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Four UC Physiologists Honored for Research Leading to Patent Awards
01/23/2008
UC professors of molecular and cellular physiology John Cuppoletti, PhD and Nelson Horseman, PhD and adjunct professors of molecular and cellular physiology Joseph Clark, PhD and Andrew LaBarbera, PhD tonight were among sixteen UC inventors honored by UC for research leading to patent awards in 2007.
LaBarbera secured a patent for antisense oligonucleotides for fertility and menstrual cycle regulation and for chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic use. Clark's patent describes methods for enhancing the lysis of coagulated blood with apolipoprotein E2 phenotype.
Ion-channel research
Cuppoletti, whose research focuses on ion channels of the gastrointestinal tract, was granted U.S. patent number 7,205,099 [details] for a method allowing ion channels to be incorporated onto the surface of a solid-supported membrane, applying a potential difference across the membrane, and recording currents associated with the ion-channel activity.
The approach, which allows researchers to rapidly screen the effects of drugs on ion channels, was described in a paper published in the journal Biochimica et Biophysica Acta in 2004 [view original publication at ScienceDirect.com].
"John Cuppoletti is known for his innovative thinking," said Chip Montrose, PhD, professor and chair of molecular and cellular physiology. "Having one discovery with enough novelty and potential to warrant a patent is unusual, but I believe this is his 5th patent. It's great recognition of out-of-the-box ideas."
Serotonin and milk production
 Horseman was awarded U.S. patent number 7,241,797 [details] for a method of increasing milk production in mammals. In 2007, Horseman's team reported that serotonin, a neurotransmitter more commonly known for its association with depression, is also produced in the human mammary gland and inhibits milk synthesis and secretion as the gland reaches capacity [view original publication at PNAS.org].
Demand outstrips milk supplies in some parts of the world. Improved milk yields, says Horseman, could help ease milk shortages caused by drought and increased demand. Horseman's research into the role of serotonin allowed him to propose a technology that would improve milk yield in cows.
"Nelson Horseman is known for seeing the big picture," commented Montrose, "and extending his serotonin work into cows is a great example of his ability to probe the potential for worldwide impact of his work in exactly the right system."
"Farmers currently use a growth hormone to improve milk yields," says Horseman. "Use of that hormone has declined in recent years at the request of consumers, but milk shortages are getting worse. Finding ways to increase yield in a way that's acceptable to consumers is important." According to Horseman, this patent brings us one step closer to the goal of increasing milk yield in a way that's effective without side effects.
Awards ceremony
The UC inventors were honored during the half-time at tonight's UC men's basketball game against the University of Connecticut Huskies. Sandra Degen, PhD, UC vice president for research, presented each UC inventor with a framed copy of the first page of their patent awards.
At the time of press we were unable to confirm whether Cuppoletti netted his free shot.
John Cuppoletti (3rd from right) and Joseph Clark (3rd from left) were among 16 UC inventors
honored January 23, 2008 at the Fifth Third Arena, Cincinnati, during the half-time at the men's
basketball game. UC vice president Sandra Degen (at right) presented the awards. Not pictured, Nelson Horseman and Andrew LaBarbera were also honored.
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