MAGP-2: An Extracellular Factor Shown to have Pro-Angiogenic Properties in vivo

Tech ID:  06-05

Summary

Excessive angiogenesis has emerged as an essential feature of tumor development and appears to be regulated in part by extracellular matrix proteins. Scientists at National Jewish Health have identified an extracellular matrix protein (designated MAGP-2) that acts as a pro-angiogenic agent in vivo.

Potential Applications

  • A target for inhibiting angiogenesis in cancer and other angiogenesis-dependent diseases
  • Stimulating neovascularization by administration of MAGP-2 to ischemic tissues in coronary artery disease, stroke, and delayed wound healing
  • A diagnostic biomarker, especially for cancer

Advantages of Invention

Because of its extracellular nature, MAGP-2 can be easily detectable and targetable by antibody-based technologies for example.

State of Development
Our scientists have shown the following:
In vitro:

  • MAGP-2 is over expressed in human uterine tumor samples
  • Endothelial cell expression of MAGP-2 increases during angiogenesis in vitro
  • MAGP-2 stimulates angiogenic sprouting in 3-dimensional collagen cultures
  • MAGP-2 increases endothelial cell proliferation and invasion in vitro

In vivo:

  • Significant enhancement of neovascularization when MAGP-2 was implanted into mice through matrigel plugs
  • MAGP-2 increases tumor size and angiogenesis in mice

Publication - Albig AR, et al. Angiogenesis. 2007;10(3):197-216.

Inventors - William P. Schiemann, PhD and Allan Albig, PhD

Patent Status - Published U.S. Patent Application #20070243214

Licensing Status - Available for licensing.

For Further Information, Contact:

Emmanuel Hilaire, PhD
Licensing Associate
Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialization Program
National Jewish Health
1400 Jackson Street, Room M206b
Denver, CO 80206
Voice: (303) 398-1262
Fax: (303) 270-2352
HilaireE@njc.org

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