C11563: A Novel Target for Anti-cancer Drug Development
Novelty:
This technology identifies novel oncogenic mutations in a gene that contribute to cancer development suggesting new opportunities for therapeutic management using inhibitors of this gene.
Value Proposition:
The researchers have identified unreported changes in a genes amino acid sequence responsible for promoting cancer causing characteristics. This discovery may lead to a major breakthrough in cancer diagnosis and treatment through the use of gene inhibitors. The advantages of the technology include:
• Expansion Development of an effective biomarker and therapeutic target to treat patients with cancer.
• Non-surgical treatment option.
• Treatment amenable to any disease profile harboring these mutations.
Technical Details:
A team of researchers at the Johns Hopkins University provide evidence that mutations in the kinase domain of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene can contribute to cancer causing characteristics, such as cell transformation, invasion, and anchorage independent growth, in anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) model systems. In vitro mutagenesis experiments and tyrosine kinase assays suggest that the mutations are responsible for increasing the enzymatic activity of the gene product. Compared to controls, the mutants led to heightened phosphorylation of two signaling cascades key in tumorigenesis. ALK kinase inhibitors can serve as effective biomarkers and therapeutic target to treat patients with ATC.
Looking for Partners:
To develop and commercialize the technology as a target for anti cancer therapeutics
Stage of Development:
Pre-Clinical
Data Availability:
Under CDA / NDA
Publications/Associated Cases:
Cancer Res. 2011 Jul 1;71(13):4403-11
