Georgetown University

Adlyfe, Inc.

Arete Associates

System of Systems Analytics, Inc.

Eugene A Davidson

Cindy S Orser

Anne Grosset

Mark Danielsen

Kenneth L Dretchen

D Channe Gowda

Traci K Pals

Joel Credle

Shutong Yang

The invention provides methods and kits for detecting conformationally altered proteins and prions in a sample. In one embodiment, the conformationally altered proteins and prions are associated with amyloidogenic diseases.

Detection of conformationally altered proteins

A method for detecting the presence of a target nucleotide sequence in a sample of DNA is described herein in which a test sample comprising single stranded DNA is exposed to a DNA probe and a nicking endonuclease under conditions that would permit sequence-specific hybridization of the probe to a complementary target sequence. The probe comprises a sequence complementary to the target sequence to be detected and this sequence also includes a recognition sequence for the nicking endonuclease. If the sample contains the target sequence, the probe hybridizes to the target and is cleaved by the nicking endonuclease, which leaves the target intact. Observing the presence of probe cleaved by the nicking endonuclease indicates the presence of the target nucleotide sequence in the sample of DNA.

Sequence-specific detection of nucleotide sequences

A catalytic conformational sensor method for detecting abnormal proteins and proteinaceous particles. The method is based on the interaction of a peptide fragment or probe with an abnormal proteinaceous particle. The interaction catalyzes the transformation of the probe to a predominately beta sheet conformation and allows the probe to bind the abnormal proteinaceous particle. This in turn, catalyzes the propagation of a signal associated with the test sample-bound probe. As a result signals can be propagated even from samples containing very low concentrations of abnormal proteinaceous particles. The peptide probes can be designed to bind to a desired peptide sequence or can even be based on dendrimer structure to control further aggregate propagation.

Misfolded protein sensor method

A catalytic conformational sensor method for detecting abnormal proteins and proteinaceous particles. The method is based on the interaction of a peptide fragment or probe with an abnormal proteinaceous particle. The interaction catalyzes transformation of the probe to a predominately beta sheet conformation and allows the probe to bind to the abnormal proteinaceous particle. This in turn, catalyzes propagation of a signal associated with the test sample-bound probe. As a result signals can be propagated even from samples containing very low concentrations of abnormal proteinaceous particles. The peptide probes can be designed to bind to a desired peptide sequence or can even be based on dendrimer structure to control further aggregate propagation.

A catalytic conformational sensor method for detecting abnormal proteins and proteinaceous particles. The method is based on the interaction of a peptide fragment or probe with an abnormal proteinaceous particle. The interaction catalyzes transformation of the probe to a predominately beta sheet conformation and allows the probe to bind to the abnormal proteinaceous particle. This in turn, catalyzes propagation of a signal associated with the test sample-bound probe. As a result signals can be propagated even from samples containing very low concentrations of abnormal proteinaceous particles as is the case in many body-fluid derived samples.

Misfolded protein sensor method in body fluids

The present invention relates to an expression vector which expresses a malaria MSA1 peptide in combination with a signal peptide and anchor peptide in a host animal. The MSA1 peptide is combined with a signal peptide and anchor peptide for expression. Chimeric peptides being expressed with both signal peptides and anchor peptides were the most effective in eliciting an immunogenic response from a vaccinated host.

Malaria vaccine based upon the addition of a MSA1 peptide

A benzoylecgonine conjugate represented by the following formula: ##STR1## wherein, R is H or CH.sub.3 ; R' is --NH--NH--, --(NH).sub.2 --CO--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --CO--NH--NH--, or related linear chains wherein at least one (CH.sub.2) is replaced with a substituent selected from the group consisting of an ether, an amide, a sulfide, a disulfide, an alkyl, an aryl, an alkoxy, an aryloxy or an alkylhalide; and T is a targeting substance selected from the group consisting of proteins, peptides, antigens, polypeptides, dyes, biotins, enzymes, antibodies, hormones, carbohydrates, polysaccharide supports, and filter paper.

Growing community of inventors

Washington, DC, United States of America

Eugene A Davidson