University of Massachusetts

Boston University

Immunomedics, Inc.

Univ. of Mass. Medical Center

Mary Rusckowski

Donald J Hnatowich

Charles Cantor

Cassandra L Smith

Takeshi Sano

Koon Y Pak

Brian D Gray

Christof M Niemeyer

Ducksoo Kim

Guozheng Liu

Young H Kim

Fengchun Chang

Paul Winnard, Jr

George Mardirossian

The invention relates to novel multi-modality probes for imaging, tracking and analyzing stem cells and related biological samples, and methods of preparation and use thereof. The molecular probes of the invention are constructed, for example, by utilizing (a) the high selectivity of long hydrocarbon chains for binding to plasma membranes of cells, (b) a near-infrared (NIR) dye for optical imaging, and (c) a radionuclide for PET or SPECT imaging. The in vitro and in vivo data of the optical and radiolabeled probes demonstrated their utility for detecting the presence of stem cells with multiple imaging modalities.

Molecular probes for multimodality imaging and tracking of stem cells

The present invention provides compositions suitable for use as biomarkers of vulnerable plaques as well as methods for the use of such compositions. In preferred embodiments, specific molecular imaging agents are provided that permit the selective identification of vulnerable plaques in coronary and other arteries using non-invasive imaging methods. Such specific molecular imaging agents comprise a binding partner linked to a detectable label that can be used in vivo to visualize vulnerable plaques. In certain preferred embodiments, the binding partner is a peptide that binds selectively to a component of a vulnerable plaque. In other preferred embodiments, the binding partner is an antibody that binds selectively to a component of a vulnerable plaque. In other preferred embodiments, the binding partner is a portion of a polypeptide displayed by a bacteriophage that binds selectively to a component of a vulnerable plaque. In preferred embodiments, the component of a vulnerable plaque is myeloperoxidase or a portion thereof.

Biomarkers of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques and methods of use

The present invention provides a kit and a method for targeting of a diagnostic or therapeutic agent to a target site in a mammal having a pathological condition. The kit comprises, in separate containers, (a) a first conjugate comprising a targeting moiety and a Morpholino oligomer, wherein the targeting moiety selectively binds to a primary, target-specific binding site of the target site or to a substance produced by or associated with the target site; (b) optionally, a clearing agent; and (c) a second conjugate comprising a complementary Morpholino oligomer and a diagnostic agent or therapeutic agent. The method comprises administering (a), optionally (b), and (c) to a mammal.

Morpholino imaging and therapy

Compositions of radiolabeled nucleic acids and methods for synthesis and use thereof are disclosed.

Chelator compositions and methods of synthesis thereof

The invention is directed to constructs and compositions containing multimeric forms of nucleic acid. Multimeric nucleic acids comprise single-stranded nucleic acids attached via biotin to streptavidin and bound with a functional group. These constructs can be utilized in vivo to treat or identify diseased tissue or cells. Repeated administrations of multimeric nucleic acid compositions produce a rapid and specific amplification of nucleic acid constructs and their attached functional groups. For treatment purposes, functional groups may be toxins, radioisotopes, genes or enzymes. Diagnostically, labeled multimeric constructs may be used to identify specific targets in vivo or in vitro. Multimeric nucleic acids may also be used in nanotechnology and to create self-assembling polymeric aggregates such as membranes of defined porosity, microcircuits and many other products.

Self-assembling multimeric nucleic acid constructs

Growing community of inventors

Southborough, MA, United States of America

Mary Rusckowski