Award Data

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We propose developing a trans-molecular RNA-switch for scientists to negatively affect the activity of endogenous microRNA for use as a molecular tool or therapeutic, an anti-miR. Since the discovery of miRNA, the creation of effective anti-miRs has been important, first to study and verify miRNA interactions, and, secondly, as a therapeutic tool. But, creating ...

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Chronic skin wounds associated with various diseases (e.g., diabetes) and aberrant healing from acute wounding (e.g., hypertrophic scarring) is a major health care burden, which need scientific discovery-based therapeutic interventions. Our previous studies show that Smad7, a TGFb signaling antagonist, accelerates skin wound healing. We have developed a Smad7 f ...

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Driving while intoxicated (DWI) remains a substantial and preventable source of morbidity and mortality in the United States. A variety of sanctions and interventions have been attempted to reduce DWI in the U.S., including enhanced DWI enforcement efforts, stricter drunk driving laws, responsible alcohol beverage service training, and alcohol treatment. The Ig ...

DESCRIPTION provided by applicant Nearly percent of death and disease worldwide is linked to environmental factors WHO therefore it is critical that the general public has basic understanding of how the environment affects their health and how they might protect themselves against environmental exposures Unfortunately environmental health content is typically covered on a very ...

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is the active ingredient in pharmaceutical products like Botox(R) (Allergan), which FDA has approved for therapeutic and aesthetic indications. Because of its inherent toxicity,the dose of BoNT required to treat spasticity disorders in large muscle groups is uncomfortably close to the toxic dose range. ...

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The objective of this STTR proposal is to develop a 2-D diffusion point-of-care assay (POC) for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). The primary goal of the proposed work is to create a test format that will allow patientswith chronic heart failure to quantitatively self-monitor serum levels of BNP. Determination of baseline level of BNP and changes in this level ...

DESCRIPTION provided by applicant Approximately one third of all U S adults and children are obese and at risk for a wide range of related chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease hypertension diabetes stroke osteoarthritis sleep apnea and certain types of cancer The Center for Disease Control and Prevention CDC and other expert resources recognize that although indivi ...

Problem to be Solved: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a deadly disease that accounts for 15-20% of all diagnosed breast cancers worldwide. Metastatic relapse of TNBC carries a poorer prognosis and lower survival rate compared to other breast cancersubtypes. Therefore, identifying novel targets and new therapeutics to treat patients diagnosed with TNBC remains a significant priority of the ...

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Due to the absence of effective therapies, pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. This study focuses on the development of new small molecule inhibitors targeting Focal Adhesion Kinase against pancreatic cancer. Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) has been shown to play an important role in tumor cell survival, including p ...

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): As cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States with some sub-types remaining essentially untreatable, expansion of available drug targets will provide significant new options for the development ofmore effective antineoplastic agents. The major goal of this project is to apply a unique drug discovery strategy to cancer drug development. Th ...