55 results about "Excitable cell" patented technology

The present invention is directed methods for identifying compounds that have a tissue protective activity using a heteromultimer receptor complex that mediates the tissue protective activities. The complex consists of at least one EPO-R in complex with at least one betac Receptor. These compounds used in the assays to identify tissue protective compounds include, but are not limited to, small molecules and biologics. The compounds identified using these assays can be used to treat or prevent various diseases, disorders, or conditions of the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as those of other erythropoietin-responsive or excitable cells, tissues, and organs.

Genetically modified non-human animals and methods and compositions for making and using them are provided, wherein the genetic modification comprises a humanization of an extracellular loop of an endogenous NaV channel gene, in particular a humanization of the one or more extracellular pore loops of a NaV1.7 channel protein. Genetically modified non-human animals are also provided, wherein the genetic modification comprises replacement of an endogenous NaV channel gene, in particular a replacement of the endogenous NaV1.7 gene with a human NaV1.7 gene, and wherein the genetically modified non-human animals are capable of generating action potentials and communicating through the excitable cells of the genetically modified non-human animals via the expressed human or humanized NaV1.7 protein the surface of the excitable cells. Genetically modified mice are described, including mice that express the human or humanized NaV1.7 gene from the endogenous NaV1.7 locus, and wherein the mice comprise functional β-subunits.

The invention, in some aspects, relates to compositions and methods for altering cell activity and function. The invention also relates, in part, to the use of light-activated ion pumps (LAIPs) such as a light-activated ion pump polypeptide that when expressed in an excitable cell and contacted with a red light silences the excitable cell, wherein the polypeptide sequence of the light-activated ion pump comprises a wild-type or modified halomicrobium or haloarcula halorhodopsin polypeptide sequence.

Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.