Methods of monitoring and modulating TAK1 activity to develop treatments for diabetes, obesity, and other inflammatory diseases

Columbia University Science & Technology Ventures
posted on 11/20/2008

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Problem or Unmet Need
Inflammation is associated with a wide range of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, obesity, type 2 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and hypercardiomyotrophy. Currently available treatments for inflammation have significant side effects and only benefit a limited number of patients. In addition, most treatments display diminished efficacy with continued use. New approaches are needed to streamline the discovery and development of treatments for inflammatory diseases, identifying efficient, therapeutically practical, and selective targets.

Details of the Invention
The technology presented describes potential methods for development of novel and targeted treatments for inflammatory diseases. Specifically the technology provides a convenient method for monitoring the activity of the protein TAK1. TAK1 is a highly conserved kinase, the activity of which is regulated by a variety of signals. Depending on how TAK1 is regulated, it may interact with many downstream pathways, including those known to play central roles in the inflammatory response. Using this technology, high throughput assays may be conducted to screen for compounds that alter TAK1s activity. These compounds could then be further developed to treat diabetes, obesity, and other diseases associated with inflammation.