SERCA2: Novel Target for the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis
Tech ID: 2009-05
Summary
Modulation of the activity of sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA2) can profoundly affect Ca(2+) homeostasis. Although altered calcium homeostasis is characteristic of cystic fibrosis (CF), the role of SERCA2 has never been explored. Our scientists have shown that SERCA2 expression was decreased in the airway epithelium of CF patient samples. Decreased SERCA2 expression causes enhanced susceptibility to oxidants and oxidative stress to airway epithelium and can be an important component of disease pathogenesis and exacerbations. Therefore increasing SERCA2 expression or activity could be a valuable approach for the treatment of respiratory diseases like CF or asthma.
Potential Applications
- Treatment of airway inflammatory diseases like cystic fibrosis and asthma.
Advantages of Invention
Various SERCA2 activators are currently being tested as drug candidates by third parties.
State of Development
Our scientists have found that
- SERCA2 is decreased in the epithelium of proximal and distal airways of CF subjects.
- SERCA2 is required for survival of airway epithelial cells under oxidant stress such as those caused by ambient concentration of ozone and concentrations of H2O2 and TNF found in CF airways.
- Increasing SERCA2 activity reduces ozone-mediated proinflammatory cytokine production.
- SERCA2 activity can be modulated/enhanced in CF airway epithelial cells by drug treatment
Publication
Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2009, May 179 (9):816-826 (PMID: 19201925)
Patent Status
U.S. and International patent applications pending
Inventors
Shama Ahmad, Ph.D
and Carl White, MD
Licensing Status
Available for licensing.
For Further Information, Contact:
Emmanuel Hilaire, PhD
Manager
Technology Transfer Office
National Jewish Health
1400 Jackson Street, Room M206b
Denver, CO 80206
Voice: (303) 398-1262
Fax: (303) 270-2352
HilaireE@njhealth.org
