Patents Assigned to Yale University
  • Patent number: 8354384
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating aging genes or their targets for the treatment or prevention of senescence or symptoms thereof have been developed based on the discovery of naturally occurring inhibitory nucleic acids, in particular lin-4 miRNA, that downregulate genes involved in senescence, lifespan, or age-related disorders. Representative aging genes include, but are not limited to lin-4, lin-14, let-7, lin-28, egl-35 and lin-42. Methods for identifying modulators of aging genes and targets of aging genes are also provided. The disclosed compositions are useful as diagnostics. These can be used in assays to compare genes in normal individuals, with those who are aging well or who demonstrate early senescence, and with those who have age-related disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The genes can be used to study the pathways and mechanisms involved in aging and age-related disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventors: Frank J. Slack, Michelle M. Boehm
  • Patent number: 8349798
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to compositions and methods useful for treating various conditions and afflictions, such as inflammation and cancer. More specifically, the present invention relates to compositions and methods of treatment which utilize peptides comprising at least one caveolin scaffolding domain. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to compositions of fusion peptides comprising the antennapedia homeodomain fused to a caveolin scaffolding domain and to methods of using these peptides to treat various conditions and afflictions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventor: William C. Sessa
  • Publication number: 20120318729
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to customized thin-film composite membranes comprising: a porous support; a selective barrier; and one or more polymeric additives dispersed in the porous support in an amount from at least about 1% and about 50% by weight of the porous support. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of fabricating a porous support comprising the steps of: preparing a polymer solution comprising a polymer, a polymeric additive, and a first liquid; contacting a surface with the polymer solution; and evaporating the liquid. Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of the thin-film composite membranes disclosed herein in osmotically driven membrane processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: Yale University Office of Cooperative Research
    Inventors: Ngai Yin Yip, William Anthony Phillip, Jessica Deborah Schiffman, Menachem Elimelech
  • Patent number: 8333790
    Abstract: A dynamic spine stabilization device is provided that includes at least one force imparting member, e.g., a spring. The force imparting member is adapted to deliver a force of between about 150 lb/inch and 450 lbs/inch, and restrict the relative travel distance between said first and second pedicles to a distance of between about 1.5 mm and 5 mm. The spinal stabilization devices also have a minimal impact on the location of the center of rotation for the spinal segment being treated. By providing resistance in the noted range and restricting the travel distance to the noted range, it has been found that the stabilization device provides a desired level of stabilization, as reflected by range of motion values that closely approximate pre-injury range of motion levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignees: Yale University, Rachiotek, LLC
    Inventors: Jens Peter Timm, Manohar M. Panjabi
  • Publication number: 20120310916
    Abstract: System, method and computer program product for processing a query are disclosed. Query processing includes partitioning the stored data into a plurality of partitions based on at least one vertex in the plurality of vertexes, storing at least another triple in the plurality of triples on the at least one node, assigning, based on the triple containing the at least one vertex, at least one partition in the plurality of partitions corresponding to the triple to at least one node in the plurality of nodes, and processing, based on the assigning, the query by processing the plurality of partitions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Yale University
    Inventors: Daniel Abadi, Jiewen Huang
  • Patent number: 8313901
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions related to the detection of conformational changes and interactions with trigger molecules in riboswitches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventors: Ronald R. Breaker, Kenneth F. Blount, Izabela J. Puskarz, John K. Wickiser
  • Patent number: 8313945
    Abstract: Methods are provided for inducing differentiation of blood monocytes into functional antigen presenting dendritic cells. The blood monocytes are treated by exposing the monocytes to proteins adhered to the surface of a treatment device to induce differentiation of the monocytes in to dendritic cells. Differentiation of the monocytes may also be induced by physical perturbation of the monocytes during treatment. The treated monocytes may be co-incubated with disease effector agents, which may be phagocytized by the immature dendritic cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventors: Richard L. Edelson, Carole L. Berger
  • Patent number: 8309691
    Abstract: The invention relates to various intraflagellar transport (IFT) polypeptides and the nucleic acids that encode them. The new IFT particle polypeptides and nucleic acids can be used in a variety of diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignees: University of Massachusetts, Yale University
    Inventors: George B. Witman, Gregory J. Pazour, Joel L. Rosenbaum, Douglas G. Cole
  • Patent number: 8309356
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for targeted gene therapy are disclosed. Compositions containing double duplex-forming pseudocomplementary oligonucleotides are administered in combination with a donor oligonucleotide that is homologous to a target sequence on a double-stranded DNA molecule in need of repair or replacement. By activating cellular mechanisms involved in DNA synthesis, repair and recombination, the double duplex-forming pseudocomplementary oligonucleotides can introduce one or more mutations at a site of interest by increasing the efficiency of targeted recombination of the donor oligonucleotide. The pseudocomplementary oligonucleotides/donor oligonucleotide compositions may be administered in combination with a second therapeutic agent that enhances access of the pseudocomplementary oligonucleotides and/or the donor oligonucleotide to the target site, an agent that enhances or increases DNA repair or recombination, or an agent that enhances uptake or delivery of the oligonucleotides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventor: Peter M. Glazer
  • Patent number: 8309141
    Abstract: This invention provides herbal compositions useful for increasing the therapeutic index of chemotherapeutic compounds. This invention also provides methods useful for improving the quality of life of an individual undergoing chemotherapy. Furthermore, this invention improves the treatment of disease by increasing the therapeutic index of chemotherapy drugs by administering the herbal composition PHY906 to a mammal undergoing such chemotherapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventors: Shwu-Huey Liu, Zaoli Jiang, Yung-Chi Cheng
  • Publication number: 20120276220
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating hepatitis in a patient, which includes administering a pharmaceutical composition that includes carbon monoxide to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicants: Yale University, University of Pittsburgh of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Leo E. Otterbein, Augustine M. K. Choi, Brian Zuckerbraun
  • Publication number: 20120269766
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to new bifunctional compounds and methods for treating HIV infections. The bifunctional small molecules, generally referred to as ARM-H? function through orthogonal pathways, by inhibiting the gp120-CD4 interaction, and by recruiting anti-DNP antibodies to gp120-expressing cells, thereby preventing cell infection and spread of HIV. It has been shown that ARM-H's bind to gp120 and gp-120 expressing cells competitively with CD4, thereby decreasing viral infectivity as shown by an MT-2 cell assay, the binding leading to formation of a ternary complex by recruiting anti-DNP antibodies to bind thereto, the antibodies present in the ternary complex promoting the complement-dependent destruction of the gp120-expressing cells. Compounds and methods are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Yale University
    Inventors: David Spiegel, Christopher Parker
  • Patent number: 8294092
    Abstract: A system and method for trapping a charged particle is disclosed. A time-varying periodic multipole electric potential is generated in a trapping volume. A charged particle under the influence of the multipole electric field is confined to the trapping volume. A three electrode configuration giving rise to a 3D Paul trap and a four planar electrode configuration giving rise to a 2D Paul trap are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignees: Yale University, UT-Battelle, LLC, University of Tennessee Research Foundation
    Inventors: Mark A. Reed, Predrag S. Krstic, Weihua Guan, Xiongce Zhao
  • Publication number: 20120252096
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mutant 27 kDa NIa proteinase having reduced self-cleavage activity relative to the self-cleavage activity of its wild-type proteinase. The mutant has the same substrate cleavage activity as the wild-type proteinase but is more stable than the wild-type proteinase. The present invention also provides a method of obtaining large quantities of active 27 kDa NIa proteinase for use as a tool for purification of other proteins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Yale University
    Inventors: Jennifer A. DOUDNA, Louise J. Lucast, Robert T. Batey
  • Publication number: 20120228222
    Abstract: Separation processes using forward osmosis are disclosed generally involving the extraction of a solvent from a first solution to concentrate a solute therein by using a second concentrated solution to draw the solvent from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. One or both of the solute and solvent may be a desired product. By manipulating the equilibrium of the soluble and insoluble species of solute within the second solution, a saturated second solution can be used to generate osmotic pressure on the first solution. The various species of solute within the second solution can be recovered and recycled through the process to affect the changes in equilibrium and eliminate waste products. Enhanced efficiency may result from using low grade waste heat from industrial or commercial sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Yale University
    Inventors: Robert L. McGinnis, Menachem Elimelech
  • Patent number: 8263342
    Abstract: The invention relates, in part, to methods of using proteomic biomarkers to diagnose preeclampsia. In some aspects the invention, in part, relates to the detection of serpina-1 polypeptide and/or albumin polypeptide in samples from pregnant subjects. Samples from subjects may be compared to control samples to diagnose preeclampsia and/or to determine the onset, progression, or regression of preeclampsia in a subject. The invention also relates, in part, to screening methods to identify agents that can be used to treat preeclampsia and to determine the efficacy of a preeclampsia treatment. The invention, in part, also includes kits that are useful to diagnose and assess preeclampsia in a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventors: Catalin S. Buhimschi, Irina Buhimschi
  • Publication number: 20120225832
    Abstract: The invention relates to amphiphilic C-glycoside derivatives, to methods of using them and to processes for synthesizing them. Specifically, the invention relates to novel cyclic and linear enone-glycolipids and cyclic ketone-glycolipids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Yale University
    Inventors: Patrick Foley, Paul Anastas, Toby Sommer
  • Publication number: 20120225931
    Abstract: The present invention relates, inter alia, to methods and compositions for regulating the host response to biomaterials, including inhibiting inflammation from and rejection of biomaterials using salicylate compounds and/or TLR7/TLR9 antagonists as described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Yale University
    Inventors: Wajahat Z. Mehal, Themis Kyriakides
  • Publication number: 20120219567
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods of treating diseases involving accumulation of A? plaques, including Alzheimer's Disease by the peripheral administration of soluble Nogo receptor polypeptides. The invention also provides methods of increasing the plasma to brain ratio of A? peptide and enhancing A? peptide clearance via peripheral administration of soluble Nogo receptor polypeptides. This invention also provides methods of improving memory function or inhibiting memory loss via the peripheral administration of soluble Nogo receptor polypeptides. The invention also provides methods of decreasing the size and number of A? plaques in a mammal via peripheral administration of soluble Nogo receptor polypeptides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicants: Biogen Idec MA Inc., Yale University
    Inventors: Stephen M. Strittmatter, Daniel H.S. Lee
  • Publication number: 20120219958
    Abstract: The invention provides a papillary serous miRNA signature and methods for determining the identity, origin, and stage, of concurrent endometrial and ovarian papillary serous tumors. Exemplary origins of concurrent endometrial and ovarian tumors include, but are not limited to, the uterus, ovary, fallopian tubes, and peritoneum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Yale University
    Inventor: Joanne B. Weidhaas