Mitochondrial uncoupling for cancer treatment, delayed aging, and extending lifespan
This technology uses therapeutic interventions to activate mitochondria uncoupling to reduce cell proliferation, tumor progression and cellular aging as a new cancer therapy.
Unmet Need: Anti-oxidant therapeutic to promote anti-aging
The latest classes of cancer drugs rely on the biology of the cancer microenvironment and targeting cells displaying abnormal growth. Researchers at Columbia University led by Dr. Shirazu-Hiza have identified a new pathway which may inhibit tumor growth. Mitochondrial uncoupling has been shown to control a number of biological processes including reactive oxygen species production and cell death. Dr. Shirazu-Hiza and collaborators have also identified mitochondrial uncoupling’s role in tumorigenesis. Their research has discovered that activating mitochondrial uncoupling inhibits tumor growth.
The Technology: Effective method for inhibiting tumorigenesis
This technology is a method to activate mitochondrial uncoupling to suppress cell proliferation. At low doses, mild pharmacological activators sufficiently increase uncoupling protein expression and effectively uncouple mitochondria to inhibit tumorigenesis. Dr. Shirazu-Hiza’s lab has identified many classes of therapeutics that could be used to target this pathway. This discovery has indications in many cancers including intestinal, lung liver and breast cancers.
This technology has been shown to inhibit cell growth in Drosophila.
Applications:
- Approach for slowing tumor growth and cancer progression
- New class of therapeutics for oncology
Advantages:
- Requires only mild pharmacological activators
- Previously approved and used in the diet industry
- Effective method for decreasing ROS
Lead Inventor:
Michele M. Shirasu-Hiza, Ph.D.
Patent Information:
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU18230
Licensing Contact: Ron Katz