University of Houston System

Other

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

The University of British Columbia

The University of Manchester

Vib Vzw

Universiteit Antwerpen

Jason Eriksen

Steven Bark

Craig Vollert

Wilna Moree

Ananth V Annapragada

Stephen C Cook

Eric A Tanifum

Indrani Dasgupta

Michael L Hutton

Stuart M Pickering-Brown

Christine Van Broeckhoven

David Mayerich

Ashley Diane Cannon

Marc Cruts

Samir Kumar-Singh

Howard Feldman

Ian Reid Alexander Mackenzie

Rosa Rademakers

Jennifer Mae Gass

Matthew Charles Baker

Milling with ultraviolet excitation (MUVE) realizes high-throughput multiplex imaging of large three-dimensional samples. The instrumentation may comprise a UV-source attachment, precision stage attachment, and/or a blade assembly, and the instrumentation may overcome several constraints inherent to current state-of-the-art three-dimensional microscopy. MUVE offers throughput that is orders of magnitude faster than other technology by collecting a two-dimensional array of pixels simultaneously. The proposed instrumentation also utilizes serial ablation and provides the opportunity for true whole-organ imaging at microscopic resolution.

Milling with ultraviolet excitation

Imaging systems and methods, referred to herein as surface ablation lathe tomography (SALT), may be capable of providing whole organ tomography to provide 3D imaging. The system may provide a UV source that excites a sample, and a camera may capture imaging of fluorescent emission cause by the excitation. The tissue sample may be treated or stained with an imaging agent, such as fluorescent markers with fluorescently-tagged antibodies. The sample may also be infused with and/or embedded in paraffin wax. The tissue sample embedded in paraffin may be placed on a rotating mechanism that rotates, while the UV source excites a desired region and the camera captures imaging of a thin surface layer or shell of the sample. The system may also provide an ablation mechanism, such as a microtome blade or lathe, to ablate surface of the sample during rotation to allow imaging of subsequent layers of the sample. Once the sample has been fully imaged, aD map of the tissue sample, which may be an entire organ, can be provided.

Surface ablation lathe tomography (SALT) systems and methods for whole organ phenotyping

In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to a method for retrieving at least one molecular recognition element in a fixed tissue. In some embodiments the method comprises preparing a solution comprising at least one aldehyde-scavenging agent. In some embodiments, the method comprises contacting the fixed tissue with the solution. In some embodiments, the tissue is fixed with an aldehyde-based cross-linking agent. In some embodiments, a reaction of the aldehyde-scavenging agent with the aldehydes comprising the cross-linking agent retrieves the at least one molecular recognition element. In some embodiments, the at least one molecular recognition element comprises of amino acids, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one aldehyde-scavenging agent comprises of beta-dicarbonyl compounds, mono or di-amide scavengers, ethyl alcohols, sulfur containing compounds, mercaptoethylamines, mercaptoethanols, hydrazines, ethanolamines, hydroxylamines, anilines, variation of amines, activated charcoal, phenols, or mixtures and combinations thereof.

Aldehyde scavenging agent for retrieving elements from fixed tissue

Method of retrieving elements from fixed tissue

Lipid-based nanoparticle compositions are provided. The compositions generally comprise lipid-hydrophilic polymer-amyloid binding ligand conjugates, and may be liposomal compositions. The compositions, including the liposomal compositions, may be useful for imaging and/or the treatment of amyloid-&#x3b2; plaque deposits characteristic of Alzheimer's Disease.

Lipid-based nanoparticles

Provided herein are methods, compounds, mixtures and formulations of antigen retrieval agent useful in retrieving antigens and improving the detection of amino acids, peptides and proteins or epitopes thereon in a tissue fixed with aldehyde-based cross-linking agents. Contacting the fixed tissue with a solution of the aldehyde scavenging agent causes reactivity with the aldehyde moieties to retrieve antigens and improve detection of the amino acids, peptides and proteins or epitopes. Also provided are kits comprising the antigen retrieval agent and, optionally, components for staining or detecting the proteins or the antigens or epitopes and instructions for using the kit. Further provided is a method for identifying an antigen retrieval agent. A fixed protein is contacted with an agent to be tested and heated in solution therewith. Detection of protein peaks via mass spectrometry indicates the tested agent is an antigen retrieval agent.

Methods for retrieving antigens using aldehyde scavenging agents

This document relates to methods and materials for detecting mutations that can be linked to dementia. For example, methods and materials for detecting one or more mutations within PGRN nucleic acid are provided. This document also provides methods and materials for detecting the level of progranulin expression. In addition, this document relates to methods and materials for treating mammals having a neurodegenerative disorder (e.g., dementia). For example, methods and materials for increasing PGRN polypeptide levels in mammals are provided, as are methods and materials for identifying agents that can be used to increase PGRN polypeptide levels in mammals.

Detecting and treating dementia

Growing community of inventors

Houston, TX, United States of America

Jason Eriksen