Abstract: A system and method for using magnetic resonance imaging to increase the accuracy of electrophysiologic procedures is disclosed. The system in its preferred embodiment provides an invasive combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter which includes an RF antenna for receiving magnetic resonance signals and diagnostic electrodes for receiving electrical potentials. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter is used in combination with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner to guide and provide visualization during electrophysiologic diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. The invention is particularly applicable to catheter ablation, e.g., ablation of atrial fibrillation.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 29, 1999
Date of Patent:
March 2, 2004
Assignee:
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Inventors:
Henry R. Halperin, Ronald D. Berger, Ergin Atalar, Elliot R. McVeigh, Albert Lardo, Hugh Calkins, Joao Lima
Abstract: The present invention provides receptors for the growth differentiation factor (GDF) family of growth factors and methods of identifying such receptors. Also included are methods of identifying antibodies which bind to the receptors, peptide fragments of the receptor which inhibit GDF binding, GDF receptor-binding agents capable of blocking GDF binding to the receptor. The receptors of the invention allow the identification of antagonists or agonists useful for agricultural and human therapeutic purposes.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 5, 2000
Date of Patent:
February 24, 2004
Assignee:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Abstract: The present invention features an MRI/NMR methodology or process for detecting exogenous amide protons in a region of interest of a body or sample via the water signal. Such methods and processes can be used for any of a number of purposes including determining and assessing the delivery and/or content of a molecular or cellular target(s), such as ligands, oglionucleotides, and RNA/DNA (including plasmids) tagged or labeled by an exogenous contrast agent sourcing such amide protons; detecting and assessing pH effects, more particularly the pH of the liquid pool (e.g., blood); and as a mechanism for MR/NMR signal enhancement (e.g., providing another mechanism for developing contrast between tissues, etc. of the region of interest.
Type:
Application
Filed:
December 13, 2002
Publication date:
February 12, 2004
Applicant:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Inventors:
Peter C.M. Van Zijl, Nicholas Goffeney, Jeff H. Duyn, Jeff W.M. Bulte
Abstract: Featured are devices, systems and methods for localized heating of a vessel as well as devices, systems and methods for MR/NMR imaging of a vessel while locally heating a portion of the vessel. More particularly featured are such devices, systems and methods for use when administering or delivering therapeutic agents including genes and/or drugs to the tissues of the vessel. Such a method includes positioning a thermal energy delivery device proximal a target site of an internal the vessel of a body and activating the thermal energy delivery device so as to heat the target site thereby locally increasing a temperature of tissue at the target site. In further embodiments, the method includes introducing a therapeutic medium to the target site over a predetermined time period, and wherein said activating occurs at least one of before, during or after said step of introducing.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 1, 2003
Publication date:
February 5, 2004
Applicant:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Inventors:
Xiaoming Yang, Ergin Atalar, Christopher Yeung
Abstract: Methods for detecting allelic variants of the myostatin (growth and differentiation factor-8) gene are provided. Specifically provided are methods of identifying subjects having or having a predisposition for increased muscle mass as compared to subjects having wild-type myostatin. Increased muscle mass is particularly desirable for identification of animals used to produce food products, including bovine, porcine, ovine, avian and piscine species.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 10, 1997
Date of Patent:
January 6, 2004
Assignee:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Abstract: The invention describes a system, method, and means for an MRI guidewire that can be visible on an MRI, can act as an antenna and receive MRI signals from surrounding subject matter, and can allow the use of multiple interventional tools without removal of the guidewire from a subject.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 24, 2000
Date of Patent:
January 6, 2004
Assignees:
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Surgi-Vision, Inc.
Inventors:
Albert C. Lardo, Xiaoming Yang, Ergin Atalar, Parag Karmarkar, Elliott R. McVeigh, Henry R. Halperin, Christine Enger McNamara, Paul A. Bottomley
Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a compound which affects the formation of AMPA receptors into aggregates. A method is also provided for identifying a compound which affects the formation of synaptic connections. A method is provided for identifying a compound that modulates immediate early gene expression. A method is further provided for increasing the number of excitory synapses of a neuron, including introducing into the neuron a polynucleotide sequence encoding a Narp operatively linked to a promoter, or a Narp polypeptide, thereby increasing the number of excitory synapses of the neuron. A method is provided for treating a subject with a disorder associated with a decrease in a function or expression of Narp, including administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that augments Narp function or expression.
Type:
Application
Filed:
November 18, 2002
Publication date:
December 18, 2003
Applicant:
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Inventors:
Paul Worley, Richard O'Brien, DeSheng Xu, Richard L. Huganir
Abstract: The present invention provides prophylactic and therapeutic methods of treating the ductal epithelium of an exocrine gland, in particular a mammary gland, for disease, in particular cancer. The methods comprise contacting the ductal epithelium of the exocrine gland with an epithelium-destroying gent, preferably by ductal cannulation, so as to realize a prophylactic or therapeutic effect.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 21, 2000
Date of Patent:
December 2, 2003
Assignee:
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially purified growth differentiation factor (GDF) receptor, including a GDF-8 (myostatin) receptor, as well as functional peptide portions thereof. In addition, the invention provides a virtual representation of a GDF receptor or a functional peptide portion thereof. The present invention also provides a method of modulating an effect of myostatin on a cell by contacting the cell with an agent that affects myostatin signal transduction in the cell. In addition, the invention provides a method of ameliorating the severity of a pathologic condition, which is characterized, at least in part, by an abnormal amount, development or metabolic activity of muscle or adipose tissue in a subject, by modulating myostatin signal transduction in a muscle cell or an adipose tissue cell in the subject.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 27, 2000
Date of Patent:
December 2, 2003
Assignee:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Abstract: Growth differentiation factor-14 (GDF-14) is disclosed along with its polynucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence. Also disclosed are diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using the GDF-14 polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences.
Type:
Application
Filed:
February 24, 2003
Publication date:
November 13, 2003
Applicant:
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Abstract: The present invention sterol-modified hedgehog polypeptides and functional fragments thereof. Methods of identifying compositions which affect hedgehog activity based on inhibition of cholesterol modification of hedgehog protein are described. In one aspect of the invention, the method provides a means for affecting cholesterol biosynthesis or transport in a cell comprising contacting a cell with an effective amount of a compound that affects hedgehog, thereby affecting cholesterol biosynthesis or transport. The effect may be inhibition or stimulation of cholesterol biosynthesis or transport.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 20, 2003
Publication date:
November 6, 2003
Applicant:
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Inventors:
Philip A. Beachy, Jeffrey A. Porter, Michael K. Cooper
Abstract: The present invention sterol-modified hedgehog polypeptides and functional fragments thereof Methods of identifying compositions which affect hedgehog activity based on inhibition of cholesterol modification of hedgehog protein are described. In one aspect of the invention, the method provides a means for affecting cholesterol biosynthesis or transport in a cell comprising contacting a cell with an effective amount of a compound that affects hedgehog, thereby affecting cholesterol biosynthesis or transport. The effect may be inhibition or stimulation of cholesterol biosynthesis or transport.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 19, 2003
Publication date:
October 30, 2003
Applicant:
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Inventors:
Philip A. Beachy, Jeffrey A. Porter, Michael K. Cooper
Abstract: A system and method for using magnetic resonance imaging to increase the accuracy of electrophysiologic procedures is disclosed. The system in its preferred embodiment provides an invasive combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter which includes an RF antenna for receiving magnetic resonance signals and diagnostic electrodes for receiving electrical potentials. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter is used in combination with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner to guide and provide visualization during electrophysiologic diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. The invention is particularly applicable to catheter ablation, e.g., ablation of atrial fibrillation.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 28, 2003
Publication date:
October 23, 2003
Applicant:
Johns Hopkins University School Of Medicine
Inventors:
Henry R. Halperin, Ronald D. Berger, Ergin Atalar, Elliot R. McVeigh, Albert Lardo, Hugh Calkins, Joao Lima
Abstract: Growth differentiation factor, Lefty-2, is disclosed along with its polynucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence. Also disclosed are diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using the Lefty-2 polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 14, 2000
Date of Patent:
October 21, 2003
Assignee:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Abstract: The invention provides fibroblast growth factor homologous factor (FHF) polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules that encode them. Also included in the invention are diagnostic and therapeutic methods using FHF polypeptides and nucleic acids.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 25, 2000
Date of Patent:
October 21, 2003
Assignee:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a compound that modulates a cellualr response associate with Homer and mediated by a cell-surface or an intracellular receptor. A method is further provided for identifying a compound that modulates receptor activated calcium mobilization associated with Homer. A method is provided for identifying a compound that inhibits Homer protein activity based on the crystal structure coordinates of Homer protein binding domain. A method is also provided for identifying a compound that affects the formation of cell surface receptors into clusters. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding Homer proteins as well as Homer proteins, and Homer interacting proteins.
Type:
Application
Filed:
July 9, 2002
Publication date:
September 11, 2003
Applicant:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Inventors:
Paul F. Worley, Jian Cheng Tu, Bo Xiao, Daniel Leahy, Jutta Beneken, Anthony A. Lanahan, Paul R. Brakeman
Abstract: A novel growth factor, fibroblast growth factor homologous factor-2 (FHF-2) polypeptide, the polynucleotide sequence encoding FHF-2 and the deduced amino acid sequence are disclosed. Also disclosed are diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using the FHF-2 polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences and antibodies which specifically bind to FHF-2.
Type:
Application
Filed:
July 10, 2002
Publication date:
September 4, 2003
Applicant:
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Inventors:
Jeremy Nathans, Philip M. Smallwood, Jennifer P. Macke
Abstract: A transgenic non-human animal of the species selected from the group consisting of avian, bovine, ovine and porcine having a transgene which results in disrupting the production of and/or activity of growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11) chromosomally integrated into the germ cells of the animal is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making such animals, and methods of treating animals, including humans, with antibodies or antisense directed to GDF-11. The animals so treated are characterized by increased muscle tissue and bone tissue.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 31, 2001
Publication date:
September 4, 2003
Applicant:
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Abstract: Featured is an MRI/NMR methodology or process to detect amide protons of endogenous mobile proteins and peptides via the water signal. Such methods and processes can be used for the purposes of detection of pH effects and amide proton content or content changes and related mobile protein and peptide content or content changes using MR imaging. Also featured are methods whereby assessment of determined pH effects and amide proton content or content changes and related mobile protein and/or peptide content or content changes can be used in connection with diagnosis, program and treatment of brain related disorders and diseases, cardiac disorders and diseases, and cancer and to use such methods for monitoring, detecting and assessing protein and peptide content in vivo and pathologically for any of a number of diseases or disorders of a human body, including but not limited to cancers, ischemia, Alzheimers and Parkinsons.
Type:
Application
Filed:
December 13, 2002
Publication date:
August 28, 2003
Applicant:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine