths up to 7 cm. 

Dr. Chan’s molecular probe allows for rapid detection and imaging of hypoxia.  This detection and imaging is not invasive like an oxygen-sensitive electrode, does not rely on DNA or gene expression like other hypoxia probes, and does not involve ionizing radiation like PET.  The development of handheld photoacoustic imaging instruments will allow for hypoxia imaging to occur in the doctor’s office. 

CRISPR-AID

Dr. Zhao from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a novel method for combinatorial genome...

Dr. Zhao from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a novel method for combinatorial genome editing in yeast. With the use of CRISPR-AID technology targeted genes can be simultaneously upregulated, downregulated, and deleted allowing discovery of synergistic effects to enhance strain phenotypes. Utilizing this technology will allow fast generation of novel strains suited to industrial applications. In addition Dr. Zhao has generated novel CRISPR constructs optimized for CRISPRa and CRISPRi applications for use in yeast. This is the first use of orthogonal CRISPR strains in yeast and will greatly expand the toolbox for yeast genome engineering.

Detection of Neurotransmitters via Interfacial pH Modulated Assisted Ion Transfer

Dr. Shen from University of IL has developed an electrochemical method to directly detect neurotransmitters gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate without...
Dr. Shen from University of IL has developed an electrochemical method to directly detect neurotransmitters gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate without modification. In the detection, neurotransmitters are protonated thereby forming complexes with ionophores. This method is convenient and is able to monitor dynamic information of neurotransmitters. This method is compatible with both large instruments and benchtop unit.

Queen Monitoring Cage with “Polycomb” Plates

Dr. Robinson from the University of IL has developed the Queen Monitoring Cage and Egg Laying Plate designs. These translucent form factors made with plastics work in...
Dr. Robinson from the University of IL has developed the Queen Monitoring Cage and Egg Laying Plate designs. These translucent form factors made with plastics work in tandem to provide a laboratory-controlled assay for observing factors that affect queen bee and brood productivity. These particular design allows for experimental control by implementing nutrient delivery ports, and ventilation holes on the QMC, and the polystyrene design of the ELG which mimic dimensions of formed wax honeycombs in natural beehives. Dr. Robinson’s invention facilitates enhanced observation and variable-control to current open-system field-based experimental designs that are compromised by variability in genetics, nutrition, environment and risks such as CCD.

CRISPR-SKIP System to Modulate Expression of Exons & Improve Cellular Delivery of DNA Editing Systems

Dr. Perez-Pinera has developed a new way to edit genes using CRISPR technology that promises to be safer and more efficient that existing technologies. His method uses...
Dr. Perez-Pinera has developed a new way to edit genes using CRISPR technology that promises to be safer and more efficient that existing technologies. His method uses single base editing, to avoid double-stranded breaks in DNA and induce a mutation that causes exon skipping to occur which can silence, knockdown or ameliorate the effects of downstream gene products. Avoiding double stranded breaks eliminates the possibility of malignant mutations which can result from improper non-homologous end joining. He also demonstrates a novel delivery method for the CRISPR-cas9 system using a split base editor inserted into an adeno-associated virus to realize greater, more efficacious delivery into the cell. This method can be used to treat diseases such as Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy with more permanence than current treatments as well as Huntington’s and cardiovascular diseases.

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