Out-licensing

Tumor Biology - Therapeutic sequestering tumor cells growth and diagnostic as a tumor specific marker

Ectopic expression of UGBT2B7 protein leads to growth arrest of human ovarian tumor cells

Human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B7 (UGT2B7), integral membrane enzyme, is involved in biotransformations of a wide variety of endogenous compounds, such as fatty acids, retinoids, steroid compounds and many drugs and xenobiotics. Glucuronidted substrates usually become biologically inactive and, due to the increased solubility, are excreted from tissues. The UGBT2B7 messenger RNA is not present in normal ovarian tissue and nonmalignant ovarian fibroma, although is highly expressed in mucinous adenoma (LMP tumor) and in endometrioid carcinoma.

The endogenous synthesis of fatty acids is a characteristic feature of tumor cells, as opposed to normal cells, and is a significant source of fatty acids for growth and production of fatty acid derivatives that promote cell proliferation of these cells. Researchers have shown that ectopic expression of UGBT2B7 protein leads to growth arrest of human ovarian tumor cells. The novel feature of this discovery is that tumor cells can be sequestered in growth by starvation of fatty acids, major substrates for the biosynthesis of membranes and secondary messengers.

Active UGBT2B7 protein expressed in tumor cells can be used to decrease cell proliferation and in combination with other treatments may be used to treat various cancers. Additionally the UGBT2B7 messenger RNA and/or the protein and/or the activity can be used as a tumor specific marker in diagnostic procedures.

References: All references are confidential at the present time.

01-15

Preclinical

Patent Status: U.S. Patent #7,097,992

Licensing Status: Available for Exclusive Licensing

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US7097992