Other

Bunsen Rush Laboratories, Inc.

The General Hospital Corporation

Michael R Lerner

Ethan A Lerner

Channa K Jayawickreme

R Rox Anderson

J Mark Quillan

Peptide antagonists of &agr;-melanocyte stimulating hormone are disclosed, together with methods of inhibiting the effects of &agr;-melanocyte stimulating hormone on cells or tissues sensitive to that hormone. In particular, methods for lightening the pigmentation of skin and for treating malignant melanoma, as well as kits for practicing the invention are also disclosed.

Antagonists of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone and methods based thereon

A method for identifying a chemical that acts as an agonist for a G-protein coupled cell surface (GPC) receptor. The method comprises introducing to test cells of a pigment cell line capable of dispersing or aggregating their pigment in response to a specific stimulus and expressing an exogenous clone coding for the GPC receptor, a stimulant that sets an initial state of pigment disposition wherein the pigment is aggregated within the test cells if activation of the exogenous GPC receptor induces pigment dispersion, or introducing a stimulant that sets an initial state of pigment disposition wherein the pigment is dispersed within the test cells if activation of the exogenous GPC receptor induces pigment aggregation; contacting the test cells set in an initial state of pigment disposition with the test chemical; and determining whether the pigment disposition in the test cells treated with the chemical is changed from the initial state of pigment disposition, wherein a change in pigment disposition observed in the test cells expressing the exogenous GPC receptor indicates that the chemical is an agonist for the exogenous GPC receptor.

Methods for identifying chemicals that act as agonists or antagonists

A method for detecting the interaction between an oligomeric molecule and a target is provided. A plurality of beads is applied to a substrate, each bead having associated therewith multiple copies of only a single oligomeric molecule. The beads are substantially spaced-apart from one another and are substantially immobilized on the substrate. Conditions are applied such that a substantial portion of the multiple copies associated with each bead can disassociate from and diffuse into the substrate, the substrate constructed and arranged to permit only substantially localized diffusion. A localized signal occurring as a result of the diffusion is detected. Coated beads and libraries of coated beads also are provided.

Peptide library formats and methods relating thereto

Disclosed is a therapeutic device including an optical source including means for generating ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and a light delivery apparatus. The light delivery apparatus includes a body member and a plurality of optical fibers extending therefrom. Each of the optical fibers includes a proximal tip affixed to the body member, a distal tip at the end of the fiber opposite the proximal tip, and means for coupling the generated radiation from the proximal tips of the fibers through the fibers, and to the distal tips. The distal tips are characterized by a radius of curvature in the range 0.25 to 2.0 mm. The coupling means includes a flexible central core disposed within a flexible outer cladding. The central core has a diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, and the cladding has a refraction less than the index of refraction of the core.

Fiber optic psoriasis treatment device

Purified DNA comprising a sequence encoding chrysoptin. Chrysoptin can be used to alter the hemodynamic or hemostatic properties of an animal's blood by administering to the animal an effective amount of chrysoptin.

Inhibitor of platelet aggregation

A cleat is formed by a base plate and two dome-shaped, high friction surfaces, which secure a line or rope therebetween. In one preferred embodiment spiralling grooves form the high friction surfaces with the grooves following symmetrical opposing spirals on the two surfaces to permit easy insertion while also providing strong gripping action even against tension in the line. In another embodiment three dome-shaped elements are secured to a base plate with alternating spiralled-groove patterns to provide a convenient two line cleat which is useful, for example, in securing both lines from a jib when sailing.

Cleat

A cleat comprising a base plate and two dome-shaped high-friction surfaces, which secure a line or rope therebetween, the domes are connected to a ratchet which permits each dome to rotate in only one direction and the ratchets are arranged so that the domes rotate in opposing directions, drawing the line in and preventing the line from being withdrawn without manual release action. An adjustable tension head caps each dome and the domes float on low-friction washers, permitting limited and controlled line slippage whenever a pre-set line tension is exceeded. In another embodiment, eliptical collars and spring-loaded collar pieces surround the dome shafts to permit easy insertion of lines and provide an adjustment for different diameter lines.

Growing community of inventors

Hamden, CT, United States of America

Michael R Lerner