Abstract: The invention relates to a substrate and method for the assay of ribonuclease H activity. The substrate comprises a DNA/RNA heteroduplex molecule having fluorophore and quencher molecules in close proximity, which emit a background level of fluorescence in the absence of ribonuclease H activity due to quenching of the fluorophore as a result of fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Ribonuclease H cleavage of the heteroduplex results in an increase in fluorescence emission due to the destabilization and separation of the DNA and RNA molecules and their associated fluorophore and quencher molecules. The assay method of the present invention is suitable for use in screening (e.g. high throughput screening) for modulators, e.g. inhibitors, of the ribonuclease H activity associated with, for example, reverse transcriptase and ribonuclease H enzymes.
Abstract: The present invention relates to a TGF-?1 binding protein called r150. This protein has a GPI-anchor contained in r150 itself and not on a tightly associated protein and that it binds TGF-?1 with an affinity comparable to those of the signaling receptors. Furthermore, the released (soluble) form of this protein binds TGF-?1 independent of the types I and II receptors. Also, the soluble form inhibits the binding of TGF-? to its receptor. In addition, evidence that r150 is released from the cell surface by an endogenous phospholipase C is provided. Also, the creation of a mutant human keratinocyte cell line with a defect in GPI synthesis which displays reduced expression of r150 is described. Our results using these mutant keratinocytes suggest that the membrane anchored form of r150 is a negative modulator of TGF-beta responses.
Abstract: A composition for facilitating delivery of biological agents, comprising a therapeutic or diagnostic agent and a supramolecular complex, the latter comprising (i) a block copolymer, having at least one nonionic, water soluble segment and at least one polyionic segment, and (ii) at least one charged surfactant having hydrophobic groups. The charge of the surfactant is opposite to the charge of the polyionic segment of the block copolymer. The constituents of the supramolecular complex are bound by interaction between the opposite charges thereof and between surfactant hydrophobic groups. The therapeutic or diagnostic agent may be an ionic substance, in which case the ionic substance has a net charge opposite to that of the block copolymer, the net charge being no more than 10.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 11, 1998
Date of Patent:
January 30, 2007
Assignees:
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents, McGill University, The Moscow State University
Inventors:
Alexander V. Kabanov, Adi Eisenberg, Victor A. Kabanov
Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for screening agents inducing islet cell neogenesis or duct-to-islet cell transdifferentiation, which comprises the steps of: a) expanding in vitro cells of a duct-like structure obtained by inducing cystic formation in cells in or associated with post-natal islets of Langerhans; b) treating said expanded cells of said duct-like structure with an agent screened; and c) determining potency of said agent of inducing islet cell differentiation of said duct-like structure in becoming insulin-producing cells.
Abstract: Users to self-report in real-time an assessment of the cognitive-behavioral impact of the information provided by electronic information resources, whatever their type (e.g. CMC, DSS or IRT) or platform (e.g. desktop, internet, handheld computer or laptop). A computerized real-world momentary assessment method is combined with a 5-level impact assessment scale. For the maintenance and comparison of resources, assessment of impact is complementary to existing relevance-based evaluation (e.g. user satisfaction).
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 15, 2006
Publication date:
December 21, 2006
Applicant:
McGill University
Inventors:
Roland Grad, Pierre Pluye, Yuejing Meng
Abstract: There is provided a stromal antigen-presenting cell capable of antigen presentation in the context of MHC II. When stimulated with IFN? the stromal cell expresses B7-H1 and/or CD80. These stromal cells can be used to generate an immune response in an animal.
Abstract: Cyclic peptides and compositions comprising such cyclic peptides are provided. The cyclic peptides comprise a classical cadherin cell adhesion recognition sequence HAV. Methods for using such peptides and compositions for inducing apoptosis in cadherin-expressing cells, such as cancer cells, are also provided.
Abstract: The present invention provides methods for screening modulators of 2-polyprenyl-3-methyl-6-methoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DMQ) hydroxylation activity, inhibitors and activators of the activity, and methods of using such compounds. More particularly, this invention relates to modulators of and UbiF and CLK-1 enzyme activity and methods of identifying same.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 7, 2004
Date of Patent:
November 7, 2006
Assignee:
McGill University
Inventors:
Siegfried Hekimi, Abdelmadjid K. Hihi, Guy Nadeau
Abstract: Methods and spectra for monitoring fetal growth and predicting birth weight of an infant prior to birth are provided wherein one or more selected biological markers are measured in a sample of amniotic fluid obtained from a pregnant woman. Levels of the selected biochemical markers and/or spectra correlate with one or more medical conditions, such as fetal growth and birth weight of the infant, and gestational diabetes. A measurement probe for in situ measurement can be used safely and repeatedly. Monitoring and/or treatment of maternal and fetal health is also provided.
Abstract: The invention relates to the identification and disruption of essential fungal specific genes isolated in the yeast pathogen Candida albicans namely CaKRE5, CaALR1, and CaCDC24 and to the use thereof in antifungal diagnosis and as essential antifungal targets in a fungal species for antifungal drug discovery. More specifically, the invention relates to the CaKRE5, CaALR1, and CaCDC24 genes, to their use to screen for antifungal compounds and to the drugs identified by such.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 5, 2000
Date of Patent:
October 31, 2006
Assignee:
McGill University
Inventors:
Terry Roemer, Howard Bussey, John Davison
Abstract: The present invention relates to a manipulating device (A) for producing Schönflies motions comprising a parallel array of at least two legs (B), each leg (B) including an actuator unit (C) having first and second ends and producing a pan-tilt motion, each leg (B) also including a passive unit (D) having first and second ends, the first end of the passive unit (D) being coupled to the first end of the actuator unit (C) such that the passive unit (D) reacts to the pan-tilt motion, a base (1) connected to the second end of each actuator unit (C), all second ends having a constant relative position with respect to one another; and a common end-effector (36) connected to the second end of all passive units (D) such that the common end-effector (36) is provided with a Schönflies motion by the legs (B).
Abstract: A parallel processing, fluid handling apparatus for concurrent temperature controlled preparation of a plurality of cell fraction samples adapted to be used for electron microscopic viewing. The apparatus comprises generally a sample receiving member, a fluid handling means, and a separation means. The sample receiving member comprises a plurality of discrete apertures each adapted to receive a biological sample therein. The fluid handling means for inserting and removing fluid to and from the plurality of apertures substantially in parallel, permits the biological samples to be processed substantially in parallel by the insertion and removal of processing fluid. The separation means permits the parallel isolated separation of the post-processing samples. The post-processing samples are adapted to be polymerized in embedding solution and removed from the sample receiving member.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 16, 2002
Date of Patent:
October 17, 2006
Assignee:
McGill University
Inventors:
Raymond Waterbury, Robert Kearney, John Bergeron
Abstract: A heat pipe assembly (10/110), under vacuum and having a working substance charged therein, comprising generally an evaporator (12/112) adapted to evaporate the working fluid and a condenser (16/116). The heat exchanging condenser is in fluid flow communication with the evaporator. The condenser is adapted to condense evaporated working substance received from the evaporator and has a reservoir (30/130), located at a higher elevation than the evaporator, for collecting liquid working fluid therein. A discrete, impermeable liquid return passage (36/136, 20/120) permitting the flow, by gravity, of the liquid working substance from the reservoir to the evaporator. The liquid return passage extends through the evaporator and terminates near the closed leading end thereof, and is fitted with a vent line (38/138) that diverts ascending vapor to the top of the condenser.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 25, 2004
Date of Patent:
October 3, 2006
Assignee:
McGill University
Inventors:
Frank Mucciardi, John Gruzleski, Guohui Zheng, Chunhui Zhang, Zhongsen Yuan
Abstract: The present invention relates to inhibitors of aminoglycoside 6?-N-acetyltransferases of Formula I: R—X—Y-Z??Formula I wherein: R is selected from the group consisting of: R1 is selected from the group consisting of OH and R2 is selected from the group consisting of OH and R3 is selected from the group consisting of NH2 and OH; R4 is selected from the group consisting of NH2 and R5 is selected from the group consisting of OMe, OEt OPr, and O-iPr; X is selected from the group consisting of NH and O; Y is selected from the group consisting of: R6 is selected from the group consisting of OH, CH3, and OCH3; n is an integer ranging from 1 to 10; and Z is selected from the group consisting of: and R7 is selected from the group consisting of OH, OMe, OEt OPr, O-iPr, O-tBu and
Abstract: The present invention relates to a DNA demethylase enzyme having about 40 KDa, and wherein said DNA demethylase enzyme is overexpressed in cancer cells and not in normal cells. The present invention also relates to the therapeutic and diagnostic uses of the DNA demethylase.
Abstract: Current sources of neural stem and progenitor cells for neural transplantation are essentially inaccessible in living animals. This invention relates to neural precursor cells (stem cells, progenitor cells or a combination of both types of cells) isolated from the olfactory epithelium of mammals that can be passaged and expanded, and that will differentiate into types of the central nervous system (CNS), including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and tyrosinehydroxylase-positive neurons. These precursor cells provide an accessible source for autologous transplantation in CNS, PNS, spinal cord and other damaged tissues.
Abstract: The present invention includes nuclear fertility restorer genes, proteins encoded by those genes and transgenic plants and plant cells containing those genes. More particularly, the nuclear fertility restorer genes can be used to restore fertility in cytoplasmic male-sterile plants such as Brassica napus. Preferably, the nuclear fertility restorer genes are used with the Ogura (ogu) CMS system in Brassica napus.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 12, 2002
Date of Patent:
July 4, 2006
Assignees:
McGill University, DNA Landmarks, Inc.
Inventors:
Gregory G. Brown, Natasa Formanova, Charles Dendy, Benoit S. Landry, Wing Cheung, Jin Hua
Abstract: Modulating agents for inhibiting an interaction between ?-catenin and ?-catenin are provided. The modulating agents comprise one or more of: (a) a ?-catenin HAV motif; (b) a peptide analogue or mimetic of a ?-catenin HAV motif; or (c) an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds to a ?-catenin HAV motif. Methods for using such modulating agents for inhibiting cadherin-mediated cell adhesion in a variety of contexts are also provided.
Abstract: The invention features a novel gene encoding methionine synthase reductase. The invention also features a method for detecting an increased likelihood of hyperhomocysteinemia and, in turn, an increased or decreased likelihood of neural tube defects, cardiovascular disease, Down's Syndrome or cancer. The invention also features therapeutic methods for treating and/or reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, Down's Syndrome, cancer, or neural tube defects. Also provided are the sequences of the human methionine synthase reductase gene and protein and compounds and kits for performing the methods of the invention.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 19, 2000
Date of Patent:
June 20, 2006
Assignee:
McGill University
Inventors:
Roy A. Gravel, Rima Rozen, Daniel Leclerc, Aaron Wilson, David Rosenblatt
Abstract: Cellophane wrapping (CW) of hamster pancreas induces proliferation of duct epithelial cells followed by endocrine cell differentiation and islet neogenesis. Using the mRNA differential display technique a cDNA clone expressed in cellophane wrapped but not in control pancreata was identified. Using this cDNA as a probe, a cDNA library was screened and a gene not previously described was identified and named INGAP.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 13, 2000
Date of Patent:
September 19, 2006
Assignees:
Eastern Virginia Medical School of the Medical College of Hampton Roads, McGill University
Inventors:
Aaron I. Vinik, Gary L. Pittenger, Ronit Rafaeloff-Phail, Lawrence Rosenberg, Jean T. S. Duguid, William P. Duguid