TECHNOLOGYInhibitors of S100 Proteins for the Treatment of Cancer and Other Diseases Involving Uncontrolled Cell Growth via an S100-Dependent Pathway
Overview
Small molecules have been identified, using rational drug design, that bind to a site on S100 proteins, rendering S100 incapable of inactivating p53 tumor suppressor protein. Inhibitors of S100 thus restore tumor suppressor activity of the p53 protein by inhibiting the S100-p53 interaction. Inhibitors are specific to different members of the S100 protein family that are present in different tissues.
Applications
Treatment of numerous cancers in a tissue-specific manner.
Test kit to screen for new drugs.
Test kit for diagnosis of cancers, e.g. melanoma.
Advantages
-Inhibitors target a regulatory pathway that links, for the first time, p53 tumor suppressor biology to receptor mediated signal transduction via intracellular calcium levels.
-S100 protein levels are known to be abnormally high in many cancers, as well as in other diseases involving uncontrolled cell growth, such as Alzheimer's disease.
-Inhibitors allow p53 to function optimally, controlling cell growth by activating apoptosis.
Stage of Development
Lead compounds shown to slow growth of malignant melanoma primary cell lines. Clinical trials are currently underway.
R&D Required
Lead compound optimization via structure-based drug design, animal and toxicity testing.
Licensing Potential
UM seeks to develop and commercialize via an exclusive or non-exclusive license agreement and/or sponsored research with a company active in the area.
Contact Info
Office of Technology Transfer
620 W Lexington St., 4th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (410) 706-2380