Improving miniCas9 (IscB) based genome editing technology

This project seeks to improve the genome editing efficiency of the miniCas9 (IscB) through structure-guided design and directed evolution approaches. Secondly, we seek to develop CRISPR2.0 type of technology by fusing miniCas9 with transposases to insert long DNA fragments into human cells. This will enable therapeutic applications to fix recessive genetic mutations.

Company partner: Arities

Academic PI: Ailong Ke, Robert J. Appel Professor of Molecular and Cell Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

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Novel factors to promote peripheral nerve injury repair

Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) affect millions of people worldwide each year. Nerve conduits are used to bridge the gap between severed nerves and provide a tunnel to guide regrowing neurons. This project aims to improve conduits infused with growth factors to better mimic the normal environmental milieu. However, growth factors are quite labile and easily destroyed, and there is a fundamental need for new proteins that can promote regeneration. A recently discovered class of molecules may enhance the utility of conduits. The goals of this proposal include determining  optimal conditions for infusing conduits with these growth factors and assessing the impact of various matrices infused with these growth factors in vivo. 

Company partner: iFyber, LLC

Academic PI: Dave Lin, Associate Professor, Department of Biomomedical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine

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Fabrication of a Decellularized Allograft Adipose Matrix (AdECM) Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide (scCO2) for Soft Tissue Defect Repair and Regeneration

The Product of this CAT grant will be an injectable Adipose Decellularized Matrix (AdECM) device that, due to its unique composition, will augment depleted fat tissue. It is indicated for restoration and/or correction of the signs of subcutaneous fat loss (e.g. HIV atrophy), soft tissue loss (e.g. post lumpectomy), scleroderma, Romberg’s disease, post traumatic contour deficiencies and for general soft tissue augmentation. The long-term Goal of this CAT grant is a product capable of inducing long-term tissue restoration, achieved by regeneration of a functional,
stable vascularized, neo-adipose tissue. This will materially improve clinical outcomes, decrease the number of procedures necessary, and reduce patient suffering and associated costs.

Company partner: NovoSterilis

Academic PI: Jason Spector, Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine

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A randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of a pulsator controller as a means to automate premilking stimulation in dairy cows

Adequate udder stimulation of dairy cows before milking is critical for the harvest of high-quality milk. Inadequate stimulation results in delayed milk ejection, which leads to reduced milk yield, longer milking duration, impaired udder health, and diminished animal well-being. The goal of this study is to test the efficacy of a pulsation controller device that facilitates an automated premilking stimulation system in a milking parlor on a commercial dairy farm. The pulsation controller facilitates mechanical stimulation of dairy cows prior to machine milking through high-frequency pulsation of the milking liner at the aspect of the teats. The efficacy will be measured by means of milk yield and milking duration as a measure of successful activation of the milk ejection.

Company partner: Walnut Ridge Dairy, LLC

Academic PI: Matthias Wieland, Associate Professor, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine