Patents by Inventor Randy D. Blakely

Randy D. Blakely has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11693005
    Abstract: Based on the discovery that MBLAC1 is a specific, high-affinity target for Ceftriaxone (Cef), MBLAC1 may be used for identifying treatments for addiction to substances of abuse. Methods for identifying therapeutic agents for treatment of addiction to a substance of abuse include using an assay to determine if a test agent is capable of binding to MBLAC1 or disrupting binding between MBLAC1 protein and Cef, and identifying such a test agent as a candidate therapeutic agent for treatment of addiction to a substance of abuse. MBLAC knock-out (KO) animals, methods of use thereof, and kits are used for identifying a therapeutic agent that reduces the actions of at least one substance of abuse. Methods also include using cellular extracts from tissue or cultured cells taken from wild-type (WT) MBLAC1 and MBLAC1 KO animals for screening for novel, Cef-like molecules in vitro, and using cells from a MBLAC1 KO animal to test for Cef-like actions of a test molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignees: FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES, VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Randy D. Blakely, Maureen K. Hahn
  • Publication number: 20200049711
    Abstract: Based on the discovery that MBLAC1 is a specific, high-affinity target for Ceftriaxone (Cef), MBLAC1 may be used for identifying treatments for addiction to substances of abuse. Methods for identifying therapeutic agents for treatment of addiction to a substance of abuse include using an assay to determine if a test agent is capable of binding to MBLAC1 or disrupting binding between MBLAC1 protein and Cef, and identifying such a test agent as a candidate therapeutic agent for treatment of addiction to a substance of abuse. MBLAC knock-out (KO) animals, methods of use thereof, and kits are used for identifying a therapeutic agent that reduces the actions of at least one substance of abuse. Methods also include using cellular extracts from tissue or cultured cells taken from wild-type (WT) MBLAC1 and MBLAC1 KO animals for screening for novel, Cef-like molecules in vitro, and using cells from a MBLAC1 KO animal to test for Cef-like actions of a test molecule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Randy D. Blakely, Maureen K. Hahn
  • Publication number: 20200046856
    Abstract: Based on the discovery that MBLAC1 is a specific, high-affinity target for Ceftriaxone (Cef), MBLAC1 may be used for identifying molecules and molecular networks associated with MBLAC1's role in the actions of substances of abuse, e.g., molecules and networks of molecules modulated by Cef in an animal that expresses MBLAC1 and is administered a substance of abuse and not in an animal that does not express MBLAC although administered the same substance of abuse. Methods for identifying MBLAC1-dependent molecules and molecular networks include analyzing and comparing levels of molecules (nucleic acids, neurotransmitters, proteins, and metabolites) in MBLAC1 knock-out animals and wild-type MBLAC1 animals. These methods and MBLAC1 knock-out animals can also be used for identifying therapeutic drug targets for treatment of addiction to, or withdrawal from, a substance of abuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Randy D. Blakely, Maureen K. Hahn
  • Publication number: 20160151366
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for use in treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD) include use of specific CNS penetrant p38? MAPK inhibitors having the structure of formula (I)
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Inventors: Randy D. Blakely, Jeremy Veenstra-Vanderweele, Matthew J. Robson, D. Martin Watterson
  • Patent number: 8647827
    Abstract: The invention is based on the finding that IDT307 and analogs thereof are fluorescent substrates transported by several neurotransmitter transporters. Provided are methods for the analysis of neurotransmitter transport and binding using IDT307 and its analogs. The invention also provides rapid methods for screening for modulators of neurotransmitter transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Randy D. Blakely, John N. Mason, Ian D. Tomlinson, Sandra J. Rosenthal
  • Publication number: 20110229910
    Abstract: The invention is based on the finding that IDT307 and analogs thereof are fluorescent substrates transported by several neurotransmitter transporters. Provided are methods for the analysis of neurotransmitter transport and binding using IDT307 and its analogs. The invention also provides rapid methods for screening for modulators of neurotransmitter transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Randy D. Blakely, John N. Mason, Ian D. Tomlinson, Sandra J. Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 7947255
    Abstract: The invention is based on the finding that IDT307 and analogs thereof are fluorescent substrates transported by several neurotransmitter transporters. Provided are methods for the analysis of neurotransmitter transport and binding using IDT307 and its analogs. The invention also provides rapid methods for screening for modulators of neurotransmitter transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Randy D. Blakely, John N. Mason, Ian D. Tomlinson, Sandra J. Rosenthal
  • Publication number: 20090156530
    Abstract: The present invention provides norepinepherine transporter (NET) mutants which display altered phosphorylation at site T30 and altered receptor trafficking. Methods for the use of the NET mutants, e.g., screening of compounds which alter NET trafficking, are also provided. A transgenic animal such as a mouse may comprise a NET mutant of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Randy D. Blakely, Uhna Sung
  • Patent number: 7531713
    Abstract: Provided are in vivo screening methods to detect and identify substances that affect neuronal viability, and/or prevent neurodegeneration, and/or confer neuroprotective effects The screening methods utilize recombinant C. elegans expressing a detectable marker in neuronal sub-groups and the use of neurotoxins specific to specific neuronal cells. Also provided are methods for identifying modulators of neurotransmitter transporters such as the dopamine transporter. Therefore, the invention provides methods for identifying substances that can be used in the prevention and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Randy D. Blakely, Richard Nass, David Miller
  • Patent number: 7439039
    Abstract: The serotonin transporter (SERT) is a target of various therapeutic agents used in the treatment of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. The present invention provides novel forms of SERT that lacks high affinity recognition of specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The present invention therefore provides a novel target for use in screening and model development that can aid both the discovery of new medications and the discovery of novel pathways impacted in parallel with SERT blockade. Such novel targets can help identify new SSRI's with unique modifications and lead to discovery of pathways that secondarily support the therapeutic activity of these agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Randy D. Blakely, Loren Keith Henry, Erika M. Adkins
  • Patent number: 7338799
    Abstract: Human high affinity choline transporter (CHT) cDNA was cloned from spinal cord and the primary structure and chromosomal localization have been determined. Mouse high affinity CHT cDNA was also cloned and characterized. An isolated polynucleotide, an isolated polypeptide, a recombinant host cell, a recombinant vector, a purified protein, an antibody, a nucleic acid detection kit, a method for screening cholinergic therapeutics, a method of treating a patient, a method of gene therapy and transgenic CHT mice are discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Randy D. Blakely, Subramaniam Apparsundaram, Shawn Ferguson
  • Patent number: 7318917
    Abstract: The invention describes the finding that 4-(4-dimethylaminostyrl)-N-methylpyridinium or ASP+ is a fluorescent substrate that is transported by several neurotransmitter transporters. Provided are methods for the analysis of neurotransmitter transport and binding using ASP+. The invention also provides rapid methods for screening for modulators of neurotransmitter transport. As neurotransmitter transporter defects are associated with numerous neurological disorders, the invention also provides methods for treating neurotransmitter transport-associated defects/conditions using the modulators identified by the screening methods of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Joel W. Schwartz, Randy D. Blakely, Louis DeFelice
  • Patent number: 7094532
    Abstract: Isolated polynucleotide molecules and peptides encoded by these molecules are used in the analysis of human norepinephrine (NE) transporter variants, as well as in diagnostic and therapeutic applications, relating to a human NE transporter polymorphism. By analyzing genomic DNA or amplified genomic DNA, or amplified cDNA derived from mRNA, it is possible to type a human NE transporter with regard to the human NE transporter polymorphism, for example, in the context of diagnosing and treating NE transport impairments, and disorders associated with NE transport impairments, such as orthostatic intolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: David Robertson, Randy D. Blakely
  • Patent number: 6894205
    Abstract: Provided are in vivo screening methods to detect and identify substances that affect neuronal viability, and/or prevent neurodegeneration, and/or confer neuroprotective effects. The screening methods utilize recombinant C. elegans expressing a detectable marker in neuronal sub-groups and the use of neurotoxins specific to specific neuronal cells. Also provided are methods for identifying modulators of neurotransmitter transporters such as the dopamine transporter. Therefore, the invention provides methods for identifying substances that can be used in the prevention and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Randy D. Blakely, Richard Nass, David Miller
  • Publication number: 20040248838
    Abstract: Human high affinity choline transporter (CHT) cDNA was cloned from spinal cord and the primary structure and chromosomal localization have been determined. Mouse high affinity CHT cDNA was also cloned and characterized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Randy D. Blakely, Subramaniam Apparsundaram, Shawn Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20040115703
    Abstract: The invention describes the finding that 4-(4-dimethylaminostyrl)-N-methylpyridinium or ASP+ is a fluorescent substrate that is transported by several neurotransmitter transporters. Provided are methods for the analysis of neurotransmitter transport and binding using ASP+. The invention also provides rapid methods for screening for modulators of neurotransmitter transport. As neurotransmitter transporter defects are associated with numerous neurological disorders, the invention also provides methods for treating neurotransmitter transport-associated defects/conditions using the modulators identified by the screening methods of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Joel W. Schwartz, Randy D. Blakely, Louis DeFelice
  • Publication number: 20030170875
    Abstract: Isolated polynucleotide molecules and peptides encoded by these molecules are used in the analysis of human norepinephrine (NE) transporter variants, as well as in diagnostic and therapeutic applications, relating to a human NE transporter polymorphism. By analyzing genomic DNA or amplified genomic DNA, or amplified cDNA derived from mRNA, it is possible to type a human NE transporter with regard to the human NE transporter polymorphism, for example, in the context of diagnosing and treating NE transport impairments, and disorders associated with NE transport impairments, such as orthostatic intolerance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: David Robertson, Randy D. Blakely
  • Patent number: 6596512
    Abstract: A nematode dopamine tansporter cDNA has been cloned, sequenced, and expressed, and provides a convenient screening assay for antiparasitics, as well as psychoactive drugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignees: American Cyanamid Company, Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Randy D. Blakely, Cecil M. Eppler
  • Publication number: 20030114399
    Abstract: Human high affinity choline transporter (CHT) cDNA was cloned from spinal cord and the primary structure and chromosomal localization have been determined. Mouse high affinity CHT cDNA was also cloned and characterized. An isolated polynucleotide, an isolated polypeptide, a recombinant host cell, a recombinant vector, a purified protein, an antibody, a nucleic acid detection kit, a method for screening cholinergic therapeutics, a method of treating a patient, a method of gene therapy and transgenic CHT mice are discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Randy D. Blakely, Subramaniam Apparsundaram, Shawn Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20030023994
    Abstract: Provided are in vivo screening methods to detect and identify substances that affect neuronal viability, and/or prevent neurodegeneration, and/or confer neuroprotective effects. The screening methods utilize recombinant C. elegans expressing a detectable marker in neuronal sub-groups and the use of neurotoxins specific to specific neuronal cells. Also provided are methods for identifying modulators of neurotransmitter transporters such as the dopamine transporter. Therefore, the invention provides methods for identifying substances that can be used in the prevention and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Randy D. Blakely, Richard Nass, David Miller