Patents by Inventor Virginia Espina

Virginia Espina has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240110852
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for the simulataneous capture and release using micropattern surfaces for tissue and cell microdissection. In one example, a patterned thermoplastic film has a first surface and a plurality of projections attached to and extending outwardly from the first surface. The projections form a pattern on the thermoplastic film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Applicant: GEORGE MASON RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Lance LIOTTA, Virginia ESPINA, Nitin AGRAWAL, Alessandra Luchini KUNKEL
  • Publication number: 20230416799
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method of generating, ex vivo production of soluble Lox-1 (sLox-1), comprising: introducing a sample containing a blood free from an anti-coagulant factor into a device; adding a coagulation enhancing material in the sample; incubating the device; forming a cultured blood clot in the device; and shedding of the sLox-1 outside the cultured blood clot, wherein the method is configured to shed sLox-1 more than an anti-coagulated blood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Applicant: GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Caroline Dieckmann Hoemann, Julia Alexa Leonard, Virginia A. Espina, David Kepplinger
  • Publication number: 20230384187
    Abstract: A liquid including an organic component, a stabilization component, and a preservation component is provided. The organic component, the stabilization component, and the preservation component are different components. The organic component present in the liquid includes a volatile organic solution with a refractive index of 1.5 or below. Further, the liquid is a visualization solution that provides a resolving power of a lens by 1/1.5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: George Mason Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance A. LIOTTA, Alessandra Luchini KUNKEL, Marissa Ashton HOWARD, Amanda Haymond STILL, Amanda Lynn STILL, Virginia ESPINA
  • Patent number: 11747242
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for the simultaneous capture and release using micropattern surfaces for tissue and cell microdissection. In one example, a patterned thermoplastic film has a first surface and a plurality of projections attached to and extending outwardly from the first surface. The projections form a pattern on the thermoplastic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: George Mason Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance Liotta, Virginia Espina, Nitin Agrawal, Alessandra Luchini Kunkel
  • Patent number: 11493518
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methodology for revealing binding sites between proteins, proteins and nucleic acids, or proteins and small molecules. The disclosure provides rapid and direct positive identification and sequencing of the contact region between such molecules, and can be applied to individual interacting pairs, as well as large-scale or global interactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: GEORGE MASON RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Alessandra Luchini Kunkel, Lance Liotta, Virginia Espina
  • Patent number: 10927155
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to compositions comprising peptides and/or peptidomimetic compounds, methods of making same, pharmaceutical compositions comprising same, and methods of treating various diseases, including, but not limited to, arthritis, obstructive lung disease, psoriasis, asthma, a defect in hematopoiesis, a neoplasia, a fungal infection, a parasitic infection, or an autoimmune disease, such as, but not limited to, rheumatoid arthritis, atopic allergy, anaphylaxis, psoriasis, asthma, lupus erythematosis, a myeloid cell disorder, or a eosinophil cell disorder. In an aspect, the disclosed peptides and/or compounds inhibit the interaction of IL-1RAcP with the ST2 and IL33 receptor/cytokine complexes. In a further aspect, the disclosed peptides and/or compounds inhibit the interaction of IL-1RAcP with the IL-1R1 and IL-1? receptor/cytokine complexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: GEORGE MASON RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Lance Liotta, Alessandra Luchini, Virginia Espina, Mikell Paige
  • Publication number: 20200333220
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for the simulataneous capture and release using micropattern surfaces for tissue and cell microdissection. In one example, a patterned thermoplastic film has a first surface and a plurality of projections attached to and extending outwardly from the first surface. The projections form a pattern on the thermoplastic film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Applicant: GEORGE MASON RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Lance LIOTTA, Virginia ESPINA, Nitin AGRAWAL, Alessandra Luchini KUNKEL
  • Patent number: 10697866
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for the simulataneous capture and release using micropattern surfaces for tissue and cell microdissection. In one example, a patterned thermoplastic film has a first surface and a plurality of projections attached to and extending outwardly from the first surface. The projections form a pattern on the thermoplastic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: GEORGE MASON RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Lance Liotta, Virginia Espina, Nitin Agrawal, Alessandra Luchini
  • Publication number: 20190352351
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to compositions comprising peptides and/or peptidomimetic compounds, methods of making same, pharmaceutical compositions comprising same, and methods of treating various diseases, including, but not limited to, arthritis, obstructive lung disease, psoriasis, asthma, a defect in hematopoiesis, a neoplasia, a fungal infection, a parasitic infection, or an autoimmune disease, such as, but not limited to, rheumatoid arthritis, atopic allergy, anaphylaxis, psoriasis, asthma, lupus erythematosis, a myeloid cell disorder, or a eosinophil cell disorder. In an aspect, the disclosed peptides and/or compounds inhibit the interaction of IL-1RAcP with the ST2 and IL33 receptor/cytokine complexes. In a further aspect, the disclosed peptides and/or compounds inhibit the interaction of IL-1RAcP with the IL-1R1 and IL-1? receptor/cytokine complexes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Lance LIOTTA, Alessandra LUCHINI, Virginia ESPINA, Mikell PAIGE
  • Publication number: 20190250079
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for the simulataneous capture and release using micropattern surfaces for tissue and cell microdissection. In one example, a patterned thermoplastic film has a first surface and a plurality of projections attached to and extending outwardly from the first surface. The projections form a pattern on the thermoplastic film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: LANCE LIOTTA, VIRGINIA ESPINA, NITIN AGRAWAL, ALESSANDRA LUCHINI
  • Patent number: 10324008
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for the simultaneous capture and release using micropattern surfaces for tissue and cell microdissection. In one example, a patterned thermoplastic film has a first surface and a plurality of projections attached to and extending outwardly from the first surface. The projections form a pattern on the thermoplastic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: GEORGE MASON RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Lance Liotta, Virginia Espina, Nitin Agrawal, Alessandra Luchini
  • Publication number: 20190033319
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methodology for revealing binding sites between proteins, proteins and nucleic acids, or proteins and small molecules. The disclosure provides rapid and direct positive identification and sequencing of the contact region between such molecules, and can be applied to individual interacting pairs, as well as large-scale or global interactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: George Mason Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Alessandra Luchini, Lance Liotta, Virginia Espina
  • Patent number: 10126304
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methodology for revealing binding sites between proteins, proteins and nucleic acids, or proteins and small molecules. The disclosure provides rapid and direct positive identification and sequencing of the contact region between such molecules, and can be applied to individual interacting pairs, as well as large-scale or global interactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: George Mason Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Alessandra Luchini, Lance Liotta, Virginia Espina
  • Publication number: 20170176301
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for the simultaneous capture and release using micropattern surfaces for tissue and cell microdissection. In one example, a patterned thermoplastic film has a first surface and a plurality of projections attached to and extending outwardly from the first surface. The projections form a pattern on the thermoplastic film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Lance Liotta, Virginia Espina, Nitin Agrawal, Alessandra Luchini
  • Publication number: 20150338417
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methodology for revealing binding sites between proteins, proteins and nucleic acids, or proteins and small molecules. The disclosure provides rapid and direct positive identification and sequencing of the contact region between such molecules, and can be applied to individual interacting pairs, as well as large-scale or global interactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Alessandra Luchini, Lance Liotta, Virginia Espina
  • Patent number: 9096833
    Abstract: Described herein are progenitor cancer cells and cell lines isolated from human breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) lesions and the uses of these cells or cell lines in drug design, drug screening, and monitoring in vivo therapy. The DCIS malignant precursor cells or cell lines are epithelial in origin, are positive for markers of autophagy, show at least one genetic difference from normal cells of said fragment, form 3-D tube-like structures or ball aggregates, or are inhibited in formation of 3-D structures and migration by treatment with chloroquine. In one embodiment, there is a loss of heterozygosity (LOH) that is narrowly confined to a region of chromosome 6p (6p21.1-6p12.3) that contains the SUPT3H gene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Virginia Espina, Lance Liotta
  • Patent number: 9086414
    Abstract: The present invention provides reliable methods to identify subsets of subjects with a cancer of epithelial origin characterized by a high level of phosphorylated c-erbB2 which does not correlate with the over-expression of total c-erbB2 as measured by IHC or FISH, for selection and inclusion for c-erbB2-direct treatment and therapy. Furthermore, the present invention provides a reliable method to determine whether a subject with a cancer of epithelial origin who has been determined to be c-erbB2 positive by IHC and by FISH should be excluded from c-erbB2-direct treatment because of a non-significant level of phosphorylated c-erbB2 in epithelial tumor tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: George Mason Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Emanuel F. Petricoin, III, Lance A. Liotta, Virginia Espina, Julia D. Wulfkuhle
  • Patent number: 9029076
    Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to a composition that, at room temperature, when contacted with a sample comprising phosphoproteins, can fix and stabilize cellular phosphoproteins, preserve cellular morphology, and allow the sample to be frozen to generate a cryostat frozen section suitable for molecular analysis. The composition comprises (1) a fixative that stabilizes the proteins in the sample and that has a sufficient water content for a stabilizer and/or a permeability enhancing agent to be soluble therein; (2) a stabilizer, comprising (a) a kinase inhibitor and (b) a phosphatase inhibitor and, optionally, (c) a protease (e.g., proteinase) inhibitor; (3) a permeability enhancing agent; and (4) lactic acid. Methods and kits are described for preserving phosphoproteins, using such a composition. Also described are endogenous surrogate markers for monitoring protein degradation, including the loss of posttranslational modifications (such as phosphorylation), e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: George Mason Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Virginia A. Espina, Lance A. Liotta, David Geho
  • Patent number: 9012240
    Abstract: An immunoassay device incorporating porous polymeric capture nanoparticles within either the sample collection vessel or pre-impregnated into a porous substratum within fluid flow path of the analytical device is presented. This incorporation of capture particles within the immunoassay device improves sensitivity while removing the requirement for pre-processing of samples prior to loading the immunoassay device. A preferred embodiment is coreshell bait containing capture nanoparticles which perform three functions in one step, in solution: a) molecular size sieving, b) target analyte sequestration and concentration, and c) protection from degradation. The polymeric matrix of the capture particles may be made of co-polymeric materials having a structural monomer and an affinity monomer, the affinity monomer having properties that attract the analyte to the capture particle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: George Mason Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance A. Liotta, Alessandra Luchini, Emanuel F. Petricoin, Virginia Espina
  • Patent number: 8628931
    Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to a method for predicting a subject's response to a chemotherapeutic agent and/or the subject's prognosis, comprising measuring the phosphorylation state of at least one member of the mTOR pathway, and/or of at least one member of an interconnected polypeptide pathway (e.g. a member of the Akt pathway or a member of the IRS pathway), compared to a baseline value, in a cancer tissue or cancer cell sample from the subject, wherein an elevated level of the phosphorylation state compared to the baseline value indicates that the subject is a non-responder to the chemotherapeutic agent and/or has a poor prognosis. Also described is a method for treating a cancer in a subject in need thereof, wherein the subject exhibits an elevated level of the phosphorylation state, comprising administering one or more inhibitors of the mTOR and/or an interconnected pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: George Mason Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance A. Liotta, Emanuel F. Petricoin, III, Virginia Espina