SELECTED RESEARCH RESULTS / TECHNOLOGY OFFERS

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  1.  Czech patent: A/C electroporation generator
    Co-owners: FNUSA-ICRC and The Brno University of Technology
    Inventors:     MUDr. Zdeněk Stárek, PhD., MUDr. Martin Pešl, PhD., Ing. Jiří Wolf, Guido Caluori, PhD., Ing. Dalibor Červinka, Ing. Jan Martiš, PhD., Ing. Veronika Novotná, PhD.
    Thermal radiofrequency energy is currently used as the standard therapy for cardiac arrhythmias, i.e. the ablation of abnormal cardiac tissues. However, there is a risk of damage to surrounding structures, such as the oesophagus. One suitable alternative to overcome the above-mentioned limits is nonthermal ablation methods which can avoid complications typically associated with standard ablation therapies. However, no solution had been developed that does not involve general aesthesia or the risk of muscle contractions. The electroporation generator is a non-thermal energy source and the first alternative to existing thermal technology to ablate cardiac tissue. This source of energy is much better than current technology in terms of safety and maintaining a normal heart rhythm.
  2. US patent: Multi-electrode epicardial pacing
    Co-owners: FNUSA and Mayo Clinic
    Inventors:     Faisal F. Syed, Charles J. Bruce, Christopher V. DeSimone, Paul A. Friedman, Samuel J. Asirvatham, Tomas Kara, Pavel Leinveber, Miroslav Novak, Zdenek Starek, Jiri Wolf
    In collaboration with Mayo Clinic, we have obtained a new US patent for epicardial pacing, ablation, and defibrillation methods. The epicardium, or outer surface of the heart, is often crucial when dealing with arrhythmias. However, vascular access through arteries and veins cannot be applied here. Therefore, it is necessary to develop methods to approach the epicardium through the walls of either the chest or abdomen. Proper handling techniques and the instruments themselves significantly differ from vascular access methods. Our Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology (ICE) research team and Mayo Clinic have been developing specific catheters and catheterization aids that enable insertion, stimulation, ablation, and defibrillation in the pericardium. The patented method and instruments will be used especially for patients suffering from an otherwise unsolvable source of arrhythmia with epicardial localization, as well as for patients encountering complications during permanent pacing or after cardiac surgery. Last but not least, low-energy cardiac defibrillation methods have been patented for patients at risk of heart failure or fatal arrhythmias.
  3. US patent: Method of EKG signal processing and apparatus for performing the method
    Co-owners: FNUSA, The Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences, M&I
    Inventors    : JURAK, Pavel, HALAMEK, Josef, VONDRA, Vlastimil, VISCOR, Ivo, KLIMES, Petr, PLESINGER, Filip, LEINVEBER, Pavel, VESELY, Petr, REICHLOVA, Tereza, SUMBERA, Josef, MELUZIN, Jaroslav, ZEMAN, Karel, NOVAK, Miroslav, LIPOLDOVA, Jolana, KUNA, Michal
    The US patent for this innovative technology to diagnose heart diseases more accurately was obtained by scientists from the Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, the International Clinical Research Centre at St. Anne’s University Hospital in Brno (FNUSAICRC), cardiology clinics at FNUSA, and M&I from Prague. The new technology can determine electrical activation of the heart chambers and measure their mutual delay at an accuracy of milliseconds and is being prepared for practical use. The main advantage of the new high-frequency ECG technology is it being a simple and non-invasive procedure that does not require any specific operator knowledge, and in addition, it enables automatic processing. For making effective diagnostics, it is sufficient to place electrodes in the same way that is typically used with a 12-lead ECG in clinical practice.
  4. Czech patent: An affinity carrier for the selective uptake and / or separation of
    bacteriophages and a method for the selective uptake and / or separation of bacteriophages by capillary electrophoresis
    Co-owners: FNUSA, Masaryk University, Institute of Analytical Chemistry of the CAS
    Inventors:     doc. MUDr. Filip Růžička, Ph.D., doc. RNDr. Roman Pantůček, Ph.D., Ing. Marie Horká, Ph.D.,
    An affinity carrier that is intended for the selective uptake of bacteriophages and/or for their separation. This carrier is formed by a substrate. The surface of the substrate includes  adherent cells of at least one bacterial strain. After infestation of cells with specific bacteriophages and after their incubation, the bacteriophages are released from the cells. Subsequently, they are isolated and separated, preferably by capillary electrophoresis.
  1. Czech utility model: Multichannel Pulswave Monitor (MPM)
    Co-owners: FNUSA, Institute of Scientific Instruments – The Czech Academy of Science
    Inventors: Ing. Pavel Jurák, CSc., Ing. Pavel Leinveber, Ing. Filip Plešingr, Ph.D., Ing. Josef Halámek, CSc., Ing. Ivo Viščor, Ph.D., Dr. Ing. Vlastimil Vondra, Michal Kuna
    Abstract:
    MPM is equipped with a modern, interactive and intuitive interface with a powerful computational unit, which uses parallel computing. Its large touch screen provides maximum comfort when setting measurement, monitoring its progress and evaluating it in real time. Ease of operation is supported by vast possibilities of diagnostic outputs, for example, separate evaluation of various phases of measurement and body parts with clear graphical interpretation of the results. MPM can be used primarily for rapid and non-invasive diagnostics of vascular elasticity and thus age of the arterial system. For example, a strong 50-year old smoker will most likely have significantly reduced elasticity of arteries and their age will correspond to a much older person. However, it depends on genetic predispositions and other factors, therefore, potential risks are individual.
  2. Czech utility model: A screening diagnostic kit used for the detection of histones in extracellular histone complexes
    Co-owners: FNUSA, The Global Change Research Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Manlio Vinciguerra, MSc, RNDr. Diana Búzová, PhD, Ing. Jan Červený, PhD.,
    Abstract:
    This technical solution involves the development of a high-capacity screening kit used for the detection of at least two types of histones in extracellular histone complexes (nucleosomes) in human blood samples. Measurements taken with this kit are used for the diagnosis and prognosis of various diseases. It is a new diagnostic method based on “liquid biopsies”.
  3. Czech utility model: “Development of regenerative and advanced therapy medicinal products based on cultured mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord”
    Co-owners: FNUSA, PrimeCell Advanced Therapy
    Inventors: MUDr. Zdeněk Kořístek, Ph.D., Mgr. Veronika Pospíšilová, MUDr. Serhiy Forostyak, Ph.D., Ing. Jan Lipenský, Ph.D., Romana Eli, doc. Mgr. Petr Beneš, Ph.D., Mgr. Tereza Kučírková, Ph.D., Mgr. Ladislava Vymětalová, Ph.D., RNDr. Martin Šrámek, Ph.D.,
    A potential therapeutic product has been developed under the collaborative project between
    PrimeCell Advanced Therapy and Fakultní nemocnice u sv. Anny v Brně (FNUSA-ICRC) entitled “Development of regenerative and advanced therapy medicinal products based on cultured mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord” granted by the Technical Agency of the Czech Republic under the DELTA program (TF03000037). Results of the research have been published in the international peer-reviewed journal. Currently, the results of basic research have been validated within the GMP facility (NATIC) of the manufacturer and new facility is under preparation for a scale-up of production capacity. The product, if aproved by the regulatory agency is intended to be marketed as Remescor®. Pharmaceutical documentation has been submitted to SUKL (24. 3. 2020).
    Publications:
    Ladislava Vymetalova1 · Tereza Kucirkova1 · Lucia Knopfova1 · Veronika Pospisilova2,3 · Tomas Kasko2,3 · Hana Lejdarova4 · Eva Makaturova5 · Petr Kuglik5,6 · Veronika Oralova7 · Eva Matalova7 · Petr Benes1 · Zdenek Koristek2,8 · Serhiy Forostyak2,3,8 Large-Scale Automated Hollow-Fiber Bioreactor Expansion of Umbilical Cord-Derived Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Neurological Disorders 2018. Neurochemical Research.
    Published: 2020

  4. Czech utility model: A kit used to determine the specific effects on the activity of adenylate cyclase isoforms using membrane fractions of HEK293 cells
    Owner: FNUSA
    Inventors: Doc. Mgr. Lukáš Kubala, Ph.D., Mgr. Petra Daďová, Doc. Mgr. Kamil Paruch, Ph.D., Mgr. Jakub Švenda, Ph.D.,
    Abstract:
    The technical solution involves a kit used to determine the specific effects on the activity of various isoforms of adenylate cyclases sensitive to forskolin (FSK) or other chemical  compounds, expressed by HEK293 cells using their membrane fractions.
  5. Czech utility model: A kit used to determine the specific effects on the activity of adenylate cyclase
    Owner: FNUSA
    Inventors: Doc. Mgr. Lukáš Kubala, Ph.D., Mgr. Petra Daďová, Doc. Mgr. Kamil Paruch, Ph.D., Mgr. Jakub Švenda, Ph.D.,
    Abstract:
    The technical solution involves a kit used to determine the specific effects on the activity of various isoforms of adenylate cyclases sensitive to forskolin (FSK) or other chemical compounds, expressed by HEK293 cells. This is a kit used to determine the effects of various compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, on the activity of adenylate cyclase isoforms. Examples of such drugs may include forskolin or its derivatives.

  1. Software: Module for Electrophysiology Processing In Online Regime (MEPIOR)
    Owner: FNUSA
    Inventors: Ing. Mgr. Jan Cimbálník, Ph. D., Pavel Macháč, Ing. Vojtěch Trávníček, Ing. Petr Klimeš, Ph.D., Vladimír Sladký
    Abstract:
    The software focuses on the processing of high-frequency intracranial EEGs in real time, especially with respect to the detection of electrophysiological biomarkers of epileptogenic tissue.  The software allows for making a real-time analysis of intracranial EEGs and is provided in C and Python with emphasis placed on modularity. It is divided into several functional units so that individual parts can be replaced, and the software can be adapted to different applications and hardware. The core part receives data from electrophysiological data acquisition devices. This part is followed both by data storage in MEF3 format and the pre-processing and processing of electrophysiological signals in terms of the automatic extraction of symptoms from the signal, the detection of biomarkers, and other events. The connection of detection algorithms occurs strictly modularly so that it is possible to easily integrate new algorithms and software technologies. The presentation of processing results is provided via a web interface using the Dash software library.
  2. A functional sample: A microfluidic chip for culturing endothelial cells with linear channels of a circular cross-section
    Owner: FNUSA
    Inventors: Mgr. Jan Víteček, Ph.D., Mgr. Marek Černík
    Abstract:
    This microfluidic chip was designed for culturing endothelial cells in order to ensure a constant shear stress along the entire wall of channels, eliminating the unevenness of this characteristic, which typically causes differences in physiology and consequently in the phenotype of cells. The chip was also designed from a transparent material so that it is possible to monitor the characteristics of the cells using a microscope. One advantage over competing solutions is the elimination of the non-physiological geometry of the channels in the vascular model. A fundamental innovation is the introduction of a physiologically relevant circular cross-section of channels (see the introduction). Based on our findings, no similar solution is currently offered on a commercial basis.
  3. A functional sample: A membrane assay to determine the effects of individual isoforms of forskolin-sensitive human adenylate cyclases
    Owner: FNUSA
    Inventors: Mgr. Petra Daďová, Doc. Mgr. Kamil Paruch, PhD., Mgr. Jakub Švenda, PhD.,
    Doc. Mgr. Lukáš Kubala, PhD.
    Abstract:
    The developed methodology uses membrane fractions isolated from unique clones of HEK293 cells (human embryonic kidney cells 293) that selectively express the selected AC isoform. Eight clones of HEK293 cells have been developed. Each clone contains a different specific plasmid that encodes the AC isoform 1 to 8. An analysis of how the activity of individual membrane-bound AC isoforms is affected is performed by measuring the production of cAMP using a homogeneous competitive immunoassay and time-resolved Förster resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET). The methodology was validated, and a repeatability analysis (intra-assay variability and inter-assay variability) was performed.
  4. A functional sample: A CARBOCYCLIC C-NUCLEOSIDE ANALOGUE WITH INHIBITORY ACTIVITY AGAINST DOT1L METHYLTRANSFERASE
    Owner: FNUSA
    Inventors: Doc. Mgr. Kamil Paruch, PhD., Prashant Dineshbhai Khirsariya
    Abstract:
    Versions of carbocyclic C-nucleoside analogues exhibiting selective DOT1L methyltransferase inhibitory activity were prepared and tested. Some of these newly prepared analogues showed a significantly higher inhibitory activity – so far, the most potent compound PK-09-14-A has a DOT1L IC50 = 19 nM.
  5. Czech utility model: A kit used to determine the specific effects on the activity of adenylate cyclase isoforms using membrane fractions of HEK293 cells
    Owner: FNUSA
    Inventors: Doc. Mgr. Lukáš Kubala, Ph.D., Mgr. Petra Daďová, Doc. Mgr. Kamil Paruch, Ph.D., Mgr. Jakub Švenda, Ph.D.,
    Abstract:
    The technical solution involves a kit used to determine the specific effects on the activity of various isoforms of adenylate cyclases sensitive to forskolin (FSK) or other chemical  compounds, expressed by HEK293 cells using their membrane fractions.
  6. Czech utility model: A kit used to determine the specific effects on the activity of adenylate cyclase
    Owner: FNUSA
    Inventors: Doc. Mgr. Lukáš Kubala, Ph.D., Mgr. Petra Daďová, Doc. Mgr. Kamil Paruch, Ph.D., Mgr. Jakub Švenda, Ph.D.,
    Abstract:
    The technical solution involves a kit used to determine the specific effects on the activity of various isoforms of adenylate cyclases sensitive to forskolin (FSK) or other chemical compounds, expressed by HEK293 cells. This is a kit used to determine the effects of various compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, on the activity of adenylate cyclase isoforms. Examples of such drugs may include forskolin or its derivatives.

Other TAČR GAMA project results:

  • Verified technology:Inhibitor repurposing reveals ALK, LTK, FGFR, RET and TRK kinases as the targets of AZD1480
  • Functioning sample: Stable reporter cell lines for evaluation of cancer treatment
  • Functioning sample: New efficient inhibitor of MRE11 nuclease – adimic linker with substituted benzene with optimal in vitro and in vivo profile
  • Functioning sample: New efficient inhibitor of MRE11 nuclease – adimic linker with substituted thiazol with optimal in vitro and in vivo profile
  • Functioning sample: New efficient inhibitor of MRE11 nuclease – adimic linker with substituted thiofene with optimal in vitro and in vivo profile
  • Functional sample of a tau antibody with a diagnostic and therapeutic potencial
  • Prototype: Microfluidic chamber coupled to a microfluidic syringe pump for standardized axonal transport and induction of controlled injury
  • Prototype: Novel microfluidic chamber allowing standardized high throughput axonal transport analysis
  • Functioning sample: PK-9-14-A : an arbocyclic C-nucleoside analogue showing DOT1L methyltransferase inhibitory activity
  • Functioning sample: The XPF-ERCC1 nucleasis inhibitor
  • O – other: Stable fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) for treatment of joint disease