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.
