Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying the presence of cancer cells in a sample by detecting hypermethylation of the promoter region of a GATA-4 transcription factor gene, a GATA-5 transcription factor gene, or both. Methods for ameliorating a cancer by effecting expression of a hypermethylation silenced GATA-4 and/or GATA-5 transcription also are provided.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 21, 2004
Date of Patent:
May 13, 2008
Assignee:
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Inventors:
Stephen B. Baylin, Yoshimitsu Akiyama, James G. Herman
Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies and method for ameliorating an immune response disorder. The monoclonal antibodies are specific for an epitope present on the leukocyte adhesion receptor ?-chain.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 12, 2005
Date of Patent:
May 6, 2008
Assignee:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying a cell exhibiting unregulated growth associated with methylation-silenced transcription of a suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)/cytokine-inducible SH2 protein (CIS) family member (SOCS/CIS) gene such as the SOCS-1 gene. In addition, methods of treating a cancer patient, wherein cancer cells in the patient exhibit methylation-silenced transcription of SOCS/CIS gene such as a SOCS-1 gene, are provided, as are reagents for practicing such methods.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 15, 2002
Date of Patent:
March 25, 2008
Assignee:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Inventors:
James G. Herman, Hirohide Yoshikawa, Curtis C. Harris
Abstract: Dominant negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic animals, new cell lines and animal varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation. The enhanced rate of mutation can be further augmented using mutagens. Moreover, the hypermutability of mismatch repair deficient cells can be remedied to stabilize cells or mammals with useful mutations.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 23, 2004
Date of Patent:
January 15, 2008
Assignees:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Morphotek, Inc.
Inventors:
Nicholas C. Nicolaides, Philip M. Sass, Luigi Grasso, Bert Vogelstein, Kenneth W. Kinzler
Abstract: The present invention makes availables assays and reagents inhibiting paracrine and/or autocrine signals produced by a hedgehog protein or aberrant activation of a hedgehog signal transduction pathway, e.g., which involve the use of a steroidal alkaloid or other small molecule.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 8, 2000
Date of Patent:
November 6, 2007
Assignee:
John Hopkins University School of Medicine
Inventors:
Philip A. Beachy, Michael K. Cooper, Jeffrey A. Porter
Abstract: Methods for detection of a cell proliferative disorder, such as cancer, are provided utilizing analysis of target mutant nucleic acids in saliva specimens. The presence of the target mutant nucleic acids is indicative of a neoplastic disorder of the lung or the head and neck.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 9, 2004
Date of Patent:
October 9, 2007
Assignee:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
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:
October 10, 2003
Date of Patent:
September 18, 2007
Assignee:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Abstract: This invention provides a method for inducing weight loss in an animal by administering to the animal a compound which reduces the expression and/or secretion of neuropeptide Y (NPY). The effect may be accomplished directly, indirectly, or humorally. Preferably, administration of this compound has the effect of increasing malonyl CoA levels in the animal. Compounds administered according to this invention may be inhibitors of fatty acid synthase (FAS), including substituted ?-methylene-?-carboxyl-?-butyrolactones, or inhibitors of malonyl Coenzyme A decarboxylase (MCD). Preferably, the compound is administered in an amount sufficient to reduce the amount and/or duration of expression and/or secretion of NPY to levels at or below those observed for lean animals. In another preferred embodiment, the administration will reduce expression and/or secretion to levels observed for fed or satiated animals; more preferably, administration will reduce the level of NPY below that of fed animals.
Type:
Application
Filed:
January 25, 2007
Publication date:
August 23, 2007
Applicant:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Licensing and Technology Development
Inventors:
Thomas Loftus, Craig Townsend, Gabrielle Ronnett, M. Lane, Francis Kuhajda
Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits useful for detecting neplasia by measuring the methylation level of biomarkers, especially the promoter region of GSTP1 for the detection of prostate adenocarcinoma.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 15, 2002
Date of Patent:
August 7, 2007
Assignee:
The John Hopkins University School of Medicine
Abstract: The present invention provides two novel polypeptides, referred to as the āNā and āCā fragments of hedgehog, or N-terminal and C-terminal fragments, respectively, which are derived after specific cleavage at a G?CF site recognized by the autoproteolytic domain in the native protein. Also included are 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.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 11, 2003
Date of Patent:
May 22, 2007
Assignee:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a compound which affects the formation of AMPA receptors into aggregates. The method also provides for a compound, for example, a long pentraxin polypeptide or fragment thereof, having a pentraxin binding domain and affecting AMPA receptor aggregation. The method provided herein affects AMPA receptor aggregation of GluR1, GluR2 and GluR3 receptor subunits.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 18, 2002
Date of Patent:
May 15, 2007
Assignee:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Inventors:
Paul Worley, Richard O'Brien, DeSheng Xu, Richard L. Huganir
Abstract: Functionalized chondroitin sulfate, cross-linked polymer matrices comprising functionalized chondroitin sulfate, and methods of making and using the same are provided. Such polymer matrices may be used for tissue engineering, reconstructing cartilage, and the like. Kits are also provided for detection of cartilage degrading enzymes.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 5, 2006
Publication date:
May 3, 2007
Applicant:
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Inventors:
Jennifer Elisseeff, Rocky Tuan, Qiang Li, Dongan Wang, Ronald Silverman
Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for inducing weight loss and maintaining optimum weight comprising administering an agent that stimulates carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (CPT-1) activity to the patient in need, including human patients. These methods do not require inhibition of fatty acid synthesis. In particular, this invention provides methods for development of therapeutics that selectively enhance fatty acid oxidation, increase energy production, and reduce adiposity while preserving lean mass, through the pharmacological stimulation of CPT-1 activity. In a preferred mode, the agent is administered in an amount sufficient to increase fatty acid oxidation. In another preferred mode, the agent is administered in an amount sufficient to antagonize malonyl CoA inhibition of CPT-1. In yet another preferred mode, the agent is administered in an amount sufficient to increase malonyl CoA level.
Type:
Application
Filed:
October 2, 2006
Publication date:
April 19, 2007
Applicant:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Licensing and Technology Development
Inventors:
Jagan THUPARI, Leslie Landree, Gabrielle Ronnett, Francis Kuhajda
Abstract: Methods of reducing the risk of transmission of a sexually transmitted pathogen by contacting the pathogen or cells susceptible to infection by the pathogen with a ?-cyclodextrin are provided. Methods for reducing the risk of transmission of a sexually transmitted pathogen to or from a subject by contacting the pathogen or cells susceptible to the pathogen in the subject with a pharmaceutical composition containing a ?-cyclodextrin also are provided. Accordingly, pharmaceutical compositions, which include 1) a ?-cyclodextrin, which is in an amount that blocks passage of the pathogen through lipid rafts in the membrane of a cell susceptible to the pathogen, and 2) a contraceptive, an agent for treating a sexually transmitted disease, a lubricant, or a combination thereof, are provided, as are composition formulated from a solid substrate that contains an amount of ?-cyclodextrin useful for reducing the risk of transmission of a sexually transmitted pathogen.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 28, 2004
Date of Patent:
April 10, 2007
Assignee:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Abstract: Growth differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) is disclosed along with its polynucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence. Also disclosed are diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using the GDF-5 polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 12, 2001
Date of Patent:
April 3, 2007
Assignee:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
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:
July 12, 2005
Date of Patent:
March 27, 2007
Assignee:
Johns Hopkins University School Of Medicine
Abstract: Growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8) is disclosed along with its polynucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence. Also disclosed are diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using the GDF-8 polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 31, 2002
Date of Patent:
February 20, 2007
Assignee:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Abstract: The present application is directed to biodegradable polymers, compositions, including microspheres and nanospheres, formed of such polymers, and methods of using such polymers and compositions. In certain embodiments, the subject polymer compositions include therapeutic agents, optionally providing sustained release of the encapsulated agent after administration to a patient.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 21, 2002
Date of Patent:
January 16, 2007
Assignee:
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
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 agent, preferably by ductal cannulation, so as to realize a prophylactic or therapeutic effect.
Type:
Application
Filed:
August 28, 2006
Publication date:
December 28, 2006
Applicant:
JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE