Patents Assigned to Maine Medical Center
  • Publication number: 20120237504
    Abstract: The present invention features compositions featuring agents that bind to denatured collagen and methods of using such agents to treat or prevent fibrosis or inflammation in a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: MAINE MEDICAL CENTER
    Inventors: Peter C. Brooks, Leif Oxburg, Jennifer M. Roth
  • Publication number: 20120203051
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating cancer using the sodium salt of a benzoic acid derivative, alone or in combination with standard treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicants: MAINE MEDICAL CENTER, NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Peter C. Brooks, James Canary, Leonard Liebes
  • Patent number: 8173613
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the modulation of metastatic and mesenchymal cell growth and mobility via the regulation of the formation of Twist/Twist homodimers and Twist/E heterodimers. The present invention also relates to methods for screening agents and compound libraries for molecules that function to modulate the formation of Twist/Twist homodimers, Twist/E protein heterodimers or their upstream or downstream effector molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Maine Medical Center
    Inventor: Douglas B. Spicer
  • Publication number: 20110165697
    Abstract: The present invention relates to reagents and methods for the detection of osteopontin fragments and distinguishing them from each other and from the full-length osteopontin protein. The present invention also relates to assays for the determination of the presence of osteopontin fragments in samples obtained from subjects and, further, the correlation of osteopontin fragment levels fragment levels with disease detection, progression and prognosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicants: UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM BOARD OF TRUSTEES, MAINE MEDICAL CENTER
    Inventors: Lucy Liaw, Ah-Kau Ng
  • Publication number: 20110125467
    Abstract: The combined effects of a selected treatment option on multiple causes of morbidity or mortality are simulated for evaluation. Various patient-specific and model-specific parameters, including parameters related to diseases to be modeled, are used in modeling incidence and mortality rates for each disease. These disease-specific models are used for defining a set of health states having initial probabilities, which are used to formulate a transition matrix used in matrix calculation to obtain output matrix Q. If additional cycles are needed, the transition matrix is updated and matrix calculation is performed using the updated transition matrix. Otherwise, final output matrix Q is utilized for calculation of values needed for determining an overall treatment score. The calculated values and/or values from Q are combined with patient or numeric scores from other treatment choice-related domains to obtain a raw score that is used to produce a patient-specific score for a selected treatment option.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: MAINE MEDICAL CENTER
    Inventors: Nananda F. Col, Griffin Weber
  • Patent number: 7867725
    Abstract: The present invention relates to reagents and methods for the detection of osteopontin fragments and distinguishing them from each other and from the full-length osteopontin protein. The present invention also relates to assays for the determination of the presence of osteopontin fragments in samples obtained from subjects and, further, the correlation of osteopontin fragment levels fragment levels with disease detection, progression and prognosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignees: Maine Medical Center, University of Maine System Board
    Inventors: Lucy Liaw, Ah-Kau Ng
  • Patent number: 7700113
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Maine Medical Research Institute, a division of Maine Medical Center
    Inventor: Lucy Liaw
  • Patent number: 7541431
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and method for the modulation of Wnt pathway signaling. The Wnt signaling pathway is instrumental in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and morphogenesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Maine Medical Center
    Inventor: Jeong Kyo Yoon
  • Patent number: 7501281
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Maine Medical Center Research Institute
    Inventors: Lori Maciag, legal representative, Vihren Kolev, Joseph M. Verdi, Thomas Maciag
  • Publication number: 20080112940
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: MAINE MEDICAL CENTER RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Lucy Liaw
  • Patent number: 7304138
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Maine Medical Center Research Institute
    Inventors: Thomas Maciag, Ann B. Zimrin, Deena J. Small, Igor A. Prudovsky
  • Publication number: 20070255110
    Abstract: A speculum for performing gynecological procedures. The speculum includes a first structure, which includes a fixed blade member, a second structure, which includes a movable blade member, and a third structure to join the first and second structures together. The first structure includes a light source holder for an associated light source. The speculum includes a hinge, which may be located on either side of the speculum. These features facilitate improved visualization of, and access to, the genital tract. Such enhanced visualization and access reduces the likelihood of patient discomfort. The fixed blade member and the second blade member may be formed with cutaways to enhance visibility and instrument placement through the speculum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Applicant: Maine Medical Center
    Inventors: Joseph Wax, Andrea Tetreau
  • Patent number: 6982170
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignees: Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Repair, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Maciag, David S. Ettenson, Wilson H. Burgess, William N. Drohan
  • Publication number: 20040253602
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Maine Medical Center Research Institute
    Inventors: Thomas Maciag, Ann B. Zimrin, Deena J. Small, Igor A. Prudovsky
  • Patent number: 6825007
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Maine Medical Center Research Institute
    Inventors: Ann B. Zimrin, Thomas Maciag, Michael S. Pepper, Roberto Montesano, Michael Wong
  • Publication number: 20040229796
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Maine Medical Center Research Institute
    Inventors: Thomas Maciag, Anna Mandinova, Lazar Mandinov, Igor Prudovsky, Stephen Bellum, Raffaella Soldi, Cinzia Bagala
  • Publication number: 20040203018
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: Maine Medical Center Research Insitute
    Inventors: Joan Gordon, Clark A. Rundell
  • Publication number: 20040071787
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Maine Medical Center Research Institute
    Inventors: Thomas Maciag, Brian Hampton, Wilson H. Burgess, Susan M. Gamble, Francesca Tarantini, Anthony Q. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6716974
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Maine Medical Center Research Institute
    Inventors: Thomas Maciag, Ann B. Zimrin, Deena J. Small, Igor A. Prudovsky
  • Publication number: 20040063176
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Maine Medical Center Research Institute
    Inventors: Volkhard Lindner, Robert E. Friesel