Abstract: This invention relates to a system that adaptively compensates for subject motion in real-time in an imaging system. An object orientation marker, preferably a retro-grate reflector (RGR), is placed on an organ of interest of a patient during a scan, such as an MRI scan. The marker allows measuring the six degrees of freedom or “pose” required to track motion of the organ of interest. A detector, preferably a camera, observes the marker and continuously extracts its pose. The pose from the camera is sent to the scanner via an RGR processing computer and a scanner control and processing computer, allowing for continuous correction of scan planes and position (in real-time) for motion of the patient. This invention also provides for internal calibration and for co-registration over time of the scanner's and tracking system's reference frames to compensate for drift and other inaccuracies that may arise over time.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods useful in identifying candidate agents that modulate insulin secretion from an insulin secreting cell, where such molecules modulate TRPM4 activity and expression in the insulin secreting cell.

Abstract: Current MRI technologies require subjects to remain largely motionless for achieving high quality magnetic resonance (MR) scans, typically for 5-10 minutes at a time. However, lying absolutely still inside the tight MR imager (MRI) tunnel is a difficult task, especially for children, very sick patients, or the mentally ill. Even motion ranging less than 1 mm or 1 degree can corrupt a scan. This invention involves a system that adaptively compensates for subject motion in real-time. An object orientation marker, preferably a retro-grate reflector (RGR), is placed on a patients' head or other body organ of interest during MRI. The RGR makes it possible to measure the six degrees of freedom (x, y, and z-translations, and pitch, yaw, and roll), or “pose”, required to track the organ of interest. A camera-based tracking system observes the marker and continuously extracts its pose.

Abstract: The present invention provides high throughput assays for TRPM7 activity. The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for screening a sample for inhibitors of TRPM7, including methods and compositions for competitive high throughput assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides assays and methods for determining levels of STIM2 activity, thus providing tools for the characterization and study of the regulation of intracellular calcium levels.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of synthesizing alkylating agents and methods of use.

Abstract: Methods of alkylating target compounds are disclosed. The alkylating agent can be radiolabelled. In some instances, the alkylating agent is synthesized and then reacted with a target compound without an intervening purification step. The method comprises a) synthesizing an alkylating agent having the formula: X—(CR1R2)aCR3R4-LG wherein, a is 0, 1, 2 or 3, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently H, X or alkyl, X is a halogen or a label, with the proviso that at least one X is a halogen, LG is a leaving group; and b) directly reacting said alkylating agent with a target compound comprising an alkylation reactive group under conditions suitable for the alkylation of said target compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods useful in identifying molecules that bind TRPM5, which modulate TRPM5 ion channel activity, and/or which alter expression of TRPM5 within cells. The TRPM5 channels as described herein contain TRPM5 polypeptides, which are in turn encoded by TRPM5 nucleic acids. The ion channels described herein are preferably formed in HEK-293 cells from one or more novel TRPM5 polypeptides, which exhibit one or more of the unique TRPM5 properties described herein.

Abstract: The invention relates, in part, to methods useful in identifying molecules, that bind TRPM4b, which modulate TRPM4b ion channel activity, and/or which alter expression of TRPM4b within cells. The TRPM4b channels as described herein contain TRPM4b polypeptides, which are in turn encoded by TRPM4b nucleic acids. The ion channels described herein are preferably formed in HEK-293 cells from one or more novel TRPM4b polypeptides, which exhibit one or more of the unique TRPM4b properties described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification and isolation of a novel family of ATP regulated calcium transmembrane channel polypeptides designated herein as “LTRPC7” (Long Transient Receptor Potential Channel). Channels comprising these polypeptides close in response to concentrations of cytoplasmic ATP in the millimolar range, are subject to inhibition by high intracellular levels of calcium and/or magnesium, and do not respond to depletion or reduction in intracellular calcium stores. The invention further relates to the methods of utilizing LTRPC7 for binding, and the methods for modulating LTRPC7 activity and for measuring LTRPC2 permeability. The invention further relates to the methods of modulating expression of LTRPC7.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for determining the identity of CRACM homologs underlying Icrac activity in cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides assays and methods for determining levels of STIM2 activity, thus providing tools for the characterization and study of the regulation of intracellular calcium levels.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of synthesizing alkylating agents and methods of use.

Abstract: The invention relates, in part, to methods useful in identifying molecules, that bind TRPM4b, which modulate TRPM4b ion channel activity, and/or which alter expression of TRPM4b within cells. The TRPM4b channels as described herein contain TRPM4b polypeptides, which are in turn encoded by TRPM4b nucleic acids. The ion channels described herein are preferably formed in HEK-293 cells from one or more novel TRPM4b polypeptides, which exhibit one or more of the unique TRPM4b properties described herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods useful in identifying candidate agents that modulate insulin secretion from an insulin secreting cell, where such molecules modulate TRPM4 activity and expression in the insulin secreting cell.