Mitochondrial Targeted Nanoparticles that Knockdown CaMKII Activity
- Detailed Technology Description
- Researchers have found a composition to deliver a peptide to the mitochondria of targeted cells to inhibit the activity of CaMKII. The core of the composition is PAMAM, a microparticulate carrier providing several points of attachment for the other components of the composition, a mitochondrial targeting sequence (MLS) and a 21 monomer CaMKII inhibitory peptide.This therapy is believed to protect cells experiencing an ischemic-reperfusion event by preventing the CaMKII-mediated phosphorylation and activation of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU). MCU normally functions to maintain calcium homeostasis and its malfunction during ischemia is thought to play a key role in the resulting apoptotic cell loss. It may also be effective in the treatment of cancer, metabolic diseases and neurodegenerative diseases through the inhibition of CaMKII and MCU.
- *Abstract
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Patent information: patented
Background Information Mitochondria are structurally dynamic organelles that contain the components necessary to trigger cellular death. One example of these components is Ca(2+)/Calmodulin-dependent protein kinases II (CaMKII), which are serine-specific protein kinases that are regulated by calcium-binding proteins. Excessive activation of the multifunctional CaMKII by Ca2+ triggers myocardial death and heart failure. Inhibition of CaMKII has been shown to protect against necrosis and apoptosis in irreversible ischemia-reperfusion injury of cardiac and cerebral tissues. Ischemic injury occurs when the blood supply to an area of tissue is cut off. The incidence of ischemic injury is vast: myocardial infarction, stroke, and other thrombotic events affect more than 1.3 million individuals each year in the USA alone.
Technology Summary
Researchers have found a composition to deliver a peptide to the mitochondria of targeted cells to inhibit the activity of CaMKII. The core of the composition is PAMAM, a microparticulate carrier providing several points of attachment for the other components of the composition, a mitochondrial targeting sequence (MLS) and a 21 monomer CaMKII inhibitory peptide.
This therapy is believed to protect cells experiencing an ischemic-reperfusion event by preventing the CaMKII-mediated phosphorylation and activation of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU). MCU normally functions to maintain calcium homeostasis and its malfunction during ischemia is thought to play a key role in the resulting apoptotic cell loss. It may also be effective in the treatment of cancer, metabolic diseases and neurodegenerative diseases through the inhibition of CaMKII and MCU.
Advantages
Targets cellular mitochondria
Limits damage from CaMKII dysregulation
Diverse potential applications
Related Technologies
UIRF 2010-052
UIRF 2008-010
- *Licensing
- Sean KimSenior Licensing AssociateUniversity of Iowa Research FoundationPh: 319-335-4607hyeon-kim@uiowa.edu
- Country/Region
- USA
