University of Houston System

University of California

Steven Bark

Jason Eriksen

Craig Vollert

Wilna Moree

Robert J Schwartz

James M Briggs

Scott R Gilbertson

Hua Zhang

Robert Fox

John W Craft

Kevin MacKenzie

Reza Abbasgholizadeh

Charles C King

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

The present disclosure describes peptide inhibitors of Rho-associtated-kinase (ROCK) and their use in treating disorders including heart failure, the leading cause of combined morbidity and mortality in the United States. An inhibitory polypeptide blocks ROCK1 activity in the presence of 1 mM ATP. The binding epitope on ROCK1 was mapped using chemical cross-linking to the Activation Loop, a novel locus identifying a new class of inhibitory drugs. The peptides described will be useful against a number of important diseases such as heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, arterial hypertension, glaucoma management, insulin resistance, kidney disease, hemolytic anemia, stroke, ischemia reperfusion injury, or acute myeloid leukemia.

Rho associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitors and their use in treating disease

Method of retrieving elements from fixed tissue

A system and method for matrix assisted laser desorption time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. A method for MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry includes initiating a spectral analysis of a sample on a MALDI-TOF spectrometer. The sample is ionized, and a first ion spectrum is detected and stored. Thereafter, the spectrometer is reset, and the ionizing, detecting, storing, and resetting are repeated until a predetermined plurality of spectra of the sample is acquired.

System and method for MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

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

Growing community of inventors

Houston, TX, United States of America

Steven Bark