Follow this innovation
[ via 
] [?]
Intrabodies with Unconventional Secretion Signal Sequence for Cleaning Aggregated Proteins in Cells
Arizona State University (AzTE)
posted on 06/03/2009
Invention Description
The primary cause of Parkinson ’s disease is thought to be the aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn), known as Lewy bodies, in brain tissue. The body’s inability to clear the aggregates from the brain allows for a toxic buildup of aggregates leading to the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
Scientist at Arizona State University have developed a remarkable intracellular expressed antibody (intrabody) that specifically binds oligomeric α-syn and clears the aggregates from the cell, preventing a toxic build-up of the abnormal protein. The ability to specifically target and clear toxic intracellular aggregate species without interfering in the roles of functional monomeric proteins represents a promising therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and cancers.
Potential Applications
This technology can be used as a therapeutic targeting and clearing tool for neurodegenerative disorders such as:
Benefits and Advantages
Specific binding to toxic aggregate proteins, while allowing monomeric ‘healthy’ proteins to remain functional Ability to clear aggregates from cell, preventing toxicityFile Number: M8-135
Web site: http://www.azte.com
This innovation currently is not available for online licensing. Please contact Charlie Lewis at Arizona State University (AzTE) for more information.
request more info
ProfileFind more innovations
