A New Target for Preventing Dicistroviridae–mediated Agricultural Loss

UAB Research Foundation
posted on 10/26/2011

Protein synthesis is a highly regulated process whereby messenger RNA (mRNA) is translated by ribosomes to create proteins. Certain viral infections result in a global shut-down of cellular translation and subvert the host ribosomes to translate the viral RNA by a mechanism known as cap-independent translation. These viruses include the Dicistroviridae family, which cause Honey Bee Colony Collapse Disorder and Taura Syndrome in shrimp. Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) have identified Rps25, a non-essential host protein that is required for cap-independent translation and infectivity of these viruses. This discovery could lead to new approaches for preventing these devastating diseases and loss of billions of dollars to the honey bee and shrimp industries.

Suggested Uses

Agriculture

Advantages

Rps25-mediated translation initiation

A molecular, host-derived target, Rps25, implicated in Dicistroviridae-mediated agricultural loss has been identified.
A host-derived target will decrease the likelihood of the virus generating treatment-resistant variants.
A method for screening for inhibitors of Rps25-mediated translation has been developed.
Small-molecule-based inhibitors of Rps25-mediated translation have already been identified.

Innovation Details

Detailed Description

Rps25 is a protein that is involved in the non-traditional cap-independent method of mRNA translation. This mechanism of protein production is predominantly used by mRNAs containing an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES), such as viral mRNAs of the Dicistroviridae family. These viruses have been implicated in agricultural losses related to Honey Bee Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) and Taura Syndrome in shrimp. CCD has a major impact not only on honey production, but also pollination of many specialty fruit crops which depend on honey bees. In the U.S. alone, the total contribution of pollination in terms of added value to fruit crops exceeds $15 billion per year. Taura Syndrome Virus, a virus only known to affect shrimp grown in commercial shrimp farms, has been estimated to have a billion dollar impact in this industry. Currently, there are no known direct-acting treatments for these agricultural diseases. In collaboration with DiscoveryBioMed, Inc., a drug discovery company based in Birmingham, AL, inhibitors of Rps25-mediated translation have been identified. This new target and identified lead compounds could provide a platform for the discovery and development of novel products for the prevention of crop loss caused by the Dicistroviridae family of viruses.

File Number: U2009-0049, Agriculture

Web site: http://www.uab.edu/uabrf

Other Information:

MANAGING LICENSING ASSOCIATE

DUGALD HALL, PH.D.

dhall@uab.edu (205) 996-7578

IP PROTECTION

U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/259,503, PCT filed March 27, 2010.

European Patent Application No. 10756954.3, PCT filed March 27, 2010.

Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-205307, PCT filed March 27, 2010.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS

Sunnie R. Thompson, Ph.D., Department of Microbiology, UAB.