Patents Assigned to Maine Medical Center Research Institute
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Publication number: 20220162557Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, methods, compositions, and kits for producing adipocyte populations such as beige adipocyte populations. Also included are methods and compositions for increasing the level of adipocyte populations (e.g., beige adipocyte populations) in a subject, as well as methods and compositions for treating subjects who are overweight, obese, or who have diabetes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2022Publication date: May 26, 2022Applicants: Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Maine Medical Center Research InstituteInventor: Aaron C. Brown
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Patent number: 11279915Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, methods, compositions, and kits for producing adipocyte populations such as beige adipocyte populations. Also included are methods and compositions for increasing the level of adipocyte populations (e.g., beige adipocyte populations) in a subject, as well as methods and compositions for treating subjects who are overweight, obese, or who have diabetes.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2019Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Maine Medical Center Research InstituteInventor: Aaron C. Brown
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Patent number: 10906977Abstract: The present invention provides antagonists and methods of use thereof in the treatment of cancer and abnormal immune suppression diseases.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2017Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Maine Medical Center Research InstituteInventors: Peter C. Brooks, Jennifer M. Caron, Liangru Contois
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Patent number: 10881732Abstract: The present invention provides antagonists and methods of use thereof in the treatment of cancer and abnormal immune suppression diseases.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2016Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: Maine Medical Center Research InstituteInventors: Peter C. Brooks, Jennifer M. Caron, Liangru Contois
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Patent number: 9752115Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods associated with cocktails of growth factors and small molecules that target specific cell signaling pathways, the cocktails having been formulated to allow/promote the expansion of progenitor cells (e.g., nephron progenitor cells) within a defined culture system.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2015Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Maine Medical Center Research InstituteInventors: Leif Oxburgh, Aaron Brown
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Patent number: 7501281Abstract: The present invention relates to methods based on the interactions of thrombin as a biological regulator. More specifically, the invention relates to the interactions of thrombin with regard to Notch signaling, Jagged1, PAR1, and cellular effects mediated thereby. The invention relates to the discovery that thrombin cleaves Jagged1 to produce non-membrane soluble Jagged1 (sJ1). The soluble Jagged1 protein can affect Notch signaling and, among other things, mediate the release of FGF-1 and/or IL-1? from a cell. The invention further relates to the role(s) of thrombin and signaling via Notch proteins and the effect on thrombosis, angiogenesis, and/or differentiation, among other processes. Moreover, the invention relates to discovery that thrombin, sJ1, and TRAP mediate, inter alia, rapid non-classical release of FGF-1, and proteins associated therewith (e.g., p40 Syn1 and S100A13, among others), and the effect growth and proliferation of a stem cell without loss of differentiation potential.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2005Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Maine Medical Center Research InstituteInventors: Lori Maciag, legal representative, Vihren Kolev, Joseph M. Verdi, Thomas Maciag
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Publication number: 20080112940Abstract: The present invention relates to the ability of constitutively active Notch 2 to function as an inhibitor of breast cancer. The invention provides methods and compositions for inhibiting breast cancer cells by using hNotch2ICD polypeptides.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Applicant: MAINE MEDICAL CENTER RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventor: Lucy Liaw
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Therapeutic and diagnostic methods and compositions based on jagged/notch proteins and nucleic acids
Patent number: 7304138Abstract: This invention relates to therapeutic and diagnostic methods and compositions based on Jagged/Notch proteins and nucleic acids, and on their role in the signaling pathway relating to endothelial cell migration and/or differentiation. In addition, this invention provides a substantially purified Jagged protein, as well as a substantially purified nucleic acid or segment thereof encoding Jagged protein, or a functionally equivalent derivative, or allelic or species variant thereof. Further, this invention provides a substantially purified soluble Jagged protein and a substantially purified nucleic acid encoding same as well as a recombinant cell comprising a nucleic acid encoding a soluble Jagged protein. Soluble Jagged provides further therapeutic and diagnostic methods relating to diseases, disorders, and conditions involving Jagged/Notch signaling including, inter alia, angiogenesis, differentiation, and control of gene expression.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Maine Medical Center Research InstituteInventors: Thomas Maciag, Ann B. Zimrin, Deena J. Small, Igor A. Prudovsky -
Compositions, methods and kits relating to thrombin degradation resistant fibroblast growth factor-1
Patent number: 6982170Abstract: The invention relates to novel degradation resistant FGF-1, and methods for producing and using the same. More specifically, the invention relates to identification of a thrombin degradation resistant FGF-1, an a nucleic acid encoding the same. The thrombin degradation resistant FGF-1 can elicit responses that are otherwise typically impeded by degradation of FGF-1 by thrombin. Thrombin degradation resistant FGF-1 is an important molecule for effecting an FGF-1 response that would be otherwise inhibited by thrombin. Thus, the present invention provides a powerful therapeutic for diseases or disorders wherein an FGF-1 response can mediate a reduction in the frequency or intensity of a symptom of the disease or disorder but for degradation of FGF-1 before it can effect the response.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2001Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignees: Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Repair, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Maciag, David S. Ettenson, Wilson H. Burgess, William N. Drohan -
Therapeutic and diagnostic methods and compositions based on jagged/notch proteins and nucleic acids
Publication number: 20040253602Abstract: This invention relates to therapeutic and diagnostic methods and compositions based on Jagged/Notch proteins and nucleic acids, and on their role in the signaling pathway relating to endothelial cell migration and/or differentiation. In addition, this invention provides a substantially purified Jagged protein, as well as a substantially purified nucleic acid or segment thereof encoding Jagged protein, or a functionally equivalent derivative, or allelic or species variant thereof. Further, this invention provides a substantially purified soluble Jagged protein and a substantially purified nucleic acid encoding same as well as a recombinant cell comprising a nucleic acid encoding a soluble Jagged protein. Soluble Jagged provides further therapeutic and diagnostic methods relating to diseases, disorders, and conditions involving Jagged/Notch signaling including, inter alia, angiogenesis, differentiation, and control of gene expression.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2003Publication date: December 16, 2004Applicant: Maine Medical Center Research InstituteInventors: Thomas Maciag, Ann B. Zimrin, Deena J. Small, Igor A. Prudovsky -
Therapeutic and diagnostic methods and compositions based on Jagged/Notch proteins and nucleic acids
Patent number: 6825007Abstract: This invention relates to therapeutic and diagnostic methods and compositions based on Jagged/Notch proteins and nucleic acids, and on the role of their signaling pathway in endothelial cell migration and/or differentiation. In addition, this invention provides a substantially purified Jagged protein, as well as a substantially purified nucleic acid molecule or segment thereof encoding Jagged protein, or a functionally equivalent derivative, or allelic or species variant thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Maine Medical Center Research InstituteInventors: Ann B. Zimrin, Thomas Maciag, Michael S. Pepper, Roberto Montesano, Michael Wong -
Publication number: 20040229796Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that non-traditional export of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines lacking a signal sequence from a cell can be inhibited by copper chelation and/or administration to the cell of a truncated form of S100A13 lacking the basic residue portion. Further, copper chelation inhibits, inter alia, neointima formation, macrophage infiltration and associated inflammation, cell proliferation, secretion of extracellular matrix, intimal thickening, adventitial angiogenesis, restenosis, and the like, associated with vascular vessel injury. Thus, the present invention provides novel methods of preventing and treating, and for identifying novel compounds also useful as therapeutics for, such conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2004Publication date: November 18, 2004Applicant: Maine Medical Center Research InstituteInventors: Thomas Maciag, Anna Mandinova, Lazar Mandinov, Igor Prudovsky, Stephen Bellum, Raffaella Soldi, Cinzia Bagala
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Publication number: 20040071787Abstract: This invention relates to the regulation of FGF-1 export by cells. In addition, this invention provides methods of regulating the export of FGF-1 from the cell membrane, which methods include regulating the Syn-1 molecule to affect the formation of the FGF-Syn-1 complex, regulating the enzyme or protease which cleaves Syn-1 in the FGF-1 :Syn-1 complex to effect the release of FGF-1 from the cell membrane, or regulating the FGF-1:Syn-1 complex itself at or near the cell membrane. S100A13 is identified as an additional component of the FGF-1 export complex. Syn-1 truncation deletion mutants are also provided and functionally characterized. The invention also provides compositions related to the regulation of FGF-1 export.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Applicant: Maine Medical Center Research InstituteInventors: Thomas Maciag, Brian Hampton, Wilson H. Burgess, Susan M. Gamble, Francesca Tarantini, Anthony Q. Jackson
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Therapeutic and diagnostic methods and compositions based on jagged/notch proteins and nucleic acids
Patent number: 6716974Abstract: This invention relates to therapeutic and diagnostic methods and compositions based on Jagged/Notch proteins and nucleic acids, and on their role in the signaling pathway relating to endothelial cell migration and/or differentiation. In addition, this invention provides a substantially purified Jagged protein, as well as a substantially purified nucleic acid or segment thereof encoding Jagged protein, or a functionally equivalent derivative, or allelic or species variant thereof. Further, this invention provides a substantially purified soluble Jagged protein and a substantially purified nucleic acid encoding same as well as a recombinant cell comprising a nucleic acid encoding a soluble Jagged protein. Soluble Jagged provides further therapeutic and diagnostic methods relating to diseases, disorders, and conditions involving Jagged/Notch signaling including, inter alia, angiogenesis, differentiation, and control of gene expression.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2000Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Maine Medical Center Research InstituteInventors: Thomas Maciag, Ann B. Zimrin, Deena J. Small, Igor A. Prudovsky -
Publication number: 20040063176Abstract: The invention relates to novel nucleic acids encoding a mammalian adventitia inducible and bone expressed gene designated REMODEL, and proteins encoded thereby, whose expression is increased in certain diseases, disorders, or conditions, including, but not limited to, negative remodeling, arterial restenosis, vessel injury, ectopic ossification, fibrosis, and the like. REMODEL also plays a role in cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion, bone density, bone formation, dorsal closure, and is associated with spina bifida-like phenotype. The invention further relates to methods of treating and detecting these diseases, disorders or conditions, comprising modulating or detecting REMODEL expression and/or production of REMODEL polypeptide.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: Maine Medical Center Research InstituteInventors: Volkhard Lindner, Robert E. Friesel
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Patent number: 6630325Abstract: The invention relates to novel nucleic acids encoding a mammalian adventitia inducible and bone expressed gene designated REMODEL, and proteins encoded thereby, whose expression is increased in certain diseases, disorders, or conditions, including, but not limited to, negative remodeling, arterial restenosis, vessel injury, ectopic ossification, fibrosis, and the like. REMODEL also plays a role in cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion, bone density, bone formation, dorsal closure, and is associated with spina bifida-like phenotype. The invention further relates to methods of treating and detecting these diseases, disorders or conditions, comprising modulating or detecting REMODEL expression and/or production of REMODEL polypeptide.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2000Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Maine Medical Center Research InstituteInventors: Volkhard Lindner, Robert E. Friesel
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Patent number: 6607911Abstract: The invention relates to novel control DNA constructs, and methods and kits for using and making the same, which provide comprehensive controls useful for quality assurance in the diagnostic detection of complex genetic diseases such as, but not limited to, cystic fibrosis, and for quality assurance in nucleic acid assays to detect components associated with an environmental condition or a biological organism.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2001Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignees: Maine Molecular Quality Controls, Inc., Maine Medical Center Research InstituteInventors: Joan Gordon, Clark A. Rundell
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Therapeutic and diagnostic methods and compositions based on Jagged/Notch proteins and nucleic acids
Publication number: 20030083465Abstract: This invention relates to therapeutic and diagnostic methods and compositions based on Jagged/Notch proteins and nucleic acids, and on the role of their signaling pathway in endothelial cell migration and/or differentiation. In addition, this invention provides a substantially purified Jagged protein, as well as a substantially purified nucleic acid molecule or segment thereof encoding Jagged protein, or a functionally equivalent derivative, or allelic or species variant thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Applicant: Maine Medical Center Research InstituteInventors: Ann B. Zimrin, Thomas MaCiag, Michael S. Pepper, Roberto Montesano, Michael Wong -
Therapeutic and diagnostic methods and compositions based on jagged/notch proteins and nucleic acids
Patent number: 6433138Abstract: This invention relates to therapeutic and diagnostic methods and compositions based on Jagged/Notch proteins and nucleic acids, and on the role of their signaling pathway in endothelial cell migration and/or differentiation. In addition, this invention provides a substantially purified Jagged protein, as well as a substantially purified nucleic acid molecule or segment thereof encoding Jagged protein, or a functionally equivalent derivative, or allelic or species variant thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1998Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Maine Medical Center Research InstituteInventors: Ann B. Zimrin, Michael Wong, Thomas Maciag, Michael S. Pepper, Roberto Montesano -
Patent number: 5607834Abstract: A fluorescent probe including (1) a nucleotide sequence which (a) has a segment complementary to the polynucleotide target and (b) is capable of forming one or more imperfect hairpins with at least one of the hairpins including the just-mentioned segment or a part thereof; and (2) at least one donor fluorophore and at least one acceptor fluorophore covalently attached to the nucleotide sequence so that only when one or more imperfect hairpins are formed, one of the donor fluorophores and one of the acceptor fluorophores are in close proximity to allow resonance energy transfer between them. Also disclosed is a method of using such a probe.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1995Date of Patent: March 4, 1997Assignee: Maine Medical Center Research InstituteInventor: C. Bruce Bagwell