Patents Assigned to Rockefeller University
  • Patent number: 5852009
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting protein aging. Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises an agent or compound capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation end products of target proteins by reacting with the carbonyl moiety of the early glycosylation product of such target proteins formed by their initial glycosylation. Suitable agents may contain an active nitrogen-containing group, such as a hydrazine group. Particular agents comprise aminoguanidine, .alpha.-hydrazinohistidine and mixtures thereof. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: The Rockefeller University
    Inventors: Anthony Cerami, Peter C. Ulrich, Michael A. Brownlee
  • Patent number: 5852174
    Abstract: The present invention relates to receptors for advanced glycosylation endproducts derived from rat liver membranes, and that specifically comprise proteins determined to possess molecular masses of about 90 kD and 60 kD, respectively, as assessed by migration during SDS-PAGE. Partial N-terminal sequences have been determined and diagnostic and therapeutic agents, compositions and methods are proposed. Antibodies to the 90 kD and 60 kD receptor proteins are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: The Rockefeller University
    Inventors: Helen Vlassara, Zhi Yang, Anthony Cerami
  • Patent number: 5849873
    Abstract: An inflammatory cytokine is disclosed which has been isolated from cells that have been incubated with a stimulator material. The inflammatory cytokine comprises a protein that is capable of binding to heparin, inducing localized inflammation characterized by polymorphonuclear cell infiltration when administered subcutaneously and inducing in vitro polymorphonuclear cell chemokinesis, while lacking the ability to suppress the activity of the anabolic enzyme lipoprotein lipase, cause the cytotoxicity of cachectin/TNF-sensitive cells, stimulate the blastogenesis of endotoxin-resistant C3H/HeJ thymocytes, or induce the production of cachectin/TNF by primary thioglycollate-elicited mouse macrophage cells. A particular inflammatory cytokine MIP-1 has been isolated and has been found to comprise a peptide doublet of similar molecular weights of about 8,000 daltons, and to show a pI of about 4.6. The doublet has been resolved into its component peptides, MIP-1.alpha. and MIP-1.beta.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: The Rockefeller University
    Inventors: Anthony Cerami, Bruce Beutler, Stephen D. Wolpe
  • Patent number: 5849485
    Abstract: HNF-4 (hepatocyte nuclear factor 4) is a protein enriched in liver extracts that binds to sites required for the transcription of the transthyretin (TTR) and apolipoprotein CIII (apoCIII) genes (Costa et al., 1989; Costa et al., 1990; Leff et al., 1989). We have purified HNF-4 protein (54 kD) and isolated a cDNA clone encoding the protein. HNF-4 is a member of the steroid hormone receptor superfamily with an unusual amino acid in the conserved "knuckle" of the first zinc finger (DGCKG). This and the fact that HNF-4 does not bind significantly to estrogen, thyroid hormone or glucocorticoid response elements indicate that HNF-4 may represent a new subfamily. HNF-4 binds to its recognition site as a dimer and activates transcription in a sequence-specific fashion in nonhepatic (HeLa) cells. HNF-4 mRNA is present in kidney and intestine as well as liver but is absent in other tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: The Rockefeller University
    Inventors: Frances M. Sladek, Weimin Zhong, James E. Darnell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5840314
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the cloning and expression of Streptococcus pyogenes M protein genes, and, in particular, types 5, 6 and 24 gene in single-cell host organisms. The streptococcal M protein produced by the recombinant DNA techniques described herein may be formulated for use as immunogens in vaccines to protect against S. pyogenes infections. The gene for the M protein may further be employed as a molecular probe for the accurate identification of streptococci in infected body tissues and fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignees: The Rockefeller University, Emery University
    Inventors: June Rothman Scott, Vincent Angelo Fischetti
  • Patent number: 5834278
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of a bacterial adhesion associated protein, and the gene encoding such protein. More particularly, the invention relates to a pneumococcal peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase involved in bacterial adherence. The invention also relates to identification and development of agents to provide protection from bacterial infection based on this protein.The invention provides nucleic acids encoding the peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase, as well as methods for identifying antagonists of the methionine sulfoxide reductase. The present invention further demonstrates that peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase is an adhesion-associated protein in various Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and accordingly provides for interference with the peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase to inhibit bacterial adherence to host tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: The Rockefeller University
    Inventors: Elaine Tuomanen, H. Robert Masure, Theresa M. Wizemann
  • Patent number: 5831051
    Abstract: The invention relates to an energy homeostasis peptide hormone receptor, and in particular, a second common PACAP/VIP receptor (PACAP/VIP R-2 or R-2B) cDNA expressed in human adipocytes. Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) are two structurally related peptides with multiple physiological effects. The present receptor recognizes PACAP-38 and VIP with similar affinity and is coupled to the cAMP-mediated signal transduction pathway. Transcripts of the second common PACAP/VIP R-2 receptor are also found in human brain and in a number of peripheral tissues, such as pancreas, muscle, heart, lung, kidney, stomach and at low levels in the liver, while transcripts of PACAP/VIP R-2B are not found in pancreas, stomach or kidney.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: The Rockefeller University
    Inventors: Svetlana Mojsov, Yang Wei
  • Patent number: 5821352
    Abstract: The present invention identifies cDNA collections enriched in genes regulated in prostate homeostasis, prostate regression, and in genes regulated in programmed cell death. These novel cDNA collections provide cDNAs that encode proteins that are either unique to general programmed cell death or unique to prostate regression. These transcripts can be used as markers to monitor and/or to diagnose diseased conditions. Methods of making these collections through subtraction hybridization are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: The Rockefeller University
    Inventors: Nathaniel Heintz, John Gubbay, Michael K. Skinner
  • Patent number: 5817763
    Abstract: An inflammatory cytokine is disclosed which has been isolated from cells that have been incubated with a stimulator material. The inflammatory cytokine comprises a protein that is capable of binding to heparin, inducing localized inflammation characterized by polymorphonuclear cell infiltration when administered subcutaneously and inducing in vitro polymorphonuclear cell chemokinesis, while lacking the ability to suppress the activity of the anabolic enzyme lipoprotein lipase, cause the cytotoxicity of cachectin/TNF-sensitive cells, stimulate the blastogenesis of endotoxin-resistant C3H/HeJ thymocytes, or induce the production of cachectin/TNF by primary thioglycollate-elicited mouse macrophage cells. A particular inflammatory cytokine MIP-1 has been isolated and has been found to comprise a peptide doublet of similar molecular weights of about 8,000 daltons, and to show a pI of about 4.6. The doublet has been resolved into its component peptides, MIP-1.alpha. and MIP-1.beta.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: The Rockefeller University
    Inventors: Anthony Cerami, Bruce Beutler, Stephen D. Wolpe
  • Patent number: 5817628
    Abstract: This invention provides a method of suppressing the cytotoxic activity of mammalian Natural Killer (NK) cells.The method of this invention comprises administering to an individual in need of treatment a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence corresponding to dynorphin A or a dynorphin A analog, including amidated analogs, in an amount sufficient to suppress the cytotoxic activity of NK cells. This invention is particularly useful for those individuals undergoing gene therapy who are to be infected with a viral or viroid vector containing a therapeutic gene. This invention is also useful to aid recipients of transplanted tissue and for individuals suffering from autoimmune diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: The Rockefeller University
    Inventor: Mary Jeanne Kreek
  • Patent number: 5817617
    Abstract: Proteins, peptides, analogs thereof and antibodies thereto which will inhibit the adhesion of circulating molecules such as leukocytes to endothelia and epithelia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: The Rockefeller University
    Inventors: Elaine Tuomanen, H. Robert Masure
  • Patent number: 5811247
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hybridoma cell line which produces a monoclonal antibody which cross reacts with both yeast and human fibrillarin. Diagnostic kits are also described. These are useful in diagnosing diseases such as scleroderma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: The Rockefeller University
    Inventors: John Aris, Gunter Blobel
  • Patent number: 5811075
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and associated agents for the inhibition and treatment of protein aging in animals by stimulating the bodies of the animals to increase their recognition and affinity for advanced glycosylation end products. Specifically, the method contemplates the administration of certain agents such as advanced glycosylation endproducts, such endproducts as are bound to the carrier, monokines that stimulate phagocytic cells to increase their activity toward advanced glycosylation endproducts, and mixtures of these materials either alone, or in conjunction with other co-stimulatory agents. Numerous diagnostic and therapeutic applications are defined, and pharmaceutical compositions are also contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: The Rockefeller University
    Inventors: Helen Vlassara, Michael Brownlee, Anthony Cerami
  • Patent number: 5804201
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to immunogenic peptides from vespid antigen 5. These immunogenic peptides can be used in immunotherapy for vespid venom allergic individuals. The present invention is thus directed to T cell epitopes of vespid antigen 5 that can anergize T cell responses in sensitive individuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: The Rockefeller University
    Inventor: Te Piao King
  • Patent number: 5798243
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of a bacterial adhesion associated protein, and the gene encoding such protein. More particularly, the invention relates to a pneumococcal peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase involved in bacterial adherence. The invention also relates to identification and development of agents to provide protection from bacterial infection based on this protein. The invention provides nucleic acids encoding the peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase, as well as methods for identifying antagonists of the methionine sulfoxide reductase. The present invention further demonstrates that peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase is an adhesion-associated protein in various Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and accordingly provides for interference with the peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase to inhibit bacterial adherence to host tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: The Rockefeller University
    Inventors: Elaine Tuomanen, H. Robert Masure, Theresa M. Wizemann
  • Patent number: 5798233
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleic acids encoding glycosyltransferases, the proteins encoded thereby, and to methods for synthesizing oligosaccharides using the glycosyltransferases of the invention. In particular, the present application is directed to identification a glycosyltransferase locus of Neisseria gonorrhoeae containing five open reading frames for five different glycosyltransferases. The functionally active glycosyltransferases of the invention are characterized by catalyzing reactions such as adding Gal .beta.1.fwdarw.4 to GlcNAc or Glc; adding GalNAc or GlcNAc .beta.1.fwdarw.3 to Gal; and adding Gal .alpha.1.fwdarw.4 to Gal. The glycosyltransferases of the invention are particularly suited to the synthesis of the oligosaccharides Gal.beta.1.fwdarw.4GlcNAc .beta.1.fwdarw.3Gal.beta.1.fwdarw.4Glc (a mimic of lacto-N-neotetraose), GalNAc.beta.1.fwdarw.3Gal.beta.l.fwdarw.4GlcNAc.beta.1.fwdarw.3Gal.beta.1. fwdarw.4Glc.beta.1.fwdarw.4 (a mimic ganglioside), and Gal.alpha.1.fwdarw.4Gal.beta.1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: The Rockefeller University
    Inventor: Emil C. Gotschlich
  • Patent number: 5792664
    Abstract: Methods of producing biopolymer ladders and their use to obtain structural information about the biopolymer. The ladders are produced by setting up catalytic cleavage and terminating reactions at the end of biopolymer molecules. The terminating reactions terminate cleavage of a percentage of the biopolymer molecules at each round of cleavage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignees: The Rockefeller University, Scripps Research Institute, Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian T. Chait, Rong Wang, Stephen B. H. Kent, Steven M. Clark
  • Patent number: 5792457
    Abstract: Peptides and antibodies which will inhibit the reaction between the RGD tripeptide of FHA and the integrin receptors of endothelial cells and their utility as therapeutic agents and a method of increasing the permeability of the blood-brain barrier using an antibody to the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) region of filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: The Rockefeller University
    Inventors: Elaine Tuomanen, H. Robert Masure
  • Patent number: 5786205
    Abstract: Process is described for the delivery and expression of hybrid surface proteins to the surface of bacteria. The transformed bacteria are useful as vaccines, for the delivery of other active peptides to animal hosts, as diagnostic reagents, and for other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: The Rockefeller University
    Inventors: Vincent A. Fischetti, Olaf Schneewind
  • Patent number: 5777195
    Abstract: A knockout mouse containing a non-functional allele for the gene that naturally encodes and expresses functional DARPP-32 is disclosed. This mouse contains two non-functional alleles for the gene that naturally encodes and expresses functional DARPP-32, and therefore is unable to express functional DARPP-32. This mouse finds utility as a screening model for potential therapeutic agents useful in the treatment of schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and the treatment of addictions, especially those involving drugs of abuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: The Rockefeller University
    Inventors: Allen A. Fienberg, Paul Greengard