Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies

About: Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies is a nonprofit organization based out in San Diego, California, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: T cell & Antigen. The organization has 2323 authors who have published 2217 publications receiving 112618 citations.

Integrated single tube plunger immunoassay system having plural reagent chambers

Abstract: A system for conducting an immunoassay in a single chamber, by concentrating antibodies for antigenic components on microbeads treated for binding immunological components, physically separating the fluid from which the immunological active component is separated, and determining the amount of immunological component collected on the beads, comprising a multiple-chamber dispensing cylinder.

Design of Potent and Proteolytically Stable Oxyntomodulin Analogs.

Abstract: Incretin-based peptides are effective therapeutics for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Oxyntomodulin (OXM), a dual agonist of GLP-1R and GCGR, has shown superior weight loss and glucose lowering effects, compared to single GLP-1R agonists. To overcome the short half-life and rapid renal clearance of OXM, which limit its therapeutic potential, both lipid and PEG modified OXM analogs have been reported. However, these approaches often result in reduced potency or PEG-associated toxicity. Herein, we report a new class of cross-linked OXM analogs that show increased plasma stability and higher potency in activating both GLP-1R and GCGR. Moreover, the extended in vivo half-life results in superior antihyperglycemic activity in mice compared to the wild-type OXM.

Tricyclic tetrahydroquinoline derivatives and tricyclic tetrahydroquinoline combinatorial libraries

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel tricyclic tetrahydroquinoline compounds, combinatorial libraries containing mixtures of two or more such compounds, and also relates to the generation of such libraries.

Time reversal receivers for underwater acoustic communication using vector sensors

Abstract: Acoustic communication often relies on a large size array with multiple spatially separated hydrophones to deal with the challenging underwater channel. This poses serious limitation to its application at compact size underwater platforms, for example, autonomous underwater vehicles. In this paper, we propose to use vector sensors to achieve reliable acoustic communication. Using experimental data, we show the usefulness of particle velocity channels for acoustic communication. Further, to deal with the dynamic ocean environment, a time reversal multichannel receiver is proposed to utilize particle velocity channels. Our results show that the receiver using vector sensors can offer significant size reduction, compared to the receiver based on the pressure sensors, while providing comparable communication performance.

Protein kinase CK2 is a central regulator of topoisomerase I hyperphosphorylation and camptothecin sensitivity in cancer cell lines.

Abstract: Topoisomerase I (topo I) is required to unwind DNA during synthesis and provides the unique target for camptothecin-derived chemotherapeutic agents, including Irinotecan and Topotecan. While these agents are highly effective anticancer agents, some tumors do not respond due to intrinsic or acquired resistance, a process that remains poorly understood. Because of treatment toxicity, there is interest in identifying cellular factors that regulate tumor sensitivity and might serve as predictive biomarkers of therapy sensitivity. Here we identify the serine kinase, protein kinase CK2, as a central regulator of topo I hyperphosphorylation and activity and cellular sensitivity to camptothecin. In nine cancer cell lines and three normal tissue-derived cell lines we observe a consistent correlation between CK2 levels and camptothecin responsiveness. Two other topo I-targeted serine kinases, protein kinase C and cyclin-dependent kinase 1, do not show this correlation. Camptothecin-sensitive cancer cell lines display high CK2 activity, hyperphosphorylation of topo I, elevated topo I activity, and elevated phosphorylation-dependent complex formation between topo I and p14ARF, a topo I activator. Camptothecin-resistant cancer cell lines and normal cell lines display lower CK2 activity, lower topo I phosphorylation, lower topo I activity, and undetectable topo I/p14ARF complex formation. Experimental inhibition or activation of CK2 demonstrates that CK2 is necessary and sufficient for regulating these topo I properties and altering cellular responses to camptothecin. The results establish a cause and effect relationship between CK2 activity and camptothecin sensitivity and suggest that CK2, topo I phosphorylation, or topo I/p14ARF complex formation could provide biomarkers of therapy-responsive tumors.