Conversion of retinal glia into neurons for cell replacement therapy

Case ID:
C17485

Value Proposition

·        Identifies targets for modulation of retinal Muller glia-derived neurogenesis.

·        Demonstrates efficacy of adeno-associated virus induced retinal Muller glia-derived neurogenesis.

·        Combines viral constructs and small molecules to generate specific subtypes of retinal Muller glia-derived neurons.

·        Applicable to several blinding diseases such as macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and glaucoma.

Technology Description

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have identified three distinct molecular targets that retinal Muller glia-derived neurogenesis. By targeting factors via viral constructs and small molecules, this technology can be used to encourage neurogenesis to restore vision loss that occurs with blinding diseases.

Unmet Need

Current methods for stimulating retinal Muller glia-derived neurogenesis utilize transgenic animal lines, and thus, are not clinically translatable. Further, these targets only generate a modest number of neurons and require neuronal injury to induce reprogramming. Therefore, there is a strong need for improved target identification and clinically relevant therapeutic development for retinal Muller glia-derived neurogenesis.

Stage of Development

·        Proof of concept studies have been performed.

·        Seeking commercialization.

Data Availability

·        Data available upon request. 

Patent Information:
Title App Type Country Serial No. Patent No. File Date Issued Date Expire Date Patent Status
COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR CONVERTING RETINAL GLIA INTO PHOTORECEPTORS OR RETINAL GANGLION CELLS PCT: Patent Cooperation Treaty United States 19/100,404   1/31/2025     Pending
Inventors:
Category(s):
Get custom alerts for techs in these categories/from these inventors:
For Information, Contact:
Vera Sampels
vsampel2@jhu.edu
410-614-0300
Save This Technology:
2017 - 2022 © Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Inteum